Libby Fens, Stampin' Up! Demonstrator

Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator Libby Fens offering original and creative paper crafting projects. I host monthly Card Buffets, specialty classes and weekly inspiration for card making.

Washi Label Punch

Best Wishes from All of Us

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Happy Tuesday! Sharing a card designed for Try Stampin’ on Tuesday and our newest sketch challenge –

Optional Theme : Tiny Things

I just had to use the Cat Punch. Again.

libbystamps, Stampin' Up!, Itty Bitty Greetings, Stitched Shapes Framelits, Botanical Butterfly DSP, Cat Punch, Washi Label Punch, Decorative Ribbon Punch, TSOT, SSC197

The Cat Punch was perfect to use with these Stitched Shapes squares for this sketch!

I used a variety of pinks for the squares, all placed on top of a black and white pattern from the Botanical Butterfly Designer Series Paper, a free Sale-a-bration item.

The color choice came from Sunday Stamps and their color challenge SSC197 –

Beautiful along with all the other elements!

Join us and our challenge this week! You can link up on our blog, Try Stampin’ on Tuesday or on join up at on our Facebook page.

Stampin’ Up Supplies –

  • Stamp Set – Itty Bitty Greetings
  • Framelits – Stitched Shapes
  • Card Stock – Whisper White, Blushing Bride, Poppy Parade, Melon Mambo, Flirty Flamingo
  • Ink – Poppy Parade
  • DSP – Botanical Butterfly
  • Punches – Cat, Washi Label (retired), Decorative Ribbon

Trick or Treat – Create with Connie and Mary Saturday Blog Hop

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Just a few days until Halloween. Create with Connie and Mary would like to help you get ready for last-minute holiday candy giving with our Saturday blog hop.

Our theme this week is Treat Holders! Perfect idea.

I saw these cute little Clear Tiny Treat Boxes in the Holiday Mini catalog (yes, they are in the big idea book, but, I overlooked them) decorated for Halloween. I thought this was a great idea for my September and October Card Buffets.

This is how I decorated them –

libbystamps, stampin up, Spooky Cat, Spooky Cat Bundle, Spooky Night DSP, Cat Punch, Washi Label Punch, CCMC

Super cute and, oh, so easy!

I alternated the punched printed cats and I used the same Designer Series Pattern to wrap the box. It reverses well here depending on the cat you punch. I wrapped the box with retired baker’s twine from Stampin Up (last year).

libbystamps, stampin up, Spooky Cat, Spooky Cat Bundle, Spooky Night DSP, Cat Punch, Washi Label Punch, CCMC

I found candy corn taffy to fill these boxes perfectly.

I think I’ll be making more of these to pass out to co-workers. They are too quick to create!

All the Design Team members have created some great treat holders. Check them out. Go forward to Debbie Henderson. Go back to Mary Brown.

Stampin’ Up Supplies –

  • Stamp Set – Spooky Cat
  • Bundles – Spooky Cat
  • Card Stock – Very Vanilla
  • Ink – Black Memento, Pumpkin Pie
  • DSP – Spooky Night
  • Punches – Cat Punch, Washi Label (retired)
  • Other – retired combo Baker’s Twine
Happy Stampin’
Libby

Did you catch our October Create with Connie and Mary tutorial? The October Session can be purchased now! And, before we know it, the November Session will be out! Wow. Time flies.

Here is a sneak at the projects –

October 2017 Collage

October features –

  •  Seasonal Lantern Bundle
  •  Tag & Trimmings Bundle
  •  Smitten Mitten Bundle
  •  Sugarplum Dreams Stamp Set
  •  Christmas Happiness

Our mini sessions include the instructions for 14 projects with full step-by-step tutorials :

  • Each mini session includes TWELVE unique cards featuring at least three stamp sets
  • Additionally, each mini session includes TWO 3D items perfect projects for your club, classes, stamp camps or gifts
  • All 14 project tutorials are available once the mini session opens so you immediately have all project tutorials right there at your fingertips
  • All designs and tutorials are EXCLUSIVELY for subscribers and will not be posted anywhere else online
  • Our FABULOUS design team members are – Connie Babbert, Mary Brown, Melissa Davies, Libby Fens, and Debbie Henderson. They always have such GREAT ideas that are perfect and easy to recreate!

Mini sessions are available the 11th of each month (and you’ll have access for up to a year).

Demos…did you know this is a tax deduction for your Stampin’ Up! business? But…you don’t need to be a demo to enjoy our mini-subscriptions!

