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

Hippity Hoppity Pre-Order Your Easter Stamps Today!

Starting March 1, Stampin' Up! is offering customers a special opportunity to pre-order select sets from the Occasions Mini Catalog (which won't be released in full until April 1).  They are just in time for your Spring and Easter craft needs!  Images for the English version of each available stamp set are below.

To Place Your Order for Stampin' Up! Products (including these pre-order products) On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!

Item	Description	Retail Price
113196	An Egg-cellent Easter	$21.95
113262	Wagon Full of Fun	$34.95
113822	Eight Great Greetings	$27.95
115421	Ocho saludos geniales (Spanish Eight Great Greetings)	$27.95
114643	Huit souhaits sympas (French Eight Great Greetings)	$27.95
113833	Egg Hunt Stampin' Around wheel	$6.50

Wagon Full of Fun #113262

Dreams du Jour

For today's post, I combined Splitcoast Sketch Challenge 217 and Limited Supplies Challenge LSC209.  All Splitcoast challenges are listed (linked) for your convenience on my left side bar under Daily Challenges. 

For an added twist to the sketch, my virtual downline, the Stampin' Pretty Pals, added a color challenge requiring Cameo Coral, Chocolate Chip and Tempting Turquoise.

For the Limited Supplies Challenge, you could use only one stamp set, had to make your own Designer Series paper using stamps, could only use punches as part of the sentiment (I hope I squeak through here), no Cuttlebug or Texturz Plates allowed and only ribbon and brads could be used for embellishments.  Now that's what I call a challenge!

The stamp set I chose was Dreams du Jour.  I stamped the love image three times on Cameo Coral, Very Vanilla and Tempting Turquoise.  TIP:  I clipped them out with Paper Snips (so I could maintain the little leaves that go beyond the border) and mounted them with Stampin' Dimensionals on 1 1/4" punched squares of Chocolate Chip.  My trio was matted on Very Vanilla followed by Tempting Turquoise.

My "designer series" paper evolved from repeated stamping of Chocolate Chip butterflies on Very Vanilla card stock.  It's matted on Chocolate Chip and 5/8" Grosgrain in the same color grabs a polished finish.

The Chocolate Chip card base is 4.25 x 5.5, scored at the top.  Textured Cameo Coral perks things up on top.  The corners were shaped with a Corner Rounder Punch. TIP:  Tucked inside is Mr. Van Gogh's sentiment.

Thank you for the wonderful recipes you submitted for Mary's Recipe Corner.  I will take one or two to my "lab" and share my picks with you the next time I run the feature.

For the most current Stampin' Up! promotions (like Sale-A-Bration), please check "What's On Sale?" on my right side bar.  Stay tuned for a special Occasions mini pre-order option for customers on March 1!

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

Stamp Set:  Dreams Du Jour (111624)
Paper:  Cameo Coral Textured (108697), Cameo Coral (100475), Tempting Turquoise (102067), Chocolate Chip (102128), Very Vanilla (101650)
Ink:  Chocolate Chip (100908)
Cool Tools:  1 1/4" Square Punch (104400), Corner Rounder Punch (109047)
The Perfect Touch:  Chocolate Chip 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon (109051), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

Wanted: Die-Cut Leather and More!

 

Today's card is from Guest Stamper and Pam (from New Mexico), who emailed me awhile back asking if the Bigz Dies could cut through leather.  TIP:   Bigz and Originals dies cut through many materials beyond paper (see materials list below).  However, Sizzlits and Embosslits only cut through card stock and Designer Series Paper.

Using Bigz Scallop Circle #2 Die (113469), Pam has proven that the Bigz Dies cut cleanly through leather with this adorable leather badge and valentine for her police officer husband.  She used Silver Encore and heat embossed with clear on the badge.  The circle is from Stampin' Up!'s Frames with a Flourish (113496) and the star is from Wild West Alphabet (115112).  A silver brad (104336) is the perfect touch for the center.

Wild West Alphabet (115112) was used for the "U" and "R" in Chocolate Chip ink (100908).  Card stock colors include Chocolate Chip (102128), Old Olive (108697, Earth Elements Textured), More Mustard (100946), Sage Shadow (101563) and Sahara Sand (105328).  Vintage Brads (109109) are used on "Wanted" and the edges were sponged with Chocolate Chip (100908).

Thanks, Pam, for sharing your clever and creative work!

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

Big Shot Materials List for Bigz and Originals Dies (from Stampin' Up!)

The following materials work well when creating die cuts with the Big Shot machine and Bigz and Originals dies. Please note the maximum thickness of several materials.

TIP:  You can cut a material with your Big Shot machine and Bigz or Originals dies if you can cut it using your Craft & Paper Scissors.

