Carrie Stamps

American Girl Doll Party

Welcome Stampin' Friends! 

What do you do at 5am on a Saturday morning when you can not sleep in? You blog!  Last weekend was my daughter's birthday party.  Our theme was American Girl Doll.  Her favorite doll is Kit Kitridge, so we did a bit of a vintage theme as well, since she was from the time of the Great Despression.  I am sad to say I did not get as many pictures as I wanted, ones to blog that is.  It was a busy party and I did not designate a person to take photos!  I will remember that for next time.

My favorite thing I made for this party is the banner.  I make a banner for every party for my girls and when I saw this one on Pinterest, I knew it would be perfect for our doll party!

The little yellow haired doll is wearing SU! fabric, the retired Springtime Vintage Designer Fabric.  The black haired doll is wearing earings!  Her dress is made with vintage fabric I found at my neighbors garage sale several years ago.  She is elderly and her garage is FULL of fabric.  I was not in to sewing as much at the time of her sale and every summer I hope she is going to have another!  It is torture knowing her garage is full of fabric treasures! The doll with the brown pony tails is wearing some fabric my daughter and I picked out at the fabric store.  We looked for fabrics with our color theme and a vintage feel. 

I tried to add different accents to each doll to make her unique.  It was so much fun to make them, I remember why little girls love dolls!  Now this banner hangs on the foot board of my daughters bed. 

The girls spent some time dressing up their dolls or stuffed animals and then we had a fashion show.  See Samantha's birthday crown?  You can see a better picture of it here as well as our birthday memory book and party favors. 

Here is where I am sad about the pictures that did not get taken! My finished birthday table all decorated with our special bday treats!  But I will tell you about them now.  

You can see in the picture  below, the fancy china plate in front of Samantha... well, we went on a shopping spree to thrift stores and antique stores and found lone china plates with pretty patterns on them.  At the party the girls each got to choose the plate they liked best.  On our shopping spree I ran across a bag of ladies handkercheifs.  The were beautiful with embroidery on them.  It was a treasure found at a thrift store!!!  So, we used those for the napkins, again, each girl chose the napkin they wanted.  

For our treats!!!  I served flavored water!!! The girls absoluelty LOVED IT!  Here is what I did...

FLAVORED WATER:

In a small mason jar put:

4-5 chunks of watermelon

1 -2 strawberries, sliced

Smash the fruit up just a little, then add: 

 3-4 ice cubes 

fill jar with water

I added a cupcake paper to the top of my jar, put the ring on and inserted the cute straws! 

Our snacks included: 

Old-Fashioned Pink Popcorn

Old-Fashioned Buttermints

Flavored Water

Cookies and Cream Icebox Cake

Cookies and Cream Ice-cream

The thing I am most proud of in regards to my handy work for this party...

Besides my beautiful daughter who will not be getting any older from this point on, I made her a skirt and her doll a matching dress!  ME, who am a BEGINNER seamstress.  I was a little over the top with excitement about it!  Can you see the matching clips in their hair?  That is what we made as a craft at the party. 

The girls also made a little purse for their dolls.  These are the actual ones that my daughter made, not my samples. I die cut the flowers and the purses, showed them how to put them together and they all made their own.  The really loved having a hair clip for them and one to match for their doll.  Those that had a stuffed animal where able to clip it on the animals ear.  One girl had a baby doll with no hair, she clipped hers on the babies dress!  I used the Flower Layers Die, which is retired, but a scallop circle would do as well.  All you do is die cut four, fold one flower into fourths (use a little hot glue to hold it together), hot glue the tip to the center of a felt circle and repeat with the remaining 3 flowers.  Hot glue the flower to a clip. Add a button to the center. I had girls 5-10 doing this and using low temp hot glue, they did great. 

Another decoration I made using My Digital Studio is a Birthday Subway art piece. I love it so much and have not put it away yet.  If you missed the party invitation, you can see that here. 

It was a great party and the highlight was when Samantha got this present...

KIT!!!!!!!!!!!

She had to change Kit's clothes right away since it was so hot, she needed a summer dress too!  Now we have to make a flower clip for Kit too!  

Okay, that is all the birthday fun for now.  If you have any question about our American Girl Doll party please feel free to comment or contact me.  If you need help with a party, please let me know, I have done several!  

 

A Cherry on Top Ensemble

Welcome Stampin' Friends!  

You are viewing my Cherry on Top Ensemble for my upcoming Stamp Camp to kick off the all new catalog!  I hope you can join me! 

You are Invited to my Cherry On Top Stamp Camp! 

We will be making the four coordinating projects above. 

* A lunch sack repurposed into a designer gift bag

*A Birthday card with a stack of cupcakes, buttons and ribbon

* A cupcake box, perfect for a bag of candy

* A mini thank you card, with a cherry on top! 

