Home >> Blog

Yesterday, my friend came over and helped me make this sign for my kitchen.  

I've only had the suppplies since last fall.  That's procrastating for almost a year.  Sara taught me a few things about my Scan n Cut machine and she's better about using the computer program that I am.  it still would have take me a lot longer if she hadn't helped me.  Best of all, Chris thought I bought it!  

You might have seen other cards very similar to this one.  But, for every one, there is always something just a little bit different.  One difference for me is the background embossing.  Which ever folder Stampin' Up! suggested to use, I didn't have.  Instead, I chose the Timber 3D embossing folder.  I wanted something neutral and that caught my eye.

This ribbon I absolutely LOVE.  It Soft Sea Foam Seam Binding Ribbon.  Is so light, you can almost see though it.  Since it's so light, it's easy to tie into bows.  My favorite kind of ribbon!

Don't forget to use the Adhesive Sheets on the Basic White stems.  Just adhere some to one side of  Basic White and cut out with the dies.  When it's time to adhere, remove the sheet from the back and it's instantly a sticker.  When you have such tiny detail cut outs, the adhesive sheets are the best thing ever.  No messy adhesive leaking around.  You may have to press down to make sure it does adhere to the embossed background.  

Click on the above picture for dimensions and instructions.

Until next time...Stampin' Always,

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper

Product List

 

Splendid Thoughts Cling Stamp Set (English) [159668]	Splendid Day 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Specialty Designer Series Paper [159666]	Calypso Coral 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [122925]	Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [159276]	Soft Sea Foam 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [146988]	Blushing Bride 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [131198]
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock [159229]	Soft Sea Foam Classic Stampin' Pad [147102]	Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad [132708]	Splendid Stems Dies [159676]	Timber 3 D Embossing Folder [163094]	Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [149653]
Soft Sea Foam 3/8" (1 Cm) Seam Binding Ribbon [159680]	Pearl Basic Jewels [144219]	Stampin' Dimensionals [104430]	Tear & Tape Adhesive [154031]	Adhesive Sheets [152334]	Paper Snips [103579]

 

 

Happy Sunday!

I hope everyone had a fabulous weekend.  The girls were both home, so that made it good for me.  We always love it when both are back home together.  It's all about family time. 

  

Not exactly sure why it's called a Spanner card, but there are three layers to it.  And the card base is just a standard 8 1/2 x 5 1/2.   

Layer #1. The two pieces of DSP on the ends are the first layer.  They are cut 1 1/4 on each side, up to the fold line.  The vellum is adhered between the DSP and the side card pieces.  This way the entire piece will be together when you lift up one side.  

Layer #2.  You aren't seeing things.  The side DSP pieces are also on the inside.  You can see the difference between the first two layers.  The middle piece has the embossed piece of Melon Mambo.  The white label is from the Labels Aglow dies.  Yes, it is from a Christmas die set, but there's nothing Christmas about this label.   For the flowers, I used my Stampin' Write markers to color the stamps.  Unfortunately, there are no dies to match Wonderful World bundle, so they were cut by hand.  

Layer #3.  Now you see the final layer of the card.  The inside.  Now do you believe there are three layers?  I didn't believe it either.  Not until I actually started making the card. 

Wonderful World bundle includes the stamp set along with this beautiful DSP pack.  It is absolutely beautiful.  I highly recommend getting th bundle.  The words are from the Amazing Phrasing stamp set.  They are currently on the SAB sale.  FREE, each with a $100 order.  SAB does end at the end of August, which is coming up way too fast.  Both items are still available, but with time running out, sometimes they can go fast.  

Have a great week!

Wonderful World Bundle (English) [159918]

Amazing Phrasing Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [159930]

 

Click on the above picture for dimensions and instructions.

Until next time...Stampin' Always,

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper

Product List

 

Amazing Phrasing Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [159930]	Wonderful World Bundle (English) [159918]	Melon Mambo 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [115320]	Vellum 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [101856]	Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [159276]	Melon Mambo Classic Stampin' Pad [147051]
Highland Heather Classic Stampin' Pad [147103]	Blushing Bride Classic Stampin' Pad [147100]	Mossy Meadow Classic Stampin' Pad [147111]	Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad [132708]	Labels Aglow Dies [159551]	Fern 3 D Embossing Folder [158804]
Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [149653]	Blushing Bride 3/8'' (1 Cm) Frayed Grosgrain Ribbon [156341]	Mini Stampin' Dimensionals [144108]	Paper Snips [103579]	Tear & Tape Adhesive [138995]	Multipurpose Liquid Glue [110755]

 

 

 

So, I was going to do a blog post yesterday.  But there was a slight problem.  No internet.  My text said it should be restored by 5:30.  Well, it was long past before it was restored.  And by then, I was curled up with a good book.  

A couple weeks ago, I wanted to make shredded beef nachos.  Usually, I put a roast in the slow cooker with some taco seasoning.  But, I wanted something different this time.  More flavor.  

