the CLASSroom

Wild for Word Bubbles and Wood by Julia Stainton

Hey! What's up?

I have a fun, simple and trendy card to share with you today. Even better is this design works well for either gender so it's perfect to have on hand for when you need it.

This card mixes up three trends that are really popular right now...

1. word bubbles
2. washi tape
3. wood

It's amazing to see all the places these trends are popping up and from so many different manufacturers. Stop by Ellen Hutson LLC and type any of them in the search function and you'll see what I mean!

I've been dying to play around with word bubbles lately and so that's where I started off this card design. This sweet and fun washi tape is from the October Afternoon Midway line and so I paired it up with a couple of fun prints from the coordinating Midway paper pad. The Washi Tape is easy-peasy to apply and I love how you see through it. It's also a great way to visually break up a design and to transfer from one paper print to another.

These sweet wood word bubbles are a perfect mix for my card design. Cute, huh?! Cute, cute, cute! They are from Studio Calico and not only are they an embellishment, they are a great way to add in a sentiment as well. I love them in their natural wood state but when placed on the card, they were getting a little lost on the background print.

Enter the red dye based marker. You can alter one of these sweet little wood veneer cuts in the blink of an eye. Simply color with a marker and allow to dry. The wood is very porous so no worries if you're in a hurry, it will be dry in no time.

The second word bubble, I wanted to use a different color and decided to test out how well Distress Stains would work on the wood. My result...just as quick and easy as the dye marker. Fabulous!

If you want to speed up the drying process, you can use a heat gun but seriously, it's pretty quick on its own. I used a simple liquid adhesive to adhere them to the design.

Almost done! A little wrap of twine, a clothespin and a trinket pin finish it off. Notice the repetition. The star pin echos the star shape print of the green patterned paper. The word bubble appear on the washi tape and the wood. The wood is repeated in the word bubbles and the clothepin.

Oh yes...lastly, that corner chomper makes the rounded corners on the bottom of the card a breeze.

Thanks for stopping by the CLASSroom! Have a fabulous weekend!

Julia

 

Supplies:

 

InLinkz.com

Cute Magnetic Message Station by Kim Hughes

I love hanging pictures on my wall as a kid (and I still do) I hope that this is a project that you can see yourself doing with a special child or two in your life.  I altered a Maya Road embellishment tin...and it was OH SO EASY to do.  Weather your little one would display photos of her and her BFF or that dreamy boy that she oogles at school (along with his phone number possibly), this project can be enjoyed for any child at any age. 
 

supplies:

Zva Creative: Ice and Fire Crystal, Jet

Silk Ribbon, Ivory 1 1/4" wide by the Yard

Chipboard Foundation (any Maya Road tin will work)

Nested Butterfly

Essentials by Ellen: Art Magnetic Masking Material

Jenni Bowlin Memo Book, Orange, Mini Papers, Homespun

Ribbon, Vintage Crochet Trim, Wave, White, Ribbon Lace, Donegal

Martha Stewart Craft Punch, Classic Butterfly, Martha Stewart Craft Punch, 3-in-1 Classic Butterfly

start by punching and die cutting butterflies from a magnetic sheet.  They work beautifully with a metal tin.

I also punched the same shapes from patterned paper.  I thought that black crystals would be fun to add to the butterfly centers, so I cut them from a full flourish.

I cut down 2 journal papers to fit on the inside of the tin and rounded the edges with a corner rounder punch.

The paper butterflies are adhered to the magnetic base in the center only so that the wings will stand out and add dimension.  I then added white lace to the inside walls of the tin with a liquid glue.

I added liquid glue along the outside edge and adhered green lace along the rim.

a little dab of liquid glue once again..to the tip of each lace design is all it takes to adhere them to the inside of the tin.

Here is what it looks like when it's complete.  Covering that metal edge gave it a finished hand made look.

I punched a hole in the bottom so that a tag message could be hung.  You can mass produce possible message tags that can be hung from this magnetic wall hang. Messages like knock first, I am not home, go away or text me maybe?

It's easy to add ribbon to the back to hang on the wall or a door knob. 

Make more than one and arrange them side by side on the wall (some vertical, some horizontal)  Make them into shadow boxes.  Embellish the clear lid and showcase keepsakes in the box and display on your wall.  I hope that I shared enough basics to make this project your own.  Have fun!

Canvas pocket mini album by Kim Hughes

I fell in love with these canvas pockets instantly when I saw them in Ellen's store!  Sure, you can fill them with cute and fun stuff...but why not fill them with photos, notes and memorabilia?  Mini albums are made of so many different materials, so how about canvas pockets?
 

Supplies:

On the Wings of a Dream, Fabric Bags, Combo Pack

Canvas, Tree Form

Adirondack Dye Ink Pad, Lettuce, Adirondack Dye Ink Pad, Aqua, Adirondack Dye Ink Pad, Terra Cotta, Adirondack Dye Ink Pad, Stream

Alphabet, Ivory letter stickers

Devine, Felt Stem, Rose Bush

Ribbon Lace, Donegal

Ribbon, Vintage Crochet Trim, Wave, White

Ribbon, Vintage Crochet Trim, Scallop, Brown

Backgrounder, Climbing Leaves, Backgrounder, Houndstooth, Backgrounder, Polka Dots, Backgrounder, Wood Grain

I lined each pouch up to the left side and machine stitched along them all...creating a mini, album.
 

Then I created my own patterned papers with some of my favorite Backgrounder stamps.  These papers wil be used for photo mats and journaling.
 

Here's how they look when cut from the 12 x 12 cream card stock page
 

I folded the orange paper into a card (photos can be added on the inside along with a little note, or this can be the card that goes with this mini album gift)
 

I decided to have them all coordinate and tie them in together with a single felt silhouette flower piece.  I love the chocolate brown against these fresh colors.

I took a look at the front and placed my lace along the pocket edges and tested some white lace to see what color woudl look best.  I felt great about the shade of brown that I chose first.
 

So, I colored the white lace with a Copic marker and glued each piece to the pocket.
 

I decided to use a scrap from my stamped blue polka dot paper.
 

I traced them backwards onto the back of the polka dot paper, cut each piece out and added them to the chipboard shapes.
 

I used the same Copic marker to color the canvas stickers to spell out "i adore you" on the front of the middle pocket.

I embellished the middle green pocket with 2 white roses.  Each tag has a twine bow topper.  This would make a great gift. You can fill it with a group of hand made "thank you" cards, love notes or photos.