Check out CREATE WITH CONNIE AND MARY for more details!

 

 

Here Kitty, Kitty

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Welcome to another Try Stampin on Tuesday card challenge! Here is our bi-weekly sketch for the next two weeks –

Challenge #345. Optional Theme : Halloween

Let me tell you, I love this sketch! I am using it throughout the week for my cards as a starting point in design. Here is what I created for this challenge –

libbystamps, stampin up, Spooky Cat, Spooky Cat Bundle, Layering Circles Framelits, Spooky Night DSP, Washi Label Punch, Cat Punch, TSOTJust adorable I tell you. Adorable! I started with a base of Crumb Cake. That way, this card would be great for a male or female!

I wanted to use up some more of the Spooky Night Designer Series Paper (I’ve almost used up the entire 12 sheet pack!!) along with this darling Cat Punch! The layout had a circle in it – so that worked out really well!

The other Design Team members created some really stunning cards! Check out our Try Stampin on Tuesday blog or our Facebook page. Conveniently, you can upload your card in either place!

Stampin’ Up Supplies –

  • Stamp Set – Spooky Cat
  • Framelits – Layering Circles
  • Bundles – Spooky Cat
  • Card Stock – Crumb Cake, Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie, Very Vanilla
  • Ink – Black Memento
  • DSP – Spooky Night
  • Punches – Spooky Cat, Washi Label (retired)
Happy Stampin’
Libby

Did you see the October Create with Connie and Mary tutorial? The October Session can be purchased now. Great inspiration. Great stamps sets. Awesome projects.

Here is a sneak at the projects –

October 2017 Collage

October features –

  •  Seasonal Lantern Bundle
  •  Tag & Trimmings Bundle
  •  Smitten Mitten Bundle
  •  Sugarplum Dreams Stamp Set
  •  Christmas Happiness

Our mini sessions include the instructions for 14 projects with full step-by-step tutorials :

  • Each mini session includes TWELVE unique cards featuring at least three stamp sets
  • Additionally, each mini session includes TWO 3D items perfect projects for your club, classes, stamp camps or gifts
  • All 14 project tutorials are available once the mini session opens so you immediately have all project tutorials right there at your fingertips
  • All designs and tutorials are EXCLUSIVELY for subscribers and will not be posted anywhere else online
  • Our FABULOUS design team members are – Connie Babbert, Mary Brown, Melissa Davies, Libby Fens, and Debbie Henderson. They always have such GREAT ideas that are perfect and easy to recreate!

Mini sessions are available the 11th of each month (and you’ll have access for up to a year).

Demos…did you know this is a tax deduction for your Stampin’ Up! business? But…you don’t need to be a demo to enjoy our mini-subscriptions!

Check out CREATE WITH CONNIE AND MARY for more details!

 

Tricks AND Treats

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It’s Friday! Time for Color Challenge #10 with stampin’ with libbystamps, my team members.

I have a nice downline, but really only one loves to participate in challenges – that’s ok. Would you like a discount on Stampin’ Up products??? Thinking about becoming a demonstrator? Contact me. Let’s talk.  

Back to out challenge. Colors this week are Fresh Fig, Lemon Lime Twist and Peekaboo Peach. As always, we use these colors as a guideline because we don’t always have all the colors.

Carole has intrigued me with her take in the sketch this week –

Carole C. stampin up, stampin with libbystamps

Adorable card, but, look at this box –

Carole C. stampin up, stampin with libbystamps

She didn’t leave a pattern or link to how she created this, but, I’ll ask. It’s perfect for a nice gift or treats!

I decided to go with a Halloween card –

libbystamps, stampin up, stampinwithlibbystamps, Celebrations Duo EF, Washi Label Punch, Spooky Cat

I created a similar card a few months back and decided to create it again using these colors. It’s quick, simple and very cute!!

Sending out Halloween cards it on my list this month. I hope to accomplish this!

Got to run. I told my downline that if they participated in this challenge 10, I’d send them some Stampin’ Up goodies. Just one of the perks of being in my downline!

You know, most of my downline are hobby demonstrators. They are in just for fun and, of course, the discounted products! 

Happy Stampin’
Libby

Hard to believe it’s time for a new Create with Connie and Mary tutorial. The October Session will be open soon!! New inspiration. New stamps sets. New projects.

