Today I'll show you how I manage my Stampin'Up! Big Shot Die Image Organization!

With the new Stampin'Up! Occasions Mini catalog products I've collected tons of new thinlets and framelits. I often can't remember which leaf die is in which set framelits. So I've developed a system that will help me quickly identify what images are in which set of framelits! Here's a close up of one set of dies...

I took the die set (Catch of the Day) and if there was a coordinating stamp (Best Catch) I stamped the image on cardstock and then die cut it. This way I'll know what stamps have a coordinating die. If there is no coordinating stamp I simply cut the image with the die.

I cut a contrasting piece of cardstock 6 X 5 1/2 (this way you get 2 pieces from a single sheet of cardstock) --this size will fit in one of the Stampin'Up! 6 X 8 cello bags (Item #102210, 50 bags in a pack). I adhere the cutouts on this cardstock and slip it in the cello bag. 

I cut another piece of cardstock (I used white) 3 X 6 1/4, scoring the long side at 1 1/2 inches.  On one side of this "header" I write the name of Suite/Dies/Stamps, the page number in the catalog...and now that I'm thinking about it---I would also include the name of the catalog.

Fold this piece on the score line and staple it to the top of the cello bag...now you have all the images and the relevant info about this set of dies. 

I'm storing mine in a plastic shoebox but one of my stampers thought it would be great to file it in a 6 X 8 album (#144764, p. 195 in the Annual catalog) which is an awesome suggestion!

Here are several of the ones that I have completed.

Now when I need a leaf die, I can quickly thumb through the cello bags and find just the right die in seconds rather than trying to see what they look like and what size they are in the catalog or opening up the die envelope and rustling through the dies...that just takes too much time for me. I need something quick and easy...so far, I've loved the efficiency of this!

Speaking of the new Occasions mini catalog...there are tons of great new products...if you don't have your own copy and would like one...contact me (just hit the button) and we'll get one to you. (In the meantime click on the Catalogs button and see them online)

Also, did you know that Jan - March is Sale-a-bration? For each $50 in product that you spend you can select something free from the SAB mini brochure---stamps, framelits, wooden elements, designer paper, foil!

Plus if you shop with me,  for every 4 SAB rewards you earn from Stampin'Up!, you will receive  a hand-decorated box of chocolates and a $5 coupon for Stampin'Up! products.

And, if you order online and use the current host code (UDWJNNDR) you will receive $5 in Stampin'Up! products from me!

So, let's get started earning those Sale-a-bration rewards and the $5 Stampin'UP! products....go hit that Shop Now button and order you favorites from the new Occasions mini and the Annual Stampin'Up! catalog! Happy shopping!!

For all those who do not like coloring--even sponging--today we are doing No Sponge Sponging!  Aaaah, I knew that would grab your attention....this is a really fun quick way to get some multi-colors on your card with minimal effort and "no sponges."

Look at this card...see that multicolor layer under the leaf stamp? That is the "cloud" stamp from the Beautiful Blizzard (Stampin'Up!) & 3 lovely colors of ink that blend well. (Note: You don't have to clean the stamp between colors--see the instructions.)

I used a wash of Wink of Stella which in real life looks fantastic...I did a close up here for you to see:

I used Melody Mango, Calypso Coral, & Pumpkin Pie--- lovely fall colors that blend to have the appearance of brushing the colors together. Such a simple technique & simple design & what an awesome resulting card!

Below are the directions--simple & quick with a couple of fun hints to save you time & money. Following that are the supplies you'll need & how to order them.

Remember:
*This is the last week to use your August Bonus Days coupons---after Sunday they will expire
*If you place an order online & use this month's host code(4UGP9PMX) you'll receive $5 in Stampin'Up! product for each $50 in product that you order.

Directions:

1. Cut Thick Very Vanilla cardstock 8 1/2 X 5 1/2, score long side at 4 1/4 (card base).

2. Cut Very Vanilla cardstock 3 5/8 X 4 7/8. Stamp the "cloud" (Beautiful Blizzard) near the top in Melody Mango (lightest color). Note: since we're working from light to dark ink pads & in the same color family you don't need to clean the stamp between colors --you do if you are going to repeat the card--clean after stamping the darkest color. Now ink up with Calypso Coral & stamp about 1/2" down over the first stamped image.  Re-ink with Pumpkin Pie & move down another 1/2" from the previous stamp.

