We interrupt these Holiday ideas...

...to bring you Awareness in Pink.  I've wanted to have an event to recognize October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month for a while now.  This year, finally, it's going to happen.  Next Wednesday, October 24, I'm hosting a "Stamping in Pink" event.  An afternoon or evening (two sessions) of card making using all of Stampin' Up!s "Pinks" from the current color palette.  We'll be making the three cards here and maybe a few other items as well.  Proceeds will go to Breast Cancer Research Foundation.  I am always amazed at how many people are touched by Cancer in its many forms.  This event is small in scale, but I would like to think that the ideas that flow from it will inspire hope and comfort for a few people. 

Here are the cards in close up.   Enjoy the Pink!

Powder Pink and Lovely Lipstick

  Melon Mambo and Blushing Bride

Flirty Flamingo, Petal Pink and Berry Burst (which is kinda pink)

Keeping it Super Simple...

Before I move on to another Suite of Products, here's one last quick and easy card using the Merry Christmas to All Stamp Set and this time using the Swirls and Curls Textured Impression Embossing Folder.  The strip of Designer Series Paper is also from the All is Bright Designer Series Paper pack.  The Layering Circles Framelits Dies make great focal points for a card.  I stamp the "Merry" and the flourish in Call me Clover and the "Christmas" in Real Red.  The hole in the top of the circles was punched with the Detailed Trio Punch.  I threaded a piece of Real Red 3/8" Cotton Ribbon through the hole and tied it off with a piece of Call Me Clover 1/8" Grosgrain Ribbon. 
Stamps: Merry Christmas to All
Ink: Real Red, Call Me Clover
Paper: Crumb Cake, Call Me Clover, Whisper White, Real Red, All Is Bright Designer Series Paper
Accessories: Big Shot, Swirls and Curls Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Layering Circles Framelits Dies, Real Red 3/8" Cotton Ribbon, Call Me Clover 1/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals.

Holiday Cards Simplified

It sometimes takes me several readings of a new catalog before I have that "aha" moment for a quick and easy project.  I must've looked at Page 11 four or five times before I saw them...the Foil Edged Cards and Envelopes!  They come in both Silver and Gold and are perfect for quick multiples with just the right touch of elegance.
Add the versatile Merry Christmas to All Stamp Set and it's coordinating Merry Christmas Thinlits dies and the possibilities are limitless.  Here are four cards that use both the stamps and the Thinlits along with the coordinating All is Bright Designer Series Paper.  These three products are part of the All Is Bright Suite found on pages 4-7.  I started out just testing the Thinlits dies and cut all four of the word pieces out of Real Red card stock.  Then I paired them with some of the many corresponding stamps from the set stamped in Garden Green ink.  A few quick Red Rhinestone Basic Jewels added some bling to the flourish and holly stamps also included in this set. Here are some close-up pictures of the cards:

On all of the cards, I mounted the Whisper White Panel on to Garden Green card stock and added a tousle of Gold Metallic Thread behind for some more sparkle. 

 After popping the panel on to a piece of Designer Series Paper, I layered the whole thing on top of one of the Foil Edged Cards and it was done. 

Notice that the Stamp Set also includes a font that matches the Thinlits dies as well as a contrasting type-face font.  What a versatile set.  With 28 stamps including several sentiments for the insides of your cards, there are multiple options for great cards.

Here's the last of the close ups.  I like that the All is Bright Designer Series Paper has the photo-realistic paper look on one side and on the other, a more whimsical printed look. 

Here's what I used:
Stamps: Merry Christmas to All
Ink: Garden Green
Paper: Real Red, Garden Green, All is Bright Designer Series Paper, Gold Foil Edged Cards and Envelopes
Accessories: Big Shot, Merry Christmas Thinlits Dies, Red Rhinestone Basic Jewels, Gold Metallic Thread, Take Your Pick Tool, Fine Tip Glue Pen, Stampin' Dimensionals

Ok, I just Can't Wait!