Thanks so much for stopping by :)

Pretty Party Paper Lanterns by Kim Hughes

Summer parties are SO much fun to host.  Why not hang some sweet paper decorations around to add to the ambiance?  I used 6 x 6 papers but just think of how cool larger versions of these paper lanterns will look mixed in with the smaller ones.

supplies:

Webster's Pages, Seaside Retreat 12x12 Paper Kit, Webster's Pages, Petite Paper Pad, Garden Gala/Seaside Retreat, Webster's Pages, Petite Paper Pad, Lullaby Lane/Life's Potrait

Prima roses

start by folding the square 6 x 6 paper in half.

and cut slits down the entire piece of paper.  Make sure to cut along the fold.  Simply staple the "cone shape" together on each end

I used a trimmer and cut in 1/2 increments, but you can also use scissors


adhere along both ends to attach both papers.  I used liquid glue but a staple will hold them in place nicely.

I cut a 12 x 12 paper down to 5 x 12, rolled it up and added it inside the paper lantern.

Meet the edge and staple in place.  Repeat on the bottom.  Remember that the paper lantern was created with 6 inch paper, so by adding a shorter piece in the center, it helps it fan out.


accordion fold four 6 x 6 papers and score at 1 inch along the entire sheet.  Fold back and forth.  Adhere all 4 sides for a square paper lantern.

add a paper handle to all 3 lanterns.  Each are 1 inch wide.  I added 2 strips together for the larger paper lantern.  Embellish each handle with twine and an accent rose.

Hang beads down from the bottom...or perhaps rolled paper strips?  It's easy to create coordinating straw toppers, place mats or invitations.  Just use a coordinating paper collection. I hope you make 10 zillion of these cuties!  Thanks for stopping by :)

Thank You Blocks by Kim Hughes

Color blocking is a timeless look that I took advantage of today when creating my card.  

 

Supplies:

Adirondack Dye Ink Pad, Butterscotch

Hero Arts: Cling Messages, Set of 3, Gemstones, Small Blossom, Fancy Felt, Buttons,Spring, Gemstones, Smooth Clear Round, Art Flowers, White & Cream, Card Buttons, Flowers

Cosmo Cricket 6" Mini Deck Paper Pad, Garden Variety, Cosmo Cricket 6" Mini Deck Paper Pad, Delovely, Cosmo Cricket Buttons, Garden Variety

Inchie + Squares, White

Dew Drops Bottle, Plumeria

Maya Road: Ribbon, Ruffle Edge Trim, Cream, Mini Chipboard Set, Houses

Vintaj: Bead Cap, Blossom 6mm

Basic Grey Woolies, Sugar Rush

inchies are so perfect for this.  Cover them with paper, paint on them, stamp on them...have fun!

 

Use the squares as temporary building blocks to work around
 

punch a butterfly, embellish a cute metal flower and cover a house chipboard shape with paper to represent an arrow
 

cut down a clear clock and tuck into a corner
 

embellish the yellow square with a clear flower button...and the flower with a sweet dew drop

change up the colors...or create a monochromatic look!

Have a BLAST!!

congrats GRAD card by Kim Hughes

Graduation time is right around the corner...time flies.  Whether you have a loved one graduating from Pre-K or celebrating a masters degree, grad cards are fun but can be oh' so challenging at times.  I thought of a cute way to toss that hat in the air!

supplies:

Martha Stewart Punch and Stamp, Cupcake

Zva Creative: Ice and Fire Crystal, Jet

Nestability Dies - Labels Three

Memory Box 6x6 Cardstock, Spearmint

Basic Grey 6x6 Patterned Paper Pad, Green at Heart, Basic Grey Brads, Cappella, Basic Grey 6x6 Patterned Paper Pad, Kioshi

It's easy to print your sentiment onto a smaller piece of paper when you simply don't have an 8 1/2 x 11 piece.  Print text onto printer paper.

 

and use a tape gun to adhere the paper over he printed sentiment.  This will work for even the thinnest sentiments as well.  Re-positionable tape is best but not necessary.
 

print the sentiment once again and it appears onto your small 6 x 6 page
 

send the sentiment and a blue patterned paper through the die cutting machine at the same time and add the blue paper along the left side of the main sentiment shape.
 

machine sew it with a zig zag stitch onto a peach patterned paper.
 

Use a cupcake punch to create the grad cap. 
 

trim off the curves in the "frosting"

trace the pointing top onto the back of black card stock and cut a diamond shape, to b placed on top of the cap base.  Pop up diamond with a dimensional square

 

cut 6 strips of floss to create a tassel.
 

tie a knot in the center with a separate string
 

wrap one side of the string around and tie a knot.
 

pull tight and cut off excess string, fun, right?
 

poke a hole in the top of the cap with scissors because a paper piercer hole won't be big enough
 

push the string through the hole and attach to the backside of the cap.
 

add brad to the hole...done :)
 

send the card front through the die cutting machine, gicing it a little more design elements.
 

mat onto striped paper, then purple, then black.  Complete with a black crystal flourish to help the eye see movement of the tossed cap.

play around with school colors and possibly include a gift card holder inside.  Grad cards don't need to be so scary, especially if you have a cupcake punch a brad and some string.

ahhh, paper roses by Kim Hughes

I've seen gorgeous flower tutorials for ages, but I thought I'd try to create some in my own way.  I think this may require a little more patience than ones I have seen, but I think the result is beautiful.
 
supplies:

Silk Ribbon, Ivory 1 1/4" wide by the Yard

Basic Grey Collection Pack, Sugar Rush, Basic Grey Woolies, Sugar Rush

Memory Box: Happy Birthday stamp, B1 Notecards and Envelopes, Cotton Candy, EE Notecards and Envelopes, Endive

Adirondack Dye Ink Pad, Watermelon, Adirondack Dye Ink Pad, Butterscotch

Hero Arts stamp:Cling Reversed Flowers and Leaves

I started by stamping the floral pattern onto 3 different orange papers.  The pattern is oh' so subtle, but I didn't want it to over power the pattern on the paper.

I then positioned my circle dies so that it will cut a ring.  Use the second size down from the larger size.  I cut 3 rings in 3 different sizes.
 

Once all 3 rings are die cut, cut a slit with scissors in each
 

then bend each ring in the center with your fingers (crumple them up a tiny bit, but be careful not to tear the paper since it is thin.  I inked the edges with the same colored ink.  Use a darker color ink for more contrast
 

start rolling the paper, white side down
 

as you roll, apply a sturdy liquid glue that dries fairly fast. 
 

keep rolling and bending so that the paper butts up against itself.  It gets difficult because you are trying to be gentle not to tear the paper, but gluing as you go along and rolling at the same time. 
 

sorry for the blurred image, but this is how it will look.  It's fairly flat but it will make it easy to adhere to your project.
 

Since I used 3 different sized rings, I have 3 different sized roses.  I attached them with a dimensional foam square and embellished with a felt leaf sticker (that packs a punch)

I stamped the sentiment, wrapped silk ribbon around the bottom and embellished with a felt heart sticker.

