Category Archives: Stampin' Up!

Make {another} Cake

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This set has so much potential, as does the fabulous Comfort Cafe Designer Series paper:

Make a Cake Starfruit

  • Make a Cake and Itty Bitty Banners stamp sets
  • Very Vanilla, Summer Starfruit and Midnight Muse card stock
  • Comfort Cafe Designer Series paper
  • Summer Starfruit, Raspberry Ripple and Midnight Muse FFIP (Firm Foam Ink Pads)
  • Summer Starfruit, Raspberry Ripple and Midnight Muse Stampin’ Write markers
  • Raspberry Ripple 3/8 inch Stitched Satin Ribbon
  • Big Shot and Bitty Banners Framelits
  • Stamp-a-ma-jig
  • Jewels Rhinestones
  • Stampin’ Dimensionals

The first card I made with this set felt too busy – a victim of the philosophy “More is More” but not in a good way.  I wanted to keep a similar feeling but streamline it a bit.

The first step was to choose the Designer Series paper, and I like the balanced feeling this paper gives.  Once I had it in place the rest of the card came together pretty easily.  My Stamp-a-ma-jig came in handy; despite the clear stamps, the lines on these stamps really need to be in the EXACT right spot for the best look, and the SAMJ was just the thing.  It’s an indispensable tool for me.

Those Bitty Banners Framelits are fast becoming indispensable as well – perfect flags and banners every time!  Not that everything always has to be perfect, but when it turns out that way it’s pretty sweet.  Speaking of sweet, it’s mango season right now and we have an abundance of sweet, juicy, fragrant mangoes in our house.  There’s nothing in the world like fresh fruit, ripened to perfection on the tree.  I have orange hands and fingernails from peeling and slicing, but I don’t mind when the reward is fresh mango.

 

Making friends with Gumball Green

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Time for a little confession:  the first time I set eyes on Gumball Green, I thought “Forget that!”  I’ve softened a bit:

Dig you Gumball Cajun

  • I Dig You stamp set
  • Whisper White, Cajun Craze and Gumball Green card stock
  • Floral District Designer Series Paper
  • Daffodil Delight, Cajun Craze and Gumball Green FFIP (Firm Foam Ink pads)
  • Cajun Craze Stampin’ Write marker
  • Piercing tool and new piercing template
  • Daffodil Delight 1/4 inch stitched grosgrain ribbon
  • Rhinestone jewels
  • Stampin’ Dimensional

The Big Dump Truck definitely needed a driver!  It might not have NEEDED the sparkly hub caps, but they are certainly an improvement.  Work with me here.

I splurged on our new piercing tool and templates and I’m really glad I did.  The piercing tool is made in the same ergonomic model as the stylus that comes with the Simply Scored tool, and it’s very comfortable in my hand.  The template is much larger and I didn’t have to skootch it along in order to get a nice long pierced lines.  Definitely a lot of bang for the buck!

I cannot imagine getting this kind of ink coverage with our old style ink pads.  FFIP RULE.

Gumball Green is not a timid green by any stretch, but it’s a fun color to play with.  I would call it a Kelly green.  Matter of fact, last weekend I saw a gorgeous Kate Spade handbag at the Nordstrom Rack in just this shade of green.  I was sorely tempted, but I bought a new bag in Boston and the Rack’s price was a big savings but it was still Kate Spade if you get my drift.  The new Gumball Green bag will have to go to another home…this time.

 

 

 

Flocks of little green birds

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Isn’t it odd how stamps you didn’t think you needed or wanted become your favorites?  I don’t understand but I’m willing to embrace the paradox.

Betsy's Blooms in Gumball Green

  • Betsy’s Blooms and Itty Bitty Banners stamp sets
  • Gumball Green, Primrose Petals and Whisper White card stock
  • Floral District Designer Series paper
  • Gumball Green, Primrose Petals and Daffodil Delight FFIP (Firm Foam Ink Pads)
  • Basic Black Stampin’ Write markers
  • Big Shot; Labels Collection and Bitty Banners Framelits
  • Daffodil Delight Seam Binding
  • Rhinestone Jewels

This is a square card.  I can count on the fingers of one hand the number of square cards I’ve made, but I love the design possibilities.  I also love the way these birds fly across the front of the card – they remind me of all the little birds I watch in the morning zooming around outside my kitchen window.

