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

Urban Garden Kindness

It's almost here!  October 1 marks the beginning of the customer order period for Stampin' Up!'s Holiday Mini.  I'll have the catalog ready for download (as soon as it's released on-line) on my right side bar or you can email me for a free copy.  Check out my gallery of Holiday Mini Sneak Peeks for inspiration.  Also, Hodgepodge Hardware in the new Styled Vanilla Finish (#112454)  will be available starting October.   On-line orders can be placed in just one step any time of day by clicking here (or my order button on my right side bar).

Last call . . .  the Never-Before-Seen Stamp Sale ends September 30.  If you want to save 15% on these select die-cut stamps (which includes today's Heard from the Heart sentiment), please be sure to order on-line before 11:50 p.m. MT, September 30. 

This card qualifies for my Stamping 911 category . . . cards or crafts that can be constructed in 10 minutes or less.  Click here for more Stamping 911 samples.  The sentiment was inked in Basic Gray ink and stamped on Very Vanilla card stock.   It's matted on Basic Gray Textured card stock.  Yum!  TIP:  My Filigree Designer Brad is added with a Mini Glue Dot and topped with a Robin's Nest Gold Dew Drop (also attached with a Mini Glue Dot).

I layered this gorgeous pattern from Urban Garden Designer Series Paper (top) and Very Vanilla Textured card stock (bottom) over a Basic Gray textured card base (4.25 x 5.5).   Three more Robin's Nest Gold Dew Drops accent the corner.  Voilà!

Stay tuned for my blog makeover :)

Hugs and Pretties . . . . Mary

Order Stampin' Up! 24/7!

Stamp Set:  Heard from the Heart
Paper:  Urban Garden Designer Series, Basic Gray Textured, Very Vanilla Textured and Smooth
Ink:  Basic Gray
The Perfect Touch:  Stampin' Up!'s Filigree Brad, Robin's Nest Gold Dew Drops

Bravo Card Box

Lots to share today!  My Stampin' Up! virtual demo group, the Stampin' Pretty Pals, recently started doing weekly challenges and this week we created boxes.  I thought it was time to try something more adventurous than scoring the center of a card with my new Scor-Pal . . . so I found this simple box which is the perfect size for 4.25 x 5.5 cards (A2) and 4 3/8" x 5 3/4" envelopes.  Think lovely stationery gift for someone special!

The tutorial for this box is here.  IMPORTANT TIPS:  Step 1 is for the top and Step 2 is for the bottom (reversed in the directions, the way I read it).  Step 2 has two directions (essentially meaning the same thing, but one is scoring from the left and the other from the right, a little confusing . . . you just need to do the first).  With a little extra positioning, you can create this card without a Scor-Pal.  However, I personally enjoy the convenience and accuracy of the Scor-Pal.

I used Bravo Burgundy Textured card stock (has the texture of linen) for the top and Parisian Summer Designer Series Paper for the bottom.  Very rich looking.  The tag was created using my Big Shot Die Cutting Machine (see Big Shot 101 to learn more) and Stampin' Up!'s exclusive Baskets & Blooms Bigz XL Die.  After popping out the Kiwi Kiss tag, I stamped a delightful stem from Pocket Silhouettes (15% off sale ends 9/30) in Bravo Burgundy.  TIP:  For a fun touch, I added a dotted border with a coordinating Bravo Burgundy Stampin' Up! Marker. 

TIP:  An enormous "cool" factor comes into play when you run a piece of chipboard through the Big Shot (same tag die as used in Kiwi above--I isolate the tag to avoid wasting paper).  It lines up exactly with my first Kiwi tag and adds delicious heft.  Another quick tag was created with the Word Window Punch,  Very Vanilla card stock and the "friend" sentiment (Pocket Silhouettes) stamped in Bravo Burgundy.  I added an Old Olive eyelet (retired) with a Crop-a-Dile, along with a snippet of silver cord for both tags.

TIP:  When you want to layer ribbon, cut both strips (in this case a wide organdy and Stampin' Up!'s Kiwi Kiss/Very Vanilla Satin Ribbon) the same length . . . a smidgen longer than needed.  At each end, add a mini glue dot to hold the ends in place.  It makes it much easier to tie them at the same time.  When I'm satisfied with the tied result, I snip off the ends with the glue dot and discard.

The card begins with a 4.25 x 5.5 Very Vanilla card base with Textured Bravo Burgundy card stock on top.  I inked up my Trés Chic Background stamp in Bravo Burgundy (actually twice to get the words I wanted) and stamped on Very Vanilla.  TIP:  I clipped out 1 5/8" squares from the background stamp, keeping in mind where they would be placed on this sketch and purposely exposing the words I wanted.  Make sense?  Each square was layered on Kiwi Kiss Textured card stock.

The main image from Pocket Silhouettes (15% off until 9/30) was inked in Bravo Burgundy and stamped on Very Vanilla.  It's layered on Bravo Burgundy and adhered with Stampin' Dimensionals to a  base of Kiwi Kiss Textured card stock.  Kiwi Kiss/Very Vanilla Ribbon and three Old Olive Eyelets (retired) add the final touches.  The colors and feel of this card were inspired by Splitcoast Inspiration Challenge (IC147)and based on this painted room.

Isn't this sketch fabulous?  You can credit Taylor VanBruggen of Taylored Expressions.  It's this week's Cupcake Challenge (without the cupcake :)

Are you passionate about stamping and want to know more about joining my Stampin' Pretty Pals group and receiving great discounts?  Click here!

Hugs and Pretties . . . . M

BOX

Stamp Set:  Pocket Silhouettes
Paper:  Very Vanilla, Bravo Burgundy Textured, Kiwi Kiss
Ink:  Bravo Burgundy Ink Pad and Stampin' Up! Marker
Cool Tools:  Big Shot, Baskets & Blooms Bigz XL Die, Scor-Pal
The Perfect Touch:  Sheer Organdy Ribbon, Kiwi Kiss/Very Vanilla Satin Ribbon, Chipboard, Silver Cord

CARD

Stamp Set:  Pocket Silhouettes, Trés Chic Background
Paper:  Very Vanilla, Bravo Burgundy Textured, Kiwi Kiss Textured
Ink:  Bravo Burgundy
Cool Tools:  Crop-A-Dile
The Perfect Touch:  Kiwi Kiss/Very Vanilla Satin Ribbon, Old Olive Eyelets (retired), Stampin' Dimensionals

Flight of the Butterfly

I needed a soft and pretty birthday card for a dear friend and started with Stampin' Up!'s Sweet Always Designer Series Paper (Chocolate Chip, Regal Rose, Pink Pirouette, Pumpkin Pie) for color inspiration. After pulling together my colors (card stock, ribbon, brads), I flipped through my stamp image book to find the perfect line stamp to layer over the stripe pattern.  Instantly, Flight of the Butterfly flew to the forefront.