I know, I'm pushing the time line here.  I couldn't wait to start sharing some of the cards I designed for the Holiday Catalog Open House.  Here's one of my favorites.  I love the font on the Noel from the Peaceful Noel Stamp Set featured in the Joyous Noel Suite found on pages 28-29 of the Holiday Catalog.   The color palette used in this suite (Gray Granite, Merry Merlot, Sahara Sand, Soft Suede, Tranquil Tide and Whisper White) is rich and elegant.  I also really like how it pairs with Copper accents.  This card uses a piece of the Joyous Noel Specialty Designer Series Paper.  The paper collection has copper foil accents throughout.  I paired this paper with the Copper Foil Paper, and punched the Sprig Punch (Bundles with the Peaceful Noel Stamp Set! p. 29, HC) from the Tranquil Tide Glimmer Paper (from the Joyous Noel 6x6 Glimmer Paper Pack on p. 29, too!) to add some sparkle.
The ribbon is the Merry Merlot and Copper 5/8" Reversible Ribbon (p. 29, HC)  It adds just the right touch.
Here's what else I used. 


Stamps: Peaceful Noel
Ink: Merry Merlot
Paper: Whisper White, Merry Merlot, Joyous Noel Specialty Series Designer Series Paper, Tranquil Tide, Joyous Noel 6x6" Glimmer Paper (Tranquil Tide)
Accessories: Big Shot, Stitched Shapes Framelits, Layering Ovals Framelits, Sprig Punch, Merry Merlot & Copper 5/8" Reversible Ribbon, Mini Glue Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals

Another Country Lane Card

Here's another card using the products from the Country Lane Suite on page 42-43 of the Holiday Catalog (HC).  I used the Tin Tile DTIEF this time with the Galvanized Paper found on p. 43 (HC.)  I lightly sanded the top of the embossed design and then added some inks (Cajun Craze, Blackberry Bliss, Soft Suede and Early Espresso) to create a distressed look.  I chose Stampin' Blends to color in the milk jug and the floral image from the Country Home Stamp Set.  The Designer Series Paper is again from the Country Lane Designer Series Paper Pack.  The embellishment is made using one of the Galvanized Clips paired with some Crumb Cake Classic Weave Ribbon (p 200 in the AC) and a little piece of Silver and Whisper White Baker's Twine (also p. 200 from the AC.)  Here are the details:
Stamps: Country Home
Ink: Tuxedo Black Momento Pad, Classic Stampin' Pads in Cajun Craze, Blackberry Bliss, Soft Suede, Early Espresso, Stampin' Blends in Crumb Cake, Daffodil Delight, Old Olive, Blackberry Bliss, and Smokey Slate
Paper: Whisper White, Galvanized Metallic Paper, Country Lane Designer Series Paper
Accessories: Tin Tile Dynamic Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Sanding Block, Stampin' Sponges,  Galvanized Clips, Crumb Cake 3/8" Classic Weave Ribbon, Silver and Wisper White Baker's Twine

Summer Flew By...On to Fall!

It's hard to believe that we are in September already.  That means the 2018 Holiday Catalog is out and full of ideas to inspire a season of creating and giving.  For those of you not quite ready for the serious Holiday projects, I'll ease in a bit slowly. 
Here's a fall-color card featuring the Country Lane Product Suite found on pages 42-43.  Every year I think that the Holiday Product Line-up can't get any better and every year, I'm blown away by some of the neat things.  One of those things is the Tin Tile Dynamic Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (say that 10x fast! Whew!)  This folder is stunning.  It creates the look of a pressed tin ceiling that you would see in older homes.  My husband and I actually saw a ceiling that looked really close to the same pattern in an Italian restaurant in Shreveport, Louisiana.  The folder can be used on regular card stock (here it's used on Cajun Craze) or can be used on metallic foils (see the next post for another sample).  It will also look good on Holiday cards, as well.  The copper look on the pitcher is made with the Bright Copper Shimmer Paint (found on p. 38 in the Holiday Catalog.)  The coloring o the flowers is done with Stampin' Blends.  I like the way the are a bit muted here on the Crumb Cake card stock.  The cotton is also colored but using the Whisper White watercolor pencil from the collection in the Annual Catalog found on page 202.  I didn't use any water on them for fear of smearing the Tuxedo Black Momento Ink used to stamp the images.  Thanks for visiting today.  Here's what I used:
Stamps: Country Home
Ink: Cajun Craze, Tuxedo Black Momento Ink, Stampin' Blends in Cajun Craze, Old Olive, Dafodil Delight and Blackberry Bliss
Paper: Crumb Cake, Cajun Craze, Country Lane Designer Series Paper (p. 43 in the Holiday Catalog)
Accessories: Big Shot, Tin Tile Dynamic Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, 3/16" Braided Linen Thread, Chicken Wire Elements, Water Color Pencils, Bright Copper Shimmer Paint, Stampin' Dimensionals.

