Stampin' Up! Demonstrator - Mary Fish, Stampin' Pretty Blog, Stampin' Up! Card Ideas & Tutorials

Groovy Little Things

Groovy Guava will be the retiring Stampin' Up! In Color I will miss most (although Purely Pomegranate is a close second).  I indulged in this week's Splitcoast Sketch and Color Challenges (Whisper White, Sahara Sand and Groovy Guava) to get a few more groove-a-licious doses in before the big retirement date of Aug. 10.  TIP:  Want some inspiration?  Daily Splitcoast challenges are listed on my right side bar for your convenience.  Be sure to check the status of Stampin' Up!'s Retired Stamp List and Accessories if you still plan to order.  Much has sold out :)

So I grabbed my sumptuous Groovy Guava Designer Series Paper, came up with placement and accessories to use on today's card and realize, I don't own the Sahara Sand Ink Pad.  How could this be in a household filled to the brim with all things SU (and beyond)?   But wait, I have the Sahara Sand marker . . . my hero.

I inked up "enjoy" from Enjoy Every Moment with my marker and stamped it on Whisper White. TIP:  A few warms "huffs" help to keep the ink moist before stamping. The image takes shape and is embossed using my new Nestabilities Long Rectangles and a Cuttlebug.  Cool.  The "o" in "enjoy" is a flower from the same set (stamped in Groovy Guava), emancipated with a 3/4" Circle Punch and layered on Sahara Sand (Nestabilities Circles). 

The flower gets some lift with Stampin' Dimensionals and stick on pearls for the center and the dot on the "j."  I inked "the little things" with my Sahara Sand Marker (double hero bonus points), stamped it on Sahara Sand and popped it out with a key Tag Punch (layered under neath).

I made strips of Groovy Guava Designer Series Polka Dot paper and layered them on Whisper White. I matted my trio on a background of Sahara Sand and Whisper White card stock. 

The final touches were adding some Groovy Guava Double Stitched Ribbon (yes, the Stay Put Bow method) and snipping the ends for a little pizzazz (as I often admire on my friend Silke's fanciful creations).  The bottom left corner gets a snippet of attention using my Crop-a-Dile and Sahara Sand Eyelets.  TIP: I prefer to add eyelets (and brads) just short of the final card base so that they go through the Groovy Guava stripe paper but don't poke through the inside of the card.  Groovy Guava (5.5 x 4.25) card base.

Don't miss Stampin' Up!'s 25% Off Retiresment Sale on Select Accessories while supplies last.

Hugs and Pretties . . . . M

Stamp Set:  Enjoy Every Moment
Paper:  Groovy Guava Designer Series, Groovy Guava, Sahara Sand, Whisper White
Ink:  Stampin' Up! Sahara Sand Marker
Cool Tools:  Crop-A-Dile, Key Tag Punch, Nestabilities Long Rectangles, Cuttlebug
The Perfect Touch:  Groovy Guava Double Stitched Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals, Eyelets (Basics), Stick-On Pearls

Stampin' Up! Kiwi Happiness

So where do you find inspiration?  The "inkspiration" for this card evolved from Poetic Artistry's Mojo Monday Sketch, while the colors and texture were inspired by a J. Crew catalog cover that arrived in the mail today.  Although I have long-since outgrown their youthful style, J. Crew catties perpetually offer fresh and unique color combinations.

Using the soon to be released (Aug. 11) Fall Flair stamp set (Hostess Level 2), I stamped the flower, Basic Gray ink on Kiwi Kiss card stock.  I snipped it out and adhered it with Stampin' Dimensionals to a circle of Going Gray, followed by Basic Gray and concluding with a scalloped circle of Whisper White (all created using Nestabilities Circles).  TIP:  Here's the Cuttlebug sandwich that I prefer with my Nestabilities. 

The horizontal banner is a combination of Basic Gray (dark) and Going Gray (light).  I stamped the "happiness" sentiment (new "Heard from the Heart") with Versamark and heat embossed with White Embossing Powder.  TIP:  White embossing powder really pops on darker card stock.  The Going Gray mat is shaped up using Stampin' Up!'s Scallop Edge Punch (release date Aug. 11). Check out my tutorial and details on this "must have" punch.

The card base is 5.5 x 4.25 in luscious Basic Gray Textured card stock. The Kiwi Kiss panel took on a Paisley "terrain" after zipping through a Cuttlebug.  The final touch was Stampin' Up's beautiful Basic Gray Taffeta Ribbon, easily locked into place using the Stay Put Bow method.  TIP:  For your convenience, I created "Links I Love" on my right side bar to keep some of my favorite tips and tutorials handy (including the Stay Put Bow and the Nestabilities Sandwich referred to in this post). 

SHHHHHH:  I saw more glimpses today of the Stampin' Up!'s Fall/Winter catalog.  The designer paper is the best ever and I'm hot to trot on purchasing the new punches (in addition to the the Scallop Edge I already own):  Scalloped Square Punch, Curly Label Punch and a 1 3/4" Circle Punch.  Yes, Hodgepodge Hardware will be back (like the kit in the Mini Occasions catalog last spring) in Styled Silver and a new Vanilla finish. You can expect new Flower Fusion colors, lots of rub-ons and an exciting variety of stamp sets.  Check out my Fall/Winter Sneak Peek samples :)

Hugs and Pretties . . . . M

Stamp Set:  Fall Flair (Hostess Level 2), Heard from the Heart
Paper:  Basic Gray Textured and Smooth, Going Gray, Kiwi Kiss, Whisper White
Ink:  Basic Gray, Versamark
Cool Tools: Scallop Edge Punch, Heat Tool, Nestabilities Circles, Cuttlebug, Paisley Embossing Folder
The Perfect Touch:  Basic Gray Taffeta Ribbon, White Embossing Powder, Stampin' Dimensionals

My Dear Friend Sandy

My dear friend Sandy made me this gorgeous card.  Talk about the "wow" factor of receiving something homemade.  Sandy and I have never met face-to-face--she's just does nice things. 

In August, 2007, I had never heard of a blog.  However, when I joined Stampin' Up! in September, 2007, I was determined to combine my passion for stamping and card making with a business model that would allow me to work any time of day.  After doing a little virtual research,  I started my Stampin' Pretty blog last November, not really certain of what I was getting into.  As I approach 100,000 visits, it's time to reflect a wee bit on the last 8 months.

I spend roughly 6 or 8 hours a day (yes, everyday) creating, blogging and helping customers and my fabulous demonstrators (my down line relationships are all virtual-we rock).  It's a big commitment.  On many occasions, my family has observed me begging (and, I must confess, swearing at) the computer, trying to get my arms around the thoroughly frustrating technology learning curve.  But, I love it all.  Not only do I get my artistic "fix" making the cards, I have made many friends from almost every inch of the planet.  My virtual stamping pals are my delightful but entirely unexpected surprise since having created Stampin' Pretty.

