Guest Book and Pen

This is a book I created from cover to cover with the aid of a great little machine called the Bind-It-All. The Zutter Bind-It-All is very compact and binds any project, such as books, post-cards, pictures, envelopes, etc. A close friend of mine bought the Bind-It-All for me. Can you believe that? What a sweetheart she is! Thank you over and over again, Alicia!

You may have to zoom in to see the rhinestones in the center of the large flowers, as well as the little green “leaves” I stamped with half a piece of a pencil eraser.

Guest book- Created by Michelle Hoffman
Stamp set: En Francais background stamp, Fabulous Flowers, Schoolbook Serif Alphabet
Paper: Whisper White, Pretty in Pink, Rose Red CS
Ink: Rose Red, Pretty In Pink, Bravo Burgundy, Certainly Celery Classic Ink
Accessories: Chipboard, computer printed guest pages, Bind-It-All machine, coil, embossing powder- Crystal Clear, sticky strip, Crystal Effects, paper trimmer, Ribbons- Pretty in Pink grosgrain, pink gingham, pink taffeta, rhinestones, pencil eraser, clear acrylic sealer.

Here is a close up of the matching pen I made. I ended up removing the bow and replacing it with a long piece of Pretty in Pink grosgrain ribbon which was attached to the book so that the pen could not be lost.

Pen- by Michelle Hoffman
Stamp set: Fabulous Flowers
Ink: Rose Red, Pretty In Pink Classic Ink
Accessories: click pen (not sure of the proper name), micro beads, shipping label, sticky strip, ribbon- pink taffeta, heat tool, tray.

This book also fits in with the inspirational challenge on my group’s blog, UDI. Check it out at http://utahdivasinternational.blogspot.com/2008/07/diva-inspiration-challenge-2.html and please consider joining in the challenge. If you do, please post a comment with the link to your project in this post’s comments section.

Thanks for visiting. Have fun stampin' and creatin'!

Picture frames

Picture frames are my favorite items to alter and they are very easy to work with. Below are a few of the picture frames I have created. I apologize for the angle of the picture frames in the pictures. They are not as easy to photograph as they are to decorate! :)

Designed by Michelle Hoffman
Stamp sets: By Land (retired)
Paper: Whisper White CS
Ink: Bravo Burgundy, Always Artichoke, More Mustard Classic Ink, Not Quite Navy Craft ink
Accessories: 1/8” circle punch, Eyelets- Basic Black, Stampin’ dimensional, scissors, Whisper White, Bravo Burgundy, More Mustard, Always Artichoke, Night of Navy grosgrain ribbon, On Board Simon Lower chipboard letter, White gel pen, Burgundy and Brown craft pain, foam brush, Mod Podge

Designed by Michelle Hoffman
Stamp sets: Warm Words, Wild Rose
Paper: Porcelain Prints
Ink: Black Stazon
Accessories: Wooden picture frame, Whicker White craft paint, foam brush, X-Acto knife, ruler, sanding block, paper cutter, Crystal Effects, microbeads

Designed by Michelle Hoffman
Stamp sets: Warm Words
Paper: Flowers For You DSP
Ink: Black Stazon
Accessories: Wooden picture frame, Whicker White craft paint, foam brush, X-Acto knife, ruler, sanding block, paper cutter, Regal Rose 5/8” grosgrain ribbon

Designed by Michelle Hoffman
Paper: Petals and Paisley DSP (retired)
Accessories: Wooden picture frame, Whicker White craft paint, foam brush, X-Acto knife, ruler, sanding block, paper cutter, Regal Rose 5/8” grosgrain ribbon

I hope you have as much fun decorating picture frames as I do! If you haven't yet altered one, I urge you to try it today. I bought the plain wooden frames at Michael's Arts & Crafts for $1 each. You certainly can't go wrong at that price :)

So have fun stampin' and creatin!

Father's Day Stamp Class Projects

These are the projects we created in my May stamp class. I designed the projects so they could be given as Father’s Day gifts, but they are versatile enough to be used for any occasion really. Especially the projects which are more generic, such as the pull treat and Post-It note holder.