Here is a sneak at the  projects –

October 2017 Collage

October featured products –

  •  Seasonal Lantern Bundle
  •  Tag & Trimmings Bundle
  •  Smitten Mitten Bundle
  •  Sugarplum Dreams Stamp Set
  •  Christmas Happiness

Our mini sessions include the instructions for 14 projects with full step-by-step tutorials :

  • Each mini session includes TWELVE unique cards featuring at least three stamp sets
  • Additionally, each mini session includes TWO 3D items perfect projects for your club, classes, stamp camps or gifts
  • All 14 project tutorials are available once the mini session opens so you immediately have all project tutorials right there at your fingertips
  • All designs and tutorials are EXCLUSIVELY for subscribers and will not be posted anywhere else online
  • Our FABULOUS design team members are – Connie Babbert, Mary Brown, Melissa Davies, Libby Fens, and Debbie Henderson. They always have such GREAT ideas that are perfect and easy to recreate!

Mini sessions are available the 11th of each month (and you’ll have access for up to a year).

Demos…did you know this is a tax deduction for your Stampin’ Up! business? But…you don’t need to be a demo to enjoy our mini-subscriptions!

Check out CREATE WITH CONNIE AND MARY for more details!

What’s Your Treat?

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Quick post today! Had a WONDERFUL SUCCESSFUL Card Buffet this weekend!!! Thanks to ALL of YOU!!

As well as making some awesome cards and treats, I sold some retired items to help a flood victim of hurricane Harvey. Got a few things left and more to list in the upcoming days…..

One of the cute treats that could be made were these –

libbystamps, stampin up, Tiny Treat Boxes, Cat Punch, Halloween Treat Holder, Spooky Cat, Spooky Cat Bundle, Spooky Night DSP, Washi Label Punch I really got the idea from the Holiday Mini catalog!

I tweaked my design a bit and added some retired Baker’s Twine from last Halloween! It worked beautifully because the punched cats were either black or orange. Either side of the Designer Series Paper was used making this an extremely versatile treat. Quick too!

libbystamps, stampin up, Tiny Treat Boxes, Cat Punch, Halloween Treat Holder, Spooky Cat, Spooky Cat Bundle, Spooky Night DSP, Washi Label Punch

I filled it with some candy corn taffy I found. The colors were perfect!

Supplies –

  • Stamp Set – Spooky Cat
  • Bundles – Spooky Cat
  • Card Stock – Very Vanilla
  • Ink – Black Memento, Pumpkin Pie
  • DSP – Spooky Night
  • Punches – Cat, Washi Label (retired)
  • Other – Clear Tiny Treat Boxes
Happy Stampin’
Libby

Our Create with Connie and Mary September Session is available! Please support me and the Design Team by purchasing any of our tutorial sessions. Previous month tutorials are still available.

Here is a sneak at the September projects –

 September features –
  • Pick a Pumpkin Bundle
  • Tags & Trimming Bundle
  • Spooky Cat Bundle
  • Festive Phrases Stamp Set
  • Colorful Seasons Bundle

Our mini sessions include the instructions for 14 projects with full step-by-step tutorials:

Each mini session includes TWELVE unique cards featuring three stamp sets

Additionally, each mini session includes TWO 3D items perfect projects for your club, classes, stamp camps or gifts

All 14 project tutorials are available once the mini session opens so you immediately have all project tutorials right there at your fingertips

All designs and tutorials are EXCLUSIVELY for subscribers and will not be posted anywhere else online

Our FABULOUS design team members are – Connie Babbert, Mary Brown, Melissa Davies, Libby Fens, and Debbie Henderson. They always have such GREAT ideas that are perfect and easy to recreate!

Mini sessions are available the 11th of each month (and you’ll have access for up to a year).

Demos…did you know this is a tax deduction for your Stampin’ Up! business? But…you don’t need to be a demo to enjoy our mini-subscriptions!

Check out CREATE WITH CONNIE AND MARY for more details!

 

Congrats……CCMC411

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It’s Thursday and the day to play with Create with Connie and Mary.

CCMC411

This week it’s a cool sketch challenge. We alternate them.

So…..pondering this one. I had the new Envelope Paper setting out…….let’s go with that! I came up with this fabulous card –

libbystamps, stampin up, Greatest Greetings, 2016-2018 In-Color Envelope Paper, Sunshine Wishes Thinlits, Washi Label Punch,

Nice, huh? It’s SOO fun I think!

libbystamps, stampin up, Greatest Greetings, 2016-2018 In-Color Envelope Paper, Sunshine Wishes Thinlits, Washi Label Punch,

It uses minimal stampin too!

libbystamps, stampin up, Greatest Greetings, 2016-2018 In-Color Envelope Paper, Sunshine Wishes Thinlits, Washi Label Punch,

I think these bold framelit words are going to be a favorite of mine. I already made three cards using them! I love the added rhinestone bling here too! Just the right touch.

