Stampin' Pretty - My Fun & Chic Stampin' Up! Boutique, Mary Fish, Stampin' Up! Demonstrator, Video Tutorials

Drumroll, Please . . .

Thanks to all 234 of you who proclaimed to the virtual stamping world that you want to lose weight, be nicer, stamp more, declutter and work on your finances. If each of us loses 10 lbs (as many vowed to do at a minimum) we collectively drop 2340 lbs.  More than a ton.  About the size of a Clydesdale. Yes, my funky perspective on things at work.

Perhaps I can help more in the "decluttering" department.  I'm in the process of a complete makeover of my stamping workspace.  In the next week, I will be sharing before and after photos and lots of ideas for storage and organization.  Stay tuned.

Thanks for playing along.  The random winner of my Stampin' Up! blog candy giveaway is:  Lisa Page.   Congrats, Lisa!

Here is her comment and resolution:

"What a sweetheart you are! AND what sweet blog candy! I'll play! My resolutions are (wait a minute, the list is REALLY long and I have to pair it down- LOL!):

Get healthy, totally re-do studio, become more of a business demo than a hobby demo and be nice to EVERYONE.

Okey-dokey- Have a great new year Mary"

JUST A NOTE:  For those of you who asked if the photo of the "backorder fairy" in the "Backorder Help Is Here" post is me . . . Right vintage.  Wrong gal.  Chuckle.  Chuckle.

Backorder Help Is Here!

Just a quick announcement that Stampin' Up! has a number of stamps and accessories (including the Love You Much Bundle) on backorder which prohibits customers from adding these items to their on-line shopping cart.  Most items are scheduled to begin shipping next week so the delay, although frustrating, won't be long!

If you experience this issue, you may click here to submit an order directly to me.  As a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator,  I'm able to bypass the backorder "block," place the order and will email you an itemized list and total for your review, including a link for secure credit card payment.  It's an extra step but it gets you in position for the backordered goodies pronto.

DON'T MISS OUT!

My Blog Candy Giveaway!

FREE Spring/Summer 2009 Catalog w/$99!  Ends Dec. 31 (Exclusive).

Love You Much Bundle (Save 20%)

Spend $20 and receive 20% Off Any Catalog Sampler Stamp Set

Cracked Glass Tutorial

Are you ready to try something new?  How about the luxurious look of cracked glass?  Today's tutorial explores this fun and classy technique using Stampin' Up!'s Glassy Glaze Enamel Embossing Powder.  PLUS:  You don't want to miss my blog candy giveaway.  Click here for details and play along! 

Here's another sneak peek of the Echoes of Kindness (Hostess Level 1) stamp set.  This beautiful set will be available in the new Stampin' Up! 2009 Spring/Summer Idea Book and Catalog when it's released on January 19.  Check out my exclusive free catalog offer w/$99 purchase--ends Dec. 31.

The pretty Echoes floral stem is inked in Bravo Burgundy and stamped on Very Vanilla.  TIP:  Using the brush end of an Apricot Appeal Marker, I used quick strokes to add color to the image.  With such a soft line, imperfection looks lovely.  I sponged the edges of the panel in Bravo Burgundy.

Now for the Cracked Glass Technique . . .

Gather Powder Pals, Glassy Glaze, Heat Tool and VersaMark

Cover the image panel thoroughly with VersaMark ink.

Sprinkle a heavy layer of Stampin' Up!'s Glassy Glaze Embossing Powder over VersaMark.  TIP:  The Powder Pals make it easy to return the excess back to the container for reuse.

Heat Emboss with a Heat Tool. 

 

Allow to cool completely. REPEAT Versamark and Heat Embossing with Glassy Glaze two more times.  The goal is to build up a thick layer that can be cracked.


After cool (TIP:  I tossed mine in the freezer for a few minutes), bend panel to create cracked "glass" lines where you want them.

Three burgundy Micro Brads accent the bottom corner.  I layered the cracked glass panel on Apricot Appeal (also sponged in Bravo Burgundy on the edges) and Bravo Burgundy card stock. 

My design was inspired by this card by Splitcoast Featured Stamper Barbara Schram (FS99).  I also played along with Ways to Use Challenge WT190, "Get Cracking." The Bravo Burgundy card base (4.25 x 5.5) is topped with a layer of Very Vanilla (also sponged on the edges).  TIP:  For a little depth, I added a couple score lines. I used a Scor-Pal but any scoring tool will do the trick.  I wrapped a touch of Apricot Appeal 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon around my Vanilla layer.

The Short and Sweet sentiment was inked in Bravo Burgundy and stamped on Apricot Appeal.  It got it's cute figure from Stampin' Up!'s Small Oval Punch and is adhered with Stampin' Dimensionals to a Bravo Burgundy Large Oval Punch.

Click to view all my Sneak Peeks!

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE.

Stamp Set:  Echoes of Kindness (available Jan. 19), Short and Sweet (109369)
Paper:  Very Vanilla (101650), Bravo Burgundy (105123), Apricot Appeal (105124)
Ink:  Bravo Burgundy (105214), Stampin' Up! Apricot Appeal Marker (105107), VersaMark (102283)
Cool Tools:  Large (107305) and Small (107304) Oval Punches, Heat Tool 100005), Sponges (101610), Powder Pals (102197), Scor-Pal (www.ucutathome.com)
The Perfect Touch:  Glassy Glaze Enamel Embossing Powder (100477), Apricot Appeal 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon (109040), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Burgundy Micro Brads (www.justbrads.com)

It's Blog Candy Time!

Let's count down to the New Year with a little blog candy party. To play along, simply leave me a comment at the end of this post with a New Year's resolution by Noon (CST) on Dec. 31.  I'll post a randomly chosen winner that afternoon.  US residents only, please. Please don't miss my exclusive catalog offer below!

Here are the Stampin' Up! blog candy goodies that are included:

• New Punches Three Hostess Level 1 Stamp Set (my top customer hostess pick--click for sample)
• Designer Buttons (30 adorable buttons in Pink Pirouette, Riding Hood Red, Kiwi Kiss, Baja Breeze)
• (26) 6 x 6 sheets of my coveted Cerise Designer Series Paper (retired, a mix of 2-sided patterns in Real Red and Vanilla--perfect for Valentine's Day)

OK,  I'll go first.  I promise to read a book a week, eat healthier and learn to watercolor.

