Father’s Day Card using Botanical Blooms

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Father's Day card using Botannical Blooms and Crazy About You stamp sets

As coordinator of the SUDSOL Design Challenge, I posted the challenge of creating a Father’s Day card using a floral stamp set. Let me say right now that I had a struggle with this challenge myself. I ended up using the leaf stamp and the background stamp from the Botanical Blooms stamp set to make the backgrounds of this card. The greeting is from the Crazy About You stamp set.

I wanted a gold border around the greeting so I cut out the label shape from the Project Life Cards & Labels Framelits twice, once from Whisper White cardstock and once from Gold Foil paper. When you cut the label out of the foil paper, you end up with an embossed line around the opening. I cut on this line with my paper snips to get the frame. A strip of Gold Foil paper covers the seam between the two backgrounds. You can order the supplies I used for this card by clicking on the images below.

I was delighted to see that both of these sets are in the new 2016-2017 Annual Catalog. Have you seen it yet? I love the cover and am so excited about the exciting new products in the catalog. You can download the catalog here or better yet, contact me so I can send you your own copy to hold in your hands and pour over many times.

Front cover of 2016-2017 Stampin' Up! Annual Catalog

The New 2016-2017 Annual Catalog Goes Live Soon

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Front cover of 2016-2017 Stampin' Up! Annual Catalog

This exciting and lovely 2016-2017 Annual Catalog goes live next Wednesday. You will be able to download it online through my online store beginning June 1st but you really need to hold it in your hands, pour over the wonderful artwork and samples, and take it to bed with you for bedtime reading.

I am ready to mail one to you for free but I need your contact information, your address and phone number so I can check with you to see if you receive the catalog. Email me, text me, or give me a call so I can get your personal copy in the mail to you right away! I’m looking forward to hearing from you!

Price Increases Coming with New Catalog!

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Stampin’ Up! notified us they’ll be increasing the prices on a few things in the new catalog. The following items will be increasing in price beginning on 1 June:

§  8-1/2″ x 11″ card stock packs of 24 sheets will be $8 per pack

§  8-1/2″ x 11″ mixed color card stock packs of 20 sheets will be $8 per pack

§  12″ x 12″ mixed color card stock packs of 20 sheets will be $11 per pack

§  12″ x 12″ Basic Black and Whisper White card stock will be $7 per pack

§  6″ x 6″ Designer Series Paper Stacks will be $10 per pack

§  8-1/2″ x 11″ White Vellum will be $8 per pack

§  8-1/2″ x 11″ Whisper White and Very Vanilla card stock packs will be $9 per pack

Bundle pricing will be changing as well. Here are the details for the bundles beginning on 1 June:

§  Bundles will no longer carryover outside the life of the publication. Once the sales period ends for the catalog, the bundle will no longer be available at its special pricing, even if the components of the bundle are still available.

§  Bundles will now be offered at a 10% discount.

But – the good news is you’ve got plenty of time to pick up those last few bundles that you’re wanting (at the 15% discount!) and stock up on card stock in all of the colors before the prices increase in June!

I just wanted to give you a heads up! Shop now as the new 2016-2017 Annual Catalog begins June 1.

Moroccan Nights Birthday Card

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Moroccan Nights BD card

I recently took of the job of SUDSOL Design Challenge coordinator. SUDSOL is a Yahoo group of Stampin’ Up! demonstrators designed to provide support, information, inspiration, and challenges to demonstrators. I particularly enjoy the group as I have no support from those demonstrators who are in my upline.

This week’s challenge is to create a card using the Moroccan Nights stamp set we were given at OnStage Live. I found very few samples of this set on Pinterest as this is a new set that is in the new 2016-2017 Annual Catalog.

This card was indeed a challenge! I started out with the bottom border in mind. I used a stamp aligner to stamp the border. The first two rows turned out well. The third one…not so great so I put a couple layers of  the copper dotted Affectionately Yours Designer Washi tape over it. Then I had planned to stamp one of the hanging lamps from the stamp set on the left side above the border. However, the greeting really needed something besides white space behind it. I stamped 1/4 of the medallion on each corner. Now the card was beginning to work. But…I got a ghost image from the rubber on one side and had to either start all over or figure out a way to cover the mistake up. That’s when I decided to stamp the medallion in the center as well. The colors used in this card are two of the new In Colors, Emerald Envy and Sweet Sugarplum. I used two new stamp sets as well, Moroccan Nights and Birthday Banners.

I love the way the medallion scallops turned out and will use this idea again on another card. There you have it…the evolution of this card.

There are only two more weeks before we can order from the new catalog. If you would like a free one, contact me! I love giving them away!

Stampin’ Up! Craft Scissors Going Bye Bye!

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photo of Stampin' Up! craft scissors

Heads up readers! The wonderful Stampin’ Up! Craft Scissors are being retired the end of May! These are really the best scissors for cutting ribbon and I will continue to use them for that purpose. If you don’t have a pair of your own, buy them now while there is still a supply of them!

Here are the current retiring lists (as supplies run out, the list will change):

Retiring List Annual Occasions_NA_US (pdf)

Saying Goodby to Some Favorites

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Retirement list banner

To make room in the warehouse for new stamps and accessories, Stampin’ Up! retires some things each May. The retirement list is out but you must check it often because things sell out often. Yes, there are even some items on sale up to 50% off! Here is a link to the initial retirement list in both pdf and excel form. Print it out, mark your catalog as to what is retiring, what is on sale, and then quickly go to my online store to place your order so you are sure to get those things you have had on your wish list.

Retiring List Annual Occasions_NA_US

Retiring List Annual Occasions_NA_US

Now, my most favorite thing to retire is the Mossy Meadow color. It is one of the 2014-2016 In Colors. I am going to be sure to order another reinker and more cardstock before they are sold out.

Also, remember this darling Easter basket I posted here? Here is another version of it.

White Easter Berry Basket with sponged woodgrain embossing

It is made with the Berry Basket die (137366) which is on the retirement list. All the Bigz L dies are being retired and only thinlits and framelits are being offered in the new catalog. They have actually redesigned the standard Big Shot platform to be slightly raised in the center because many of our Big Shots are getting old and have less pressure in the center. By being slightly raised, the intricate dies will cut perfectly. You can order the supplies used in this project by clicking on the images below.

One last word of caution, all the bundles from the Annual and Occasions catalogs will be retiring so check them out and get the 15% reduced price now!

Hello from OnStage Live

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Photo of me, Ruthie and Michelle at OnStage Live

We are here in Salt Lake City for OnStage Live. Michelle Montague, Ruthie Burkey and I have been convention roommates for the last 6 years and it is wonderful to be rooming together once again.

OnStage Live is the Stampin’ Up! event where the new 2016-2017 Annual Catalog is revealed to demonstrators. It is so exciting to get the new catalog in our hands. We spent last night pouring over the catalog noticing all the little details in the stamp sets and wonderful samples in the catalog and are back at it this morning. You will love this catalog!

Another great thing about Stampin’ Up! events like OnStage Live and OnStage Local is meeting the demonstrators you visit with online. I have known some of my online friends for many years and it is so exciting to see them in person at Stampin’ Up! events.

Now…I would love to have had you here with me in Salt Lake City. All you have to do is to join my team of demonstrators. Some of the advantages for you are:

  • Being able to attend OnStage events and earn incentive trips.
  • Having a network of fellow demonstrators spread across the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe.
  • Owning your own business where you can set your work hours to mesh with family responsibilities.
  • Being able to determine how much you will earn to give you extra income.
  • Having my warmth and patient support as you build your business.
  • Getting a 20 – 25% discount on Stampin’ Up! supplies and stamps.

If this sounds like something you would like to do or even if you just want to be a demonstrator to get the discount, give me a call and visit my Stampin’ Up! website for more information. I would love to have you join me!

Last Weekly Deals!

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All good things, like the Weekly Deals, have to come to an end and this is the last week of Weekly Deals. After this, Stampin’ Up! will periodically offer a variety of specials. So with no further ado, I present…this week’s Weekly Deals! Be sure to check them out and order them by next Monday night. Click here to go to the Weekly Deals page on my online store.Photo 1 of this week's Weekly Deals US Weekly Deals 2 US Weekly Deals 3

Last chance for sale of Paper Pumpkin!

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Picture of lady opening Paper Pumpkin kit

 

What could possibly make Sale-A-Bration even better? Getting Paper Pumpkin involved of course!

3-Month Prepaid Subscription (137859) $59.85 $55
Save on a 3-month prepaid subscription and instantly qualify for a FREE Sale-A-Bration item!

12-Month Prepaid Subscription (137861) $215.40
Take it to the next level with a 12-month prepaid subscription. Save $24 a year with the everyday awesome price, earn Stampin’ Rewards, and instantly qualify for 4 FREE Sale-A-Bration items!

This offer will end on March 31, 2016 at 11:50 PM (MT). Click here for more information about prepaid subscriptions. So today’s the last day to take advantage of this sale. Today is also the last day to be able to chose a FREE item from the Sale-A-Bration brochure. Your 3-month Prepaid Subscription earns you your choice of one of the free items. Subscribe now!

 

Number of Years and Large Numbers Framelits

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Sweet 16 Birthday Card usinngNumber of Years stamp set and Large Numbers Framelits Dies

When I bought the Number of Years Stamp Set/Large Numbers Framelits Dies bundle, I had little idea of how often I would be using it. March is a big month for birthdays in our family and I have used this bundle on almost every birthday card I’ve sent this month. This card is for a sweet granddaughter who turned 16 today. I love, love, love the Birthday Bouquet Designer Series Paper with its soft colors and the Blushing Bride Glimmer Paper. I didn’t find the word ‘sweet’ in any of my numerous stamp sets so I created it with the Alphabet Rotary Stamp. This rotary stamp comes in handy when you are wanting a specific word that doesn’t come with a stamp set. You can order any of the supplies used for this project by clicking on the images below to go to my online store.

Remember that through March 31st, you can choose a free Sale-A-Bration item for every $50 in product you purchase. You check out the Sale-A-Bration freebies below. Be sure to place your order by March 31st to get these free items!

It’s Almost Over!

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Header for last month of Sale-A-Bration

There are only 3 more days until Sale-A-Bration is over. That means only 3 more days to order a 3-month prepaid Paper Pumpkin subscription for a $5 discount AND get to choose a free item with your purchase. That means you have only 3 more days to become a member of my Stampin’ Up! demonstrator team and get to choose an additional $30 worth of free product with your $99 starter kit. That means you have only 3 more days to earn your choice of free product for each $50 you purchase of product. That means that after 3 days, the exclusive Sale-A-Bration products will no longer be available as free. After that you will have to buy them on the secondary market. No procrastinating! Go shop now!

Easter Berry Basket

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I finally ordered the Berry Basket Bigz L die (137366) because I had this great idea for an Easter decoration. The basket is small, 3 7/8″ square and 2 1/2″ high, but it is so stinkin’ cute. Here is my first sample.

Berry Basket created with Botanical Garden Designer Series Paper and Botanical Builder Framelits Dies

Cute? Yes! But I got another idea of using Thick Whisper White cardstock and embossing it with the woodgrain embossing folder. Since I used the thick cardstock, the basket is sturdier. Take a look.

White Easter Berry Basket with sponged woodgrain embossing

Now this really looks like Easter to me! I love the touch of Lost Lagoon ink I sponged on the raised portions of the basket.The first time I put this basket together, I put the Tear & Tape Adhesive on the strips that go around the top of the basket. Getting things lined up was a little tricky so the second time I put the Tear & Tape on the top edges of the basket part which worked much better.

I filled the basket with crumpled tissue paper and topped it with crumpled thin strips of tissue that I had cut with Stampin’ Up!’s retired Tabletop Paper Cutter.

Aren’t those chicks the cutest?! They are from the Sale-A-Bration freebies stamp set Honeycomb Happiness (wood – 141288, clear – 141291). I stamped 6 images using Smoky Slate ink and fussy cut just around the legs. Then I glued two images together matching the cut out legs together and put a toothpick between the layers. Then finished cutting out the chick. I used the Smoky Slate marker to add a suggestion of the wings and tail feathers on the back of the chick as well. I poked the toothpick through the crumpled tissue paper to make the chicks stand up in the basket.

You can still get this darling stamp set for FREE through the end of March. All you have to do is order $50 in product through my online store. Click on the images below to order the supplies I used for these baskets.

Happy International Women’s Day

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Internation Women's Day Logo

Today is a day to honor women world-wide, those who work endlessly at home being the core of the family and those who also work outside the home. The value of a woman is priceless. If she also happens to be a mother, the job is a 24/7 one with little time off even for sickness. If you were to pay a woman for all the various jobs and hours she puts in, her income would be up there with the best paid executives. Unfortunately she doesn’t get paid monetarily well at all.

But…I have a way for women to gain a measure of control over how much they earn. (That is…if they aren’t the boss.) I have an opportunity for women…well…I won’t exclude men either…to earn as much or as little as they want by owning their own paper-crafting business as a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator on my team of demonstrators. Here are some benefits:

  • Freedom to choose your working hours and how much you work
  • Freedom to determine for yourself how much profit you will earn. It depends on how many hours you work and how effectively you use your time.
  • Development of great friendships and relationships with fellow demonstrators and customers.
  • My 15 years experience as a demonstrator and cheerful personality to help you develop your business.
  • Having fun while working
  • And finally, getting a discount on product you purchase and having the opportunity to earn trips with Stampin’ Up!

The investment to get started is just $99 for the Starter Kit and until the end of March, you get to choose and additional $30 worth of product over the standard $125. The beautiful thing about Stampin’ Up! is that they value you as a demonstrator whether you are building a growing business or whether you are a demonstrator who is primarily a hobbyist who love getting a discount on Stampin’ Up!’s wonderful products. It is totally your choice and I am delighted to help you no matter what your goals are. For more information, contact me and/or visit my online store. I’m here to answer your questions.

 

Best Thoughts Four Panel Card

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I ordered the hostess stamp set Best Thoughts way last July because I saw a card posted by Joanne Mulligan on Pinterest and wanted to CASE her card. Now almost 9 months later I have finally gotten around to making my card!

handmade greeting card using the Best Thoughts stamp set

This flower reminds me so much of the purple rhododendrons that are now blooming here in Mount Vernon. I watercolored the image with an aqua painter and Blackberry Bliss ink, then added highlights with the gold Wink of Stella. The butterfly was stamped on a separate piece of Whisper White cardstock, watercolored with Blue Lagoon ink, and then painted with clear Wink of Stella. I cut it out and popped it up with a Stampin’ Dimensional. I like this four panel layout with the corners rounded with the Project Life corner rounder and will definitely make this card again. This particular one is going to a friend who just lost her husband.

Click on the images below to order the supplies I used.

Botanical Gardens Love

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Yes, I love the Botanical Gardens Suite in the Occasions catalog! I actually love each of the items and am having so much fun playing with the Botanical Builder Framelits Dies. The curve of the leafy vine is so graceful and I love the way the petals on some of the flowers can be popped up for more dimension. I created this card for our granddaughter who turns 15 on Monday.

handmade birthday card using the Botanical Builder Framelits and Large Number Framelits

Here is a tip for you: If you want the leaves of the vine to point up, cut them out on the wrong side of your paper. If you cut on the right side of the paper, the leaves will point down as in this card. Be sure to have the solid leaves pointing to the edge you want to cut off. Otherwise you will end up with a very narrow piece of paper.

Birthday card created with the Botanical Gardens Bundle

You can order the supplies I used for these cards below. Remember we are in the last month of Sale-A-Bration when you get a free item for each $50 you spend in product. Also remember my Customer Appreciation Program where you can earn $45 in free product from me. You can see the details here. The Happy Birthday on the second card is from the Sky Is the Limit Sae-A-Bration stamp set which retired Feb 15th. Sorry. 🙁