So, what you think? Leave some love.

Then head over to Create with Connie and Mary, see what the others have created, and PLAY along. This one is a great out of the box sketch. I love what all the team has done with it!

Supplies used –

  • Stamps – Greatest Greetings
  • DSP – 2016-2018 In-Color Envelope Paper
  • Dies – Sunshine Wishes Thinlits
  • Punches – Washi Label (R)
  • Card Stock – Very Vanilla, Flirty Flamingo,
  • Ink – Flirty Flamingo
  • Other – Basic Rhinestone Jewels
Happy Stampin’
Libby

You…Wonderful…Thing…

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You…

Such a great sentiment! I made just a few cards for this month Card Buffet attendees. A little snail mail thank you –

libbystamps, Stampin Up, PP279, Wildflower Fields DSP, Suite Sayings, Banner Triple Punch, Washi Label Punch, Occasions Mini 2016, Sale-a-Bration 2016,

To create this wonderful bunch, I was inspired by this sketch from The Paper Players –

I thought it paired wonderfully with Sale-a-Bration DSP, Wildflower Fields –

libbystamps, Stampin Up, PP279, Wildflower Fields DSP, Suite Sayings, Banner Triple Punch, Washi Label Punch, Occasions Mini 2016, Sale-a-Bration 2016,

What a wonderful sketch that is a great go-to, to have in your sketch tool box.  I have a few of those……

libbystamps, Stampin Up, PP279, Wildflower Fields DSP, Suite Sayings, Banner Triple Punch, Washi Label Punch, Occasions Mini 2016, Sale-a-Bration 2016,

This was such a fun set of cards to create. I know the recipients will be excited to receive them!

I’d love to know what you think of my card share for today!

Happy Stampin’
Libby

Snow Adorable!

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Got a really cute one today.  I was inspired by a few blogs.

I like the clean simple layouts at Global Design Project. I just haven’t taken the time to play along until now. Here is their sketch  –

Nice, right?

And, great colors can always be found at Pals Paper Arts –

PPA-283-Jan14

So. How did I combine the two? I really liked the Snow Friends Framelits. Why not make a Valentine themed card with them –

libbystamps, Stampin' Up, PPA283, GDP018, Snuggles & Smooches Stamp Set, Snow Friends Framelits, Window Sheets, Go Wild DSP Stack, Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack, Washi Label Punch, shaker card, Valentine's Day

Gosh, isn’t adorable??? And, it’s a shaker too!!!

libbystamps, Stampin' Up, PPA283, GDP018, Snuggles & Smooches Stamp Set, Snow Friends Framelits, Window Sheets, Go Wild DSP Stack, Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack, Washi Label Punch, shaker card, Valentine's Day

Close up of my shaker frame. I made my shaker layers with a piece of Window Sheet, craft foam, and another Window Sheet. I used Tombow Liquid Glue to adhere the sheets to the foam. It works very nicely! Since this is a heavy card, my base is the Thick Whisper White Card stock. Much more supportive.

libbystamps, Stampin' Up, PPA283, GDP018, Snuggles & Smooches Stamp Set, Snow Friends Framelits, Window Sheets, Go Wild DSP Stack, Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack, Washi Label Punch, shaker card, Valentine's Day

Such a fun card with lots of dimension, you agree?

I’d love to hear what you think!

Happy Stampin’
Libby

12 Treats for Halloween, Treat 10

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Up to number ten! This week has gone by quick!!

And, so is making my treat for today –

libbystamps, Stampin' Up, All Boxed Up, Happy Haunting Washi Tape, Washi Label Punch, Filled With Love Paper Pumpkin, Halloween treats,

Pulling out an older paper Pumpkin today. The one from January, Filled With Love. (If you’re a subscriber, you can order past kits if you don’t have this one.)

It’s these little mini gusseted bags – they are fabulous!

libbystamps, Stampin' Up, All Boxed Up, Happy Haunting Washi Tape, Washi Label Punch, Filled With Love Paper Pumpkin, Halloween treats,

I cut a strip of card stock 1 3/4  x  8. Scored at 1, 2 1/4, and 7. You can get several out of one sheet of card stock.

libbystamps, Stampin' Up, All Boxed Up, Happy Haunting Washi Tape, Washi Label Punch, Filled With Love Paper Pumpkin, Halloween treats,

I decorated my strip with Happy Haunting Washi Tape. Fold the score lines before inserting it into the bag along with my candy!