A Stampin' Pretty Exclusive Offer! 
Spend $99 & get the new catalog FREE!
Ends Dec. 31

The new catalog is coming!  January 19, 2009 marks the day the new Stampin' Up! Spring/Summer 2009 Idea Book and Catalog will be available on-line and the customer order period begins. 

Beginning Sunday, Dec. 28 thru Wednesday, Dec. 31 (11:50 PM, MT), order $99 (excluding shipping and taxes) in Stampin' Up! products through ME and receive the new Spring/Summer Idea Book and Catalog FREE, including priority mail shipping to your doorstep.  A $14.75 Value!  Enjoy thumbing through approx. 200 pages of tutorials, samples and the latest Stampin' Up! products.  Note:  Priority mail delivery will be in mid-January. 

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!

Take advantage of these current Stampin' Up! Promotions, too:

Love You Much Bundle (20% Savings).  NOTE:  Orders including this bundle need to be placed here.

Spend $20, Get 20% Off Any Stamp Set in the Catalog Sampler

Sneak Peek: All You Need Is Love

All you need is love . . . (please hum to the Beatles hit) more notably Stampin' Up!'s Love You Much Bundle (115405). Save 20% with the bundled Love You Much stamp set, Candy Lane Designer Series Paper and the Heart to Heart Punch.  Click here for special offer details!

Today's card highlights the "love" stamp from the set.  It's ideal for coloring in with markers, leaving plain or quickly adding funky dots like I did with a Stampin' Up! Rose Red Marker.  TIP:  I inked the full stamp in Rose Red and carefully removed the ink with a cloth (moistened with a touch of Stampin' Mist) from the  "you much" portion of the stamp. Voilà.  Omission stamping.

The flower is adhered with Stampin' Dimensionals.  A Pink Pirouette 1/4" Circle and a Cameo Coral Boho Blossom layer over a bloom created with the Big Shot Die-Cut Machine and Stampin' Up!'s Exclusive Birds & Blooms Sizzlits Die (Rose Red card stock).  A snippet of Rose Red 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon pumps up the corner, hanging out with a Wire Clip from the Stampin' Up! Clips Assortment.

The layout was inspired by Julee Tilman's Mojo Monday sketch.  The card base is Whisper White (4.25 x 5.5).  A Cameo Coral Panel lands on top, textured using Cuttlebug's Swiss Dots and my Big Shot.  The lower portion layers Raspberry Tart Designer Series Paper (available January 19--this one is very 1960's--groovy, baby) over Rose Red card stock.  A strip of Pink Pirouette runs horizontally for additional contrast.

TIP:  The "you much" sentiment is part of the "Love" stamp.  However, I colored just the text I wanted with a Stampin' Up! Rose Red Marker.  One of the benefits of SU's markers is you can isolate parts of a stamp.  I layered the sentiment over a Large Oval Punch of Rose Red and topped it off with a label holder from Hodgepodge Hardware.  Two Circle Rhinestone brads provide dazzle on each side.

TIP:  For a quick and pretty envelope, I adhered the flip side of my 2-sided Raspberry Tart Designer Series Paper to the envelope flap.  Simply turn the flap over and cut away the excess.  I love the mix of the formal paper with the perfectly coordinated colors of the retro pattern in the card.  Very chic!

NOTE:  If you experience any problems ordering the Love You Much Bundle on-line, please click here to email me your contact and order information. You can combine the order with other Stampin' Up! supplies, too.  I'll respond with an itemized invoice and link for secure credit card payment.  If I do it this way (by hand), I can get the order through for you.  The Candy Lane Designer Paper is backordered and expected to ship the week of Jan. 5.

For a list of all Stampin' Up! Promotions, please see "What's On Sale" on my right side bar!

 

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!

Stamp Set:  Love You Much Bundle (115405)
Paper:  Raspberry Tart Designer Series (113975, available Jan. 19), Rose Red (102544), Pink Pirouette (111351), Cameo Coral (100475), Whisper White (100730)
Ink:  Rose Red (101778), Stampin' Up! Rose Red Marker (100063)
Cool Tools:  Big Shot Die-Cut Machine (113439), Large Oval Punch (107305), Birds and Blooms Sizzlets Dies (113485), Boho Blossom Punch (110711), 1/4" Circle Punch (104942), Cuttlebug Swiss Dots Embossing Folder
The Perfect Touch:  Rose Red 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon (111366), Wire Clip (112580, Clips Assortment), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Rhinestone Circle Brads (109110, Fire), Styled Silver Label Holder (111325, Hodgepodge Hardware)

Other:  Whisper White Medium Envelope (107301)

 

Problems Ordering Love You Much Bundle?

Due to a high demand for Stampin' Up!'s Love You Much Bundle (click for full details) and the Candy Lane Designer Series being on back order (scheduled to ship the week of Jan. 5), there have been problems attempting to order this "must-have" set on-line.

If you would like to order the Love You Much Bundle (you can combine other Stampin' Up! supplies, too), please click here to email me your contact and order information.  I'll respond with an invoice and link for secure credit card payment.  If I do it this way (by hand), I can get the order through.  Hopefully, the on-line issue will be repaired soon!

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!

Happy Holidays Parade

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!  I wanted to share the beautiful handcrafted artwork I received in the mail this year (Thanksgiving, birthday and Christmas).  Many of the designers are virtual friends I have made in the last year through my blog and our shared passion for stamping.  I cherish every one.  Ain't life grand?

Nancy:

Jill G.:

Sandy:

Patti:

Silke:

Monica:

Rita:

Karren:

Tiffany:

Kris (my darling niece):

My Sister-In-Law, Karol:

Jill K:

Monica:

Patti:

Renate:

Kris (my adorable niece, again):

Tiffany:

Kim:

Sneak Peek: Heart to Heart Bouquet

Ready for a little heart to heart?  Stampin' Up!'s new Heart to Heart Punch is available to customers as part of a pre-order bundle (save 20%) along with the Love You Much stamp set and Candy Lane Designer Series Paper.  These items will be sold separately (at retail price) when the Stampin' Up! Spring/Summer Idea Book & Catalog is released, Jan. 19.  Click here to order Stampin' Up! products on-line.

