Sunday, November 30, 2008

Last day for two sales


Today is the last day to order rub-on products at 20% savings -- if you have any interest at all, call me, don't rely on email today, I'll be busy with ornaments and lights and the tree.
Also, the Holiday Extravaganza sale is ending today, and some of the bundles have already sold out. What are you waiting for?
This little cutie is my masculine offering for my Holiday Bazaar this coming Saturday. It is a cleverly folded card that will hold a gift card or credit card, or here, my library card. So simple to make but a very nice presentation for a Christmas or Hanukkah gift.
Enjoy the last day of November, as we delve right into the busyness of December!
Dee Tollaksen

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Technical Failure



Black Friday. . . technical difficulties. . . out of town guests. . . sorry to miss all the on-line excitement, for reasons too boring to explain, there was no post on Friday.

Saturday, let's look at those gift card holders.
This little guy has a rub-on as the sentiment. I thought that the white rub-ons were somewhat wasted on me. Then I started seeing samples, and I love them. Since they are still 20% off, for about one more day, maybe I'll even get some more! What about you? Better call me if you're interested, like I said, the sale ends SOON!!!

Back to the card -- Some beautiful holiday ribbon from Stampin' Up! and some Designer Series Paper and a clever fold and we have a cute gift card holder.
Stop by my Holiday Bazaar this Saturday in Arlington Heights to purchase your own!
Dee Tollaksen

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Yikes!

Can you see my desk?
I'm trying to prep for a Holiday Bazaar I'm holding next Saturday! Gift card holders, cookie plates, hostess gifts, Christmas cards, candy jars -- what else should I offer? Come and shop!
Dee Tollaksen

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Happy Shopping!

Just in case you missed it, Stampin' Up! is having a sale, and that doesn't happen often!
We have bundled together groups of products that work together, then offered a discount on the entire bundle! Think about your Stampin' Up! wish list, and check out the bundles. These are the bare details, go to my website and click on the shop now button to see the products and order on-line!
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All in the Family Bundle - 50% off
All in the Family Stamp Set
Family Accessories Stamp Set
Neighborhood Stampin' Around jumbo wheel
$31.70
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The Many Man's Bundle - 50% off

Sporting Stamp Set
Just Football stamp set
Just Basketball stamp set
Just Baseball stamp set
$28.40
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Seasonal Stamper's Bundle - 40% off
Autumn Harvest stamp set
Snow Burst stamp set
A Good Egg stamp set
Something New to Love stamp set
$50.28
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Alpha-Betcha Need This Bundle - 40% off
Well-Worn Alphabet stamp set
Well-Worn Numbers stamp set
$38.94
I'm On Board Bundle - 30% off
116218
On Board Batch of Blossoms
On Board Essentials
On Board Lots of Letters
On Board Timeless Type
On Board 8 1/2 x 8 1/2 ring album
$46.65
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Bags & Tags Bundle - 30% off
Punch Pals stamp set
Riding Hood Red Classic Stamp pad
Note Cards
White Gift sacks (2 pkgs.)
Riding Hood Red Designer Series Paper
$52.46
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Santa's Stocking Stuffer Bundle - 30% off
Square Ice Rhinestone brads
Metallic eyelets
Fresh Favorites II color buttons
$16.69
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Curly Label Punch Bundle - 30% off
$23.77
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Star Struck Bundle - 30% off
Starstruck stamp set
Starring You stamp set
Star Designer Brads assortment
Star Punch
$29.26
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Sticky Situation Bundle - 30% off
Sticky Cut Letters
Blue Bead Duo
Green Bead Duo
Fine Cosmo Stampin' Glitter
Dazzling Diamonds Stampin' Glitter
$33.11
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Mission Embossable Bundle - 30% off
Heat Tool
Gold Stampin' Emboss powder
Silver Stampin' Emboss powder
Iridescent Ice Stampin' Emboss powder
Powder Pals
Embossing Buddy
$46.27
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Scrapbooker's Dream Bundle - 25% off
Blooms Again Die cuts
Urban Garden Designer Series Paper
On Board Lots of Letters
Roof Garden Accents and Elements
Natural Linen 12x12 Ring album
Basic Gray taffeta ribbon
Basic Black Stampin' Write journaler
$60.71
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Wild Thing, I Think I Love You Bundle - 20% off
Wild about You stamp set
Bold Brights 8 1/2 x 11 card stock
Bold Brights Classic Stampin' Spots
$43.52
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Ribbon Storage Bundle - 20% off
small ribbon keepers (2)
medium ribbon keepers (2)
large ribbon keepers (2)
$37.48
Turquoise Tin $3.95
Silvery Skiny Tin $1.95

Happy Thanksgiving

DCBD 103 Where's the stamping???