A binder clip holds everything together. You know, you have lots of these in your craft stash! These treats are also easy, quick, and oh so adorable!!

Go make a treat and make someones day!

Happy Halloweenin’
Libby

Cherry on Top, Flower in the Middle

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I used this new, wonderfully sweet, Cherry on Top 6×6 DSP Paper Pack. And, my card has a flower from the Itty Bitty Punch Pack here.

See for yourself –

libbystamps, Stampin' Up, stampinup, Something to Say Stamp Set, Cherry on Top DSP, Washi Label Punch, Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack,

This is a catalog CASE (Copy And Share Everything), not going to lie. The Stampin’ Up catalog has so many terrific ideas and samples to go from. It’s great for beginners and beyond.

I also wanted to share another little tip here –

libbystamps, Stampin' Up, stampinup, Something to Say Stamp Set, Cherry on Top DSP, Washi Label Punch, Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack,

When I create my cards, sometimes I create these little paper template pieces to go with them. I do this for future use. When I go to create from scratch. I can just lay these template pieces down until I get a pleasing arrangement. Since I have measurements on the template pieces, it’s easier to cut my paper!

I file these along with my ‘blue paper. patterns as well. It’s a great personal reference to have. Just another shortcut to getting to a finished card quicker.

Happy Stampin’
Libby

Just Because Washi

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Have you seen the new punches? Some really great new ones for quick shape cutting.

As I am preparing for my Open House this upcoming weekend, I keep going back and forth between designing make’n takes and cleaning out the stamp room. As of now, I have not gotten too far on either one.

I did make this sweet little card though. I like it because it uses the new in colors along with the new Washi Label Punch. See for yourself –

libbystamps, Stampin' Up, stampinup, Tin of Cards Stamp Set, Washi Label Punch, Note Cards & Envelopes, 2015-2017 In Colors,

The sentiment is from the Tin of Cards stamp set. Very versatile and a must have from the new catalog. These Note Card & Envelopes are another must have. Made this card go together in no time!

Guess it’s back to purging……..

Happy Stampin’
Libby

Purse-nly, It’s in the Bag

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Have you seen these little purse bags in the crafting world?

They are so much fun to make with tutorials are everywhere.

I made this one for two challenges. The first was the color inspiration from ColorQ –

The second is the layout from Freshly Made Sketches –

Combining the two sketches, this is what I came up with –

libbystamps, Stampin' Up, stampinup, purse bag, box bag, box purse, FSM 191, colorQ challenge 295, Tin of Cards Stamp Set, Washi Label Punch, Fun Flower Punch, Pansy Punch, Petite Petals Punch, Gold Sequin Trim, Gold Fancy Designer Vellum

The design of the bag really fit the Freshly Made Sketches simple layout. I loved the addition of the flower for an offset focal point. And, can’t forget the sentiment either!  I used the new Washi Label Punch and the new Tin of Cards stamp set here!

The bag will hold Stampin’ Up’s Note Card sized cards and envelopes upright.

BONUS for you………

Most of the tutorials on-line are made using any 12×12 DSP and 12 x 12 card stock. I am out of a card stock that coordinated here, so I modified my instructions to use what most of us have, 8 1/2 x 11 sized card stock. Here is a quick tutorial for a smaller styled purse bag –

(1) 4 x 12 DSP sheet (Tear & Tape Adhesive the long bottom and one end)

(1) 2 1/2 x 5 1/4 piece of card stock, scored at 1/2 on all four sides (make a tray by slitting the ends and using Tear & Tape Adhesive on all 4 corners)

(4) 6 1/2 x 1/2 strips of coordinating card stock(Tear & Tape Adhesive the whole strip, all 4)

(1) 1/2 x 11 (Tear & Tape Adhesive just the ends a very small piece)

1. Wrap the DSP around the outside of the tray made starting in the center and ending in an overlap at the center. Secure the overlap with the Tear & Tape Adhesive that was applied.

2. Take one if the 1/2 x 7 strips, starting a little past the middle point on the short side of the bottom edge, wrap it over the DSP along the bottom all the way around. It will only be half way around. Repeat to cover the entire bottom edge.

3. Pretty much repeat the same for the top of the DSP purse bag.

4. The handle secure with the little amount of Tear & Tape Adhesive covering the side seams. I used a brad for extra sturdiness.

5. Decorate.

Please try my directions and let me know how it works out for you.

Happy Stampin’
Libby

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