Friday, June 13th 

6:30pm - 9:30pm

At my house (Boise, Idaho)

Registration $20

A all new 2012-2013 Idea Book/Catalog is my gift to all my attending customers!  I can't wait to stamp with you and show you some of our fun new products, stamps and in-colors! 

Register Now to secure your spot!

A Cherry on Top Tutorial

Order the tutorial for these projects.  Step by step directions with full color pictures to guide you in making all four of the projects in the Cherry on Top Ensemble. 

Tutorial Only Price: $4.95

The inspiration behind these projects came from this weeks Stampin' Royalty Challenge.  It is a picture challenge.  

Super cute pic!  I love the bright colors!  Be sure to check out what my fellow Stampin' Goddessess did with this picture challenge and come play along with our challenge.  Find it all at Stampin' Royalty. 

More CPC tutorials

Welcome Stampin' Friends!  

Are you ready for some super cute creations?  Well, that is just what I have to share with you!  I have three more tutorials for Craft Project Central to share with you.  These creations were designed by my fellow design team members for Craft Project Central.  If you missed the projects I designed, 4th of July home decor, click HERE to see them.  

First up is a fun Summer Smooches Necklace & Earring Set by Debbie Naylor.

Here’s a fun necklace and earring set you can make for your BFF using some of the crafting accessories you probably already have in your craft room as well as a few items from your local craft or home improvement store!  Package it up in the matching gift box and you’re set!  This is a fun, quick, and easy project, so you’ll probably want to make several sets!

Next up is Kim Score with a Bounty of Bumblebees, so super cute! 

Give something sweet to someone special!  This trio of bumblebee inspired boxes will delight young and old.  Fill them with a Bit-o-Honey or caramel candies for that extra special touch!  These cute boxes made great party favors and can be modified for other occasions by changing up the colors!  Makes for fun class or camp projects too!

Finally we have Heidi King who designed this Pin Cushion Frame Gift Ensemble!

This little gift set is perfect for the sewers and crafters in your life!  In addition, non-sewers/crafters will love this gift too!  The pin cushion frame can be used as a mini bulletin board and all readers love pretty bookmarks!  Pair these items with the matching card and your recipient is going to love this gift and be very impressed!  Try this one for a fun class or camp project too!

You can get the tutorials for all these projects for just $10, as well as SEVEN others!!!  It is a great deal.  Just subscribe to June at Craft Project Central. 

Eeyore card for Dad

Welcome Stampin' Friends! 

I know it is a little late to post a Father's Day card!  On Father's Day weekend we went camping with my in-laws, so that means I did not see my Dad on Father's Day.  So, we celebrated this past Saturday. I was so pleased with the card I made for him and just had to share it! 

I guess this might need a little explaining. My Dad is a big Eeyore fan and does his voice really good.  Often he talks like Eeyore when something doesn't go his way, which might have happend more than usual with a house of all girls.  With four girls plus my Mom, he was way out numbered!!! I thought my saying for the card front was perfect for our one week late celebration of Father's Day.  I got the idea on this particular Eeyore from Ellen Kemper (queen of punch art, in my book).  Thanks Ellen!

Here is what I did to make my Eeyore (all the blue pieces are Marnia Mist):

Body = 1-3/4" Circle Punch and the Wide Oval Punch layered behind the circle.

Neck = Large Oval Punch layered behind the Wide Oval Punch of the body.

Mane = four petal flower from the Itty Bitty Punch Pack, layered behind the neck and an additional 2 for the tuff of hair on his head from Basic Black.

Muzzle = 1-3/8 Circle Punch from Sahara Sand, round the top of the circle with the Wide Oval.

Head = Wide Oval Punch, you may need to trim the sides in a little so that it matches the muzzle. 

Eyes = Owl Punch - the heart, cut in half from Whisper White and 1/4" Circle Punch from Basic Black.  You will also need a White Gel Pen to add the whites to his eyes.

Ears = Large Oval Punch cut in half, using a curvy cut and one Small Oval Punch from Rich Razzleberry also cut in half.  Adhere the razzleberry piece to the back of the ear piece so that the rounded side shows. 

Front leg = Modern Label Punch

Back leg = Large Oval Punch, cut the top off in a "s" shape to make the foot

Tail = using the negative piece of a small oval hand cut the tail

Hair for the Tail = Small Heart Punch, snip the top of the heart to look like hair, glue the point of the heart to the end of the tail.

Bow = Owl Punch, two hearts and one of the smallest eye pieces from Rich Razzleberry.  Glue these on to cover the point of the hair on the tail. 

Thumbtack holding tail = negative piece from Spiral Punch (retired) from Basic Gray
 

Now, go punch you an Eeyore, he would be great for a baby shower card as well! 

Bday Subway Art

Welcome Stampin' Friends!