I liked this concept of a flock of birds so well I wanted to stamp it again in A2 format (that’s 4 1/4 x 5 1/2).  At the time, I didn’t have the FFIP in all of our luscious Stampin’ Up! colors so I used my old ink pads:

Betsy's Blooms in Baja Breeze

 

That’s Baja Breeze and Lucky Limeade; can you see why I’m in love with the FFIP?  In all fairness, some of my old-style ink pads are more than 5 years old – but Lucky Limeade is only a year old!! I’m thrilled with the results I’m getting with these new ink pads.

I have something kind of exciting to share, but it’s also a little bit scary.  I’m within a reach – well, a real stretch – of earning the Stampin’ Up! Hilton Head incentive trip.   If you had told me a year ago that I would be in this place I would have laughed and offered to pour you another glass of your favorite refreshing beverage, but it’s true!  I have some hard work to do but I’m excited by the challenge.

If you’re thinking about ordering Stampin’ Up! product and don’t have your own demonstrator, I would LOVE to take your order.  If you’ve bought Stampin’ Up! product from me in the past and are thinking you might like to purchase more, I would LOVE it if you placed your order before June 30th!!  Every person who orders between now and June 30 at my Online Store will receive a special hand-stamped thank you and two yards of new ribbon from the 2012-2013 catalog.  Thank you in advance for helping me to achieve this dream!

 

 

Choosing stamps

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Betsy's Blooms spotlightI’m trying to be deliberate in my choice of new stamps.  Every time Stampin’ Up! releases a new catalog I have the overwhelming urge to press the “I WANT IT ALL” button on the demonstrator website.  (OK, full disclosure:  there is no such button.  However, demonstrators have been lobbying for this button for years.)

I know that there are people – Stampin’ Up! customers as well as demonstrators – who not only want it all, but buy it all.  Perhaps some of them have a large enough business or crafting environment to actually need it all.  In all honesty, I have to acknowledge that I neither have time nor space to have it all.  That brings me back to the dilemma of making choices.

It’s easy to choose the things that I love.  It’s tricky to be sure I have a well-rounded selection.  It’s even harder still to choose things that will appeal to a broad cross-section of crafters.  Over the years, I’ve gotten better at that last set of choices, but it takes careful evaluation.  And just like each of you, I will make a decision and then see something that another stamper has done with a set that I had dismissed as absolutely un-workable and all of my “careful evaluation” goes out the window.  Ah well, there’s room for an impulse buy or two in my budget!

Happily, this card was made with a stamp set that was a gift to me from Stampin’ Up!:

  • Betsy’s Blooms and Itty Bitty Banners stamp sets
  • Very Vanilla, Cherry Cobbler and Soft Suede card stock
  • Comfort Cafe Designer Series Paper
  • Soft Suede and Cherry Cobbler Classic ink pads
  • Summer Starfruit Firm Foam Ink Pads (FFIP)
  • Big Shot and Herringbone Textured Impressions Embossing Folder
  • 3 and 3 1/2 inch circle Originals Dies
  • Bitty Banners Framelits
  • 1/2 inch Cherry Cobbler Scallop Dots ribbon
  • Stampin’ Sponge
  • Stampin’ Dimensionals
  • Jewels Rhinestones

I can’t wait to get the rest of my FFIP!!  They’re arriving slowly but surely and my, oh, my are they fabulous!  Betsy’s little bird will surely SING when she gets inked up with FFIP in Cherry Cobbler.

I have to let you in on a little secret.  This is one of those things I wouldn’t have noticed, but I think it’s pretty interesting.  I looked at that Comfort Cafe DSP and my mind said “Cherry Cobbler” – and that’s what I pulled out to use.  However, yesterday afternoon I was dreaming through the Annual Catalog and I came across the color palette for Comfort Cafe:  Cajun Craze!!!  Honestly, I couldn’t tell the difference until I put the papers together.  I’ll have to make this card again and make that adjustment.  I’m waiting for that Cajun FFIP though…

 

Can you dig it?