So this post is dedicated to Sandy and all the sweethearts (demos, customers, readers) that leave me a kind comment, subscribe to my updates, email me a question or idea, have ever read a post or hit my Live Help button to chat with me in real time (sometimes at midnight, when I'm up late stamping).  I'm sincerely humbled by you :)

And, yes, I'm planning a "supreme" blog candy giveaway at 100,000 visits . . . stay tuned :)

Hugs and Gratitude . . . Mary Fish

Note:  Sandy advised me that she CASE'd this 5.25 x 5.25" card from an example on the internet but doesn't recall whom to credit.  If anyone knows, please email me the link and I'll be sure to update this post.

Stamp Set:  All Holidays
Paper:  Soft Sky, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White
Ink:  Chocolate Chip
Cool Tools:  Cuttlebug, Nestabilities Rectangles, Swiss Dots Embossing Folder
The Perfect Touch:  Styled Silver Hodgepodge Hardware Label Holder and Brads,  Chocolate Chip Satin Ribbon

Bella in the Window

She's just the cutest.  This little gal is perched on the window of one of my favorite stamp sets for Stampin' Up!'s Fall/Winter catalog (available Aug. 11), Window Dressing (Hostess Level 3).  She's stamped in Close to Cocoa, dolled up with a Blender Pen (Kiwi Kiss for her bow and Pink Pirouette cheeks) and snipped out to land on a Stampin' Dimensional (for ideal window watching).

The window is first stamped in Close to Cocoa on Whisper White and colored using a Blender Pen and Cameo Coral Ink.  The window is stamped a second time on Bella Rose Designer Series Paper (also available Aug. 11).  I snipped out the window centers to create the wallpaper in her window. TIP:  Please don't feel you need to combine the new In Colors solely with each other . . . there are 48 Stampin' Up! colors outside of the In Colors (like Cameo Coral) . . . all ready to pair up for a happy marriage. 

The layout is inspired by this fabulous design by my talented friend Silke of My Life.  I layered the main image on Kiwi Kiss card stock and adhered it with Stampin' Dimensionals on layers of Whisper White (embossed with a Cuttlebug and Swiss Dots Embossing Folder) and Cameo Coral.

The 4.25 x 5.5 Whisper White card base is covered by the Bella Rose Designer Series polka dot.  TIP:  For a fun variation, this layer could be a contrasting pattern with the wallpaper in the window (or vice versa).  There are some wonderful flower patterns in Bella Rose that would be charming.  Today my mood was more monochromatic.

The "thank you" sentiment is from Wow Flowers.  I added a 1/4" circle of Cameo Coal Textured card stock to the center.   It's shaped up with a 1 1/4" Circle Punch, followed by a 1 3/8" Circle Punch and Close to Cocoa Scalloped Circle.

She's watching you :)

Hugs and Pretties . . . M

Stamp Set:  Window Dressing (Hostess Level 3), Wow Flowers
Paper:  Bella Rose Designer Series, Whisper White, Kiwi Kiss, Cameo Coral
Ink:  Close to Cocoa, Cameo Coral
Punch Bunch:  1/4" Circle Punch, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, Scallop Circle Punch
Cool Tools:  Blender Pen, Cuttlebug, Cuttlebug Swiss Dots Embossing Folder
The Perfect Touch: Stampin' Dimensionals

Stampin' Up! Wow

Another Stampin' Up! Fall/Winter stamp set gets it's first chance to play on Stampin' Pretty today . . . Wow Flowers (available Aug. 11).  For $12.95, this little set packs a stamp happy punch for birthdays and thank yous.  However,  punches are the key to making this card quick and fun!

The Happy Birthday circle was stamped (in Blue Bayou) on Whisper White card stock.  Things get pretty "punchy" from there. I zapped the sentiment out with a 1 1/4" Circle Punch, followed by a Wild Wasabi 1 3/8" Circle and a Scallop Circle Punch of Soft Sky.  Dead center is a Pumpkin Pie Boho Blossom with a 1/4" Circle for it's belly (in Blue Bayou card stock). 

The horizontal banner consists of more Boho flower punches in Wild Wasabi with Blue Bayou centers . . .all layered along with the main image on a strip of Pumpkin Pie Textured card stock.  Spring Break Designer Paper provides the polka dot and stripe background.  Oh, how I'm going to miss that gorgeous polka dot when this paper retires Aug. 10--sooner if supplies run out.   For a current list of  what's still available or now sold out from Stampin' Up!'s retiring supplies, please click Updated Retiring Accessories.  These select accessories are on sale for 25% off.   Note all Hodgepodge Hardware kits (all three finishes) have sold out.

The Spring Break paper is layered over Whisper White card stock.  A beautiful piece of Pumpkin Pie 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon ties things up.  The 4.25 x 5.5 card base is created with Wild Wasabi Textured card stock.

Here's a link to all my Stampin' Up! Fall/Winter Sneak Peeks!

Hugs and Pretties . . . . M

COMING UP:  Best Dressed Window (Fall/Winter Hostess Level 3)

Stamp Set:  Wow Flowers
Paper:  Spring Break Designer Series, Wild Wasabi Textured, Pumpkin Pie Textured, Soft Sky, Whisper White, Blue Bayou
Ink:  Blue Bayou
Punch Bunch:  1 1/4" Circle Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, 1/4" Circle Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, Boho Blossom Punch
The Perfect Touch:  Pumpkin Pie 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon

A Flair for Stampin' Up!

I decided to play along with this week's Splitcoast Featured Stamper Challenge FS76.  SCS Member susiestampalot has a gorgeous gallery and I opted to take inspiration from her layout in this card.  I changed the colors, grabbed my new Fall Flair stamp set (Hostess Level 2) and gave it a modern twist.  To see all my Stampin' Up! Fall/Winter Sneak Peek samples (available Aug. 11), click here.

Pacific Point (Fall/Winter In Color Collection), More Mustard and Very Vanilla take the stage.  I stamped the  Pacific Point (blue) flower on Very Vanilla card stock and added blue Robin's Nest Dewdrops (Cowboy Collection) for their centers.  I also inked the leaf stamp in Pacific Point and stamped it on More Mustard.  I snipped it out and mounted in on Stampin' Dimensionals for some 3-D action.  The image is matted on layers of Pacific Point and More Mustard card stock.

The horizontal banner offers another flower from the Fall Flair set.  It's inked in More Mustard and stamped on Very Vanilla card stock.   Using a template, I paper pierced along the top and bottom. 

My fourth (and favorite flower) image from this set was inked in Very Vanilla Craft Ink and stamped on Pacific Point card stock.  TIP:  Using Very Vanilla (or Whisper White) Craft Ink on a deep colors or dark card stock produces a lovely softness--the perfect balance for a background against a powerful main image. TIP:  I matted the Pacific Point layer on Very Vanilla card stock, purposely making it about a 1/4" extra wide.  This gave me an opportunity to run two rows of paper piercing, to keep things more interesting and unify the piercing of the horizontal banner.

The sentiment "sparkle" is from Warm Words.  It was dipped in Pacific Point ink and stamped on More Mustard card stock.  I punched it out with Stampin' Up!'s Small Oval Punch, which fits neatly into the Styled Silver label holder (only available in the Hodgepodge Hardware Kit from the expired Occasions Mini--I'm hoping this wonderful set returns in the Fall/Winter catalog on Aug. 11).  TIP:  A couple Circle Rhinestone Brads (Ice Collection) add some instant dazzle.  Everything was assembled together and adhered to a luscious More Mustard Textured card base (5.5 x 4.25").