Christmas In August: One Sheet Wonder, Part 3 The Final Three!

Here are the final three Cards for the Christmas One-Sheet-Wonder class.  I kept the stamping in these three all focused on the Mistletoe Season stamp set with the exception of the 'Tis the Season sentiment in card number 14.  That's from the Christmas Pines Stamp Set that coordinates with the Pretty Pines Thinlits I've used in some of the other cards.  You'll also notice that I pulled out Layering Squares Thinlits in addition to the Layering Circles and Layering Ovals.  These shapes are so useful for many types of projects.  Thanks again for visiting.  I hope you enjoyed the projects.  Here are the close-ups of the last three.

Number 12 is one of the layouts I changed from the last time I did this class.  I left the Designer Series Paper as a 4" square and used it to back the sentiment.

The Seasonal Wreath Dynamic Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (D-TIEF for short) makes a great addition here.  I added some sponging in Old Olive Ink to highlight the details of the leaves.

Here is the final card using the final piece of DSP.  I like the colors here.  The richness of the Early Espresso paired with the Shaded Spruce and the Real Red with highlights of Old Olive make the perfect Holiday color palette. 

Thanks again for stopping in this week.  Hope to see you stamping soon!

Christmas in August: One Sheet Wonder Class, Part 2

Here are the next five cards for the August feature class.  Nothing like beating the heat with some Stamping and some Holiday crafting ideas!  So while (im)patiently waiting for the 2018 Holiday Catalog to be released,  I took a look in the Stampin' Up! 2018-2019 Annual Catalog from p. 92-103.  The great thing is these products are available right now!  So, if you need to cool off, take a look at this section.  Hope you enjoy the cards.  Thanks for visiting. 

   A view of all five.

Card number 7

I used Stitched Shapes Framelits on this one.

 Number 8 uses more of those Pretty Pines Thinlits. 

 This one uses the Celebrate You Thinlits dies. 

Kept this one simple with the ovals.  After all, a One-Sheet Wonder is all about the DSP!

The embossing is the Garden Trellis TIEF from p. 222.  The punch is the Everyday Label Punch on p. 211.

Stay tuned for the final 3 cards!  

Christmas in August: One Sheet Wonder Class: Part 1

My feature Class in August is a festive Christmas-Card take on the One-Sheet-Wonder Class.  I changed up a few of the layouts this time to be a bit simpler.  These are the first six of the designs.  The 14 cards for the class feature One Sheet from the Under the Mistletoe Designer Series Paper cut down in pieces.  It's a great way to use up DSP and create multiple cards for sending or gifting.  I also used other coordinating products from the Under the Mistletoe Suite found on pages 94-95 of the Annual Catalog and a few additional coordinating items.   Here are a few individual shots of the cards we will be making.  I will post the rest of them next week.  Enjoy!

Card one features the Layering Circles Framelits and Real Read 1/8" Solid Ribbon in addition to the Under the Mistletoe Suite products.

Featured Colors for the cards are Whisper White, Real Red, Shaded Spruce, Old Olive, Early Espresso.  Night of Navy is also a featured color in the Designer Series Paper Pack, but we don't use it in this set of cards.

Here's another card

More Layering Circles for this card.

This one has the addition of the mistletoe branches from the Pretty Pines Thinlits dies, the Old Olive 1/8" Sheer Ribbon, and the Pearlized Doilies

For this card, I used the Seasonal Wreath Dynamic Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (part of the Suite!).  I sponged it with a bit of Shaded Spruce Ink to highlight it's features. 

