Gather Together Clean & Simple Fall Card

 Hello and welcome to my blog; today I am going to share with you my card for this week's creative challenge over at the Spot.  This week we have a fun clean & simple Fall challenge for you to play along with.  I created a card using the Gather Together Bundle that is a returning favorite from last years Holiday Catalog, and is currently in the August-December Mini Catalog.  Here's a look at the card that I created.  

Here's the challenge image that inspired my card today.  You can click on the image below to go to the Spot and check out what the other design team members created and play along with us this week.  

I started out my card with a Thick Whisper White Card base cut at 4 1/4" x 11" and scored it in half at 5 1/2" to make a top folding card.  After deciding on which stamp set and colors I was going to use I started in creating my project.  I cut a piece of Early Espresso Cardstock and stamped the large leaf image from the Gather Together Stamp Set in Versamark Ink around the card in one layer.  To this I added some Perfect Pearls (something that must crafters have in their stash) in Gold.  

I brushed the excess away and stamped the large leaf again around the card filling up any areas that was open.  I then applied Perfect Pearls again but in the color Perfect Pearls.  If you are unfamiliar with Perfect Pearls it's a pearlized powder that can be added to a sticky ink or adding to projects to give a shine.  You could also heat emboss the leaves in the background with just Versamark and metallic Embossing Powders.  

Next I did a little die cutting with the leaf dies from the set.  I love this set of dies because you get four different types of leaves.  The small ones not only cut out the leaves but they emboss the vines on the inside as well.  I cut the three small leaves from scraps of Pumpkin Pie, Merry Merlot, and Mossy Meadow cardstocks.  I then die cut the large leaf from Whisper White Cardstock and stamped my sentiment in Merry Merlot Ink.  I placed this on my card with Stampin' Dimensionals.  I placed the small leaves behind the larger ones with Stampin' Seal.  

 

To finish off my card I added a few of the Gold Glitter Enamel Dots around the leaves.  This was to add more gold to the card and to draw your attention to the sentiment.  Thanks for dropping by today I hope that you have a wonderful day.  If you need any of the supplies you have seen today you can pick them up in my online store by clicking on the items in the shopping list below.  

 

Happy Stampin' 

Rick Adkins 

Out with the Old and In with the New!

New Year New Customer Rewards Program.  It's a new Stampin' Up! Year and it's time to update a few things and I have started with my Customer Loyalty Program.  You can read all about the new program by clicking here.  You will also find the new Crafty Rewards Tracker Sheet there as well.  All past rewards points have now expired for previous years with this new program.  

If you place any size order with me during the month of October you will receive the October Creative Stampers Tutorial Bundle from me as a little thank you.  This month's tutorial bundle is a Mega Tutorial Bundle featuring projects for both Fall & Halloween.  There are 20 tutorials featured this month.    The Creative Stampers Tutorial Bundle can either be earned for FREE with any size order or Can be purchased for $22 from me.  As a bonus for ordering during the month of October you will also get the Coming Home Tutorial Bundle as well.  

The month of October Stampin' Up! has a Designer Series Paper Sale going on on 15 select Designer Series Papers.  Each pack of paper is 15% off so it's a perfect time to stock up.  You can find out all the details and my ordering special for this sale by clicking here.  This wonderful sale ends on October 31, 2020 so don't miss out!  

Ordering Special: 

I have a must have Ordering Special for you this week.  You can order my Adhesive Bundle this week to stay stocked up on your favorite adhesives.  There's nothing worse then running out of your favorite adhesives in the middle of a project.   My Adhesive Bundle contains all the adhesives you will need in the month.  With the Holidays coming up we use more of our favorite adhesives than normal so this is a great way for you to stock up.  And it even comes tied with a bow and cute little tag which makes it perfect for gifts as well.  

Included in the Bundle is a Stampin' Seal, Stampin' Seal Refill, Stampin' Dimensionals, Mini Glue Dots, and a Multipurpose Liquid Glue

Order my Adhesive Bundle for only $41.00 which includes all shipping and taxes 

Click here to order yours today! 