Good morning!! Happy day before Thanksgiving! Just where does the time go? Who turned the clock to "super sonic?" Well, it seems that it is Wednesday already, so here is this week's DCBD challenge. I got to piecing and beading and die-cutting on the BigShot, added some flowers and ribbon and beads and sat back to look at the card, and realized there was no stamping!! Hmmm. Maybe a little sentiment should be on the Baja Breeze strip? I'll have to find just the right little square-ish stamp. Later. Right now I have to go bake a pie and some sweet potatoes and encourage the bird to thaw. If you take a rest today, give the challenge a try and leave me a comment so I can find your version of this layout! Be sure to check all the other inspiration cards, each designer is listed at the right on my blog, under the Design Diva's logo.
If you haven't already, visit my website to see the awesome sale Stampin' Up! is offering for this most famous shopping weekend -- great prices on some nice product bundles. http://www.dtollaksen.stampinup.net/

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and remember to actually take time to give thanks!

Dee Tollaksen

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Rub-on fun!


Oh no, the sun is setting and I haven't taken my photo yet of today's project! Ack!!! So, stampers, here is my dim and blurry project. All the Stampin' Up! rub-on products are on sale right now at 20% savings. I took this plate from my husbands stash of restaurant samples and just scattered some snowflakes and a little sentiment and rubbed 'em on! Now all I need are some cookies and I have a lovely "hand-made" gift for the holidays! Yes, I have more plates!! Come on over to my place and "run-on" with me!
Be sure to check back first thing tomorrow for the big surprise sale from SU!
Dee Tollaksen

Monday, November 24, 2008

Secret Sale!

Super Secret Stampin' Up! Sale!!  Please check back here or go directly to my website: www.dtollaksen.stampinup.net on Wednesday.  I can't tell you what will be on sale, but I can tell you there will be savings from 20% to 50% on brand new Stampin' Up! products.  And anyone who places an order on Wednesday will receive a special thank-you gift from me!  I have a beautiful 10-piece brand-new stamp set right here on my desk, just waiting for a new home.

  Winner will be chosen at random from any orders placed on Wednesday, Nov 26--sale product or regular price product, on-line order, phone order or email order. 

Have your wish list ready!! Any gifts you purchase from me, I will provide a hand-decorated gift bag at no extra charge.
This sale is first-come, first-served on some limited availability products.  The sale ends on Dec 1, so don't delay!
Dee Tollaksen

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Countdown to . . .


Do you know how many days there are until Christmas? I'll bet you do know that Thanksgiving is just days away! This darling Countdown Calendar was created to give as a gift to a bride, customized in her wedding colors.  If you are looking for a special gift for this Christmas, let me help you create the perfect item!
Dee Tollaksen

Saturday, November 22, 2008

What? Valentines? Wrong Holiday!



The Stampin' Circle recently held a card swap with Valentines as the theme.  I don't get to pick the theme, so I just have to go along. . . the new  Valentine Bundle wasn't in my hands yet, so I went with what I had.  I had just seen a darling box on-line somewhere and copied it for the swap. Can you see the acrylic in the lid? And this box is unbelievably EASY to make!  If you missed my Christmas gift stamp camp, you missed this box, BUT you can still set up another opportunity, just call me! Or leave a comment here!
Check back later today for a sneak preview of a major sale being introduced by Stampin' Up!
Dee Tollaksen

Friday, November 21, 2008

Wedding Shower


Mass production calls for a certain kind of card. While this card is lovely, it isn't the kind of card you will see posted on most blogs.  It is simple elegance. It is a 5-minute card. And it is lovely. Plus -- it can be mass produced!

My friend Karen is throwing a shower for a bride who is marrying and moving and all before New Year's. So, no time for fancy fixins!  We designed this card in her wedding colors and produced two dozen in under two hours.  And Karen had never stamped before!  How fun!

You too can make lovely cards and do it in no time at all! Call for your own consultation, anytime!

Dee Tollaksen

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Mirror Image


Does this look at all familiar?  A few posts ago there was a red card with green details using this same layout. I promised to show it to you again in the reverse color scheme, and here it is! Finally!

I used the Punch Three hostess set for the sentiment, so simple! And the fabulous ribbon from the mini catalog. This card will definitely be going out to a few people on my Christmas card list!

If you're still thinking about making your own cards, let me help you jump off that fence and into the game. This card couldn't be easier, no room for error and stunning in person.  Call me!

Dee Tollaksen

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

DCBD Challenge 102: Color




Diva's Coffee Break Design Challenge #102 is a color challenge. Lots of colors to use, so I composed a seasonal picture using the Hostess Level 3 set "Window Dressing." As a demonstrator, I was allowed to purchase a level 3 Hostess Set before the catalog was published. . . wouldn't you love 
to have that privilege?!?

 Back to the design -- can you tell that the window frame is my little peek of Close to Cocoa; the shutters and one of the layers are Bravo Burgundy; the curtains and gourds are Cameo Coral; the card base and the apple are Always Artichoke; and the So Saffron is the face of the composition.