• Thick corkboard
• Thick chipboard (59 mil)
• Colored magnet
• Ruffle board
• Paper wood
• Balsa wood (3/32")
• Bass wood (1/16")
• Metal mesh
• Aluminum (.016)
• Tin (.008)
• Adhesive and non-adhesive mat board
• Drawer liner
• Shelf liner
• Vinyl
• Static cling vinyl
• Shrink film
• Fine sandpaper
• Clear acetate (20 mil)
• Vellum
• Card stock
• Patterned paper
• Flocked paper
• Contact paper
• Textured paper
• Metallic paper
• Linen paper
• Suede paper
• Embossed metallic paper
• Basketball embossed paper

• Faux alligator textured paper
• Self-adhesive glitter paper
• Fabric
• Canvas
• Iron-on fabric
• Soft plush fabric
• Burlap
• Velvet
• Corduroy
• Lace
• Heavyweight denim
• Terry cloth
• Funky fur
• Thin leather
• Quilt batting
• Warm & natural batting
• Fusible fleece
• Self-adhesive craft metal
• Self-adhesive cork
• Self-adhesive foam
• Self-adhesive magnet
• Self-adhesive felt
• Adhesive and non-adhesive rubber
• Pop up sponge
• Poly foam
• 100% pure beeswax (cut with parchment paper on top & bottom of beeswax.

A Tidbit to Share

I was recently contacted by Tracy Lucas of the Nashville Organizing Examiner regarding my marker storage, of all things. She writes articles about organization and spotted the X-Cubes I use in my Stampin' Pretty Stamping Zone.

She kindly asked my permission to use my marker photo and wrote an interesting article that I thought you might enjoy. Click here!

Speaking of permission . . . I need to interject a short reminder to my readers that the photos I take and text I use (including the links) are my own and require permission to cut and paste or republish.  Finding my original content on other blogs without my permission is not making me do the happy dance (not to mention copyright infringement).

My projects take anywhere from 1-2 hours to create.  A typical post requires an additional 2 hours of writing, editing, adding stamp images, links and product numbers, snapping and uploading photos.  A tutorial takes even longer.

Please respect my time and creativity and do not copy my text or photos without asking permission first.  I encourage anyone who wants to CASE (copy and share) one of my cards on their own blog or SCS (for personal use) to do so but be sure to link to Stampin' Pretty and credit me.

Nuf said :)

Sandy's Easiest Ever Cookies

My virtual stamping buddy, Sandy, fully understands that my culinary skills are limited.  She enthusiastically has provided me with a steady supply of easy recipes for my daughter's swim potlucks, dessert for book group night, my husband's favorite pot roast and was on email standby while I baked my first apple pie last fall.

Today begins a new feature on Stampin' Pretty aptly called "Mary's Recipe Corner" premiering with Sandy's Easiest Ever Cookies (a smashing success with my book group).  The contributions to the "Recipe Corner" have two criteria:  simple and delicious (comfort food will prevail over "low calorie" or "nutritious").  If you have a recipe that meets these "standards" and would like to share on Stampin' Pretty, please post it in a comment below.  Who knows?  You may end up in the next "Recipe Corner."

Since my personal comfort level is with stamps over stews, I'm determined to blend my paper crafting habit with each culinary lesson.  My project today combines Stampin' Up!'s "From the Kitchen of" stamp set and this simple criss cross pocket card (a culinary presentation of sorts) to highlight Sandy's delicious dessert.

The recipe card stamp was dipped in Chocolate Chip (yum) and stamped on Very Vanilla. TIP:  I cut/re-sized it after stamping--much easier since I could line up my paper cutter with the dotted edge.  It's matted on Chocolate Chip card stock. 

I inked up just the base of the same stamp in Chocolate Chip and layered it on Kiwi Kiss.  I then clipped out just the bottom "TIP" area as an accent (a snappy idea I discovered in the Stampin' Up! Fall/Winter  Idea Book and Catalog).

The stamp set has adorable food labels for coloring (Stampin' Up!'s Markers would be perfect for the little details) or left simply as a Chocolate Chip line image (as I chose).  The desserts image was stamped on Kiwi Kiss and popped out with a 1" Circle Punch.  A couple Stampin' Dimensionals give it 3-D appeal.  I punched a snippet of Good Morning Sunshine Designer Series Paper with a Round Tab Punch.  A small oval in Very Vanilla displays the "yum scale."

Good Morning Sunshine Designer Series Paper is used on the face of the Criss Cross pocket.  Isn't the pear pattern delicious?  The only change I made to Beate's Cross Cross Card Tutorial was to make the horizontal band 1" wide (vs. 1 1/2" wide per her instructions).  I did this solely to allow more of the pear pattern to peek out from behind.  TIP:  This Criss Cross card fits neatly in Stampin' Up!'s medium envelope (107300, Very Vanilla) for sharing recipes by mail.

The "Yummy for your tummy" stamp is from one of the FREE Sale-A-Bration gifts (called "Yummy") available when you order $50 in Stampin' Up! products. Click here for Sale-A-Bration details.  It's inked in Chocolate Chip, stamped on Very Vanilla and clipped out with Paper Snips. A final touch of Kiwi Kiss/Vanilla Satin Ribbon is the icing on the cake (or the cookies).

Sandy's Easiest Ever Cookies:

• Mix 1 box finely crushed Vanilla Wafers (Sandy uses a food processor) with 2 sticks melted butter. 
• Pat down firmly in a 13 x 9 pan.  Sprinkle on 1 1/2 C. Chocolate Chips, 1 C. Coconut and 1 C. Walnuts. 
• Drizzle 1 whole can Borden's Eagle Brand Condensed Sweetened Milk. 
• Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until (light) golden brown. 
• TIP:  Cut into squares before completely cool! 

