Summery! And an announcement.

I hope all of my U.S. friends have enjoyed this first official day of summer!  We just hung around the house mostly, ventured out a bit for some food and shopping, and enjoyed being together as a family.

How about the juicyness of this paper…makes me think of summer!  As if the 90 degree weather, which is expected to last for 10 whole days (yuck!), wasn’t enough!  This was a very quick card to make.  I wanted something that would really show off the patterned paper, so here’s what I came up with.  I used the new Pretty Postage stamp set and matching Postage Stamp punch.  I used the mat pack to add piercing to a strip of Daffodil Delight card stock to mimic the fun chevron striping on the paper.  Hope you like it! 

On Wednesday, June 1st, the list of Retiring Stamps and Accessories will be announced – wow!  I can’t believe this Stampin’ Up! year has flown by.  Be sure to check back here on my blog to see the lists.  And be sure to grab what you want before they’re gone at the end of June.  Although it’s sad to see some favorites go away, it’s exciting when we get new stuff to replace them, isn’t it? 

Thanks for stopping by today!

{24-7 ingredients}

Stamps: Pretty Postage

Paper: Whisper White, Pear Pizzazz, & Daffodil Delight card stock; Greenhouse Gala DSP

Ink: Daffodil Delight & Chocolate Chip (markers)

Accessories: Whisper White satin ribbon; linen thread; scallop border, postage stamp, large tag, & 1/8″ handheld (retired, sadly) punches; Brights Button; mat pack & paper piercing tool

To order Stampin’ Up! products online, 24/7 – click HERE

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My Mother’s Day gift

As a demonstrator, we sometimes have to pick and choose what to buy from the mini catalogs, because we aren’t sure whether or not they will be back after the mini expires.  This means our investment could only be for a total of 4 months, or less, depending on when we purchase it.  I had my eye on this stamp set for awhile after seeing so many wonderful projects made with it, but it was at the end of the sales period, and I just couldn’t justify buying it and not being able to use it for my business.  So my family stepped in and bought it for me for Mother’s Day!  Now I can use it for personal projects, etc.  I finally got it out to play with it and made this card, totally inspired by this one.  It’s a really easy one for mailing – I normally put ribbon somewhere on each card, LOL!  But I like it a lot. 

Thanks to my family.  And here’s hoping it makes it in the new catalog!  And thanks to you for stopping by today!

{fabulous ingredients}

Stamps: Fabulous Phrases & Sew Suite (retired)

Paper: Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake, Basic Black, & Pink Pirouette card stock; Newsprint DSP

Ink: Basic Black

Accessories: Petal Cone die & Big Shot by Sizzix; Itty Bitty Shapes punch; basic pearls; paper piercer; mat pack; glue dots; stampin’ dimensionals; SAMJ

To order Stampin’ Up! products online, 24/7 – click HERE

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Congrats owls

I made these cards for two of my downline members – one is newly signed up under the other, so I’m very happy to have them both!  I used the same layout as on this card and just changed the papers.  The sentiment is from Fun and Fast Notes. 

I adore that little owl punch…I love that it’s so easy to achieve such a cute look, and the ability to change him/her without limit.

So, congrats to you Darlene for signing up as a demonstrator, and to Missy, for promoting!  Way to go!!  Cards measure 4 1/4″ x 4 1/4″.

Thanks for stopping by today!

{congratulations ingredients}

Stamps: Fun & Fast Notes

Paper: Crumb Cake, Always Artichoke, Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy & Whisper White card stock; Paisley Petals DSP (coming in the new catalog in July);

Ink: Chocolate Chip & Not Quite Navy

Accessories: 2-step bird xl & 2-step owl xl, corner rounder, & horizontal slot (retired) punches; Always Artichoke (retired) & Baja Breeze seam binding ribbon; stampin’ dimensionals

To order Stampin’ Up! products online, 24/7 – click HERE

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I had almost forgotten

When I first bought the Presto Patterns paper pack, I used it a few times.  Then I put it away and never got it out again, instead picking pretty designed papers to use.  That is, until I received our monthly Stampin’ Success magazine, where this very card was showcased.  I did CASE it exactly, except that on my card I used the new bakers twine and the linen thread was used in the magazine.  Also, I didn’t have the 2 1/2″ circle punch so I used my Circle Scissor Plus.

Anyway, the paper really is neat, in that once you sponge or spritz color onto this white-on-white canvas, it is truly transformed into a work of art.  First, I sponged Old Olive onto it, then small bits of Sahara Sand and Crumb Cake, just to give it a little more depth.  I then spritzed with the Silver Foil smooch spritz and wiped off the excess inks.  It’s unique and different, and I really like how it came out, even though I totally copied the idea. Edited to add: I updated the photo with what I think is the right coloring from my daughter’s computer- but on my husband’s computer (the one I’m using now, while waiting for my new one to arrive) it still looks the same.  So I think it’s just his monitor.  I also added a watermark).

