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

Mojo With A Happy Heart

It's Mojo Monday again and this beautiful sketch was designed by Julee Tilman for her Mojo Monday Sketch Blog (click here to see more).  I'm thrilled to be able to contribute each week as a "mojo maker" designer.

I heat embossed the heart from A Happy Heart stamp set on Pink Pirouette card stock (hooray--rumor has it that this set survived the Holiday Mini and was continued in the Stampin' Up! Spring/Summer 2009 Catalog.  Need a copy of the new catalog?  Click here for details).  I used Chocolate Chip Craft Ink and Clear Embossing Powder.  TIP:  One of the benefits of Craft (vs. Classic Ink) is that it's sticky enough to hold embossing powder for heat embossing.

The heart was snipped out and adhered to a lovely stripe from Sweet Always Designer Series Paper.  It was cut and layered on Regal Rose and Chocolate Chip, all cropped with Circle Nestabilities zipped through my Big Shot Die Cut Machine.

The banner combines a tiny Pumpkin Pie floral pattern from Sweet Always over Chocolate Chip.  TIP:  A Paper Piercer and Template (Stampin' Up's Crafter's Tool Kit) add instant charm to the banner and corners of this project.

 I used more of the same stripe designer paper over Chocolate Chip to top a 4.25 x 5.5 card base of Pink Pirouette. 

TIP:  Using a Chocolate Chip Stampin' Up! Marker, I isolated two sections of the sentiment (also Happy Heart) stamping one part at a time on Pink Pirouette.  I did the same for the little heart on Regal Rose card stock.   I used a 3/4" Circle Punch to crop the Pink Pirouette circles, 1/2" Circle Punch for the small heart and Boho Blossoms punch for the Chocolate Chip flower base.  They are attached with Stampin' Dimensionals.

COMING UP!  CHEEP TALK.  That's not a typo.  I want to share a few, very inexpensive, artful objects I discovered to add character to my new Stampin' Pretty Stamping Zone.  A couple are a tribute to my feathered friends.

Check out these current Stampin' Up! Promotions.  NOTE:  All these products and promotions expire Jan. 18!! 

•  Retiring Stamps
•  Retiring Accessories
  
•  Inventory Blowout Sale
• The Holiday Mini Ends on Jan. 18.  See my right side bar for download. A few items likely will be continued in the Spring/Summer Catalog.

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

Stamp Set:  A Happy Heart (111758)
Paper:  Sweet Always Designer Series (112468), Chocolate Chip (102128), Pink Pirouette (111351), Regal Rose (105130)
Ink:  Chocolate Chip Craft (101816), Chocolate Chip Marker (100071)
Cool Tools:  Boho Blossom Punch (110711), 3/4" (107217) and 1/2" (104390) Circle Punches, Paper Piercer and Template (104310, Crafter's Tool Kit), Heat Tool (100005), Big Shot Die Cut Machine (113439), Nestabilities Circles (www.ucutathome.com)
The Perfect Touch:  Clear Embossing Powder (109130), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

A Quick Comment About Comments

I love your comments at the end of my posts.  I read and treasure every one. Your sweet words and questions are the highlight of my day and one of the big reasons I keep up my blogging pace.  If you haven't left a comment before, please do.  I enjoy learning who my virtual stamping buddies and readers are.  Not sure how to leave a comment?  Email me.

For the past year, I have tried to personally respond to each and every comment (other than blog candy, which gets wildly busy) with either an answer to a question or a simple thank you.  In order to keep up with creative projects and my Stampin' Up! business, I need to limit my responses to questions.  My answers and tips will be posted with your comment on the original post (no longer by private email) so everyone can learn the answer.  Please be sure to check back on the original post.

I assure you, I'll still be reading and coveting your thoughtful commentary.  If you prefer to reach me directly, you can email me or click on my "Live Help" button (top left of my blog).  Thanks!

Simplicity in the Zone

My Stampin' Pretty Stamping Zone made more progress today.  I was able to sit down and design a card in the new space and it seemed like a dream come true.  I'm not completely finished for an overall "reveal" but have quite a bit to share with you below.

Today's card is clean and modern . . . a sympathy card for our friends who lost their beloved 15 year old dog, MacKenzie.  This card is an emblem of  the simplicity I want to see happen in my new workspace (also known as The Stampin' Pretty Stamping Zone). 

