Be Creative With Nicole

A few minutes to stamp

Woo Hoo!  I was finally able to sneak away and stamp!  I love Halloween so I chose to do a 3x3 card that I knew I could get done in less than 20 minutes.  Here's what I came up with.

 

I wanted a card that didn't have ribbon.  I am trapped in the same design cycle, I use ribbon on absolutely everything.  It took a me a little longer to think about a design that was out of the box for me. But I am happy with the way it turned out in the end.  I used the Twick or Tweet set from the Holiday Mini Catalog...love it!!  I also used the Night and Day DSP available in the Holiday Mini Catalog.  I added Crystal Effects #101055 to the pumpkins to add dimension after they were colored in with my Pumpkin Pie Stampin' Write Marker #105115.  The base of the basket from the die cut Baskets & Blooms served as my background for the pumpkins.

Here is a close up of the pumpkins to help you see the sheen from the Crystal Effects #101055.

 

For the inside of the card I mimicked the front but did not use DSP for the Basket base, I used Whisper White paper #100730.

Featured products:

 

Twick or Tweet #116497

Night and Day Designer Series Paper  #116768

Stampin' Up! Baskets & Blooms #113484

To order any of the featured products, visit my Stampin' Up! Website.  Right now is a great time to order, there is a great clearance section to check out.

Thanks for stopping by, see you next time.  Have a great Sunday!!

If it doesn't move..stamp it!!

Nicole Tugrul

Your Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator

Baby Announcement

I'm half-way through the 30 baby announcements that I need to complete.  I wanted to get this posted earlier..but my days are quite busy!  I say every day "I'm going to get some stamping done.."  then before I know it, the day is gone and I haven't set foot near my stamp room!  Anyway, here is the sample of Ben's announcement.  I got this idea from Jenn D on her amazing blog.  She did a b-day card using this format and the set All in the Family.  You should check out here amazing BLOG! Here is the complete card. 

I tried to keep it cute but simple.  The only thing that has slowed me down is the punching and gluing. But I am happy with the outcome.  Here is the photo I am sending with the announcement.

Isn't he cute!  He was three weeks old in this picture.  Now he is 6 weeks and I can't believe how fast it has gone! Here is a picture of Big Sis (Sofia) with Ben, she can't be left out at all or the green monster comes out!

Thanks for stopping by.  I am still hoping to steel a few moments to stamp soon so check in again!

If it doesn't move..stamp it!

Nicole Tugrul
Your Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator

Help Make a Difference

As you all know, I belong to Late Night Stampers Yahoo Group (to join, click on the owl in the right hand column). Our group Mom, Sherrill Graff is a wonderful and inspiring person that puts a lot of her time into helping others.  Her main cause is helping kids through the Ronald McDonald House.  There is currently an effort going to get cards and blankets donated for the kids.  If you'd like to help out, please follow the links below to learn more about this great cause.  I have also put the links on the right column under favorite links, they are the last 3 links listed. 

http://www.sugardoo dle.net/mambo/ index.php? option=com_ content&task=view&id=4995

http://latenightsta mper-stampandscr ap.blogspot. com/

http://rmhc.org/how-you-can-help/volunteer/30-ways-in-30-days/spread-the-word-by-sharing-your-story/

Stampin’ Up! designs an exclusive stamp set every year to help raise money for Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC®). With the help of Stampin’ Up! demonstrators and customers, Stampin’ Up! has contributed nearly $800,000 to date. When you purchase this Very Thankful set for $14.95, Stampin’ Up! will donate $2.00 to RMHC. Please join us in Making a Difference. If you would like to place an order, please contact me.

Very Thankful 115338 $14.95

Thanks for looking!

If it doesn't move..stamp it!!

Nicole Tugrul
Your Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator

Baby Benjamin is Here!!

I've been away for a few weeks, with good reason... Baby Benjamin has arrived!!  He was born on July 29th, 3 days past due!  The last few weeks of the pregnancy were hard, I felt like a beached whale!!  But it was all worth it!!  Benjamin was 9lb 10 oz and 20 3/4 inches long,  He will be a tall guy like Daddy!  He's been a real joy and we are very blessed. I will post the baby announcement once I finish it this week.  I hope to get back into stamping soon, but for right now I'm enjoying time with my family.  Take care!!

If it doesn't move..stamp it!!

Nicole Tugrul
Your Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator

Lots of New and Exciting News from Stampin' Up!

While anytime is a great time to join the Stampin' Up! family as a demonstrator, joining during July and August is especially sweet!

Starting your own Stampin' Up! business means free and discounted products, plus a little extra cash--and who couldn't use that? Plus, from July 15 - August 31, you can become a Stampin' Up! demonstrator for only $85!