The smell when cooking is divine!

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

Stamp Set:  Yummy (113782, Sale-A-Bration), From the Kitchen of (114964)
Paper:  Good Morning Sunshine Designer Series (113966), Chocolate Chip (102128), Chocolate Chip Textured (108697, Earth Elements Textured), Kiwi Kiss (111353), Very Vanilla (101650)
Ink:  Chocolate Chip Ink Pad (100908) and Stampin' Up! Chocolate Chip Marker (100071)
Cool Tools:  1" Circle Punch (109046), Small Oval Punch (107304), Round Tab Punch (108340)
The Perfect Touch:  Kiwi/Vanilla Satin Ribbon (111879), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

Mojo Monday 75

 

Monday means I get to design for this week's Mojo Monday Sketch Challenge 75.  This layout was a perfect opportunity to mix and match the patterns and colors of Stampin' Up!'s Candy Lane Designer Series Paper.  I even managed to toss in this week's Splitcoast Stamper's Ways to Use "Stripes" Challenge (WT206).

The sweet flower from Bella's Bloom was inked in Pink Pirouette and stamped on Very Vanilla card stock.  I next layered the sentiment on top, dipped in Close to Cocoa.  The corners are shaped with a Ticket Corner Punch. 

Using Stampin' Dimensionals, the panel was attached to Close to Cocoa card stock.  Vintage Brads (pewter) line up at attention along the right side.

A Five Petal Punch pops out a wonderful Ruby Red textured card stock flower.   For the center, I stamped the small image from Bella's Bloom in Close to Cocoa.  It was punched out with a 1/2" Circle Punch and spiffed up by transforming it into a custom brad, with Stampin' Up!'s Build a Brad (pewter).

Patterns from Candy Lane Designer Series make up the remaining elements of Mojo 75, all layered over a Very Vanilla 4.25 x 5.5  card.  I love the way the Close to Cocoa Eyelet Border creates a lace-like edge. 

Sale-A-Bration is still in full swing . . . have you earned all your free products?  CLICK HERE for details.



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

Stamp Set:  Bella's Bloom (111600)
Paper:  Candy Lane Designer Series (113980), Very Vanilla (101650), Ruby Red Textured (108697), Close to Cocoa (101341)
Ink:  Close to Cocoa (103139), Pink Pirouette (111838)
Cool Tools:  Five Petal Punch (109041), 1/2" Circle Punch (104390), Ticket Corner Punch (107214), Eyelet Border Punch (113692)
The Perfect Touch:  Vintage Brads (109109, Pewter), Build A Brad (109128, Pewter), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

Best Wishes in Bloom

I let punches and die cuts do most of the work on today's card.  The results are quick, clean and pretty.

Using this week's Splitcoast Color Challenge 206 (Rose Red, More Mustard, Kiwi Kiss) to guide me, I popped out colorful rose and mustard flower centers with my 1" Circle Punch.  They were adhered with Stampin' Dimensionals on Whisper White flower die cuts (Sizzlits Birds and Blooms).  The white flowers really stand out against the Kiwi Kiss card stock background.

The More Mustard horizontal panel gets a blast of contrast from Rose Red 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon.  The sentiment is from Bella Blossoms (a dormant but available Stampin' Up! stamp set).  TIP:  I am a big fan of Jet Black Stazon for crisp sentiments (despite it's funky smell).  "Best wishes" was stamped on Whisper White, cropped with a Large Oval Punch and layered over a Wide Oval Punch in Kiwi Kiss.

I flipped a Clean&Simple sketch (FTL30) for today's layout.  The card base is 4.25 x 5.5 in Whisper White.  The bottom corners are shaped up with a Corner Rounder Punch.

My final touch is three sweet Rose Red Brads from the Rich Regals Brads assortment.  TIP:  I used a Paper Piercer and Template to create evenly spaced and aligned  holes before adding the brads.

Be sure to enter your comment and chance to win my blog candy giveaway.  I'll announce the two winners on Sunday, Feb. 22 between 6:00 and 7:00 CST!

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

Stamp Set:  Bella Blossoms (111596, dormant but available)
Paper:  Rose Red (102544), More Mustard (100946), Kiwi Kiss (111353), Whisper White (100730)
Ink:  Jet Black Stazon (101406)
Cool Tools:  Big Shot Die-Cut Machine (113439), Sizzlits Birds and Blooms (113485), 1" Circle Punch (109046), Large Oval Punch (107305), Wide Oval Punch (112082), Corner Rounder Punch (109047), Paper Piercer and Template (104310, Stampin' Up! Crafter's Tool Kit)
The Perfect Touch:  Rose Red 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon (109034), Rich Regals Brads (106953), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

Mary's Retired Stamp Sale

Don't miss out on my blog candy.  CLICK HERE!

