Simon Says Stamp Blog!: October 2010

Friday, October 29, 2010

Background Stamps!

These stamps are great because they add pattern/texture to your cards and, unless you're making a massive card, it only takes a minute to make something pretty! Here are a few of my favorite background stamps!!

Round & Round is so pretty and there is a lot of detail. This would be useful if you want to just do one stamp and then basically be done - I could see just this on a card, maybe with some gems and a sentiment?

Florentine Pattern is great because it's subtle and can go with any theme!

Seeing spots? Me too! I love these Circles and that they're different sizes!

I like Happy Festive Background for the exact opposite reason that I like Florentine Pattern - it's busy and there's a lot to look at. Reminds me of the hustle and bustle of Christmas.

Silent Night Background is neat because (I think) it's the actual notes and lyrics for the song. I like that it looks like a hymnal page too.

I've always liked Paisley patterns anyway so the Paisley Background stamp is an go-to favorite for me.

Holly Flourish is a nice filled-in pattern. For more examples of what you can make of this click on Holly Flourish or the picture!

This stamp reminds me a little bit of the Brady Bunch. It's called Retro Background.

I spy....Birds! Do you? This stamp is called Birds of a Feather. It makes me think of a Victorian wallpaper design a little bit. I like.

Happy Crafting!
-Sarah
sarah@simonsaysstamp.com

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Dashing Through the Snow...Martha Stewart's Here Today!

Gingerbread Men Edge Punch

A holiday favorite of mine: gingerbread cookies!! This adorable punch will help you decorate holiday cards and make you think of that delicious gingerbread cookie smell!

Holiday Lights Double Edge Punch

My good friend AJ and I love to drive around the neighborhood to see what people have done with their holiday decorations - where we are from people go all out to light up their homes, trees, and shrubs.

Pine Needles Edge Punch

Another great holiday smell: pine needles!! I love this punch because it works for winter holidays, but can also take you through the rest of the year!

Holly Leaves Punch Around the Page

Add pretty decoration to cards during this chilly (at least in Ohio!) season. I like the added texture, and if you want, you can punch from green paper and add to a different colored card!

Never fear! Martha has you covered for all of your snowflake needs!! She truly believes that "no two snowflakes are the same"!

*Martha Stewart ASPEN Snowflakes Punch Around the Page Set Craft Punches

Price: $29.95

*Martha Stewart GLACIAL SNOWFLAKE Craft Paper Punch M232313

Price: $19.95

*Martha Stewart ICELANDIC SNOWFLAKE Large Craft Punch 42 35024

Price: $18.99

*Martha Stewart LAYERED SNOWFLAKE STICKERS 41 00111

Price: $3.99

*Martha Stewart NORDIC SNOWFLAKE Double Craft Punch 42 25034

Price: $14.99

*Martha Stewart SCANDINAVIAN SNOWFLAKE Large Craft Punch 42 30012

Price: $16.99

*Martha Stewart SNOW FLURRY Edger Paper Punch Edge Holidays M284125W

Price: $16.95

*Martha Stewart SNOWFLAKE TRIM Double Edge Craft Punch 42 70016

Price: $19.99

*Martha Stewart STAMP & PUNCH POLAR Snowflake 42-25008

Price: $16.95

Brand New by Martha Stewart: Glitter By Number!! Lucky for you all, I've been using serious self-control and haven't bought them all yet!! ; )

*Martha Stewart SCANDINAVIAN Glitter-By-Number Art Kit 47 86021

Price: $12.99

*Martha Stewart WINTER WONDERLAND Glitter-By-Number Art Kit 47 86022

Price: $12.99

Thanks for browsing with me! Check out other Martha Stewart products by clicking her name!
-Sarah
sarah@simonsaysstamp.com

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Holiday Goodness Courtesy of Tim Holtz!

Winter Wonder

These dies are perfect for all of your crafting, scrapbooking, and book making needs, this extra large Sizzix die easily cuts through both thick and thin materials, including cardstock, chipboard, fabric, foam, magnetic sheets, leather, metallic foil, paper, sandpaper, and everyone's favorite: Grunge! I can just feel myself getting in the holiday spirit by looking at them...Falalalalalala....! Best of all...they're available NOW!