Hugs and Pretties . . . . M

COMING UP:  Another Fall/Winter reveal--Wow Flowers

Stamp Set: Fall Flair (Hostess Level 2, Fall/Winter), Warm Words
Paper:  More Mustard Textured, Very Vanilla, Pacific Point
Ink:  More Mustard, Pacific Point
Cool Tools:  Small Oval Punch, Paper Piercer and Template (Stampin' Up!'s Crafter's Tool Kit)
The Perfect Touch:  Stampin' Dimensionals, Styled Silver Hodgepodge Hardware, Circle Rhinestone Brads (Ice), Robin's Nest Dewdrops (Cowboy)

Sweet Dreams Gets Wired

How about a quick and easy card?  My Stamping 911 category offers just that . . . cards you can create in 10 minutes or less.  Click here to see other Stamping 911 samples.  Today's card qualifies in a flash.

The little Chocolate Chip garden plucks it's inspiration from Stampin' Up!'s Sweet Dreams Set (Hostess Level I).  I repeated the stamp moving left to right in Chocolate Chip ink on Whisper White card stock.  Hodgepodge Hardware brads accent each corner.  I next adhered it to Wild Wasabi Designer Paper (only available in the Prints Pack Hostess Level I) and wrapped it in Stampin' Up!'s sumptuous 5/8" Chocolate Chip Grosgrain.  Both hostess sets are approaching retirement on Aug. 10.  Here's a download of the complete Retired Stamp List by Page Number.

These adorable wire swirls are from the Pewter Hodgepodge Hardware Kit (along with the brads used above).  Two of the three finishes in the hardware kits are sold out as of this a.m. (Pewter and Antique Brass).  Aged Copper (which I think is a beautiful sleeper) is still available at 25% off, (I know you may be tired of this phrase) "while supplies last."  Here are the latest updates on what's still available on Stampin' Up!'s Retired Accessories List.  I also have this link conveniently posted (and updated) for your viewing pleasure in the top right of my blog under "Last Chance."  Update 7/23 at 10:45 p.m.:  Aged Copper Hodgepodge Hardware is also sold out.

The sentiment is from Sweet Dreams, given independence with the assistance of a Key Tag Punch and some Stampin' Dimensionals.  The whole concoction is adhered to a 3 3/4" x 6" card base of Bordering Blue Textured card stock.

Ahhh . . . the luxury of a quick card :)

If you don't want to miss out on any of the retiring stamp sets or accessories, you can place your order with Stampin' Pretty (me) by clicking here.

Hugs and Pretties . . . . Mary

COMING UP:  You got it!  More Stampin' Up! Fall Winter Sneak Peeks.  Here's a link to prior Fall/Winter Sneak Peeks.

Stamp Sets:  Sweet Dreams (Hostess Level I)
Paper:  Wild Wasabi Designer Series (Hostess Level I), Whisper White, Bordering Blue Textured
Ink:  Chocolate Chip
Cool Tools:  Key Tag Punch
The Perfect Touch:  Hodgepodge Hardware (Pewter Brads and Wire Swirls), Stampin' Dimensionals, Chocolate Chip 5/8" Grosgrain

The New In Colors: Life After Pomegranate

Posting Stampin' Up!'s Retired Accessories List and Sale has created quite a frenzy of customers wanting to place their final orders for their favorite Stampin' Up! supplies and the current In Color inks, card stock, ribbon and designer papers.  I'm with you.  Get them while you can :)

However, I want to assure you that the Fall/Winter In Color Collection (to be released Aug. 11), including Pink Pirouette, Riding Hood Red, Kiwi Kiss, Tangerine Tango, Pacific Point and Baja Blue, promises to be a wonderful addition to your stamping collection.  I simply can't wait to see more designer series paper and combinations using these exciting colors.

Today's post reveals Stampin' Up!'s new Fall/Winter stamp set, Fall Flair (Hostess Level 2).  It highlights four out of the six new In Colors, all but Baja Blue and Pink Pirouette (not that I don't love them just the same).  TIP: The highly saturated In Colors produce a clean and beautiful contrast when combined with the Whisper White Textured card stock.  Very chic.

The two flowers and leaf from Fall Flair are stamped on various In Colors, punched out with a 1 1/4" Square Punch and matted on a contrasting color shaped with the 1 3/8" Square Punch.  I stamped the "red" flower a second time (Pacific Point on Pacific Point card stock) and snapped it out with a 1/4" Circle Punch for a nifty flower center. The sentiment (from It's All Good) was inked in Pacific Point and stamped on Whisper White (talk about fabulous coverage . . . ooo la la).  It's punched similarly to the other three and matted on Pacific Point card stock.

All four squares were mounted on a banner of Kiwi Kiss, Pacific Point and Riding Hood Red card stock.  TIP:  Every other square is mounted on Stampin' Dimensionals to create a little architecture.   TIP:  Using a Paper Piercer and Template (Stampin' Up!'s Crafter's Tool Kit), I was able to line up neat little entry points for my Real Red brads and tuck them in.

The banner was mounted on a 4.25 x 5.5 card base of Whisper White Textured card stock.  I layered a delicious strip of Tangerine Tango, brought to life with Whisper White 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon.  TIP:  This is the same ribbon I used create color coordinated ribbon with Pink Pirouette, here.

So don't despair over saying goodbye to the current In Colors.  Change is good.  Life is good.  The new In Colors will be divine. 

Hugs and Pretties . . . M

Stamp Set: Fall Flair (Fall/Winter Hostess Level 2), It's All Good
Paper:  Whisper White Textured, Whisper White, Riding Hood Red, Kiwi Kiss, Pacific Point, Tangerine Tango
Ink:  Riding Hood Red, Kiwi Kiss, Pacific Point, Tangerine Tango
Cool Tools:  Paper Piercer and Template (Crafter's Tool Kit), 1 1/4" and 1 3/8" Square Punches, 1/4" Circle Punch
The Perfect Touch:  Whisper White 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Bold Brights Brads (Real Red), Stampin' Dimensionals

Cool Storage Tins on Sale While Supplies Last!

Need an adorable storage or gift idea?   Stampin' Up! is offering these trés cool empty storage boxes (Product #114673) for just $3.95 each while supplies last.  It's 10.5" wide x 6.5" high x 3" deep and there is a removable plastic storage molding inside.  They have been running hot, hot, hot on my Stampin' Pretty order button.  Gotta have one (or a bunch)? Order on-line here.

Storage ideas:

1. Card kits 
2. Card and recipe swaps
3. Ribbon or ribbon scraps
4. Paper scraps
5. Ink refills 
6. Ink cartridges 
7. Punches
8. SNAIL adhesive and refills 
9. Scissors, paper snips, and Craft & Rubber scissors
10. Two heat tools
11. Glitter 
12. Embossing powder 
13. Project holder: when you have everything cut out for a project, you have all the pieces in the box so that you can take it with you to assemble
14. Beads
15. Buttons
16. Eyelets
17. Marker case, such as for journal pens, blender pens, aqua pens, etc.