  Hope you like my offering. Now you should check out the other design team members blogs to see how they used 
these colors, then get out your 
stamps and create a card! Links to their blogs and posts are in the right column of my blog page, under the Diva's Coffee Break logo.   

If you post your card to a blog or to SplitCoastStampers, be sure to include "DCBD 102" in your label and leave a comment here!

Dee Tollaksen

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Ariana Fisch


From everything posted to blogs and websites, this appears to be the most popular Christmas set for this season.  Ariana chose wisely!  And though it is a tree, every card uses shades of blue!  I wonder what that is about?  It certainly is gorgeous. The camera can't see the glittery details that the Shoebox Swap stampers added to detail this car, and the first layer is brushed silver paper. Quite a beautiful design.  

Well, this is the final Shoebox Swap card.  If I missed anyone, please let me know.  I had a great time at the event and in sharing all the cards. 

Wednesday is our Coffee Break Diva's challenge day, be sure to tune in for my inspiration card and the color challenge!
Dee Tollaksen

Monday, November 17, 2008

Erin Moran


Erin chose a darling set that Stampin' Up! offered on a special last Christmas.  This design does a great job of following the "Rule of Three."  I'm not a trained graphic artist, but there are a few fundamentals that I have picked up, and the fact that the eye is most comfortable with a layout of three elements holds true.  This is a beautiful card! Thanks to Erin.
Dee Tollaksen

Sunday, November 16, 2008

AnnaLisa Cruz


Scallop edges are everywhere this year!  A great way to "date" your pieces is to indulge in the current design elements. AnnaLisa let's us remember the scallop edge element by including it in the beautiful Christmas card she designed for the Shoebox Swap. Absolutely fabulous!
Dee Tollaksen

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Jamie Erickson

We are almost done with all the cards from the Shoebox Swap.  I certainly hope no one is offended that their card wasn't first or second -- they're just randomly hitting publication.  I put them in a box and pull one out each day, and that one gets blogged.

So, Jamie crimped the Designer Series paper to add dimension and texture to this beauty. Plus the front of the card is trimmed so the snowflakes peek out from inside the card.  Just love it!!
Dee Tollaksen

Friday, November 14, 2008

Dawn Ostram


If you look very closely, you can see the dazzling diamonds glittering on top of the snowflakes.  Thinking outside the box, Dawn has created a beautiful red snowflake card for the Shoebox Swap.  I'm so glad to be a member of SplitCoastStampers, and to have this huge community of stampers available.  Dawn came to the swap from an invitation posted on SplitCoast. So cool!
Dee Tollaksen

Thursday, November 13, 2008

DCBD

I hope you checked out everyone's interpretation of the sketch for the Diva's Coffee Break Design Team. If you missed it yesterday, go back and look today, it's worth the time. The cards are so diverse and every one of them is wonderful.  Then leave your computer, go to your stamp table, and be creative!
Too busy to post today--Bible Study, Stamp Camp and a Demonstration, all back-to-back-to-back! Wish me luck!
Dee Tollaksen

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Grumpy goes Grinning!


First  entry for the Divas Coffee Break Design Team Sketch Challenge!  I went for  the very happy transformation of the grumpy bear in the stamp set  Under the Stars. He just seems like such a cute bear, but then he has a frown on his forehead -- so I eliminated the frown with a very jaunty santa hat, borrowed from  Crab & Co. The presents also came from Crab & Co., I used masking to stack them and then a white gel pen to dot 'em.  If you look closely you can see that I crimped my Ski Slope Designer Series Paper, just a little more texture.  The BigShot got to join in the fun, creating the Joy cutout. A little creative punching let me add the bottom right element, without going straight for my drawer of brads!
So, now it's your turn! Can you interpret the sketch into a card or scrapbook page? Would you 
like to see more inspiration cards?  Just click on the names in the right margin of this page, under the Divas Coffee Break Design Team Logo. Each of us has committed to posting an inspiration image every Wednesday, so come back and join in the fun. 
 If you post a card, please leave a comment here with your blog link so I can check out your creativity!
Good Luck, Dee Tollaksen


Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Sue Michelotti


How much do you love this card?  I just think it is a hoot! Talk about being caught red-handed, that ol' Rudolf and his red nose can't hide anywhere!

Sue Michelotti brought this design to the Shoebox Swap.  She is such a creative person, I just love the layout and the unusual layering of the circles.  Thanks Sue, for being such a great friend.
Dee Tollaksen

Monday, November 10, 2008

Kathy Zielinski


Back to the Shoebox Swap -- Kathy Zielinski made this beautiful green and gold card.  Sponging a bit of color at the edge of the white elements absolutely makes a card.  It lets the transition from light to dark move gently, instead of forcing the eye to jump from white to dark so dramatically.  I love a bit of nature that isn't too flowery and girly.  Very nice card!
Dee Tollaksen

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Git along little doggies


I will post the mirror image card of Saturdays post, but for now, I wanted to solicit your opinion.  Whaddya think?  Gina, are you out there?  This card's for you!  It looks a bit dark here, I really need to learn how to improve my pix and learn how to edit them, but that will have to wait. Tell me what you think, post me a comment!