NOTE:  As of yesterday (the first day for customer orders), Stampin' Up! has sold 9,000 of these charming bundles. There is a back order for the Candy Lane DP, expecting to ship the week of Jan. 5.  If you experience any issues with placing your order for this (or any other) product on-line, please email me.  I can place the order for you manually. 

The Love You Much stamp set offers a triple heart stamp which coordinates with the Heart to Heart Punch.  This made quick work in creating the hearts for my bouquet.  I doodled around the edges and created quick stems with a Stampin' Up! Chocolate Chip Marker.  The hearts were applied with Stampin' Dimensionals for a little 3-D.

TIP:  Use the Heart to Heart Punch to make quick confetti for an anniversary or valentine card (slip a few loose hearts in the envie) or to highlight a place setting for a special event.

The bouquet panel was matted on Chocolate Chip card stock and I added a snippet of Riding Hood Red/Very Vanilla Ribbon.  TIP:  I used my favorite method, the Stay Put Bow (click here for video tutorial).  However, my Crop-a-dile couldn't reach where I wanted the bow placed. I grabbed a hammer and my large Anywhere Hole Punch, both from the Stampin' Up! Crafter's Tool Kit.  Mission accomplished.

The layout is inspired by today's Splitcoast Sketch Challenge  (SC208),  The red panel peeking from behind is from Candy Lane Designer Series.  This paper series offers sweet patterns in Very Vanilla, Riding Hood Red, Close to Cocoa, Pink Pirouette.  The Chocolate Chip card base is 4.25 x 5.5 and scored at the top.  Another darling zigzag pattern from Candy Lane is layered on top.

The "hugs and kisses" stamp is from Love You Much, too.  I stamped it on Riding Hood Red, Very Vanilla and Pink Pirouette card stock.  My Paper Snips fashioned an element from each that were adhered and "elevated" using Stampin' Dimensionals.

TIP:  Being able to pop out three hearts at once using the Heart to Heart Punch is delightful.  However, it leaves a lovely pattern behind, pretty when tucked inside this card for a little contrast and interest.

So what do you think of my sneak peeks so far?  More to come.  Please leave me a comment at the end of this post.  I would love to hear your thoughts!

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!

Stamp Set:  Love You Much (Love You Much Bundle, 115405)
Paper:  Candy Lane Designer Series (Love You Much Bundle, 115405), Very Vanilla (101650), Chocolate Chip (102128), Riding Hood Red (111348), Pink Pirouette (111351)
Ink:  Chocolate Chip (100908), Stampin' Up! Chocolate Chip Marker (100071)
Cool Tools:  Heart to Heart Punch (Love You Much Bundle, 115405), Anywhere Hole Punch (Stampin' Up! Crafter's Tool Kit, 104310)
The Perfect Touch:  Riding Hood Red/Vanilla Taffeta Ribbon (111365), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

Sneak Peek: Love Birds

I'm thrilled that Stampin' Up! gave customers the ability to purchase the Love You Much Bundle (115405) right now, weeks before the release of the Spring/Summer 2009 Idea Book and Catalog (release date Jan. 19).  Better yet, the bundled price is 20% off.  It's such a fun assortment of stamps, paper and coordinating heart punch for love, valentines and friendship projects.  The Heart to Heart Punch will be featured in my next Sneak Peek.  Click here for details on the Love You Much Promotion.

Today's card incorporated So Saffron, Orchid Opulence and Cameo Coral from this week's Splitcoast Color Challenge, CC198.  Although I tend to be pretty open to experimenting with color, this trio initially suggested "Clash of the Titans" to me.  TIP:  When in doubt, add lots of white.  It works every time.  I now like it . . . go figure :)

For added dimension, I stamped the Love You Much love birds on Whisper White and Cameo Coral (using Jet Black Stazon Ink--my favorite for crisp and dark line images).  I snipped out the bird bodies and layered them on Stampin' Dimensionals.  TIP:  Stampin' Dimensionals are easy to cut and shape, especially for small objects like my birds.

My sketch and "lovey dovey" inspirations are from Our Creative Corner challenges.  The Orchid Opulence card base is 4.25 x 5.5 with layers of So Saffron and Whisper White on top.  The white layer is embossed using my Big Shot and a Cuttlebug Paisley Embossing Folder.  The large Cameo Coral circle was created using a Big Shot Die-Cut Machine and Nestabilities Circle Die. 

Other touches include snipping the corners of the bird image with a Ticket Corner Punch and adding So Saffron Brads.  The "LOVE" sentiment from Fundamental Phrases was inked in Cameo Coral and stamped on Whisper White.  It pops out with ease using a Small Oval Punch--a perfect fit for this Hodgepodge Hardware Label Holder.  Two purple Rhinestone Circle Brads add a shot of bling.

I'm having such a good time with my 5-Petal Flower Punch.  I punched it twice and adhered each layer, including the 3/4" circle center, with Stampin' Dimensionals.  The So Saffron polka dot pattern (horizontal banner and flower center) is from Stampin' Up!'s Parisian Summer Designer Paper.  Voilà!

TIP:  I have added a Spring/Summer Sneak Peeks category on my left side bar for convenient viewing of the soon-to-be released products in one place!

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!

Stamp Set:  Love You Much (Love You Much Bundle, 115405)
Paper:  Parisian Summer (112149), Whisper White (100730), Orchid Opulence (100969), So Saffron (105118), Cameo Coral (100475)
Ink:  Jet Black Stazon (101406), Cameo Coral (103035)
Cool Tools:  Small Oval Punch (107304), 5-Petal Flower Punch (109041), Ticket Corner Punch (107214), 3/4" Circle Punch (107217), Big Shot Die-Cut Machine (113439), Nestabilities Circles, Cuttlebug Paisley Embossing Folder
The Perfect Touch:  Circle Rhinestone Brads (109111, Ice), Hodgepodge Hardware Label Holder (111325, Styled Silver), So Saffron Brads (106953, Rich Regals), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

Love You Much Bundle Starts Dec. 23!

