Bookend Cozy Instructions- Scrapbooking in Melbourne, Florida

Welcome back, y'all!  If you didn't get a chance yesterday, please scroll down to my last post and leave a comment for a chance to win a Grand Calibur and other wonderful prizes!

Yesterday I promised that I would post instructions for the Bookend Cozy that I created for the Spellbinders' Holiday Hoppin' Blog Hop.  Well, here they are!

I decided that since my sweet mom gave me her old bookends to use, I would cover one for her sewing room.   I will probably go back and 'tweak' it a little....it should have buttons and seam binding on it, right?  ha.  But I wanted to get this finished in time to post for you.

First I cut out all of the elements for my project.  I had purchased an old sewing pattern, so that seemed perfect to use as my background paper!  It was creased and brown, but I like it that way (vintage, right?  ha!).

Of course it needed stability, so I began with a piece of soft gray cardstock with the largest of the LF-190 Grand Labels Four die templates.  As you can see, I also cut a portion of the larger template with plain cream cardstock to use as the back of the cozy (sleeve). Use the next size (second to largest) die template



to cut the pattern instruction paper.  Then use the smallest die template to cut the actual pattern.  Now, the pattern paper is extremely thin, so I ran a piece of the grey cardstock through my Xyron 5" sticker maker and slapped the pattern onto it before I cut it.  See how nicely it cut?

I used another die template from S4-298 Antiquities - the crown! - and another piece of F-013 Premium Craft Foil -purple! - just for fun.  I may or may not leave it on the project once I fuss with some buttons.

 

Now begin your assembly.  Score your large template so that it will 'sit' on your bookend, yet still cover it.  I scored mine three inches from the bottom, but yours may vary depending upon your bookend.

Attach the top portion of your patterned paper piece with adhesive (I used a tape runner).  Now, apply adhesive to the bottom piece, but make sure it is standing at a 90 degree angle (straight up) before you smooth it down.  If you adhere it totally flat, it will wrinkle and buckle when you fold it.

Place this on top of your back cover piece and draw a line along the bottom.  Cut along the line; now your back cover piece will exactly fit onto the back of the front piece (clear as mud?  ha).

This part is crucial - put your adhesive ONLY AROUND THE EDGES - top and sides only - so that your cozy will slip over the top of the booked!  You can see in the photo how I have placed the tape just around the edges.  Now, I suggest that you use a strong red-line tape.

Decide where you want to place your smallest pattern piece and score it accordingly.  Adhere it like you did the paper (top first, fold, then adhere the bottom).

Embellish!  I added a pretty bow as well as the crown topped with a white pearl.  I may go back and remove the crown and add a few buttons.  We shall see!








Here's how the back looks after I've slipped the cozy over the bookend.

My original idea was to put a photo in the center - think of all of the possibilities!  Kitchen Bookend Cozies for Grandma with photos of her baking cookies with her grandbabies.  Who couldn't use bookends for their cookbooks?  'Nuff said.

I hope this was instructional for you.  Most of all, thank you so much for all of the sweet, precious comments on yesterday's post.  It's so rewarding to feel that you have inspired someone to create!   I hope you become a follower of my blog (see the column to the right) and let me share more ideas with you!

Now, send me photos of your cozies so I can share them!  Oh, I can't wait to see what you create!

Enjoy,

Spellbinders' Holiday Hoppin' Blog Hop!!!!

Welcome to the second day of the Spellbinders™ Paper Arts Holiday Hoppin’ Blog Hop! Spellbinders, along with cross promotional partners, are showcasing their newest products just in time for your Holiday crafting and gift giving. Lots of creative ideas are in store, as well as prizes galore!

Each participating company has generously donated towards the prize package listed on the Spellbinders Blog. A total of two identical prize packages, one for each day, November 18 and 19 will be given away!