Try this technique with fabric, ribbon or other papers.  Thanks so much for stopping by :)

Getting Back To Nature by Kim Hughes

Spring is around the corner...and what a better time to go on a nature hike?  I just love going for walks with my family when the weather is perfect.  This is a cute container for them to collect fun twings, leaves or rocks.  Since it's a plastic container, nothing will leak, so if they find something really cool, like a salamander in water, they can set it into this container to look at.

Supplies:

Nestability Dies - Labels Three

Memory Box 6x6 Cardstock, Frond, Log Home, Vanilla Bean card stock from the Notecard Collection, Indian Summer, Biscotti Cardstock, Collection, Nutty Squirrel

start with a plastic kool-aid container.  Crystal light comes in these "ready, set go" containers as well.  Turn a tasty drink into a carry-a-long for the kids.

I sent my 6 x 6 paper through the die cutting machine and created a window in the center.  I then stamped a squirrel onto white card stock and cut it out.  I also stamped the squirrel onto blue patterned paper to paper piece the apron.  I stamped the tree onto the same light blue patterned paper and cut it out as well.

I added green paper to the backdrop and a smaller patterned paper to the bottom of the "scene"

and this is what it looks like when the paper is adhered behind the die cut window.

I added the paper pieced apron to the squirrel and adhered it and the tree to the winidow scene.

Then I adhered the paper onto the plastic cylinder with a sturdy liquid glue.  I like Felt glue by Beacon...it dries super fast.  Crystal Effects works well for this as well, I am sure.

I punched holes in the top and tied ribbon in a knot in each end for the handle.  You can choose to leave the handle off and add delicious cookies to the container with the lid instead. 

Wrap green patterned paper to the bottom of the container.

I colored the hole in the tree with a brown marker and added punched leaves to the tree.

Take an ordinary card base and transform it into a tree branch, uhhuh, no seriously, it's easy :)

cut it down to three quarters of an inch and roll along the side, all the way down the length of the paper.  Continue until it's rolled up tight.


and then glue with sturdy liquid glue.  Cut off an inch from the bottom

bend the longer end and add to the top of the smaller piece...voila!

fold green patterned paper in half and then in thirds to create the same sized leaves for the branch

I know they aren't perfect, at least it's a plus if you can get them to be the same size to start, cut them down and add one behind the other so that it's green on both sides.

...and add to the tree branch, fun, iight?

this would also make a fun water bottle holder, or treat container (like some trail mix, maybe?)

 ;)  Have fun friends!

Cupcake Flowers by Kim Hughes

I love thinking of creative uses for products that were intended for something specific, where in this case, is a cupcake.  Why not make a fun flower with that delicious whipped cupcake top?

Supplies:

Adirondack Dye Ink Pad, Pitch Black

Martha Stewart Craft Punch, Classic Butterfly, Martha Stewart Punch and Stamp, Cupcake

Cosmo Cricket Paper Crafting Kit, Joy Ride

Silk Ribbon, Ivory 1 1/4" wide by the Yard

Basic Grey Brads, Indian Summer

Cosmo Cricket Buttons, Material Girl

Memory Box : B7 Cardstock, Boysenberry, F2 Cardstock, Ocean

Karen Lockhart: Water...Weed...Wait... stamp

other: kraft card stock

Start by punching out 14 cupcakes.

Then adhere them to your card base as if you were laying a 5 petal flower.  Gently crumple the tops, upwards.

Place the next layer of cupcakes closer together,on top of the base flower and crinkle those edges as well.

 

The final layer consists of 4 "petals" which are overlapped and also have crumpled edges.  Find the perfect button center and adorn it with a large brad.  Add interest by bending the brad prongs backwards.
 

Once your center is in place, continue to fold and crumple the flower petals to add even more dimension.
 

Create fun "hills" with striped patterned paper
 

Stemp the sentiment onto teal card stock and cut along the words to create a playful flower stem.
 

Add the flower to the hills and cover the bottom with a third hill.
 

Complete the card with a cut leaf that's bent in the center to add dimension.
 

Create a coordinating key chain with ease.  Punch 2 butterflies from striped paper, cut the teal card stock to a 1 x 1 inch square (add onto an inchie block if desired),
 

start by punching the cmallest circle and then place the larger hole punch over that and punch a custom tag topper

 

Poke a hole in the front butterfly and add a large yellow brad in the center
 

adhere the second butterfly to the back side with a sturdy liquid glue
 

Lastly, tie some fun silk ribbon to your key chain.  I know that my daughter will love this tiny treat!

I apologize that some of the photos are a bit blurry, my camera had a heck of a time with those light pastel colors.

Thanks for joining me today :)

Aprons galore by Kim Hughes

I returned not so long ago from the winter CHA show and found so many wonderful new food and kitchen products!  So I was inspired to create with my Karen Lockhart apron stamps!

Supplies:

Tinsel Glitter, 12 pk

Webster's Pages Petite Papers Paperpad, Postcards from Paris & Sweet as Cherry, Webster's Pages Fabric Fancies, Home for the Holidays & Winter's Wings

Adirondack Dye Ink Pad, Espresso

Quickie Glue Pen

Memory Box card - pink

Karen Lockhart: Apron, Apron, Vintage

COPIC Sketch Marker E00, Skin White

Kim Hughes, Baked with Love

Maya Road: Trinket Pins, Hearts, What's Cookin' Mini Chipboard Set

Basic Grey Opaline Half Pearls, Wine/Champagne

 

when I cut stamped images, I start by trimming close to the image.  This allows for my scissors to keep from getting hung up on loose paper.  I always start with an opening of an image, in this case, it's the top of the apron, but if I was cutting a letter "e" I would cut the center of the loop first.

 

I chose to dull down the images with a little Copic coloring around the shaded areas of each stamp.  This gives a subtle shadow.
 

I created a pocket in the apron by cutting along the opening and stamping once again onto scrap paper.  This will allow the back to show when the pocket is opened.  Otherwise, you would see where you are adhering your paper pieced image to.
 

Press chipboard shapes onto an Espresso ink pad and press with your fingers.  Or place scrap paper over top to avoid inky fingers.

 

this is what the back of the pocket looks like.
 

glitter the chipboard pieces and add to the apron pocket.  I chose to imk the chipboard first to give the glitter a richer color.  Leaving it grey would have lightened them
 

Create an apron bag by cuttin a curve off from each of the top edges.
 

adhere the straps with this pieces of cut paper.

 

add one of the apron images to the side to act as a tag.
 

and embellish the gift bag with a stamped sentiment.  I glittered the measuring cup chipboard piece the same way I did above and added Zots to the back side.  This is how I adhere the pin behind the cup

 

To create the coordinating card, I dulled down the card base with a Copic marker.
 

I embellished the card with a stamped sentiment, and a fabric accent piece stands as a design element.  Lastly, I added some sweet brown tone pearls to jazz it up!
 