Swing card, Post It note holder, Pull treat

Swing card- by Michelle Hoffman
Tutorial by Beate Johns
Stamp set: For Father, Lovely As A Tree (leaf), Thinking of Father (sentiment), Weathered background stamp
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Always Artichoke, Not Quite Navy CS, Watercolor paper
Ink: Black StazOn, Watercolor Wonder Crayons- Earth Elements, Neautrals, Basic Black Stampin’ Write Marker
Accessories: Blender pens, Crop-A-Dile, SNAIL adhesive, scissors, paper cutter, Always Artichoke grosgrain ribbon, Rich Regals eyelets- Always Artichoke, sponge, spray bottle

Other side of the swing part.

Watercolored image

For those of you interested in the technique I used for the background of this image, read on.
After I had stamped and colored the main image, I simply sprayed a tiny bit of water on a stamping sponge, then colored the wet spot with a Close to Cocoa watercolor crayon. I blotted the sponge on scrap paper once, then applied it to the watercolor paper. I blotted the color onto the paper, rewetting the sponge when needed. Then, before it was dry, I went back and smeared the blots, creating the effect you see. This works beautifully on watercolor paper. I’m not sure how it would look on regular card stock. If you do attempt it on regular card stock, I’d love to hear how it worked for you.

After the background was dry, I stamped the Father’s Day greeting, using a Basic Black Stampin’ marker. Be sure to stamp the greeting AFTER the background technique, otherwise it will smear. You may be able to use StazOn ink for the greeting to avoid smearing if you prefer to stamp the greeting before doing the background technique.

Pull treat- Designed by Michelle Hoffman
Tutorial by Beate Johns
Stamp set: Seeing Spots
Paper: Going Gray, Brilliant Blue, Whisper White 8.5 x 11” CS
Ink: Only Orange, Brilliant Blue, Wild Wasabi Classic Ink
Accessories: Hershey chocolate bar, slot punch, 1” circle punch, stampin’ dimensionals, sticky strip, SNAIL adhesive, scissors, paper cutter, Pumpkin Pie grosgrain ribbon

Post It Note Holder- by Michelle Hoffman
Stamp set: For Father
Paper: Wild Wasabi, Chocolate Chip 8.5 x 11” CS, Wild Wasabi Prints DSP, watercolor paper
Ink: Black StazOn, Watercolor Wonder crayons- Earth Elements, Neutrals
Accessories: Blender pen, 1/8” circle punch, SNAIL adhesive, scissors, paper cutter, silver elastic cord, Post It note holders

I don’t have a tutorial for this holder, but I plan to create one. If you’re interested in seeing a tutorial for this project, please post in the comment section.

Have fun stampin’ and creatin’!

Mini Accordion Album

This is a mini accordion album we created in my stamp class last month. The butterfly is two dimensional but it didn’t show up very well in this picture.

To create this 9 page album, I used one 12 x 12 sheet of card stock. Cut a line along the length of the paper at 3 3/4”, 7 1/2” and 11 1/4”. Discard the left over narrow strip. Turn your strip horizontally and score at 3 3/4”, 7 1/2” and 11 1/4”. Score the other two strips identical to the first. Take one of the strips, and cut off the 3/4” portion at the bottom and discard it. Do not cut off this portion on the other two strips. Apply adhesive to the two 3/4” portions. Attach one strip at the 3/4” portion to the first square on the second strip. Then attach the second strip at the 3/4” portion to the first square on the third strip. Fold all 9 squares accordion style on the score lines. You now have the base for your album!

For the front cover, I cut a piece of Groovy Guava 3 1/2” x 3 1/2”, then a piece of Afternoon Tea DSP 3 1/4” x 3 1/4”. I stamped the butterfly from Garden Whimsy twice, and cut both out. I attached one butterfly cut out to the CS layers, using dimensionals. I made a score line in the middle of my second butterfly, folded the left side, then adhered the right side to the first butterfly. To get a 3-D effect, you will want to cut out a total of 3 butterflies and attach them accordingly. Then, I applied Crystal Effects randomly on the top butterfly, creating raised dots for dimension.

