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

Posted on April 26, 2012 by mauistamper

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:

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

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 It gets a little shabby and outdated but we have this emotional investment that keeps us from letting go.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.

Vintage Vogue

Posted on April 20, 2012 by mauistamper

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

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.

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!

Happily Mauied

Posted on April 11, 2012 by mauistamper

Mr Maui Stamper and I celebrated our 31st wedding anniversary last week. It’s hard for me to believe that many years have gone by! Math has never been a strong point for me, and clearly there’s some sort of mistake here. I’m barely 30 years old myself – right???

Making a card with Designer Series Paper called Mocha Morning was clearly the perfect choice for a couple of coffee lovers:

The geometric layout and neutral color scheme give this card it’s strong masculine theme despite a curly-cue or two. And since this was a hand-delivered card, I got out a big Neutrals Designer Button for the front. I know you can attach buttons with glue dots, but I much prefer stitching them on. It doesn’t take all that long to make a couple of holes with the Pokey Doodle (Thank you, Heather Summers!) and thread a little Linen Thread through the holes and make a knot. I like knowing that button isn’t going to fall off.

There was a little part of his present that I didn’t have on hand to put in his package (yes, there might be one or two disadvantages to living 2500 miles out in the Pacific Ocean!!) I made a coordinating 3×3 notecard to tell him about it:

Who takes these photos anyway? Operator error. I would never take such a crooked photo.

By the way, if you’re one of those Plan Ahead sorts of people, scoot yourself on over to the Clearance Rack. Lots of beautiful accessories and gorgeous holiday products at GREAT prices! Clearance Rack merchandise is only available through the Online Store because supplies are so limited, so if you love it, buy it! You won’t regret it 🙂