To enter, just leave a comment on a participating blog! Comments in the first 48 hours of the post are eligible. One commenter each day will be randomly selected as the winner. Winners will be announced on November 22, on the Spellbinders Blog!

Be sure to see all of yesterday’s Holiday Hoppin’ blogs for inspiring projects and another chance to win!
Visit (and comment on) all of today’s Holiday Hoppin’ blogs:


Mona Pendleton

Gina Hanson

Deborah Young - you are here!

Becca Feeken

Julie Overby

Kimberly Crawford

AJ Otto

Margie Higuchi

Beth Pingry


Jennifer Holmes

Kerry Urbatch

Shona Erlenborn 

Tammy Inman


Jessica Turner

Brenda Hurd

Julie Koerber

Rae Barthel


Rachel O’Crowley

Kellie Fortin

Kristen Cohen

Joy Dickson


Candy Rosenberg

Laura Craigie

Stephanie Hester


Leesa Crutcher


Nina Brackett


Today I am using Spellbinders LF-190 Grand Labels Four die template set to create a couple of quick, easily-reproducible projects for you!  This set of six GRAND die templates ranges from 5-1/4" to 9-3/8" long!

I used the fifth die template (from the inside - second to largest) to make a card that fits exactly in an A2 envelope.  It's my new take on a gable card that has the opening down the center front of the card.  It was quick and easy to cut with my new Grand Calibur!  Since the plates are so large, you can easily cut all of your die templates at one time! Bundle up a set up these and you have a unique gift that will be appreciated.

The keyhole die template was cut from the new Spellbinders premium craft foil - this color is Gunmetal.  Since the Spellbinders' die templates have decorative openings, I stenciled the metal with black ink to highlight the intricacies of the beautiful Antiquities die template.  I threaded the ribbon through the holes on either side of the keyhole to tie the card shut.

Open it to see the full Grand Labels Four die template!  If your die template is 8" long, score your card 2" (one-fourth of the length) from each end and you instantly have your card base!

What do you buy that guy that has everything?  I kept the embellishments to a minimum on my next project so it can be used in the workplace or a men's office.  It's a bookend cozy!  That's right - I took an old metal bookend and made a little removable cover with my Grand Labels Four die templates!  This time I used the largest, second largest, plus the smallest die templates in the set, so you can see the size progression.  I love having the choice of six sizes - there's always a size to fit my project! At just around $8.00 per die template, you can't beat the value!

This closeup shows why I love Spellbinders over other die templates (besides the value, the great designs, the embossing....ha!).  See the vintage shadow that is inked just inside the embossed border?  Spellbinders' open-faced templates allow you to stencil the 'face' of your project with inks, chalks....your favorite medium.  I used another die template in the Antiquities set - the Fleur di Lis (yum!) cut from the Copper craft foil this time.

Here's a more feminine version of the Bookend Cozy.   It's so simple - come back tomorrow for complete instructions.

Supplies:

Blessings Card:
Spellbinders Products:  LF-190 Grand Labels Four; F-012 Premium Craft Foils (Gunmetal); S4-298 Antiquities; S4-290 Labels 14; Grand Calibur
Papers and Stamps: Donna Salazar's Grandma's Garden (D3-9585 English Roses) Designer Paper; Gina K (Lovely Labels) Stamps
Inks and Supplies: Versafine Vintage Sepia Ink, CTMH Black Ink and Adhesive Pearls, Creative Impressions Crepe Ribbon, White Lace, Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L Black 3D Foam Squares

Fleur-di-lis Bookend Cozy:
Spellbinders Products:  LF-190 Grand Labels Four; F-012 Premium Craft Foils (Bronze); S4-298 Antiquities; Grand Calibur
Papers: Graphic 45 Steampunk Debutante; WorldWin Cardstock (Malt, Black)
Inks and Supplies: CTMH Desert Sand Ink, Liquid Glass; Sheet Music; Adhesive

Ladies' Bookend Cozy:

Spellbinders Products:  LF-190 Grand Labels Four; F-012 Premium Craft Foils (Copper); S4-299 Fallen Angel; Grand Calibur
Papers: Graphic 45 Steampunk Debutante; WorldWin Cardstock (Maroon-back of cozy)
Inks and Supplies: CTMH Lagoon Ink, Liquid Glass; Adhesive

Now it's time for you to leave a comment on my blog to be eligible to win the Spellbinders Holiday Hoppin’ Prize Package! One winner will be chosen from all the comments on all the blogs participating today. Comments made in the first 48 hours of this post will be eligible to win. Winner’s names will be published on the Spellbinders Blog on November 22 (Monday), and they will have 48 hours to reply to Spellbinders to claim the prizes.

Thanks for hopping with us.  Good luck!

JustRite Christmas Blog Hop!

 

Welcome to JustRite Stampers’ newest Wednesday feature, 12 Weeks of Christmas Blog Hop #4!

Each Wednesday up until Thanksgiving some of your favorite designers will be joining some of the JustRite design team for a series of Christmas blog hops, showcasing JustRite’s entire Christmas Collection of stamps!

This week, it’s the Spellbinders(TM) design team - woohoooo! So mark your calendars for Wednesdays at 9am Central for great Christmas gift, card  and project ideas, starting at the JustRite Inspiration blog!

I used JustRite Stampers' new releases Christmas Ornament 3-1/4" and Christmas Nested Sentiments and Verse for my card.  It's a big card since I used my new LF-190 Grand Nestablities Labels Four for my card front and my card base!

First I colored my image with Copic Sketch markers.  This JustRite set includes four beautiful ornaments that can be used for so many projects!  This is a set that you will reach for year after year.

After cutting and embossing my card front with the Grand Nestabilities Labels Four, I folded over the top portion, slipped some ruffled ribbon underneath, and placed a fan/medallion on the top.  The sentiment is stamped with JustRite's Christmas Nested Sentiments and Verse. 

Supplies:
Stamps:  JustRite Stampers' Christmas Ornament 3-1/4", Christmas Nested Sentiments and Verse
Dies:  Spellbinders' LF-190 Grand Nestabilities Labels Four, S4-299 Fallen Angel, S4-140 Petite Ovals SM, S4-114 Standard Circles LG, S4-429 Big Scalloped Circles LG, S4-287 Fanciful Holiday
Inks: CTMH Vineyard Berry, Bamboo; Tsukineko Memento Rich Cocoa; Copic Sketch Markers B00, B000, B12, Y28, R59, YG91, YG95, YG99
Paper: CTMH Mistletoe Level II Paper Pack, Heavenly Blue Cardstock; WorldWin Cardstock (Maroon and White)
Other:  Webster's Pages Olive Ruffled Ribbon, CTMH Designer Brads Shimmer

Please visit these designers’ blogs to see what fabulous JustRite Christmas inspiration they have for you on the hop today!

JustRite Inspiration Blog


Spellbinders Paper Arts


Becca Feeken


Mona Pendleton


Debbie Olson


Ashley Cannon Newell


Sharon Harnist


Eva Dobilas


Kazan Clark


Beate Johns


Kellie Fortin


Margie Higuchi


Kathy Jones


Regina Hanson


Sankari Wegman


Deborah Young


Angela Barkhouse


Michele Kovack


Terre Fry


Barb Schram


Thanks for stopping by!

June Stamp of the Month Blog Hop! CTMH Scrapbooking in Melbourne, Florida

Greetings! Welcome to our Close To My Heart June Stamp of the Month blog hop!  Did you get here from Jen's blog?  If not, no worries....just follow the link at the bottom of this post and you'll eventually come back here, full circle!

CTMH's Stamp of the Month for June, "Wonderful Friend", is perfect for Father's Day.  But it's also perfect for any number of masculine cards!

