Getting back into the swing

Dont'cha ever feel like you're one day away from being totally caught up - but, you never actually get caught up? lol - Man, story of my life! I feel like things have been especially busy lately - but, I think that the moment something is crossed off the 'list' something else is added. :) 

I missed the last couple CASE study challenges - so I was so happy to get back into it this week with this card as the inspiration piece. 

By: Angeline Yong

I love the use of the twine - the embossing - the rhinestone - and the block feeling of the card. You can see by my card that I really took those elements to heart when putting together my card. 

I have seen wreaths made with twine before - and I think paper. (because the wreaths always seemed fairly flat) I wanted mine to have more of a round wreath feel - so I grabbed the good ol' bathroom paper roll cut off a little piece and folded it so that it was more circular in nature - more 3-d wreath looking - then I just started wrapping it with Timeless Twine. I really like how it turned out --- 

I used the Holiday Sentiments set - from Sweet Stamp Shop 

I've been using this set a TON this holiday! Love it! 

Thanks for popping in!

See you again soon! 

Hugs, 

N. 

Deck The Halls

Nicole here! 

Can you believe that Christmas is peeking around the corner? 

I'll tell you a little secret - I don't make hand made Christmas cards. 

Nope, every year my husband and I have been married (and the year we were engaged) I've sent out picture cards. It's been an awesome tradition and this year will make 6 picture cards - so I plan to have the first 6 framed. I hope to do this tradition year after year. 

AND, wanna know the best part - I'm not making 50+ Christmas cards by hand. Fact is, I'd hate it. I'd make 3 or 4 and then - it would seem like this huge chore - and the cards would get increasingly sloppy as I 'just wanted to be done' --- and it's just not how I want to spend my crafty Christmas time. Ya know? 

To be honest - it took me a lot of years to not have the 'home made' card guilt. I always worry that people think they didn't get something homemade from me because I don't love them. But, that's all in my own head - people are happy to get anything sent to them. Home made or not, it's the thought that counts! 

I still make a couple Christmas cards - but, I usually box them up for my grandma to send out - that way she get's the joy of getting my home made cards AND she gets to send them off to her friends. Best of both worlds - dontcha think? 

I used the inspirational challenge from 

http://casestudychallenge.blogspot.com/

The inspirational card this time was... 

Pretty yes? 

I decided to get working on the holiday stuff - and this is what I came up with

What's your Christmas card tradition? Do you feel the home made guilt? 

I say - deck those halls ... and craft what makes YOU feel good! The rest is gravy! 

Happy Holiday Season! 

N. 

Reveal and Deal! Sweet Style

It's here! The last day of the peeks and the full reveal! 

You should be arriving here from 

Misty's Blog

If not, you'll wanna start at the beginning for a chance to win some SWEET goodies! 

HERE 

I'm so pleased that we're adding 'Afternoon Delight' to the shop. So many of you have requested it and we're so happy to finally offer it to you! 

Ready to see what I created? 

It's filled with love - and of course, glimmer mist... I can't help it. I just LOVE 

misting EVERYTHING! - It's a real issue. (kinda like my glitter issue and just as messy!) 

Ok, so you're wanting to see the new sets - aren't you?! 

Afternoon Delight

3x4 set 

Get Fit 

4x6 set

Simple Sentiments

4x6 set

Don't forget that we're having a sale - 25% off your total order! 

COUPON CODE -- NR25

Head over to the shop and check out the new stuff - 

HERE

Thanks for dropping in all this week! We LOVED having you!

Happy Stamping! Happy Crafting! 

Nicole

Sweetest Release Day 2

(I'm posting this a little early b/c it's for a challenge - so if you're arriving here on 

Tuesday night - come back tomorrow for the actual hop!) 

November Release Day 2 

You should be arriving here from 

Stephanie - http://www.handmade75.blogspot.com

If not - you'll wanna start at the beginning - b/c some pretty sweet prizes are involved :) 

HERE 

I got my inspiration for the card today from the new CAS(E) the Sketch blog - 

Here was their sketch for this week... 

Here is my take on the sketch! 