For the ribbon, I cut 19” of Wild Wasbai double stitched grosgrain ribbon. To add the ribbon to the album, I turned the completed accordion album over so the back was facing up. I laid the ribbon on the back (which was facing up), then turned the album over and tied the ribbon into a bow at the front. I did this first so I could position the bow where I wanted before it was permanently in place. Then I turned the album over again with the back facing up. I slid the ribbon up just slightly so I could add SNAIL adhesive, then moved the ribbon back into place, adhering it.

Pages 2 and 3

Pages 4 and 5

Pages 6 and 7

Pages 8 and 9

For the inside pages, each layer of CS is 3 1/2” x 3 1/2”. The rest is self explanatory, but if you have any questions, please post your questions in the comment area of this post.

Stamp set: Garden Whimsy, Warm Words, It’s All Good
Paper: Afternoon Tea Designer Series Paper, Whisper White 12 x 12’, Groovy Guava, Wild Wasabi, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White 8.5 x 11” CS
Ink: Groovy Guava, Close to Cocoa, Wild Wasabi Classic Ink
Accessories: Photo corner punch, 1/8”, 1 1/4”, 1 3/4” circle punches, scallop circle punch, tag corner punch, stampin’ dimensionals, Crystal Effects, SNAIL adhesive, scissors, sticky strip, paper cutter, double stitched ribbon- Wild Wasabi, Groovy Guava, button, mini envelope template

Ginger Blossom Designer Paper Projects

I love Stampin' Up!'s Designer Series Papers! I especially like "Ginger Blossom" from the Spring-Summer 2008 Collection. Here are a few projects I have created using this beautiful paper.

Altered Album- Designed by Michelle Hoffman
Stamp set: Warm Words, God’s Thoughts
Paper: Ginger Blossom Designer Series Paper, Ruby Red, Pretty in Pink CS
Ink: Ruby Red Classic Ink
Accessories: $1 Target album, ModPodge, foam brush, ruler, bone folder, X-acto knife, 1/2” circle punch, sticky strip, paper trimmer, scissors, double stitched ribbon- Groovy Guava & River Rock

Candle- Designed by Michelle Hoffman
Paper: Ginger Blossom Designer Series Paper
Ink: Pretty in Pink re-inker

Accessories: Fabric flowers from Pretties Kit, Pillar candle, sticky strip, paper trimmer, scissors

Desktop Calendar- Created by Michelle Hoffman
Stamp set: Simply Said
Paper: Ginger Blossom Designer Series Paper, Ruby Red, River Rock CS
Ink: Groovy Guava, Cameo Coral, River Rock Classic Ink, Ruby Red Craft Ink
Accessories: 2- 4” square chipboard coasters, Calendar with tear off pages (bought or printed), Corner Rounder punch, Eyelets, Crop-A-Dile, SNAIL adhesive, Sticky Strip, Paper Cutter

Side View

Altered Altoid Tin- Designed by Michelle Hoffman
Stamp set: Embrace Life
Paper: Ginger Blossom Designer Series Paper, Groovy Guava, Wild Wasabi, River Rock CS
Ink: Groovy Guava Classic Ink, Pastels
Accessories: Altoid tin, Half pearl from Pretties Kit, Creamy Caramel Gingham ribbon, Corner Rounder punch, Crystal Effects, SNAIL adhesive, Scissors, Sticky Strip, Paper Cutter

Valentine's Day Projects

I almost forgot to post the projects I made for Valentine's Day! I was planning to post them over several days leading up to Valentine's, but I completely forgot. So here are they all are, in one post:

Hershey Purse- Designed and Made by Michelle Hoffman
Paper: Cutie Pie DSP, Rose Red CS
Accessories: Large and Small oval punches, Scallop circle punch, 1/8” circle punch, adhesive, one silver brad, one Hershey’s mini bar.