I used five of the stamps from "Wonderful Friend" on this card.  The image of the watch is stamped in Cocoa ink and clear embossed (shiny IRL!).  The watch 'background' is stamped in Bamboo ink with the argyle stamp.  There's also a houndstooth stamp (awesome!) that I stamped in bamboo behind the sentiment, which is stamped on cs cut with Nestabilities(TM) Labels Three.  Finally, I used Cocoa ink to stamp the front of the card base (behind the script paper/mat from "Passages") with a fleur-di-lis men's tie image.  There are a total of nine images in June's Stamp of the Month, which you can purchase or earn it free with other purchases!

Now hop on over to the delightful Wendy's blog to check out her creation!

April SOTM Blog Hop! CTMH Scrapbooking in Melbourne, Florida

Hey there!  Welcome to Close To My Heart's April "Stamp of the Month" Blog Hop!  Did you get here from Lori's blog?  If not, just keep hoppin' and you'll come around to it full circle. 

For those of you that live in the frozen tundra, you will love this stamp set, as it's a peek into spring!  When I saw this window scene, I just knew I had to make a little awning to shade the view!

The name of the April Stamp of the Month is "Flower Pot", and there are lots of little flower pots, window boxes, and different species of flowers to color!  Fun, fun, fun!  I used Topstitch papers and CTMH markers for the card.

This set also makes perfect little note cards. I used CTMH glitter rub-ons on the second card - obviously, I chose the red glitter sheet, although these rub-ons allow you to choose silver or gold as well!


Contact your CTMH independent consultant to purchase this stamp set only in April, or get it free with purchase!  If you don't have a consultant, you can get it now on my site.  Now hop on over (like a little Easter bunny!) to my friend Katy's blog for more flowery goodness!

Deb

March Stamp of the Month Blog Hop from Close To My Heart! Scrapbooking in Melbourne, Florida

Welcome to our Close To my Heart March Stamp of the Month Blog Hop!  Did you hop over from Sarita's blog?  I hope you enjoyed her project!
This time we have over 70 consultants using the same stamp set - A Little Everthing.  This set of over twenty sentiments and images will be a staple in your collection. You'll want to play with all of them!  I've already used the scallop border on many personal projects.  So settle in and find some inspiration!

I've been dying to make something that was just a little vintage.  This doesn't go overboard nor does it hit the grunge stage, but it's close enough to give me a taste of it!  

Remember those little paper-sack-purses I've shared in the past?  Well, I pulled out another one, teamed it with some textured cardstock, Notebook paper (looooOOVVVE it!) and a few fun embellishments to make the perfect gift bag for a Mother's Day present! 

I suppose I could have done a little more distressing and sanding, but I didn't want to go overboard, thinking there might be too much contrast with the start white bag.  But I didn't want to cover up the bag so much either, ha.  So this is what I ended up with!

Here's a closeup of the sentiments I used from the March Stamp of the Month.  I inked the stamps with Hollyhock, then used a sponge dauber to apply Chocolate ink directly to the bottom of the stamp's letters before stamping.  Easy peasy!

Now hop on over to my girlfriend Carla's blog for more ideas!  Take it away, Carla!

p.s.  Thanks for all your well wishes on my new position on the Spellbinders(TM) Design Team.  I can't wait to share new products with you!

Deb

AI New Release Blog Hop! Scrapbooking in Melbourne, Florida

Welcome to Artful Inkables’ new stamps blog hop!   All of our creations are made with brand new Artful Inkables stamp sets released today!

So if you arrived here from Holly's blog, you're right on track!  If not, hop back to the beginning (Kristin’s Blog - Artful Inkables), so that you can get the full show.

There will be a prize giveaway at the end of the hop, so be sure to leave a comment on all of the blogs along the way in order to be entered into the random.org drawing.

I used Artful Inkables' adorable new stamp set, "Any Birdy Home?"  You know how I loooove my birdies!    There are a few different birdhouse images and other good stuff to select from.  I colored!  Yes, I used my Copics.  So cheery, right?