Stampin' Up! Shopping List: 

Gather Together Bundle - 153036

Price: $38.50

Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock - 140272

Price: $8.25

Early Espresso 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock - 119686

Price: $8.75

Pumpkin Pie 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock - 105117

Price: $8.75

Merry Merlot 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock - 146979

Price: $8.75

Mossy Meadow 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock - 133676

Price: $8.75

Merry Merlot Classic Stampin' Pad - 147112

Price: $7.50

Versamark Pad - 102283

Price: $9.50

Gold Glitter Enamel Dots - 152155

Price: $8.00

Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine - 149653

Price: $120.00

Stampin' Seal - 152813

Price: $8.00

Stampin' Dimensionals - 104430

Price: $4.00

Add All to Cart

Supply List

Studio Tour 2020

Hello and welcome to my blog today I am going to share my Studio with you.  I just recently (yesterday) finished cleaning and organizing everything in the studio and wanted to take a little bit and give you a few tips and tricks to organizing your crafty space as well as a few organizing tips also.  

As you come up the stairs to my studio and turn to the right there's my desk area and my card display wall.  The cards on this wall are cards that I made and have blogged about since the new catalog went live in June.  I like to have pretty things in my space and my cards add color and art to the wall without having to spend any money.  I made the card display with Bead Board and attached a Mini Clothespin every so far with Hot glue and my glue gun.  

Next to my desk I have a small folding table that I set up to house my lamps and file system.  This also has my mailing scale on it as well as a few little storage containers to house office supplies.  You know pens pencils sticky notes etc.  This is also used to hold my cards that I am working on editing the photos for my blog and to get stuff into the mail.  Underneath I have a file storage bin that contains paperwork and business papers.  

As we turn around from the desk area you can see the full craft studio.  In the center of my room I have my set of large flat files that holds all my art papers, watercolor papers, and decorative art papers as well as drawing paper and printmaking papers.  So, they are heavy as heck and to hard to move so I came up with a solution.  I put a large piece of MDF on top of them and made it into a table or center island.  I placed a large floral arrangement in the center that I put together to add a little color and showcase my favorite flowers.  Don't worry they are fake so I can't kill them.  My center island serves two purposes one side has my cutting area on it where my Carl cutter can stay out all the time now and the rest I can use to sort and pack my class kits.  Each bin has a different project in it and I will place all the cut items in that bin for each project.  Currently the bins have the projects for my Fall Online Retreat ready to start cutting and prepping the projects this week to go out in the mail.  

Underneath each side of the island I have room to store extra supplies that are to bucky to store anywhere else.  

When you turn to the left you have my card storage and Mailing station.  The three cabinets you see above I found on the side of the road and store all my extra supplies, kits, ink pads, and mailing supplies.  The four storage containers below house all my completed cards.  Each drawer has a different themed or category of card on the inside.  So all the cards for that category goes in the assigned drawer.  I keep my cards in plastic show boxes for the last few years but had outgrew that system and this was the perfect budget friendly solution that I cam up with over the summer.  

Here is a better few of the cabinets that I found on the side of the road a couple years ago.  I still need to get a countertop for them but the makeshift MDF one works great for now.  

Next to the cabinets and mailing station is one of my Paper storage areas.  I was gifted this wire system from a friend who no longer needed it.  It houses all my bulk Stampin' Up! Cardstocks in Color family and the far left one holds retired DSP that Charles has access to for his new online Junk Journaling classes.  Above that I have storage to hold all those little items that we all need storage for.  Most of it is my adhesive storage and sponges, and other miscellaneous stuff.  Below the Cardstock in the bins are extra storage and overflow cardstock.  

This area is my Photo area.  This houses all the supplies and my Light box.  I have all my photo props and backdrops stored here.  As well as my card magazines, retired catalogs, other notebooks and magazines that I get inspiration from.  

Next to the bakers rack is my new Die Cutting and Heat Embossing Stations.  I have my Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine sitting out on the top of the counter and my dies, below that are my Big Shots, and Embossing Folders.  Next to that I have my die brush container, and a few little odds and ends.  The underneath containers holds prizes, printmaking supplies, my classroom easels, and items to make different 3D projects and Retreat gifts.  

This is my main work area and filming area.  If you watch one of my videos this is where it's filmed it.  I got the Photo lights last year for Christmas and they have made a huge difference.  I have everything that I reach for all the time in this area.  All my ink pads, stamps, holiday and seasonal items, and my punches.  

This is the backside of the island where I have everything set up to cut and prep my Fall Retreat.  

This is Carl's new home.  I am so excited he gets to sit out all the time now.  The boxes you see on the other corner are all things that are getting donated.  

Here in the filming area is my book case that used to hold all my stamps but now it holds plastic containers that hold all my most used tools and supplies that I reach for all the time.  There's also some empty drawers so I have places to put things as I get them.

Here is my Stampin' Up! Storage for all my Ink Pads, Stampin' Write Markers, Stampin' Blends, Ink Refills, and Ribbon.  All my Annual Catalog Stamps are in this bookcase.  I put them behind me so I can just turn around and grab whatever stamp set I need for the project I am working on.  They are all in Alphabetical order.  

My filming desk is long and narrow.  That way I can't fill it up will all the stuff I use all the time and have to clean it off at the end of the day.  I found that with my big desk I would just keep filling it up and not put things away.  With the narrow desk  I have no choice but to put things away when I am done.  In the small bookcase on the end I have all my Holiday and Seasonal Stamp Sets, and Ribbons,   I will change these out when the January-June Mini comes out.  On top of the book case is clear DVD storage unit that I got on Amazon that hold the Stampin' Up! clear DVD cases.  Inside each DVD case is my embellishments.  Each case is labeled and I can easily grab what I need and put it back away.  

Video Tutorial: 

Here you can walk through the studio with me and I will tell you everything I can about how I redid my Studio and what I used to store things in and I talk a lot more about creating each Zone.  Thanks for dropping by today.  I did add links to the items that you can get off Amazon that I used today.  I also have listed the Storage by Stampin' Up! items also.  

 

Happy Stampin' 

Rick Adkins 

Out with the Old and In with the New!

New Year New Customer Rewards Program.  It's a new Stampin' Up! Year and it's time to update a few things and I have started with my Customer Loyalty Program.  You can read all about the new program by clicking here.  You will also find the new Crafty Rewards Tracker Sheet there as well.  All past rewards points have now expired for previous years with this new program.  

If you place any size order with me during the month of October you will receive the October Creative Stampers Tutorial Bundle from me as a little thank you.  This month's tutorial bundle is a Mega Tutorial Bundle featuring projects for both Fall & Halloween.  There are 20 tutorials featured this month.    The Creative Stampers Tutorial Bundle can either be earned for FREE with any size order or Can be purchased for $22 from me.  As a bonus for ordering during the month of October you will also get the Coming Home Tutorial Bundle as well.  

The month of October Stampin' Up! has a Designer Series Paper Sale going on on 15 select Designer Series Papers.  Each pack of paper is 15% off so it's a perfect time to stock up.  You can find out all the details and my ordering special for this sale by clicking here.  This wonderful sale ends on October 31, 2020 so don't miss out!  

Amazon Items: 

Large Plastic Storage Bins - https://amzn.to/3dnHkFU

iDesign Plastic Storage Bin with Handles for Kitchen, Fridge, Freezer, Pantry, and Cabinet Organization, BPA-Free, Medium - https://amzn.to/2FmIchp

6 Pack - SimpleHouseware Foldable Cube Storage - https://amzn.to/2IpSCOx

mDesign Stackable Plastic Storage Organizer Bin with Built-in Handles - for Craft, Sewing, Art, School Supplies in Home, Classroom, Playroom or Studio - 16" Long, 2 Pack – Clear - https://amzn.to/36VDN0f

mDesign Wide Stackable Plastic Kitchen Pantry Cabinet, Refrigerator or Freezer Food Storage Bin with Handles - Organizer for Fruit, Yogurt, Snacks, Pasta - BPA Free, 14.5" Long, 2 Pack – Clear - https://amzn.to/3iRoW9p

mDesign Plastic Storage Organizer Container Bins Holders with Handles - for Kitchen, Pantry, Cabinet, Fridge/Freezer - Large for Organizing Snacks, Produce, Vegetables, Pasta Food – Clear - https://amzn.to/3lzEfFx

mDesign Plastic Food Packet Kitchen Storage Organizer Bin Caddy - Holds Spice Pouches, Dressing Mixes, Hot Chocolate, Tea, Sugar Packets in Pantry, Cabinets or Countertop - 2 Pack – Clear - https://amzn.to/30YLHSz

STORi Stackable Clear Plastic DVD Holder - Holds 14 Standard DVD Cases - https://amzn.to/3jMIz3E

HOMZ 3 Drawer Medium Storage Cart, Set of 1, White - https://amzn.to/36YeuKW

Sterilite 17918004 3 Drawer Unit, White Frame with Clear Drawers, 4-Pack - https://amzn.to/3lPLkSD

SimpleHouseware Heavy Duty 3-Tier Metal Utility Rolling Cart, White - https://amzn.to/30YMWBd

