Stampin' Pretty - Mary Fish - Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator

Fresh Cut Sneak Peek and Important Dates

Fresh Cuts is one gorgeous, die-cut floral set and will be part of Stampin' Up!'s new Fall-Winter Idea Book & Catalog, to be released August 11, 2008.  However, from June 1-June 30, you can pre-purchase your very own Fresh Cuts set for $21.95 and get the die-cut, coordinating  Fresh Cut Notes for just $5.  If you prefer, you may purchase the Fresh Cuts Stamp Set (#111634) separately for $21.95 and the Fresh Cut Notes (#111882)for $8.95.

This charming stamp set is perfect for your upcoming summer projects. The 4 x 4 die-cut note card set includes 15 note cards and envelopes in Whisper White.  They are delightful for gifts, hand-delivered thank yous . . . even dinner name placeholders.   My Fresh-Cut stamps and note cards are on the way and I can't wait to demonstrate them in advance of the sale! 

Added Hostess Benefits:   Also, from June 1 through June 30, place a Stampin' Up! product order of $400 or more (teaming up with stamping pals on one order is definitely allowed, although I just ship to one of you) and you will receive the Fresh Cut stamp set and coordinating Fresh Cut Notes FREE.  This is a $30.95 retail value in addition to regular hostess benefits.

Stampin' Up! News! When the Stampin' Up! Fall-Winter catalogs become available, I will be selling them with a special offer.  Anyone on my mailing list or placing an order after August 11, will automatically receive the new Stampin' Up! Catalog Sampler (a 12 page mini of new Stampin' Up! products, In Color options and projects, plus three on-going 6-month promotions).  The Previews (mini) brochures which normally precede the release of a new catalog have been discontinued by Stampin' Up!.

IMPORTANT DATES: 

On Board Chipboard Special Offer  and Cutting Mat Offer expire 5/31
Fresh Cuts Stamp Set and Fresh Cuts Notes Pre-Order June 1-30
Occasions Mini Expires June 30
Stampin' Up! Retired Stamp List Available July 1
Spring/Summer Catalog Expires Aug. 10
Fall/Winter Catalog Is Released and Available for Orders Aug. 11

BI-cycle, BI-cycle, BI-cycle

I want to ride my bicycle, I want to ride my bike . . . .  I keep hearing Freddie Mercury (Queen) piping out that tune.  Today was the day.  I finally got to pick up my Mother's Day bike and she's a beauty.  My "gal's" a combination of retro baby blue, white and chrome . . . with hip black fenders to keep the mud off my behind and two "shopping" bags mounted on the back rack so that I can officially become "Pack Mule Mom."  I'm so excited to hit the local Farmer's Markets and grocery shop on two wheels!

The Time for You stamp set has a luscious bicycle (Stampin' Up! Occasions Mini 2008, p. 13)) and was a perfect way to celebrate my new acquisition.  I inked it up in Versamark and stamped it on Stampin' Up!'s Watercolor Paper.  TIP: Heat embossing with Black Embossing Powder and a Heat Tool gave me a textured line image that was ready for watercoloring.  Using an Aqua Pen, I created Soft Sky fenders, seat and details. 

I next used Stampin' Write Markers in Ruby Red and Pumpkin Pie to make my blooms pop.  TIP:  The Ruby Red Marker was perfect (the small end) for adding a dotted accent to the tires.  Ruby Red eyelets (installed with my Crop-a-Dile) were a lovely touch for the center of the spokes.  The bicycle image was layered on Pumpkin Pie and Ruby Red Card Stock.

"Zeal" seemed like the perfect sentiment for a bike devotee, easily executed in Jet Black Stazon with my Define Your Life set of 28 double-sided stamps, one charming definition for every letter of the alphabet and more.  TIP:  I again used watercolor paper so that it would be the same white as the bicycle layer.  "Zeal" was matted on Pumpkin Pie and Ruby Red Card Stock and some Ruby Red Brads seemed like the perfect balance.  TIP:  Try a Paper Piercer and Template to line up brads neatly.

The card base (4.25 x 5.5) is Ruby Red Textured Card Stock (can't get enough of Stampin' Up!'s Textured Card Stock).  It's topped with a Soft Sky pattern from Afternoon Tea Designer Series Paper (Stampin' Up!'s Occasions Mini, P. 8) and an adorable Pumpkin Pie Polka Dot from Summer Picnic (Stampin' Up! Occasions Mini, P. 16).

The Perfect Touch (decided by my 14 year old daughter, Caroline, when I couldn't decide between this flower and a strip of ribbon running vertically) is a custom combo of a Pumpkin Pie felt flower (Flower Fusion) and Build-A-Brad.  TIP: The Build-A-Brad works perfectly with a 1/2" circle snap of designer paper (Afternoon Tea).  It comes with the clear adhesive 1/2" bubbles that look trés cool as a topper.

INKSPIRATIONS: Of course, this card was inspired by my new ride.   However, it also manages to qualify for three Splitcoast challenges, Sketch SC176, Technique Lover's Challenge TLC168 (embossing and watercoloring) and Color Challenge CC166 (Soft Sky, Ruby Red, Pumpkin Pie).

Hugs and Pretties . . . . M

PLEASE DON'T FORGET:  The Occasions Mini expires June 30 . . . and then it's gone for good :)

Stamp Sets:  Time for You (Occasions Mini), Define Your Life
Paper:  Ruby Red Textured, Summer Picnic Designer Series (Occasions Mini), Afternoon Tea Designer Series (Occasions Mini), Stampin' Up! Watercolor Paper
Ink:  Soft Sky, Jet Black Stazon, Ruby Red Marker, Pumpkin Pie Marker, Versamark
Cool Tools:  Crop-A-Dile, Heat Tool, 1/2" Circle Punch, Paper Piercer and Template (Crafter's Tool Kit)
The Perfect Touch:  Flower Fusion, Build-A-Brad, Black Embossing Powder, Earth Elements Brads (Ruby Red).

Wild About Wheels

Wild About You is one of my favorite juvenile stamp sets.  However, don't limit yourself to just kids . . . . they are a great birthday or pick-me-up option for an adult, too.  "Wheeled" and stamped backgrounds add to the wacky fun of this  card and my little giraffe came to life with some special touches, too, including 3-D spots and a wagging tail (OK, gross exaggeration--but it's still cute).

I took my INKSPIRATION from this week's Mojo Monday Sketch #37,  from Julee at Poetic Artistry.  What a great match for the Wild About You stamp set.  The card base (4.25 x 5.5) is Close to Cocoa Textured with So Saffron Card Stock on top. TIP:  Please click any photos for a close up.

 

TIP:  Make a custom background with a couple rounds (excuse the pun) of a Jumbo Wheel (Daisy Dash used here in Close to Cocoa ink on Whisper White Card Stock). I just roll mine on the ink pad thoroughly . . . it manages "full strength" of inking about the distance of a standard card width (5 or 6"), without needing a Jumbo Wheel Inked Cartridge.  Save your money here, lovies!

A So Saffron Marker jollies up the flower centers in short order.  COOL TOOL:  I prefer to use a Stampin' Around Wheel Guide to get things lined up properly.  It has lovely little grippy legs that keep things securely in place.  It takes a couple "rounds" to get the lining up part down . . . easily resolved with some scrap paper on the first date.

The giraffe was inked in So Saffron and stamped on Whisper White.  TIP:  A Creamy Caramel Marker takes the spots from white to caramel.  BRIGHT IDEA #1:  For a delicious texture, I dotted the spots with Crystal Effects.  The giraffe was cut out and pumped up on Stampin' Dimensionals.  BRIGHT IDEA #2:  A snippet of Hemp Twine makes a delightful tail.

Stampin' Up!'s Print Pattern Background (Close to Cocoa ink on Close to Cocoa Card Stock) creates the layer below the giraffe and is matted on Whisper White and So Saffron Card Stock.  The vertical banner implements a second Stampin' Up! background stamp--Paisley (ditto on Close to Cocoa on Close to Cocoa Card Stock).  It's then layered on So Saffron.  So fun! 

Using Chocolate Chip, So Saffron and Close to Cocoa Markers, I colored each word on the "wild about you" sentiment (one word at a time and cleaning in between) and snipped them out rather haphazardly to play up the design.  Hodgepodge Hardware Brads (Pewter), anchor things in place.

Happy "Tails" to You . . . . Mary

P.S.:  I promised you a sneak peek from the Stampin' Up! Fall/Winter catalog.  Please  Please click here to download "Fresh Cuts"

 

and a special offer starting in June :)

Stamp Sets:  Wild About You, Print Pattern Background, Paisley Background, Daisy Dashes Jumbo Wheel
Ink:  Close to Cocoa Ink Pad and Marker, So Saffron Ink Pad and Marker, Chocolate Chip Marker
Paper:  Close to Cocoa Textured and Regular, So Saffron, Whisper White
Cool Tools:  Stampin' Around Jumbo Handle (to drive the wheel :), Stampin' Around Wheel Guide
The Perfect Touch:  Crystal Effects, Hodgepodge Hardware Brads (Pewter), Stampin' Dimensionals, Hemp Twine (Natural)

Wonderful Neutral You

Sometimes simplicity rules.  Today's post not only qualifies for my Stampin' 911 category (can be created in less than 10 minutes), it is basic enough to be a "boy" card.  TIP:  Neutrals take the guess work out of deciding on masculine colors.

Using the Wonderful You stamp set, I inked the stem in Basic Black and stamped it multiple times on Kraft card stock.  I then matted it on Whisper White and a Basic Black card base (4.25 x 5.5). TIP: Nipping the bottom corners on all three layers with a Corner Rounder Punch is a classy touch.

A pop of pattern in a black and white gingham ribbon lends a little interest.  The sentiment (also from Wonderful You), was inked in Basic Black and stamped on Whisper White.  It's punched with the small oval punch and layered on a large oval of Basic Black.  Some Stampin' Dimensionals both adhere and heighten the two layers. TIP: Stampin' Up!'s Large and Small Oval Punches compliment each other perfectly and always look sensational with sentiments.

Hugs and Pretties . . . . Mary

COMING UP!  A sneak peek and special offer on the first stamp set to be released ("Fresh Cut") from Stampin' Up!'s Fall/Winter Catalog 2008

Stamp Set:  Wonderful You
Paper:  Basic Black, Whisper White, Kraft
Ink:  Basic Black
Cool Tools:  Large and Small Oval Punches, Corner Rounder Punch
The Perfect Touch:  Black and White Gingham Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals

Stampin' Up! Sweet Dreams

Today's "Inkspiration" comes from Poetic Artistry's Mojo Monday Sketch 31 (see sketch below).  Silke Ledlow (aka sparklegirl on SCS) had a delightful interpretation of this sketch which clearly influenced my card :)

I did my best to get a good picture of Stampin' Up!'s Textured Card Stock (on this card Real Red and Very Vanilla) that I keep raving about. 

Using two Stampin' Write Markers, I colored the stems from Sweet Dreams (Hostess Level I) in Chocolate Chip and Bashful Blue.  TIP: Give the "markered" stamp a few huffs of breath before stamping to re-moisten the ink evenly. The flowers were stamped on Very Vanilla card stock.  I used Nestbilities Circles to crop out the flowers, Bashful Blue circle and Real Red scalloped circle.  The layered circle image was adhered to a strip of Chocolate Chip card stock (vertical).

The card base is Very Vanilla Textured card stock (4.25 x 5.5).  I layered Real Red Textured card stock on the right hand side.  On top, I layered Very Vanilla (textured) over Chocolate Chip.  TIP: An easy way to jazz up brads is to build them up with 1/4" and 1/2" circles.  The brads are from the Hodgepodge Hardware Styled Silver Kit from Stampin' Up!'s Occasions Mini.  TIP: I always use a Paper Piercer and Template to space and line brads up evenly.

Likewise, the label holder is from the same collection.   "Friend" was inked in Chocolate Chip and pumped up on Stampin' Dimensionals to fit neatly into the label holder.  TIP: I have mentioned this before but it's worth repeating.  Attach your sentiment first, then add the label holder and brads.  It's much easier to get things lined up.

Hugs and Happy Mother's Day to All . . . Mary

Click photo for a larger image :)

Stamp Sets:  Sweet Dreams (Hostess Level I), Fundamental Phrases
Paper:  Very Vanilla Textured, Real Red Textured, Chocolate Chip, Bashful Blue
Ink:  Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Chip and Bashful Blue Stampin' Write Markers
Cool Tools:  1/4 and 1/2" Circle Punches, Paper Piercer and Template (Crafter's Tool Kit), Nestabilities Circles, Cuttlebug
The Perfect Touch:  Hodgepodge Hardware Styled Silver Label Holder and Brads (Stampin' Up! Occasions Mini 2008), Stampin' Dimensionals

Da' Winner . . . Paper Potluck 2

Thank you to everyone who participated in Paper Potluck 2.  The Mother's Day gift ideas were both funny and moving (I had a few tears going on some).  For a little inspiration, take a peek here at the comments at the end of the post.  From craft ideas to pampering to just a peaceful day with the kids (and even tubal ligation--now there's one I wasn't expecting) . . . I'm confident they will make you smile.

Using a random number generator . . . . Ramona is the winner!!!!!!!   Ramona,  please email me your address in the next 48 hours and I'll pop your paper in the mail to you Monday.   I have a backup comment pulled in case Ramona misses out.

Here is Ramona's comment:

What a great topic Mary!  I love planning special days for my mom, and one of our best Mother's Days was brunch and a day spent exploring a nearby topiary garden.  It was beautiful this time of year and gave us special memories for years to come!

We actually looked at my Mother's Day bicycle today.  Hooray.  I couldn't quite decide on the perfect color (no surprises here) and need to pull the trigger tomorrow.  Even planning to get a basket so I can zip to the store or farmer's market.  Very exciting.

More importantly, I plan to have a quiet day at home tomorrow (husband and my one and only fourteen year old, Caroline) after picking out my bike choice, of course.  Divine :)

Hugs & Pretties . . . M

Happiness Is a 911 Card

911?  Any card that can easily be thrown together in less than 10 minutes qualifies for my Stamping 911 category.  This card is no exception.  It also follows the rule of today's Splitcoast Stampers' Limited Supplies Challenge (LSC167):  No Stamps.  Easy, schpeezy to do with rub-ons and die-cuts.

The card base is Stampin' Up!'s delicious textured card stock in Old Olive.  TIP:  Textured card stock gives a simple card depth and style.  The dimensions are 4 1/4" x 11" and scored at 5.5" (at the top).  I next layered a classy stripe from Summer Picnic Designer Series Paper.  TIP:  I covered the Pumpkin Pie stripe with the ribbon to keep the color scheme simple.

The Die Cut Blooms (also textured) pop out in seconds and are quite fun to mix and match flowers and centers.  This set is offered exclusively in the Stampin' Up! Occasions Mini, which expires 6/30.   Die-cut Blooms come in four 12 x 12 sheets, one each of Old Olive, Bashful Blue, Pumpkin Pie and Bashful Blue.  TIP: They coordinate especially well with Jersey Shore and Summer Picnic Designer Paper.  White Rub-Ons offer some zing to the flower center and a create a quick and crisp "happiness" sentiment.

The final touch is some Old Olive  5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon and a matching button.  TIP:  I added some white thread to the button because I always feel they look a little "naked"  without.   The flower was adhered to the card with some Stampin' Dimensionals for some 3-D action.  All in a flash.

Hugs and Pretties . . . . Mary

Stamp Sets:  None
Paper:  Old Olive Textured, Summer Picnic Designer Series
Ink:  None
Cool Tools:  None
The Perfect Touch:  Die Cut Blooms (Stampin' Up! Occasions Mini 2008), Old Olive 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, Earth Elements Button (Old Olive), Stampin' Dimensionals, Love & Happiness Rub-Ons (Sale-A-Bration), White Thread

More Blog Candy: Paper Potluck 2

Yes, for those of you who believe in second chances, I'm doing it again.  Between now and 7:00 p.m. CST on Saturday, May 10, please leave me a comment at the end of this post sharing your favorite Mother's Day gift idea (either given or received).  You'll automatically be eligible to win over fifty 6 x 6 pages of 2-sided patterned paper.  Paper Potluck I's delicious papers are on their way to Colleen--congrats, again!  For mailing purposes, domestic US only, please. 

In Paper Potluck 2, Stampin' Up!'s retired designer series paper (similar but different from Paper Potluck I):  Linen Prints, Dashing and Wintergreen.  There are also some inclusions (that are pretty groovy) that are not Stampin' Up!  Click any photo to zoom :)

Here are some close-ups.   Hugs and Happy Mother's Day! . . . . Mary

Stampin' Pretty Pastels

Spring pastels were the focus of this week's Splitcoast Stampers Color Challenge (CC165).  Lovely Lilac, Certainly Celery and Pretty in Pink had their chance to bloom in the form of the Simply Said stamp set.  Pink Bead centers were the perfect touch to get spring popping.  Note:  The Lovely Lilac color looks far more blue in this photo than in real life.  It's actually more purple. 

The Simply Said stems image was inked in Always Artichoke and stamped on Whisper White.  The petals were colored in with a Lovely Lilac Marker.  TIP:  For the bead centers, I placed a small drop of glue on the flower center and used my paper piercer (with bead "impaled") to carefully slide the bead off and onto the glue.  It's a good idea to hold it for a second or two for good adherence.  The sentiment from Simply Said was added in Always Artichoke.

The flower image was layered on Lovely Lilac Textured card stock, with vellum below. TIP: Using a Signo White Gel Pen, I added a dotted border to the vellum.  A simple and sophisticated touch.  Pretty in Pink Taffeta Ribbon pulls the look together

Using a Boho Blossoms Punch, I snapped out pink and celery flowers, layered them on 1 1/4" circle of Lovely Lilac and married them up with a celery brad.  TIP:  Everything gets a lift with some Stampin' Dimensionals below.

The base consists of Pretty in Pink Designer Series Paper (only exclusively as a Hostess Level I Prints Pack) and Certainly Celery Textured Card Stock layered over Whisper White and a card base of textured Lovely Lilac.

Let me know what you think.  Please drop me a comment at the end of this post.

Further Inkspiration:  The layout is from Julee at Poetic Artistry,  Mojo Monday Sketch Challenge #36

Stamp Sets:  Simply Said
Paper:  Lovely Lilac Textured, Certainly Celery Textured, Pretty in Pink Designer Series (Hostess Level I, Prints Pack), Whisper White, Vellum
Ink:  Always Artichoke, Lovely Lilac Marker
Cool Tools:  Boho Blossoms Punch, 1 1/4" Circle Punch
The Perfect Touch:  Bead Duos (Pink), Soft Subtles Brads (Certainly Celery), Signo White Gel Pen, Pretty in Pink Taffeta Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals

Paper Potluck I Winner!

Thank you to everyone who participated in my little patterned paper contest.  Over 80 comments.  So cool!  Using a random number generator . . . . Colleen  Moreland is the winner!!!!!!! Colleen, please email me your address in the next 48 hours and I'll pop your pretty pile of papers in the mail to you, pronto.   I have a backup comment pulled in case Colleen misses out.

Here is Colleen's comment:

"My favorite is the Berry Bliss.  I love the Cutie pie too,   I love it.
Thanks so much for all the ideas and wonderful cards you have displayed. I have learned so much. I can't wait to see your next idea!! Thanks again, Colleen Moreland"

Your top 5 favorite patterned papers (all Stampin' Up!--it's a conspiracy) starting with the most votes:

1.  Summer Picnic   2.  Berry Bliss  3.  Ginger Blossom   4.  Jersey Shore   5.  Afternoon  Tea

And my current favorite?  I'm digging Afternoon Tea.  However, I'm a tad schizophrenic on a favorite from day to day.  It was Jersey Shore last week.  The sleeper . . . no one chose Spring Break . . . I think it's gorgeous and deserves a little attention . . . it's on my wish list.

Hugs and Pretties . . . . M

COMING UP: Didn't win?  Don't despair . . . Paper Potluck II is coming later this week :)