Thank you all so much for stopping by today!

{thanks a million ingredients}

Stamps: Word Play & Teeny Tiny Wishes

Paper: Baja Breeze textured, Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive, & Whisper White card stock; Presto Patterns Specialty paper

Ink: Old Olive, Early Espresso, Crumb Cake & Sahara Sand

Accessories: mini library clips; bakers twine in Early Espresso & White; decorative label punch, circle scissor plus; spiral punch; sponge; silver foil smooch spritz; stampin’ dimensionals

To order Stampin’ Up! products online, 24/7 – click HERE

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Thanks for your patience

I’ve had this card made for quite some time, and not only have I not had much time to create anything new, I also still don’t have my own computer.  I’ve been using my husband’s while I wait for my replacement to arrive (no idea how long that could be) and his doesn’t even have an SD card slot!  So I’ve had these pictures but no way to upload them and get them on my blog until I had my sweet daughter help me do that.  You can tell by the photo that I’m also using a less-than-what-I’m-used-to photo editing program.  It doesn’t even allow me to apply my watermark or text on it!  I trust no one will steal it, not that it’s THAT great, LOL!

Anyway, I used the new Hostess Level 1 stamp set from the Summer Mini for the sentiment, as well as the Bold Blossom stamp set and Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch on this simple card.  These last 2 were made for each other and I feel if you’re gonna buy the punch, you must also get the stamp set.  I used some very thin cork for the flower, which you can see better in the close-up photo.

I thank you all so much for being so patient with me as I struggle with the new schedule change and demands on my time.  You are all just the best, and I thank you for your kind comments.  I hope to get some more stamping in this weekend.  Have a wonderful weekend and thanks for stopping by!

{hello ingredients}

Stamps: Bold Blossom & Swirls & Curls Verses

Paper: Basic Gray, Blushing Bride, & Whisper White card stock; Jolly Holiday DSP

Ink: Basic Gray & Old Olive

Accessories: Blushing Bride 1/2″ stitched poly ribbon; Beautiful Wings embosslit & Big Shot by Sizzix; Itty Bitty Shapes punch pack; Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer punch; cork; basic rhinestones; sewing machine

To order Stampin’ Up! products online, 24/7 – click HERE

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Easy yet elegant gift idea, and a note to you

I needed a nice gift for someone and think this will work great.  Who can’t use a set of cards?  I made this set of 6 notecards and matching envelopes in less than an hour, yet I don’t feel like I “jipped” the recipient at all.  I used the Because I Care Hostess Level 1 stamp set – stamped them in 3 different colors, and 6 different sentiments.  I made them to where the recipient doesn’t have to worry about extra postage or being bulky.  They measure 4″ x 4″, but will fit nicely in the Very Vanilla envelopes I made to match.  I used the Confetti White card stock for the cards, as it is a heavier weight than the Whisper White, and already has a neat amount of flecks built right in. 

On a personal note – I started my first job since moving to Tennessee this week.  It’s part time, so that’s good, but it’s during the afternoon and early evening, so that will cut into my creative time, I’m afraid.  I try to get lots of stuff that I “need” to do in the mornings, not that creating something isn’t a need, LOL!  I’m just saying that you may see a drop-off in posts, for which I’m sorry.  I’m already scattered as it is.  But it’s a good thing for our family for me to have this job, and I’m excited about it so I’ll just have to do my best at getting something blog-worthy out there.  If you don’t want to keep coming back to see if I’ve created something new, I suggest one of 2 things:  either subscribe to my newsletter, found on the right side bar (down towards the bottom), or add my blog address to your blog reader.  Of course, those of you who use blog readers probably already do this, but for those of you who don’t, if you have a lot of blogs you like to frequent, try google’s blog reader.  It’s free, easy, and awesome!  Give it a try.

Ok, that’s all for now!  I appreciate your comments so much.  It makes my day.  And if you don’t comment, that’s ok, too.  I understand.  I’m just glad you stopped by!

{Set of Notecards ingredients}

Stamps: various – including Because I Care & Something to Celebrate

Paper: Confetti White card stock

Ink: So Saffron, Marina Mist, Regal Rose, Wild Wasabi & Basic Gray (Crumb Cake for envelopes)

Accessories: linen thread, Very Vanilla envelopes

To order Stampin’ Up! products online, 24/7 – click HERE

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I could not decide

I know I’ve bombarded you with lots of announcement-type posts, so it’s time for some actual projects!  Here you go!

I made the main image using the new Hello Blossoms single stamp in the Summer Mini, using Cherry Cobbler, River Rock, and Old Olive.  When trying to decide which papers to use from the Paisley Petals DSP (available in July), I liked both of these, so made 2 cards.  They both worked well with the colors I chose for the image.