Nonstamping ideas/uses:

1. Jewelry box 
2. Pencils, pens, and crayons
3. Candy 
4. First aid box
5. Lunch box: you can use our Crop-A-Dile to punch holes to attach a handle
6. Small sewing items
7. Recipes
8. Hair clips, ponytail holders, etc.
9. Box to hold nails and screws
10. Small tool box
11. Pedicure kit
12. Small toys
13. Sentimental keepsakes
14. Gift box: line it with tissue paper and fill it with homemade cookies for a friend!

Stampin' Up! Retiring Accessories

Items on Stampin' Up!'s discontinued (retiring) accessories list will be available while supplies last or through August 10, whichever comes first.  Please keep in mind that the status of any product may change quickly based on demand.  I will be updating availability under the Retiring Accessories list on the top right of my blog under "Last Chance!"  Items have sold out since I posted this a.m. so please be sure to watch for updates!

Don't miss Stampin' Up!'s  25% Off Sale on select accessories.  Sale items are marked below with an asterisk.

Last updated July 28,  1:00 p.m. CST

Item Number	Page #	Product Description	Availability
109200	177	Accents & Elements Build A Flower	Not Available
110718	177	Accents & Elements Lucky Star
110719	177	Accents & Elements Messenger
103158	184	Acrylic Graph & Grid
108638	163	Card Stock 12 X 12 In Color
108642	163	Card Stock 8-1/2 X 11 Blue Bayou
108643	163	Card Stock 8-1/2 X 11 Groovy Guava
108637	163	Card Stock 8-1/2 X 11 In Color
108640	163	Card Stock 8-1/2 X 11 River Rock
108639	163	Card Stock 8-1/2 X 11 Soft Sky
108641	163	Card Stock 8-1/2 X 11 Wild Wasabi	Not Available
108644	163	Card Stock 8-1/2 X 11 Purely Pomegranate	Not Available
103975	166	Card Stock Brushed Copper	Not Available
108694	163	Card Stock Textured 12 X 12 In Color
107312	167	Cards & Envelopes Gift Whisper White
107292	167	Cards & Envelopes Greeting Whisper White
109116	167	Notes & Envelopes Long Notes
109118	167	Notes & Envelopes Love Notes
109117	167	Notes & Envelopes Pocket Notes*	Not Available
110729	167	Notes & Envelopes Scallop Notes
109119	167	Notes & Envelopes Gift Notes
109018	163	Classic Stampin' Ink Blue Bayou	Not Available
109019	163	Classic Stampin' Ink Groovy Guava
109017	163	Classic Stampin' Ink Purely Pomegranate	Not Available
109016	163	Classic Stampin' Ink River Rock	Not Available
109015	163	Classic Stampin' Ink Soft Sky
109020	163	Classic Stampin' Ink Wild Wasabi	Not Available
109013	163	Classic Stampin' Pad Blue Bayou
109012	163	Classic Stampin' Pad Groovy Guava
109011	163	Classic Stampin' Pad Purely Pomegranate
109010	163	Classic Stampin' Pad River Rock
109009	163	Classic Stampin' Pad Soft Sky
109014	163	Classic Stampin' Pad Wild Wasabi
110751	171	Designer Series Paper Azure*
110696	169	Designer Series Paper Bali Breeze
110749	169	Designer Series Paper Berry Bliss
109154	169	Designer Series Paper Cutie Pie
110699	168	Designer Series Paper East Coast Prep*
109160	170	Designer Series Paper Fall Flowers	Not Available
109159	169	Designer Series Paper Flowers For You*
110697	169	Designer Series Paper Ginger Blossom
110479	168	Designer Series Paper Jersey Shore*
109151	170	Designer Series Paper Le Jardin
110748	170	Designer Series Paper Notebook*
110750	171	Designer Series Paper Olive Press
109153	170	Designer Series Paper Porcelain Prints*	Not Available
109175	171	Designer Series Paper Prints Almost Amethyst*	Not Available
109177	171	Designer Series Paper Prints Always Artichoke
109173	171	Designer Series Paper Prints Blue Bayou
109174	171	Designer Series Paper Prints Brilliant Blue
109178	171	Designer Series Paper Prints Certainly Celery
109169	171	Designer Series Paper Prints Close to Cocoa*	Not Available
109168	171	Designer Series Paper Prints Groovy Guava*	Not Available
109171	171	Designer Series Paper Prints Lovely Lilac
109172	171	Designer Series Paper Prints More Mustard
109176	171	Designer Series Paper Prints Old Olive
109170	171	Designer Series Paper Prints Pumpkin Pie	Not Available
109164	171	Designer Series Paper Prints River Rock*
109167	171	Designer Series Paper Prints Rose Red
109166	171	Designer Series Paper Prints So Saffron
109165	171	Designer Series Paper Prints Soft Sky
109163	171	Designer Series Paper Prints Tempting Turquoise	Not Available
110698	168	Designer Series Paper Spring Break
110273	169	Designer Series Paper Spring Fling*
110271	170	Designer Series Paper Spring Silhouettes
110272	170	Designer Series Paper Western Sky
107299	167	Envelope Confetti Cream Medium
105320	189	Eyelets Basic
100375	189	Eyelets Bold Brights
100381	189	Eyelets Earth Elements
107233	189	Eyelets Fresh Favorites I
107234	189	Eyelets Fresh Favorites II
105316	189	Eyelets Rich Regals
100378	189	Eyelets Soft Subtles	Not Available
105515	188	Hodgepodge Hardware Pewter	Not Available
105531	188	Hodgepodge Hardware Antique Brass	Not Available
105532	188	Hodgepodge Hardware Aged Copper	Not Available
101120	183	Metallic Art Pencils
107307	179	On Board Accents
109181	178	On Board Blossoms & Basic
109179	178	On Board Ginormous Pieces
107306	179	On Board Simon Lower
102678	166	Mulberry Paper White	Not Available
109227	181	Punch Box Three For You
102686	180	Punch Handheld Rectangle
100271	183	Pure Color Pencils
109060	191	Ribbon Double-Stitched Blue Bayou	Not Available
109063	191	Ribbon Double-Stitched Groovy Guava	Not Available
109061	191	Ribbon Double-Stitched Purely Pomegranate	Not Available
109062	191	Ribbon Double-Stitched River Rock*
109059	191	Ribbon Double-Stitched Soft Sky
109058	191	Ribbon Double-Stitched Wild Wasabi	Not Available
109189	190	Ribbon Originals Beachfront*
109187	190	Ribbon Originals District*
109188	190	Ribbon Originals Fairy Tale
109185	190	Ribbon Originals Jersey*
109184	190	Ribbon Originals Sherbert
109186	190	Ribbon Originals Theater
110716	191	Ribbon Striped Grosgrain Wild Wasabi*
110281	182	Rub-Ons Cherished Memories*
110284	182	Rub-Ons Eastern Elegance*
110285	182	Rub-Ons Urban West*
110557	174	Simply Scrappin' Boho Blend
109610	174	Simply Scrappin' Confetti
110572	172	Simply Scrappin' Crew Kids Boy
110567	173	Simply Scrappin' Crew Kids Girl
109597	175	Simply Scrappin' Home Again
110562	174	Simply Scrappin' Rose Cottage
109648	173	Simply Scrappin' Special Delivery Boy
109627	173	Simply Scrappin' Special Delivery Girl	Not Available
110587	175	Simply Scrappin' Summer Days
110577	175	Simply Scrappin' Tie The Knot
111184	15	Simply Sent Friendly Notes
109228	16	Simply Sent Simple Delights	Not Available
109229	16	Simply Sent Three Thoughts	Not Available
106662	197	Stampin'Around Wheel Daisy Field
107561	197	Stampin'Around Wheel Garden Annuals
109681	197	Stampin'Around Wheel Good Dog
109678	197	Stampin'Around Wheel Kisses
107482	197	Stampin'Around Wheel Lily Pad
109680	197	Stampin'Around Wheel Meow
109677	197	Stampin'Around Wheel Mistletoe	Not Available
106610	196	Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheel Basics Outline
107467	196	Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheel Birthday
109571	196	Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheel Dilly Dally Baby
109570	196	Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheel Dilly Dally Friends
109569	196	Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheel Dilly Dally Party
108423	196	Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheel Leaves A La Carte	Not Available
107468	196	Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheel Nature Hike
108980	196	Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheel Petals
107464	196	Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheel Rough Texture	Not Available
111261	196	Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheel Spunky Spots
109554	193	Stampin' Color Index Labels
106694	194	Stampin' Kids Markers
101399	185	Stipple Brushes	Not Available
102673	183	Zig Painty