I stamped the sweet dotted butterfly in Chocolate Chip on Sweet Always Designer Series paper and snipped it out.  TIP:  Stamping over patterned paper (line images work best) gives a blast of "wow" to any card.  The butterfly lands on a 1 3/8" circle of Pink Pirouette Textured card stock matted on a Scalloped Circle of Textured Pumpkin Pie.

The layout is from Beate's Weekend Sketch challenge (WSC59)--an excellent challenge for showing off strips of patterned paper.  The polka dot pattern from Stampin' Up!'s Sweet Always Designer Series Paper is layered on Pink Pirouette card stock, followed by Whisper White and a textured card base (4.25 x 5.5) of Regal Rose.  This pretty package is wrapped in Stampin' Up!'s Regal Rose 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon.  The scalloped butterfly element is adhered with Stampin' Dimensionals.

The sentiment is swooped from Chit Chat Rub-Ons--I looooove how crisp they look on colored paper.  Chit Chat includes one sheet each of  Whisper White and Chocolate Chip rub-ons for all occasions.  The background is Regal Rose Textured card stock and a single Trio Flower (Trio Flower Punch) accents the side.  The right side is shaped up with a Corner Rounder Punch.

The Trio Flower Punch quickly provides just the right  touch of blooms down the right side of the card.  I layered a 1/4" Circle of Pink Pirouette and a orange Micro brad (www.justbrads.com) in the center.

Hugs and Pretties . . . . Mary

Click to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7  AND Stampin' Up!'s $99 Starter Kits Expire 10/11

Stamp Set:  Flight of the Butterfly
Paper:  Sweet Always Designer Paper, Regal Rose Textured, Whisper White, Pink Pirouette Textured and Smooth, Pumpkin Pie Textured, Chocolate Chip Textured.
Ink:  Chocolate Chip
Punch Bunch:  Scallop Circle Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, 1/4" Circle Punch, Trio Flower Punch, Corner Rounder Punch
The Perfect Touch: Regal Rose 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, Orange Micro Brads, Stampin' Dimensionals, Chit Chat Rub-Ons

Guest Stamper Colleen

I love creating and blogging.  However, I thought it would be fun to offer a little change-up by featuring periodic Guest Stamper spots from some of my readers.  Today marks my first "guest," my dear friend and paper artist:  Colleen.  She has been a supporter of my blog since it's "infancy" last November--always finding something special to say in a comment.  I think of her daily remarks as my "morning cup of positive energy."  Plus her card and envie are drop dead gorgeous!

Stamp set:  Fabulous Flowers, Trés Chic Background

Paper:  Stampin' Up! Watercolor Paper, Cameo Coral and Vellum, DCWV for Envelope

Ink:   Trés Chic Background in white craft ink, Fabulous Flower in Blush Blossom on Watercolor paper.  TIP:  Colleen used an Aqua Painter to gently add a tiny dab of Pretty in Pink to the middle of each petal and a tiny dab of Cameo Coral to the ends of each Petal (WOW)!  TIP:  She deliberately did not blend the colors as she personally likes the graduated color effect (and I do, too).

Extras:  Pearl Dew Drops, Stay Put Bow (link available on my right side bar), Clear Spica Pen to cast a sparkly finish to each petal.  She's not sure where the ribbon is from.

Embossing Folders:  Cuttlebug Swiss Dots on Vellum makes a beautiful horizontal panel and Stylized Flowers adds shape to the envelope (which was created with a Scor-Pal).

Thanks, Colleen, for sharing your talent and tips with the Stampin' Pretty crowd!

Hugs and Pretties . . . .M

Haunted House

This haunted house is simply too cute to be spooky!  It's all about splendid texture from two Cuttlebug embossing folders, Haunted Halloween and Spiderweb (a gift from my stamping pal, Sandy).  Not a single stamp was used.

TIP:  I inked up the inside back of the haunted house embossing folder, coloring the raised areas in Jet Black Stazon.  Very Vanilla card stock was slipped inside and given a ride through my Big Shot Die Cutting Machine.  This is the delightful result.  TIP:  It wasn't easy to get the Black Stazon off the inside of the folder . . . just be prepared for a little extra elbow grease.  If I tried it again, I would use Black Craft Ink--hoping that it would clean up easier. The house was then snipped out.

Using Stampin' Up!'s Scallop Edge Punch, I added some pizzazz to Elegant Eggplant, sponged the edges in Basic Black and layered it on top of the Summer Sun card stock (horizontal panel).  The edges again were sponged in black.

The spiderweb embossing folder and Elegant Eggplant card stock really bring the background to life.  TIP:  For added drama, I rubbed my Elegant Eggplant inkpad over the texture.  The image is layered on Summer Sun and a 4.25 x 5.5 card base in Basic Black (scored at the side).

The Summer Sun Moon (a contradiction in terms) was created using Stampin' Up!'s new 1 3/4" Circle Punch.  The edges are sponged and I tossed on a couple of bat rub-ons from the Chills and Thrills Rub-On set.  The sentiment is also from Chills and Thrills.  I layered "Haunted House" on Very Vanilla card stock and popped it out with a 1" Circle Punch (coordinates beautifully with these label holders from Hodgepodge Hardware).  The finishing touches are some sassy Circle Rhinestone Brads from the Fire Collection to anchor the sentiment and ad a fun "doorknob."

Haunts and Pretties . . . . M

Stamps:  None
Paper:  Very Vanilla, Elegant Eggplant, Summer Sun, Basic Black
Ink:  Jet Black Stazon, Basic Black, Elegant Eggplant
Cool Tools:  Stampin' Up! 1" and 1 3/4" Circle Punches, Scallop Edge Punch, Sponges, Big Shot, Cuttlebug Haunted Halloween and Spiderweb Embossing Folders
The Perfect Touch:  Chills and Thrills Rub-Ons, Circle Rhinestone Brads, Hodgepodge Hardware Styled Silver

Stampin' Up! Calendar Check: 

9/30    Never Before Seen Stamp Promotion Ends

10/1    Holiday Mini Ordering Period Begins (catalog will be on my blog or email me your name and address for a free copy).  Order Stampin' Up! 24/7 by clicking here.

10/1    Stampin' Up! Birthday Promotion. Save 20% (min. purchase of $20) on selected birthday stamp sets.  Details 10/1!

10/1 - 11/30  Place a product order of $350 or more (team up with friends or host one of my virtual catalog parties) and choose any stamp set from the Catalog Sampler free, in addition to regular hostess benefits.

10/11 Last Day Stampin' Up! Starter Kit Specials  Save on Stampin' Up!

Picture Perfect Tutorial

I'm an amateur photographer with a capitol "A" and by no means are my photos "perfect."  I don't own a fancy camera or even Photoshop software (tried it diligently for the 30 day free trial and gave up).  However, I often get asked by readers for tips on how I take my photos so I'm happy to share the few things I have learned as I have bumped along the picture taking highway.

Mary's Not So Fancy Tips for Better Pictures

1.  My camera is a relatively inexpensive Samsung S730 (Circuit City--around $100).  The key is using the settings "Scene" and "Text."  There are similar features on other brands. 

2.  I purchased a 20" photo tent and two desktop photo lamps (with daylight bulbs) at an on-line store for about $80.  You could probably get away with a smaller tent if you are primarily snapping cards.  Prior to the tent, I used two large pieces of white card stock as a base and a background.  However, for this second set up, you need good daylight conditions.

3.  I use only white backgrounds to keep pictures consistent in my gallery.

4.  I do not use a tripod.  I prefer to hold steady, stop breathing, focus and shoot.

5.  I take 5 or 6 photos at different angles.  I tend to select the angle with the focal point (or sentiment) closest to the camera.

6.  I downloaded Picasa (free) software and use it to sharpen, crop, center and brighten as needed.  It's very user-friendly.  This is a shot of the same photo at the top of this post before sharpen and auto contrast (brighten) were applied. Magic :)

Today's card was prompted by Beate's Inspiration Challenge.  I was inspired by the the crisp colors and botanical images.  Organic Grace is one of Stampin' Up!'s Hostess Level I sets (also available with on-line product orders of at least $150).  Click here for full details on Stampin's Up!'s Rewards Program.

I stamped the dragonfly in Kiwi Kiss, Baja Breeze and Tangerine Tango on Whisper White card stock.  Using Define Your Life (it covers every occasion and beyond), I stamped the "inspire" sentiment, Chocolate Chip on Whisper White.  TIP:  The look of a layered sentiment can be beautiful.  I layered the Organic Grace fern (Kiwi Kiss) over the sentiment for a soft touch.

Each image received it's delightful "postage stamp" scalloped shape and embossing with the help of Nestabilities Long Rectangles and my Big Shot Die Cutting Machine.  They are layered on Kiwi Kiss and Baja Breeze card stock. Whisper White follows along with a card base in Tangerine Tango (4.25 x 5.5).  A luscious piece of Stampin' Up!'s Chocolate Chip 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon was the finishing touch.

Say Cheese!

Hugs and Pretties . . . . Mary

COMING UP:  Halloween Ideas, My First Guest Stamper, Stampin' Pretty Gets a Blog Makeover

Stamp Set:  Organic Grace (Hostess Level I), Define Your Life
Paper:  Whisper White, Kiwi Kiss, Baja Breeze, Tangerine Tango
Ink:  Kiwi Kiss, Baja Breeze, Tangerine Tango, Chocolate Chip
Cool Tools:  Big Shot, Nestabilities Long Rectangles
The Perfect Touch:  Chocolate Chip 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon






Define Your Life (109523)

Stamping 911: Cards in a Crunch Part 2

I hope you learned a little something from yesterday's post about how to make cards in less than 10 minutes (see all my Stamping 911 projects).  It forced me, too, to reevaluate my own organization and fine tune the time I take to create a project!

Let's see if today's card (also created in less than 10 minutes), embraces my Stamping 911 Tips.  It's another masculine birthday card (more ideas at "You've Got Male") for my cousin, who turns 50.  TIP: Simple and geometric design cast a very handsome, "manly" appeal.

Pretty Paper Pops (Point #9) . . . I used a Very Vanilla  4.25 x 5.5 textured card base with a layer of Stampin' Up!'s Haiku Designer paper on top.  Other than the sentiment, the remaining layers are on textured card stock.

The sentiment (doubling as a focal point, Point #5) is from Stampin' Up!'s Full of Life (the ideal set for sentiments that can hold their own on the inside or outside of a card).  It's inked in Chocolate Chip and stamped on Very Vanilla.

The card is quite basic and had plenty of room for embellishment.  However, I followed my rules about editing (Point #10), focusing on a couple simple corner accents.  TIP:  Using a 1 1/4" square punch, I snapped out a So Saffron Textured square.  It was cut it in half (creating two triangles) and cut it in half again (two smaller triangles).  Add a couple brads (Hodgepodge Hardware Pewter) and Voilá, I have fulfilled the "jazz" factor.  I used Pop-Up Glue Dots to add some 3-D and adhere the finished sentiment.  TIP:  The Glue Dots are a larger and more flexible than my beloved Stampin' Dimensionals.  This makes them a good choice for a large area or  "absorbing" the brads on the backside so they don't show through. 

Cutting precise mats and layering takes time.  I opted to grab Chocolate Chip and Tangerine Tango Textured card stock and left them as geometric blocks.  Instant oomph and fewer layers (Point #8).

Hugs and Pretties . . . Mary

Don't Miss! Order Stampin' Up! Products 24/7 and Save 20% and More on Stampin' Up!

COMING UP:  Picture Perfect . . . My cheap and easy tips on improving photos of your cards!

Stamp Set:  Full of Life
Paper:  Haiku Designer Series Paper, Very Vanilla Textured and Smooth (sentiment), Chocolate Chip Textured, Tangerine Tango Textured
Ink:  Chocolate Chip
Cool Tools:  1 1/4" Square Punch
The Perfect Touch:  Hodgepodge Hardware Pewter Brads, Pop Up Glue Dots

Stamping 911: Cards in a Crunch Part 1

I recently received an email from Charlotte asking for ways to speed up the process of creating a card.  She said that between her time and money spent on card making, her husband recently quipped, "Well, that's about $1000 a card."   While I believe I fall somewhere below the $1000 per card mark (I try to focus on versatile products), I must confess that my personal stamping process borders more on the Hokey Pokey than Speedy Gonzales. 