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This stamp set isn’t brand new to the Brand New 2012-2013 Annual Catalog, but it’s one that recalls sweet memories of my son.  From the time he could see beyond his own hands he has been fascinated with vehicles, and as a toddler he could identify  construction equipment better than most adults I knew.

I Dig You Midnight Muse

  • I Dig You stamp set
  • Summer Smooches Designer Series Paper
  • Whisper White, Gumball Green and Midnight Muse card stock
  • Gumball Green and Midnight Muse Firm Foam Ink Pads (woo hoo!!)
  • Daffodil Delight 1/4 inch stitched grosgrain ribbon
  • Color Spritzer tool
  • Midnight Muse Stampin’ Write marker
  • Big Shot, 3 inch and 3 1/2 inch Bigz circle dies
  • 1/8 inch hand held circle punch (not Stampin’ Up!)

I like all of the circles in this layout, and I especially like those crazy Firm Foam Ink Pads (to be known as the FFIP).   Love the coverage on that excavator!

I need to focus on “guy” cards – I never have enough – and this stamp set is a perfect choice.

 

How did it take me so long to love something called MOCHA??

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Seriously.  For someone whose life revolves around all things BEAN I should have “been” all over this paper.  (groan!)  No excuses.  However, I’m doing my best to make up for it.  These visual textures are fantastic!  Don’t tell, but I’ve ordered a little more even though it’s on the Retiring List.  This will make gorgeous Man Cards.

Today it’s not about a card, and it’s not about a man…although if there’s one in your life who makes you mad/sad/glad, you might want this:

Mocha Morning Tissue Box

Isn’t it yummy?  Just the DSP over some Soft Suede cardstock with a couple of paper flowers and ribbons on the top.

Morning Mocha Tissue Box Flower detail

Gotta have those Antique Brads…which are NOT retiring, thank you very much!  Neither is that splendid First Editions Newsprint Designer Series paper.

Speaking of Retiring, if you haven’t looked – Get Thee to the LIST!  I’ve heard a lot of groans about how long it is (12 pages, please and thank you!) and my 2 cents worth is that it is all good.  Yes, some wonderful stamps and accessories are retiring.  So if you really love them, buy them and keep them!  In all honesty, don’t we usually hold onto too much stuff?  (You know who you are – yes, I’m speaking to you!)  It gets a little shabby and outdated but we have this emotional investment that keeps us from letting go.  A Retiring List this long means only one thing:  GOOD STUFF IS ON ITS WAY.  No complaints from me.

Retiring Stamps List

Retiring Accessories List

Retiring Decor Elements List

If the Retiring Accessories and Stamps lists aren’t enough to get you hot and bothered, consider that the Occasions Mini Catalog will retire in 4 short days.  Mixed Bunch.  Blossom Punch.  You’re My Type.  Those dorky gnomes.  The list goes on and on.  Add the Summer Smooches sneak peek and it’s enough to make a woman pull out her hair.  I do believe I’ll go have a cup of coffee.

The 2012 Retiring Accessories List has POSTED!

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Stampin' Up! Retiring Accessories List

WOW!!!

I’ve just finished going over the Retired Accessories list – it is 12 (TWELVE!!) pages long!!  The first 2 ½ pages are discounted items and discounts are as deep as 70%.  There is a separate list for Décor Elements if you are interested.

The items on this list are available while supplies last and I will not be surprised if there are already items sold out by the end of the day (or even before!) on Wednesday.  If you want anything, go to my Online Store and order it directly – the sooner the better.

A few comments:

  • Stampin’ Up! has announced that Classic Ink pads are being redesigned.  You will notice all colors of Classic ink are retiring but are not discounted.  The new design includes a different type of pad that promises a better image – exciting news!!
  • Craft Ink pads will only be available in Basic Black and Whisper White.  Stock up on your Craft Ink Refills!
  •  2010-2012 In Color products are all retiring.  The Stampin’ Write marker set, 12 x 12 smooth card stock and 12 x 12 textured card stock are discounted.  So are some of the Stitched-poly ribbons.  All other products from the 2010-2012 In Color line are discontinued (Pear Pizzazz, Poppy Parade, Peach Parfait, Concord Crush and Blushing Bride).  If you have ink pads and don’t have refills, I recommend buying them.  If you waited to get the markers, wait no longer.  If you’re low on paper, buy now!
  •  12 x 12 TEXTURED card stock is retiring and will no longer be available.  12 x 12 SMOOTH card stock will only be available in select individual colors and in color family collections.
  •  Only select Stampin’ Write markers will be available for purchase individually.  Those markers not available individually will only be sold as part of a color family set.  Stock up on your favorites!!
  •  A lot of Big Shot items are being retired but most are not discounted.
  •  Are you a fan of MDS?  The MDS Collection DVDs found on page 7 of the Idea Book and Catalog are all discounted 60%.