The main image is from Stampin' Up!'s Organic Outlines, which was heat embossed in black on Kiwi Kiss card stock. The Kiwi panel was originally 4 1/2" wide.  However, it was an easy distance to divide and create four 1 1/8" panels (3" high). TIP:   If you opt to skip the heat embossing, this card could be done with black ink in 10 minutes or less.  See more quick cards (called "Stamping 911) here.

This pretty sketch from Our Creative Corner was ideal for the large stamp image. I layered the Kiwi panels on Basic Black, followed by Whisper White Textured card stock.  The 4.25 x 5.5 card base is Kiwi Kiss.  The sympathy sentiment (from Beautiful Borders) was also heat embossed in black.  TIP:  Black brads are a subtle accent which mirror the dots in the main image.

Remember this fabric from my previous post?  It's called Dandie Sweet Potato Natural, a burnt orange background with big, natural colored polka dots.  I discovered it on-line through Warehouse Fabrics, Inc.  Click here for details. 

See where it ended up?  All the mahogany (darker colored) office furniture was purchased recently at 60% off as a result of scratches on the panel of the hutch area.

Solution?  I purchased inexpensive tackboard and covered both of the open hutch areas with my Dandie Sweet Potato . . . just the pizzazz I wanted.  Even my budget task chair (Target), get's in on the polka dot action.

The polka dot tackboard is not only "dishy" (as my friend, Karren would say), I can pin up my sketches and ideas (note the inspiration page from a Grandinroad catalog for today's card) when I'm working on a project.  Along with adding 48" strip lighting under each set of hutch cabinets, moving these pages off my work area is divine.  Otherwise I wind up with the dreaded "heap" and I can't find a thing.

TIP:  To see more sympathy cards, click here or see "With Sympathy" under Categories on my left side bar.

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

Stamp Set: Organic Outlines (111670), Beautiful Borders (111594)
Paper:  Kiwi Kiss (111353), Basic Black (102851), Whisper White Textured (108693, Textured Neutrals)
Ink:  VersaMark (102283)
Cool Tools:  Heat Tool (100005)
The Perfect Touch:  Black Brads (109109, Vintage Brads), Black Embossing Powder (109133), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

Hitting the Jackpot

Uncle Eddie taught my daughter how to win (and lose) her first dollar playing cards at the ripe age of 8.  She's now 15.  However, it has been an on-going challenge (all in fun and the stakes are low) over the years between them.  This card featuring Stampin' Up!'s new Jackpot Designer Series Paper (available Jan. 19) made the perfect theme-based masculine card for Uncle Eddie's recent birthday.  To see more masculine card ideas, click here for "You've Got Male!"

The sketch (flipped in my version) is from this week's Splitcoast Sketch Challenge SC210.  TIP:  All my favorite daily challenges are listed on my left side bar for your convenience.  Having coordinated patterns simplifies the decision making for the layers. 

TIP:  The three poker chips running vertically next to the sentiment were popped out of  Jackpot Designer paper with a 1/2" Circle Punch.  Each receives some dimension courtesy of a Stampin' Dimensional.  I used the same poker chip pattern on the envelope flap.

 

My Stampin' Pretty Stamping Zone continues to shape up daily.  I wanted to share my organization rack for 8.5 x 11 card stock.  My husband discovered this rack on clearance (under $30) as he was walking past a local craft store.  Although it doesn' quite qualify as a romantic gift, it was one of his best ever. Dare I share the birthday he surprised me with a racing car set?  Eek.  Some other day.  The rack has a spot for every Stampin' Up! color and all my special papers (metallics, glossy, matboard, etc.).

I adore these inexpensive clear plastic 9" x 11.5" sleeves for storing scraps.  I purchased one for every color through The Container Store.  TIP:  This particular item is not available on-line.  I needed to call and order them (1-888-CONTAIN).  The item number is 10044966.  They come in packs of 10 (I believe they were $2.99 a pack).

They are open on the side and at the top so I can do a quick clean up. 

Each sleeve holds the scraps and sits on top of the matching full sized (8.5 x 11) card stock. I quickly can assess if there is a scrap that I can use in a project. Practical, neat and tidy.