Nugget box- Made by Michelle Hoffman- Pattern can be found at

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190469&highlight=Nugget+Box+Pattern
Stamp Set: Happy Heart Day
Paper: Rose Red Designer Prints, Rose Red and Whisper White CS
Ink: Basic Black, Ballet Blue, Going Gray, Rose Red, Regal Rose, Pretty In Pink Classic Ink
Accessories: Blender pen, Sticky Strip, SNAIL adhesive, scissors, paper cutter, Regal Rose wide grosgrain ribbon, Dazzling Diamonds glitter, Address labels, 6 Hershey Nuggets

Nugget box- Made by Michelle Hoffman
Stamp Set: Happy Heart Day
Paper: Rose Red Designer Prints, Rose Red and Whisper White CS
Ink: Basic Black, Ballet Blue, Going Gray, Rose Red, Regal Rose, Pretty In Pink Classic Ink
Accessories: Blender pen, Sticky Strip, SNAIL adhesive, scissors, paper cutter, Regal Rose wide grosgrain ribbon, Dazzling Diamonds glitter, Address labels, 6 Hershey Nuggets

Peek-a-boo box- Made by Michelle Hoffman- Original Idea by Qbee on Splitcoast Stampers, and the template can be found at http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7329573
Stamp Set: Boatloads of Love, Hearts wheel
Paper: Real Red and Whisper White CS
Ink: Real Red Classic ink, Whisper White ink cartridge
Accessories: Sticky Strip, SNAIL adhesive, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Crystal Effects, scissors, paper cutter, chunky glitter, Cinnamon hearts

Peek-a-boo box- Made by Michelle Hoffman- Original Idea by Qbee on Splitcoast Stampers, and the template can be found at http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7329573
Stamp Set: Boatloads of Love, Hearts wheel
Paper: Real Red and Whisper White CS
Ink: Real Red Classic ink, Whisper White ink cartridge
Accessories: Sticky Strip, SNAIL adhesive, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Crystal Effects, scissors, paper cutter, chunky glitter, Cinnamon hearts

Mini Mailbox- Designed and Created by Michelle Hoffman- February Stamp Class project
Stamp set: Holidays & Wishes
Paper: Berry Bliss Designer Series Paper
Ink: Rose Red Classic Ink

Accessories: Mini mailbox, ribbon, scissors, 1/2” circle punch, 3/16” corner rounder punch, sticky strip,
SNAIL adhesive, paper cutter, ruler, pencil

Treat Bag- Made by Michelle Hoffman- Original Idea by Stampin' Up!- February Stamp Class project
Stamp set: Happy Heart Day
Paper: Whisper White, Chocolate Chip CS
Ink: Purely Pomegranate Classic Ink, Chocolate Chip, Regal Rose, Rose Red Stampin’ Write Markers
Accessories: Cello bag- medium, Candy, 1/8” circle punch, Large and Small Tag punches, Crop-A-Dile, SNAIL adhesive, Eyelet- Fresh Favorites II, Purely Pomegranate double stitched, Silver cord

Scallop Bouquet- Made by Michelle Hoffman
Original idea by Tracey Roy at http://www.lakeshorestamper.typepad.com/
Stamp Set: Seeing Spots
Paper: Rose Red Designer Prints, Rose Red, Regal Rose, Pretty in Pink, Whisper White CS
Ink: Rose Red, Regal Rose, Pretty In Pink Classic Ink
Accessories: Plastic clear jar, Wood dowels, Acrylic paint, Sticky Strip, SNAIL adhesive, Stampin’ Dimensionals, 1 1/4” circle punch, 1 3/8” circle punch, Scallop circle punch, Pretty in Pink 1/4” grosgrain ribbon, Purely Pomegranate double stitched grosgrain ribbon, Light Pink gingham ribbon, Cupid’s Mix M&M’s.

6 x 6 scrapbook page- Kissing Technique- Designed and Made by Michelle Hoffman

Stamp Set: A Beautiful Thing, Floral Background, Holidays & Wishes
Paper: Regal Rose, Real Red, Whisper White CS
Ink: Rose Red, Regal Rose Classic Ink
Accessories: Paper trimmer, Glue dots, SNAIL adhesive, Photo Corner punch, 1/8” circle punch, Eyelets, Regal Rose wide grosgrain ribbon

Mini Mailboxes

The following projects are plastic mini mailboxes which were found at Target's Dollar Spot. Some Target locations still carry these in stock. The last two mailboxes pictured in this post were made and given to me by a talented friend.