The little fences are done with a Martha punch.  And of course I had to use my favorite Nesties label to cut and mat the image.  CTMH cardstock, paper and flowers.  Fun, fun, fun!

So are you ready for more new stamp reveals?  Then hop on over to my girlfriend Joy's blog - her inspiration is the set "Sweet and Sexy" - you'll love it!

Remember to leave a comment on each blog for a chance to win.  Win what?  Well, you'll find out at the end of the hop!

Good luck!

Deb

February Stamp of the Month Blog Hop! CTMH Scrapbooking in Melbourne, Florida

Welcome to our Close To my Heart February Stamp of the Month Blog Hop!  Did you hop over from Amy's blog?  I hope you enjoyed her project!

This time we have over 70 consultants using the same stamp set - Piece of Cake.  Now how cool is that!   There are ten images to choose from.  You'll want to play with all of them.  So settle in and find some inspiration!

I really thought this particular cake image would 'do up' well as a wedding cake. The only colors used here are White Daisy, Grey Wool and Black.  CTMH's Black textured cardstock is actually two-tone, so I used the Grey Wool 'backside' as a mat.

The flowers and stripes are colored with a Grey Wool marker.  I substituted our Flower Brads for the stamped flowers.  Yum, yum, yum!  Good enough to eat!

You may be able to better see the glitter rub-on sentiment in this view.  You have the option of using silver, gold or red rub-on glitter.  I chose the silver rub-on glitter for this wedding/anniversary card!

Then I used the same image to make a 3x3 birthday/gift card.  This time I substituted a glitter rub-on candle for the stamped flowers.  So you can see how versatile each individual image can be!

Now hop on over to my girlfriend Barbra's blog for more yummy cake goodness!

Deb

Welcome to our Charming Blog Hop! Scrapbooking in Melbourne, Florida

Welcome to the Artful Inkables’ “Charm”ing blog hop!   All of our creations are made not only with Artful Inkables stamp sets, but also with matching charms that are sold in the store!

So if you arrived here from Crystal's blog, you're right on track!  If not, hop back to the beginning (Kristin’s Blog - Artful Inkables), so that you can get the full show.

There will be a prize giveaway at the end of the hop, so be sure to leave a comment on all of the blogs along the way in order to be entered into the random.org drawing.

I used Artful Inkables' elegant stamp set, "Peaceful Wishes".   I was able to every stamp in the set on the three cards!  Can you believe that I did not use any ribbon or buttons?  Now, that's restraint!  ha

The two smaller images are stamped on Baby Pink cardstock and popped up on three inch cards.  How quick and easy - and elegant!

Here's a closeup of the main card.

Aren't these deer beauuuuutiful?  I stamped them on the Baby Pink cardstock, then trimmed around their little legs and hooves.  Then I adhered the pink layer to a piece of White Daisy cardstock.  It's all placed on a Black card (you can click on the image for a larger view).  The little deer charm (precious!) is strung on a silver spiral clip, balanced by silver brads for the deer eyes.  How beautiful would these deer be embossed in silver?  Lots of ideas buzzing around here!

So are you ready for more 'charming' ideas?

Then hop on over to my girlfriend Lisa's blog - her inspiration is the set "Greek Gardens".

Remember to leave a comment on each blog for a chance to win.  Win what?  Well, you'll find out at the end of the hop!

Good luck!

Deb

Happy New Year!  wooooHOOO!!

And welcome to Close to My Heart's monthly Stamp of the Month (SOTM) Blog Hop! We have over 60 gals participating with dozens and dozens of great ideas to use January's Stamp of the Month, "True Friends".

I really love these label stamps. You can use them individually, stack them, cut them in half and use them as tags...etc, etc. etc.  And the 'friendship' sentiments are perfect for altered items, scrapbook pages, cards and more!

