Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Bloomin' Boutique Project Kit - New

Just in time for your spring and summer decorating, a Bloomin' Boutique Project Kit from Stampin' Up!.  How pretty would these flowers look in a powder room,  outside patio, on a desk,  or any place you want to add a bit of sunshine.  I plan on ordering a few kits myself to help decorate for my sons upcoming engagement party.  I think they will add a nice touch to the festive occasion.


 


This easy-to-assemble kit comes complete with the petals, stems, and buttons to create the flowers, as well as four different tags to make this the perfect gift for any occasion. All you need is some paper, ribbon or a vase to add the finishing touches to the bouquet.
 
Item # 134542 - $12.95 - Go to my online store here to order yours today.  These kits tend to sell out fast and they are available now while supplies last.

Kit contents:
  • 2 sheets of preprinted and precut flowers on 12" X 12" cardstock; makes 13 flowers using Pool Party, Gumball Green, Calypso Coral, Daffodil Delight, and Rich Razzleberry
  • 13 Vintage Faceted Buttons
  • 13 green floral wire stems
Adhesive not included. (Glue gun recommended.)
 
Stampin' Up! made a short video showing how easy it is to use, and how pretty the finished product is. 
 
 
 
  
 

Monday, April 29, 2013

Decorating with your Big Shot

It's easy to make signs, frames, lawn ornaments, and more with your Big Shot.  Think outside the box, use some different materials, and get creative.  The Big Shot cuts more than just paper.  The welcome sign and frames pictured were cut with roof flashing purchased at a local hardware store.

Scallop Square Bigz Clear Die is retiring 5/31/2013 or sooner if sold out before the current catalog ends.
I used it to create this Welcome sign I hung on my front door when I hosted my Stampin' Up! Open House.
 
I posted these picture frames before, but wanted to once again show the versatility of the Big Shot.
 
 
The following were used: (current product listed only)
Tools:  Big Shot #113439, Scallop Square Bigz Clear Die #115950 (retiring), Scallop Circle Bigz Die #113468, Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder #120175 (retiring), Square Lattice Folder #119976
Ribbon:  Whisper White 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon #109070
 
 

Friday, April 26, 2013

Road to Happiness


 
I needed some quick inspiration for a wedding card, so I went to my Stampin' Up! Annual Catalog and took the design posted in the book for the Road to Happiness Stamp Set to make my card. 
 
My card base is Basic Gray Card Stock with a layer of Basic Gray Designer Paper from the Neutral Paper Stack.  I cut Bashful Blue Card Stock with the Paper Doily Sizzlit and layered it behind my stamped images.  For a pop of color I punched a piece of Riding Hood Red Card Stock with the Scallop Edge Border Punch and a Small Heart.  This layer was placed on using dimensionals.
 
I have been inspired to use a lot of the soon to be retiring colors in my latest cards.  Will certainly miss Bashful Blue and Riding Hood Red, but have to say I probably have not paired them together a lot.  Funny how that goes, when something is going to be retired, I start to use it a bit more. 
 
The following were used:
Card Stock:  Basic Gray #121044, Whisper White #100730, Bashful Blue #105120, Riding Hood Red #111348
Designer Series Paper:  Neutral Paper Stack #117157
Ink:  Island Indigo #126986
Stamp Set:  Road to Happiness #126545 w or #136547 c
Punches:  Scallop Edge Border #119882, Small Heart #117193
Tools:  Big Shot #113439, Paper Doily Sizzlits #125592
Adhesive:  Dimensionals #104430, Snail #104332
 

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Dolled-Up Birthday Kit


If you are looking for a nice gift for someone you know who likes to make their own cards, or want to treat yourself to something special order the Dolled-Up Birthday Kit pictured above. 

Stampin' Up! introduced their second Submit a Project kit--the Dolled-Up Birthday Kit--voted on by customers and demonstrators via their Facebook page. This gorgeous birthday card was created by Chris Gilmore, a manager from Coshocton, Ohio. Congratulations, Chris!

The Dolled-Up Birthday kit includes the following:
  • Dolled-Up Birthday Photopolymer Stamp (1)
  • 8-1/2" x 5-1/2" Crumb Cake Cardstock (6 pieces)
  • 2" x 4-1/4" Very Vanilla Cardstock (6 pieces)
  • Very Vanilla Medium Envelopes (6)
  • Tea Lace Paper Doilies (6)
  • Dress Up die-cuts (6)*
  • Soft Suede Classic Stampin' Spot (1)
  • Vanilla 5/8" Flower Trim (6 pieces)
  • Sponge Dauber (1)
Get everything you need to make six cards for only $15.95 (item 133913)!**  Can be ordered at my online store.

