Muse My World

Advent Calendar DIY Part II and Activity Ideas

Welcome to Part II of the Advent Calendar DIY.  If you missed the Advent Calendar DIY Part I you can check it out.  Today we are going to focus on the finished product and what activities and ideas you can put inside your calendar.  I wanted to do a mix of both activities and actually items, so I started by making a list of what I wanted to include (you can see the list below).  Some activities needed to be done on certain days (like visiting Santa) so I mapped those days out first, then filled in the rest of the days with a mixture of items and activities.

Here are some Ideas for activities to include:
-Make Hot Chocolate with Marshmallows
-Take a drive to look at the lights
-Make cookies
-Read Twas the Night Before Christmas
-Watch Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer
-Sing Christmas Songs
-Visit Santa
-Write a letter to Santa and mail it
-Make a Christmas ornament
-Make a gingerbread house
-Attend a Christmas Parade
-Go Ice Skating
-Make a Snow Globe
-Decorate gingerbread men
-Make handmade cards to send to family out of town
-Make a wreath
-Have a park day
-Have cinnamon rolls/donuts for breakfast
-Go to Columbia and watch the Candy Canes get made (then buy candy!)
-Go Sledding
-Plant a tree

Here are some ideas for treats to include:
-Candy Canes
-Hot Chocolate Packages (with marshmallows)
-Chocolate Santas
-Bag of Popcorn (for movie night)
-Hotwheels cars
-A special ornament for the tree
-A Christmas CD
-A favorite Christmas DVD/Blu-ray
-Measuring Spoons (for cookie-making day)
-A book (Christmas or not)

There are many more items and activities you could include in your advent calendar.  How about a picture a day?  Or maybe making a homemade gift each day during advent?  I hope you have fun making your calendar and remember to enjoy the time spent with your family!!

Introducing the New Classic Stampin' Ink Pads

Stampin' Up! has really outdone themselves with the reconfiguration of their new Classic Stampin' Pads.  They are now made of firm foam and stamp fantastically!!  Check out the video explaining all about it.

 

If you would like to purchase some of these awesome New Classic Stampin' Pads, or any Stampin' Up! Product, please go to my online store.  Thanks!!

12 Weeks of Christmas Week #1

 
Did you get the Week #1 of my 12 Weeks of Christmas email?  If not, then you must not be on my newsletter email list.  Don't delay... Sign up now by filling out the info in the box in the upper left hand corner.  You will get an exclusive project each week for the next 12 weeks.  They will all be Christmas orientated and you will only see them in the 12 Weeks of Christmas emails.  Each one contains a photo or two, directions and a supply list. 

So, what are you waiting for?  Sign up on my list now and get free and exclusive creative Christmas inspiration for the next 12 weeks.

August Stamp Set of the Month, Raining Flowers

August's Stamp Set of the Month is Raining Flowers and the accessory is Basic Pearl Jewels.  Order this bundle today and receive all of the pre-cut pieces to make 6 of these Stampin' Up! Cards for FREE.  Plus, you will receive an additional PDF file that contains step-by-step instructions on making this card as well as pictures and supplies of 3 other bonus projects that you can make with this stamp set. 

 

Download August Stamp Set of The Month Details

Click the link above to view all the details of the August Stamp Set of the Month, or go to my ONLINE STORE to purchase the Raining Flowers Stamp Set and Basic Pearl Jewels to receive the Card Kit and PDF FREE.

Stampin' Up! Ideas Mini Magazine File Card Holder Video Tutorial

As promised, here is the Video Tutorial on how to make the Mini Magazine File Card Holder that I showed you yesterday.  If you have ANY questions, please leave a comment and I'll get right back to you.  Enjoy!! 

If you are interested in becoming a Stampin' Up! Demo, don't forget about our $99 Starter Kit Speical, FREE Christmas Keepsake Project Kit and FREE $35 in product from me when you sign up as a demo BEFORE July 31.  Go to my ONLINE SITE to sign up!!

Card Making How To Series, Clear Mount vs Wood Mount

In this Card Making How To Series we will examine the differences between Clear Mount and Wood Mount Stamps.  You will also learn how to "mount" a Clear Mount Stamp and how to use it with a block.  I decided to do a video for this and I hope you enjoy!! 

 

If you would like to purchase any Stampin' Up! supplies, please go to my online store HERE. 

Card Making How To Series - All About Paper, Cardstock, Designer Series Paper and More

For this issue of the Card Making How To Series we are going to talk about how to pick paper for your projects.  Now that you've decided on a card size, you need to decide what type of paper to use.  Stampin' Up! sells several different types of paper, so lets talk about each one. 

Cardstock - This is what I recommend using for the base for your cards or any 3-D projects you might do (bags, boxes, etc.).  Stampin' Up! cardstock is a sturdy 80 lb. weight and is available in 40 of our standard colors and 10 of our roating in colors.  It is also offered in both 8 1/2 X 11 or 12 X 12.

Designer Series Paper - This paper is thinner and usually comes in 12 X 12 only.  It is double sided, meaning that there is a pattern on both sides of the paper.  Designer Series Paper, or DSP, is perfect for adding color and design to your cards and projects.  I would not recommend using this as the base for the card.  It is, like I said, thinner and works better to layer on the front of your card as opposed to it being the card.  Also, if you are going to use for 3-D projects, be careful when scoring.  If you apply too much presure when scoring, you will rip right through the paper.

Watercolor Paper - I love watercolor paper.  This ultra heavy 140 lb. weight is perfect for coloring.  Use it with markers, aqua painters, blender pens and more.  It resists buckling, tearing, and balling when used with water.  It is perfect to use to stamp an image then color it in.

Other papers available include Vellum, Window Sheets (clear), Glossy White and more.  Paper is an essential part of any card project and choosing the right paper will make your project look that much more special.  I hope you learned a little about different types of paper in this addition of the Card Making How To Series. 

Remember, If you would like to purchase any of these products, you can do so in my online store HERE. 

Email Me

Card Making How To Series - Card Sizes

In this first card making how to series, we are going to talk about card sizes.  The typical and most standard card size is the A2.  This card measures 5 1/2" X 4 1/4".  You can easily make two of these sizes cards from one sheet of 8 1/2" X 11 cardstock.  Additionally, you can cut the paper two different ways to create a total of 4 different card bases. 

 
 

 

 

 

The square card is also a popular size of card.  You can make 3" X 3", 4" X 4", 5" X 5" or a multitude of square sized cards. 

 
One more size is the 3" X 6" card.  This is a fun card size to play with and try a new palate. 

 

The note card size is another great size of card.  This card measures 5" X 3 1/2".  It is the typical size of a thank you card. There are many other sizes of cards and I encourage you to try all of them.  You can create new and interesting cards by exploring the different sizes.  Of course, there are many other cards you can make by folding the cardstock in interesting ways (which we will discuss in a future edition of Card Making How To).

Don't forget, Sale-A-Bration ends on March 31.  You don't want to miss out on the fabulous Sale-A-Bration limited time stamp sets.  Click Here to go to my online store and make your purchase of $50 or more so you can get a FREE stamp set.