I decided to do something simple this time.  Using our brand new (gonna be hoarding it!) Veranda papers, I put together a quick card that could easily be duplicated.


I used Juniper ink to stamp the label on the top layer, with the sentiment stamped with Cocoa.  After cutting that out, I stamped a different label, using Cocoa ink, onto a second paper from the Veranda collection.  I used our foam tape to lift the top layer, then adhered it all to a circle, accented with Antique Copper Brads.  Wait til you see the new Antique Copper collection of metals in the new book!

I cut in half one of our brand new flowers (OMG- to DIE for!) and slipped it behind the element, then placed it all on a card base decorated with two other papers from the Veranda collection.  The Creme Brulee ribbon is slipped through an Antique Copper photo hanger, then gathered together, held in place with glue dots. 

You'll have all day January 1 to browse through the new Spring 2010 Idea Book!  Check out your consultant's website to view it, or see it here. Want to own this Stamp of the Month yourself? Ask your consultant how, or e-mail me for details!

Now hop on over to my friend Amy's blog for some more ideas on using "True Friends"! 

See you next year!


Deb

Close To My Heart December Stamp of the Month Blog Hop!

Welcome to Close to My Heart's monthly Stamp of the Month (SOTM) Blog Hop! Woohoo!!! This time there are over 60 gals participating with dozens and dozens of great ideas to use December's Stamp of the Month, "Notice the Details".  

Did you hop over here from Amy's blog?  Then you're on the right track!

Think of all the cute things you can create with this stamp set.  41 stamps!!!  I have seen some sites selling one phrase stamp for $7 - good grief!!  

In today's blog hop alone, we have over 60 ideas to get you started!  So grab some chocolate, a big pillow and a pen to record some of these ultra fab ideas.

This would be super for a teacher....or to make cute little memory albums as gifts...the possibilities are endless!

I have been anxious to try this accordion file purse designed by Maria Bell.  LOVE it!  And it really didn't take that long to make.  You would be surprised!  Remember, you can click on any of the photos to view them larger.

I used CTMH's "Unforgettable" papers for the entire project, with a few "Notebook" paper scraps.

The purse opens up to reveal an interior and contents much like a large accordion file used to file bills, tax forms, etc.  This one, at just six inches wide, is perfect for holding cards or photos.....recipes....you get the idea.  I had a brainstorm - my hairdresser keeps her client info on index cards in a boring metal file box.  How CUTE would this be in her shop!   Hmmmmm....a holiday gift is on its way!!!

Now, I used a dual-magnet enclosure to keep my purse closed tight, but velcro works just as well.  I usually use the self-adhesive velcro dots for my papercrafting projects.

Here are some of the cards that I have created to go inside the purse.  And here's where you'll see the December SOTM!  I stamped the 'holey' paper edge on the left side of a piece of Notebook B&T, then punched the holes - it looks like I pulled it out of a spiral notebook!

The tabs at the top of each card have the date stamp so I can go back and fill in the date.  I used the words "silly" and "little moments" directly on the photo!  That is my silly son.  Gotta love him!  These cards will be "a week in the life" of me and Alan.

These are photos from a week in San Diego.  Here I stamped the words on the card, and again directly on the photo, using one of the two arrow stamps provided in this SOTM.  How about a cute little mini-album for Grandma with a week in the life of her grandbabies?  Quick and easy!

Finally, here's a closeup of the super cool flower.  This was sooooo easy to make.  A couple of girls on the boards shared their purses and flowers, and I am happy to share with you!

Come back here tomorrow night for details on CTMH's big clearance sale, which starts Wednesday!  You'll be able to order online from me or your favorite CTMH independent consultant!

Need this Stamp of the Month?  Purchase it outright or earn it free!  Ask your consultant how, or e-mail me for details!

Now, hop on over to my friend Judy's blog for some more ideas on using December's Stamp of the Month - "Notice the Details"!