Stay tuned for the continued progress of my Stampin' Pretty Stamping Zone. 

Check out these current Stampin' Up! Promotions: 

•  Love You Much Bundle
•  Retiring Stamps
•  Retiring Accessories (updated)
  
•  Inventory Blowout Sale

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

Stamp Set:  Full of Life (111500)
Paper:  Jackpot Designer Series (available Jan. 19, 113995), Basic Black Textured (Assorted Textured Neutrals, 108693), So Saffron (105118), Real Red (102483), Very Vanilla (101650)
Ink:  Jet Black Stazon (101406), Real Red (103133)
Cool Tools:  Ticket Corner Punch (107214), Wide Oval Punch (112082), 1/2" Circle Punch (104390)
The Perfect Touch:  Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Red and Black Micro Brads (www.justbrads.com)

Just Buzzin' By With Another Sneak Peek

These adorable bees were the perfect touch for my daughter Caroline's birthday. The charming Just Buzzin' By bee set will be available on Jan. 19, with the launch of the Stampin' Up! Spring/Summer 2009 Idea Book and Catalog.  Click here to reserve your catalog!

Cupcake Sketch Challenge TECC49 from Taylored Expressions gets the credit for the layout.The card base is 5.25 x 5.25 when folded.  I used So Saffron Textured card stock for a rich, linen-like finish.  It's topped with layers of Bravo Burgundy and a lovely floral image from Stampin' Up!'s Parisian Summer Designer Series. 

TIP:  Dont' miss out!  Parisian Summer Designer Paper is on the Retiring Accessories List.  These delightful patterns will no longer be available after Jan. 18.  Click here for details on all Stampin' Up! Retiring Accessories.

I inked the bees in Sahara Sand and stamped them on Very Vanilla.  I dotted their sweet cheeks using a blender pen and Pink Pirouette ink, keeping the bees quite basic.  TIP:  Squeeze the inkpad to create a small pool of ink on the inside lid, just right for watercoloring or using with a blender pen.

Using a 1 1/4" Circle Punch, I cropped them out and adhered them with Stampin' Dimensionals to a 1 3/8" Circle of Sahara Sand.  A Bravo Burgundy Scallop Circle is a bold backdrop.

I layered each bee on a square of Jackpot Designer Series Paper (available Jan. 19).  I snuck it in since it was the right color (So Saffron) and reminded me of honeycomb.  The squares are then matted on Bravo Burgundy.

The bottom right "bee happy" square incorporates Go Go Boots Alphabet Die Cuts in Bravo Burgundy (zipped out of my Big Shot) for "bee" and "happy" from Fundamental Phrases.  "Happy" is inked in Bravo Burgundy and stamped on Sahara Sand.  My Small Oval Punch shapes it up and a Large Oval Punch coordinates beautifully behind (attached with Stampin' Dimensionals). 

The Pink Pirouette flower was designed with the help of a Boho Flowers Punch and Bravo Burgundy 1/4" Circle Punch (also on the Retiring Accessories List).  The final touch is Pretty in Pink 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon (yes, it's close enough to Pink Pirouette).

TIP:  I wanted to share a quick and budget friendly storage tip today from my new Stampin' Pretty Stamping Zone.  These 39" rails were $3.99 each from Ikea and are "the bomb" for organizing punches. There's a smaller version for $1.99.   The sad part for me, is that I don't have an Ikea store nearby and the shipping was as much as the four rails.  I had to look past that detail since they were essential and still cheap relative to how efficient they are.

Finally, I want to leave your with something that made me smile all day.  Emily is a regular Stampin' Pretty reader and a talented stamper.  She posted a wonderful article and projects today that she claims were inspired by me.  I'm so honored.  Check it out!

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

Stamp Set:  Just Buzzing By (113228, available. Jan. 19), Fundamental Phrases (109513)
Paper:  Parisian Summer Designer Series (112149), Jackpot Designer Series (113995, available Jan. 19), So Saffron Textured (Rich Regals Textured, 108696), Bravo Burgundy (105123), Sahara Sand (105328), Very Vanilla (101650), Pink Pirouette (111351)
Ink:  Sahara Sand (105208), Bravo Burgundy (105214), Pink Pirouette (111838)
The Punch Bunch:  1/4" (104942), 1 1/4" (104403) and 1 3/8" (104401) Circle Punches, Scallop Circle Punch (109043), Large (107305) and Small (107304) Oval Punches, Boho Blossoms Punch (110711)
Cool Tools:  Blender Pen (102845), Big Shot (113439), Go Go Boots Alphabet Die Cuts (113450)
The Perfect Touch:  Pretty in Pink 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon (109032), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

Start With a Blank Canvas

I promised to share my progress during the creation of my new stamping space.  I'm still working on the final details.  However, so many of you are asking that I thought I would toss out a few ideas and pictures that may interest you.