I have a demonstration this week and they want a dog card, and this is my only option. Hope they like it! Actually, I'm hoping it isn't too hard for first time stampers.  We'll see!
Dee Tollaksen

SU Inspired


Being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator is such a perfect fit for my life right now. One of the tools provided is Stampin' Success magazine. Every month SU publishes a template that demonstrates current products in a card that can be easily demonstrated. This is the exact color scheme and layout used recently. Quite nice, I think.  I'll show you another color scheme tomorrow. 
If you are looking to boost your income -- for the holidays, for the college bills, for stamping supplies or just to make "ends meet" I would love to bring you into the Stampin' Up! family! Just leave me a comment or shoot me an email. Do it now! Why wait?
Dee Tollaksen

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Again?


Another countdown calendar?  Yup!  A special order for the mother-of-the-groom, to give as a gift to the bride.  How sweet of her!  Customized to match the wedding colors, champagne and burgundy. I will have to teach them, the actual names of the colors are Very Vanilla and Purely Pomegranate. 
 I hope they both like it, I think it's a keeper.
I can't seem to make a project without using my BigShot! Those pretty flowers are diecut on the BigShot. I'm telling you, once you try it, you won't be able to craft without it!
Dee Tollaksen

Friday, November 7, 2008

Holiday Happiness


Have you been in the stores this week? They can't wait to sell off all the gory Halloween leftovers to make room for the Christmas decor!
Take the hint, and start getting ready! This cute little purse card would be an excellent way to present a gift card or check or cash gift this Christmas. Can you see the glittery flourishes on top of the red designer paper? The lettering and the basic purse shape were both die-cut on the BigShot Die Cut Machine, so easy! And you're welcome to come to my stampin' studio to give it a try.
Dee Tollaksen

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Time marches on!


Bloggers beware, great ideas will be copied! I read my favorite blogs while away from home recently, therefore couldn't save the info on who posted these cute little desktop calendars, but I thank you for the inspiration!
This takes about 2 seconds to put together, after waiting for the mailman to bring the preprinted calendar pads from www.skybluepink.com
If you would like one of these, or want to come over for 2 seconds and make your own, just call or email, I've always got time for you!
Dee Tollaksen

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Geriann Weisbrook


Can you see all the detail in this card, designed by Geriann Weisbrook for the Shoebox Swap. I love the glitter in the swirls, just one stretch of ribbon and faux stitching! It doesn't take that much to make a card BEAUTIFUL!
It doesn't hurt that I love this stamp set! Thanks for joining us again, Geriann!
If you want any details or would like help designing your BEAUTIFUL Christmas cards, just email me!
Dee Tollaksen

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Paula Spychala


Paula also designed an envelope based gift card holder for the Shoebox Swap. This is so elegant and beautiful! A perfect vehicle for presenting a gift card. Can you see the jewels sparkling in the curlicues? Thanks again, Paula!
Dee Tollaksen

Monday, November 3, 2008

Sheree Harris


Now that autumn is in full swing (yea, sure. . .70 degrees in Arlington Hts today) are we all planning our Christmas cards, wish list and holiday entertaining?????
This pretty tree and poinsettia was designed by Sheree Harris for the Shoebox Swap. I love the layers and classic holiday colors.
Thanks for stopping in today!
Dee Tollaksen

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Countdown Calendar



Oh my gosh, when I saw this on a blog, I knew it had to be MINE!!! I dropped everything and made my own countdown calendar. I am so glad I indulged and bought the Bind-it-all, so I can make these kinds of projects right at home! Would you like to have your very own Countdown Calendar? Just comment here or email me -- we can make one together or I can build a calendar kit and pop it in the mail for you!
Dee Tollaksen

Christine Hardee


Everyone attending the Shoebox Swap was asked to prepare a card with a Christmas Theme. I was pleasantly surprised at the very wide variety of cards, many of which stretched my idea of "Christmas." I loved this one, which says "Welcome Christmas into your Heart" then uses a heart as the art. Well done Christine!
My mom had an angiogram this Friday. And of course spent the week prior worrying incessantly. Her results surprised everyone: no blockages at all! So no surgical intervention. Very good news indeed. But leaves her worrying about why she failed her stress test and why she is having an irregular heartbeat. So this heart card goes out to her, with prayers for good results on the follow-up tests that will check the electrical system of her heart.
Love you Mom,
Dee Tollaksen