SOLD OUT!  To order stamps, please EMAIL ME your name, mailing address and stamp choices.  If your choices are available, you will receive an email with an itemized invoice and link for secure payment by credit card or PayPal.

Stamps sell quickly.  Orders will be treated on a first come basis.

Please pay your invoice promptly.  Your order is not confirmed until payment is finalized.   

I will do my best to keep this page updated as stamps are sold. 

THE RULES:

• Minimum order is $35 (before shipping)
  
• Shipping is a flat $6.95 (no matter the size of the order).  Domestic U.S. only.  
• Sales Tax is included in the price
• Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express or PayPal Accepted.  No Check or PayPal Checking Options.
• Your order will be mailed within 2 business days of confirmed payment and should take 3 to 5 business days to arrive.
• No returns.

All my Stampin' Up! retired sets  have been gently used and are being sold at reduced prices.  They are mounted, in good condition, with very little to no ink on the wood.  There may be staining on rubber where black or dark ink was used but they will stamp perfectly. 

If you want to see samples created with any of these stamps, submit the title in my search blog tool on the left side bar.

IMPORTANT:  Stamp set titles are listed above pictures!

Wonderful Words $10  SOLD

 

Thanks for Everything $10    SOLD

 

It's All Good $10   SOLD

Take Three $10   SOLD

Live Like You Mean It $10    SOLD

Punches Three $10    SOLD

Organic Grace $10    SOLD

Merci  $10    SOLD

 

Best Yet $10    SOLD

Stitched Background $10    SOLD

 

Canvas Background $10    SOLD

 

Print Pattern Background $10    SOLD

 Paisley Background $10    SOLD

Brocade Basics $15    SOLD

Fall Flair $15    SOLD

Kind Thoughts $15    SOLD

Happiness Always $20 (double-mounted)    SOLD

Window Dressing $20    SOLD

MISCELLANEOUS STAMPS

Rhonna Farrer Autumn Leaves Clear Stamps.  Flowers Stamps and Scribbles Alphabet (a-z). $10 (Both sets)

It's Blog Candy Time!

What's better than a chance to win blog candy?  Two chances to win!  My blog candy party banner (see all the colorful polka dots?) is up and I put together two fun prizes for two lucky winners.  Please celebrate the 400,000th visit to my Stampin' Pretty blog and play along by leaving me a comment with "your favorite sign of Spring" at the end of this post.  Thank you for your regular visits and good luck!

Deadline is 6:00 p.m. CST, Sunday, Feburary 22.  I'll choose two random comments as winners.  Blog Candy #1 will be awarded to the first winner and #2 to the second.  US residents only, please.

 

Blog Candy #1 (above)

• (50) 6 x 6 sheets of Stampin' Up!'s retired 2-sided Designer Series Paper, including an assortment of Haiku, Windsor Knot, Autumn Vine, Hawaii Papaya, Summer Picnic and more.
• Chateau Bella Rub-Ons (1 sheet each of Chocolate and White)
• Always Artichoke 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon
• Cadbury Chocolate Bar

Blog Candy #2 (above)

• (50) 6 x 6 sheets of Stampin' Up!'s retired 2-sided Designer Series Paper, including an assortment of Haiku, Windsor Knot, Autumn Vine, Hawaii Papaya, Summer Picnic and more.
• Stampin' Up!'s Funky Forest Standard Wheel (See my "Unmounting a Wheel" tutorial)
• Cadbury Chocolate Bar

COMING UP NEXT:  My Stampin' Up! Retired Stamp Clearance Sale!

TIP: Stampin' Pretty Search Feature

Did you know you can search my blog by Stampin' Up! stamp set name, designer paper, holiday or even a specific embellishment or tool (and more)? 

I have a search button on my left side bar (the one in this post is just a snapshot for reference) where you can type your search term, hit search and receive previous posts matching your search.  Nifty.

Based on the statistics I get of the most used terms in my search field, I decided last night to begin the process of re-categorizing my 400+ posts.  New categories include Baby and Kids, Birthday, Boxes & More,  Friendship and Love, Thank You, Wedding.  I hope to finish the process in the next few days.  All categories are listed on my left side bar.

TIP:  My blog is organized by "Learning" on the left (Live Help, Tutorials, Categories) and "Shopping" on the right (on-line shop button, Stampin' Up! catalog downloads, What's On Sale). 

COMING UP:  My Visitor Counter passed the 400,000 mark and it's time to celebrate with a blog candy giveaway!  Hmmm . . . . what will it be?

COMING SOON:  My retired Stampin' Up! gently used stamp clearance sale.

 

Blue Bunny Box

Isn't he sweet?  My blue bunny perks up this easy to assemble Round Top Box (Delicate Dots Designer Series Paper).  The template is part of this week's Splitcoast "Try a New Technique" Challenge (TLC208) and can be downloaded by clicking HERE.  You may need to reduce the image slightly when you print on a 8.5 x 11 piece of paper.

The bunny is from Stampin' Up!'s Animal Crackers stamp set.  I stamped it in Basic Gray on Stampin' Up!'s Watercolor Paper.  TIP:  To avoid "pilling" and control your color, use quality watercolor paper (like Stampin' Up! offers) and waterproof ink (like Stampin' Up!'s Basic Gray, Basic Black and Basic Brown Classic Inks).

TIP:  By squeezing my Bashful Blue Classic Ink Pad, I created a small pool of ink on the inside lid.  Using a Blender Pen, I added color to the bunny, focusing darker areas on the edges and left side (as if the sun is shining from the right).  A wee bit of orange is added to the carrot with the fine tip of my Stampin' Up! Pumpkin Pie Marker.  Two stick-on rhinestones provide a touch of bunny bling.

The bunny was cropped and embossed using a Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine and Circle Nestabilities (Nestabilities available at www.ucutathome.com).  Behind, I layered a Bashful Blue and Certainly Celery Daisy, created with Daisies #2 Flower Bigz Die.  Scallop Circle #2 Bigz Die is responsible for the So Saffron background layer. 

The flower on the front of the box combines two 5 Petal punches in Certainly Celery and So Saffron.  A 1/2" Circle in Bashful Blue topped by a stick-on rhinestone gives the center pizzazz.  The So Saffron 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon coordinates beautifully.

I wrapped up a Cadbury Caramel Chocolate Bar (resisting all temptation to gobble it) in Delicate Dots Designer Series paper.  It's accented with Certainly Celery 5/8" Poly-Twill Ribbon and another Daisy using my Bigz Daisy Die. 

The flower center ring was created using a 1/2" Circle Punch (first!) then cropping again with a 1" Circle Punch.  TIP:  For a unique polish, I threaded the ribbon through the center and tied a knot. The "yummy" stamp was inked in Basic Gray, stamped on Very Vanilla and shaped with Paper Snips.  It's adhered Stampin' Dimensionals.

FREE SALE-A-BRATION PRODUCT WITH A $50 ORDER.  Like the products I used today? The "Yummy" stamp set, Delicate Dots Designer Series paper, So Saffron 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon/Certainly Celery 5/8" Poly-Twill (packaged as a ribbon bundle) are exclusively available through Stampin' Up!'s Sale-A-Bration Promotion.  Earn each of them free with every $50 you spend on Stampin' Up! Products.

Click here for full details.

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

BOX:

Stamp Set:  Animal Crackers (113395)
Paper:  Delicate Dots (114624, Sale-A-Bration Exclusive), Watercolor Paper (105019), Certainly Celery (105125), Bashful Blue (105120), So Saffron (105118)
Ink:  Basic Gray (109120), Bashful Blue (105209), Pumpkin Pie Stampin' Up! Marker (105115)
Cool Tools:  Daisies #2 Flower Bigz Die (114520), Scallop Circles #2 Bigz Die (113469), Big Shot Die-Cut Machine (113439), Nestabilities Circles (www.ucutathome.com), 5 Petal Punch (109041), 1/2" Circle Punch (104390), Blender Pen (102845)
The Perfect Touch:  So Saffron 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon (114618, Sale-A-Bration Exclusive Ribbon Bundle), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Non-SU Stick-On Rhinestones, Silver Tinsel (Non-SU)

CANDY BAR:

Stamp Set:  Yummy (113782, Sale-A-Bration Exclusive)
Paper:  Delicate Dots (114624, Sale-A-Bration Exclusive), Bashful Blue (105120), So Saffron (105118), Very Vanilla (101650)
Ink:  Basic Gray
Cool Tools:  Daisies #2 Flower Bigz Die (114520), 1" (109046) and 1/2" (104390) Circle Punches
The Perfect Touch:  Certainly Celery 5/8" Poly-Twill Ribbon (114618, Sale-A-Bration Exclusive Ribbon Bundle), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

Trendy Trees and Brads

Need a masculine card?  Today's card is perfect to brighten up the day of my ailing godfather.  The touch of ribbon resembles a bow-tie (or is it just me?) which helps it slip past the "girlie-meter."  For more masculine card ideas, CLICK HERE!

Stampin' Up!'s Trendy Trees offers buildable treetop and trunk stamps to mix and match.  A Stamp-A-Ma-Jig assists in layering the adorable individual tops on the Chocolate Chip trunks.  From left to right, the colors include Certainly Celery, Always Artichoke and Kiwi Kiss. The Very Vanilla layer tops Always Artichoke card stock with four Vintage Brads accenting the corners. 

TIP:  Experiment with layers.  Making my artichoke mat shorter and wider offers a different perspective.  It's a smart way to incorporate your scraps, too.  The sentiment was inked in Chocolate Chip and stamped on Kiwi Kiss. The entire panel was popped up on Stampin' Dimensionals.

I grabbed this dishy plaid from Stampin' Up!'s Manchester Designer Series paper and layered it on Chocolate Chip.  A snippet of Chocolate Chip 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon provides a dapper touch.  The Always Artichoke card base is 4.25 x 5.5 with Very Vanilla layered on top. 

The star of the show is Stampin' Up!'s 5/16" Jumbo Brads in Chocolate Chip.  The collection comes with 80 brads, 20 each of Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla, Whisper White and Silver.  The same collection also comes in a 5/8" version for a really bold accent (and enough room for a small rub-on--cool).