3. Do a Wink of Stella Wash. Using your Heat Tool, dry the ink/Wink well.

4. Stamp the large leaf (Falling for Leaves, Stampin'Up!) in Early Espresso & immediately sprinkle with Clear Embossing Powder; heat until shiny with Heat Tool.

5. Stamp verse (Falling for leaves) in Versamark; sprinkle with Gold EP, heat with tool until shiny gold; adhere 3 gold metallic pearls.

6. Cut Gold Glimmer 3 3/4 X 5 (note: cut out the center for use in another project leaving a "frame"); adhere the frame to the back side of the stamped image with glue dots; adhere this unit to card front with liquid glue.

Your card is ready for sending!

Use the Shop Now button or click on one of the images below to be in my store & order the supplies you need.

Beautiful Blizzard Clear-Mount Stamp Set
$23.00

Early Espresso Classic Stampin' Pad
$7.50

Very Vanilla 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
$9.75

Very Vanilla 8-1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock
$7.75

Mango Melody Classic Stampin' Pad
$7.50

Calypso Coral Classic Stampin' Pad
$7.50

Pumpkin Pie Classic Stampin' Pad
$7.50

Gold Glimmer Paper
$5.00

Falling For Leaves Photopolymer Stamp Set
$21.00

Versamark Pad
$9.00

Gold Stampin' Emboss Powder
$5.00

Embossing Buddy
$6.00

Heat Tool (Us And Canada)
$30.00

Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder
$5.00

Bella & Friends Wood-Mount Stamp Set
$28.00

Metallic Pearls
$7.00

Multipurpose Liquid Glue
$4.00

Mini Glue Dots
$5.25

 

Earlier this week we looked at one  storage solution and today we're continuing to look at another Storage Solution for some Stamping Supplies and a bonus method of tracking our punches,

One of Sandi's Stampers, Jackie Silvestri, has also contributed another "neat" idea.  Do you ever have to chase your rolls of Washi tape around the drawer or have to dig through a container to find the right design?

Let's l0ok at Jackie's method of storing our Washi Tape...Jackie has taken jewelry storage bags--the kind that hang you your door--thus not requiring additional wall or shelf space. She has deposited the Washi Tape in each of the pockets. Since the pockets are clear--there's no need to actually label the pockets but you can tear a piece of the tape and stick it on the pocket for very quick identification of the patterns.

This keeps your drawers tidy--no rolls of tape running around or on the counter top....this is a quick set up and you can easily identify which pocket to which to return the tape when you are finished using it by just matching the piece of like tape on the pocket.

Now she also provided a bonus idea for us....if you are like me you have quite a number of hand-held punches. Sometimes I forget exactly which shapes are current or which tag punch will be quite the right size. Jackie has taken a piece of cardstock and punched each of her punches creating templates. She slips these into clear baseball card holders and hooks these onto a large key ring.

Not only does this provide a great catalog of punches but you can take these "cut outs" and hold them over a stamped image to see if that punch will fit your image. For example, stamp the "Thank You" on a piece of cardstock and then hold the templates over the stamped image to see which one fits best.

Two great ideas today and we want to say a BIG thank you to Jackie for sharing her ideas and storage solutions.

Before we go, just a reminder that if you place an online order through my store and use this month's host code (click on the Rewards button for this month's code) you will receive $5 in Stampin'Up! product (my choice) for each $50 in product that you purchase.

How Do You Keep Track of Your Embossing Folders?  Are you like me--I just stuff mine in a plastic box and have to root around to find the one that goes with my current project--here's my box.. pretty pathetic, right?I can tell you that this is not the most convenient or expedient way to store them or to look for just the right design--I"m constantly getting frustrated by having to look through the box or not finding what I'm looking for.

Today I'm going to share with you a method of keeping track of your embossing folders and of being able to quickly review the designs that you have.  It's a much faster way to track and to review designs for your current project.

One of Sandi's Stampers, Jackie Silvestri, was kind enough to pack all her stuff in the car and drive it to me so that I could see her system and take pics which I'm going to share with you today. 

First, Jackie numbers her folders--you can easily do with with a permanent magic marker--be sure to put the number up in a corner so that it is easily seen when you store them in a container...here's a few of Jackie's that she has numbered--she just brought a few in a bag to demo her system. Then Jackie found this cute little photo holder that you can sit on your work station....this is the front of it

You could get really fancy and put a picture of you stamping at one of our classes on the front cover, right?