For those of you nodding and chuckling (as I did) over Charlotte's request and her husband's commentary (sound familiar?), today's post is dedicated to creating cards in 10 minutes or less, or "Stamping 911."  Click here for my complete Stamping 911 Gallery.  I also put together tips below for keeping your stamping supplies streamlined and making quick and pretty cards.

I needed another masculine birthday card (ditto tomorrow's post, so you are going to get a double dose).  TIP:  You can "dress" any card up in "boy" or "girl" fashion with a change in paper, colors and embellishments.  Need more masculine card ideas?  Check out my "You've Got Male" category.

This card is for my nephew, Joseph, a teacher in Chicago, a entertaining and trendy guy.  Consequently, I jumped right in with Stampin' Up!'s Washington Apple Designer Series paper (Riding Hood Red, Bashful Blue, So Saffron, Pumpkin Pie--entertaining and trendy in every way). 

I began with a 4.25 x 5.5 card base (scored at the top) of Riding Hood Red with a delicious Washington Apple checker print on top.  The vertical panel is Bashful Blue Textured card stock with a row of Real Red brads across the top.  TIP:  Real Red brads are pretty close to Riding Hood Red.

The Party Hearty "Celebrate You" sentiment was stamped on Whisper White twice--first in Pumpkin Pie and second on Bashful Blue.  Circle Punches (1 3/4" and 3/4") coordinate with the outside and interior of the stamp. I popped out the separate elements in no time, added a Real Red Brad to the center and adhered the Bashful Blue stamp with a Stampin' Dimensional. 

The simple 2.5 x 2.5" square beneath the sentiment can be created from two full squares (I used Pumpkin Pie and Riding Hood Red Textured card stock) cut diagonally in half.  TIP:  Alternatively, cut a right angle, 2.5" on each side then slice off the excess between the longest points.  This saves on paper. 

MARY'S STAMPING 911 TIPS:

1.  Don't start from scratch.  Inventing the "wheel" takes a lot of time.  Find a basic sketch and copy (with proper credit to the designer if you're a blogger or are going to publish it).

2.  Check out the Splitcoast Stampers Daily Challenges (listed on my right side bar) for color and sketch inspiration.  Today's posts uses the Featured Stamper Challenge FS85 based on this card by Shannon.

3.  Get Organized.   Paper, ink pads, tools and embellishments need to be ready when you start your project (think like a firefighter). I like to scribble my layout, colors and embellishments on a piece of paper.

4.  Develop a system for finding the right stamps quickly.  I use a 3 ring binder with stamped images of each set on 8.5 x 11 card stock pages.  I divided it like the Stampin' Up! catalog (nature, greetings, holiday, etc.).  I can see my options all in one place and what stamps fit in my layout.  My sets are tucked in drawers alphabetically.

5.  Pick a stamp that doubles as a focal point and sentiment (like "Celebrate You").

6.  Bookmark Stamping 911 for projects that can be recreated in less than 10 minutes. It's a link so will update automatically when I add new ideas.

7.  Punches.  They create art in a snap.

8.  Limit your layers.  There is beauty in simplicity.

9.  Pretty paper pops.  Designer paper or textured card stock can add a lot of "wow" without the need for a lot of embellishment.

10.  Edit (I stole this from Tim Gunn on "Project Runway").   Focus on just a few cool ideas to jazz up the card and resist the rest.  On this card, it was my red and orange square and the red brads.

I would love to hear your thoughts.  Please leave me a comment with your favorite tip(s) to create cards in a crunch.

Carry on . . . Hugs and Pretties . . . Mary

COMING UP . . . More Stamping 911 AND "Picture Perfect" (cheap and easy ways to make your card pictures look pretty).

Stamp Set:  Party Hearty
Paper:  Washington Apple Designer Series, Riding Hood Red Textured, Pumpkin Pie Textured, Bashful Blue Textured, Whisper White
Ink:  Pumpkin Pie,  Bashful Blue
Cool Tools:  3/4" and 1 3/4" Circle Punches
The Perfect Touch:  Bold Brights Brads (Real Red), Stampin' Dimensionals

Spooky Spider

Check out the latest Halloween idea from Décor Elements (vinyl wall coverings and so much more), Stampin' Up!'s new home décor line (brochure on my right side bar with Phase 2 coming soon).  Offer expires October 31!  Place your order on-line 24/7 by clicking here!

Chocolate Sweetness

This wonderfully "sweet" surprise came from Jen, in Germany, one of my virtual stamping pals.  Thanks, Jen!  The chocolate was extraordinary (my daughter, husband and I shared, savoring every morsel) and the card is beautiful.  I simply adore a border of flowers.  Jen has a beautiful blog and artistic style, too.  Check out My Stampin' Spot!

Hugs . . . I'm off to create!  Mary

I'm Dreaming of an Ivory Christmas

This lovely reindeer silhouette is one more delightful stamp from the Winter Post set, coming October 1 in Stampin' Up!'s Holiday Mini.  Need a copy of the Holiday Mini or Stampin' Up!'s Idea Book and Catalog?  Click here.   Have you seen my newest feature!  You can place orders (or search for Stampin' Up! product information) in one-step,  24/7 by clicking here.  Bookmark it so it's always handy. 

For today's card, I combined two Splitcoast challenges--Using a Silhouette (Thursday, WT184) and "White Out" (Friday, LSC186, using white or ivory as the main color).  All Splitcoast challenges are listed on my right side bar (scroll down).  Play along.  They are often my key sources of inspiration!

TIP:  To get excellent coverage with the  solid reindeer stamp, I used Stazon Jet Black Ink.  After a little experimentation, I found it offered better coverage than Basic Black Classic ink.  I next stamped on Very Vanilla card stock (2 3/4" x 2 3/4") and accented with paper piercing. 

Piercing is pretty simple using a template.  TIP:  Before you start piercing, look at the first side and determine (using a template) where you are going to start and end.  Will you end at a similar spot as where you started?  Adjust and move the template from corner to corner making sure you can line up each side and turn without losing your line or throwing your pierce marks out of balance.  When you determine how all the little holes will be unified upon completion, go back to the beginning and start "jabbing."

I wrapped gorgeous Kiwi Kiss/Very Vanilla Satin Ribbon around the reindeer panel.  It's wonderful how it flips from Kiwi to Vanilla and even more handsome when it exposes both.  I used Stampin' Dimensionals to attach this panel to Basic Black and Kiwi Kiss card stock.