LOVE MAKING PRETTY CARDS AND WANT TO LEARN MORE?   Whether you stamp for a hobby and enjoy discounts or would like a business opportunity (getting paid to play), join Stampin' Up! and become a member of the Stampin' Pretty Pals, my virtual downline community of career and hobby demonstrators.  Nine passionate stampers have joined our group (and private blog) since Feb. 1!

THE TIMING COULDN'T BE BETTER!  During Sale-A-Bration, the customizable Starter Kit (already a fabulous deal) is 15% off (NOW $169) plus you get a bonus of any stamp set in the current catalog (up to $47.95 value).  There's no obligation to purchase anything else!

Click here for complete list of discounts, incentives and demonstrator privileges!

Have a question about the starter kit or joining my group?  Email me.

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

Stamp Set:  Trendy Trees (113258)
Paper:  Manchester Designer Series (112464), Very Vanilla (101650), Always Artichoke (105119), Kiwi Kiss (111353), Chocolate Chip (102128)
Ink:  Chocolate Chip (100908), Certainly Celery (105217), Kiwi Kiss (111835), Always Artichoke (105219)
Cool Tools:  Stamp-A-Ma-Jig (101049)
The Perfect Touch:  Vintage Brads (109109), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Chocolate Chip 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon (111367), Jumbo Brads (112534)

Happiness Is Mojo Monday!

It's Mojo Monday and Julee Tilman shares another sketch extraordinaire on her Mojo Monday Blog.  Sketches are the one thing I rely on the most to get kickstarted on a project.  I feel so honored to be part of her Mojo Maker Design Team!

Font of You is such a clever and pretty stamp set.  It's aptly named because all the images are made up of tiny letters!  Here's a card I made previously using the umbrella from this set.

TIP:  I found inspiration in the colors and the diamond pattern in this Elle Decor magazine photo (March, 2009). 

I stamped the flower and pot twice in Jet Black Stazon Ink, first on Very Vanilla and second on Perfect Plum.  Using Paper Snips, I clipped out the Perfect Plum vase and layered it with a couple Stampin' Dimensionals over Riding Hood Red Taffeta Ribbon.  TIP:  I think the Riding Hood ribbon is a close enough match with the Ruby Red card stock.

 The flowers came to life by dotting Stampin' Up!'s Cameo Coral and Ruby Red Markers on the blooms.  TIP:  For added interest, I also dotted the blooms and accented the stems with a Sakura Stardust Gelly Roll Pen.  The image was matted on Cameo Coral card stock and attached to a mat of Ruby Red with Stampin' Dimensionals.

The sentiment (also from Font of You) was inked up in Jet Black Stazon. TIP:  To isolate the word "happiness" from the rest of the text, I used a post it note to cover the "unwanted" text before stamping.  I had a reader suggest recently that you also can use tape the same way.  Quick and easy.  Using the Large Oval Punch, I cropped the sentiment and tucked it underneath the main panel.

Cameo Coral Textured card stock was layered over Ruby Red for the top and bottom vertical panels.  Using a snazzy diamond pattern from Stampin' Up!'s Exclusive Texturz Backgrounds and a Big Shot, I created this luscious diamond texture in Perfect Plum.  It's layered on a 4.25 x 5.5 card base of Very Vanilla.

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Stamp Set:  Font of You (113405)
Paper:  Very Vanilla (101650), Cameo Coral Textured (108697, Earth Elements Textured Card Stock), Ruby Red (102030), Perfect Plum (101889)
Ink:  Jet Black Stazon (101406), Stampin' Up! Cameo Coral (100074) and Ruby Red (100075) Markers, Sakura Stardust Gelly Roll Pen (Non-SU)
Cool Tools:  Stampin' Up! Texturz Backgrounds I (114512), Big Shot Die-Cut Machine (113439), Large Oval Punch (107305)
The Perfect Touch:  Riding Hood Red (w/Vanilla Trim) Taffeta Ribbon (111365), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

Little Red Leaves

 

Break the rules and go for interesting color combinations . . . even red leaves.  Papercrafts should include artistic experimentation, discovery and a bit of adventure (at least that's my perspective)!  TIP:  I saw today's color combination in a home décor magazine and couldn't wait to translate it into a card.

Using a Big Shot, I die-cut Real Red Textured card stock with Sizzlits Little Leaves, a Stampin' Up! exclusive die (for $4.95, a budget-friendly purchase).  To spice up the color even more, I layered my stem over Apricot Appeal Textured card stock.  Against a backdrop of Basic Gray and White, the red really says "wowie!"

TIP:  A Circle Scissor Plus cut the circles with ease.  I'm loving this tool, new to the Stampin' Up! catalog, for cutting circles from 1 to 6".  I wedged Stampin' Dimensionals between both circles (the second in Basic Gray).  It's layered over Real Red 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, Urban Garden Designer Series Paper and a Whisper White 4.25 x 5.5 card base.  The bottom right corner was shaped with a Corner Rounder Punch.

The sentiment from Dreams du Jour was stamped in Basic Gray Ink on Whisper White and adhered with Stampin' Dimensionals to Real Red card stock.  The final detail is three Circle Rhinestone Brads from the Fire Collection. 