See you tomorrow night,

Deb

New Releases! AI Blog Hop Scrapbooking in Melbourne, Florida

Welcome to the Artful Inkables New Release Blog Hop! You should be joining me from Emily's blog. If you’ve missed any of the blog hop, you might want to start at the Artful Inkables Blog and follow the links. 

Each member of the design team has a creation with one of four new sets, “Monster Medical”, "License to Chill", "Love Ya Lots",  and “Creature Comforts”.

I cracked open the new “License to Chill” set and started coloring.  Look at this cute little guy!!!  Wait till you see his buddies, too....so cute!   The two snowflakes in the background are part of the set as well.  You gotta love it!  

I used K&Co's "Winter Wonderland" paper stack from JoAnn’s for the patterned paper ('cause I needed more paper - ha!), along with my trust CTMH inks and cardstock (Smokey Plum and Crystal Blue).  Soft, wonderful May Arts Silk Ribbon, Gold Liquid Pearls, Nestibilities Labels 5 (my fave), an EK Success punch and a Martha snowflake punch round it out.

Have you commented on each of the INKgirls’ blogs? Have you seen something that you need?  I sure have!  Be sure you left all the INKgirls a comment, because one lucky reader will win your choice of not one, but TWO new releases!!!  wooooHOO!!!

Leave your comments on each of the blogs in today's hop no later than Wednesday, November 18 Midnight PST. A random winner will be chosen and announced on the Artful Inkables blog.

You've reached the end of the hop.  So hop on over to the AI store and pick up your favorite new release - or all four!  While you're there, take a look at the Twilight stamps, which will be featured in Friday's Twilight hop, just in time for the "New Moon" movie.

Good luck!!

Deb

November Stamp of the Month Blog Hop! CTMH Scrapbooking in Melbourne, Florida

WooooHOOOO!!!  It's that 'time of the month' - Close To My Heart's November Stamp of the Month Blog Hop! 

This time we have 64gals hoppin' - good grief! If you've arrived from Mary's blog, you're right on track,  The hop started way back at Jena's blog.  Jena has a list of all of the links, so you might want to take a second to open her blog and minimize it, in case you get lost along the way and need to get back on track.

My heart nearly jumped out of my body when I saw this adorable stamp of the month.  I loved it so much that I created two projects for you with this fancy little stamp set!

The first project is a  9x9 layout.  Remember, you can click on the images to view them larger.

The November Stamp of the Month includes the house outline with two different roof options, a couple of different windows and doors, as well as shutters, window flower boxes, steps.....oh goodness, what doesn't it include!  It also has the cute little clouds and hearts I used in the background here. 

I stamped "HOME" with one of my favorite stamp sets, "Boutique Alphabet".  CTMH Tulip and Blush Cardstock and Inks, a little Heartfelt heart, a few markers, a piece of die-cut borders, and there you go!

Now here's my second project.  Y'all know how much I love to make little paper bag purses!  I had some leftover stickease from my "Life Delights" collection (it's retiring - more about that in a second).

So where is the Stamp of the Month on this project?  I used the window shutter to make little fence posts, which are connected by the brick image!  This was super quick and simple.  Although I usually put cardstock on both sides of the bag, I thought this looked just fine the way it is.  Besides the fence and the Just Blooms Big Pinks flower, everything else is Stickease....even the handle!

Now, about that retiring list.....starting tomorrow, all of the retiring stamps will be noted in a special category on my website.  How would you like to buy 2, get 1 free?  That's right!  Starting November 3, all stamp sets - new, retiring, old, you name it....are buy 2, get a third one (lowest price, of course ;-) FREE for the entire month!  Details are in my sidebar to the right.

Now's the chance to get that big E-sized Boutique Alphabet that I used on the layout here, or finish collecting all of those Solo Alphabets and Numbers!  That's my plan!

Thanks for stopping by!  Now hop your way on over to my sistah  Haley's blog to see what she's dreamed up for you.

Enjoy your day!

Deb