Today we are celebrating my oldest daughter's half birthday.  Yes, her half birthday, I know it's weird. But, her birthday is just before Chirstmas, so we have her birthday party in the summer and celebrate her half birthday.  So, I thought I would share with you the Birthday Subway Art I made for the occasion.  

I love it!  The colors I used here and for the party are, Pink Pirouette, Rose Red, Pool Party and River Rock.  I used MDS to make it, using different fonts and a few stamp brush images.  I love making subway art and they make such a cute decoration.  I will share more of my creations for our party later, time for me to clean and set up!!! 

Stampin' Royalty Challenge #129

Welcome Stampin' Friends! 

This week our challenge at Stampin' Royalty is a COLOR CHALLENGE.  Have you ever had trouble incorporating MORE MUSTARD, well I do!  And this was a great challenge to help me get over it! 

Fun colors, including More Mustard! 

I decided to do a thank you card as I need a couple for my recent visits to Portland, OR to see my sister and her new baby and for my visit to my grandparents this past weekend in Rupert, ID.   I had a wonderful time at both places, definately worthy of a thank you card! 

I had some fun with two of my new embossing folders to make this background! 

Argyle Textured Embossing Folder #127750

Fancy Fan Embossing Folder #127775

I also used a stamp set that I have not used in a while!  Raining Flowers, it is fun to stack up the different flowers and have a nice 3-D flower. 

Raining Flowers #122767 (Clear Mount)

You will want to make sure and check out what my fellow Stampin' Goddessess made for this challenge at Stampin' Royalty! And you can play right along with us, make a card and link it to today's post at Stampin' Royalty! 

3 more tutorials and 1 winner!

Welcome Stampin' Friends!  

Feels like SO long since I have posted.  We have had two back to back trips in the last two weeks.  The summer fun is under way!  And I have more summer fun to share with you today as well. Today, I am sharing three more tutorials available this month at Craft Project Central.  These tutorials were designed by my fellow design team members.  If you would like to see the 4th of July decore items I designed for Craft Project Central this month, CLICK HERE.  

Heidi King designed this Cupcake box, Card set and Gift Card Holder.  

This cute cupcake box is the perfect way to bring someone a cupcake on their special day!  It makes a great gift with the set of matching cards and 3" x 3" gift card!  This project is also a fun class, club, or camp project!

Rosemarie Diehl designed this Floral District Card set with Envelopes & Purse Holder.

Need a quick gift for a friend or a teacher gift for the end of the school year?  Look no further!  This sweet little Flora District mini purse will bring a smile to the recipient!  Open it up and you have a set of four 3" x 3" note cards and cute matching envelopes created using Floral District Designer Series Paper! 

Tara Bourgoin designed this House Gift Box and matching card.

This house gift box and card are the perfect way to welcome a new neighbor to the neighborhood!  Or give a small gift to a friend or family member who is moving into a new home.  The inside of the box measures 4" x 4" and is ideal for holding a small gift or treat!

And now it is time to announce the winner of a FREE SUBSCRIPTION to CRAFT PROJECT CENTRAL for the month of June.  The winner was drawn at random from the commenters of the 4th of July Decor post last week.  

AND

THE

WINNER 

IS...

ANDREA M. 

Andrea,watch for an email from me!  Thanks to all of you who left me such kind comments, it really makes my day!  I am sorry I was unable to comment back to all of you as I was out of town!  But please continue to leave your commments, I love it! 

American Girl Doll Invitation

Welcome Stampin' Friends

It's Stampin' Royalty Challenge Day!  This week's challenge is: CLEAN AND SIMPLE.  This challenge really spoke to me as I was also planning out my daughter's birthday party invitation.  We are doing an American Girl Doll party, so there are not many stamps and or designer papers that I could think of that would be perfect for that.  Instead I have decided on a vintage feel and combined that with the challenge of making the invitation "Clean and Simple".  

I have made a few other pieces for the party as well, you can see them HERE.  

The color combination that I am using for the party is: Pool Party, Pink Pirouette, River Rock and Very Vanilla.  Now I need to start working on the decorations.  I will  post those later. 

Want to play along with our Clean and Simple Challenge?  Click over to Stampin' Royalty to find out how.  And you will want to check out what my fellow Goddessess made for this challenge as well! 

4th of July on Craft Project Central

Welcome Stampin' Friends

I am so excited today to share with you a the tutorial that I created for Craft Project Central this month!  I designed some 4th of July home decor items.  

I made a 4th of July wreath out of the candy wrapper die!  Isn't it so fun!!! Once you know how to make this wreath you can change up the paper and make one for all kinds of occasions! Here is one I made for the holidays!