*Items marked with an asterisk are 25% off and part of Stampin' Up!'s Retiring Accessories Sale!

Uptown Girl

My previous sock monkey  was feeling a little lonely in my photo gallery.  So he consulted eHarmony and found his perfect match.  She's an uptown girl, bedecked in hat and splashy polka dot ensemble.  The stamps used are from Stampin' Up!'s Sock Monkey, available for purchase from the Fall/Winter Catalog beginning Aug. 11.   Also, please don't miss Stampin' Up!'s Retired Accessories Sale, posted today!

My lovely girl was stamped 3 times (yes, she's high maintenance, too) in Basic Black (Ginger Blossoms Designer Series Paper, Very Vanilla and River Rock) and paper pieced together.  Snip snippety.  TIP:  Her luscious lips were an additional stamp onto Ruby Red card stock.  I employed Stampin' Up's Basic Black Marker to isolate and stamp just her mouth.  No need to ink the whole stamp up.

She needed a few feminine touches so I gave her a glamorous fringe of eyelashes with the assistance of a Basic Black Marker and punched out a fashion forward hat.  TIP:  The hat is simply a combination of the Large Oval Punch and a 3/4" Circle Punch. I used a hobby blade to ad a small slit and slipped in on her head. 

The flowers were each stamped in Basic Black and colored with Ruby Red and Always Artichoke Stampin' Up! Markers.  They were snipped out and each topped with an adhesive pearl.

The 5 1/2 x 4 1/4" card base features a Very Vanilla layer which was run through my Cuttlebug along with the D'vine Swirl Embossing Folder.  TIP:  A little Basic Black card stock is wedged between the two for instant impact.

The horizontal panel is layers of Basic Black, River Rock and Ruby Red.  The River Rock layer was transformed in a flash using Stampin' Up!'s soon to be released Scallop Edge Punch.  Tutorial and details here.  The vertical banner lends the limelight to the heart stamp from this collection, stamped 3 times on Ruby Red card stock.  The "just for you" sentiment was broken up into individual words by isolating each with a Basic Black Marker.  Each heart was trimmed out and mounted on 1 1/4" Squares followed by a 1 3/8" x 5 1/8" strip of Basic Black card stock. 

Won't my sock monkeys make a handsome couple?  Hmmm . . .  that just gave me an idea for a wedding card :)

Hugs and Pretties . . . . Mary

Stamp Set:  Sock Monkey
Paper:  Ginger Blossoms Designer Series, River Rock, Basic Black, Very Vanilla, Ruby Red
Ink:  Basic Black, Stampin' Up! Markers:  Ruby Red, Always Artichoke, Basic Black
Cool Tools: Cuttlebug, D'Vine Swirls Embossing Folder
Punch Bunch: Scallop Edge Punch, Large Oval Punch, 3/4" Circle Punch, 1 1/4" Square Punch
The Perfect Touch: Adhesive Pearls (non-SU). 

Select Retiring Accessories 25% Off!

NEWS FLASH!!!  Stampin' Up just announced the following list of retiring accessories (including the delightful Jersey Shore Designer Series paper in my sample) are now discounted 25%, while supplies last.  If there's something you're "wild about" and you would love to save 25%, you can easily purchase Stampin' Up! on-line by clicking my order form. 

Stay Tuned . . . . The complete Stampin' Up! announcement of retiring accessories will be released tomorrow (and posted promptly on this blog).   Here's the Stampin' Up! Spring/Summer Catalog for quick page reference!

Item #    Page    Description                             New Price

109117	167	Pocket Notes assortment	$9.95	$7.46
110479	168	Jersey Shore Designer Series paper	$9.95	$7.46
110699	168	East Coast Prep Designer Series paper	$9.95	$7.46
109159	169	Flowers For You  Designer Series paper	$9.95	$7.46
110273	169	Spring Fling Designer Series paper	$9.95	$7.46
110748	170	Notebook Designer Series paper	$9.95	$7.46
109153	170	Porcelain Prints Designer Series paper	$9.95	$7.46
110751	171	Azure Designer Series paper	$9.95	$7.46
109164	171	River Rock Prints Designer Series paper	$9.95	$7.46
109175	171	Almost Amethyst Prints Designer Series paper	$9.95	$7.46
109168	171	Groovy Guava Prints Designer Series paper	$9.95	$7.46
109169	171	Close to Cocoa Prints Designer Series paper	$9.95	$7.46
110284	182	Eastern Elegance Rub-Ons	$10.95	$8.21
110285	182	Urban West Rub-Ons	$10.95	$8.21
110281	182	Cherished Memories Rub-Ons	$10.95	$8.21
109185	190	Jersey Ribbon Originals	$12.95	$9.71
109187	190	District Ribbon Originals	$12.95	$9.71
109189	190	Beachfront Ribbon Originals	$12.95	$9.71
110716	191	Wild Wasabi striped grosgrain ribbon	$7.95	$5.96
109062	191	River Rock double-stitched grosgrain ribbon	$8.95	$6.71

Stamp Set: Wild About You (107371)
Paper: Whisper White (100730), Brilliant Blue (100721), Bashful Blue (105120), Pumpkin Pie (105117), Wild Wasabi Textured (Assorted In Color Textured, 108694), Jersey Shore Designer Series (110479)
Ink: Pumpkin Pie Ink Pad (105216) and Marker (105115), Brilliant Blue Ink Pad (100691) and Marker (100057), Wild Wasabi (109014)
Cool Tools: Circle Punches: Scallop (109043), 3/4" (104403)and 1" (109046), 1 3/8" (104401)
Perfect Touches: Flower Fusion (Pumpkin Pie Felt Flower, 110720), Soft Subtles Assorted Brads (Bashful Blue, 106954)

Bella Rose Mini Tote

I saw this charming 5 1/4" high mini tote (perfect for a small gift or party favor) on Cindy Lawrence's The Creative Closet and immediately put it in my "must do" pile.  Complete "how to" details are in this tutorial by Diana Gibbs of Stampin' with Di.