To assemble one card, follow the instructions below:
  1. Place the stamp on clear-mount block D or H rubber side up and ink with the Soft Suede Classic Stampin' Spot.
  2. Stamp "Happy Birthday" at the bottom of the card front.
  3. Ink the Sponge Dauber with Soft Suede ink and gently antique the doily and the edges of the dress form.
  4. Adhere the pieces to the card front in this order:
    • Doily
    • Very Vanilla Cardstock
    • Dress form
    • Flower
*The Dress Up Die- Cut was created using the Dress Up Framelits Die designed by Karen Burniston

The only thing you need to add is your own adhesive - everything else included.

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Paper Pumpkin





If you are a current customer of mine and want to subscribe to Paper Pumpkin it just got a bit easier.  All you have to do is click my direct Paper Pumpkin link which can be found here.  I will receive notification that it has been ordered, and if you want we can then share creative ways to work with the products you will receive.

If you still are not sure what Paper Pumpkin is here is more information.


I'm Paper Pumpkin . . .
I come to your door each month (a fully decked-out creativity carriage). I'll help you to escape your life with some paper fun.
I come in a sweet box, but you'll really love what you find on the inside:
All the stamps, ink, paper, and accessories to create pinable projects. Create stuff like cards, journals, décor, and more!
Paper Pumpkin by Stampin' Up! is a new monthly kit program that anyone (even you) can enjoy!

Get Started
It's so easy to get started. Simply sign up for the program by visiting the link above (click the here). Every month a new, surprise project kit arrives at your doorstep. Just think of the anticipation of creating a fun project to pin, showoff, and share with your friends and family every month!
Of course, you'll want to know more. So here's more:
  • Each month Stampin' Up! will  send you a unique, surprise kit with a project-cards, journals, décor, and more! (They have even colour-coordinated, measured, and cut everything for you!)
  • Each kit includes stamps, ink, paper, and accessories-everything but adhesive. 
  • Each kit gives you a 30-minute creativity escape. 
  • Your Paper Pumpkin will ship on or around the 15th of the month.   
  • You need to sign up for a kit by the 10th of the month to get that month's kit. If you sign up on the 11th of the month, your first kit will come the next month. 
  • A Paper Pumpkin membership is $19.95 per month (and shipping is included!) 
  • There's no commitment, you can cancel your monthly Paper Pumpkin at anytime. You can also skip a month if you want. 
  • The Welcome Kit is the very first Paper Pumpkin you will receive in the first month of your membership. The Welcome Kit includes a free gift-a clear acrylic block!
  • A Try-It kit is available on the online store if you'd like to try Paper Pumpkin for one month.
It is not too late to sign up.  Just remember, your first Welcome Kit will include a clear acrylic block that can be used in all the other kits you will be receiving.  Kit price includes everything but adhesive, and shipping is built into the cost.  If you are looking for a nice gift to send to someone, you can have this shipped directly to their door.  What a nice surprise! 

Let me know if you have any more questions.  Happy Stamping!

Friday, April 19, 2013

Make and Take from Baltimore Regional


 
Not only did I receive many great swaps at the Baltimore Regional Event, I also came home with some ideas from the creative team at Stampin' Up!.  During the one day event, we were also able to do three make and take projects.  This is the card we made. 
 
I finally tried making my own Smooch Spritz after I made this card last Saturday.  Really easy to do. Just fill the clear Stampin' Spritzer about 3/4 with Rubbing Alcohol, add a few drops of your ink and you are good to go.  For this card we used Gumball Green ink.  To create the edge of green, we used Sponge Daubers, and the circles were sponged using a template we made by punching circles with our circle punch. 
 
Stampin' Spritzers are #126185 and you get two for $2.95.  A great and economical way to create different backgrounds and textures to your projects. 
 
 


Thursday, April 18, 2013

Altered Swaps


Card made by Sandra Rosario

I used Sandra's layout, but altered papers, colors, and sentiment to make a Mother's Day Card.


I loved the fish card, but don't know who made it.  Once again, using the same design, I just changed the colors and sentiment for a nice children's birthday card.  I love using punches for more than they were intended for.  Did you see that it is the Ornament Punch that was used to make the fish body.  How clever!
Card made by Maria Mitsdarfer

I loved what Maria did with some of the materials in the Pop-Up Posies Designer Kit.  I just changed my background for a brighter color, and used a retired sentiment to make my Mother's Day Card. 

The first card in each group is the card I received in my swap.  The second card is the card I made with just a few changes to fit my needs.  I loved getting all of the inspiration from so many talented demonstrators, and hope you were also inspired by my swap posts these last few days. 

If you have any questions about any supplies used, just leave a comment or send me an e-mail.  Since I posted more than one card I did not list all of the supplies used, but wanted to share with you the pictures instead.

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

More inspiration from swaps


I don't the demonstrator who made this card, but it convinced me to purchase the Swallowtail Stamp.  Up close you can see the shimmer on the wings, and in person it is a beautiful card. 

