Midnight Crafting

Hippo Punch Art Twist Card

I needed a cute hippo, for a friends Christmas Card. Its a cute song... I get it.
Kind of.
::
"I want a hippopotamus for Christmas
Only a hippopotamus will do
Don't want a doll, no dinky Tinker Toy
I want a hippopotamus to play with and enjoy"
http://www.iwantahippopotamusforchristmas.net/songs/i-want-a-hippopotamus-for-christmas
::
Anyhow,
there are ALOT of punch art hippos out there, but let me tell you NOT a lot of tutorials!

So, I picked the hippo I liked best, and through trial and error came up with this cutie-patootie to add to my twist card:

I'm especially proud of her hand drawn facial features, I am not known for my coloring skills!

Super cute, and if you're looking to make your own, you can buy a tutorial - or you can play with your circle and oval punches, some sponge shading, and some hand drawn details. ;-)
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	Q&A Q: I’ve seen some great paper ornaments lately. I’d like to make some, but don’t know how! A: Paper ornaments are a hot trend this holiday season. Beyond decorating trees, they are being used as décor items around the home, as accents on wrapped gifts, and as fun, family projects. Of course, there are so many different ornaments to choose from. Luckily, I have a couple of gorgeous, and easy, ones to share. I got these ideas from Stampin’ Success, a magazine that demonstrators receive free from Stampin’ Up! It’s one of the great perks of being a demo! Here are instructions for Paper Bulb Ornaments and Glitter Snowflake Ornaments. Enjoy! Paper Bulb Ornament: • Ornaments are made up of 9 strips of paper that are 1” wide. The center strip is 8” long. Each curved layer is 1” longer. Make the ornament strips from plain or stamped card stock or from a selection of your favorite Designer Series Paper. You’ll need strips in the following sizes: 1 1” x 8” strip for the center 2 1” x 9” strips 2 1” x 10” strips 2 1” x 11” strips 2 1” x 12” strips • Pierce holes centered in the end of each strip, about 1/4” from the end, using the Paper-Piercing Tool (#126189) and Stampin’ Pierce Mat (#126199). • Layer the strips so the top ends are even and so they are stacked in this order: 12”, 11”, 10”, 9”, 8”, 9”, 10”, 11”, 12”. • Place a Silver 1/8” Mini Brad (#122941) through the pierced holes. Spread prong to close brad and hold layers together. • Thread the holes at the bottom of the strips through a Silver Mini Brad causing the longer layers to curve out. • Thread a piece of Linen Thread (#104199) or Baker’s Twine (page 172) through the center of the ornament and slip it up between the strips so it wraps around the Mini Brad. Knot thread around the brad to hold in place and then create a loop to hang the ornament. • Optional: Cover brads with buttons, Pearl or Rhinestone Jewels, or ribbon. • Make ornaments of different sizes by starting with a shorter 8" x 3/4" center strip and adding 1/2” for each layer from the center. Glitter Snowflake Ornament: This super-fast ornament can be made two ways. My Digital Studio: • This option allows you to make snowflakes in any size you wish. Use the Snowflake Punch in My Digital Studio. Size Snowflake Punch as large as you want. • Print to create a template. Cut out template. • Trace onto the back of Glimmer Paper (available in Silver, Red, and Champaign). • Cut out by hand. • Create ornament from a single snowflake or sandwich 2 snowflakes back-to-back so both sides are finished. For a 3-D ornament, score 3 snowflakes in half, fold, and adhere backs together. • Use Linen Thread (#104199) or Baker’s Twine (page 172) to hang ornament. Big Shot: • This option is faster since it doesn’t require cutting snowflakes by hand, but it only makes 3 ornament sizes. Die cut Glimmer Paper using Snow Flurry Bigz Die and the Big Shot. • Create ornament from one or two layers, or make a 3-D ornament as described above. Ornamental: Enjoy making these fun, paper ornaments to give as gifts, to add to wrapped gifts, and to decorate your home. It’s a great project to do with the kids and makes thoughtful and affordable gifts for teachers that kids will be proud to say they helped with. Or make the ornaments with the kids over winter break. It will keep them occupied with something fun, productive, and affordable, plus you’ll have lots of ornaments to give as well as use for decoration!

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	Q&A Q: I’ve heard that Stampin’ Up! is offering single stamps, is that true? A: Yes! Customers and demonstrators around the world voted and the result was a trial release of a few favorite Stampin’ Up! stamps as single stamps! Here’s the scoop on single stamps: Why Single Stamps: Sometimes there is just one stamp in a set we use over and over again. Now you can easily sample a few stamps from a variety of stamp sets. Plus, these single stamps make great gifts for friends, family, teachers, neighbors, teens – you get the idea – everyone! Now that’s a stocking stuffer I’d love to have in my stocking! Wouldn’t you? What Stamps: • Your choice of individual stamps from the Word Play, Seasonal Sayings, and Perfectly Penned stamp sets • 7 select images from a variety of popular stamp sets • 3 never before seen special release individual stamp images Single Stamp Details: • Clear-mount only, no wood-mount option • Clear Blocks are not included, but the recommended block size is listed with the stamp on the flyer • Single Stamps are packages individually in cellophane bags. Clear-Mount Stamp Cases (#119105) for storing your collection of single stamps can be purchased separately Single Stamps are a pilot program, so contact me today to order your favorite single stamp images while they are available! Don’t forget to make your list and check it twice – single stamps will be a favorite gift!

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	Q&A Q: I love the ornament featured on the front of the Holiday catalog. How do I make it? A: That ornament is all the rage in the stampin’ world! This month, you can receive the Festive Paper-Pericing Pack with our Christmas Gift Promotion. You’ll be surprised that you can create such a beautiful ornament from paper. It takes a bit of time, but is actually pretty simple to do. And makes a great gift. Here’s how! SUPPLIES: • Ornament Keepsake stamp set (#128048 wood, #128051 clear) • Holiday Ornaments Framelits Dies (#127816) • Big Shot (#113439) • Cherry Cobbler Classic Ink Pad (#126966) • Old Olive Classic Ink Pad (#126953) • Very Vanilla card stock (#101650) • Simply Scored Scoring Tool (#122334) • 1-3/8” Circle Punch (#119860) • 3-1/2” Scalloped Tulle Ribbon (#127841) • Multipurpose Liquid Glue (#110755) • Vintage Faceted Designer Buttons (#127555) • Large Pearl Basic Jewels (#125577) • Linen Thread (#104199) • 1/8” Taffeta Ribbon or other ribbon for hanging ornament • Rosette Die (#125594) • Candlelight Christmas Designer Series Paper (#126901) • Silicone Craft Sheet (#127853) • Bone Folder (#102300) • Hot Glue Gun and Glue Step 1: Stamp 20 of the larger ornament images on Very Vanilla card stock with Old Olive ink. Cut out with the coordinating Holiday Ornaments Framelits Die using the Big Shot. Stamp 20 of the small ornament images on Very Vanilla card stock with Cherry Cobbler ink. Cut out with the coordinating Holiday Ornaments Framelits Die using the Big Shot. Score 15 of each ornament in half from top to bottom using the Simply Scored Scoring Tool. Fold in half along the score line. Step 2: Use the Multipurpose Liquid Glue to adhere three of the scored ornaments together. Adhere one half of the first ornament lined up with one half of the next ornament and then do the same with the third ornament. Leave one half of the first and last ornaments un-glued. Repeat the steps until you have created 5 sets of the 3-ornament groupings in each ornament style. Add Multipurpose Liquid Glue to the halves of the first and last ornaments in the 3-ornament grouping. Adhere to an un-scored ornament of the same style. Repeat for all 5 sets of each style. Step 3: Punch a circle from scrap card stock using the 1-3/8” Circle Punch. Place the circle on the Silicone Craft Sheet. Add a line of hot glue around the edge of the circle. Position the necks of the larger Old Olive ornaments, flat side down, evenly around the circle. Press into the hot glue. Use the Bone Folder to avoid burning yourself. Nest the smaller ornaments with the larger ornaments. To finish-up add Tulle Ribbon, linen thread and create a rosette to the center of the ornament with the clear button using hot glue. Punch a hole for ribbon at the top. *Optional:* Add Dazzling Details Stampin’ Glitter or Champaign Shimmer Mist to add sparkle to the finished ornament.

© CraftyPerson Production. Images © Stampin' Up!

	Q&A Q: How can I get a catalog? A: With the release of the new Annual Catalog, stampers everywhere want to know the same thing! The great news is that there are many ways for you to get a catalog, see the great new products, and get creative inspiration! Host When you host a workshop, you receive a free Annual Catalog from me. Plus, you get to be among the first to see, use, and enjoy great new products from the Annual Catalog. Contact me today to set up your fun stamping party! View Online If you can’t wait for your copy of the Annual Catalog to arrive, you can view it online – anywhere, anytime access! Just visit my Stampin’ Up! website, go to the Products tab at the top, and select “Catalogs”. Or you can view the products by category or search for specific products in my store. From my Stampin’ Up! website, select the “Shop Now” button at the top right. Plus, you'll find that the Digital Designing products are available in my store as well. My Specials Contact me to find out even more ways that you can get your hands on the amazing new Annual Catalog. I just know you are going to love it! It is packed with great new products and just bursting with creative project samples to inspire you.

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	Q&A Q: I love receiving cards in the mail. Any suggestions on how to remember to send cards for any occasion? A: That is a great question! We all love the art of making cards, but sometimes it’s hard for any of us to remember special occasions, write a note to a friend, or even let go of a favorite card! (Yeah, we’ve all been there!) We’ve all seen ideas that sounded great and then when you think about it you know it will fit in your life or you think to yourself sarcastically “yeah, that’ll happen”! So, I’ve got a suggestion that will work for planners and those whose schedules are loose. Here are a couple of tried-and-true tips that will put you at the top of the thoughtful friend list! Plan a Moment If you are a planner, you’ll love this tip. Plan a time into your schedule each week for writing cards. Now this doesn’t have to be a big event; even 15 minutes that you can take to reach out to those you care about is great. I recommend stamping a whole stack of cards - they don’t have to be specific to the person, and keeping them on hand so that you can quickly add a note and get it in the mail. As much as we love the art of stamping, the true magic comes when you share that connection with someone else. Start by checking your calendar to see who has birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, etc. coming up. Next, take a few moments to reflect on your week. Who touched your life this week in a way that makes you grateful or who could use the pick-me-up of a thoughtful note? Now write a couple lines - it doesn’t have to be a lot for someone to know that you care. Grab a Moment If the idea of planning a time to sit down makes you crazy, then don’t! Make a "to go" card center that you can use to write notes when you have a moment and the mood strikes you. Our clear-mount stamp cases are ideal. Just add a bit of your favorite Designer Series Paper under the cover and fill the case with a couple of cards, envelopes, a pen, and stamps. Now drop it in your purse or your car. Next time you are waiting for an appointment, sitting in the carpool line, hanging out at a kids sporting event, taking a lunch break at work, or whenever it is you have a minute, you can open your card case, write a quick note, add the address and stamp, and drop it into the mail. It is easy, fast, convenient, and a thoughtful way to make the most of those little moments. Take a Photo If you are like most stampers, you are afflicted with the “I can’t let it go” bug. You know the feeling - you love a card, want to remember a technique, plan to re-create more just like it, so you hold onto the card instead of sending it. Stop it! Cards are meant to be shared! But you can still keep the look, idea, and reminder by snapping a quick photo with your camera or cell phone. Save the photos in a file for card ideas or several files by stamp set, occasion, techniques, whatever it was that made you love the card. Now keep the photo and share the joy of the card by sending it and everyone wins! Share the Magic Unlike email that gets buried and forgotten, a hand-stamped card is a physical reminder to those that receive it that you thought of them, that you care, and that they are special. So hand-deliver or mail a card today. You’ll love the feeling you get from giving, and you’ll brighten someone’s day in a very special way.

© CraftyPerson Production. Images © Stampin' Up!

	Q&A Q: Recently I saw a cute card with a small, patterned paper envelope on the front. How do you make those? A: Envelopes in a variety of sizes have become all the rage since the Diagonal Plate for the Simply Scored Scoring Tool was introduced recently. The Diagonal Plate makes creating envelopes a breeze – no more templates to trace and cut by hand! Hooray! Plus, envelopes are a great way to show off our beautiful double-sided Designer Series Paper without feeling guilty that we are covering up one of the patterns! While the Diagonal Plate comes with instructions and measurements to make four popular envelope sizes, one of my favorites is the small envelope for love notes! Here’s how you can make the 3-1/8” x 3-1/8” envelopes to hold 3” x 3” love notes: Step 1: Cut a 5” x 5” piece of Designer Series Paper or card stock. Place the Diagonal Plate on the Simply Scored Scoring Tool. Place the paper on the Diagonal Plate. Score the first side at 2-1/4”. Rotate the paper 1/4 turn or 90 degrees. Score at 2-1/4” again. Repeat until all four sides are scored. Step 2: Fold and crease all four score lines. Use a Bone Folder for crisp folds. Use Paper Snips or Square Punch to cut out the triangular scored sections. Step 3: Fold in two side flaps to create the sides of the mini envelope. Add SNAIL, Sticky Strip, or Multipurpose Liquid Glue to the very edge of the bottom flap. Fold that flap up over the side flaps and adhere. The envelope is now complete! You can add the envelope to the front of a card or a scrapbook page. Or use it to hand deliver a special little love note. You can use adhesive to close the top flap, tuck the flap inside the envelope, or use a button or brad and a bit of Baker’s Twine to create a fastener. Have fun discovering all of the fun envelopes and envelope projects you can create with the Diagonal Plate!

© CraftyPerson Production. Images © Stampin' Up!

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Monday October 29th will be a sweet S A L E on Stamps!!!

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