Ciao Bella!  The sweet designer series paper is Bella Rose, soon to be released in Stampin' Up!'s Fall/Winter catalog on Aug. 11.  The flip side of the 2 sided paper (and the inside of this tote) is a sophisticated Kiwi Kiss Polka Dot.  The remaining Bella Rose patterns range from a more formal rose to a bold Riding Hood Red and Pink Pirouette polka dot.

I used the new Scallop Edge Punch to create the decorative Kiwi Kiss border (deliciously efficient).  The 5-Petal Kiwi Kiss flowers were embossed with Swiss Dots and topped with a debut of Stampin' Up!'s decorative Bouquet Buttons.  TIP:  I used Mini Glue Dots for a full-proof connection between the button and the card stock.  TIP:  This is in the tutorial but it's so cool I don't want you to miss it . . . I used skinny slivers of Kiwi Kiss as perfectly coordinated "thread" for the buttons.  I very carefully tied them but they are a tad fragile . . . you might need to practice a couple times (I did).  You can always opt to have the "thread" reversed like a finished button.

The Round Tab Punches at the top are in Kiwi Kiss.  The tutorial suggests using a 1/4" Circle Punch to create the holes for the ribbon.  TIP:  Maybe I'm missing something here but mine wouldn't go through two layers so I grabbed my Crop-a-dile and used the larger punch, lickety split.  I also learned that Bravo Burgundy 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon is so close to the reds in the pattern that I happily skipped the added step of dying ribbon to match. 

Hugs and Pretties . . . . M

Paper:  Bella Rose Designer Series, Kiwi Kiss
Cool Tools:  Round Tab Punch, 5 Petal Punch, Scallop Edge Punch, Crop-a-dile, Cuttlebug, Cuttlebug Swiss Dots Embossing Folder
The Perfect Touch:  Bouquet Buttons, Bravo Burgundy 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon

Heading for Stampin' Up! Retirement

With more sneak peeks on the horizon,  I wanted to post the latest on Stampin' Up!'s "soon to retire" stamps and accessories.  Once they're gone, they're gone.  Today's card, featuring Time Well Spent (Hostess Level III),  is a reminder that all the current Spring/Summer Collection hostess sets along with the following stamp sets will be retiring August 10:

Retiring Stamps Alphabetical

Retiring Stamps By Page Number

Any Stampin' Up! accessories (including card stock, ribbon, inks, etc.) which use the current In Colors (Wild Wasabi, River Rock, Purely Pomegranate, Groovy Guava, Blue Bayou and Soft Sky) will be retiring, too.  The official retirement date is August 10 for both stamps, the current In Colors and accessories.  However, supplies are limited.  Stampin' Up! announced today that Double Stitched Ribbon in Blue Bayou and Purely Pomegranate is already out of stock and unavailable for good.  

This Monday, July 21, Stampin' Up! will be releasing (and I will post promptly on this blog so stay tuned) the list of retiring accessories, including additional items that are not part of the In Color collection.  If there's something you really want, please order quickly, while merchandise is available.

Whew!  On to today's card.  Using the Time Well Spent stamp set, I inked the largest flower in Chocolate Chip and stamped it twice--first on Really Rust and second on Cameo Coral.  I next snipped out the full flower in rust and a smaller portion of the flower from the cameo.  I next stamped the tiny Cameo Coral flower and the small Really Rust flower (same stamp).  Both were snipped out to create a layered flower.  TIP:  To make the two small flowers really pop, I stuck a 1" Circle of Chocolate Chip below them. 

TIP:  I gently pried up the flower edges to create some added dimension.  My "fluttery" flower was then layered on a Whisper White and Chocolate Chip background.  I loved how the copper brads really complemented this warm and unique color combination.  The card base is jazzed with 2 x 2 squares of rust and cameo, stamped with another small flower (Chocolate Chip ink) from the same set.  They fit nicely on a 4 1/8" square of Whisper White.  The Chocolate Chip square foundation measures 4.5 x 4.5".

The final touch is the "birthday" sentiment, taken from the versatile Fundamental Phrases stamp set (I call it my "little black dress" of sentiments).  It's Chocolate Chip on Really Rust and easily snapped out with a Word Window Punch.  TIP:  To level the "playing field" with the flower (balance), I stacked the sentiment on a few Stampin' Dimensionals.

Hugs and Pretties . . . . M

Stamp Set:  Time Well Spent (Hostess Level 3), Fundamental Phrases
Paper:  Chocolate Chip, Whisper White, Cameo Coral, Really Rust  
Ink:  Chocolate Chip
Cool Tools:  Word Window Punch
The Perfect Touch:  Copper Brads, Stampin' Dimensionals

Window Chic, Stampin' Up! Style

How cool is this?  Today's sneak peek highlights Stampin' Up!'s Fall/Winter Hostess Level 3 set, "Window Dressing."  Wait until you see all the cute and seasonal stamps that fit perfectly into the window!  With all the excitement about the release of the Stampin' Up! Fall/Winter catalog on August 11, it's a perfect time to plan a Stampin' Up! Fall/Winter Catalog Party with family and friends and earn free hostess stamp sets (like this one) and hostess awards for free merchandise.  Just email me for details!

I combined Splitcoast Color Challenge CC175 (Wild Wasabi, So Saffron and Almost Amethyst) with today's Sketch Challenge SC185.  Note:  I flipped my version.  The window stamp was inked in Jet Black Stazon and stamped on Watercolor Paper.  TIP:  I like to use Jet Black Stazon as a waterproof base before using Blender Pens or an Aqua Painter.  Using Stampin' Up! Markers, I colored in the window with So Saffron and Almost Amethyst.  TIP:  For a little change in texture, I used a Blender Pen dipped in Almost Amethyst ink on the shutters.  It almost looks like a different color :)

The flowers, bird and "smile" sentiment were also inked with Jet Black Stazon and placed with the assistance of a Stamp-a-ma-jig.  The flowers and bird were colored with markers and a Blender Pen.  TIP:  A Blender Pen is not only splendid for soft effects, it acts as a marker for colors you may not own--in this case Wild Wasabi since Stampin' Up! doesn't make a Wasabi marker. 

THE PERFECT TOUCHES: The little things can make all the difference.  I added a scalloped "valance" in Almost Amethyst, stamped in Stazon Black using Background Basics.  I snapped one Boho Backgrounds flower (on Almost Amethyst) with a 1/4" Circle Punch and added it above the window.  Finally, I decided to doodle a border with a Stampin' Up! Basic Black marker, accentuating the casual feel of the stamp set and card.

Layered beneath the main image are layeres of So Saffron and Almost Amethyst card stock.  I distressed the edges using the multi-purpose Cutter Kit tool.  The vertical banner is a strip of Wild Wasabi over Basic Black.  The charming pattern is a Boho Backgrounds stamp (inked in Black Stazon).

Using another Boho Backgrounds stamp, I jazzed up the So Saffron layer with flowers, then matted it on Basic Black and a card base of Very Vanilla Textured card stock (4.25 x 5.5)   TIP: Don't be afraid to mix two small patterns as I elected to do with the Boho Backgrounds.

To see all my Fall/Winter Sneak Peeks, simply click here.

Hugs and Pretties . . . . Mary

COMING UP . . . . Spend some final moments with my favorite retiring stamps (and, of course, more Stampin' Up! Fall/Winter Sneak Peeks)!

Stamp Set:  Window Dressing (Fall/Winter Hostess Level 3), Boho Backgrounds, Background Basics
Paper:  Very Vanilla Textured, Watercolor Paper, Wild Wasabi, Almost Amethyst, So Saffron
Ink:  Jet Black Stazon, Wild Wasabi, Stampin Up! Markers in So Saffron, Basic Black and Almost Amethyst
Cool Tools:  Stamp-a-ma-jig, 1/4" Circle Punch, Cutter Tool

Fall/Winter Sneak Peek: Kiwi Dreams

I know I said five days of sneak peeks but I decided to splurge on a sixth.  More stamps arrived today so I can comfortably say . . . you ain't seen nothing yet :)

Today's card is short and sweet at 4 x 4.  The card base is Very Vanilla with a layers of Holiday Happenings Designer Series Paper (Hostess Level III Bundle) and Kiwi Kiss (both from Stampin' Up!'s Fall/Winter Catalog, available Aug. 11) on top. 

The main image is from Dreams du Jour, inked in Kiwi Kiss with touches of Pink Pirouette added via a Blender Pen.  Bright idea:  I colored 1/4" White Grosgrain Ribbon with the Pink Pirouette Ink Pad and it's a perfect match to the card stock.  Woo Hoo!  Both the Vanilla Dreams image and the Kiwi Kiss Scalloped base were shaped with Nestabilities Rectangles and a Cuttlebug. 

TIP:  Allow dyed ribbon 24 to 48 hours to dry.  Otherwise if will bleed to the card stock below.  This was my third effort before comprehending how long it takes to dry.  I layered Pink Pirouette and Kiwi Kiss card stock below the ribbon as an accent (and, honestly, to cover the ink that bled into the Very Vanilla on the first attempts).  Fortunately, I ended up liking it better than the plain version.  TIP:  Sometimes the best ideas come by accident. 

Here's the Perfect Touch . . . Green Circle Rhinestone Brads (Ice Collection) fit wonderfully into the ribbon slides from the Styled Silver Hodgepodge Hardware Kit.  I added three of these fun combinations.  I hope, hope, hope that Stampin' Up! continues this kit (which expired with the Occasions Mini last month) in the Fall/Winter catalog.  I feel it was the most versatile hardware kit to date.  Very usable pieces!

COMING UP:  Two new hostess sets:  Fall Flair and Window Dressing PLUS more Fall/Winter Sneak Peeks. 

Hugs and Pretties . . . M

Stamp Set: Dreams du Jour
Paper:  Holiday Happenings Designer Series (Hostess Level 3 Bundle)
Ink:  Kiwi Kiss, Pink Pirouette
Cool Tools:  Blender Pen, Cuttlebug, Nestabilities Rectangles
The Perfect Touch:  Circle Rhinestone Brads (Ice Collection), 1/4" White Grosgrain, Styled Silver Hodgepodge Hardware

Fall/Winter Sneak Peek: Heard From The Heart

It's Day Five of my Stampin' Up! Fall/Winter Sneak Peek Mini Marathon.  I have added a "SU Fall/Winter" category on my left sidebar so you can easily look up sneak peeks and future ideas efficiently.  I have a lot more to share between now and the Aug. 11 release date (including a bonus sneak peek tomorrow).

On stage today is the new sentiment stamp set Heard from the Heart (4 stamps, available Aug. 11).  I combined Splitcoast Inspiration Challenge IC136 Cupcakes Wedding Cakes and Ways to Use WT174 Mini Madness (by using micro brads as my cupcake confetti).  All daily SCS challenges are listed on my right sidebar so have some fun and play along.

I simply love the way the new In Colors Tangerine Tango and Baja Breeze look together.  Serious zowie factor!  I stamped each cupcake (one of seven cool stamp  "accessories"  from the Sock Monkey set) in Close to Cocoa on Whisper White card stock.  Each cupcake is popped out using a 1 1/4" Circle Punch,  topped on a 1 3/8" Circle of Close to Cocoa and ultimately land on a Scalloped Circle of Baja Breeze. 

TIP:  The delicious "confetti" was added using micro brads.   They are miraculously close (if not exact) in color to Tangerine Tango and Pacific Point (the darker blue).  I ordered them on-line from Just Brads (the Tropical Collection).  $3 for 100 of these miniature cuties . . . lovely little bargain so I ordered in every color :)

The banner began with the "wishes" sentiment from Heard from the Heart, dipped in Close to Cocoa ink and stamped on Whisper White.  TIP:  I layered it on on Pacific Point card stock to make the blue cupcake "confetti" pop.  Using the new Scallop Edge Punch, the scalloped layer was simple and quick.  Here is a tutorial on the Scallop Edge Punch from a previous post.  I felt the sides were a tad "naked" so I slipped in a strip of Tangerine Tango card stock. TIP:  Strips of card stock, layered or otherwise, can replicate the look of ribbon (or make beautiful card making "music" in the case of the "Tango"-hah)!

The Tangerine Tango background danced through the Cuttlebug with the D'vine Swirls Embossing folder.  All parts were assembled and adhered to a Whisper White (4.25 x 5.5) card base as the final step.

I would love to hear what you think about the sneak peek products.  Please drop me a quick comment!

COMING UP THIS WEEK:  Two delightful Stampin' Up! Fall/Winter hostess stamp sets:  Fall Flair and Window Dressing

Hugs and Pretties . . . . Mary

Stamp Sets:  Heard from the Heart, Sock Monkey
Paper:  Tangerine Tango, Baja Breeze, Pacific Point, Close to Cocoa, Whisper White
Ink:  Close to Cocoa
Cool Tools:  Punch Bunch--1 1/4" Circle, 1 3/8" Circle, Scallop Circle Punch, Scallop Edge Punch, Cuttlebug, D-Vine Swirl Embossing Folder
The Perfect Touch:  Micro Brads

Fall/Winter Sneak Peek: Dreams du Jour 2

Day four of my Fall/Winter Sneak Peeks Mini Marathon highlights the "Dreams" stamp from Stampin' Up!'s Dreams du Jour set (available Aug. 11).  The new In Color, Riding Hood Red, and Woodrow Wilson's quote give today's card a vintage apple pie feel (or is it just my imagination)?

The "Dreams" stamp was inked in Riding Hood Red (in my opinion, the perfect red) and stamped on Very Vanilla card stock.  TIP:  I squeezed the Kiwi Kiss and Pink Pirouette Ink Pads to create a little pool of ink on the inside of the lid . . . just enough to lap up with my Blender Pen and add some color to the stamped image.  I cropped and embossed the image with Nestabilities Ovals (available on-line thru Cut@Home).  Ditto on the scalloped oval of Riding Hood Red.  They layer beautifully.  TIP:  For a dash of interest, the edges of the main image were sponged in Riding Hood Red and the scallops each received a jab with a paper piercer.