You can fill the gift bag with home-made goodies, recipe cards or a small household gift.  Try this with larger bags as well.  Thanks for stopping by :)

Welcome Sign by Kim Hughes

Last minute gifts are sometimes hard to come up with...but a home-made "welcome" sign is always fun to receive.  You can take it a step further to make a set of 12...one for each month...ahhhh,, the possibilities!

 

supplies:

Twill, White

Tinsel Glitter, 12 pk

Adirondack Dye Ink Pad, Stream, Adirondack Dye Ink Pad, Terra Cotta, Adirondack Dye Ink Pad, Espresso

CHF: Saturday Evening Post, Vintage Butterflies, Scrapblock, Aged Sheet Music

Invisibles, Paper "Classic Vintage"

other: Doodlebug Design glitter stickers, hole punch

Start with adding ink to the Invisibles paper and rub in a circular motion, add more color to some areas and leave some softer.

 

Rub in some Terra Cotta ink, over the Stream ink and work in the colors together.  The orange softens the bold teal.  Again, rub into the paper in a circular motion.

 

Next, add Espresso ink to a music pattern stamp and press over the inked paper
 

Add 2 stamped butterflies, one to the lower left and a smaller one to the top right.  Since this paper has an embossed resisted pattern already on it, the butterflies will appear to be behind the floral pattern
 

add small Zots or adhesive dots to the top left of the large butterfly and press onto the paper
 

lift paper backing and pour glitter over all 3 dots
 

tap off excess and you are left with instant gold glitter looking flat "brads"
 

add a couple glittered dots to the top of the small butterfly as well..to balance out the page
 

Once again, ink up the music stamp...or do this step while you add the pattern to the paper.  Press white twill onto the inked stamp

 

punch 2 holes at the top, tie the twill through  to create the handle and add the "welcome" letter stickers to the bottom
 

Of course you can create this over and over...and change the ink colors and patterns for a unique look every time.  thanks so much for stopping by today. 

Ink color wash scene by Kim Hughes

I'd love to show you how to create a serene scene with inks and markers.  It's easier than you may think!

supplies:

Adirondack Dye Ink Pad, Lettuce, Adirondack Dye Ink Pad, Espresso, Adirondack Dye Ink Pad, Peach Bellini, Adirondack Dye Ink Pad, Stream, Adirondack Dye Ink Pad, Aqua, Adirondack Dye Ink Pad, Terra Cotta, Adirondack Dye Ink Pad, Pesto

Memory Box Tree of Love stamp

Silk Ribbon, Ivory 1 1/4" wide by the Yard

Karen Lockhart Live Each Day on Purpose stamp

COPIC Sketch Marker B00, Frost Blue, COPIC Sketch Marker YR24, Pale Sepia, COPIC Sketch Marker YG63, Pea Green, COPIC Sketch Marker Y15, Cadmium Yellow

Manila Tags, #10 (X-Large)

Oh dear!  My technique photos were accidentally deleted...ack!!  I had a bazillion photos that weren't deleted before I uploaded this tutorial, and my camera froze before the technique images were uploaded and they were lost!!  I am so sorry.  I will do my best to walk you through the process.  If you have any questions, please send me an e-mail.

1. fold the tag in half

2. drag the Peach Bellini ink pad across the top of the card

3. press a tissue or foam square in Terra Cotta ink and run it across the top of the card (for a sunset look)

4. drag Aqua ink across the bottom of the card to represent water

5. press a tissue or foam square in Stream ink and run it across the top of the card

6. Stamp tree image and again at the bottom, touching trunks

7. Rub some Terra Cotta ink across the bottom and some Aqua ink across the top to blend all colors.

8. Dab a tissue or foam pad in Pesto and Lettuce ink for the tree top

9. Stamp sentiment with Espresso ink, and don't worry if it smears a bit, it will help to create the watery effect.

10. Blend the top and bottom of the card with all Copic markers listed, first the yellows across the top (the lightest yellow represents the sun.  Ad add blue to the water, green to the tree top.

11. Draw a line along the water line with a brown pen

12. Tie a bow with silk ribbon through the tag hole.

Thanks so much for joining me today.  I apologize once again that my photos pulled a disappearing act. 

Super Lucky Box by Kim Hughes

Favor boxes are such a great size to play with!  You can fill this box with candy, jewelry, instant lottery tickets, an actual fortune cookie maybe?  This little gem of a box can be given to a friend, family member or a co-worker...the possibilities are truly endless.  Put something in this box to tell someone that you are lucky to know them.

 

this box has a magnetic closure built in...love that!

Supplies:

Karen Lockhart stamp: Fortune Cookie

CHF: Backgrounder, Asian, Kim Hughes, Sweet Spring (Easter, St. Patrick's Day)

Copic: YR21, YR24

Basic Grey Brads, Porcelain Glazed, Basic Grey Buttons, Lime Rickey

Cut-N-Dry Stamp Pad Foam

ink: Adirondack Dye Ink Pad, Espresso, Adirondack Dye Ink Pad, Terra Cotta, Adirondack Dye Ink Pad, Lettuce

Use this idea on either of these favor boxes: Martha Stewart Goodie Box, Combo Kit, Martha Stewart Favor, Flourish Box, Ivory

Start by stamping the shamrock in green, , add a subtle shadow by stamping the image lightly next to the main image

Then stamp the word "lucky" in brown on top of the image.

 

Cut a piece of scrap paper to serve as a mask to cover the plastic window.  The paper is 1 1/2" x 1 1/2".  Use re-positionable tape t gently adhere it to the plastic.
 

Next, ink the Asian patterned stamp with orange ink and press box onto inked stamp
 

Stamp the same pattern in green, this time face the box face uo and press the stamp onto the box.  Do not use an acrylic block.  Just rub across the back of the stamp with your fingers, making sure to get good coverage of the pattern across the top of the box.
 

Sponge the same green ink onto the entire surface of the box, top, sides and inside the lid.  When you are ready to ink the inside of the lid, transper the scrap square to the back side and use the mask once again to protect the clear window.
 

Stamp the fortune cookie onto white card stock and cut it out.  Color with YR21
 

and add dimension by coloring the darker areas with YR24.  This stamp tells you where the shaded areas are with small dots.  Once you darken with YR24, go back and color the cookie once again with YR21
 

add stamped accent to the top of the box and bend the little white paper up a bit to add dimension.

add mini brads to button holes and add to the box clasp.

 

favor boxes are great for baby showers, wedding table decorations and so much more, but why not think of them for everyday use as well.  They are super cute and can hold the sweetest little gift.  Christmas is slowly approaching...these are great for thoughtful teacher's gifts.  Have fun creating!

*FYI....Ellen will be introducing a new template design on December 26th, so please be on the lookout*

A Desk Worthy Gift Idea by Kim Hughes

Having a desk in some way is more common than you may think...do you have a desk?  Do you like to surround yourself with nice things?  This is an idea that takes all of that into consideration.  This is a mini-desk accordion decor piece.  One side is a vintage looking piece of art and the other side is open to add pictures to or it can be used as a name plate.

 

Supplies:

CHF: Backgrounder, Leaves, Backgrounder, Open Circles, Rummage Bin, On the Desk PRECUT, Backgrounder, Houndstooth

Cut-N-Dry Stamp Pad Foam

Martha Stewart Baker's Twine, Solids

Twinchie Squares, Assorted

Adirondack Dye Ink Pad, Cranberry, Adirondack Dye Ink Pad, Espresso, Adirondack Dye Ink Pad, LettuceAdirondack Dye Ink Pad, Ginger

Studio Acrylic Paint, Blank Canvas

 

after you gather your supplies.  Put a thin coat of white paint to the twinchies and allow to dry.

Lightly adhere the 4 squares side by side onto scrap paper

Use a different color for each patterned stamp.  Ink only a portion of the large stamp and press onto the twinchie squares

Stamp all 3 patterns to create a subtle background.

Add in the darkest brown ink to stamp the boldest images.

add in ginger stamped accents

and then blend the colors with a foam square.  Dab and blot and add more dark brown ink.

Punch holes in each corner
 
...and then string the thread through the holes.  Tie a bow in the end.

Now you have a mini piece of vintage looking art.  :)
 

The wonderful thing about an accordion design is that you can use both sides and you can fold it up.  Create a mini album or brag book.  Play and have fun, I sure did :)

Apron Gift Card Holder by Kim Hughes

Hello everyone :)  I am so happy to "see" you here.

I made an apron card quite a while back and I thought it might be fun to revisit it.  Serving as a card and gift card holder, this little apron would be fun for just about anyone to receive

 

Supplies:

Basic Grey 12"x12" Collection Pack, Nook and Pantry

Kim Hughes, Baked with Love

Adirondack Dye Ink Pad, Espresso

Fancy Felt, Buttons,Spring

COPIC Sketch Marker RV11, Pink

 

start by creating a stencil.  Of course the greatest perk to designing your own shaped card is being able to use it over and over again.  When you design a card with scrap paper, it's alright to sketch and make mistakes...get all the fine tuning done before committing to your patterned paper (you may only have one sheet, like I did)

I started with a standard 4 1/4 x 5 1/2" card base (that folds at the top and not the side).  I also made a pocket.  It's alright to fold it because it's your scrap "play" paper

when my patterns have a straight edge, I like to line up one or two of the edges on my paper so that I only need to cut the other two...this helps to keep the lines straight.  You will achieve much better results this was as opposed to tracing your pattern in the center of the paper

Trace the pattern onto the back side of your paper

erase the lines and you are left with a perfect card base with pocket.

I cut a thin strip of the paper for the strap, machine sewed around the edge and pulled out some fun felt flower buttons to add to the card.  I felt that the yellow was too bright, so I needed to dull the color down.

I chose a pink Copic marker since the paper color was a peach tone...pink and yellow make peach...perfect!

After the ink set in, I decided that I preferred the backside where the ink seeped through and showed off the faux stitches...I liked this look better.

Finish off this card with a gift card for Starbucks.  Who is also in the moos for some coffee, right now?

Thanks for stopping by, you always make my week brighter

Trick Or Treat? by Kim Hughes

well, I am sure that most kids will choose treat instead of trick, but who says that it needs to be a sweet treat?  My kids are handed more and more non-treats such as popcorn, toothbrushes and pencils.  So, I created an easy pencil "treat" holder just in time for Halloween

Supplies:

Adirondack Dye Ink Pad, Terra Cotta, Adirondack Dye Ink Pad, Pitch Black

Punch, 5/8" Circle

Invisibles, Paper "Dots"

Memory Box - Web Crawler, Halloween Greetings

Cut-N-Dry Stamp Pad Foam

Kim Hughes Paper Pack, Mocha Chica

Basic Grey 12"x12" Collection, Lemonade, Basic Grey Buttons, Wisteria

Martha Stewart Baker's Twine, Solids

 
Start by adding color to the polka dot Invisibles paper.  I rubbed the ink on with a circular motion.
 
  

Once you have covered the paper with ink, rub off excess ink from the resist polka dots.  Use a circle punch that is the same size as the polka dots...or one that is as close to the size as you can get.
  

Use a larger circle punch to punch out a "scrap" circle template.

 

On the back of the orange polka dot paper, line up the inner circle with your template and trace along the top of the outer circle.  Trace paper or a ruler across the center of the circle and hand cut along the line.

  

This is what it will look like once you have cut both ends

 

mat the paper onto yellow paper, add the pencil through the ends

Stamp spider web, sentiment and spider in black onto green paper and cut around it so that it's slightly larger than the yellow base because it needs to go over the pencil.

Punch 2 small holes through the green panel and the base at the same time.

 

thread the twine through both holes at the same time and wrap around to the front.

 

tie a bow in front and add a button accent to the center of the bow.

 

and here's a close-up of your Halloween message

 

this is what the back side will look like.  You can add it to a card base and include a message inside. 
 
 
I am hoping that you will find these easy enough that you might consider making some for your child's class.  Change the size of the holes to adapt to a lollipop, toothbrush or a stick of gum.  Experiment and have fun!

party favor idea by Kim Hughes

Baby, wedding, birthday...you name it..all occasions that may include party favors are fair game for this project.  This is something that can be displayed on a table top, can be taken home as a gift and also provides a sweet treat for you and your guests

Supplies:

Adirondack Dye Ink Pad, Espresso

Backgrounder, Fine Gingham

Martha Stewart Baker's Twine, Solids,

Martha Stewart Test Tube Favors

Basic Grey 12"x12" Collection Pack, Nook and Pantry

Spellbinder's Nested Flower

Beading Wire, 28 Ga, Silver

Red Liner Tape, 1/4"

other:

circle punch and hole punch

rock chocolate

Start with a 12 x 12 piece of Basic Grey paper and cut it 3 inches wide.

Score at 1inch, 3 inch and 1 inch again.

Cut a base to 2 1/2 x 3

Punch a circle in the center

Apply adhesive of choice to the ends of each flap and attach to the base.

machine sew along the inside fold for a firm hold to the base

Punch a hole through both sides of the middle

 

...and tie a bow with brown twine

and voila, here is your base to hold the test tube.  It works well.  I wish I knew the engineering behind it, but it seems to do the trick!  :)

die cut 4 flowers from the same Basic Grey paper and fold each one down the middle in the same exact way as each other.

Use red tape on the inside to secure the wire.  Use a liquid adhesive on the edges of each flower petal.