Next step is to run a piece of cardstock through the Big Shot with each of your folders--fit the cardstock to the size of the plastic photo holder sleeves --probably about 4 X 5. Then number your sample with the same number that is on your embossing folder, slip it in the holder sleeve in numberical order.

Now you are ready for your project....get your supplies assembled, pick out a design, go to your embossing folder design holder and flip through all your folder designs to select the one that coordinates with your project. When you select it--then note the number on the sleeve and go to you box of folder to that number.  Just a hint here--try to keep the actual folders in numerical order so you don't have to search for it! LOL

Give it a try--let me know what you think--you can leave me a message at the end of this post or shoot me an email: [email protected]. Do YOU have a hand hint for our stampers? If so, let me know and we may share it with our fellow stampers?

Thanks to Jackie for sharing with us!

 Several of you have indicated you'd like me to explain How To Make a Big Shot Sandwich! These are the layers you need to cut framelits, thinlets, and use embossing folders. Today is the day!

If you often have difficulty deciding what base or how many cutting pads to use when trying to use your Big Shot--today's post should add some clarity to the issue...you may want to print this out and keep it nearby your Big Shot for reference when you have a question.

If you need to "see" what the product looks like as I explain what/when to use them....check out the pictures below under the Supplies section.

If you need any of these products you  can order them in my store--just click on one of the product images below or use the Shop Now button and you'll be in my store. If you place your order online and use this month's Host code (QK6UFZNJ), you will receive $5 in Stampin'Up! product from me for each $50 in product that you purchase.

Here are the sandwich layers for you:

Note: Your Big Shot comes with the Big Shot Platform and a pair of Standard Cutting Pads, plus an adaptor for use with thinlets/framelits.

One huge CAUTION - NEVER put  ANYTHING THROUGH THE BIG SHOT WITHOUT A CUTTING PAD on TOP!

Big Shot Platform: (note: never cut directly on the surface of this platform)     

    *Embossing Folders (Textured Impressions) --these are the regular depth folders
      Run the hinge edge through first

    Big Shot Platform + Cutting Pad + folder with cardstock inside + Cutting Pad

    *Dynamic Embossing Folders (3D Dynamic Textured Impressions Embossing Folders) --these are the thick folders
      Run the hinge edge through first

      Big Shot Platform + folder with cardstock inside + Cutting Pad

    *Framelits (simple designs)

    Big Shot Platform + Adaptor + Cutting Pad + cardstock + framelit (cutting side down) + Cutting Pad

Magnetic Platform: (note: never cut directly on the surface of this platform)

    *Framelits (simple designs & designs with scoring) - use Precision Base plates below for stitched designs.

    Magnetic Platform + cutting pad + cardstock + framelit + cutting pad

Precision Base Plate: (note: you WILL be cutting directly on the surface of this plate)

    *Framelits/Thinlets with intricate designs or stitching (not for use with dies that have scoring)

    Magnetic Platform + Precision Base Plate + cardstock + die (cutting side down) + cutting pad

    Note: flipping the cutting pad over after each use with prolong the life of the pad and decrease the amount of curvature that will happen when using the precision base plate).

    Note: If you want to use the Precision Base Plate with the Big Shot Platform...this is the sandwich:

    Big Shot  Platform + Adaptor + Precision Base Plate + cardstock + framelit/thinlet + cutting pad

Here are the Supplies we've been discussing...click on an image below or use the Shop Now button and order what you need from my store:

Big Shot
$110.00

Standard Cutting Pads
$11.00

Precision Base Plate
$25.00

Magnetic Platform
$40.00

Big Shot Platform
$26.00

Big Shot Die Brush - New Configuration
$12.50

 

Today I'm going to show you How to Flatten Your Curved Big Shot Cutting Pads. You know especially when using the Precision Base plate (even when you turn it over each time you use it) that your cutting pads develop a curve. This isn't the end of the world but eventually the curvature becomes too bad and it would be great to flatten them back out. This is the "before" view of a cutting pad on the counter--see the big bubble....

A couple of years ago I worked out a formula that seemed to work fine...but lately that formula wasn't working well and I've redone the formula so that it works better with the current cutting pads.  So today I'll show you what I'm currently doing to prolong the life of those cutting pads. Yep, Sandi's cooking again!

First, get an old cookie sheet and cover it with foil

Next, lay 2 curved cutting pads side by side--not touching but fairly close together is fine. (Bubble up like the first picture above)

Set a big heavy casserole on top of the cutting pads.