Using my Big Shot and Cuttlebug Divine Swirls Embossing Folder (sandwich tips here), I can create a whole lotta WOW on Very Vanilla card stock.  It's layered on a 4.25 x 5.5 card base of Kiwi Kiss (scored at the top).  TIP:  Did you know?  The indented score goes on the outside and the ridge goes on the inside when you fold.  More polished that way. 

The sentiment is from All Holidays, again inked up in Stazon Jet Black and stamped on Very Vanilla.  Using the same piercing process as above, I created a pierced border and adhered the image with Stampin' Dimensionals (to mirror the 3-D of the reindeer panel). 

The PERFECT TOUCH?  A Kiwi Kiss designer button (new in Stampin' Up!'s Fall/Winter catalog, don't miss them on p. 187) is just the right thing for the corner.  TIP:  I find it easiest to attach buttons securely using a Mini Glue Dot (103683, $4.95).  TIP:  I cut a sliver of Basic Black card stock and carefully tied it to create coordinated "thread" in the button.

See all my Holiday Mini Sneak Peeks.

Hugs and Pretties . . . . Mary

Coming Up!  More Stamping 911 (my category for cards and gifts you can make in 10 minutes or less) and "Picture Perfect" (I reveal my favorite tips on how to get decent photos of your cards). 

Love Stampin' Up!?  Save 20% and More!

Stamp Set:  Winter Post, All Holidays
Paper:  Kiwi Kiss, Very Vanilla, Basic Black
Ink:  Stazon Jet Black
Cool Tools:  Paper Piercer and Template (Stampin' Up! Crafter's Tool Kit), Big Shot, Cuttlebug Divine Swirls Embossing Folder
The Perfect Touch:  Kiwi Kiss/Very Vanilla Satin Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals, Designer Buttons

Winter Post Sneak Peek

Here's another peek from Stampin' Up!'s new stamps and accessories from the Holiday Mini Catalog.  The complete Mini will be posted and available for order (24/7) on my blog on October 1.  Stay tuned!

Today's layout was inspired by this week's OCC Sketch Challenge by Amy Sheffer.  New on "the block" is "Winter Post," offering the skating couple, the postmark, to/from (box) and the snowflake stamp along the top of the card.  Although the colors are typical for fall, I thought they were a nice combination for the vintage feel of this set. 

  The skaters are stamped in Chocolate Chip and colored with Really Rust, Sage Shadow and More Mustard Stampin' Up! Markers.  TIP:  I used watercolor paper since it's very forgiving when filling in with markers--much more even that when used with normal card stock.  A little paper piercing accents the corners and the image is layered on a Sage Shadow Scalloped Rectangle (created with Nestabilities Rectangles and my Big Shot).

 Autumn Vine Designer Series Paper is layered over a 4.25 x 5.5 Really Rust card base.  TIP:  Using a Stamp-a-ma-jig (tutorial here), I lined up this lovely snowflake border (Chocolate Chip on More Mustard card stock).  Three Circle Rhinestone Brads add a dash of winter sparkle.  Stampin' Up!'s new Sage Shadow 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon blends the two papers together.

The postmark stamp was inked in Chocolate Chip and stamped on More Mustard card stock.  I stamped it again on Sage Shadow and popped it out with 1/2" Circle Punch.  It's adhered with a Stampin' Dimensional for dimension.  TIP:  Keep your mind open to finding ways to dissect part of a stamp and layer . . . it's makes things so much more interesting.

The pillow box is a combination of Autumn Vine DP, my Pillow Box Die and a Big Shot.  Just a few turns of the handle and you have a perfectly cut and scored box. TIP:  I have the best results using the Crease Pad on dies which create score lines (Pillow Box, Scallop Envelope).   It's accented with sumptuous Chocolate Felt Ribbon (Holiday Mini) and a tag created with Stampin' Up!'s Tag and Small Tag Punches (Sage Shadow over Chocolate Chip).  The "to/from" stamp is also from Winter Post. A snippet of Linen Thread allows the tag to dangle.  Won't these pillow boxes make amazing stocking stuffers!

Thanks for your positive feedback on my inclusion of the stamp set images on the last two posts.  I will do my best to continue this practice.  However, the Winter Post set isn't "public" yet, so can't be offered until Oct. 1.

Hugs and Pretties . . . . Mary

Stamp Set:  Winter Post
Paper:  Autumn Vine Designer Series Paper, More Mustard, Sage Shadow, Really Rust
Ink:  Chocolate Chip, Stampin' Up! Markers:  More Mustard, Really Rust, Sage Shadow
Cool Tools:  Paper Piercer and Template (Stampin' Up!'s Crafter's Tool Kit), 1/2" Circle Punch, Pillow Note Die, Big Shot, Tag and Small Tag Punches
The Perfect Touch:  Circle Rhinestone Brads (Fire Collection), Stampin' Dimensionals, Sage Shadow 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Alpine Ribbon Originals (Felt), Linen Thread

Stampin' Up! Golden Delicious

Every year my father-in-law brings us a big bag of apples, fresh from the orchard.  It's that time of year and this card is a thank you for him and a nice twist on the Tart and Tangy set.  TIP: Embossing gives this stamp another dimension (and would do the same for the 3 other fruits in the set--see full set below).

I dipped each apple in Versamark, stamped on Chocolate Chip card stock and heat embossed with Gold Embossing Powder.  TIP:  At first it looks like the gold is not going to show up against the dark brown. However, once heat is applied, it lightens and brightens.  Cool.

I popped out each Chocolate square with a 1 1/4" Square Punch and layered on a coordinating 1 3/8" Square, punched from More Mustard card stock.  The three apples were then layered on Really Rust and Chocolate Chip mats.

The background layout (based on today's Splitcoast Stampers Sketch Challenge) is delicious on it's own.  TIP:  All Splitcoast Daily challenges are available on my right side bar.  It's such a valuable starting place.  I used one of my favorite patterns from Autumn Vine Designer Series Paper, available October 1 in the Stampin' Up! Holiday Mini Catalog.  Need a catalog or the holiday mini?  Click here for details.

I layered each paper in sections, according to the Sketch Challenge, including Autumn Vine DP, Really Rust and More Mustard Textured card stock.  All sections were layered on Chocolate Chip card stock and a 4.25 x 5.5 Really Rust card base.

The "Kind Thanks" sentiment is heat embossed in gold on Chocolate Chip card stock.  TIP:  Stampin' Up!'s Thank You Kindly stamp set offers 4 great ways to say "thank you" for $13.95 (below).  I added some gold micro brads (www.justbrads.com) as a complimentary accent.  The sentiment gets a little "heightening" (any Seinfeld fans?) with Stampin' Dimensionals

P.S.  Stampin' Up! just gave the go ahead to include catalog images in my blog posts.  Do you find it helpful?  Please leave me a comment!  TIP:  Click to enlarge them.

Off to make apple crisp.   Hugs and Pretties . . . Mary

DON'T MISS:  My Clearance Sale under "What's On Sale?"  and Save 20% on Stampin' Up!

Stamp Set:  Tart and Tangy, Thank You Kindly                                                                      Paper:  Autumn Vine Designer Series, Really Rust Textured and Smooth, More Mustard Textured and Smooth                                                                                                                               Ink:  Versamark                                                                                                                           Cool Tools:  1 1/4" Square Punch, 1 3/8" Square Punch, Heat Tool                                            The Perfect Touch:  Gold Embossing Powder, Gold Micro Brads, Stampin' Dimensionals

Jake's 14th Birthday

Hmmmm . . . making a birthday card for a teenage boy.  Not really so tough.  TIP:  I began with neutral colors, ditched any thoughts of ribbon and added a little texture and hardware.  Today's card combines the sketch from Poetic Artistry's Mojo Monday and Beate's inspiration challenge. 

The card base is 4.25 x 5.5 Always Artichoke Textured card stock.   It's topped with a Kraft pattern from Manchester Designer Series Paper (good masculine options--I think it's a "sleeper" DP), Always Artichoke Textured and layered on a solid piece of Kraft card stock. 

The horizontal panel consists of Baja Breeze Textured card stock that I added a skinny strip of Kraft and some 1/4" Circles (Always Artichoke Textured).  The vertical panel is another handsome stripe from Manchester matted on Very Vanilla. 

The sentiment is from the Cute & Curly stamp set, which comes bundled with the Curly Label Punch (used here).  TIP:  I find this little combo indispensable.  It's stamped first in Always Artichoke ink, then Baja Breeze.  I snipped out the Baja words and attached them with Stampin' Dimensionals to the Artichoke version.  The entire punch is propped up on dimensionals, too.

TIP:  I created a simple ring, to mirror the rings in Beate's inspiration.  I first punched out Baja Breeze Textured card stock with a 1 1/4" Circle Punch.  Next, I punched around the 1 1/4" circle opening with Stampin' Up!'s new 1 3/4" Circle Punch.  So easy.   A little Always Artichoke (textured) Star pumped up on a dimensional adds polish.  With a Crop-A-Dile, I set my Jumbo Eyelets (Pewter) in a flash.

Hugs and Pretties . . . . Mary

P.S.  Want to Save 20% on Stampin' Up!?

Stamp Set:  Cute and Curly
Paper:  Manchester Designer Series, Always Artichoke Textured, Baja Breeze Textured, Kraft, Very Vanilla
Ink:  Baja Breeze, Always Artichoke
Punch Bunch:  Star, Curly Label, 1 3/4", 1 1/4" and 1/4" Circle Punches
Tools:  Crop-A-Dile
The Perfect Touch:  Jumbo Eyelets (Pewter), Stampin' Dimensionals

 

Crazy for Cupcakes

The Stampin' Pretty Pals (my Stampin' Up! demonstrator group), began our first Pals challenge this week.  Kris, from Kween Bee Kreations, found these wonderful aprons at Anthropologie to inspire all of us.  I chose this delicious cupcake apron . . . and combined it with this marvelous sketch by Taylored Expressions (Cupcake Challenge #33).  Yum :)

The cupcake is inked in Basic Brown and stamped on Watercolor Paper.  TIP:  Basic Brown, Basic Black and Basic Gray Inks are waterproof inks, a good choice when you plan to watercolor.  With an Aqua Painter, I added Pink Pirouette and Chocolate Chip to my little confection. TIP:  I squeezed my closed ink pad to create a little pool of ink on the inside of the lid . . . just right when I flip it open for watercoloring.

For a few decorative accents, I used bits of Riding Hood red card stock, Micro Brads and White Liquid Applique.  The cherry is simply a 1/2" circle punch with a little paper divot removed with my Paper Snips. For the stem, I scissored a curved sliver of Chocolate Chip.

The cupcake is adhered with Stampin' Dimensionals (to clearly remain the center of attention as such a sweet thing should) to a Whisper White Oval (die cut and embossed with Nestabilities Ovals and a Big Shot).  The Scalloped Oval was shaped similarly using a Pink Pirouette pattern from Holiday Happenings Designer Series (Hostess Level 3).  The charming Chocolate Chip Polka Dot pattern is also from Holiday Happenings and is layered on Riding Hood Red.

The background panel uses the Pink Pirouette designer paper again, layered on Chocolate Chip.  Both were created with Nestabilities Rectangles and my Big Shot.  The cherries are from the Tart and Tangy stamp set.  TIP:  To create a two-colored cherry, I inked up the entire stamp in Riding Hood Red.  Next, the red was carefully removed from the stems with a rag and recolored with a Chocolate Chip Marker.  They were stamped on Whisper White, cut out and found a happy home in the top left corner.  The card base is 4.25 x 5.5 Whisper White Textured card stock, scored at the top.

The sentiment begins with a strip of Chocolate Chip Textured Card Stock and crisp, white text from Chit Chat Rub-Ons.  I then popped out 1/4" circles from my scraps and lined them up for a finishing touch.

Hugs and Pretties . . . . Mary

Join my group!  Are you a hobby stamper who would love regular discounts on Stampin' Up! products?  For as little as $99 (now thru October 11) you can purchase a Starter Kit and immediately enjoy all the benefits of being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator.  Click here for offer details and demo benefits.  My virtual downline group, the Stampin' Pretty Pals, embraces hobby demos and you'll never be pressured to sell.  We have an exclusive blog where we share ideas, Stampin' Up! news and previews of Stampin' Up!'s latest products.   Still curious?  See my article "Which Stampin' Up! Demonstrator Are You?"