 

...and it will look like this.
 
 

stamp the gingham pattern onto Memory Box card stock and punch out 4 flower centers

fold each circle and add to the flower centers on all 4 sides.

  

Here's a closer look at the test tube base.
 

Change the paper colors to accommodate a different season.  This project reminds me of fall, but you can add a Christmas tree to the top for a holiday party and fill the test tube with peppermints maybe?  Put jelly beans in the tube for a baby shower...add a ducky to the top possibly?  Just have fun.

Thank you for joining me today.  :)
 
 

Flower magnet gift set by Kim Hughes

Have you needed a last minute gift and just couldn't think of what to make?  I am hoping that this idea comes to mind the next time you are in a pinch.  Make custom refrigerator magnets.  You can make a bunch of them to have on hand.  Create some in holiday theme or coordinate colors with a loved one's kitchen.  Give them to a friend, family member, teacher, co-worker etc.  Have fun with this fast and easy gift idea.

Supplies:

Spellbinder's Nested Flower

Nestability Dies - Circle, Standard Large

Martha Stewart Baker's Twine, Solids

Gardener's Know the Best Dirt (Karen Lockhart stamp)

Essentials by Ellen: Art Magnetic Masking Material

Cosmo Cricket 6" Mini Deck Paper Pad, The Boyfriend

Webster's Pages Petite Papers Paperpad, Postcards from Paris & Sweet as Cherry

Start by cutting flowers with a Nestabilities die cut from Ellen's innovative magnetic masking material.  The dies stay in palace because of the magnet (pretty cool)

the magnetic paper has a smooth white paper finish on the front.  Use the same flower die cut on blue patterned paper as well.

The paper flowers fit the magnets beautifully.  Use a circle punch or the circle Nestabilties dies for the red paper polka dot flower centers.  Hand cut green paper leaves for each flower.

Adhere the leaves between the paper and magnet layer.  Having paper in the back of the magnet will most likely affect how well it works.

Cut a card base and machine sew around the edge.  Pull out some chocolate twine.

wrap the twine around the card, wrap around the magnet to hold it in place.  This is an interactive card, where they will be instructed on the inside that the flowers are not only a beautiful accent to the card, but gift magnets as well.

Once you have held each flower in place, tie the strings together

Use a paper scrap for the sentiment

and hand cut around it, adding a curve in the end for added interest.  Add the sentiment to the bottom of the card.

and see...it really does look beautiful on my fridge.  I plan to make a bunch more today.
 
Thanks for stopping by today.  I always enjoy your company.

:)

Stitched Greetings by Kim Hughes

Hello everyone.  Hope you had a fantastic time with all of the World Card Making Day festivities.  I know I did :)  We enjoyed having you here with us.

Here's a "simple and clean" card that you can send at any time of year...great for spring, baby, Christmas (maybe add a jingle bell to the bow) love and just saying "hi".  Click on the image for a closer look

 
Supplies:

Adirondack Dye Ink Pad, Espresso

Martha Stewart Baker's Twine, Solids

Nestability Dies - Labels Three

Memory Box Notecard Collection, Muted Spring and  Peace, Love and Joy stamp

Cosmo Cricket 6" Mini Deck Paper Pad, Earth Love

 

Hand stitching adds such a fun, personal touch.  It's easy, but time consuming...but oh' so worth it in the end

Start by tracing the Nestabilities shape onto the inside of your card base with pencil

Use the thread to poke holes along the line that you just drew.  I erased a portion so that you can see it better.  No need to erase the lines. 

 
Securely tape both ends of the twine.  You can cover the inside if you wish to make it look cleaner.

and here's what it looks like on the front.  This represents a journal spot, frame or fun accent piece.

Cut paper scraps to add to the bottom of the card.  Cut bird border from patterned paper.

Stamp sentiment in the stitched area

Push green twine through one of the orange stitches with scissors.

 

...and tie in a bow.  If you tie the bow upside down, it should hang towards the bottom of the card.  (The top of the card closest to you)

cut a cute little bird from the patterned paper and arrange him on top so that he's looking down onto your whimsical sentiment.

 
Peace, Love and Joy to all of you.  Thank you for joining me :)

Happy 4th of July

We are in the final stretch heading home today and even though we have had a marvelous time there is no feeling as good as that of knowing you are headed home!!! We get to have doggy kisses, watch fireworks and sleep in our own beds.

A couple of things this trip has once again given me is reinforcement of how amazing this country that we live in is. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the military families for all they give! We hope to do a more major fundraiser in the very near future to help raise funds for those who have been injured and have given so much for their country. So please stay tuned.

As a Canadian living on this beautiful continent of North America I have much gratitude for what those who have come before me have given, what others continue to do today and a hope that I can continue to help in any way possible, so that our children, grandchildren and all future generations will have a good life to look forwards to in the years ahead.

 

We will see much change yet in my lifetime - this amazing sculpture of Crazy Horse is just at it's beginning stages. I hope to someday return to see the progress of this incredible monument.

 

Moreover, I hope that there will always be vast open spaces for all those to come, to enjoy as much as we have. Thank you for joining me here today on the CLASSroom and our family wishes you a very safe, happy 4th of July!

Door Hang by Kim Hughes

I think it's fun to create cute door hangs to display on the outside of children's room, plus,they make great gifts!  They can also hang from a dresser drawer handle, on your front door or on a wall as home decor.  I chose the shorter version of my daughter's name, but rather than names, you can add words like: hello, welcome, keep out etc.

 

Supplies:

Nestability Dies - Circle, Standard Large

Biscotti Cardstock, Collection (Memory Box)

Basic Grey Buttons, Lime Rickey

Other:

Butterfly Spellbinders Nestability

 

start with the 3 smallest circle dies  

Once each circle is punched out, create a ring by running the dies through the machine once again with the smaller die in the center

 

You should have 4 colors with each color having 2 different sized rings.

 

use the small circles to create a loose pattern onto a white 5 x 5 piece of paper.

 

Cut each ring once

 

loop them together, making sure to cover the cut with the next ring, giving it a finished look.

  

create a playful pattern.   Cut more rings if you choose to cover the entire piece of paper.  Once you are satisfied with the look, crop the paper.

 

I chose a red accent so that would stand out from the base paper.

 

I like butterflies to have thin middles, so I cut the die to look the way I like it.

 

add a button to the center, letter stickers and a handle to complete your project..

 

Thank you for joining me.  Hope you have a wonderful day :)

Water Bottle Carrier by Kim Hughes

I thought this would make a fun gift and it might be something that can be made for a daughter, a Mom, Grandma etc.

This is a water bottle holder.  You can also work around a baby bottle, a can or just about any sized beverage container.  This cover is custom made.