There’s a lot more information – Check the lists yourself:

Retiring Accessories List

Retiring Decor Elements List

You know what this means, don’t you?

LOADS OF COOL NEW STUFF IS COMING SOON!!!!!

 

Vintage Vogue

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Hostess Club is getting in on the Vintage action this month:

Morning Mocha photo wallet

I’ve had a package of Morning Mocha Designer Series paper in my studio for ages and finally broke it open a week or so ago.  What awesome papers!!  They’re great for masculine cards, but I especially love the way they work with a vintage look.  Those rich browns with the hint of metallic really work for me, and the images coordinate with Vintage Vogue.

This little photo wallet is quick and easy – I made a bunch of them a few years ago and decided to revisit the design.  Of course, can’t for the life of me remember where I GOT the design, but that’s why I keep old projects!  This has room for photos, embellishment and some journaling, but it’s small enough for a pocket or purse.

Morning Mocha photo wallet inside

Each page opens out and the whole thing folds up to about 4 inches by 3 1/2 inches.  Slide on the belly band and it’s ready to go!  Designer Series Paper with its  variety of textures is perfect for this project.  Since it’s two-sided, it also allows you to view different patterns on both the inside and outside.  This is a quick project!

Don’t know who Eleanor is, but I like her!

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I’ll tell you about Eleanor in a moment.

Yesterday morning while on my favorite walk, I spotted a new family.  It was a mother Francolin with her flock of babies, and judging by their size they are fresh out of the shell.  She was only 7 or 8 feet from the walkway that runs between the edge of the resort and the landscaping that keeps unsuspecting tourists from plunging down the rough lava rock to the coastline below, and she was making those “tsk tsk” noises that all mothers make when their assorted offspring start wandering off.

Mama Francoiin and her babies

By my count there are five, including one who doesn’t want to stay with the group.  (This isn’t the best photo I’ve ever taken as I had only my phone camera with me.)   I was a little surprised to see mom on her own with the brood, as Francolins generally travel in pairs or even trios.  However, once I resumed walking and got on the other side of the low vegetation you see here, I spotted dad watching vigilantly – and he spotted me.  He immediately gave the warning and the whole family tucked quickly into the landscaping.  I’ll be watching for them all week.

Now…on to Eleanor.  She came home from San Antonio with me.  She’s due to be released with the new catalog on June 1, but leadership attendees were given the chance to get to know her a little bit early.  Since she hasn’t been formally introduced I’m not allowed to show you a picture of her, but I am free to share projects I make using Everything Eleanor:

Everything Eleanor Vanilla Petite Pocket

SOMEONE (not me!) has been pinning a LOT of vintage projects on Pinterest lately, and you can see the results.  This is the Petite Pocket Bigz XL die, and as of this exact moment it is not in my Big Shot Stable – but I’m going to fix that.

Everything Eleanor Petite Pocket Crumb

I think I like the Crumb Cake version better, although I’m still not sure about that torn Soft Suede cardstock behind the flower image.   Eleanor is easy to please though – she doesn’t mind it either way.

The new catalog is coming a month early this year – don’t be caught by surprise.  Let me know if you’d like a copy.

The LIST is out!

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This is a BIG list!  The retiring stamps for 2012 list has me groaning a bit, but at the same time I know what this means – lots of NEW STAMPS coming SOON!!  Loads of holiday stamps on this list as well as some favorites – Medallion will be a hard one to let go – but I don’t think I’m alone in saying the Loads of Love truck is long overdue!  Take a look at the list and tell me what you think!

2012_RetiredStamps

Don’t wait – order your favorites now as the last day to order is May 31st.