Java Judi Studio

Endless Ideas

What a great deal! From February 1 - April 30, 2009, Stampin Up is giving away the award-winning Idea Book & Catalog with every online purchase.

To receive your free idea book, simply:

1. Visit my demo website at http://judihays.stampinup.net during the promotional period and

2. Select the SHOP NOW box in the top right corner and

3. Place your online order

There is no minimum order required, and you can combine this offer with any of the other current offers including Sale-A-Bration.

Stampin' Up! will be offering free idea books with the first 22,000 orders or until April 30, 2009, whichever comes first.

Links of Interest:

Place an Online Order

View Creative Project Ideas

View Current Stampin' Up! Promotions

Need a Little Extra Cash?

Here's an idea for you to consider. Make money selling your handmade cards. That's right. Two of my customers are enjoying the benefits of selling their handmade cards and gift items. Hey, why not? You probably have all the supplies already. Give it a try and see where it goes. At the very least, you can make your own packs of cards and give them as gifts this holiday season.

This article may inspire you to take the leap and sell your items.

Sell Handmade Crafts on Etsy

Many people enjoy making a variety of types of crafts. The good news is that people can now make a substantial sum from their hobbies by selling their goods through Etsy, an online retailer. From handmade cards to origami, paintings, and even soap, there is a different type of craft for every person who wants to make some extra cash selling them online.

Etsy is an online company that allows people to sell their goods through their marketplace. You can create your own online store, upload photos of your crafts, and set your own prices. It is a very cost effective way to get your online retail business going.

You need to keep in mind that you can only sell handmade crafts on the site. The great news is that you can sell products in a variety of categories. Clothing, cards, ceramics, toys, jewelry, and more are all popular items that you can find when you peruse the site.

If you have a hobby and a passion for creating handmade crafts, you can sell online through Etsy.com and make money. With the right marketing strategies, as well as a good product of course, you can make a substantial income. I personally know two people who sell their handmade crafts on the site (a card maker and a soap maker) that make more than a thousand dollars a month on average.

Making good money with a hobby is something that most people dream about doing. Thanks to services like Etsy, it has become far easier to make that dream a reality...

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Additional places online for you to sell your handmade crafts:

Shop Handmade

Webstore

Warm Up On a Chilly Day

I just bought a new milk frothing machine and it made me think about hot cocoa on Christmas morning by the fire. NOTE: A chilly day in Central Texas is anything below 70 degrees.

You see several years ago I've weaned myself away from buying $4 lattes from (insert your favorite cafe name here) to learning how to make my own brew at home. I never thought it would be as good but over time I've come to like my own brew better.

In fact when I travel and buy it on the road, it's not nearly as enjoyable. There's a time saving benefit to making it myself because I no longer have to drive to the (insert your favorite cafe name here) and of course there's an obvious cost savings benefit. There's still a cost but not nearly at the rate of $4/drink.

Why the fuss? You might think I drink a lot of coffee with a name like Java Judi but the truth is...that's Chai tea latte in my cup. Now it's not just any Chai. I've tried just about all the other brands on the market and for my taste, they are either too sweet, too bitter or not even close to resembling chai.  My favorite is the Tazo Organic Chai concentrate. The Tazo organic version more of the deep aromatic spice flavor that makes Chai so wonderfully soothing and also has less sweetener than the regular Tazo Chai. Go figure?

I can't believe how long I've kept up with this morning beverage ritual. Day in and day out. Weekdays and weekends. East Coast, West Coast and in between. Holidays and vacations. You name it. And for some reason if I don't start the day with a little chai latte, one of those annoying caffeine headaches reminds me.

Here's my recipe:
Pour around 10 ounces of non-fat milk into Cocoa Latte machine to heat/froth milk.

Pour equal amount of Tazo Organic Chai concentrate into tall cup. Turn on machine and let it heat up and froth your milk (usually around 5 minutes). When milk is foaming and soft, pour it in your cup to mix with Chai concentrate. Stir briefly. Enjoy while hot!

That's my morning fix!

If I ever run out of Tazo Chai concentrate, here's a recipe to make it from tea and spices. Enjoy the video.

So what does all of this have to do with stamping anyway?  Well it's what I thought of when I saw this project created by Stampin' Up! Artisan Award winner, Robin Desko. This delightful canister holds ingredients to make hot cocoa. Uummmm!  It brings cozy thoughts to mind.

During the month of November, Stampin Up is offering 20% off on the entire Rub-On collection. Read more about it in my previous post.

To make this gift canister, you'll need a small container. Even a ceramic mug will do. Rub-Ons work on just about any surface.  In this project, the clear canister is line with craft paper that was run through the crimper. What a nice touch. I just love the Alpine Designer Ribbon- it adds a touch of class!  Notice how nice the tags on the cellophane bag look layered using the large and small tag punches. 

Here's the list of supplies you'll need to make this Sugar & Spice Cocoa Can:

Stamps

• Winter Post

Ink

• Chocolate Chip Classic Stampin' Pad

Paper

• Kiwi Kiss card stock
• Kraft card stock
• Riding Hood Red card stock
• Holiday Treasures Designer Series paper

Accessories

• Alpine Ribbon Originals
• Natural hemp twine
• Silver brads
• Metallic eyelets
• Pretties Kit
• Old Saint Nick Rub-Ons
• Stampin' Dimensionals
• Crimper
• Crop-A-Dile
• Scallop Circle punch
• Small Tag punch
• Tag punch
• Tag Corner punch
• 1/2" Circle punch
• Sizzix Big Shot
• Scallop Circle #2 Bigz die (for lid)

To shop for Stampin Up products online 24/7, CLICK HERE

If you like what you read here, subscribe to my blog for more ideas. Just enter your email in the box in the left column under BLOG FEED.

Stop Ruining Projects!

Stamp-a-ma-jig
...such a silly name for such a useful tool! 

Stamp-a-ma-jig will make your stamping flawless. It is the perfect tool to keep you from ruining a whole project with one crooked stamp! Trust me, I've ruined many a perfectly nice cards thinking my stamp was mounted straight and then find my sentiment is going uphill. This tool also helps you MOUNT your stamps to the exact position of the picture of the image.

My secret to perfect stamping is the Stamp-a-ma-jig.  Why? Because it's a stamp positioner that allows you to place an image exactly where you want it. Fast and precise stamp placement, every time. It's that simple.  

• perfect for using with word and letter stamps
• designed for both right and left handed use. Flip direction for left handed use.
• durable and easy to store
• includes a washable plastic sheet
• stays put with a non-skid base

Here's how to use it:

1. The tool ends in a "T" shape. This provides a place to rest your thumb and fingers when in use. Begin by tucking your imaging sheet (included with the Stamp-a-ma-jig) up into the right angle of the "T" on the  Stamp-a-ma-jig. Ink your stamp in dark dye ink and place your stamp against the Stamp-a-ma-jig and stamp. Remove the stamp. NOTE: the sheet has a rough side and a smoother side. Use the smooth side for classic ink and the rough side for craft ink.
2. Position your stamped image sheet over the paper. Play with it until you have the image position just where you want it.This takes a bit of practice but it's well worth it once you see the results.
3. Without moving the image sheet, position your Stamp-a-ma-jig on the top corner of the image sheet.
4. Remove the imaging sheet keeping the Stamp-a-ma-jig exactly where it is, line up the corner of your inked stamp and stamp your image. Important: after stamping, remove the stamp..but keep the tool in place with your hand on it.
5. Clean your imaging sheet with a damp cloth.

SOME TIPS:

If you run out of imaging sheets, just use overhead projector transparencies instead.

Use it to make a stamped image darker or to fill in an area that didn't "take", keep your Stamp-a-ma-jig in place and re-stamp right over the image - like magic - perfect stamping!

To create the paper ribbon end use the 1-1/4" square punch to create the points. Easy!

When working with a small piece of cardstock, use removable adhesive on the back of the scrap to keep the cardstock from moving around.



MORE TUTORIALS:

If you'd prefer to see this explained with pictures, take a look at the photo tutorial Michelle created here.

 
On YouTube you can see Kristina's's video tutorial

What else can you do with your Stamp-a-ma-jig?

Use it to mount your wood block stamps perfectly straight! Kari from Stampin Made Easy shows how here.

Wait...there's even more you can do with it...

• faux embossing
• correcting a stamping mistake
• two-step stampin is a dream with the Stamp-a-ma-jig. Use it with All in the Family  stamp set and you'll never stamp without it. See why in this great tutorial from another Michelle.

The  Stamp-a-ma-jig is one cool tool to put on your wish list.

New to the Stamp-a-ma-jig? I'll be happy to give you and your friends a personal demonstration, just contact me and we can schedule a convenient time.

To shop for Stampin Up products online 24/7, CLICK HERE

If you like what you read here, subscribe to my blog for more ideas. Just enter your email in the box in the left column under BLOG FEED.

Give Gifts in Style This Season

 
Whether you're wrapping a gift for a family member or giving your mail carrier a holiday treat, Stampin' Up! has great ideas--and products--for memorable holiday packaging.

Send your Christmas gifts airmail express from Santa's sleigh this season. Stampin' Up!'s vintage images and candy cane ribbon put just the right touch on any present. 

 

To learn what it takes to make your gifts look this way, click here.

Mix the vintage and modern images in this stamp set WINTER POST for post cards, scrapbook pages, or handmade cards with a unique twist. This set—in addition to being the first stamp set in Shelli’s Signature Collection—is an all-around Christmas set with many options you’re sure to adore for years to come.

**SPECIAL OFFER**

Order the new candy-cane striped Grosgrain Ribbon (113099) and Winter Post stamp set (111780) from my demonstrator website and you'll receive a sample of this card along with complete instructions to make it yourself.

 

Spooky Ideas

 

There are so many amazingly creative ideas for Halloween crafts so I decided to compile a few!

Stampin Up's new Top Note Bigz die is used in so many creative ways. The most popular uses I've seen are as bag toppers. Take a look at the topper Amy created. She adds a black matte look by cutting off the 1/8" stitched border.

How about using the Top Note die to create a box! Jackie made this spooky cute box filled with chocolate goodies. You can make one yourself by following this step by step tutorial on Angie's blog.

Angie also created this "BOO" Banner, which is by far the most imaginative use of the Top Note die I've seen. Angie was featured as a guest artist on the InkBig blog recently where you can see a thorough step by step tutorial on how she created the banner. 

What can you do with a with Stampin Up's new Pennant die? Well for one, you can make a BOO banner. But wait till you see this - a candy corn treat bag from Meg Loven's blog! If you like that, then take a look at what Angie Juda created on her blog - a candy corn treat bag made from FELT! She also has a terrrific video tutorial that shows you step by step how to make one for yourself.

Arachnophobia - If you have an abnormal fear of spiders, then don't look here at Annette's blog.  Okay, you can look but I warned you.  And just when you thought is was safe to have a photo corner punch! Who would have thought that something so scary can be so darn cute, and tasty too.

This sculpture, affectionately called Nightwing, resides on Congress Avenue in downtown Austin. Austin is famous for its bats. So while we are on the subject of bats, here's a fun video that will show you how to make bats from the a square scallop punch. 

 Which witch are you? If you are the one covering the Peanut Butter Cups then you'll want to see this tutorial from Tamarra.

Ovals, ovals everywhere. What can you do with an Oval punch? Check out the pumpkins Laura made with her Oval punches.

Did you know that you can order any of these Stampin Up products from the comforts of your own home, anytime day or night!  All you have to do is go to my demonstrator website, click on the SHOP NOW box on the top right of the page. I love how intuitive the website is - when you select a product, you are shown items that are made using the product as well as additional products that coordinate. Makes shopping so easy.

This month you can save 20% on a select group of birthday stamps. Check them out here.

So have you seen any spooky items lately? Share them here in the comments section.

Meet the Frankies!

These are a few of the cards we made at Stamp Group last night.

What fun everyone had creating their own monsters. I can't wait to see what my other club member create next week!

Here's what we used:

Top Note Bigz Die
Cardstock: Kiwi Kiss,  Basic Black, Elegant Eggplant, Whisper White
Ink: Kiwi Kiss
Punches: Large Oval, 1/2" circle, Key Tag, My Way, 1/16" Handheld circle
Accessories: Brads, Paper Snips, black Sharpie, White Uni-ball Signo Gel Pen, SNAIL adhesive, Anywhere Glue Sticks, Stampin' dimensionals, Daubers

The Top Note Bigz Die is my new favorite toy. It's amazingly versatile when you start to imagine all the things you can do with it:

• Fold it and use as a bag topper
• Fold it and mount on top of a card
• Cut it out of Chipboard and bind it into a mini book
• Fold it and wrap around a card
• Cut two pieces of cardstock and trim away the perforation on one to create a border
• Die cut heavy weight plastic and use as a stencil (both positive and negative portions)
• Use negative portion as a frame
• Use as a topper for a holiday paper box
• Use as a topper for a paper purse
• Die cut two pieces of chip board and make a box
• What can you do with the Top Note Die?

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas...

Here's a look at the Tuesday group shoebox swap. We had such a fun time sharing a great bunch of ideas.

Dona's card

Carol's card

Noreen's card

Liza's card

Sharon's card

Jamie's card

Peggy's card

Mary's card (actually a card keeper) - punch holes in holiday cards and add to jump ring. Great way to display and save all those wonderful cards.

Judi's card - using the large scallop circle SIZZIX die

The Graduate

Need a quick idea for a graduation card? Try this...

Supplies:
Designer Series Pumpkin Pie Paper
Black Gingham Ribbon
Basic Black cardstock
Glue Dots
Sentiment: Stampin Up
Graduation cap sticker (unknown)

Make Mine Chocolate

Check it out - I designed this Easter card that is featured in the March Dot Spot newsletter from GlueDots. You can read about the card details here.

While you're there, subscribe and you'll see more of my projects in the future. Go to GlueDots home page and add your email address in the box at the bottom of the page.

The name "Make Mine Chocolate" was the slogan back when Rubie and I foster-cared for 8 rabbits. It was around this time of year that people would think it was a cute idea to give live rabbits as gifts to children or friends. Unfortunately, after a few weeks or so they would come to realize that caring for a bunny is a LOT OF WORK. Ultimately the "unwanted" bunnies would be turned over to the animal shelter or abandoned. We enjoyed learning about rabbits for the two years we were foster family. It was a wonderful experience that we will always remember. To read more about how you can foster a rabbit, check this out.

So remember, when you think of giving someone a cute little rabbit for Easter - make yours Chocolate and they'll melt in your mouth!

Lifelines

I am in the midst of a massive reorganization. My family is away for a few days so I'm using this time to rearrange everything. I had to get out and clear my mind so I stepped into Borders and picked up this great book, Lifelines Creating Memory Art to Chronicle Your Personal Connections.

Inside are thirty step-by-step projects range from framed mixed-media collages and sophisticated scrapbook pages to decorative memory boxes and handmade books. I love how the authors share the inspiration behind the art, followed by easy to understand step-by-step instruction for the technique.

Here's a sampling of what's inside:

• alter photos to create a vintage or pop art effect
• create spray paint resists with ephemera
• apply photos to a metal surface
• stamp and emboss on crafter's metal
• create embossed and resisted journaling
• make a shabby frame using corrugated cardboard
• achieve a faux stained-glass effect

So now I am excited to finish my organizing so I can once again find my table and try out some of these neat techniques.

Some Time to Stamp

Here are some cards I've made for this month's stamping group.

This card was CASED from Scheli Abraham's card on SCS.
All Images (c) 2007 Stampin Up

Stamps: Polka Dots & Paisley, Petals Wheel
Paper: Double Sided Petals & Paisleys Designer Series Paper, Pretty in Pink, Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White.
Inks: Tempting Turquoise, Old Olive (markers and classic ink pads)
Spiral Punch used to make "notebook paper torn edge", Paper Piece Mat Pack used to pierce dotted row of holes. Pink grosgrain ribbon attached with Turquoise brad.

Another CASE! I found the idea for this card on SplitcoastStampers and the original design was created by flowerbugnd1. I really liked how she used the brown and blue combination with the chocolat paper.

All Images (c) 2007 Stampin Up

Stamps: Polka Dots & Paisley
Paper: Double Sided Au Chocolat Designer Series Paper, Chocolate Chip, Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White.
Inks: Tempting Turqouise, Chocolate Chip  (markers and classic ink pads)
Round Tab Punch used to make large scallop edge and brackets, Paper Piece Mat Pack used to pierce holes, Ticket Corner punch used for corners. Turquoise & Chocolate Chip grosgrain ribbon.

This card was inspired by a card on Cambria Turnbow's  blog. She also has a great tutorial on how to make the decorative tab.

All Images (c) 2007 Stampin Up
Stamps: Polka Dots & Paisley, Petals Jumbo Wheel
Paper: Double Sided Petals & Paisleys Designer Series Paper, Pretty in Pink,  Whisper White, Tempting Turqouise, So Saffron, Basic Black cardstock.
Inks: White Craft ink, Pretty in Pink, Tempting Turqouise, So Saffron, Basic Black
Round Tab Punch used to make decorative edge, Petals Jumbo Wheel rolled with White Craft and embossed with White embossing powder.

This card started out traditional card size but then I realized I wouldn't have enough Designer Paper for my stamp groups so I modified it to a 4" square card.

All Images (c) 2007 Stampin Up
Stamps: Office Accoutrement
Paper: Double Sided Notations Designer Series Paper, Sahara Sand, Cool Caribbean, Whisper White cardstocks.
Inks: So Saffron Craft ink, Always Artichoke classic,  Cool Caribbean, Chocolate Chip marker 
Round Tab Punch used to make tab, large flower stamped with So Saffron Craft and embossed with clear embossing powder, tiny button attached with Crystal Effects in center of flower. Ends of petal rolled to give dimensional look. Marker used to color selected words to stamp on tab.

All Images (c) 2007 Stampin Up

This card is made by Debra Erck and given to me at Houston Regionals. I love the combination of colors Certainly Celery, Cool Caribbean, Always Artichoke and Whisper White.

And I ought to mention Stampin' Up! is celebrating spring with the Spring Fever Promotion. During March, you can get 50 percent off any item in the Spring Mini Catalog!

I've attached a flyer explaining how you can make the most of this exciting offer. Contact me today and I'll be happy to place your order, book your workshop or answer any questions you might have.

Websites Worth Noting

I probably spend way too much time online than I should. It starts out innocently in search of a specific item, then as one link leads to another I forget what I originally sought and encounter something totally awesome.

Here are some of the latest finds that have inspired new ideas:

Craft TV Weekly is an internet-only television network. Through streaming video programs called Webisodes and downloadable Design Guides, Craft TV Weekly provides an encouraging, interactive experience for a community of members who are helping one another grow in their craft. You'll find an archive of tutorials from familar names as JudiKins, ClubScrap, and Ten Second Studio to name a few.

Flag Book Bind-0-Rama

The latest issue of The Bonefolder has a nice feature about an exhibition of flag books. A flag book is an accordion folded spine with rows of flags attached to opposing sides of each of the spine's mountain folds to layer a number of complementary or contrasting images. There's some very inventive ideas shown in this story. Check it out and see what you think.

Holiday Craft Ideas

I've come across two websites this week that are showing different holiday craft projects each day. One site is called Holiday Crafts Countdown from HGTV and the other is from Scrapbook Society called the 12 Ornaments of Christmas. Check them out daily as they post a new project each day.

Collage Machine

I discovered a fun website today from the National Gallery of Art.   Art Zone Collage Machine is "totally awesome" as described by my 10-yr old, Rubie. Check it out!

Keeping up with the Jones'

There are a certain number of blogs I visit on a regular basis.  It never ceases to amaze me how much great inspiration is out there.  I am in awe of these extremely talented artists because they are able to create beautiful work time after time AND have time to post what they do on a regular basis. Makes me think I need a time-management course to look at how I spend my time...but who has the time!

But seriously,
I wanted to share with you some links I came across while looking at Simple Scrapbook website. Actually I signed up for their email newsletter which had an article of interest. I clicked on it and the rest is history...

Back to School

Well, actually back to Ranger University. I am so excited that I am part of the upcoming training group for Ink & Embossing Powder Certification with Tim Holtz and Robin Beam, two amazingly talented people. This is my second time this year to Ranger U in New Jersey. Back in February, I learned all about Perfect Pearls and earned my certification to teach.

One of the treats is seeing the fabulous fall foliage that makes my spine tingle with the rich reds, warm golds, hot oranges and velvet soft browns. I love the tall tall trees on the ride down to Ranger's headquarters in Tinton Falls, NJ. This time you can be sure I will save the toll receipts!

Ranger Website

I was thrilled to find out that a card I created for my Melt Art class is now featured on Ranger's website.