After looking on Pinterest, I found this recipe.  It has basic ingredients that I always have on hand!  Love those recipes.  This one definitely did have the flavor I was looking for.  Not spicy hot, just enough flavor.

Mexican Shredded Beef

• 3.5-4 lb chuck roast, boneless
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 2 Tbsp tomato paste
• 1 lime, juiced

Dry Rub Spices:

• 2 Tbsp chili powder (I used McCormick brand)
• 1/2 Tbsp onion powder
• 1-2 tsp salt *We usually use 2 tsp, or ½ tsp salt per pound of beef. 
• 2 tsp cumin
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for added heat)
• 1/2 tsp paprika

Combine all of the dry rub spices in a small bowl, set aside.

In another bowl, whisk together the beef broth and tomato paste.

Place the chuck roast in the Crock Pot insert. Rub half of the spices on the top of roast. Flip, and rub in the other half of the spices on the top and sides.

Pour the broth/tomato paste mixture over the top and sides of the roast.

Cover, and cook on low for 8 hours.

Check the roast is fork tender, and shreddable. (If it is still tough, cook an additional hour or more until fall-apart tender.)

Remove the roast, and place in a large bowl. (Leave the broth in the Crock Pot.) Shred with two forks, discarding any excess fat.

Return the beef to the Crock pot, squeeze in lime juice, and stir. Do a taste, and add more salt if needed. Ready to serve!  (For a drier beef: Leave the beef in the large bowl after shredding, and add some reserved broth to it until desired consistency/flavor is achieved.)

I figure if Chris says that I can make it again, it has to be pretty good.  I really didn't change much in this recipe, except for not adding all the cayenne pepper.  Usually, I do add some, just not all of what the recipe calls for.

The original recipe can be found at thatsdelicious.com.

Until next time...Stampin' Always,

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper

 

 

I just started watching Virgin River on Netflix.  Does anyone else watch it?  So far, reminds me kind of a Hallmark movie. Ok, maybe I literally spoke too soon.  In Hallmark Movies, they don't pull out guns and point them at each other and then treat gun shot wounds.  That was a surprise wist for me.  I keep waiting for the mystery surrounding everyone to come out.  

This is my first card using the Spruce Up stamp set.  What fun!  The gift boxes are my favorite on this card.  The one I even embossed with gold embossing powder.  It matches the gold in the paper.

The DSP is Lights Aglow DSP pack.  One side of the paper has gold highlights throughout.  The other side is just regular, but beautifully designed patterned paper.  The gold is hard to see in this picture, but it's there.  Trust me.

 

The inside has a little surprise.  It's a gift card holder.  It's never too early to get started on Christmas card gift holders.  Take a peek at the inside.

The blue is where the gift card will go.  Even with the Tear & Tape right along the edges, it didn't fit too well vertically.  So, instead I added another piece of Tear & Tape  just below the end of the half circle.  This way the gift card won't fall out and also, you won't see it from the front.  

Click on the above pictures for dimensions and instructions.

Until next time...Stampin' Always,

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper

Product List

 

Spruced Up Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [159694]	Lights Aglow 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Specialty Designer Series Paper [159535]	Real Red 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [102482]	Evening Evergreen 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [155574]	Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [159276]
Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad [147084]	Evening Evergreen Classic Stampin' Pad [155576]	Soft Succulent Classic Stampin' Pad [155778]	Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad [132708]	Versamark Pad [102283]
Spruced Up Outlines Dies [159700]	Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [149653]	Mini Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [150673]	Gold Stampin' Emboss Powder [109129]	Heat Tool (Us And Canada) [129053]
1-1/2" (3.8 Cm) Circle Punch [138299]	Tear & Tape Adhesive [138995]	Mini Stampin' Dimensionals [144108]

 

It was stamping club last night.  It was a smaller group, but still just as fun and hectic for me.  I've decided I need to order another Christmas stamp set.  Most of mine from last year had sadly retired.  Boo for me.  I'm contemplating the Leaves of Holly.  Sometimes I just do not like making decisions.

So, this is the first card I made with the negatives from the Splendid Stems DSP.  I purposely kept the inside half circles that were cut out.  Don't want to waste them!  

So, this is the card you use the half circles!  I had originally cut 4 rectangles from 4 different papers for the first card, but didn't use them all.  This card was easy to use all four pieces.  

Aren't the foil papers just gorgeous?  You can really see the different patterns now.  It's got to be one of my favorite DSP packs.  It's so shiny and yummy!

The background on the card front is just stamped with one of the stamps from the Splendid Thoughts set.  It's Blushing Bride ink and card stock.  I wouldn't have thought about putting that color with these foils, but it does work.   

Click on the above picture for dimensions and instructions.