I used the old trick of making a scalloped edge using the retired slit punch – remember that?  I also used the Always Artichoke seam binding ribbon, although it doesn’t mention that color as a coordinating color of the Paisley Petals DSP, I thought it matched splendidly.  Old Olive is the color that matches.

I know a lot of you know how to make the Framed Tulips embossing folder into smaller sizes, or have at least seen it, but I tried it for the first time on these cards.  It really is quite easy.  The “trick” is that you have to make your new size at least as wide as one of the sides of the original embossing folder.  After that, you can narrow the other side as much as you want.  I’ll try to explain how.

For example I wanted my piece to be 4 1/8″ x roughly 3″.  I cut my Very Vanilla card stock to 4 1/4″ x 3 1/8″.  You need to add 1/8″ to the side you are manipulating.  Place the card stock into your embossing folder at the top of the folder and run it through.  Now take it out and turn it around, placing the un-embossed side now at the top of the folder, making sure you line up the already embossed images exactly into the grooves of the folder.  When you run it through the Big Shot, only run it about 3/4 of a turn – just enough to emboss that one row, then back it out.  Really, once you do it a time or two, you will totally get it.  Depending on how high up the folder you place your card stock in the original run-through, and how long you cut it, you may have to trim it a bit to get it to line up at the top.  Originally, I had cut my card stock to 3 1/4″, but when I turned it around after running it through the first time, I had to trim it in order for it to fit.  So be aware of that, and adjust for it.  That’s why I gave you the measurement of 3 1/8″, instead of 3 1/4″. 

Clear as mud?  Just give it a try!  And let me know how it goes, k?  Thanks for stopping by today!

{hello ingredients}

Stamps: Hello Blossoms & Tiny Tags

Paper: Crumb Cake, River Rock, & Very Vanilla card stock; Paisley Petals (available in July), Botanical Gazette DSP (retired) & Newsprint DSP (still available)

Ink: River Rock ink; River Rock, Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive & Early Espresso markers

Accessories: Framed Tulips textured impressions embossing folder & Big Shot by Sizzix; slit punch (retired), mini vintage tags; Always Artichoke & Cherry Cobbler seam binding ribbon; sponge, SAMJ

To order Stampin’ Up! products online, 24/7 – click HERE

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You can still get these retired items!

Now that we have a new mini catalog, you should know that Stampin’ Up! announced the items from the retired Occasions Mini catalog which are still available!  Please feel free to order anything from this list!  If you forget in the future, just come back to my blog and look on the right sidebar for the link, too. 

Occasions Mini 2011 carryover items

You should also note that there are items from the Holiday Mini catalog which are still available as well!  Check my right sidebar for the link, or just click below. 

Holiday Mini 2010 carryover items

And one more…there are a few stamp sets from the 2009 catalog which are still available!  Here’s the link for them below:

2009 carryover stamp sets

Thanks for stopping by today!

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Strength and Hope Campaign

As part of our Making a Difference program, Stampin’ Up! is proud to partner with The Breast Cancer Research Foundation® (BCRF) in the Strength & Hope Campaign.

From May 1-August 31, 2011, Stampin’ Up! will donate $2* from the sale of each Strength & Hope Set and Digital Kit to BCRF.

Description	Wood-Mount Item	Wood-Mount Price	Clear-Mount Item	Clear-Mount Price
Strength & Hope	118100	$17.95	123660	$13.95
Force & Espoir (French)	123665	$17.95	123667	$13.95
Fortaleza y Esperanza (Spanish)	123670	$17.95	123672	$13.95

A Strength & Hope Digital Kit (item 124475) is also available that includes a four-piece stamp brush set, 12 Designer Series Papers, and 10 embellishment pieces for $9.95.

Contact me today to order this beautiful set and support BCRF as they work find a cure for breast cancer! Or shop now in my Online Store.

*Stampin’ Up! is donating $2 from this purchase to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation®. BCRF is dedicated to preventing breast cancer and finding a cure in our lifetime by funding clinical and translational research worldwide. For more information about BCRF, visit www.bcrfcure.org.

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May is National Scrapbooking Month – a promotion

It’s a new month, so new things are happening at Stampin’ Up!  Since May is National Scrapbooking Month, there are discounts on select items: 

• 30% off select scrapbooking stamp sets
• 30% off digital download bundles
• 30% off select My Digital Studio print products

 Click the photo above for details.

To order Stampin’ Up! products online, 24/7 – click HERE

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The Summer Mini catalog is here!

There are so many wonderful items in this new mini catalog – click the picture to view it!

Come back tomorrow for a couple of cards I made with a stamp set from the new mini!

To order Stampin’ Up! products online, 24/7 – click HERE

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