 

Envious of how the Stampin' Up! demonstrators can order the soon-to-be released products in advance?  Starting Dec. 23 (through January 31, 2009), you can order this charming Love You Much Bundle (new stamps, coordinating punch and designer paper) at a 20% savings and weeks in advance of the release of the Stampin' Up! Spring/Summer 2009 Idea Book and Catalog. 

TIP:  Act quickly, and you can receive Free Shipping on product orders of $70 or more through Dec. 23.  For a list of all current Stampin' Up! promotions, please see "What's On Sale?" on my right side bar.

To Order the Love You Much Bundle or Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!

Dates: December 23, 2008 - January 31, 2009

Promotion details:

Get ready for Valentine's Day with the exclusive Love You Much Bundle (item 115405). The Love You Much Bundle includes the following:

 

Sneak Peek: Raspberry Tart

This Stampin' Up! Raspberry Tart Designer Series paper is absolutely as delicious as it's name implies.  Sumptuous patterns combine with Kiwi Kiss, Rose Red, Pretty in Pink, Real Red and Cameo Coral. Samples are shown at the end of this post.  It's all part of my sneak peek marathon for  the Stampin' Up! Spring/Summer 2009 Idea Book and Catalog--available starting Jan. 19.   

The sentiment is a new, single stamp set called Elegant Thank You ($6.95).  It's inked in Rose Red and stamped on Whisper White.  I added paper piercing and a touch of Rose Red 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon for pizzazz. 

The top right flower combines two 5-Petal Flower Punches (Rose Red and Pretty in Pink) layered with a Stampin' Dimensional between and a 3/4" Circle of Kiwi Kiss Textured card stock layered on top.

The horizontal banner is highlighted by a mini polka dot pattern from Raspberry Tart, followed by Pretty in Pink card stock.  I felt generous with my Pretty in Pink brads and loaded up on the sides.  TIP:  I use a paper piercer and template (Stampin' Up! Crafter's Tool Kit) to line them up neatly.

Raspberry Tart Designer Series Paper (is this floral gorgeous or what?) is followed by Rose Red card stock and a Whisper White card base (4.25 x 5.5). 

TIP:  For a little polish, I added a third pattern from Stampin' Up!'s Raspberry Tart Designer Series on the inside of the card.

LAST DAY DEC. 23!  Stampin' Up!'s Free Shipping (with a $70 order) and Retiring Stamp Sale (save 10%) end Dec. 23.  Order on-line now and save!

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!

Stamp Set:  Elegant Thank You (114494, available Jan. 19)
Paper:  Raspberry Tart Designer Paper (113975, available Jan. 19), Whisper White (100730), Rose Red (102544), Pretty in Pink (100459), Kiwi Kiss Textured (111345, Assorted In Colors)
Ink:  Rose Red (101778)
Cool Tools:  5-Petal Flower Punch (109041), 3/4" Circle Punch (107217), Corner Rounder Punch (109047), Paper Piercer and Template (104310, Stampin' Up! Crafter's Tool Kit)
The Perfect Touch:  Rose Red 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon (111366), Pretty in Pink Brads (106954, Soft Subtles Brads, Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

Sneak Peek: Echoes of Kindness

 

You're up for a little holiday diversion, right?  I have a marathon planned of sneak peeks for stamps and accessories from Stampin' Up!'s soon-to-be released Spring/Summer 2009 Idea Book and Catalog.  All sneak peek products will be available for customer order Jan. 19 (with an exception planned for early customer purchase next week--woo hoo).  Let's get this party started! 

Leading off is a new Hostess Level 2 stamp set called Echoes of Kindness.  I love the artsy floral images and Mother Teresa's words are poignant and poetic.  I stamped the tallest stem in Jet Black Stazon on Sahara Sand card stock.  TIP:  I personally like using Black Stazon for line images better than Basic Black Classic Ink.  It seems to give a crisper, deeper image.  The image is layered on Basic Black card stock and three Basic Black Brads add a little zip to the corner.

The sentiment is inked in Stazon Black, then stamped on Very Vanilla.  The corners were snipped with a Ticket Corner Punch and it's adhered with Stampin' Dimensionals onto a Basic Black mat.

Is that Stampin' Up! Designer Series Paper?  You bet.  It's available Jan. 19 (in the new catalog) and is aptly named "Jack Pot."  See the teensy clubs and spades in the pattern?  The entire paper pack focuses on game themes.  It coordinates with a "Game Night" stamp set and "In the Cards" wheel. 

I became an instant fan when I saw Basic Black in many of the patterns.  I feel there's a shortage of black Stampin' Up! patterned paper outside of Halloween options.  It's delightful for neutral and monochromatic cards.  As far as I'm concerned, these patterns go with just about everything.  Even Mother Teresa :)

I layered the designer paper over Basic Black followed by a Sahara Sand card base (4.25 x 5.5).  To give the Very Vanilla Envelope some jazz, I added another Echoes of Kindness multi-flower stamp.  So pretty.

My color inspiration was from Splitcoast Color Challenge CC195 and the idea to dress up my envelope was from Splitcoast Ways to Use Challenge WT195.  TIP:  All daily Splitcoast Challenges (and links) are listed on my left side bar.  Check it out and play along.

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!

Stamp Set:  Echoes of Kindness (Hostess Level 2, 113230--not available until Jan. 19)
Paper:  Sahara Sand (105328), Very Vanilla (101650), Basic Black (102851), Jack Pot Designer Series Paper (113995, not available until Jan. 19), Very Vanilla Medium Envelope (107300)
Ink:  Jet Black Stazon (101406)
Cool Tools:  Ticket Corner Punch (107214)
The Perfect Touch:  Basic Black Brads (109109, Vintage Brads), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

Après Dinner Mints

I'm sitting in the middle of an enormous snowstorm (again) and we are expecting a second this weekend.  No school for my freshman daughter, Caroline.  Everything in Madison, WI, is at a halt . . . and I'm smiling.  This is my favorite kind of day for stamping and "nesting."  We are nearly guaranteed a White Christmas!

My marathon of stamp and accessory sneak peeks for you will begin later today, starting with a new hostess set from the Stampin' Up! Spring/Summer 2009 Catalog (available Jan. 19).  Echoes of Kindness.  Love it.

I mentioned in a previous post that my family doesn't do a big holiday gift exchange.  This year it's a simple book exchange to one family member (the book needs to be age and interest appropriate . . . extra points for humor).  However, we are going nutso on a formal Christmas six-course dinner (this Sunday) at my sister's home.  I was assigned placecards and dinner mints (plus potatoes and veggies for 17 hungry friends and  relatives). 

Knowing that the candlelit tables will be stunning with ivory and gold china, polished sterling silver, "real" napkins and more . . . I decided to combine my requirement for placecards and dinner mints. 

My monogrammed embossed pillow boxes (approx. 2 1/8" x 3 3/4" when assembled) hold three Hershey's mints (dark, white and milk chocolate mini bars).  TIP:  It's a perfect fit when placed vertically!  Very Vanilla card stock took a trip through my Big Shot Die-Cut Machine with the Pillow Box Bigz Die (18 times . . . I always plan for an extra).  I'm amazed how quick and easy the process was.

I next randomly stamped the Scandinavian Season snowflake in VersaMark.  Gold Embossing powder added a rich and raised finish.  The Brushed Gold card stock band (which slides on and off to open) is 1 1/4" x 5.5".  TIP:  Have the ends meet at the front (use plenty of adhesive to glue ends together) and cover with a Curly Label Punch of matching Gold Brushed Card Stock.  Hooray!  No visible seams.

I added gold embossed monograms from Stampin' Up!'s Lovely Letters alphabet stamps to the punched labels.  TIP:  However, here's a cute design (also Lovely Letters with the holly stamp from Holiday Trinkets, 111650) that you can use if you want to do them all the same.  Perfect for wedding or party favors.  The labels are attached to the band with Stampin' Dimensionals.

STAY TUNED FOR SNEAK PEEKS FROM THE SPRING/SUMMER CATALOG LATER TODAY :)

FINAL DAYS of the Stampin' Up'! Free Shipping Offer.  Ends Dec. 23! 

To Place an On-Line Order for Stampin' Up! Products 24/7, CLICK HERE.

Stamp Sets:  Scandinavian Season (111774), Lovely Letters (111099)
Paper:  Very Vanilla (101650), Brush Gold (102935)
Ink:  VersaMark (102283)
Cool Tools:  Heat Tool (100005), Curly Label Punch (112966), Big Shot Die-Cut Machine (113439), Pillow Box Bigz Die (113466)
The Perfect Touch:  Gold Embossing Powder (109129), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

Guest Stamper: Michelle

 

Stampin' Up! currently is offering their charming turquoise storage tins (114673, $3.95) and silver skinny tins (104333, $1.95) for sale individually, while supplies last.  Click here for full details and loads of inspiration on how to use them.

I bought a supply of each but have yet to come up with something fresh.  No worries.  This week's Guest Stamper Michelle . . . came up with a big dose of clever for the blue tins.  In addition to her tastefully decorated box above, she created little shadow boxes to display items with magnets.  They are fantastic and I simply had to share!

In Michelle's own words, "My daughter and her friends like these. You can use the magnets to attach photos or other memorabilia to the back wall, and then display your 3-D items on the bottom edge to set a scene. For example, you could put a birthday party photo on the back wall and a party invitation, and then display the cake topper and a party favor on the shelf. I can think of many possibilities!" 

Michelle made the magnets with flat bottomed glass marbles and magnets she bought at Michael's (paper used is Stampin' Up! Rainbow Sherbet Designer Series, 112471). 

Click photos for a larger view :)

Just think of the cute storage possibilities for ribbon, paper scraps, embossing supplies and more. 

Isn't this one sweet, too?

COMING UP . . . MY SNEAK PEEKS (and lots of them) for Stampin' Up!'s Spring/Summer 2009 Catalog (release date Jan. 19) and Love You Much Bundle (starts Dec. 23). 

Pocket Silhouettes In Living Color

Simple images can make a big statement when combined with the strength of color.  Look at this list of colors you would never expect to hang out together:  Tempting Turquoise, Ruby Red, So Saffron, Green Galore.  Even Groovy Guava (retired) sneaks into the picture.

My inspiration came from this image from the SCS Inspiration Challenge (IC158)  TIP:  All Daily Splitcoast Challenges are listed (and linked) on my left side bar for your convenience.  I'm confident I would never have attempted these colors together without having seen the inspiration first. 

The stem from Stampin' Up!'s Pocket Silhouettes was stamped four times on my assortment of colors with Chocolate Chip ink.  Each square (2 x 1.5) was sponged (Chocolate Chip ink) and layered on a piece of Chocolate Chip card stock.  TIP:  I used a Stamp-a-ma-jig for placing the image in the perfect spot.  Ditto the sentiment.

I certainly don't hide the fact that I love working with Stampin' Up!'s Taffeta Ribbon and used Chocolate Chip here.  The Stay-Put Bow (click here for tutorial) is my method of choice for tying a neat bow.  TIP:  My Crop-A-Dile (which I typically use for hole punches) didn't reach the center where I wanted to pop out a hole to run the ribbon through.  Alternatively, the 3/16" Anywhere Hole Punch from Stampin' Up!'s Crafter's Tool Kit was the answer.  Like it proclaims, it can go anywhere.

Just when I thought I had recovered from the loss of last year's In Colors, Groovy Guava begged to join in the excitement.  It was sponged with Chocolate Chip.  A touch of Tempting Turquoise was jollied up with a Scallop Edge Punch and all were layered on a 5.5 x 4.25 card base of Chocolate Chip.

The sentiment is from Thank You Kindly, inked in Chocolate Chip and cozied up to three Green Galore Brads. TIP:  To align your brads like soldiers at attention, use a Paper Piercing template and Paper Piercer.  No chance of them going AWOL.

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Stamp Set:  Pocket Silhouettes (111672), Thank You Kindly (111700)
Paper:  Tempting Turquoise (102067), Ruby Red (102030), So Saffron (105118), Green Galore (101768), Chocolate Chip (102128), Groovy Guava (retired)
Ink:  Chocolate Chip (100908)
Cool Tools:  Scallop Edge Punch(112091), Stampin' Up! Sponges (101610), Crafter's Tool Kit (104310, includes Paper Piercer, Piercing Template, Large Eyelet (3/16") Anywhere Hole Punch), Stamp-a-ma-jig (101049)
The Perfect Touch:  Chocolate Chip Taffeta Ribbon (109065), Green Galore Brads (106957, Bold Brights)

Stampin' Up! Scandinavian Snowflakes

I think I might be ready for Christmas.  I'm almost afraid to say it.  My holiday cards have been sent.  My handmade Stampin' Up! gift certificates went out today.  My family (beyond Scott and Caroline) doesn't do a lot of gifts, instead focusing on a large, formal gathering (I'm in charge of making the monogrammed placecards--go figure) to celebrate.  Once a year, the good china gets dusted off and sterling polished.   Both old and new recipes abound and we eat and eat and eat.

This lively card duo is a take off on a layout I did awhile back using Felt Flurries snowflakes.  I covet all the images from Scandinavian Season and stamped the smallest snowflake in Chocolate Chip ink on Whisper White Paper. 

Each is popped out with a 1 1/4" Square Punch and layered on Stampin' Up!'s Scallop Square Punch.  I love how these two punches overlap with just a wee bit of the scallops peeking out.  The center longed for a Real Red Brad . . . so I accommodated :)  They are adhered with Stampin' Dimensionals.

It gets even easier from there.  Stampin' Up!'s splashy Ski Slope Designer Series paper and Baja Breeze Textured card stock (I adore SU's textured paper) are matted on Old Olive and a Whisper White card base (4.25 x 5.5). 

A delicious piece of Chocolate Chip Grosgrain (pronounced "GROW GRAIN") provides a luxurious accent.  I point out the pronunciation since until about six months ago, I called it as I saw it . . . ("GROSS GRAIN").  One of the nice things about blogging is that you never get caught mispronouncing anything :)  The sentiments are Stampin' Up! Rub-Ons (Season of Cheer--left and Old St. Nick--right).

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Stamp Set:  Scandinavian Season (111774)
Paper:  Ski Slope Designer Series (112994), Whisper White (100730), Real Red (102482), Old Olive (100702), Baja Breeze Textured (Assorted In Colors, 111345)
Ink:  Chocolate Chip (100908)   
Cool Tools:  Stampin' Up! Scallop Square (112081) and 1 1/4" Square Punches (104400)
The Perfect Touch:  Chocolate Chip 5/8 Grosgrain Ribbon (109051), Real Red Brad (Bold Brights Brads. 106957), Old St. Nick Rub-Ons (112844), Season of Cheer Rub-Ons (112843), Stampin' Dimensionals

Wild About Breanha

My sweet little grandniece is celebrating her first birthday.  I'm so pleased Stampin' Up! is not retiring the Wild About You (107371) stamp set.  It's a classic for children's cards (and beyond).  With a big dose of color, I hope this lion brings a smile to Breanha's adorable face.

TIP:  To give this lion grrrrreat depth, I stamped the lion three times on Whisper White.  Twice in Cameo Coral and once in Ruby Red.  I snipped out the mane and face and layered them on my original image with Stampin' Dimensionals.  Ruby Red Flowers (Trio Flower Punch) sporting 1/4" Baja Breeze circle centers, adorn the side.  The lion panel is backed with Ruby Red and a Scalloped Rectangle (Nestabilities) of Baja Breeze. 

The"Breahna" panel was created using Go Go Boots Alphabet Dies, Baja Breeze card stock and my Big Shot Die-Cut Machine.  The letters were layered over Whisper White card stock, that was "dusted" in a Baja  butterfly background from the Sprinkles stamp set.  A final mat of Baja Breeze completes this panel.

The 4.25 x 5.5 card base of Whisper White is topped with Ruby Red and Cameo Coral.  The Cameo Coral card stock received it's dotted texture from Cuttlebug's Swiss Dots Embossing Folder (with the Big Shot). 

I added a strip of 1' Double Stitched Ribbon in Baja Breeze, then adhered the lion panel with Stampin' Dimensionals.  Ooooh, how I love 3-D!  TIP:  To isolate the words "wild about" from the "wild about you" sentiment, I used a Stampin' Up! Ruby Red Marker to directly color the stamp, just the words I wanted.  The words were stamped on Whisper White, popped out with a Small Oval Punch and layered on a Large Oval Punch with a couple Stampin' Dimensionals.

The Perfect Touch?  This envelope was customized with a charming Baja Breeze stripe from Manchester Designer Series Paper.  Want to know how I did it?  Check out this helpful video from Dawn's Stampin' Studio.

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Stamp Set:  Wild About You (107371), Sprinkles (111129)
Paper:  Cameo Coral (100475), Ruby Red (102030), Baja Breeze (111352), Whisper White (100730)
Ink:  Cameo Coral (103035), Ruby Red (102259), Baja Breeze (111833)
Cool Tools:  Trio Flower Punch (109183), Large Oval Punch (107305), Small Oval Punch (107304), 1/4" Circle Punch (104942), Big Shot Die-Cut Machine (113439), Go Go Boots Die Cut Alphabet (113450), Nestabilities Scalloped Rectangles, Cuttlebug Swiss Dots Embossing Folder
The Perfect Touch:  Baja Breeze 1" Double Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon (111847), Stampin' Dimensionals, (104430)

Envelope:  Whisper White Medium Envelopes (107301), Manchester Designer Series Paper (112464)

 

Manchester Man

Sometimes pretty paper options can get lost in the shuffle.  Stampin' Up!'s Manchester Designer Series paper (112464, Baja Breeze, Always Artichoke, Kraft and Very Vanilla) may be the perfect example.  There are prints and patterns for many occasions that include masculine, but are soft enough for baby. It coordinates with Kraft envelopes (102125) and Kraft Taffeta Ribbon (109068), a couple of my Stampin' Up! favorites.