More Red Rhinestone Jewels from the product Suite, too.

Here's one last close up.  Card design number six on an Old Olive Card base.  This is a quick and simple way to use those 1" squares.  I popped a two of them with Stampin' Dimensionals. 

Thanks for visiting.  Check back soon for more samples!

Cards as Gifts: Project Number 2

Here is the second project I have designed for my Cards as Gifts Class.  It again uses the Varied Vases Bundle.  This time I created a set of 5 Cards and Envelopes to fit in one of the Acetate Card Boxes found on p. 193 of the 2018-2019 AC.  These boxes are great to fill with cards (or treats) and give as gifts.  You get 10 boxes for a reasonable $7.00 so it makes it very affordable to keep some on hand.
The idea for the card came from a post on Pinterest by Kristine McNickle (Creative Stamping) from New Zealand.  Thanks for the inspiration, Kristine!  I changed up the colors based on what I had and what the class is trying to achieve.
So here are pictures of the cards and envelopes, too.  I used Berry Burst, Pool Party and Soft Sea Foam as my color scheme.  I also added the tag to the finished box making it look a bit more "gift-like"  You could do anything for a tag.  I chose to use the Labels to Love stamp set and it's coordianting Everyday Label Punch for something super-quick and easy.

The photopolymer stamps in the Varied Vases set really make it easy to line up images for Two-Step Stamping.  I used the Pool Party ink for the longer stems and the Berry Burst ink on the tulip.  The Soft Sea Foam is one of my favorites of the New Colors.  It's a great subtle green.  I used the ink on the tulip's leaf and a piece of the card stock as a mat behind the flowers. I added some Clear Wink of Stella to the tulip.  It gives a nice little sparkle to the card.

The bow is a piece of Silver and Whisper White Baker's Twine (p. 201). 
 
Hope you've enjoyed this peek at the Class Projects.
Come back again soon!

Stamps: Varied Vases, Labels to Love
Ink: Berry Burst, Pool Party, Soft Sea Foam, Momento Tuxedo Black
Paper: Whisper White, Pool Party Soft Sea Foam, Berry Burst
Accessories:  Punches: Vases Builder and Everyday Label, Clear Wink of Stella, Silver and White Baker's Twine, Acetate Card Boxes, Berry Burst 3/8" Metallic Edge Ribbon, Mini Stampin' Dimensionals, Stampin' Dimensionals

Here's the complete set:

Summer Classes

Hello stamping world.  Here's a first look at one of the projects I'm working on for one of my summer classes:  Cards as Gifts.  This class uses one of my favorite new products in the 2018-2019 Stampin' Up! Annual Catalog (AC): the Varied Vases Bundle (see p. 45.) The idea behind the class is to make sets of cards that could be given as a quick gift to anyone on your multiple lists.  This particular set is a box with 4 Notecard sized (3.5" x 5") cards and envelopes.  

So, here's a shot of the box and the card and envelope.  

The box is made using the Envelope Punch Board (p.209).  I chose a piece of paper from the Share What You Love Specialty Designer Series Paper (p.188).  I got the box idea from a YouTube video posted in 2016 by crafting4fun247 (Thanks, Vicky!).  But there are several videos out there that make boxes of different sizes.  This box fits 4 cards and envelopes.

The cards themselves are made using the Very Vanilla Note Cards and Envelopes (p. 193).  I used the extra pieces of the Designer Series Paper.  to decorate them.  

Here's the rest of what I used (and a couple more pictures):

Stamps: Varied Vases Bundle (with the punch!)

Ink:  Mossy Meadow, Rich Razzleberry, Blackberry Bliss, Momento Tuxedo Black

Paper: Very Vanilla Note Cards and Envelopes, Very Vanilla, Mossy Meadow and Rich Razzleberry Card Stock, Share What You Love, Designer Series Paper

Accessories: Envelope Punch Board, Vases Builder Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

Another view of the set.

Close up of the box front.

Back into the "Swim" of things again...

pun intended... a week off for a fantastic visit with family led to another week off...then another..and before I know it we're down to the final week (plus a few days) of the 2017-2018 Catalog.   This week, we really do get back into that "swim" both literally and figuratively.   It's been raining like crazy here in the Mid-Atlantic.  I really thought we were out of the woods with the last two days being quite nice, however, today we're "swimming" again in the rain.  So here's a card that is very fitting for the weather.  Another of those sets that will be retiring next week.  Plus some colors that we're losing, as well.  I hope you all enjoy the card.  Thanks for stopping by.  Here's what I used:
Stamps: Seaside Shore
Ink: Dapper Denim (retiring), Tangerine Tango (retiring), Tempting Turquoise (retiring) Wild Wasabi (retiring), Soft Suede, Crumb Cake
Paper: Crumb Cake, Marina Mist (retiring), Soft Suede
Accessories: Seaside Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Layering Circles Framelits Dies, Big Shot, Stampin' Dimensionals

Flower Shop Birthday

Happy Wednesday.  I hope you're enjoying a day filled with sunshine.  We finally have a Spring day here in the Mid-Atlantic.  And while much of the country is still digging out from more snow, I thought a flash of Flowers might be just the thing to help. 
This cheerful birthday card uses a number of products we will be saying "Good-bye" to at the end of May.  It's so easy to make, however, that I think I'll make several sets changing up the flower and the sentiment.  The Stylized Birthday stamp (p. 80 in the Annual Catalog) is one that I've used often.  It makes such a quick card.  Here I stamped it in Dapper Denim, one of the 2016-2018 In-Colors that will also be retiring.  Another old favorite, Flower Shop (p. 28 AC), along with it's coordinating Pansy Punch (p. 207 AC), will also be retiring.  Here I stamped the flower image in both Pink Pirouette (retiring core color!) and Rose Red (another long-time color that will be going away, as well.)  I had the card all assembled when I thought, "I really need some green!"  The set, sadly, has no leaf.  Luckily, I remembered that the Painted Harvest Stamp Set and it's matching Leaf Punch (See p. 55 of the Occasions Catalog!)  So, I stamped two leaves in Wild Wasabi (yes, another retiring color,) punched them out, and had the perfect amount of leafy green.  I added a few of the Glitter Enamel Dots (p. 196 in the AC) for a bit of sparkle.
Yes, Spring is on its way!  I need to keep reminding myself.  Hope this card helps you remember, as well.  Thanks for the visit!
Stamps: Stylized Birthday (retiring), Flower Shop (retiring), Painted Harvest
Ink: Dapper Denim (retiring), Rose Red (retiring), Pink Pirouette (retiring), Wild Wasabi (retiring)
Paper: Whisper White, Rose Red (retiring)
Accessories: Pansy Punch (retiring), Leaf Punch, Glitter Enamel Dots (retiring), Stampin' Dimensionals

More colors we will miss...

...and a stamp set, too.  So along with Chocolate Chip, there are 13 "Core Colors" that are retiring.  Three of them are featured here.  Always Artichoke, Elegant Eggplant and Perfect Plum are all currently in the Regal Collection of colors.  I think Perfect Plum as been around since I started as a Stampin'  Up! customer 20 years ago.  That was before I  signed up as a demonstrator in 2002.  (Yes, it's been That long...)  Any of you out there interested in moving from customer to demonstrator and want to chat about it, please let me know.  I'll gladly answer any questions you may have. 
   Back to this card...in keeping with the "saying goodbye" theme, I decided to feature the Remarkable You stamp set (found on p 142 in the Annual Catalog).  The lovely images in this set make very elegant cards.  They're also really easy to fussy-cut.  I know, dies are the big thing, but every so often it's kind of therapeutic to sit and trim around an image.  Anyone else think so?  The background is stamped with the leaves in Always Artichoke on Always Artichoke card stock (tone-on-tone is one of my favorite looks.)  I then stamped one flower in Perfect Plum, one in the Elegant Eggplant, and the leaves in Always Artichoke on Very Vanilla card stock.  I added the color with a blender pen.  When it came to a sentiment, I needed a Thank You card so I decided to give some love to the Occasions Catalog as well and used the Petal Palette Bundle (Petal Palette Stamp Set and Petals & More Thinlits Dies, p. 23 in the OC.)  This bundle only will be retiring so if you want to save 10% on the products you should do so before May 31!   Once again, thanks for visiting.  Here are the product details:
Stamps: Remarkable You (retiring), Petal Palette
Ink: Always Artichoke, Perfect Plum, Elegant Eggplant
Paper: Very Vanilla, Always Artichoke, Perfect Plum, Elegant Eggplant
Accessories: Big Shot, Layering Ovals Framelits Dies, Petals & More Thinlits Dies, Blender Pens, Paper Snips, Stampin' Dimensionals