Here's my "blank canvas."  It's a 7' 6" x 19' 8" hallway in our basement that's finished off.  It originally was a library area to store our books (hence the bookshelves).  However, my stamping wheels began to turn and I felt it would get much better use as my  Stampin' Pretty Stamping Zone.  TIP:  I used masking tape to lay out office furniture and a paper storage rack in the space.  As with a good card sketch, thoughtful space planning is a must.

The bookshelves are a puzzlebox style (from Crate and Barrel), meaning they slide to "expand and contract" in width, with lovely little cubbies for easy access to storage.  They will be used again in the Stampin' Pretty Stamping Zone.

From order, there is chaos.  This is the uninspiring view after my work space furniture was delivered and I began to move many supplies into the work space.  Confession:  Messes make me freak out.  My family runs for cover. This motivates me to stay on track :)

For each desk/hutch combo (one on each side of the hall), I purchased long tackboard.  I found this funkalicious material (www.warehousefabricsinc.com) called Dandie/Sweet Potato (is that a cute name or what?), that I "attached" to the tackboard with a staple gun (upholstering would be an overstatement).  My task chair will get the same treatment.  TIP:  This adds some instant polka dotty razz-ma-tazz.  When I feel like a new look and colors, I can take off the old and pop on some new material.

Be sure to check out the latest inventory update on Stampin' Up!'s Retiring Accessories.  NOTE:  The retiring wheels are now included.  I will continue to update the list daily.

Don't Miss!  Love You Much Bundle (save 20%) and the Stampin' Up! Inventory Blowout (save up to 50%). 

TIP:  Inventory for the retired and retiring supplies is limited.  Please be sure to order your favorites early!

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

COMING UP:  More Stampin' Pretty Stamping Zone Updates and a "Just Buzzing By" sneak peek from the new Stampin' Up! Spring/Summer Catalog (available Jan. 19).

Stampin' Up! Inventory Blowout!

Stampin' Up! is offering an inventory blowout on select retired, retiring and current products . . . up to 50% off regular price, Jan. 5 through Jan. 18, 2009 WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!  You have seen these types of sales sell out quickly.  Remember the how quickly things sold out during the Holiday Sale?  If there's something you love, please don't hesitate to place your order :)

TO ORDER STAMPIN' UP! PRODUCTS ON-LINE 24/7, CLICK HERE!

Items retiring from the Fall-Winter 2008 Idea Book & Catalog:

Item	Page	Description	Regular Price	Discount Price
109190	180	On Board 9" x 9" clipboard	$7.95	$5.99
107925	181	On Board Bitty Book	$9.95	$6.99
105384	183	Mellow Moss 6" x 6" Linen Post album	$19.95	$14.99
105381	183	Real Red 6" x 6" Linen Post album	$19.95	$14.99
103977	187	Bold Bright buttons	$6.95	$4.99
104389	188	Double Circle punch	$5.95	$4.49
114447	n/a	Country Living Holiday Collection Stampin' Kit	$49.95	$24.98

*Items available while supplies last; page numbers refer to the Fall-Winter 2008 Idea Book & Catalog

Retired items from the Spring-Summer 2008 Idea Book & Catalog:

Item	Page	Description	Regular Price	Discount Price
109013	163	Blue Bayou Classic Stampin' Pad	$5.25	$3.99
109012	163	Groovy Guava Classic Stampin' Pad	$5.25	$3.99
109011	163	Purely Pomegranate Classic Stampin' Pad	$5.25	$3.99
109010	163	River Rock Classic Stampin' Pad	$5.25	$3.99
109009	163	Soft Sky Classic Stampin' Pad	$5.25	$3.99
109014	163	Wild Wasabi Classic Stampin' Pad	$5.25	$3.99
109179	178	On Board Ginormous Pieces	$14.95	$10.99
109189	190	Beachfront Ribbon Originals	$12.95	$7.99
109187	190	District Ribbon Originals	$12.95	$7.99
109188	190	Fairy Tale Ribbon Originals	$12.95	$8.49
109185	190	Jersey Ribbon Originals	$12.95	$8.99
109184	190	Sherbet Ribbon Originals	$12.95	$8.99
109186	190	Theater Ribbon Originals	$12.95	$8.49
109062	191	River Rock double-stitched ribbon	$8.95	$6.49
110716	191	Wild Wasabi striped grosgrain ribbon	$7.95	$5.49

*Items available while supplies last; page numbers refer to the Spring-Summer 2008 Idea Book & Catalog

Current products appearing in the upcoming Spring-Summer 2009 Idea Book & Catalog:

Item	Page	Description	Regular Price	Discount Price
111349	162	Tangerine Tango 8-1/2" x 11" card stock	$5.50	$4.49
111345	162	In Color (2008-2009) 12" x 12" textured card stock	$11.95	$8.99
109110	185	Fire Circle Rhinestone brads	$10.95	$7.99
109112	185	Fire Square Rhinestone brads	$10.95	$7.99
109113	185	Ice Square Rhinestone brads	$10.95	$7.99
111325	185	Styled Silver Hodgepodge Hardware	$29.95	$22.49
112454	185	Styled Vanilla Hodgepodge Hardware	$29.95	$22.49
113451	n/a	20th Anniversary Embosslits die	$11.95	$9.49

*Quantities at reduced price are limited; page numbers refer to the Fall-Winter 2008 Idea Book & Catalog.

Stampin' Up! Retiring Accessories Announced

Hi All: 

Stampin' Up! has just announced their retiring accessories list.  I have included it below.  Items on this retired accessories list will be available at regular price while supplies last or through January 18, whichever comes first.  To place your Stampin' Up! Order On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE.

Products are marked as available or unavailable. If an item is unavailable, Stampin' Up!'s supply is exhausted and the item can no longer be ordered. I will update this list regularly through January 18.  The updated list will have a permanent home under What's On Sale? on my right side bar.

HOT, HOT, HOT!  STAMPIN' UP! INVENTORY BLOWOUT ON RETIRED, RETIRING AND CURRENT PRODUCTS . . . . UP TO 50% OFF!  CLICK FOR DETAILS!

Keep in mind that the status of any retiring product or inventory may change quickly based on demand.  NOW IS THE TIME TO ORDER :)  Hugs and Pretties . . . . Mary