The Bigz dies are compatible with the BIGkick, Big Shot, Big Shot Express, and Big Shot Pro die cutting machines. Tim's die cutting machine will be available soon!

Carved Ornaments

Snow Flurries

Reindeer Flight

New to Tim Holtz dies? Check out this video of him demoing some of them.... courtesy of Tim!

This one is not just for the holidays...but think of the '12 Tags of Christma s'....

Tag & Bookplates

Have fun!!!

Steph

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Stamp & Show Somethin' Spooky Challenge!

Want a chance to be WINNER and have fun?! Be inspired by our Design Team below and enter the Simon Says Vintage Challenge! This week the theme is Spooky!

Made by Kim

Kim's cool coffin was created using a Sizzix Die called Coffin and Lid. That awesome embossed flourish on the tag came from the Urban Tapestry set by Tim Holtz. To get the shiny effect she did, try Ranger's Black Embossing Powder.

Made by Dan

Dan used Tim Holtz's Branch Tree die to cut those trees. If you'd like a Halloween ticket like the one featured on this creation, check out Odds and Ends by Tim Holtz (the set includes a bunch of tickets and such).

Made by Linda C

Linda's gorgeous creation was made using flourishes like Prima's SIIC Swirl with Pearls Black. She also used Tim Holtz's On the Edge Die for the top part.

Made by Lori

Lori's spooky creation was made using Tim Holtz's Raven and Scaredy Cat die. If you need a skeleton like the one featured here, take a peek at the Vintage Skeleton by Tim Holtz.

Made by Linda E

Linda used the Retro Halloween stamp set by Tim Holtz. Need to stock up on bright purple paint? Ranger carries Paint Dabbers in Purple Twilight and Eggplant. Wood Bingo Calendar Numbers were also used (they're by Maya Road).

Made by Katie

Katie used Mariposa cardstock paper by DCWV as well as Sew Artsy & Everyday Sayings, clear stamps by Hero Arts. If you're interested in Vintage Halloween images, I suggest you browse Crafty Secrets. I especially love the Halloween Journal Notes.

Made by Terry

Terry used glimmer mists by Tattered Angels - Sugar Maple and Cowboy glaze might be good ones. You could also fill a Tim Holtz Pen Marker with Rusty Hinge. Again, Crafty Secrets is a good place to go for images...try Halloween Time Vintage Cuts.

Made by Nancy C

Nancy used a tag like Ranger's (new!) Manila Tags. The image is Dictionary Skeleton and she also used Hobgoblin Tissue Tape by Tim Holtz. If you haven't used Tissue Tape before - you have got to try it!!! So easy to use! It sticks well, but you can re-lay it if needed.

Made by Lynne

Lynne used the Fabulous Flourish stamp by Hero Arts (and they really are fabulous aren't they?). Those flowers are pretty cool too...she made them using Tim Holtz's Tattered Florals and she used Tattered Leaves as well.

Made by Nancy W

Nancy used the Owl Scroll stamp for the front of the book. Want a chipboard book like this? Little Yellow Bicycle (LYB) has a Trick or Treat Chipboard Album that is great! Tim Holtz has Metal Corners that she used for embellishments too!

Please join us this week for the Simon Says Vintage Stamp & Show Challenge! If you do...you could WIN not only compliments but possibly a $25.00 gift voucher to Simon Says Stamp!

Thanks for playing!!
Sarah
sarah@simonsaysstamp.com

Monday, October 25, 2010

Magnolia says....Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas!

Snowy Hug

Tilda Wants a Hug & Peppermint

I am seriously LOVING the BRAND new collection from Magnolia! Pre-order yours now!! Part of the collection is HERE NOW!! They will be coming into our warehouse quickly, and judging from how cute they are and how many holiday cards they will for sure be featured on they may not last too long! A special big THANK YOU to the very talented designers who provided these BEAUTIFUL examples!! (Check out their blogs, they're AWESOME!! Debby, Jane, Donalda, & Jacque)