I Support Community

For the past 15 months I've have been honored to be a part of a new not-for-profit organization based in Naperville, Illinois called I Support Community. The mission of ISC is to be a one-stop resource of trusted information on local, regional, and national charities. Whether you are interested in volunteering or giving financially, isupportcommunity.org can point you in the right direction!

Founder and Executive Director Marion Ruthig completes a lengthy due diligence process, examining every aspect of a potential charity partner, before bringing the final decision to the Board of Directors. If accepted, a video crew is scheduled to film the charity, and after editing, the final video is posted on the web site along with more information plus easy ways to donate and become involved.

At the end of ISC's first year in existence, we had 17 charity partners on board with more on the way!

Please visit isupportcommunity.org and browse our charity partners - watch a video or two. We hope you will be as moved as we are by the presentations, and will support an organization that speaks to you!

Sale-A-Bration is HERE!

I always save up my crafting dollars in anticipation of Stampin' Up's annual Sale-A-Bration event, where every $50 spent gives you a free product!

View the Sale-A-Bration catalog HERE.

Shopping online with Stampin' Up is safe and secure, please visit my store HERE. Then click SHOP in the upper right corner below my contact information.

Sale-A-Bration runs January 28 through March 31, 2014 so there is plenty of time to earn free exclusive products.

Sale-A-Bration Sneak Peek

stream of consciousness post ... decorative dots ... new embossing folder ... sale-a-bration starts soon ... adorable mini banner punch ... baked brown sugar ... coastal cabana ... gold baker's twine ... you too can sew on paper ... banner framelits dies ... retro fresh ... spring catalog ... i'm really ready for spring ... winter can't end soon enough ... my feet are cold ... that is all

Sketched Birthday Circle Thinlit Card

I'm in love with the new Thinlet Card dies, the one shown below is the Circle card. It's quick and easy to use the Big Shot die cutting machine and this die to make the fastest card possible - and all the coordinating dies make it simple to decorate your card. My sample below showcases the 2013-2015 IN Colors, which look oh so pretty together. While I had the Big Shot out, I added texture to the scalloped circle using the Square Lattice embossing folder. Forgive my camera - for some reason Strawberry Slush is looking rather "tomatoey" - I know that's not a word but you catch my drift.

Click HERE for a video on the new Thinlit Card dies!

Supplies used:

• Tools: Circle Card Thinlits Die Set, Big Shot Die Cutting Machine, 2-1/2" Circle Punch,
  Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Bone Folder
• Paper: Pistachio Pudding, Strawberry Slush, Whisper White, In Color Designer Series Paper Stack
• Ink: Pistachio Pudding, Basic Black, Stampin' Write In Color Markers
• Stamps: Sketched Birthday, Yippee-Skippee!
• Adhesive: Dimensionals, Snail Adhesive

Wedding Money Holder Card

This super easy project again uses the new Envelope Punch Board to create the most adorable tab on the inside of this money holder (fits cash or check). The Smoky Slate base is cut to 8.25" x 7", then scored at 3" and 6" across the 7" width. The tab is created on the shortest side, and the when folded over, the inside is secured by Sticky Strip. Fits inside a #10 business envelope, or make your own matching envelope with the Envelope Punch Board! A little bit of bling always adds the perfect touch. I'm sure I'll be giving more than $20, but that's all I had in my wallet for the photo shoot! :-)

Supplies used:

• Tools: Envelope Punch Board, Stampin' Trimmer, 2-1/2" Circle Punch
• Paper: Smoky Slate, Quatrefancy Specialty Designer Series Paper
• Ink: Strawberry Slush, Basic Gray
• Stamps: Love & Laughter
• Embellishment: Basic Jewels Rhinestone, 1/8" Silver Ribbon
• Adhesive: Dimensionals, Sticky Strip

Another File Folder Card

I couldn't stop making File Folder cards the other day with the Envelope Punch Board. Show off both sides of the paper by using Designer Series Paper. A neat feature of the Envelope Punch Board is that it allows you to round off the corners in addition to punching notches, and creating score lines. This card was super quick and easy, and I love the spring-like colors. I'm going to store this card and when I'm ready to give it, I'll write the recipient's name on the tab.

Supplies used:

• Tools: Envelope Punch Board, 1-3/8" Circle Punch, Stampin' Trimmer, Big Shot Die Cutting Machine, Chalk Talk Framelits Dies
• Paper: This and That Epic Day Designer Series Paper, Whisper White
• Ink: Pool Party, Calypso Coral
• Stamps: Chalk Talk
• Embellishment: Calypso Coral Baker's Twine, Basic Jewels Rhinestone

Envelope Punch Board

One of my favorite new tools from Stampin' Up is the Envelope Punch Board. Of course it's great for making envelopes but I like to have at least 3 ways to use every tool to make the purchase more cost effective. This tool has SO much flexibility.

Here is a great video on how to use the Envelope Punch Board:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzokPixtpko#t=41

One of the more fun ways to use the tool is for making a file folder card - these are just too stinkin' cute and extremely addictive to make! Here is one sample I made last weekend. The Gorgeous Grunge Happy Birthday file folder card has the recipient's birthday stamped on the tab with the Remember This & That Rotary Stamp. I hope he doesn't see this post!

Supplies used:

• Tools: Envelope Punch Board, Artisan Label Punch, 1-3/4" Circle Punch, Stampin' Trimmer
• Paper: Crumb Cake, Whisper White
• Ink: Real Red, Basic Black, Crumb Cake
• Stamps: Gorgeous Grunge, Label Love, Remember This & That Rotary Stamp
• Embellishment: Basic Black 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon, Red Paper Clip

Follow Me on Pinterest

Pinterest is one of my favorite daily hang-out spots on the internet! You can literally overdose on creative inspiration on Pinterest. I have large boards on Stampin' Up, quilting, sewing, food, and smaller boards for just about everything else! I currently have a big interest in upcycled/recycled clothing. Here is the link, I hope you'll follow me!

http://www.pinterest.com/klingbeil/

2014 Resolutions

A new year has begun - I can't believe it's already 2014! Starting a new year always causes me to reflect on where I've been and where I want to be. I had the good fortune to spend some of my holidays with family near and far - which was refreshing and inspiring on many levels. I have a long list of things I would like to accomplish in 2014, one of which is to revive this blog and really make it a great place to visit for all things creative: sewing, crafting, cooking, and life in general. The first step was updating all the links so I can take the next step forward. Please join me in this 2014 journey!