Supply List: 

Ink Pad & Marker Storage - 149168

Price: $14.00

Open Storage - 149171

Price: $10.00

Stampin' Blends Storage - 149169

Price: $14.00

Topper Storage - 149170

Price: $5.00

Add All to Cart

Supply List

Creative Stampers October Blog Hop - Coming Home

 Hello and welcome to this months Creative Stampers Blog Hop.  This month we are featuring the Trimming the Town Suite in from the August-December 2020 Mini Catalog.  This is a cute little suite and when you  purchase of the Coming Home Stamp Set or the Coming Home Bundle Stampin' Up! is donating a portion of the sales to charity.  Here's a look at my alternative card for my October 2020 Creative Stampers Tutorial Project.  

I created a card today using the Trimming the Town Designer Series Paper (which by the way is currently part of the October Designer Series Paper Sale going on now!  Click here for details.) I wanted to showcase just how easy this designer series paper is to create cards with.  So, my card has no stamping whatsoever.  I know right! Everything that you see on my card today came from the Trimming the Town Designer Series Paper except I did use a few of the Trimming the Town embellishments.  

I started out by cutting my card base (Thick Whisper White) to 4 1/4" x 11" and scored it at 5 1/2".  I folded it in half and then cut two mats from Misty Moonlight Cardstock.  One 4" x 5 1/4" and one that was 3 1/4" x 4 1/4".  I cut the designer series paper to 3 3/4" x 5" and 3" x 4".  My little sentiment strips come from the Trimming the Town Designer Series Paper also I just found the sentiment strips that I wanted from one of the sheets and cut them out and attached them to the card front.  

I can see how some people may be intimidated by this pack of DSP and may not think to use it.  But it actually is quite versatile.  You have a couple sheets that you can create scene cards with, and some that are just patterns.  I used both on my card today.  When I started cutting my paper this image with the church just spoke to me.  So, I wanted to showcase it on my card today.  Each month the Creative Stampers Tutorial Bundle Group creates a set of tutorials around a suite of products, stamp set, Bundle or theme that we give away to our customers that make any size purchase each month.  We also sale the tutorial bundle for $22.00 US to anyone that would like to purchase it.  

Thanks for dropping by today and hopping along with us for this month's blog hop.  Below you will find the blog roll with all the hoppers.  You will also find the Stampin' Up! Shopping list below that if you need any of the products you have seen today.  I highly suggest you grab a pack or two of this designer series paper while it's on sale and other products from the Trimming the Town Suite.   The Trimming the Town Suite captures the feel of a Hometown Christmas with it's whimsical imagery and coordinating trimmings. Customize a scene; it's easy to make each one unique. Here's a sneak peek of my project in this month's tutorial bundle, I can not show you the actual project but I can give you a little peek at what I created.  

Blog Roll: 

 

Happy Stampin' 

Rick Adkins 

Out with the Old and In with the New!

New Year New Customer Rewards Program.  It's a new Stampin' Up! Year and it's time to update a few things and I have started with my Customer Loyalty Program.  You can read all about the new program by clicking here.  You will also find the new Crafty Rewards Tracker Sheet there as well.  All past rewards points have now expired for previous years with this new program.  

If you place any size order with me during the month of October you will receive the October Creative Stampers Tutorial Bundle from me as a little thank you.  This month's tutorial bundle is a Mega Tutorial Bundle featuring projects for both Fall & Halloween.  There are 20 tutorials featured this month.    The Creative Stampers Tutorial Bundle can either be earned for FREE with any size order or Can be purchased for $22 from me.  As a bonus for ordering during the month of October you will also get the Coming Home Tutorial Bundle as well.  

The month of October Stampin' Up! has a Designer Series Paper Sale going on on 15 select Designer Series Papers.  Each pack of paper is 15% off so it's a perfect time to stock up.  You can find out all the details and my ordering special for this sale by clicking here.  This wonderful sale ends on October 31, 2020 so don't miss out!  

Stampin' Up! Shopping List: 

Trimming The Town Designer Series Paper - 153491

Sale: $9.78

Price: $11.50

Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock - 140272

Price: $8.25

Misty Moonlight 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock - 153081

Price: $8.75

Multipurpose Liquid Glue - 110755

Price: $4.00

All The Trimmings Embellishments - 153540

Price: $8.00

Paper Trimmer - 152392

Price: $25.00

Stampin' Dimensionals - 104430

Price: $4.00

Add All to Cart

Supply List