Set on the middle rack of your oven. Now turn oven to 350 degrees and set your timer for 16 minutes. Be sure to remove the tray from the oven when the timer goes off to avoid further "melting" of the pads.

Set the tray with casserole in place on cooling racks and let cool. When all parts are cooled, remove the casserole and your cutting pads should look like this (side shot)!
You'll probably be able to flatten your pads a couple of  times and then you'll need to replace them. I recommend not waiting until they are too curved before flattening them---they can get too curved and then they do not flatten to the point of being able to use them again.

If you need to replace them you can order a new set in my store by clicking on the image below or by hitting the Shop Now button.  If you shop online and use the current month Host Code (QK6UJZNJ) when you check out, you'll receive $5 in Stampin'Up! products for each $50 in products that you purchase.

Standard Cutting Pads
$11.00

 

 

Today I'm going to share Another Secret for a Petal Garden Quilt Card. If you stopped by Tuesday you  saw a really cute Quilt card created with the Petal Garden Designer Series paper and I gave you the secret for creating that simple card with a very simple secret step.  If you missed the first Quilt Secret you can see it here  http://www.sandilovesstamping.com/2017/08/the-secret-of-the-designer-series-paper-quilt-card.html

 Today I have created another great Quilt card using the same Petal Garden Designer Series Paper:

Now you say, there's no way I can make that card with all those little tiny triangles and squares, right?You are wrong--it's not a bunch of little pieces...there's another secret I'm going to share with you in the instructions that makes this a very simple construction. After the instructions I'll give you the supply list and you can order your supplies using the Shop Now button at the right side of this blog.

REMEMBER! Today the Stampin'Up! Holiday Mini Catalog goes LIVE! You can now place orders from the new mini catalog! (Note: some items are on low inventory--so order soon to avoid delays in getting some of the new items.)

Remember to use the Host Code for this month (4QHU9AGE) when you place an online order for $50 Stampin'Up! product (excludes shipping & tax). For each $50 you purchase you'll receive $5 in Stampin'Up! product from me!

Now let me tell you the secret:

1. Cut Pool Party cardstock 4 1/4 X 11, score on the long side at 5 1/2 (cardbase)

2. Cut Calypso Coral cardstock 3 7/8 X 3 7/8; adhere to upper card base with multipurpose liquid glue.

3. Cut Always Artichoke cardstock 3 3/4 X 3 3/4; score each side at 1/8" from the edge (this is the first secret from Tuesday).

4. Cut 2 1/2 X 2 1/2 Old Olive designer paper. Here's the second secret! Line up the two opposite points in the cutting trough of your paper trimmer (item #126889) and cut with cutting blade. Adhere these big triangles to the Artichoke square with liquid glue--see the pic below. Use the 1/8" score mark to align evenly.

5. Repeat the above step with Calypso designer paper.

6. Cut  2 1/2 X 2 1/2 Pool Party cardstock and adhere point to midpoint of the designer paper with liquid glue.

7. Cut two 1 1/4 squares of floral designer paper--adhere to Pool Party square. Adhere the completed quilt block to the card front with liquid glue.

8. Punch flower (Blossom punch) from Calypso cardstock; adhere to center of quilt block with glue dot; adhere a clear Faceted Gem to the center.

9. Stamp Happy Birthday (Feathers Together stamp set) in Archival Basic Black in under the quilt block.

See wasn't that easy and doesn't it look like it took a bit of time and cutting to do it! But now you know the secret!

 Now send this card to someone having a birthday and let them enjoy your simply wonderful card!

Here's the supply list--use the Shop now button to purchase your supplies:

Petal Garden Designer Series Paper Stack
$10.00

Feather Together Photopolymer Stamp Set
$17.00

Basic Black Archival Stampin’ Pad
$7.00

Always Artichoke 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
$8.00

Multipurpose Liquid Glue
$4.00

Mini Glue Dots
$5.25

Clear Faceted Gems
$5.00

Blossom Builder Punch
$18.00

Calypso Coral 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
$8.00

Pool Party 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
$8.00

 

As you may recall Tuesday we looked at using the new Stampin'Up! Circle Tab Punch--today we're going to look at Another Great New Use of Stampin'Up! Circle Tab Punch.

