Margaret Moody

Valentine Chocolates

Need a little chocolate?  Chocolates are definitely associated with Valentine's Day and today's card offers a tempting box of chocolates, made for this week's Inspiration Challenge (PPA25) hosted by Pals Paper Arts!  Inspired by this photo of a beautiful piece of mouth-watering chocolate, I created my chocolates and the pretty box on my card using the many versatile punches from Stampin' Up!  Embossed embellishments were added to each delectable piece, making each one unique and enticing!  The best part about these luscious chocolates?  Each one is delightfully calorie-free!  Enjoy! :)

What are you waiting for?  Visit Pals Paper Arts for more inspiring ideas from the PPA Design Team!  We're also offering the chance to win some great blog candy this week!  So, grab your supplies (and, of course, some chocolate to nibble on while you work) and "play along" with us!  Make your own inspiring creation and share it with us at PPA! Post your creation on your own blog or a public gallery, such as Splitcoaststampers.com (Keyword:  PPA25) and add your creation at PPA through Mr. Linky.  The Inspiration Challenge officially closes at Noon (CST) Tuesday, January 19th.  I can't wait to see what you make!

All supplies used are Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted:

Stamps:  Grateful Greetings, Fundamental Phrases
Paper:  Real Red, Chocolate Chip, Pretty in Pink, Very Vanilla card stock
Ink:  Chocolate Chip, Pretty in Pink, Versamark Watermark
Tools:  1-3/8" Square punch, 1-1/4" Square punch, 3/4" Square punch, 1-1/4" Circle punch, 1" Circle punch, 3/4" Circle punch (retired), Corner Rounder punch, Ticket Corner punch, Boho Blossoms punch, Scallop Edge punch, Small Heart punch, Heat Tool, Embossing Buddy, Powder Pals
Extras:  Sizzix Big Shot, Scallop Square Stampin' Up! Clear Bigz die, Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Stamping Sponges, Sticky Strip, Stampin' Dimensionals

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!  Another Pals HOLIDAY HOP is coming your way in February!  Join us for another exciting hop at February 9, 2009 (5:00 AM CST)!  Don't miss it!

Valentine's Holiday Hop

Thanks for "hopping in" today!  If you've arrived from Ann Schach's Stampin' Shach, I'm number 3 on the Valentine's HOLIDAY HOP!  I'll help you "hop along" from blog to blog where you'll find inspirational ideas for papercrafted projects from talented Stampin' Up! Demonstrators showcasing all that Stampin' Up! has to offer!  Should you hop off course, simply click on any of the links in the HOLIDAY HOP LINE-UP below to get back on track!  We're thrilled to have you visit and excited to hear what you think about our first HOLIDAY HOP of 2010!  Please feel free to leave as many comments as you'd like along the way!

HOLIDAY HOP LINE-UP

1.   Kalshelia Lloyd -- www.stampinfabulousity.com    
2.   Ann Schach -- www.stampinchic.com    
3.   Margaret Moody -- www.margaretmoody.typepad.com    
4.   Debbie Pierce -- www.stampinsunshine.com    
5.   Carla Bazhenow -- www.carlas-scraps.com    
6.   Mary Fish -- www.stampinpretty.com    
7.   Kim Lampone -- www.kjskorner.blogspot.com    
8.   Gina Shaw -- www.cardsbyginashaw.com    
9.   Regina Mangum -- www.thestampinbean.blogspot.com    
10. Lourdes Torres -- www.cozycraftycorner.blogspot.com    
11. Kris Kilcoyne -- www.kweenbee.typepad.com    
12. Liz Hughes -- www.diypapercreations.com   
13. Melanie Collins -- www.oopsadaisy.typepad.com    
14. Mike Funke -- www.stampin-style.com    
15. Anne Beale Yancey -- www.mukibug.com    
16. Martha Stewart -- www.SeasonsOfStamping.com    
17. Jason Casper -- www.stampindad.blogspot.com    

 
I created my Valentine's projects using Stampin' Up!'s colorful card stock, versatile punches, stamps from three different sets, ribbon, and buttons! 

The fun and colorful Hugs & Kisses card looks complicated and time-consuming, but was made quickly using Stampin' Up! Circle punches and the new Small Heart punch.  Each circle and heart received a little lift, courtesy of Stampin' Dimensionals, adding depth to the bold and bright graphic design.  The Hugs & Kisses sentiment stamped in the center circle is from the versatile All Holidays stamp set.  A simple band of Real Red Striped Grosgrain Ribbon was added at the bottom and folded under on the right to create a tab.  A red button threaded with a tiny sliver of Green Galore card stock adds the look of thread and provides the perfect finishing touch to the card!  Anyone would love to receive this happy card on Valentine's Day!

I don't know about you, but I think chocolate is a must on Valentine's Day!  This little treat box was made to hold three Ghirardelli chocolate squares and it's very quick and easy to make!  The tutorial can be found on Splitcoaststampers.com.  I kept the design simple, using Stampin' Up! card stock and Sticky Strip to construct the box.  The box's flap was trimmed with the Scalloped Edge punch and the bull's eye embellishment was made using Circle punches and the Small Heart punch.  I used a small adhesive Velcro dot to keep the box closed. 

Gift cards are as fun to give as they are to receive on Valentine's Day, especially if the presentation is eye-catching and fun!  This colorful gift card holder was made using Stampin' Up! card stock and stamps from the Fundamental Phrases and Mark the Date sets.  Embellishments include a band of Real Red Striped Grosgrain Ribbon tied in a simple knot and a bull's eye with a centered heart, made using Circle and Small Heart punches.  A Velcro dot was added to hold it closed.

I hope my creations have inspired you to get busy making your own projects for Valentine's Day!  Debbie Pierce at Stampin' Sunshine is the next stop on the Valentine's HOLIDAY HOP!  Keep "hoppin" and you'll find more wonderful and creative ideas for Valentine's Day!  Thanks for "hopping" by!

All supplies used are Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted:

Stamps:  All Holidays, Fundamental Phrases, Mark the Date
Paper:  Only Orange, Real Red, Pink Passion, Pixie Pink, Whisper White, Tempting Turquoise, Green Galore card stock
Ink:  Real Red
Tools:  1-3/4" Circle punch, 1-3/8" Circle punch, 1-1/4" Circle punch, 1" Circle punch, Small Heart punch, Scalloped Edge punch, Stamp-a-ma-jig, 
Extras:  Real Red Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Playground Designer Buttons, Sticky Strip, Mini Glue Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals