Today our nation stops to remember, honor, and thank our veterans. Words can hardly be enough to repay their sacrifice of time, comfort, often horrible injuries, and often death to protect our freedom. There is more you can do. Here is an article listing ways you can get involved in supporting the members of our military in a variety of ways. http://www.military.com/spouse/military-life/military-resources/how-to-support-our-troops.html

If you are like me, you probably have a stash of cards you have made but never mailed out. What better way to use them than to send them to our troops overseas and in hospitals to encourage them while they are on active duty.

One group I particularly like is From Our Hearts, http://www.fromourhearts.info/. This wonderful group of stampers recognizes the need for military personnel oversea to have access to greeting cards to send back home to their family and friends. There are no Hallmark stores or any of the big box stores that also carry greeting cards. Typically these cards are sent to the chaplain who puts them out in the chapel for anyone to take for free. Sometimes a box of hundreds of cards is gone within two hours so you know the demand is high. Box up those cards and even make a bunch just for this purpose and send them to From Our Hearts. All the information you need is on their website.

Other groups of stampers who send cards that you might consider are:

• Soldiers’ Angels – Cards Plus, http://soldiersangels.org/cards-plus-team.html.
• Operation Write Home, http://operationwritehome.org/guidelines/
• Cards for Troops to Send Home, http://cardsfortroops.wordpress.com/about/
• Operation We Are Here, http://www.operationwearehere.com/IdeasforSoldiersCardsLetters.html

Now go gather up your stash of cards and share them with those who are sacrificing for our freedom!

Stampin’ Up! has released a new photopolymer stamp set called You’re Wonderful (139158). The samples above were created by Stampin’ Up!’s creative crew. Aren’t they wonderful? Think about all the occasions you can use this stamp set for. With the open design of the images, it is perfect for demonstrating your Blendabilities skills as well. One of the things I really like about this set is that the sayings are curved and sized to fit in the banners around the word ‘wonderful’. And look at the daffodil stamp! I think this is the first time Stampin’ Up! has had a daffodil stamp.

This index shows all the stamps in the setl Click ion the index more details and to order the set. Often times the photopolymer stamps either get sold out quickly or at least go onto backorder soon after they are released. If you like this one, be sure to order it right away so you don’t get disappointed.

 Whoohoo! You can start ordering the first six colors of Blendabilities today, July 1! Finally the wait is over and I can show you this card I colored with them! I used Ivory and Natural of the new skin colors for the flowers and Old Olive shades for the leaves. The background is the light shade of Coastal Cabana.

Supplies: Stamps – Apothecary Art (wood-128415, clear-125527), Bloom with Hope (Hostess sets); Cardstock – Whisper White, Mossy Meadow; Other – retired Holiday Frame embossing folder, Apothecary Accents framelits (127003), Old Olive Blendabilities (130999), Coastal Cabana Blendabilities (1310000), Skin Tone Assortment (129370), Memento Ink Pad (132708)

I love these Blendabilities because I can finally color my images with shading. I also like the transparency of the ink. When I tried to color with the Stampin’ Write markers, the color covered any shading lines already in the stamped image and when I tried to blend colors, the surface of the paper would get sort of shredded. With the blendabilities, the color is carried on an alcohol base so the paper does not get messed up. These are the colors of Blendabilities you will be able to purchase starting July 1. The rest of the colors are scheduled to be released August 1.

Stampin’ Blendabilities™ Markers Cherry Cobbler Assortment

$11.95

Stampin’ Blendabilities™ Markers Pumpkin Pie Assortment

$11.95

Stampin’ Blendabilities™ Markers Old Olive Assortment

$11.95

Stampin’ Blendabilities™ Markers Coastal Cabana Assortment

$11.95

Stampin’ Blendabilities™ Markers Daffodil Delight Assortment

$11.95

Stampin’ Blendabilities™ Markers Rich Razzleberry Assortment

$11.95

Stampin’ Blendabilitiesª Alcohol Marker Color Lifter

$4.95

Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad

$5.95

Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Refill

$4.95

Table by StampinBuddy. Try it FREE.

When you order them, you will want to be sure to also order the Memento Ink Pad and the Color Lifter. The Memento Ink Pad is a water-based ink like the Basic Black Stampin’ Ink Pad but it dries very nicely on Whisper White cardstock unlike the Basic Black. Stazon is another alternative to the Basic Black but it can’t be used with the Blendabilities. Stazon is a solvent-based ink as are the alcohol markers, the Blendabilities. It would run when coloring with a Blendability marker.

The Color Lifter is a colorless alcohol marker to use to push color back into the lines or to lighten a color.

You will also want to use Whisper White cardstock with the Blendabilities. I have used White Shimmer cardstock and it works also. The shimmer shines through the color beautifully! :o)

So get busy! Order your Blendabilities by clicking on the links or visiting my online store. Have renewed fun coloring!

Something to Say (138099) is another of the great MDS downloads released the first Tuesday in June. I love this stamp brush set that matches the traditional stamp sets in the 2014-2015 annual catalog. Just look at all the wonderful sayings:

See how I used this set on my scrapbook page of one of our pups.

Supplies: MDS software digital download (130646), MDS software disc (130647), or 30-day Free Trial of MDS (130910); Background – Card Stock/Real Red; Stamps – Something To Say (138099) – big ways small ways and love you always, Paw Parade Kit (138037) – paw; Punches – Arrows 1, 2, 3 filled with Paw Parade Kit designer series paper – 5

Today we also have a new Weekly Deals. Check them out and order while the price is at this great reduction!

Envelope Liners Framelits Die

$26.95 $20.21

Finishing Touches Edgelits Die

$9.95 $7.46

Regals Designer Buttons

$7.95 $5.96

Smoky Slate Stampin’ Emboss Powder

$4.95 $3.71

Squares Collection Framelits Die

$26.95 $20.21

Summer Possibilities Kit – Digital Download

$7.95 $4.77

Window Frames Collection Framelits Die

$26.95 $20.21

Table by StampinBuddy. Try it FREE.

Order the above items by clicking on the links or visiting my online store to order all stamping supplies you need.

With the new Hamburger Box Bigzs Die (133724), the lowly hamburger take-out box has been elevated to a work of art! Check out this darling little hamburger gift box I made last night with the the die and  the Flower Frenzy Bigz Die (133728) . It is just toooo cute! I cut it out of some new Lullaby Designer Series Paper (133695).

This little box measures about 3 1/2″ x 2 1/2″ x 1 3/4″ tall and is perfect for a small gift or some candy treats. Imagine the surprise if someone opened this little box to find one of the expensive chocolate truffles nestled inside. What a great way to present something like that.

I have a couple of tips for you to make putting this box together easily.

• If you are using designer series paper, be sure to put the side you want on the outside of your box down against the die. This way the score lines are on the outside. You want to fold away from the score lines.
• Make crisp folds.
• Use small dots of the Liquid Multipurpose Glue on the triangular corners.
• Use Sticky Strip on the bottom front flaps or the glue if you prefer it.
• Make sure the slots on the front of the lid are open. You can insert the tip of your Paper Snips into to open the slot a little wider.
• Fold the triangular flaps on the front of the lid so they are lying along the inside sides of the lid so they are not in the way of the slots.

This little hamburger box is so cute you don’t even have to dress it up much. Just cut it out of any designer series paper and tie a ribbon around it. Here is another example using the Blackberry Bliss pattern from the Park Lane Designer Series Paper (133694).

Isn’t that an elegant packaging for a small gift? Have I convinced you yet? Don’t you need this die? Click on the links or visit my online store to order it. You’ll be glad you did and so will I! :o)

Supplies:
Paper – Crisp Cantaloupe (131298), Hello Honey (133678) and Mossy Meadow (133676) cardstock; Lullaby Designer Series Paper (133695), Park Lane Designer Series Paper (133694)
Other – Hamburger Box Bigz die (133724), Flower Frenzy Bigz Die (133728),
Liquid Multipurpose Glue (110755), Sticky Strip (104294)

It’s Terrific Tuesday and I have some terrific new MDS digital downloads for you. Stampin’ Up! has changed from giving new downloads every Tuesday to just releasing them on the first Tuesday of the month. So here are the downloads for today. Click on the links for more details and to order from my website. I will be creating projects highlighting a different download each of the rest of the Tuesdays in the month so be sure to continue to follow my blog posts.

Something To Say Stamp Brush Set – Digital Download

$8.95

Always & Forever Ensemble – Digital Download

$17.95

Always & Forever Invitation Template – Digital Download

$2.95

Back To Black Overlays Stamp Brush Set – Digital Download

$8.95

Best Birthday Yet Ensemble – Digital Download

$14.95

Cheers To Love Stamp Brush Set – Digital Download

$4.95

Cool Like That Giftable Templates – Digital Download

$14.95

In Any Event Card Templates – Digital Download

$12.95

Proud Moment Baby Announcement – Digital Download

$5.95

Table by StampinBuddy. Try it FREE.

Weekly Deals continue. Here are this week’s deals:

Calypso Coral 3/4″ Chevron Ribbon

$8.95 $6.71

Champagne Glimmer Paper

$4.95 $3.71

Gold & Silver Stampin’ Glitter

$7.95 $5.96

Metallic Gold Encore Pad

$9.95 $7.46

Metallic Silver Encore Pad

$9.95 $7.46

Twitterpated Kit – Digital Download

$9.95 $5.97

Wisteria Wonder Classic Stampin’ Pad

$5.95 $4.46

Besides clicking on the links to order, you can order through my online store. I appreciate your business.

Table by StampinBuddy. Try it FREE.

I really love this Work of Art stamp set that is in the new catalog. It makes me look like a great arteest with little effort. LOL! This card is a bit of a tease for you but only for a short time. I used two of the new In Colors, Blackberry Bliss and Mossy Meadow which are fast becoming my new favorite colors.

You, too, can enjoy these new In Colors in just a few days. The new 2014-2015 Stampin’ Up! catalog goes live at noon MDT on Monday. You will also be able to view the online catalog at that point. But….if you email me your phone number, time zone, and best time to call you, I’ll give you a call to let you know how you can receive the new catalog for FREE. There is no better bedtime reading than pouring through the Stampin’ Up! catalog. Well…on second thought…maybe it would be better daytime reading because you will get so excited about all the great products and ideas that your mind will start spinning with the possibilities. Sleep will not be possible. :o)

So send me your phone numbers. I love giving out free catalogs!

Supplies:
Stamps – Work of Art (w-134111, c-134114), Serene Silhouettes (w-132073, c-127324), Wetlands (w-126695, c-126697)
Card stock – Whisper White (100730), Blackberry Bliss (133675), Mossy Meadow (133676)
Inks – Blackberry Bliss (133642), Mossy Meadow (133645), Memento (132708), Rich Razzleberry (126950)
Other – Decorative Dots embossing folder (133520)

This Memorial Day, take time to remember the sacrifices our armed service men and women make to keep us safe and allow us to enjoy our freedom. So many have given their lives, suffered lasting injuries, or endured separation from their loved ones to serve our country. They deserve all honor and respect.

Our family has had generations serve in the armed forces including a son-in-law, two grandsons, and a granddaughter-in-law who are currently serving in the military. Pray with me for their safety!

Supplies:MDS software digital download (130646), MDS software disc (130647), or 30-day Free Trial of MDS (130910)
Background – Card Stock/Very Vanilla
Stamps All in the Family Decorative Overlays – chevron, Black color opacity of about 40%
Punches
    Basics/1.25 Square Punch, Fill Color = NIGHT OF NAVY 33,64,95
    Basics/1.25 Square Punch,  Filled with: Designer Series Paper/_Designer Kits/Glimmer – red
    Basics/Star Punch,  Filled with: Designer Series Paper/_Designer Kits/Glimmer – gold
    Basics/1.25 Circle Punch, Fill Color = VERY VANILLA 254,249,232

To order any of these supplies, click on the links or visit my online store. If you have any questions about MDS, I’d be happy to try to answer them for you.

Stampin’ Up! has released a new photopolymer stamp set, Endless Birthday Wishes (137553). I absolutely LOVE the font on this stamp set. It is the same one that was in the very popular Endless Wishes set that was available last December. That set sold out within the month and I am sure this one will sell out quickly too. You need to order it right away to be sure you get it!

I am sure you are wondering what is so great about Stampin’ Up!’s photopolymer stamps. First, Stampin’ Up! searched and searched for a photopolymer compound that would hold up to stamping for a long time and not break down in a short period of time like some of the other photopolymer stamps. They also were looking for a photopolymer that would not yellow or get excessively stained over time. They did not make clear stamps until they were confident that the material met their strict quality requirements.

Now for some benefits of photopolymer stamps:

• They stick really well to clear blocks but can still be easily peeled off when you are finished with the stamp.
• You can see through the stamp to see if you have it inked up well.
• You can see exactly where the image will be stamped.
• It easy to create a unique greeting for your card as you can combine several stamps on one block and easily line them up because you can see the image.

Give photopolymer stamps a try by ordering Endless Birthday Wishes before the set sells out. Click on the link!

Do you get confused by all the various terms used in the stamping world? Each hobby, avocation and indeed each discipline in the workplace has it’s own language. Without knowing what various terms mean, a person has no clue what is being said. I am going to write a series of posts on stamping terms beginning with the terms in the photo above.

Each of these terms expresses a type of interaction between a demonstrator and the customers. By giving the definitions below, I hope you will be better able to choose which stamping events you want to participate in.

• Party or workshop – These two terms are used interchangeably. With either one, there is a hostess who invites friends over to their home or to the demonstrator’s home for a time of stamping with the intention that the friends will place orders of stamping products so the hostess will earn free product. There is no charge to come. It is a great time to get together for fun and stamping.
• Class – This is a class. The demonstrator charges a prepaid fee to attend the class and teaches a technique, how to make a specific product, or how to use a specific stamp or tool. It is not necessary to place an order although orders are always welcome.
• Private class – A private class is where the demonstrator comes to your home and teaches a class for you and a few of your friends. There is a class fee and orders are not expected.
• Club – This a group of 6 – 10 stampers who agree to spend a specific minimum amount each month so that each club member has a turn at being the hostess for a month. Usually the demonstrator gives a demonstration and the members do some stamping at the monthly meeting.
• Stamp-a-Stack – The demonstrator sets up a series of tables with a specific project at each table. There is a fee for attending and the stamper leaves the event with a specific number of cards they have stamped. Usually there are up to five different designs and the customer stamps multiples of each design by rotating from one table to another.
• Open House – A demonstrator holds an open house at their home or a public location where customers are invited to come see new products, samples of cards made, stamp a small project and perhaps enter for door prizes. There is no fee to attend and orders are accepted but not required.
• Crop – A crop is specifically for scrapbooking. The demonstrator holds the crop in their home or at a public location. The scrapbookers bring their own supplies and photos. Everyone works on their own projects but enjoy snacks, perhaps share a meal, and enjoy each others company. Often short classes, door prizes and other fun activities are offered with the crop.

I hope this clears up some confusion for you when you look at my class list and events on my calendar. I rarely do Stamp-a-stacks but am willing to give it a try if some of you are interested in it. Contact me if you want to host a workshop/party or if there is a specific technique or project you would like me to teach.