Card made by Lynne Peters, PA


Didn't get around to posting my samples that were inspired by the swaps, but will try to do that tomorrow.  Now off to my morning stamp class where I can share all of this great inspiration with the girls.
 

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

More swaps from Baltimore Regional

Here are a few more swaps I received at the Baltimore Regional on Saturday.  Tomorrow I will show swaps I received, and the cards I made that were inspired by those cards.  Enjoy looking at these creations by other Stampin' Up! Demonstrators.

Card designed by Sondra Jumper


Card designed by Judy Cook



 

Monday, April 15, 2013

Baltimore Regional Swaps


I had so much fun, and learned a lot at Saturday's Stampin' Up! Regional in Baltimore.  This week I will be sharing some of the wonderful swaps I received from talented Stampin' Up! Demonstrators.  Some of the swaps had the name of the creator on the back, and some did not.  I will give credit when I know the individual who made the card.

If you never participated in a swap and are not sure what I am talking about, a swap is when you share cards you made with others.  I made 50 card fronts and in exchange I received 50 card fronts or full cards from others.  It is a great way to share creativity, and be inspired by the talents of others. 

Card made by Cindy Mawhinney

Card  made by Nancy Zorbas
Manassas, Virginia
 
Check back tomorrow to see a few more swaps.

Friday, April 12, 2013

Another A Round Array Card


 
So many uses for the A Round Array Stamp set that is available for purchase now and will be in the new catalog June 1st.    Here is another card I made with the set.
 
I embossed my background with the Honeycomb Embossing folder and added my ribbon before placing the layers on my Whisper White card base. I used Pool Party Core'dinations card stock so you can really see the honeycomb after I sanded the layer.  My stamped "For You" was punched out with the 7/8" Scallop Circle Punch and then layered onto 1 1/4" Scallop Circle and 1 3/4" Scallop Circle.  I thought the card needed a little more embellishment, so I added my butterfly to the top. 
 
Note -  the 7/8" Scallop Circle Punch and the A Round Array Stamp Set can be purchased as a bundle with a 15% savings from now until May 30th.  For now the stamp set only comes in clear, but will be available in wood mount in June with the new catalog.
 
The following were used:
Card Stock:  Whisper White #100730, Pool Party Core'dinations #129321, Chocolate Chip #102128, Wild Wasabi #108641
Ink:  Pool Party #126982
Stamp Set:  A Round Array 129090 c or as bundle with 7/8" Scallop Circle #133899 (15% savings)
Ribbon:  Chocolate Chip 1/2" Scallop Dots #124142,
Designer Series Paper:  Neutral Paper Stack #117157
Punches:  7/8" Scallop Circle #129404, 1 1/4" Scallop Circle #127811, 1 3/4" Scallop Circle #119854, Elegant Butterfly #127526
Tools:  Big Shot #113439, Honeycomb Embossing Folder #129378, Sanding Block #124304
Embellishment:  Pearls #119247

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

A Round Array - Sneak Peek


 
I posted a few weeks ago about the A Round Array Stamp Set which is one of the sets that will be available in new Annual Catalog which comes out June 1st.  If you don't want to wait for the new catalog, you can get this set now - thanks to Stampin' Up! offering us this sneak peek a bit early.  Today's card was made using one of the small stamps from that set. 
 
My card base is Crumb Cake Card Stock with a layer of Pool Party, and Basic Black.  Using the "Chalkboard Technique" on the black card stock.  I first stamped my sentiment and my images with Versa Mark Ink, heat embossed them with White Embossing Powder, and then using a Dauber I added some Whisper White Craft Ink onto the black card stock to create the chalkboard look.  I tied some Pool Party Baker's Twine around the center and added my mini Thanks. 
 
If you don't already have the 7/8" Scallop Circle Punch that was introduced in the Spring Catalog, you can purchase that, along with the stamp set at a 15% savings from now until May 30th.
 
The following were used:
Card Stock:  Crumb Cake #120953, Pool Party #122924, Basic Black #121045
Stamp Sets:  A Round Array #129090 c (will also be available in wood June 1st), Pursuit of Happiness #121907 w or #121970 c, Lovely Little Labels #126260 w or #126262 c
Ink:  Versa Mark #102293, Pool Party #126982, Whisper White Craft #101731
Punch:  Jewelry Tag #117190
Tools:  Heat Tool #129053, White Embossing Powder #109132, Sponge Daubers #102892
Ribbon:  Pool Party Baker's Twine #125574
 
Note - A Round Array Stamp Set and the 7/8" Scallop Circle Punch Bundle #133899 - (15% savings)
 

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Henry says Happy Birthday!


 
Henry Says is a cute stamp set for children's cards.  It is in the Spring Catalog, and since I don't know if it will be carried over into the new catalog coming out soon, I thought I better start using it to create some children's cards. 
 