 

Supplies:

Chandelier Crystals, Clear

Ribbon Lace, Regia

Dew Drops Bottle, Water

Memory Box stamp: Parsley Sprig

Studio Acrylic Paint, Traditional Tan

Other:

fabric, twine and mini hole punch

start by measuring your bottle against the fabric.  I needed a 12 x 4.25 " piece.  I chose a cream on cream patterned fabric and a water bottle that I bought at Target...mostly because it has a great shape.

 

Next, I decided to personalize the fabric a bit.  I chose to give my cover a nature feel, so I added some sprigs to the base design.

 

randomly stamp the image onto the front of the fabric.  I applied the paint to the stamp with my finger, but a brush will work great as well.

 

once the paint is dry, fold down each end about 1/2 inch in

 

cut a wedge from the right side only...this is where the handle will go through

 

push the handle through the hole, just far enough so that it won't be seen when the flap is folded down.  apply fabric glue.  I used fabri-Tac by Beacon.

 

and close tightly...allow to dry.  Repeat on the other end.

 

when you fold the fabric in half, the handles will be on opposite ends.

 

add lace trim to the top...on both sides.

 

keep the bag folded...it looks like a purse.  Use a tiny hole punch to punch through both sides at the same time...punch holes along both sides, close to the edge, but show down as you reach the bottom

 

this is what it looks like when the fabric is opened up

 

this is what it looks like when the bottle is inside the fabric cover.  (open on both sides)

 

you will need two holes in the center of each side.   So that they are positioned in the same place, fold the long way and punch where the holes are on the other side.

 

place the bottle inside the cover and start pushing the twine through the holes, wrapping around the entire bottle, closing up the sides.  I used a needle.

 

Once you reach the bottom, you will see why you needed those 2 holes, you need to string the twine through them to close off the bottom.  This is so hard to explain, I am so sorry if this is a confusing part.  You will see what I mean once you are creating this project.  Cut off excess twine and tie in a knot.
 

Now to close off the top.  Punch 2 holes in each side and string twine through the holes.

 

push the twine through the chandelier crystals, pull tight and tie in a bow.

 

 

To finish off the bottom, punch holes in each side (or simply push the needle through), pull tight and tie in a bow.

 

Lastly, add Dew Drops to the flower centers of the lace trim.

I am sure this would be easy to create with a sewing machine, but I am not very good at using mine, so I chose to hand sew instead.  I just had this idea today, and I had no idea how it would turn out, or if it would turn out.  I am thrilled with the results...this was so fun to make!  Please feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions at all.  By using fabric, sweating bottles should not be an issue.  If you choose to make a wine bottle cover, maybe you should double the fabric to make it more sturdy.  You can also stitch the handles in place to make them more sturdy as well.  This is a loose enough cover that you can add a replacement bottle with no worries.

Thank you so much for stopping by the CLASSroom :)
 

Ink Resist by Kim Hughes

This was my first time using the Heidi Swapp Invisibles and it was SO much fun!  I used inks with the resist pattern to begin with, but I look forward to seeing what else I can do with this innovative product.  How cool that the hard part...the heat embossing part...is already done for us?

 

Since this product has a semi gloss finish, I decided to try a faux wood technique with dye ink pads.

Supplies:

Adirondack Dye Ink Pad, Butterscotch, Adirondack Dye Ink Pad, Cranberry, Adirondack Dye Ink Pad, Lettuce, Adirondack Dye Ink Pad, Pitch Black

Art Flowers, White & Cream

Basic Grey Buttons, Granola

Cardstock, Neenah Classic Solar White

Memory Box stamp: You Make My Heart Flutter

Alcohol Ink Applicator Tool

Invisibles, Chipboard Shapes "Ornate Frames"

Dew Drops Bottle, Cowboy

Other:

ribbon: SEI

punch: We R Memory Keepers Cropadile

red card stock

 

 

start with a clean pad and push into the cranberry ink pad

 

Start at the top of the frame with your Applicator tool and pull down towards you.  You do not want full coverage for this technique.

 

 

Use a new pad for your tool.  Flip the frame or push the ink from the opposite direction and apply both lettuce and butterscotch ink colors (the order doesn't matter) This is just to add some color contrast.  Once you are happy with your pattern, wipe off excess ink.

 

If you do not have black flowers, simply color with a bold black marker.  Start from the center and work your way to the tips

 

I traced a Heidi Swapp ghost butterfly onto the back of white card stock, but I chose to make the body more narrow to make it more unique.

 

I cut a heart from red card stock and stacked buttons and a dew drop to embellish the butterfly.  I let the sentiment, "You Make My Heart Flutter"...dictate what my embellishment would be.  I punched a hole in the frame and added a ribbon bow.

This project can be added to a card base, or used as a title on a scrapbook page, hung on the wall as home decor or just simply used as a decorative tag.  I am thrilled that you joined us. :)

Up and Running...

It has been a rather "studious" two days! Thank you for your patience as I have tried to work through the changes in our shipping system. I think I've finally got it - yippie Ü But somehow there are still a few orders sneaking through that I can't figure out why the shipping rates are not correct. I am wondering if it has something to do with orders that might have been in a shopping cart previously. I just can't figure it out. But we are monitoring these and will make certain that if your order qualifies for a lower value shipping we will be certain to send you a refund. 

As well I have started to make some additional changes to layout and categories. Unfortunately I will not be able to make all the changes that were suggested. I would love to, but the "background" software that I use for the website is not written in a way that I can figure out how to make some of these changes - such as view all and the ability to condense the categories more. There are limitations and probably the biggest one is me - LOL! With time I hope that I will have the resources to hire someone to do these types of things, but being I am the one trying to wrap my brain around these "things" it doesn't happen as readily and easily as I would wish. No matter how brilliant I tell myself that I am, there are some things I just haven't been able to figure out yet - LOL!

On the bright side we have received in some of the wonderful Martha Stewart edger punches and more. After many requests we are privileged to be able to provide these to you. Our team will soon be sharing some information with you showing how we use them. One of my very first tests was to make certain that they will punch and emboss the Memory Box cardstock and notecards. Rumor is that it does not punch through thicker cardstocks as readily. I did not have time to try this today, but I will let you know in the next few days. What I can tell you is that I punched the notecards today as I took pictures to put the punches up in our store. I found that the punches that are more detailed such as the Doily Lace required more pressure than the simpler designs, but the result was still beautiful. The one punch that I am wondering about though, is the Embossed Diamond (I need to retake this picture using a darker color cardstock so that the detail is easier to see. There is never enough time!!!) This particular punch may be best suited to designer paper weights. I will most definitely explore this more and then let you know!