The special, limited-time Mini Starter Kit contains many of the items you need to get started in your new business, including

• For All You Do stamp set
• In Color Classic Stampin' Pads (6)
• Whisper White card stock (8-1/2" x 11")
• In Color assorted card stock (8-1/2" x 11")
• Business forms and tools

Or if you want to buy the standard $199 Starter Kit, in addition to the supplies listed below, you'll get all six of the new In Color Classic Stampin' Pads and one pack of In Color assorted card stock (8-1/2" x 11")--a $43 value! The standard Starter Kit includes

• Four stamp sets
• A Stampin' Around wheel, handle, and ink cartridge
• Stampin' Pastels
• Card stock
• Eastern Blooms Décor Elements and applicator tool
• Five Classic Stampin' Pads
• VersaMark Pad
• Stampin' Scrub and Mist
• Blender pens
• Business forms and tools

These special offers--the Mini Starter Kit and the In Color add-on to the standard Starter Kit--are only available for a limited time, so you must act fast!
Benefits of Becoming a Demonstrator
Whether you just love to stamp, or you want to grow a successful, thriving business, the Stampin' Up! opportunity is the right fit for you. Stampin' Up! demonstrators enjoy many benefits, with just a few listed below:

• Product discount. Demonstrators get a 20 percent discount on all Stampin' Up! products, including stamp sets, paper, and accessories. It's a great way to support your love of stamping and paper crafting.
• Extra income. You'll earn extra income based on your sales and recruiting--how much extra income is up to you. Maybe you just want enough income to pay the electric bill every month, or maybe your goal is bigger--the monthly payment for your new car--it's your decision! See the Compensation Table for more information.
• Flexible schedule. This is your business, so you can put in as much (or as little) time as you'd like.
• Support from Stampin' Up! We love our demonstrators and it shows through our demonstrator support materials, including a monthly magazine, workshop ideas, and audio and video trainings on all kinds of topics available on our Demonstrator Web Site.

Dates: July 1-31, 2009

Promotion Details:

Every week during the month of July, Stampin' Up! will offer one discounted product as a "Deal of the Week."  No limits and no minimum purchase required. 

Deal of the Week: Scallop Edge Punch!  Everything's prettier in scallops! July 1–5, get the Scallop Edge punch for just $10.99—over 30% off the regular price of $15.95.

To place your order, go to my Stampin' Up! Website and shop online 24/7.  The new Idea Book and Catalog has just been released so there are lots of beautiful stamps and accessories to shop for.  You can view the catalog through the links listed below.

2009-2010 Catalog:

Click the catalog to download in .pdf format!

Animal Stories

I found a great tutorial last week for a larger size matchbox on Kelly Lunceford's blog.  I have been wanting to try it out and finally got a chance today.  Since I have babies on the brain (I'm due in 4 weeks..hopefully he'll arrive a little sooner), I made a baby gift out of it using the new Animal Stories set that is in the new 2009-2010 Idea Book and Catalog.

I used the Tall Tales DSP for the outside of the box and So Saffron for the base.  The  final measurements are 3 inches wide by 6 1/4 inches long, so it can hold quite a bit.  As you'll see in the picture below, I made a little bath set out of it. 

This idea for a larger matchbox is so versatile.  I have a ton of ideas going through my head for the holidays, teachers gifts, etc. that can be done with this great box.  To make one of your own, go to Kelly's beautiful blog HERE and check out her tutorial.

I hope you enjoyed this little project as much as I did!  I'm sure there will be more boxes to show in the future, stop back for more!

If it doesn't move..stamp it!
Nicole Tugrul
Your Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator

Bird House Card Set

I just love this stamp set!  I modeled this after Andrea Walford's Punch Pals Class from last year.  I changed the house to be a birdhouse, but the construction is the same as hers.  You can view her's HERE.  I made (2) 3x3 cards and (2) 4x4 cards plus a decorated pen to go inside.  I sold these at the Extreme Home Party I did in the spring.

Thanks for looking!  I hope you like my birdhouse.  The directions are available for purchase from Andrea Walford in her Sunny Stampin' Store.

See you next time!

If it doesn't move..stamp it!!
Nicole Tugrul
Your Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator

A Couple Cards to Share

I have made a few cards these past couple days that I want to share with you.  The first 2 are Father's Day cards.

This first card was for my Husband.  We have 3 horses, and he just loves them.  So I figured he would like this card..and he did!

This card was for my Father-in-Law.  I have been wanting to do a masculine card with a bolder color palette, and this fit the bill.  I used retired DSP and the star punches.  It was quick and easy to make.

This last card is the Thank You card that I made for my baby showers.  I haven't said anything on my blog about this, but I am expecting a baby boy in late July.  I had 2 baby showers over the last 2 weeks and had a lot of people to thank.  I made this card simple but sweet so I could knock out a bunch at once.  You can't see in this picture, but I used the small polka dots texturz plate on the bashful blue background.