Item #	Product Description	Availability
111377	ACCENTS & ELEMENTS ROOF GARDEN
112012	ACCENTS & ELEMENTS SEASON TO SHARE
112088	ACCENTS & ELEMENTS TRUE ELEGANCE
102782	ALBUM LEATHER BLACK 12X12	Not Available
104188	ALBUM LEATHER BLACK 6X6
105384	ALBUM LINEN POST MELLOW MOSS 6X6*
104516	ALBUM LINEN POST NAVY 6X6
105381	ALBUM LINEN POST REAL RED 6X6*
103977	BUTTONS BOLD BRIGHTS*
103978	BUTTONS EARTH ELEMENTS
103981	BUTTONS EARTH ELEMENTS & NEUTRALS
105446	BUTTONS RICH REGALS
105445	BUTTONS SOFT SUBTLES
103604	DAYS-TO-REMEMBER CALENDAR 12X12
102174	DAYS-TO-REMEMBER CALENDAR 8 1/2X11
112465	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER BANBURY
112462	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER GEORGIA PEACH
112463	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER GHOSTLY GREETINGS
112040	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER GREEN TEA
112470	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER HAIKU
112460	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER HAWAII PAPAYA
112469	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER HOLIDAY TREASURES
112458	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER JUNIOR VARSITY
112459	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER MAINE BLUEBERRY
112466	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER MUIRFIELD
112149	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PARISIAN SUMMER
112467	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PRESTWICK
111355	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER SUMMER PICNIC
112039	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER WINDSOR KNOT
112963	ELEMENTOS PARA TARJETAS DIAS FESTIVOS HECHOS A MANO SIMPLY SENT
106523	ENVELOPE TEMPLATE FIVE-IN-ONE CARD COVER
104104	ENVELOPE TEMPLATE MINI
107298	ENVELOPES CONFETTI WHITE MEDIUM
110695	ENVELOPES OPEN END KRAFT SMALL
109115	ENVELOPES OPEN END VERY VANILLA SMALL
103372	METAL EDGE TAGS ALUMINUM WHITE SQUARE
107925	ON BOARD BITTY BOOK*
109190	ON BOARD CLIPBOARD 9X9*
109180	ON BOARD SIMON UPPER
112086	ON BOARD SOMETHING SEASONAL
107923	PAGE PROTECTORS RING 3.25 X 3.25
104942	PUNCH 1/4 INCH CIRCLE
104943	PUNCH 1/4 INCH SQUARE
107273	PUNCH 3/4 INCH SQUARE
104389	PUNCH DOUBLE CIRCLE*
100391	PUNCH HANDHELD 1/8 INCH CIRCLE	Not Available
104830	RIBBON GINGHAM CARAMEL
104829	RIBBON GINGHAM LIGHT BLUE
104828	RIBBON GINGHAM LIGHT PINK
104831	RIBBON GINGHAM MOSS
109037	RIBBON GROSGRAIN MORE MUSTARD 1/4 INCH
110282	RUB ON ANCHORED
111806	RUB ON CHILLS & THRILLS
111805	RUB ON SCHOOL DAYS
111417	RUB ON WORD FLURRIES
110283	RUB ONS TAKE NOTE
112193	SIMPLY SCRAPPIN I WISH
112186	SIMPLY SCRAPPIN PINA COLADA
112068	SIMPLY SCRAPPIN SUMMER HOME
112043	SIMPLY SCRAPPIN U R SWEET
112061	SIMPLY SCRAPPIN WINTER RETREAT
112016	SIMPLY SENT CARD ELEMENTS HANDMADE HOLIDAY
109868	SIMPLY SENT CARD KIT LIFELONG NOTES
103647	STAMPIN STORE MINI
105813	WRITE ME A MEMORY FONT CD VOL II

*This item is discounted and included on the Inventory Blowout.

Announcing Sweet Stems and a Cool Mojo Gig

You know how nutso I am about doing sketch challenges.  Well, when Julee Tilman asked me to be a weekly mojo-licious stamper on her Mojo Monday Sketch Blog, I couldn't resist.  Her sketches are balanced, interesting and fresh.  I'll be posting my interpretations of Julee's weekly sketch challenges (using Stampin' Up! products) each Monday.  Stay tuned and play along! 

Here are the rest of the newly announced Mojo Makers:

Janette Olen
Maria Gurnsey
Teresa Kline
Sarah Bigelow
Wendy Bond

Today's post is another chance to show off more new goodies from the Stampin' Up! Spring/Summer 2009 Idea Book and Catalog, including this gorgeous Candy Lane Designer Series Paper (available now at 20% off as part of the Love You Much Bundle, 115405) and Sweet Stems stamp set (available Jan. 19, 113725).  To reserve your copy of the new catalog for $9.95 (includes free priority mail shipping to your door in mid-January), CLICK HERE.

TIP:  To bring out the wow in the Sweet Stems stamp (which I stamped randomly in Close to Cocoa on on Very Vanilla), I added pink and red Micro Brads (www.justbrads.com) in the centers.

Be sure to check out the rest of my Spring/Summer Sneak Peeks!

Stamp Set:  Sweet Stems (113726, available Jan. 19), Bella's Bloom (111600)
Paper:  Candy Lane Designer Series (115405, Love You Much Bundle), Very Vanilla (101650), Close to Cocoa (101341), Riding Hood Red (111348), Pink Pirouette (111351)
Ink:  Chocolate Chip (100908), Close to Cocoa (103139)
Cool Tools:  Large Oval Punch (107305), 1/4" Circle Punch (104942)
The Perfect Touch:  Riding Hood Red/Very Vanilla Taffeta Ribbon (111365), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Micro Brads (www.justbrads.com)

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

Sneak Peek: Hand Drawn Bundle

In the midst of designing my new stamping work space, I managed to put this sweet card together for my sister-in-law's birthday.  The irresistible winking owl is a rub-on from Loop to Loop Rub-Ons, available starting Jan. 19 in the new catalog, as a Hostess Level 3.  It includes 9 sheets of designer paper (6 patterns), 4 coordinating stamps and the delightful rub-ons, in Chocolate Chip and Whisper White.  You can earn this bundle FREE by placing a qualifying on-line order (starting Jan. 19).  Click here for details!