This birthday card is for my niece's husband, a thirty-something guy for whom I take particular care to not make something too "frilly."  Click to see more masculine card ideas under my "You've Got Male" category.

TIP:  For masculine cards, I prefer to keep things simple (minimal embellishments), classic colors and clean geometry.  A dash of color is fine (in this case Baja Breeze).  However, I balance a strong color with neutrals (like Kraft, Vanilla, even Artichoke). 

Check out these current Stampin' Up! Promotions:  Free Shipping, Spend $20 get $20% off, Save 10% on Retiring Stamps, Country Living Holiday Kit, Stampin' Up! Tins

TIP:  Dec. 16 is the last day to order Stampin' Up! products in time for a Christmas delivery.

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE.

Stamp Set: Celebrate Everything (109525)
Paper:  Manchester Designer Series (112464), Kraft (107070), Very Vanilla (101650), Baja Breeze Textured (Assorted In Colors, 111345), Always Artichoke (105119)
Ink:  Always Artichoke (105219)
Cool Tools:  Paper Piercer and Template (Stampin' Up! Crafter's Tool Kit, 104310), 1 3/4" Circle Punch (112004), Big Shot Die-Cut Machine (113439), Nestabilities Long Rectangles
The Perfect Touch:  Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Rich Regals Brads (Always Artichoke, 106953)

A Year in a Box Details

My Guest Stamper Cindy Major's Year in a Box was a big hit.  Here's the original post.  Despite Typepad (my blog company) issues preventing comments from being left in some instances yesterday, many of you persisted (thank you) in asking for the product details.  Cindy, being the gracious stamper that she is, has delivered.  Thanks, Cindy.  Your extra effort will make lots of stampers (including me) very happy!   TIP:  Click on photos to enlarge.

Year in a Box – Supplies List
By Cindy Major

Box
Box from Stapples (hinged clip container)
Inks: Basic Grey, Baja Breeze
Papers: Urban Garden
Punches : Handheld 1/8 in Circle, Scallop Edge
Big Shot die: Scallop Circle (large one)
Accessories: Brushed Silver Hodgepodge Hardware, Pretties, daubers, Designer Buttons, Circle Coluzzle template

New Year
Stamps: Paisley, To Have & To Hold (champagne), Calendar Alphabet & Numbers
Cardstock: Silver, Basic Grey, Basic Black
Inks: Versamark, Basic Black
Big Shot die: Scallop Circle (large one)
Accessories: Holiday Happenings Bundle rub‑ons (Level 3 Hostess set), Grey taffeta ribbon, silver and black embossing powders, Crystal Effects and silver beads, Curly Tag punch

Note:
o    To Have & To Hold is a wedding stamp set, but you can definitely use it for other events.
o    The black cardstock has been heat-embossed with black powder with the Paisley background stamp.
o    I used Crystal Effects to glue a silver bead in the middle of each scallop and also as bubbles coming out of the champagne glasses.

Valentines’s Day
Stamp: Paisley
Cardstock: Whisper White, Pink Pirouette
Inks: Whisper White, Riding Hood Red
Paper: Bella Rose
Big Shot die: Scallop Circle (large one)
Accessories: Circle Coluzzle template, paper piercer, 1/8-in. Circle handheld punch, Crop-a-Dile and heart eyelets, white, pink and red taffeta ribbons, Scallop Square punch, piercing template, Holiday Happenings Bundle rub‑ons (Level 3 Hostess set), chipboard heart

Note:
o    To decorate the chipboard heart, I covered it with Whisper White ink by tapping the ink pad directly on the chipboard, used my heat gun to speed up drying, and then I overstamped the Paisley background stamp in Riding Hood Red ink. Since it is Classic ink, it didn’t produce an even coverage like Craft ink would, hence the shabby chic look.

St.Patrick’s Day
Stamps: Holiday Happenings Bundle (Level 3 Hostess set), Paisley, Polka Dot, En toutes occasions (Occasions Collection, Level 2 Hostess)
Cardstock: Certainly Celery, Garden Green
Inks: Certainly Celery, Garden Green
Punches: Horizontal Slot, Handheld 1/8-in. Circle, Scallop Circle
Big Shot die: Scallop Circle (large one), Top Note, Scallop Circle #2 (smallest circle)
Acessories: Holiday Happenings Bundle rub‑ons (Level 3 Hostess set), Celery grosgrain ribbon, Garden Green marker (doodling around card), Ice Circle Rhinestone brad

Note:
o    The clover was created by stamping the heart from the Holiday Happenings Bundle four times.
o    I overlapped the Top Note on the Scallop Circle die (Certainly Celery part)

Easter
Stamps: Occasions Collection (Level 2 Hostess)
Cardstock: Pink Pirouette, Baja Breeze, Kiwi Kiss, Whisper White
Papers: Holiday Happenings Bundle (Level 3 Hostess set – stripes and polka dots), Ski Slope (minicatalogue)
Inks: Chocolate Chip, Baja Breeze
Punches: Round Tab, ½-in. Circle
Big Shot die: Scallop Circle (large one)
Accessories: Punches Plus Classy Brass template, Build-a-Brad epoxy sticker, markers (Certainly Celery and Pretty in Pink, for egg), Holiday Happenings Bundle rub‑ons (Level 3 Hostess set), two-way glue pen and Iridescent Ice embossing powder, Baja Breeze striped ribbon, Circle Coluzzle template

Note :   
o    I dry-embossed a circle in each of the scallops around the card.
o    I also made some of the stripes sparkly on the patterned paper. I simply masked on both sides of the stripe with Post-It Notes, used the two-way glue pen to add glue, and then pourred some Iridescent Ice embossing powder and melted it with the embossing gun.
o    To keep the ribbon bow in place, I simply slipped the ribbon between two scallops at the top and tied my bow.

 Mother’s Day
Stamps: Des voeux parfaits (Hugs & Wishes)
Carstock: Baja Breeze, Night of Navy
Papers: Urban Garden
Ink: Versamark
Big Shot die: Scallop Circle (large one)
Accessories: Holiday Happenings Bundle rub‑ons (Level 3 Hostess set), Ice Circle Rhinestone brads (blue), Oval and Circle Coluzzle templates, silver embossing powder, white gel pen, 1/8-in. Circle handheld punch, white taffeta ribbon

Note:
o    To give dimensions to the flowers, I used both the brown and white rub-ons of the same image. I rubbed the brown on my project first, and then simply overlapped the white slighly off to the left. Instant shadow.
o    I used rhinestone brads, but took the gemstone out of the brad with plyers and glued the gems in place with mini glue dots.
o    The ribbon was inserted through two holes in the scallops and tied in place.

Father’s Day
Stamps: All in the Family, Holiday Blitz (sentiment and tie)
Cardstock: Close to Cocoa, Whisper White
Papers: Frostyy Day (minicatalogue)
Inks: Basic Brown
Big Shot die: Scallop Circle (large one)
Markers: Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Blush Blossom
Accessories: Brushed Silver Hodgepodge Hardware, Holiday Happenings Bundle rub‑ons (Level 3 Hostess set), Large Star punch, Designer buttons, Natural hemp twine, Circle Coluzzle

Note: The main image was colored with markers.

Halloween
Stamps: Well-Worn Alphabet, En toutes occasions (Occasions Collection - Level 2 Hostess set)
Cardstock: Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, Silver
Papers: Ghostly Greetings
Ink: Versamark, Basic Grey
Big Shot die: Scallop Circle (large one)
Punches: ¾-in. Circle, 1-in. Circle
Accessories: Silver cord, Punches Plus Classy Brass template (to pierce around skull image), Stampin’ Pastels, Circle Coluzzle template, daubers, Paper snips

Note:
o    The letters were colored using the Poppin’ Pastel technique (Versamark and pastels rubbed on top) with black chalk to give a smoky look.
o    Basic Grey ink was applied with a dauber all around the card to keep the smoky look also.
o    The spiderwebs were created with silver cord weaved through holes in the papers.
o    The skull was punched out of the Ghostly Greetings DSP.

Thanksgiving
Stamps: Fall Flair (Level 2 Hostess set), En toutes occasions (Occasions Collection - Level 2 Hostess set)
Cardstock: More Mustard, Chocolate Chip, Sage Shadow, Real Rust
Inks: Sage Shadow, Chocolate Chip, More Mustard, Real  Rust, Versamark
Paper: Autumn Vine (minicatalogue)
Big Shot die: Scallop Circle (large one)
Punches: Large oval, Word Window
Accessories: Holiday Happenings Bundle rub‑ons (Level 3 Hostess set), Circle Coluzzle template, buttons, Earth Elements brads (Mustard), Punches Plus Classy Brass template (piercing around sentiment), gold embossing powder, Fire Circle Rhinestone brad (yello – gem only), Natural hemp twine, Chocolate Chip marker (dots around card)

Christmas
Stamps: En toutes occasions (Occasions Collection - Level 2 Hostess set)
Cardstock: Old Olive, Silver
Papers: Ski Slope
Ink: Versamark
Big Shot dies: Scallop Circle (large one), Go Go Boots alphabet
Accessories: Chocolate Chip stitched grosgrain ribbon, Pretties (white rhinestone brads), mini library clip (silver), Little Felt Flurries, Round Tab punch

Note:
o    To make the background, I weaved strips of patterned paper (like a woven basket) and after everything was glued down, I cut my circle out of the weaving. Cool way to use paper scraps.
o    I once again used the overlapping of rub-ons trick with the gift (brown first, then white on top).
o    To make the sparkly letters, I covered some scraps of Real Red cardstock with Versamark and then Iridescent Ice embossing powder. Then, I ran the scraps on the Big Shot to cut out my letters. The two dots on the “E” were created with a circle punch.

Guest Stamper: Cindy's Year In a Box

A Year In a Box.  You are in for such a treat. After admiring project after project on Cindy Major's Blog, I asked this Canadian Stampin' Up! Demonstrator to be a Guest Stamper on Stampin' Pretty.  She volunteered in a heartbeat.  Lucky me.  I never anticipated she would put together such an incredible contribution.  Click for complete product details and tips.

The Bigz Scallop Circle Die (113468) is the foundation of each card.  So easy with a Big Shot Die-Cut Machine (113439).  Here's my Scallop Note Card Tutorial.

Isn't this a neat idea?  The "egg" is highlighted to define Easter (Occasions Collection, Hostess Level 2, 111590).

All in the Family (109339) provides a charming Father's Day image (this is one of my favorites in the set).  I love the coloring, doodles and look what she did with the ties . . . looks like custom designer paper!

Very Spooky!  Check out the clever stitched web.

Translation:  Happy Mother's Day!  So pretty.

Happy New Year! 

St. Patrick's Day!  Note how she split the Scallop Circle (113468) with the Top Note Bigz Die (113463).

Aren't these colors gorgeous for this little darling note using Stampin' Up!'s Fall Flair (Hostess Level 2, 111630)? 

This sweet valentine was love at first sight.  I love the wee punch in every scallop.

The box?  It's simply an empty plastic binder clip container from Staples.  Thanks, Cindy, for recycling!

She has every detail perfected inside and out! 

Thanks, Cindy, for a masterpiece. Check out her blog here.  Which one is your favorite (or favorites)?  Leave me a comment!

Here's a little background from Cindy: 

I live in Quebec City, PQ, and I've been a demo for 3½ years now. I signed up the very day SU! entered the Quebec market, planning to be my own very best customer. Things took off soon afterwards, though, and I am now at the head of a team of 26 demos called "Des dames en art."
 
SU! has been an amazing addition to my life. It has allowed me to meet people who share my passion, to finance my hobby, to develop my leadership skills and to travel! The trip to Convention last summer was an amazing experience and I'm sure the trip to Leadership next month will be as well.



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