If you missed the first great new use of the Circle Tab Punch on Tuesday check it out here  http://www.sandilovesstamping.com/2017/08/new-use-for-stampinup-circle-tab-punch.html

If you're like me, you use your catalog a lot and are always looking to see if you have a punch or what colors are offered in a specialty paper....and I had put in some Post-It note tabs to help me get there fast--they look like this

Can't really read them well and wow--what a mess they look...so I whipped out my trusty Circle Tab Punch and inserted some Daffodil Delight cardstock in the front 

and punched several tabs

I used a pen to write on the sections of the Stampin'Up! catalog that I use quite a bit, color families, DSP, specialty paper, embellishments, ribbon, adhesive, punches, Big Shot, etc.

Then I used Scotch Tape on the front and back of the tab base to hold it at the top of each page--this helps give some stability to the catalog page and keeps the bottom well attached to the page

Now look at this--all tabbed, easy to read and wow does it look much nicer!

Try it out on your catalog.. the ordering information for the Circle Tab punch is provided below...you can use the Shop Now button at the right of the page to order through my store.

Remember to use your Stampin'Up! $5 coupon before August 31st. And if you use this month's Host Code (2SEBQ4GB) when you check out, you will receive $5 Stampin'Up! product for each $50 in product that you purchase (excludes shipping & tax)

Ordering information:

Circle Tab Punch
$18.00

 

This weekend I found a great New Use for the Stampin'Up! Circle Tab Punch. When it was introduced in the new annual catalog I thought it was a great little punch that we could use to add some pizzazz to our cards and projects....which we can. But this weekend I held a card buffet and pack all the tools in a case for each card design. Use of sponges comes in handy but I can't always be right there to make sure the correct sponge is on the correct ink pad. So I decided I needed a way to label them. In the past I've tried permanent marker--which is great, except after I wash it--I may want to use it for another color.

That's where the Circle Tab Punch comes in....first, I usually cut my sponges in quarters

Take a piece of cardstock, slip it in the front opening of the circle tab punch and punch

 Now, using a pen, write on the name of the color that you want to sponge

Fold the tab along the top fold mark

Slip the folded tab over the wedge edge of the sponge quarter

Slip the stapler over the tab down to the tab base and staple

Now it's ready for sponging Real Red ink on your project!

If you are using multiple sponging colors this will keep those sponges readily identifiable for each color. There's nothing more upsetting than to contaminate your Daffodil Delight ink pad with Real Red ink!  Been there, Done that--no fun!

Below are the supplies we used for this great new use of the Circle Tab punch.  You can place your order in my store using the Shop Now button at the right side of the page.

Remember, you need to use those  Stampin'Up! $5 coupons you earned last month before August 31st. AND, remember to use this month's HOST code when you check out (2SEBQ4GB). You will receive $5 in Stampin'Up! product from me for each $50 in Stampin'Up! product that you purchase (excludes shipping & tax)

Here are the supplies:

Stamping Sponges
$3.50

Circle Tab Punch
$18.00

 

Today we're continuing our stamping tools organization ideas with How to Store Your Punches & Dry Embossing Folders in a way that is easy to use--both finding the right tool and putting it back.

If you have a variety of punches, you know that keeping them organized and knowing what punch is where can be a challenge.  You met Noella Ryan-Paul (one of Sandi's Stampers) last Tuesday as she showed us how to organize our dies (thinlets and framelits). She has also shared with us a fun and easy way to store and identify punches at a glance...check it out

Yes, that is a shoe holder that hooks over the top of a door or solidly bolted rod.  You simply deposit your punch into a pouch and it is stored and you can see through the clear plastic of the pouch to see if it's there or not! Also, Noella has punched a brightly colored cardstock with each punch and paper-clipped it to the pouch for very easy viewing. It is NOT permanently attached because she may want to reorganize her punches---and in that case, she just unclips the sample and relocates it to another pouch--re-clips the punched image to that pouch---Awesome, right!

Now I'm going to show you her system for identifying and organizing her dry embossing folders (the proper name is Textured Impressions Embossing Folders).  First, Noella makes a sample by dry embossing a portion of  a long piece of cardstock, folds the cardstock so that the sample is visible, writes the name of the folder at the top of the "folder" she created to identify it by name ---then slips the embossing folder in the cardstock folder...

She then places this in her folder basket. She can quickly look through her basket to locate just the design she's looking for in her current project...here's what that looks like:

How easy and convenient is that? You can probably get this accomplished with a basket or box you already have at home!

Thanks again to Noella for sharing her wonderful organization secrets!

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