Until next time...Stampin' Always,

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper

Product List

 

Splendid Thoughts Cling Stamp Set (English) [159668]	Splendid Day 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Specialty Designer Series Paper [159666]	Blushing Bride 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [131198]	Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [159276]	Soft Sea Foam 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [146988]
Blushing Bride Classic Stampin' Pad [147100]	Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad [132708]	Splendid Stems Dies [159676]	Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [149653]	Mini Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [150673]
Soft Sea Foam 3/8" (1 Cm) Seam Binding Ribbon [159680]	Stampin' Dimensionals [104430]	Paper Snips [103579]

 

 

When is Autumn coming?  After this weekend, I'm ready for Sweater Weather.  We went into Megan's and helped her hang all her travel pictures.  She had 37 pictures to hang!  Both girls collect street art from where they have travelled.  I think it's a fabulous collection to have.  Plus, since they typically are not framed, they fit in our carry-ons pretty easily.  Megan just has to learn to purchase only one in eery country/state.  

So many times, we cut out shape from the die and throw away the negative space.  Here is a perfect example to keep those negatives and use them.   

I've seen many of this kind of card on Pinterest, but mine is just slightly different.  Most have four negative pieces.  I thought it was too crowded, so I chose to ouse only two.  I like it much better!   The Calypso Coral sentiment is tucked neatly in the corner.

The background paper is just Soft Sea Foam.  Part of it is colored using the blending brushes.  It has the Ombre effect, dark to light.  I never had thought about it, but it is so simple and gives a lot of dimension.  I'll have to use this technique more often!

Also on the background Soft Sea Foam, are leaves that are embossed with the white embossing powder.  It's actually to emboss them instead of using the white Craft Ink pads.  Plus, you get a much better impression of the stamp.

I had to add some pearls just for a touch of bling. 

Click on the above picture for dimensions and instructions.

Until next time...Stampin' Always,

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper

tams# 73738

Product List

 

Splendid Thoughts Cling Stamp Set (English) [159668]	Splendid Day 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Specialty Designer Series Paper [159666]	Soft Sea Foam 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [146988]	Calypso Coral 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [122925]	Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock [159229]
Soft Sea Foam Classic Stampin' Pad [147102]	Versamark Pad [102283]	Splendid Stems Dies [159676]	Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [149653]	Mini Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [150673]
White Stampin' Emboss Powder [109132]	Heat Tool (Us And Canada) [129053]	Blending Brushes [153611]	Festive Pearls [159963]	Mini Stampin' Dimensionals [144108]

 

 

 

 

It's amazing how Stampin' Up! continues to surprise us.  

Today SU! announced 10 additional items available on the SAB list.  Yay!!  Most of the products are from the Annual Catalog.  One is from the current Mini Catalog.  I'm sure you have already seen them in the catalogs.  But, there are some good ones!

FREE WITH $50 PURCHASE

 

Timber 3 D Embossing Folder [156406]	Gingham Embossing Folder [157627]	Seashells 3 D Embossing Folder [154309]
Brushed Metallic Cardstock [153524]	Kraft Gift Boxes [156569]	Silver Foil 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Specialty Pack [156457]

 

FREE WITH $100 PURCHASE

 

Flowers Of Home Dies [157938]	Dots & Spots Die [159164]
Daffodil Dies [157794]	Aspen Tree Dies [159798]

They all intrigue me, but I'm especially thinking about the Aspen Tree Dies.  Look at the silhouette of the trees!  I love it the second I saw it in the Mini Catalog.  Hmmm.  I'm thinking.  

These will be available during the remaining time of SAB, which ends August 31.  I definitely wouldn't wait if there is something you definitely want.  

Contact me if you have any questions.

Until next time...Stampin' Always,

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper

 

 

 

It's Sunday night, the girls have left to go back home so it quiet in the house.  I'm enjoying a glass of wine while doing this blog post.  Yesterday Megan was the Maid of Honor in her best friend from college wedding.  It was a beautiful day to have the ceremony outside and the bride absolutely glowed.  Alyssa kept me company and we had a really good time.  Megan took her duties very seriously and had an emergency kit that included everything but the kitchen sink.  She even included Cheez-It's for the bride (it's her favorite).  

Clean and simple stamping for this card.  I used the Amazing Silhouette stamp set and stamped in Soft Sea Foam.  

For a little extra detail, I added some score lines along the left side and also on the bottom.  I scored onto the 1/2 inch and also 5/8 inch.  If you make the score lines first, then you can line the stamp up and get it right in the corner of the lines.  You can choose what way you want the score lines to go - up or down.

Since Amazing Silhouette set doesn't have any sentiments, I had to to hunting.  The "Hello" is from the Forever Fern stamp set.  Perfect greeting for a simple card. 

Just because it's a simple card, doesn't mean you can't add some bling!  And you can't go wrong with some classic pearls. 

Click on the above picture for dimension and instructions. 

Until next time...Stampin' Always,

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper

Product List

 

Amazing Silhouettes Cling Stamp Set [157814] $22.00	Forever Fern Cling Stamp Set (English) [152559] $24.00	Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [159276] $10.25	Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock [159229] $8.75	Soft Sea Foam Classic Stampin' Pad [147102] $8.00
Simply Scored [122334] $30.00	Pearl Basic Jewels [144219] $6.00	Mini Stampin' Dimensionals [144108] $4.25	Paper Snips [103579] $11.00