Thanks for dropping by today - Come back tomorrow for the last day of the hop AND we'll be revealing the 3 new stamps sets - as well as adding them to the shop! 

Hip Hip Hooray! 

See you tomorrow! 

N. 

Sweet Stamp Shop Nov. Release

Hooray! It's release day one for Sweet Stamp Shop's new November Release! 

You should be arriving here from 

Jamie

If not you'll wanna start back at the beginning because there are prizes involved! 

Sweet Stamp Shop Blog 

So let's get to the meat of it all! The sneak peek! 

I used a sketch from Retro Sketches  challenge blog to jump start my inspiration for this card. 

Here is the sketch 

(love it!) 

Here is my take on the sketch

I used lots of Amy Tangerine's paper and embellishments - and I didn't have 

the right color mist... so I broke out the old acrylic paint with a tooth brush and 

created some splatter the ol' fashioned way! 

Thanks so much for stopping by today! 

Hope you're liking the new stamps so far! 

Big Hugs, 

N. 

Love Across the Miles

I love the 'Across the Miles' set from Sweet Stamp Shop. 

Not only am I an American girl through and through - I also love 

how versatile this set is for card making, scrapbooking, and even for 

some cute american inspired home decor. 

Today I made a card using the Case Study Challenge for some inspiration. 

Here was the inspiration card

by  Angline Yong! 

Then - here is my take on the inspiration... 

I stamped the image in the 5 different pattern papers and then used 

a colored pencil to add some depth to the map. 

I really like how it turned out. 

Thanks for stopping by and we hope you come 

back for a visit soon! 

Hugs, 

N. 

Last day and reveal!

It's our last day and you know what that means? Our Big Reveal! 

But, before we get to that - you should be arriving here from the uber talented 

KELLY

If not, you'll wanna start at the beginning because there is prizes involved! 

Ok wanna see my sneak peeks before I give it all away and show off the sets? 

You know the little guy below? From Happy Bugs?! 

But, you haven't seen the sentiment - it goes perfect!! 

I'm so happy with these new sets - I think you're going to love using them as much as we have! 

Drum Roll 

The release for October... 

Chemistry (4x6)

Holiday Sentiments (4x6) 

Geek Chic (4x6)

Don't forget to enter to win one of these sets! 

AND AND AND - for a limited time these sets are $10! 

Head over to the shop to start --- shopping! 

SWEET STAMP SHOP 

See you back here soon! 

Hugs and Happy Stamping!

N. 

Sweet Peeks Day Two!

Day two is here! If this is your first glance 

at the hop - you'll wanna go back and catch up 

because we've got some good prizes in store! 

Today you should be arriving here from the lovely and talented

Kim - http://paperiepetals.blogspot.com

If not, you'll wanna start at the beginning

HERE 

Ok, so today I've got a cool trick to show you using 

a tool you probably have in your stash - (and if you don't you could 

just take out handy ol' scissors too!) 

First, I should show you the cards! 

I'm a big fan of simple and geometric! (mostly b/c I think 

I'm a glitter and excess kind of crafter - so thinking clean and simple 

is ALWAYS hard for me) 

I love sewing on my cards - although you know that! 

But, what I also love is to give my beautiful paper front stage! 

Yep, this stamper loves to put a spotlight on paper every once in a while! Sentiments are a great way to help you say what you want AND keep the spot light on the paper! 

You know what's huge right now - chevrons! AND all things Geometric! 

Wanna learn how to create these geometric favorites with what you've got in your craft stash?! Ok here we go.... 

You'll need - Paper and a Square Punch 

(or scissors would work just fine too!)

Here's how to make the first border  -- 

- Grab that punch! 

(any size square will work - it's up to you!) 

Punch out a square (or if you don't have a square punch just use your straight cutter to make 1x1 or 2x2 squares) 

Then, simply, cut the square in half at one of the edges. 

Do this with a couple different patterns - and then attach them to your 

card how ever you fancy! 

This is what I ended up with! 

Next up is the Chevron border - 

You'll need the punch again

and you'll need a piece of paper about 1.5 inches (or smaller - again this is just size preference) 

Then you'll wanna stick the end in the punch just far enough

for one corner to punch out - see picture --

Punch that out and you'll have a piece of paper like this 

Stick this end back into the punch less than .25 inch

and punch out again- see below

You'll end up with your first little shape and you'll 

be ready to cut your next! 