The elephant was outlined with a fine tip marker to make it pop.  All in all, I am pleased with the outcome.  I was able to whip up 20 cards in no time!

Thanks for stopping by, see you next time!

If it doesn't move...stamp it!
Nicole Tugrul
Your Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator

Di-O-Rama Mini Tutorial

Today I am going to show you how to make this di-o-rama card.  It is super simple, much easier than I thought this type of card would be.

Supplies:
Paper Cutter with cutting and scoring blades
Life's a Breeze stamp set
Matching wheel
Pacific point 1 sheet 8 1/2 x 11
Baja Breeze 1 Sheet 8 1/2 x 11
Whisper White 1 sheet 8 1/2 x 11
Pacific Point Classic ink pad
Baja Breeze Classic Ink Pad
Kiwi Kiss Classic Ink Pad
Tangerine Tango Classic Ink pad
Sticky strip
Tombow multi purpose adhesive
1 3/8 circle punch
1 1/4 circle punch

Cut 2 pieces of Pacific Point measuring 3 1/8 x 8
  * Score each of the Pacific point pieces at 2 inches from each end

Cut 1 piece of Baja Breeze measuring 3 1/8 x 6
  * Score this piece at 1 inch from each end

I masked of the 2 inches on each end and just wheeled the middle area which will be the front of the card.  I did this on all three pieces of cardstock.

Use the 1 3/8 inch circle punch to punch a circle in the center of one piece of the Pacific Point. 

Then punch a circle to both sides of the circle, the circles will overlap.  You want to keep a little paper on each side of the window you are creating.

Use the 1 1/4 inch circle punch on the Baja Breeze piece.  When you are done you will have 2 pieces with windows and one without.  The Pacific Point piece that isn't punched will be the back of the card.

Stamp and cut out the images you want to decorate your card with.

Use the tombow adhesive to add your cut outs.

Put sticky strip along the 1 inch scored edge on each side of the Baja Breeze paper.  Secure it to the back piece of Pacific Point.

Put sticky strip on the pacific point piece that is your front window.  Attach it to the sides of the back piece of pacific point.  I used 2 strips of tape, one at the end of the paper and one at the crease to make sure it would adhere well.

And now you have a completed card.

This will fit in the small open ended envelope.

I made another card with different dimensions.  You can alter the dimensions I gave you to make all different sizes. 

This card card is made with 2 pieces instead of three.  It measures 4 1/4 x 7 1/2.  I punched a larger window in the front piece.  There are just unlimited possibilities.  This card fits into the standard initation envelope.

Thanks so much for stopping by.  Now that I've got my internet running like it should, I will be back to posting more frequently.  If you'd like to keep up with what I'm doing, you can subscribe to my blog and get e-mails whenever I have a new post.  And dont' forget about the great Country Living Promotion and the Last Chance Lists. If you'd like to stock up on retiring accessories or purchase stamps that will no longer be available, go to the top of my blog on the left side where you can click on my Shop now button and go to my Stampin' Up! website.

See you next time!

If it doesn't move..stamp it!

Nicole Tugrul
Your Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator

Country Living Promotion

Thanks so much for your patience...I am finally back online.  It ended up that I had to change to a whole new company in order to get internet service.  It was a VERY long two weeks and I am glad it's over.  I am so happy  now, I am actually getting the service I'm paying for!

Anyway, I wanted to post the new promotion that started today from Stampin' Up and Country Living.  It is an awesome BBQ set up that would make any gathering look perfect.
Here's the details.

Take advantage of the Country Living Summer Cookout Kit.  This summer, Stampin' Up! has partnered with Country Living magazine to create a unique craft kit, which they will feature in their July 2009 issue.   You will love how it can help create special memories with a fun and convenient, coordinated summer barbeque!

Item #	Description	Price
118070	Country Living Summer Cookout Kit	$24.95

The exclusive Country Living Summer Cookout Kit includes the following products:

• 8 die-cut table tents (2 each of 4 colors)
• Die-cut components, bamboo skewers, and envelopes to create 8 shish kabob invitations
• 12 die-cut coasters (3 each of 4 colors)
• 16 die-cut tags (4 each of 4 colors)
• 24 12" x 12" printed food wrapper sheets (12 each of 2 colors)
• 4 printed recipe cards
• 5 yards linen thread 
• Ruby Red Classic Stampin' Spot
• Night of Navy Classic Stampin' Spot
• Dig In stamp set (item number 116700)

Note: the kit does not include tablecloths, plates, or flatware.

This special kit is available June 15th through August 31st.  So run to my Stampin' Up! Website and place your order today!

Thanks again for your patience, I am glad to have things up and running again.  Come back and check out the Di-o-rama tutorial I promised to share.  I hope to have it posted in the next day or so.

If it doesn't move..stamp it!

NicoleTugrul

Your Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator