Welcome to the latest Stampin' Addicts' Blog Tour! Enjoy your journey as you click through the 23 blogs we have linked in a circle for you to peruse. You may have just come from Joyce's Stampin' Central, or this might be your first stop–either way, you're in for a fun ride! We start at noon Saturday and go through Monday night at midnight. Bookmark your favorite blogs and come back for follow-up fun and tutorials later!
Each Stampin' Addict chose one or two items out of the Stampin' Up Holiday Mini Catalog to feature, so you can get a fabulous overview of what that great 40-page publication holds inside before it actually starts on September 1st. My two items were the Calendar Kit and the Magnetic Gift Boxes. I wasn't sure what I wanted to do exactly other than think "outside the box" with these two items–so you be the judge of whether or not I got creative with this assignment!
The Delightful Dates Calendar Kit (116771, $7.95) contains 12 individual pages with the months printed on them in a fun style, with Soft Suede ink, plus a chipboard easel. It is truly a blank slate! So here's a couple of ideas for what you can do with the calendar other than just set it on the easel.
My first project was the chipboard book calendar above. With my self-sharpening Tabletop Cutter I can cut chipboard into any size I need, and punch through many layers at once with the totally rockin' Crop A Dile tool. I covered the pages with Autumn Meadows DSP, which has that great Soft Suede color in it and coordinated with the Boho-West feel of the calendar pages. I didn't photograph every page (they're all different, one for each side of the double-sided pack of paper), but had to show you this one with my little cowboy on it. 
Here's a little calendar clipboard I made from a DSP-covered piece of chipboard and the new Dusty Durango ribbon and cardstock. It stands up by itself thanks to one of the easel pieces being attached to the back of the clipboard. You could also hang it from a nail or hook. I love the touch of the tiny Mini Library Clip on the calendar page.
Next to the clipboard is one of the Chocolate Chip-colored Magnetic Gift Boxes (116796, 2 for $4.95), which I altered by double-cutting a Top Note shape into DSP-covered chipboard. You cut the Top Note out, rotate it 180 degrees on the die, and run it through again for a totally different and unique shape. It fits perfectly on the box top, which is about four inches square. 
The very first thing I thought of when I saw these boxes was this home decor project, believe it or not! They boxes make excellent blocks for letters. I had great fun cutting out DSP-covered chipboard letters on my Big Shot, paper piercing the backgrounds, antiquing and distressing the gorgeous Autumn Meadows papers (116769, $9.95). Fall is my very favoritest time of year and I just love decorating for it.
One really cool trick in making these blocks was that I used Dotto removable adhesive to affix them, so if I want to change out the decor, I can just peel off these and make new ones, or use the boxes for another gift. Love that!
I hope you'll agree I saved the best project for last! The possibilities for altering these gift boxes are endless. A very cool side benefit to these boxes is that they are very sturdy, quite recyclable, and will last for years. Sometimes it is frustrating to put a lot of effort into a paper creation knowing that the end result is fragile and will not last very long. Not so with these boxes! They are excellently made and extremely well-designed. At only $4.95 for two, they're also a steal!
For the box above, I used the Autumn Meadows DSP again (can you tell I totally love that paper?) and the Sense of Time stamp set (113804, $22.95). The clock image lends itself perfectly to the Cracked Glass embossing technique and lots of distressing and weathering, which is fun and messy.
BLOG CANDY: Your feedback keeps me motivated! Please leave a comment below about the tour or this stop, and check back on Monday, August 31st to see who wins the Sense of Time box above PLUS another blank box to decorate as you please.
Well, that's all, folks–hope you've enjoyed this stop on the tour! and you are welcome to continue to on Trina's blog (Stamps & Whiskers) by clicking on the "next blog" arrow below. Or be a non-conformist and go backwards by clicking on "previous blog" instead to see Joyce's Stampin' Central! And be sure to visit www.stampinaddicts.com for a great gallery, fun chat forums, and awesome challenges and contests!
Fabulous projects!! I love the fall blocks/boxes – what a neat idea!!! I can see it being done to spell Christmas or something else where there are treats in the boxes. TFS!!!!
Beautiful projects. Love those little boxes
Lyssa – I love your projects – they made me look at it as more than a calendar! Thanks for taking the time to share.
Those boxes are cool! I really like what you did with them, that would be perfect for the mantel over the fireplace!
Very inspiring! I, too, just love fall and agree those Autumn papers are just awesome – so many possibilities! Thanks for sharing
I love fall, it’s my favorite time of the year. Great work, thank you for sharig.
Gorgeous projects Lyssa. Love that box and you have just made me add them to my next order. (You enabler you! ;))
Great projects! Love the new Holiday Mini … can’t decide what to buy first.
ok, now I ‘have to’ order that calendar set and the boxes! wow! fabulous work Lyssa!
and yes, the clock box is my fave!! I want to WIN!!!!
The box is lovely; thanks for sharing.
Stasia
So far your projects are my favorite 🙂
Gorgeous projects, Lyssa! I like the “FALL” blocks and the Sense of Time box. The calendar is just DARLING!
Lyssa, OMG! These projects are amazing. I LOVE what you did with the calendar and your “Cowboy” is too cute! Great projects!
Very cool! I loved the tip about the Dotto on the boxes – how clever are you?! Brilliant!!
Lyssa your projects are great! Thanks so much for the dotto tip…I wouldn’t have thought of that. I will definately be creating some seasonal home dec boxes for the seasons.
LOVE all your projects Lyssa! I never looked twice at the boxes, and now I am seeing all kinds of possibilities for them!
What a wonderful job you have done! They look so incredible! Thanks for sharing!
Adorable projects! Love the word FALL project and the calendar set is too cute! Thanks for sharing!
This blog hop is so much fun. I love all the peaks at the new products and the inspiration from all the projects. Those little boxes have so many possibilities. tfs
You projects just continue to inspire me. I follow your blog regularly. If my comment movtivates you then that is good for BOTH of us. Keep up the great work!
Love the way you thought out of the box on the projects! Your work gives me LOTS of ideas to run with on my own! Thank you!
Gorgeous creations Lyssa! I admit I hadn’t thought of buying the magnetic boxes until I saw these great projects! SO pretty!
GORGEOUS Lyssa – just fabulous and stunning – fab work 🙂
Loved how you used the boxes for the FALL home decor. The squares behind the letters would look cool in faux metal. I’m going to try it. I also noticed all of the ways you used the Top Note die which is still my favorite. It looked especially cute as a background for your little cowboy!
Amazed at you, Girl! Your blog is beautiful, and so are YOU. (Naturally I agree with all those who think your little Cowboy IS INDEED one of the two cutest you have EVER produced!!!! 🙂
your projects are quite unique. i espcially like F A L L.
I love the Sense of Time box. I have been thinking of getting the stamp set for awhile but you have made up my mind. I love all the projects but the box is just so beautiful. Thanks for sharing
Awesome job Lyssa! I love the boxes. Wasn’t going to get any bit of course, now am seeing a whole realm of possibilities. Thanks! lol
Lyssa – I am just blown away. I never thought about mounting the calendar on coasters like that or using the boxes for home decor. I cannot WAIT to try these things – THANK YOU!!!!
Fabulous projects, Lyssa! You inspire me!
Amazing projects!
Wonderful projects. The clock is stunning. The calendars would be fun for a grandparent (for Christmas).
love the sense of time box and the fall blocks. This hop is great!! Can’t wait til we get into some of the Christmas stuff.
Deb
I LOVE your projects Lyssa! As always you knocked it out of the park!
Very inspiring and the color coordination is very “Fall” fitting. Thanks for sharing.
I just found your blog – love what you have done with the magnetic boxes!!
Lyssa… Your little Cowpoke is soooo toooo cute!!! Got me thinking about the magnetic boxes now!!! Thanks so much for sharing… I Love seeing everyones’ creative goodies on this blog tour….
Faith
Lyssa-I love the box. Thanks for the great ideas. The blog tour gave lots of ideas.
Gorgeous projects!! TFS I love the Fall letters on the boxes!!
Oh my heaven Lyssa, your creations are to-die-for. Now you have me believing I can’t live without the calendar set and magnetic boxes … are on the list for my next order. I don’t think I can pick a favorite – but I’d love to “borrow” your little cowboy … adorable! Absolutely beautiful work!
Lyssa, these projects are darling–and I love your creative tips. Use dotto to change out the box with the seasons. . . . you’re brilliant, girl!
I like your ideas using the small calendars on a larger project. That is creative.
Seriously, Lyssa? Your projects are wicked beautiful! TFS!
Brandi
Lyssa, you are so talented! I would have never dreamed of these boxes looking so gorgeous! TFS!
I LOVE what you did with those magnetic boxes – I thought they were smaller for some reason, but 4″ isn’t small! They’re going on my next order!
Susan, aka Soozie4Him on SCS and SA
Great projects! I love the idea of using Dotto on the boxes to change them around. Brilliant!
Lyssa great job! I loved your fall blocks. Everything is great!
Lysaa, these are fantastic projects! I’m always happy to see creative ways to use our products. I’ll probably be putting the clipboard calendar idea to very good use!
GOR-JUS projects, Lyssa!
I love when you do blog tours! I actually went through the whole thing! It’s so nice to see all the projects and I have to say I’m considering purchasing the supplies to recreate my own projects from the mini now. Thanks for doing it!
OMGosh – these projects are fabulous. Thanks for the inspiration!
I love the sense of time box but my favorite project has to be the calendar page with your little cowboy’s picture on it! These blog tours are so much fun – there are always so many great projects.
Such creative projects! I love what you’ve done with the boxes-am itching to try some decorating of my own! Can think of neat ideas for Halloween and Christmas with this idea- and really appeals to me to recycle them!
Wow! Creative doesn’t even begin to cover it Lyssa! You aced your assignment! Thanks for pointing out what a terrific deal the boxes are. For some reason I had the idea that they were $16 apiece can’t imagine why. Now that you’ve cleared that up and shown such inspiring uses I’m going to have to pick up a few and try some playtime. Thanks too for the tip on how to make them reusable. Very cool. And I love the larger version calendar you came up with as your first project. I’d been envisioning something larger like that but hadn’t started putting it together. What a wonderful idea to incorporate die cuts from the Big Shot (my favorite new toy – er tool).
I can’t wait to add this to next weeks blog picks and posts! And of course to check back for your latest creations. You never disappoint!
Hugs and blessings – Jean
PS. Thanks for sharing the candy too! I’m crossing my fingers – LoL!
Amazing as always. Thanks for sharing your ideas. Loved the boxes also! Might have to order some for myself now that I’ve seen them being used.
Gorjus! Love how you used all the products. Now I have to order that calendar! Your little cowboy is so cute
Love how you used the boxes! TFS
Lyssa, what a fantastic group of projects. I love them all.
The cowboy sells the calendar. Absolutely. Love the calendar kit…the boxes are such a great way to give gifts SU! style. Amazing work!
I like to see cards but love the projects that can also be made!!
Wow! I love your projects! The Fall blocks are my favorite.
I finally figured out how to leave a message! Your projects are great and love the boxes, the cards are fantastic I love them all. All your projects are gorgeous and where else would I spend my money?! Found lots of cool ideas 🙂
Barb Pohl
I just love your creations!! Thanks for giving the tip oh how to alter the “Top Note” die, in the way that you did with the gift box you created. I love your “FALL” decoration, what a creative way to use those boxes & using the “Dotto” adhesive – clever!!
I just found your blog and am putting a bookmark on it. Love what you have done with the magnetic boxes!!I can hardly wait to get mine! You are very creative. You have blessed me with some awesome ideas! Thank you Noreen
I LOVE that fall home decor project and the last box you made. They are beautiful projects!
Lyssa I love the Fall decoration…very clever way to use the boxes. The little cute cowboy sure sells the calendar too!!
Wow. Exciting to see that creativity of my little girl manifest in such beautiful creations.
You done good.