Stamp Set:  Crazy for Cupcakes, Tart and Tangy
Paper:  Holiday Happenings Designer Series (Hostess Level 3), Whisper White textured, Chocolate Chip Textured, Riding Hood Red, Watercolor
Ink:  Basic Brown, Pink Pirouette, Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Chip Marker, Riding Hood Red
Cool Tools:  1/4" and 1/2" Circle Punches, Nestabilities Ovals and Rectangles, Big Shot
The Perfect Touch:  Chit Chat Rub-Ons, Stampin' Dimensionals, Micro Brads (Antique), Liquid Applique

Ghouls Just Want to Have Fun

A quick word . . . . if you haven't checked out my new on-line ordering option, please do.  Once you reach my Stampin' Up! demonstrator page, click SHOP NOW in the top right corner.  You'll access a Stampin' Up! shopping cart, search tools, product suggestions and simple one step instructions for ordering SU products and secure credit card payment.

I have received a resounding "thank you" from stampers who have placed their order on-line with me using this new feature.  GOOD NEWS:  All hostess benefits are 100% available with on-line orders beginning at $150 in Stampin' Up! products.  However, they are referred to as Stampin' Rewards when ordering on-line.  Same great deal.

Long live "Batty for You!"  It's delightful for Halloween cards, spooky treats or perhaps a dash of jazz to one of the Pillow Box die cuts?  I'm partial to Dracula.  TIP:  This set coordinates beautifully with Stampin' Up!'s 1 1/4" and 1 3/8" Circle Punches.

I stamped each "ghoul" on Whisper White card stock (left to right, Perfect Plum, Basic Gray and Kiwi Kiss Ink).  Each was popped out with a 1 1/4" Circle Punch and layered on a 1 3/8" Circle.  A few Stampin' Dimensionals adhere each circle to layers below, created with Stampin' Up!'s Tag and Small Tag Punches.  TIP:  For some spooky spunk, I angled each tag.

The horizontal panel is topped with a layer of Ghostly Greetings Designer Series Paper, followed by Perfect Plum and Whisper White card stock.  A batty orange pattern (also Ghostly Greetings Designer Series Paper) is layered over a 4.25 x 5.5 card base in Basic Black.

The sentiment was my first choice from Chills and Thrills Rub-Ons.  "Ghouls Just Want to Have Fun!"  Hilarious. The Whisper White oval is layered on a Spellbinders Doubled Ended Tag.  This was my first time "out" with the Double Ended Tags.  TIP:  I love that I can create a ribbon slide in absolutely any card stock color.  Gotta have 'em?  Marcie offers them at Cut At Home (on sale, too).  The final touch.  A handsome snippet of Black Gingham Ribbon.

Howls and Pretties . . . Mary

Stamp Set:  Batty for You

Paper:  Ghostly Greetings Designer Series, Perfect Plum, Pumpkin Pie, Kiwi Kiss, Whisper White, Basic Gray

Ink:  Perfect Plum, Basic Gray, Kiwi Kiss

Punch Punch:  1 1/4" and 1 3/8" Circle Punches, Tag and Small Tag Punches, Large Oval Punch

Cool Tools:  Spellbinders Double Ended Tags, Big Shot

The Perfect Touch:  Black Gingham Ribbon, Chills and Thrills Rub-ons

Take a Peek at Mr. Twigster

Mr. Twigster is one "cool" dude.  In spite of the fact that I personally feel he needs a little more fat in his diet, he seems to enjoy his colorful surroundings on today's card.  Where can you find Mr. Twigster?  Match.com?  Nope.  He won't be available until the release of Stampin' Up!'s Holiday Mini catalog (over 30 pages :) on October 1, along with many of the other products used for his Winter Wonderland.  Can you say "Big Tease?"

Mr. T was inked in Chocolate Chip and stamped on Very Vanilla card stock.  BRIGHT IDEA:  I thought he needed a little sparkle.  Rather than heat embossing, I traced his little body (again, can someone give this guy a Big Mac, please) with a Sparkle Gel Pen for instant dazzle.  The Christmas lights (another stamp in the set) were added using a Stamp-a-ma-jig.

His scarf is colored with Kiwi Kiss ink and a Blender Pen.  I used a Ruby Red Marker to color his nose and the string of holiday bulbs.  He's propped up with Stampin' Dimensionals and layered on Kiwi Kiss and Riding Hood Red.

I credit the layout to this week's Splitcoast Sketch Challenge SC193 (all Splitcoast challenges are listed on my right side bar).  My Very Vanilla Textured card base is 4.25 x 5.5 and scored at the top.  TIP:  Scoring at the top of the card (vs. the side) allows you an easy way to wrap ribbon around the entire front.  A layer of the new Ski Slope Designer Paper (Stampin' Up!'s Holiday Mini) perks things up.

The vertical panel is a layer of Chocolate Chip Textured card stock on top of Very Vanilla.  I used Stampin' Up!'s new Scallop Edge Punch (click for Scallop Edge Tutorial) to create the delicious border.  I jumped ship from Ski Slope DP and used 3 strips of Bella Rose Designer Series Paper to create the sassy background.

I wrapped this luscious striped ribbon (Holiday Mini Ribbon Originals Alpine--Chocolate Chip, Vanilla, Riding Hood Red, Kiwi Kiss) around the top.  TIP:  If you are ribbon challenged like me, please feel perfectly comfortable "cheating" by consulting this video that taught me how to tie wide ribbon.  The key is pulling the left side while holding the right steady.  Problem solved!

The bottom right of Mr. Twigster highlights one of the Holiday Mini's Little Felt Flurries (69 felt snowflakes in 3 sizes, 23 designs, Whisper White, Riding Hood Red and Baja Breeze).  I layered a Riding Hood Red medium flurry on a Textured Chocolate Chip Scallop Circle.  One of the big and beautiful brads from the Hodgepodge Hardware Styled Silver Kit seemed like just the right touch.  Stampin' Dimensionals below add some extra dimension.

The "Winter Wonderland" sentiment is from Word Flurries Rub-Ons(available in Stampin' Up!'s Fall/Winter Idea Book and catalog . . . click on the butterfly on my right side bar to download).  So easy to apply.  When I first heard Stampin' Up! was going to offer rub-ons I though "ew!"  I now say "ahh."  They are wonderful and work on other surfaces (glass, for example), too.  I love them for adding a quick sentiment to textured card stock.

Need a Stampin' Up! Fall/Winter Idea Book and Catalog or want to be on my mailing list for the Holiday Mini?  Click here for details.

Hugs and Pretties . . . . M

Stamp Set:  Mr. Twigster
Paper:  Ski Slope Designer Series, Bella Rose Designer Series, Whisper White, Kiwi Kiss, Riding Hood Red, Chocolate Chip Textured, Very Vanilla Textured and Smooth
Ink:  Chocolate Chip, Ruby Red Marker, Kiwi Kiss
Cool Tools:  Blender Pen, Scallop Circle Punch, Scallop Edge Punch, Stamp-a-ma-jig
The Perfect Touch:  Ribbon Originals Alpine, Hodgepodge Hardware Styled Silver Brad, Little Felt Flurries, Word Flurries Rub-On's, Sparkle Gen Pen, Stampin' Dimensionals

Stampin' Up!'s On-Line Store Is Here!

Whether you wake up in the middle of the night with the perfect plan for the perfect project, or need to make party invitations with no time to spare . . . no problem.  You can now order Stampin' Up! products from me any time in just one step through Stampin' Up!'s New On-Line Store.  Shop around! get suggestions! You're going to love this time-saving feature!

Stampin' Pretty's "Click to Order" link (top right corner of my blog) is now linked directly to my Stampin' Up! home page.  From the home page, simply click "SHOP NOW" (top right) to get started.

I'm committed to providing the same level of personalized service my customers adore. Need help with a product or technique question?   Email me (I respond promptly to customer inquiries)or my hit my Live Help button (to chat in real time when I'm on-line, day or night--I'm often up late stamping).

Hugs . . . . Mary

P.S.  Visit the new Stampin' Up! on-line store (without finalizing an order unless you want to :) and leave me a comment with what you think! 

Sneak Peek: A Happy Heart

One-step Stampin' Up! ordering has arrived and Stampin' Up!'s new on-line store is available by clicking here (or my order button on my right side bar gets you there, too.) Guess what's really cool?  You can look up products and information in a flash.  You'll love the organization, suggested ideas and the ability to place your order easier than ever.  Check it out and play around!  Look for "SHOP NOW" when you reach my Stampin' Up! site.  I'll be here to help you by email or my Live Help button ("Live Help" is in my top left corner).  Isn't that easy!

I still have my Holiday Mini "mojo" going . . . today's post features the new set A Happy Heart, a cute little valentine set that sends a little love on any occasion.  My sketch is from this week's Mojo Monday Sketch Challenge.  I chose it because I could show off two stamps from this set on one card! 

The dandelion image emits tiny little hearts . . . how charming!  I inked it in Versamark, stamped it on Basic Gray and heat embossed in white.  It's layered on a piece of So Saffron card stock.  A clear square button adorns the side with a So Saffron flower (Trio Flower Punch) and a Basic Gray 1/4" Circle center on top.  TIP:  Layering on buttons gives them a whole new meaning and more possibilities!   A couple of adhesive pearls jazz up the center of both the button flower and the dandelion.

Parisian Summer Designer Paper creates a beautiful background (both patterns).  The top layer is matted on So Saffron card stock.  I popped out the sentiment (also from A Happy Heart, Basic Gray Ink on Whisper White) with a Nestabilities oval. The image was stamped again in Versamark on Basic Gray, heat embossed in white and cropped with a 1/2" Circle Punch.  TIP:  I next layered the embossed heart on the sentiment with a Stampin' Dimensional. 

The finished sentiment is layered on an oval of Basic Gray and adhered with Stampin' Dimensionals over Basic Gray Taffeta Ribbon (my favorite for an easy knot).  The card base is 5.5 x 4.25 in Whisper White.

Hugs and Pretties . . . . Mary

Stamp Set:  A Happy Heart
Paper:  Parisian Summer Designer Series, Whisper White, So Saffron, Basic Gray
Ink:  Basic Gray, Versamark
Cool Cools:  Big Shot, Nestabilities Ovals, Heat Gun, Trio Flower Punch, 1/4" and 1/2" Circle Punches
The Perfect Touch:  Basic Gray Taffeta Ribbon, White Embossing Powder, Stampin' Dimensionals, Adhesive Pearls (not from Stampin' Up!)

Sneak Peek Season of Friendship

I hope you enjoyed my past few days of sneak peeks.  I appreciate all the sweet comments!  Check out all my Stampin' Up! Holiday Mini samples by clicking here.  How about another new set and designer paper?

I'm confident this set will be hot, hot, hot.  It's Season of Friendship . . . a very cool, modern looking tree with four options for the branches (or otherwise).  You get to play with a bird, flower, snowflake or the leaves I used on today's post.  TIP: These little guys could easily be placed directly on the tree using a Stamp-a-ma-jig.  However, I saw this simple punch idea in the new Stampin' Up! Holiday Mini (available for customer order October 1).  So keep reading.

The Sage Shadow card base is 5.5 x 4.25", scored at the top.  It's topped with a brand new Designer Series Paper (also from the Stampin' Up! Holiday Mini) called Autumn Vine (key colors:  Chocolate Chip, Really Rust, More Mustard, Sage Shadow). 

I stamped the tree in Chocolate Chip ink on Very Vanilla card stock.  Using my Stampin' Up! Markers, I directly colored each leaf of the stamp a different color (left to right:  More Mustard, Really Rust, Sage Shadow).  TIP:  Just before stamping, "huff" lightly to get the stamp uniformly moist for transfer of the marker ink.  Works like a champ.

TIP:  My 3/4" Circle Punch saved the day.  I popped out each of the leaf elements and mounted them on Stampin' Dimensionals.  The sentiment was inked in Chocolate Chip and stamped on Really Rust card stock.  I clipped the left side with a Corner Rounder Punch and added More Mustard Brads on the right.  The sentiment is attached with Stampin' Dimensionals.  The tree was matted on Sage Shadow and Chocolate Chip. 

I'm ready for fall and baking some delicious apple crisp.  How about you?

Hugs and Pretties . . . . Mary

CHECK OUT THIS STAMPIN' PRETTY FEATURE!  Have you seen the LIJIT search option on my left side bar under "Recent Posts?"  If you are looking for something special (for example, a certain stamp set, punch or technique), just pop in the keywords and pull up any of my past posts that match.  Nifty.

Stamp Set:  Season of Friendship
Paper:  Autumn Vine Designer Series, Sage Shadow, Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla, Really Rust
Ink:  Chocolate Chip, Stampin' Up! Markers:  More Mustard, Really Rust, Sage Shadow
Cool Tools:  3/4" Circle Punch, Corner Rounder Punch
The Perfect Touch:  More Mustard Brads (Earth Elements Collection)