My card base is Marina Mist Card Stock, that I layered with a piece of Crumb Cake Card Stock and Marina Mist Polka Dot Parade Designer Paper.  I stamped Henry with Basic Gray ink and using my Stamping Sponge I shaded in a bit more gray to his body.  I lined up my banners and stamped them under his trunk, and I stamped and then cut out his hat.  My sentiment was inked on the reverse side of the Designer Paper and cut out using a Hearts a Flutter Framelit Die.
 
The following were used:
Card Stock:  Marina Mist #119682, Whisper White #100730, Crumb Cake #120953
Designer Series Paper:  Polka Dot Parade #126902
Ink:  Basic Gray #126982,  Marina Mist #126962
Stamp Set:  Henry Says #128090 w or #128093 c
Tools:  Big Shot #113439, Hearts a Flutter Framelits #130159, Stamping Sponges #101610
 

Thursday, April 4, 2013

Masculine Birthday using a Best of 25 Birthday Stamp


Another masculine themed birthday card for my stamp class.  The ladies are always looking for masculine cards, and this is a take on a card I did awhile back that used squares, so I changed it up a bit using circles after seeing so many great cards created this way.
 
My card base is Lucky Limeade Card Stock, with a layer of So Saffron and Whisper White.  The circles were cut with a variety of punches and Tea for Two Designer Series Paper.  These layers were embossed with the Square Lattice Folder.  My Happy Birthday is from the Best of Birthdays Stamp Set, one of the new sets introduced to celebrate Stampin' Up's! 25th Year Anniversary. I added some Lucky Limeade Baker's Twine and placed my sentiment on with dimensionals.
 
The following were used:
Card Stock:  Lucky Limeade #122926, So Saffron #105118, Whisper White #100730
Ink:  Lucky Limeade #126984
Designer Series Paper:  Tea for Two #129311
Stamp Set:  Best of Birthdays #132929
Ribbon:  Lucky Limeade Baker's Twine #125571
Punches:  2 1/2" Circle #120906, 1 3/4" Circle #119850, 1 3/8" Circle #119860, 1" Circle #119868
Extra Large Oval #119859
Tools:  Big Shot #113439, Square Lattice Embossing Folder #119976, Ovals Collections Framelits #129381
 
 

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

How to store your Baker's Twine


 
Instead of posting one of my cards I wanted to share with you this tip from Stampin' Up! on how to store your Baker's Twine. 
 
 
Storing Baker’s Twine like this helps get rid of the bends in the twine that is created when it is packaged. Simply wind your Baker’s Twine around a clothespin. It doesn’t take very long, and can be done while watching TV. When you’re finished, you can place it in a glass jar and it looks cute too!



This tip is just one of the storage tips Stampin' Up! will be sharing with us during the month of April, and I thought I would pass it along to you.

Baker's Twine comes in the eight colors you see in the picture, and is great for embellishing your cards, and I also use it a lot when I am making items for my craft fairs.

Baker's Twine:
Calypso Coral #125573, Cherry Cobbler #123125, Early Espresso #123124, Island Indigo #125575, Lucky Limeade #125572, Pool Party #125574, Whisper White #124262, Wisteria Wonder #125576

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Tea Party Bridal Shower


 
I was asked to make Bridal Shower invitations for a Tea Party Bridal Shower for a customer of mine.  She saw a card she liked on Pinterest and I created the card to go with the color scheme of the wedding, and changed things up a bit to make it easier to put in the mail.
 
The card base of Calypso Coral and layer of Twitterpated Designer Series Paper were embossed with the Lacy Brocade Embossing Folder.  Next I cut a Paper Doily with my Big Shot, added a piece of Blush Blossom Card Stock (retired) punched with the Scallop Trim Border Punch, and a piece of Pool Party 1/2" Seam Binding and then added my stamped and cut out tea cups.  I tied one of the tea cups onto the Seam Binding with a piece of linen thread, added a pearl and my Tea Party sentiment was made on my computer and cut out with the Bitty Banners Framelits.
 
The following were used:
Card Stock:  Calypso Coral #122925, Whisper White #100730
Designer Series Paper:  Twitterpated #125406
Stamp Set:  Tea Shoppe #125545 w or #125547 c
Ink:  Pool Party #126982, Calypso Coral #126983, Crumb Cake #126975, Early Espresso 3126974
Punch: Scallop Trim Border #118402
Tools:  Big Shot #113439, Lacy Brocade Embossing Folder #127819,  Bitty Banner Framelits #129267, Paper Doily Sizzlits #125592
Ribbon:  Pool Party 1/2" Seam Binding #125582, Linen Thread #104199
Adhesive:  Dimensionals #104430, Snail #104332
Embellishment:  Basic Pearls #119247