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Stamp Set:  Dreams du Jour (111624)
Paper:  Urban Garden Designer Series (112042), Real Red Textured (108698, Bold Brights Textured), Whisper White (100730), Basic Gray (108692), Apricot Appeal Textured (108695, Soft Subtles Textured)
Ink:  Basic Gray (109120)
Cool Tools:  Sizzlits Little Leaves Die (114511), Big Shot (113439), Circle Scissor Plus (112530), Corner Rounder Punch (109047)
The Perfect Touch:  Real Red 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon (109052), Circle Rhinestone Brads (109110, Fire), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

So Tweet Owl

Isn't this polka dot chipboard owl a "hoot?"  It's a pre-cut chipboard item from Stampin' Up!'s On Board So Tweet set.  There are more than 80 chipboard images, including the retro bird from this card.

The colors from this week's Splitcoast Color Challenge (CC205: Pink Pirouette, Perfect Plum and Kiwi Kiss) were soft and pretty to mix and match.  Likewise, I used coordinating Designer Series Paper from several different Stampin' Up! Collections, Candy Lane, Rockabilly Speciality and Bella Rose. 

TIP:  Try venturing outside the box on the patterned paper.   Many of the collections share colors (for example Kiwi Kiss in both Rockabilly and Bella Rose), which adds variety and possibilities for your projects.

I layered the Rockabilly Polka Dot on the So Tweet Owl.  Paper snips removed the excess and sanding gives a clean finish.  TIP:  I use Basic Grey's Precision File Kit, so that I can get into every nook.

So Tweet includes pre-cut chipboard circles, hearts and the small triangle for the eyes and nose.  TIP:  I discovered Stampin' Up!'s 3/4" Circle Punch and the smallest heart from the Heart to Heart Punch are perfect fits for the eyes.

The horizontal panel of Perfect Plum Textured card stock dresses up beautifully with the Pink Pirouette Ribbon.  I layered this panel over Candy Lane Designer Paper (top) and Bella Rose (bottom).  Using the Trio Flower Punch, I quickly whipped up a row of Perfect Plum flowers to accent the bottom.  TIP:  I snuck in a Pink Pirouette Designer Button for a playful touch.  The "thread" is a skinny strip of card stock that I carefully tied.

The sentiment from Simply Said was inked in Perfect Plum and stamped using a Stamp-a-ma-jig (click here for tutorial) for precise placement.  The card base is Whisper White and 4.25 x 5.5.

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Stamp Set:  Simply Said (115066)
Paper:  Candy Lane Designer Series (113980), Bella Rose Designer Series (112041), Rockabilly Specialty Designer Series (114039), Perfect Plum Textured (108695, Assorted Soft Subtles), Whisper White (100730)
Ink:  Perfect Plum (101437)
Cool Tools:  Trio Flower Punch (109183), 3/4" Circle Punch (107217), Heart to Heart Punch (113694), Stamp-a-ma-jig (101049), Basic Grey Precision File Set
The Perfect Touch:  Pink Pirouette 5/8" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon (111373, On Board So Tweet (113893), Button Bouquet Designer Button (112092)

Poppy Love

No stamps or ink today.  Just paper, punches and dies (with a Big Shot) were needed to make this retro poppy card come alive.

Using a Big Shot Die-Cut Machine and Bigz Flower Layers with Leaf Die, I cropped out the large Kiwi poppy and funky Tangerine flower.  A large green Circle Rhinestone Brad and 1/2" circle of Chocolate Chip pull everything together in the center.

The "love" sentiment was created using Go Go Boots Alphabet Dies fashioned with Chocolate Chip Textured card stock.  The wee heart in the corner is one of Stampin' Up!'s colorful new rub-ons, Bright Delights.  The letters are layered over Very Vanilla and Chocolate Chip card stock. 

The Eyelet Border Punch was responsible for the pretty detail on the Tangerine Tango Textured card stock.  TIP:  When I use Stampin' Up!'s Eyelet Border Punch and Scallop Edge Punch (not used here but similar engineering) on Textured Paper, it can leave an annoying little mark above the punched area.  The simple solution is to flip the texture side down, when you punch.  This way the textured side is perfect!

For a little more definition, I added a skinny strip of Chocolate Chip.  It seemed like it needed something.Very Vanilla is matted on a 4.25 x 5.5 card base of Kiwi Kiss Textured card stock.  Three green Circle Rhinestone Brads accent the bottom corner. 

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Paper:  Kiwi Kiss and Tangerine Tango Textured Card Stock (111345, Assorted In Colors), Chocolate Chip Textured Card Stock (108697, Assorted Earth Elements), Very Vanilla (106530)
Cool Tools:  Big Shot Die Cut Machine (113439), Bigz Flower Layers w/Leaf (113470), Go Go Boots Alphabet Dies (113450), 1/2" Circle Punch (104390), Eyelet Border Punch (113692)
The Perfect Touch:  Circle Rhinestone Brads (109111, Ice), Bright Delights Rub-Ons (113887)

Manhattan Butterfly

I'll take Manhattan . . . Stampin' Up!'s latest fashion watch.  The chic and elegant style is captured in Stampin' Up!'s new Urban Oasis Designer Series and their exclusive new Beautiful Butterflies Bigz Die.