Designed and Created by Michelle Hoffman
Stamp set: Holidays & Wishes
Paper: Berry Bliss Designer Series Paper, Chocolate Chip, Purely Pomegranate card stock
Ink: Rose Red Classic Ink

Accessories: Mini mailbox, ribbon, scissors, 1/8" circle punch, 1/2” circle punch, 3/16” corner rounder punch, 5 petal flower punch, Pretties kit, sticky strip, SNAIL adhesive, paper cutter, ruler, pencil
*Please note that we will be duplicating this mailbox at my stamp class next Wednesday (February 6). Be sure to sign up for the class if you are interested :)

Designed and Created by Michelle Hoffman
Stamp set: Fabulous Flowers
Paper: Cutie Pie Designer Series Paper, Rose Red, Wild Wasabi, So Saffron card stock
Ink: Rose Red Classic Ink

Accessories: Mini mailbox, ribbon, scissors, scallop circle punch, 1" circle punch, 1/2” circle punch, chunky glitter, 2-way glue pen, Stampin' Dimensionals, sticky strip, SNAIL adhesive, paper cutter, ruler, pencil

Designed and Created by Alicia TW
Paper: Loves Me Designer Series Paper
Accessories: Mini mailbox, grosgrain ribbon- chocolate and rose, narrow organdy- white, scissors, 1/2” circle punch, sticky strip, glue dots, paper cutter

Designed and Created by Alicia TW
Stamp set: Beyond the Basics, Greetings Galore, Word by Word
Paper: Whisper White Card Stock
Ink: Real Red and Basic Black Classic ink, Stampin’ Write markers- black, red

Accessories: Mini mailbox, ribbon- red, white, black grosgrain and black & white gingham and wide black organdy, eyelets, 1/2” circle punch, sticky strip, scissors, paper cutter

Christmas Projects

Peppermint Sandwiches- Idea from Rochelle Wick at http://impressionsbyrochelle.blogspot.com/
Stamp set: Holiday Tag Team
Paper: Yoyo Yellow, Ballet Blue, Real Red, Glorious Green, Whisper White
Ink: Glorious Green, Real Red, Ballet Blue Classic ink
Accessories: Scallop Punch, 1 1/4” and 1 3/8” Circle Punches, Glue Dots, York Peppermint Patties

Chipboard Art- Designed by Janet Y
Stamp set: Big Deal Alphabet
Paper: River Rock, Mellow Moss, Real Red, Old Olive, Very Vanilla, Dashing Designer Series Paper
Ink: Real Red, Mellow Moss, River Rock, Old Olive classic ink
Accessories: Chipboard Coasters (4), Paper Trimmer, Mod Podge, Foam Brush, Sanding Block, Crop-A-Dile, SNAIL adhesive, 1/4” Real Red Grosgrain ribbon


Altered Mailbox- Designed by Amy Jolley
Stamp set: Retired Christmas set
Paper: Dashing Designer Series Paper, Real Red, Mellow moss, Whisper White Card stock
Ink: Real Red, Old Olive Classic Ink, Watercolor Crayons
Accessories: Mailbox, Paper Trimmer, Mod Podge, SNAIL adhesive, Aqua Blender Pen, 1/4” Always Artichoke Grosgrain ribbon, Liquid Appliqué

Christmas Tin Pail and Tag- Designed by Michelle Hoffman
Stamp set: Holiday Tag Team
Paper: Whisper White Card stock
Ink: Real Red, Brocade Blue, Apricot Appeal, Basic Black Classic Ink, Whisper White Craft Ink
Accessories: Tin, Paper Trimmer, Corner Tag punch, Blender Pen, 2-Way Glue Pen, Romantic Red Glitter