The horizontal banner kicks off with a chorus line of Riding Hood Red butterflies (also from "Dreams du Jour"), aligned using a Stamp-a-ma-jig (click here for a tutorial).  The edges are sponged in Riding Hood Red and the row of winged darlings is mounted on Riding Hood card stock. 

An additional banner of Riding Hood Red, pierced along the top and bottom (using a template, of course), creates some texture along with the accent of green Dew Drops.  The soon to retire Print Pattern Background Stamp (Riding Hood Red ink) quickly jazzes the Very Vanilla card base (4.25 x 5.5). 

Click here for a list of all Stampin' Up!'s Retiring Stamps.

Please drop me a comment on what you think so far of Stampin' Up!'s Fall/Winter stamps and colors!

Hugs and Pretties . . . Mary

Stamp Sets:  Dreams du Jour, Print Pattern Background
Paper:  Very Vanilla, Riding Hood Red
Ink:  Riding Hood Red, Kiwi Kiss, Pink Pirouette
Cool Tools: Paper Piercer and Template (Stampin' Up!'s Crafter's Tool Kit), Stamp-a-ma-jig, Blender Pen, Sponges, Nestabilities Ovals, Cuttlebug
The Perfect Touch:  Robin's Nest Dew Drops (Fresh Mowed Grass)

Fall/Winter Sneak Peek: New Scallop Edge Punch

It's day three of my Sneak Peek Mini Marathon and I'm simply pumped to show you what I believe will be the "it" tool of the Stampin' Up!'s Fall/Winter Catalog (available Aug. 11).  The new Scallop Edge Punch ($15.95) is a precise and easy way to create scalloped edges and shapes in a snap.  No need to develop one scallop at a time with a Corner Rounder Punch (as I have done and posted about for months).

Here's a basic photo tutorial on creating the border for today's card.  However, take note.  This little powerhouse offers endless possibilites for scalloped squares, rectangles and more.

Insert card stock and line it up against the groove.

Punch and slide card stock either left or right, lining up your newly created scallops with the scallops on the punch.

Punch and line up until you're done . . . Got it?  Is that sooooo easy?

Are you smiling yet?

The card base is Pink Pirouette (4.25 x 5.5).  All designer series paper used is from the Fall/Winter Level 3 Holiday Happenings Hostess Level III Bundle (plus it includes four Seasonal Icons stamps and Seasonal
Sayings rub-ons in Chocolate Chip and White). 

The sentiment is from the new Fall/Winter release, Heard from the Heart, four long and beautiful stamps.  Great possibilities for using markers to isolate or create multi-colored images.  It's inked in Baja Breeze and stamped on Whisper White.  A Dew Drop (the Cowboy Collection) gives a little extra pizzazz.  Chocolate Chip and Kiwi Kiss is layered below. 

The scalloped edge is in Baja Breeze card stock and I slipped in a layer of Chocolate Chip card stock between the flower paper and the Baja.  The last snippet is a matching piece of Holiday Happenings Designer Series paper, shaped with my Photo Corners Punch and topped with some Robin's nest Dew Drops.

Please leave me a comment on what you think of the new stuff.  I appreciate the feedback!

Hugs and Pretties . . . Mary

Stamp Sets:  Heard from the Heart
Paper:  Holiday Happenings Designer Series Paper, Pink Pirouette, Kiwi Kiss, Baja Breeze, Chocolate Chip
Ink:  Baja Breeze
Cool Tools:  Scallop Edge Punch, Photo Corners Punch
The Perfect Touch:  Dew Drops (Cowboy)

COMING UP TOMORROW:  SNEAK PEEK #4

Fall/Winter Sneak Peek: Sock Monkey

Today's post introduces "Sock Monkey," another in my series of Five Sneak Peeks from Stampin' Up!'s Fall/Winter catalog (available Aug. 11).  I'm simply bananas over him in this 3-D version.  He's a big line stamp, perfect for paper piecing designer paper or different colored card stock.  The set comes with 2 sentiments and 7stamp options for him to hold/wear (banana, balloon, flag, heart, flower, and his party hat), use as a background stamp or simply a fun accent.

One main attraction of my monkey friend is that he is perfect for paper piecing (not "piercing," although that's another interesting idea). To kick things off, I inked my Canvas background stamp in Chocolate Chip and stamped on Very Vanilla card stock.  TIP:  This produced my very own "designer paper" to create his "fabric" body.   The monkey image was inked in Chocolate Chip and then stamped onto the Canvas background.  You with me so far?  TIP:  I used a Chocolate Chip Stampin' Up! marker to re-dot his eyes since they got a little lost on the canvas background.  He was then popped out with Paper Snips (scissors).

I stamped him again on Very Vanilla card stock and snipped out his vanilla outer mouth, tail, hands and feet and adhered them.  He was inked one last time (again Chocolate Chip ink) and stamped on Groovy Guava for his lips and patch on his little bottom, also snipped and attached (delicately, of course).  His hat was inked in Chocolate Chip on Very Vanilla card stock and cut out.  Using a Blender Pen, I colored the hat stripes in Barely Banana and Groovy Guava.

One of my dearest friends is turning "50" this month (I get my turn this fall--eek), so I skibbled some mat board thru a Cuttlebug using the Red Tag Alphabet Die Cuts.  I had enough of the Canvas background left over from when I cut out the monkey and used the same piece to create the matching "50" to adhere to the top of the mat board.

My little pal is "floating" on Stampin' Dimensionals attached to layers of Groovy Guava Textured Card Stock, Barely Banana and Very Vanilla.  The card base (5.5 x 4.25 and scored at the top) is Very Vanilla textured card stock (good enough to eat, I tell you).  TIP:  I inked up the banana stamp in Barely Banana and stamped it on matching card stock for a nifty background.  A layer of Groovy Guava gets sandwiched below.

Using a Stamp-a-ma-jig (tutorial here), I was able to place "happy birthday" (All Holidays) with confidence.  Four Hodgepodge Hardware (Pewter) brads doll up the corners (click here to save 25% on Hodgepodge Hardware).  TIP:  I added the brads using a template and paper piercer . . . much easier to have a mark vs. eyeballing them.  TIP:  The brads were added before attaching the second to last layer (Groovy Guava) to the card base so that they were buried (and don't show through on the inside of the card).

Some Groovy Guava Double Stitched Ribbon wraps this card up like a pretty little present.  If you haven't seen it before, click here for a video tutorial on how to create a Stay-Put Bow.  One of my bow-licious favorites. 

Please leave me a comment and let me know what you think of the new stuff.  I enjoyed the comments I received on yesterday's Sneak Peek.  Thanks!

Hugs and Pretties . . . . Mary

Stamp Sets:  Sock Monkey, Canvas Background, All Holidays
Paper:  Groovy Guava Textured, Barely Banana, Very Vanilla, Very Vanilla Textured, Matboard
Ink:  Chocolate Chip, Stampin' Up! Chocolate Chip Marker, Groovy Guava, Barely Banana
Cool Tools:  Blender Pen, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Cuttlebug, Cuttlebug Red Tag Sale Alphabet Die-Cuts
The Perfect Touch:  Hodgepodge Hardware Brads (Pewter), Groovy Guava Double Stitched Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals

COMING UP NEXT: SU's NEW SCALLOPED BORDER PUNCH & TUTORIAL