Some of you have also picked up on the fact that we now have the Graphic 45 line of papers in stock. Unfortunately we have sold out of some of the papers already and frankly I am not surprised (more are on order.) I can hardly wait to get my hands on some to create something pretty! WOWIE - the color and visual texture (no there is no actual texture in the paper, but believe me when I tell you that this paper HAS visual texture) of this line of paper is absolutely stunning. We keep stroking it - LOL! Girls gotta have their papers don't they?!? Ü For those who need to see the pictures larger than they currently are we are planning on adding links to the manufacturers website. You can see closeups of each paper, by clicking on each collection, again on each paper and then yet again one more time. THEN you will see the details. Believe me it is worth a closer look Ü I wish that I had the capability to make them this size on our site. Someday - a girl can dream right?!?

Additional Flower Soft has arrived and so some of the products that disappeared from our site are currently back up. Sharon has created a lovely project to share with you tomorrow, so be certain to stop by!

Last, but most certainly NOT least is my thanks to each of you who have completed our survey! You have helped me to gain insight in to our business. I thank you for that! As many of you know I just "happened" in to operating a store. It really wasn't a goal of mine. First one manufacturer suggested that I should think about selling their product, then the next asked me if I would, and the next and so on. It was something that I had absolutely no experience with and so I learn; I learn as I go. I thank you for your support as I try to do my best on a daily basis.

It has been my goal from day one to bring happiness and share creativity with others. This goal then led to yet another goal - that goal being to try and make a difference in women's lives. Your support means more to me than you could possibly know. Thank YOU for making a difference in this woman's life, my life. Well I'm going to run - it's been a BUSY day. I hosted my little one's Girl Scout meeting at our house this evening and I still need to get the coupon codes out to those of you who replied today. Thanks again everyone!

Survey and Update to Survey Responses

I would first like to thank all those of you who subscribe to our newsletter who have already returned your answered survey to us. We appreciate your time and the efforts you have made to help us help you! For those of you who would like to help us out by taking our survey, simply subscribe to our newsletter by going to our store home page (www.ellenhutson.com) and scrolling to the bottom. Add your email address and a few details in the boxes provided and you will be added to our list. Or you can send an email to us at [email protected] titled "SURVEY NEEDED" and we will be able to forward the survey to your email address. For all those who do take the time to complete the survey you will receive a special coupon code as our way of thanking you for your help.

Your input has been invaluable and I am now in the middle of wrapping my head around the technology that needs to be changed behind the scenes to adjust our shipping costs. I have already figured out the Domestic Shipping Rate changes, but have yet to be able to wrap my mind around the International Rates. As I shared in a follow-up email to our newsletter list, I am determined to do my best for all of our customers. It costs us SO much to ship packages, especially out of the country. Employee time, filling out customs forms, requesting and refunding shipping charges, as well as actual postage fees - it all adds up SO quickly. I have researched many different shipping methods, and wanted to share with you the primary reason we still continue to use USPS. The cost of purchasing boxes is enormous - it costs at least $1.00 for most boxes and goes upwards from there. Many boxes cost well over $2.00, with many of the box providers adding shipping charges on top of that. USPS is the only shipping service that provides us wtih boxes free of charge. Add in tissue paper and the other packing supplies, employee time, and... shipping is extremely expensive. We have tried so hard to keep our rates reasonable. Being a small business it saddens me to tell you that we wouldn't be in business if we provided free shipping/handling on small orders. I wish we could! Value is something that is so important to me as well, and I never want to take advantage of you, my customers.

BUT I am thrilled to tell you that we are going to be making some changes. Following are the shipping/handling breakdowns I hope that we can support and stay in business:

• Domestic Order merchandise totals up to $25.00 will be $4.95
• Domestic Order merchandise totals between $25.01-50.00 will be $6.25
• Domestic Order merchandise totals between $50.01-75.00 will be $7.50
• Domestic Order merchandise totals between $75.01-150 will be $8.80
• Domestic Order merchandise totals over $150.00 will be FREE

Our store may be closed off and on over the next couple of days for maintenance. I am not certain how this will affect your shopping carts and so I just wanted to warn you that this will be happening within the next two days. The moment I have this task complete I will once again notify you via our newsletter list, as well as here in the CLASSroom.

Thank you once again for your patience and support! Without you we would not have a business! Your support is what allows me to compensate the women who work so hard to educate you in the CLASSroom, pack your boxes and answer your phonecalls. WE appreciate you!

Sincerely,

Ellen

Wishing you a Merry Christmas!

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you a very Merry Christmas! I hope this finds each of you surrounded by the love and warmth of family and dear friends.

 

Wishing you all the best - from all of us here on the CLASSroom and at Ellen Hutson LLC.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for being a part of my life again this past year. Your support of what it is that I (we) do means so much to me. Your care and concern for my well-being as I have struggled through surgery, and who knows what other goofy predicaments I have found myself in, warms my heart and tells me how much you care. I thank you from the bottom of my heart!!!

I would also like to thank those who work for me! The girls here at our office - Beth, Cathy, Malin, Carina, and Shirley - they are such wonderful women and work so hard to make certain that we provide you with top notch service. Thank you girls SO much for all you do to help make this business a success! This week has been a tough one for us being it is our second anniversary sale and I haven't even been at work, due to a few shivers and shakes going on (hate it when my body doesn't cooperate with what my mind has an agenda set for!) They have worked so hard to stay on top of everything, without me there to even assist this week. Thank you all SO VERY much! I hope that you are each enjoying a wonderful day today with family and friends!

Debbie, Sharon, Cindy and Trudee - your support, creativity, energy and enthusiasm are appreciated more than you could ever know! Thank you for working together with me - I could not ask for a more incredible team of designers to help educate our customers how to use the products we carry in our store. I could not ask for more thoughtful, caring individuals to stand beside me. You all never cease to amaze me - thank you!

Above all, I would like to thank my team for your friendship! It is this that I value the most!!! Please know that your support, thoughtfulness and kindness do not go unnoticed. I appreciate each of you so very much! I would like to publicly acknowledge each of you, because my life would not be the same without any one of you. I am thankful that you are a part of my life!

So now you just have to envision a pretty card here being my trip to the office to make one ended up with me just turning around and coming home - LOL! No eye candy - just a few "sappy" words expressed from my heart.

I am blessed by so many other things in life, but it is family and friendship that means the most to me. Thank you for stopping by today. I wish you a peaceful and healthy year ahead, one in which you are surrounded by the love and support of family and friends. Thank you for giving me this feeling of warmth - I appreciate you and am thankful for having you in my life!

Sale Day Today Only

Just a quick reminder that today is our "make-up" sale day and runs through midnight tonight. Thank you all so much for your patience with our store "outages" over the last week plus. It is driving us crazy that the servers are constantly going down we truly apologize for any inconvenience this has caused you! The promo code to receive 15% off your total order is: BTSF. Remember to look at each line item for the reduced total being our system shows it in the line item rather than at the end of the invoice. Thank you so much for your continued support - happy shopping!