Here's what's included in the Hand Drawn Bundle (115535):

TIP:  This snappy Mojo Monday Sketch 67, was a perfect fit to enjoy these new goodies.  Here's a quick link to all my Spring/Summer 2009 Sneak Peeks!

Paper:  Hand Drawn Designer Series Paper (115535, Hostess Level 3, available Jan. 19), Chocolate Chip (102128), Old Olive (100702), Whisper White (100730)
Cool Tools:  Trio Flower Punch (109183), Corner Rounder Punch (109047)
The Perfect Touch:  Chocolate Chip 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon (111367), Vintage Brads (109109), Earth Elements Brads (106955, Old Olive), Loop to Loop Rub-Ons (115535, Hostess Level 3, available Jan. 19)

CLICK HERE to pre-order your copy of the new Stampin' Up! Spring/Summer 2009 Idea Book and Catalog.  Free delivery to your doorstep in mid-January!

FYI.  I'm not MIA.  Frankly, I have never been more committed to coming up with exciting projects, organization ideas and tutorials.  I'm deep in the trenches of creating my stamping workspace, which I can't wait to share with all of you.  I'm waiting for some of the storage pieces to arrive and want things in place before I do my big "reveal."  In the time being, I'll flash you some updates and keep you posted on my progress.

Sneak Peek: Thank You, Thank You

I have so many thank you notes to get out post-holiday.  I grabbed Stampin' Up!'s new single stamp, Elegant Thank You.  It's available for customer purchase on Jan. 19, when the Spring/Summer 2009 Idea Book and Catalog is officially released (and ready for download on my blog). A single stamp is both budget-friendly ($6.95) and versatile in augmenting other stamp sets.  Click here if you would like to pre-order a copy of the new catalog.  Delivery will be mid-January.

Both cards were inspired by this week's Splitcoast Sketch Challenge SC209 (the first one is just flipped) and Color Challenge CC199 (Bravo Burgundy, Handsome Hunter, So Saffron).  I have to confess . . . I don't believe I have ever used Handsome Hunter :)

 

TIP:  Each Bella's Bloom image (see complete set below) is cropped with a 1/2" Circle Punch and popped up on a Stampin' Dimensional.  Ditto the "Thank You" sentiment for 3-D balance.  I love how the stamp image fits beautifully in Stampin' Up!'s Wide Oval Punch..

Stamp Set:  Elegant Thank You (available Jan. 19, 114484), Bella's Bloom (111600)
Paper:  Parisian Summer Designer Series (112149), Jackpot Designer Series (available Jan. 19, 113995), Handsome Hunter (105122), Very Vanilla (101650), Bravo Burgundy (105123)
Ink:  Handsome Hunter (105215)
Cool Tools:  1/2" Circle Punch (104390), Ticket Corner Punch (107214), Wide Oval Punch (112082)
The Perfect Touch:  Bravo Burdundy 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon (109028), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

TIP:  A Circle Rhinestone Brad fits neatly inside a Stampin' Up! Jumbo Eyelet.  Isn't the big So Saffron check from the Jackpot Designer Series, cool?

Stamp Set:  Elegant Thank You (available Jan. 19, 114484)
Paper:  Jackpot Designer Series (available Jan. 19, 113995), Very  Vanilla (101650), Very Vanilla Textured (Assorted Textured Neutrals, 108693), Bravo Burgundy (105123), Handsome Hunter (105122)
Ink:  Bravo Burgundy (105214)
Cool Tools:  Corner Rounder Punch (109047), Crop-A-Dile (108362)
The Perfect Touch:  Jumbo Eyelets (Pewter, 108432), Circle Rhinestone Brads (Fire, 109110), Bravo Burgundy 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon (109053), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

TIP:  Have a question about Stampin' Up! products or how I did something?  Chat with me "live" at my Live Help button in the top left corner of my blog. 

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