Altered Jars- Designed by Michelle Hoffman
Stamp sets: Warm Words, Circle of Friendship
Paper: Blue Bayou “Prints” DSP, Green Galore, Real Red, Whisper White card stock
Ink: Real Red, Blue Bayou Classic Ink
Accessories: Plastic Jars, Paper Trimmer, Scallop Punch, 1/8”, 1” and 1 1/4” Circle Punches, Dimensionals, SNAIL adhesive, Sticky Strip, Green Galore Brads, 1/4” Real Red Grosgrain Ribbon, Holiday Mix M&M’s

Snowman Paper Lantern- Idea by Tracey Roy at http://www.lakeshorestamper.typepad.com/
Stamp Set: Holiday Tag Team
Paper: Whisper White, Basic Black, Real Red, Pumpkin Pie
Ink: Glorious Green, Real Red Stampin’ Write Markers
Accessories: Paper Trimmer, Crop-A-Dile, 1/8”, 1/2”, 1 1/4” Circle Punches, Coluzzle Cutting System, Paper Snips, Paper Trimmer, Glue Dots, 2-Way Glue Pen, Whisper White 1/4” Grosgrain Ribbon, Real Red 5/8” Grosgrain Ribbon, Romantic Red Glitter

Snowflake Ornament- Idea by Mary Jo Price-Williams at http://technostamper.blogspot.com
Paper: Wintergreen DSP
Accessories: Paper Trimmer, Scissors, Silver Elastic Cord, 2-Way Glue Pen, Ruler, Pencil, Stapler, Beads (optional)

Paper Lantern Ornaments- Idea from Stampin’ Up! 2007 Convention
Paper: “Dashing” Designer Series Paper
Accessories: Paper Trimmer, Crop-A-Dile, Grosgrain Ribbon, Bead (optional)
Sizes of lanterns: 4”, 5”, 6”, and 8”.

Vellum Lantern Ornaments- Idea by Julie Buhler at http://paperpleasing.typepad.com

Stamp sets: Frosty, Holiday Tag Team
Paper: Vellum
Ink: Versamark Embossing Ink
Accessories: Paper Trimmer, Crop-A-Dile, Silver Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Grosgrain Ribbon
Size of lanterns: 4”

Scalloped ornament- Idea by Lisa Somerville at http://lisasomerville.blogspot.com/
Paper: Dashing Designer Series Paper
Accessories: Scallop Punch, Scoring Tool, 2-Way Glue Pen, Beads from Pretties Kit, Elastic Cord

Christmas Chipboard Ornament- Made at demonstrator meeting November 2007

Stamp set: Punch Pals
Paper: Dashing Designer Series Paper, Real Red Textured Card Stock, Whisper White Card Stock
Ink: Stampin’ Write Markers in Basic Black, Real Red, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie
Accessories: Cardboard Square, Paper Trimmer, Crop-A-Dile, Sticky Strip, Stampin’ Dimensionals, red Gingham Ribbon, Fibers

Treat Pouch- Idea from Stampin’ Success magazine, June 2006 issue
Stamp set: Holiday Tag Team
Paper: Dashing and Holiday Harmony Designer Series Paper, Always Artichoke, Old Olive, Real Red, River Rock, Very Vanilla Card Stock
Ink: Real Red, Old Olive, Rose Red Classic Ink
Accessories: Paper Trimmer, Bone Folder, Sticky Strip, Glue Dots, Scallop Punch, 1 1/4” and 1 3/8” Circle Punches, Small Cellophane Bag, 1/4” Grosgrain Ribbon, Assorted Candies, Shredded Card Stock

Altered Picture Frame- Designed by Michelle Hoffman
Paper: Wintergreen Designer Series Paper
Accessories: Paper Trimmer, Hobby Knife, Mod Podge, Foam Brush, Sanding Block, White Craft Paint, Ribbon Originals “District”

Christmas Candle- Designed by Michelle Hoffman
Stamp sets: Peaceful Wishes, “So Swirly” Stampin’ Around Jumbo wheel
Ink: Bravo Burgundy Stampin’ Around Jumbo Cartridge, Always Artichoke Classic Ink
Accessories: 6” Candle, Tissue Paper, Wax Paper, Heating Tool, Cellophane Clear Wrap, String, Purely Pomegranate Satin Ribbon