 Next, using My Digital Studio I created a 4th of July Subway art piece that has the Pledge of Allegiance on it.  And, last but not least I made some pinwheels that are on clothespins.  Make several of these and clip them all around for quick 4th of July decorations!    If you would like the tutorial to make all three of my projects, visit CRAFT PROJECT CENTRAL.  For just $10 you will get this tutorial as well as 9 others!  Is is such a great deal!    Keep watching, all month I will be sharing with you photos of the other 9 projects.   

BUT WAIT!!!  I get to give away one free subscription to the month of June!!!  All you have to do it leave a comment on this post and next tuesday I will draw a name at random and annouce the winner!  

June on CPC

Welcome Stampin' Friends! 

It's a new month and that means a whole new set of tutorials at Craft Project Central. I was lucky enough to design a tutorial for them again this month!  So, I am here to share with you a peek at 3 of the tutorials available to you this month!  Watch for my tutorial later this month as well as SIX others!!! 

The first tutorial this month was designed by Amanda Corbet.  Check out this amazing Mini Photo Album! 

Amanda tells us about her project: Mini photo albums make great gifts! Teachers, co-workers, grandparents, etc.  Everyone loves photo albums, but few people actually have the time to make them, unless making them as gifts! This pretty little album can hold up to 76 different sized photos!  There is space for twenty four 4"x 6"  or smaller photos, twenty eight 5" x 7" or smaller photos, and twenty four 3-1/2" x 5-1/2" or smaller photos.  Inside the sturdy cover are 12 pages.  Each page has pockets where photos and journaling can be added!  Makes for a great class project too!

Laurie Zoellmer designed this card and matching holder with the new Betsy's Blooms stamp set and coordinating designer paper. 

Laurie says, "This quick and easy project makes a perfect gift!  Great for teachers, co-workers or as a thank you for a special neighbor!  The box holds 4-6 cards and envelopes and is a great item to make for craft or vendor shows as well as making for a class, club, or stamp camp!"

The third tutorial for June was designed by Chris Galbraith.

 Here is more about Chris' project...These pretty note cards, box, and matching pen set are the perfect gift for any busy lady!  The box has stamped note paper, four cards with stamped envelopes, and a handy matching pen.  When the paper is gone and the note cards are sent, the front rosette can easily be removed to use as a decoration for a card, a gift bag, or even a scrapbook page.

To get these tutorials and all 10 tutorials for the month of June, visit Craft Project Central and subscribe to June.  You will get all 10 tutorials for just $10!!! 

Happy 20th - AGAIN!

Welcome Stampin' Friends!  

Happy Wednesday!!!  It's a happy day for me cause I got me a hair cut, a long over due hair cut, lovin' it!!!  I am also happy to share with you my weekly challenge creation for Stampin' Royalty!!!  This week's challenge is a sketch challenge (SR#127), you know I love sketches!!!  

Super cute sketch.  Here is my inspired card...

I absolutely loved the butterflies on the sketch but they just did not seem to go with my card, I tied other accent pieces but this card felt finshed to me.   And on the inside the card says..."AGAIN".   hehehehe. I have a few people in mind who are up for this card this year!!!

I used our brand new In-Colors, Primrose Petals and Summer Starfruit, they go very nicely with Basic Gray.  I got the color combination from the Color Coach insert for Primrose Petals.  Those colors are growing on me! 

So, why don't YOU join me and play along with this sketch challenge!  I know you can do it! Click on over to Stampin' Royalty to find out how.

recipe

stamps: memorable moments

ink: basic gray pad, primrose petals pad, summer starfruit marker

paper: basic gray card stock and dsp, primrose petals card stock, summer starfruit card stock, whisper white card stock

accessories: dimensionals

tools: big shot die-cutting machine, stirpes embossing folder, perfect polka dots embossing folder, labels collection framelits, scallop edge border punch, 2-1/2 circle punch, mulitpurpose liquid glue

Highlighter Gift

Welcome Stampin' Friends! 

I have been wanting to post this project for a while now!!  We, my oldest daughter and I made these as gifts for the wonderful women/moms who teach my children at our homeschool Co-Op on thursdays.  Each mom there has one class that they lead teach, so my children get an opprotunity to be taught one day a week by someone other than me.  It has been the best experience for our family!  

So, we made just a little something to let these teachers know they are appriciated! 

I printed out the saying on lined school paper, it came out a little crooked since the paper is so light weight, but I liked the effect.  These were super easy to make, especially with a little helper.  Samantha stamped and colored the school buses.  There is also room in there for a gift card, which is a very popular teacher gift!  

recipe:

stamps: every little bit

ink: daffodil delight marker, more mustard marker, real red marker, going gray marker, bashful blue marker (for the edge of the bus windows)

paper: poppy parade card stock and dsp (retired), daffodil delight card stock, whisper white card stock, lined school paper

accessories: poppy parade ribbon (retired), silver clip (retired), dimensionals

tools: decorative label punch, fancy favor box, big shot die cutting machine