The end product is this ... 

How easy was that? AND the paper is taking the spotlight the 

whole time! LOVE LOVE that! 

See you all back here tomorrow for another sneak peek and 

I'll be revealing the new sets in all their glory --- AND you'll 

be able to BUY!!! 

See you tomorrow :) 

N. 

Sweeeet Release Oct. - Day 1

You should be arriving here from the lovely and talented 

Ellen! 

If not, you'll wanna start at the beginning - there are prizes involved!! 

Here! 

Ready to see the last of the peeks for today? 

I love the mini periodic table stamp! It's so much fun to use 

and I can't wait for you all to take a crack at it! 

Isn't this so much fun! AND perfect for our challenge 

this go around - check out our challenge HERE. 

Can't wait to see everyone back here tomorrow for 

another big peek at one of our new sets! 

Happy Crafting! 

N. 

Local Classes

I know things have been pretty silent around Nicole's Class Schedule BUT- I'm happy to tell you all that Sweet Stamp Shop has taken off! We're happy to offer over 50 products and we're sold all around the world...and...  we're getting busy with classes all around San Diego.

But, you've been asking for some time now for some home classes and I've finally got my act together (and my schedule lined up) to offer a couple classes in the coming months. 

To sign up for classes simply email me (nicolehrixon@gmail.com)

with your name and phone number and which class you'll be attending. Seats are limited, so sign up early! As classes are added to the calendar, I will update the email and send off the updates to you! 

Class take place at my home class room - 

(in East County El Cajon) 

When you contact me I'll share the address 

and directions :) 

Can't wait to see all of you 

Here are the first two classes scheduled for October and November

Wednesday October 24th 6:30pm - 8:00pm 

Card Design Basics

Class Fee: $10 - includes 3 completed cards 

Seats Available: 12 

Learn some basics in card design while completing three holiday themed cards - Nicole will talk about using one basic design to create several unique and fun cards. This class is perfect for beginners and seasoned crafters alike! 

Friday November 9th 6:00pm-8:00pm 

2013 Desktop Calendar 

Class Fee: $10 - includes one completed calendar (extra calendar kits will be sold for $5) 

Seats Available: 8 

This desktop calendar is super easy to make (and customize!) for yourself OR would make an awesome gift! You'll learn, step by step, how to make the calendar so that you can recreate it at home for gifts. There will be lots of customizing options (different paper choices and embellishment choices) so no two calendars will be alike! 

World Card Making Day!

Happy World Card Making Day!

SALE SALE SALE 

at Sweet Stamp Shop!!

Halloween Clearance AND

25% off your total order 

(excluding the halloween clearance) 

Coupon Code: WCD12

(no code needed for halloween clearance - prices marked 

down in shop) 

Head over to the shop to grab your favorite sets 

before they're sold out! 

www.sweetstampshop.com

________________________

What better way to celebrate than to participate in some 

challenges! 

I participated in three today --- here are my cards and 

the awesome challenges that they're for!

First up is the Sweet Stamp Shop challenge

(it's a sketch challenge this week!) 

Here is the sketch --- and my take on it below 

Love my 'Out in Space' stamp set - I reach for it ALL the time! 

Check it out in the Sweet  Stamp Shop HERE

Next up is the Runway Inspired Challenge

I love that challenge! 

Here was the inspirational picture for the challenge

And here is my card

Clean simple lines - mustard and blues (whites and greys) 

I really like this card and I love the Runway Inspired Challenge. 

I used the 'Jars of Sweets' stamp set - I really like how versatile it is. 

Check it out in the shop HERE 

Lastly - I made a card for the CASE study Challenge 

They had this amazing card for inspiration 

And here is my take on it -- 

I used lots of glitz - butterflies - 

and 'Old Fashioned Afternoon' stamp set.

Thank you all so much for stopping in and saying hello! 

Make sure to stop by Sweet Stamp Shop for the sale and lots 

of fun card making inspiration! 

Hugs, 

N.