More with Chocolate Chip

Here's another card featuring the retiring color Chocolate Chip.  It also features some of the products from the 2018 Occasions Catalog (OC).  This card would also make a great Birthday Card or a nice Thank You note, too.  I used the Tailored Tag Punch from p. 45 of the OC.  Also from the True Gentleman Suite are the Night of Navy 3/8" Corduroy Ribbon and the True Gentleman Designer Series Paper (same page as the punch.)  The ribbon has great texture.  The four dots were made with the 1/8" Hand Held Circle Punch and the Clear Epoxy Shapes (p. 33 in the OC).  I glued the four Chocolate Chip Circles on with the Fine Tip Glue Pen and then added the adhesive-backed epoxy dots right on top.  Here's the rest of the list.  Thanks for stopping by again!

Stamps: Apron of Love (p. 47, OC)
Ink: Chocolate Chip (retiring!), Night of Navy, Tranquil Tide
Paper: Crumb Cake, Chocolate Chip (retiring!), Very Vanilla,  True Gentleman Designer Series Paper (also retiring)
Accessories: Tailored Tag Punch, Glitter and Clear Epoxy Shapes, Night of Navy 3/8" Corduroy Ribbon, 1/8" Hand Held Punch, Fine Tip Glue Pen, Stampin' Dimensionals

Saying Hello with the Goodbyes...

Hello Blog Friends.  I know, it's been WAY too long.  And just when I get ready to say "Hello" again to blogging, it's time to say "Goodbye" to some favorites from the Stampin' Up! 2017-2018 Catalog.  So that's what I will try to focus on as I get back into the Blog-swing, some of the things that will be retiring this year.  First of all, if you haven't seen what's retiring, you can find it here on my Stampin' Up! website and click on the Last Chance banner to view these products.  I hope that the next few posts will inspire appreciation for the care and artistry that Stampin' Up! takes with their products.  And in a few short months, we'll be seeing a lot of fresh new ideas to move us into the 2018-2019 Annual Catalog.  So sit back, relax and (hopefully) be excited to create!

First up, some bright colors and Cool Treats and a retiring color favorite.  Yes, after all these years, we say farewell to Chocolate Chip.  Lots of folks like Chocolate, especially on a Birthday Card!  So the Cool Treats Stamp set (also retiring on p. 82 in the 2017-2018 AC) always goes with chocolate.  The matching Frozen Treats Framelits Dies (p. 213) are also retiring.  So let's create while we can!   I was inspired by the colors in the Picture Perfect Party 6x6 Designer Series Paper from the Occasions Catalog (p, 4-5) for this card.  I used one of the pieces for the wider banner. The Simple Stripes Textured Impressions Embossing Folder is also from the same Suite of products.  I also added some bright and cheerful Tutti-fruiti Adhesive backed Sequins (p. 29, OC) to the mix for fun. 

Thank you so much for visiting.  It's good to be getting slowly back...

Stamps: Cool Treats
Ink: Chocolate Chip
Paper: Whisper White, Lucky Limeade, Chocolate Chip, Bermuda Bay, Berry Burst, Peekaboo Peach, Silver Foil Paper, Picture Perfect Party 6x6 Designer Series Paper.
Accessories: Big Shot, Simple Stripes Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Layering Circles Framelits Dies, Frozen Treats Framelits Dies, Triple Banner Punch, Tutti-fruiti Adhesive Backed Sequins