I used this week's Splitcoast Sketch Challenge SC215 to get my wheels turning.  Kiwi Kiss card stock took a ride through my Big Shot Die-Cut Machine along with the sweet Polka Dot pattern created by Stampin' Up!'s exclusive Texturz Plates (Backgrounds I).  I die-cut the small butterfly from the textured card stock and layered it over a larger die-cut butterfly (cut from a pretty Baja Breeze pattern from Urban Oasis).  The Robin's Nest Dewdrops evolve into the body.

The butterfly was layered over Basic Black Textured and Kraft card stock.  Paper Piercing accents the border of the Kraft layer.  Falling in behind is another pattern from Urban Oasis matted on Kraft.  I was so pleased to see more black options with the latest designer series papers!

The vertical banner consists of Kiwi Kiss, dolled up with dots (a larger polka dot than used for the small butterfly) from Stampin' Up!'s Texturz Plates.  I layered it over Basic Black and a touch of Kraft Taffeta Ribbon ties this element up nicely.

The 4.25 x 5.5 card base in Baja Breeze is topped with a delicious polka dot palette from Urban Oasis Designer Series Paper.  TIP:  The benefit of Stampin' Up!'s coordinated paper packs is that they mix and match beautifully.  It really simplifies the cardmaking process.

Finally, I stamped "thank you" in Basic Gray on Baja Breeze card stock.  It's cropped with a Small Oval Punch and adhered with Stampin' Dimensionals to a Large Oval in Basic Black.

 

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Stamp Set: Beautiful Borders (111594)
Paper:  Urban Oasis Designer Series (113978), Basic Black Textured Card Stock (108693), Kiwi Kiss (111353), Baja Breeze (111352), Kraft (102125)
Ink:  Basic Gray (109120)
Cool Tools: Bigz Beautiful Butterflies (104507), Big Shot Die-Cut Machine (113439), Paper Piercer and Template (104310, Stampin' Up! Stamper's Tool Kit), Stampin' Up! Texturz Plates Backgrounds I (114512), Large (107305) and Small (107304) Oval Punch
The Perfect Touch:  Kraft Taffeta Ribbon (109068), Robin's Nest Dew Drops (www.ucutathome)

 

Patti's Treasure Tin

 

I couldn't wait to share.  My virtual stamping friend, Patti, sent me this fantastic RAK (Random Act of Kindness).  It's a decorated DVD tin loaded with lovely paper treasures, some purchased when she traveled to Japan (so I don't have a recipe to share with you).  What a wonderful inspiration for any project!  Thank you, Patti.

Discover all the goodies inside!

NOTE:  Silver Skinny Tins are still available for purchase through Stampin' Up! under item #108333.  The

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M & M Valentine Box

I adore the combination of red and black for Valentine's Day.  Remember this card in the same color scheme?  The M&M candy box and matching 3 x 3 card is for my teenage daughter this Valentine Saturday. 

I used a variety of  Stampin' Up! punches and a Bigz Die Cut today.  To see more samples in these categories, select Punch Bunch or Big Shot Gallery.  TIP:  They always are available for your convenience under my category list on the left side bar.

This charming box was created in seconds with my Big Shot Die-Cut Machine and the Bigz XL Die, dubbed with the tantalizing name of "Box #2."  Stampin' Up! introduced Rockabilly Specialty Designer Series Paper in the Spring/Summer Idea Book and Catalog (the catalog is now free with any Stampin' Up! on-line order).  It's printed glossy cherries are very polished looking and lend sophistication to my little candy box.

I punched out the window with a Wide Oval Punch and layered a piece of acetate (available at most craft stores) behind.  TIP:  To center your window, pop out a Wide Oval with a piece of scrap paper first.  Find the panel on the die cut box where the window will go.  Center and adhere the scrap oval using Dotto adhesive (removable).  When you punch the Rockabilly paper, line the punch up with the scrap oval . . . nifty.  The tag is a combination of Real Red card stock, Polka Dot Punches (Sale-A-Bration) and a coordinating Full Heart Punch (new).   

Box (3.25 W x 2H x 1.25 D)

Stamp Set:  Polka Dot Punches (113788, Sale-A-Bration)
Paper:  Rockabilly Specialty Designer Series (114039), Real Red (102482), Acetate (Non-SU)
Ink:  Basic Black (101179)
Punch Bunch:  Full Heart Punch (113693), Wide Oval Punch (112082)
Cool Tools:  Big Shot Die-Cut Machine (113439), Box #2 Bigz XL Die (114518), Crop-A-Dile (108362)
The Perfect Touch:  Real Red 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon (109034), Metallic Eyelets (105319), Black Hemp Twine (101259)

This 3 x 3 card shows off Stampin' Up!'s new Eyelet Border Punch in Real Red card stock.  The sentiment is from Three Little Words (images shown below).  A Scor-Pal assisted me in making a quick 3.25 x 3.25 envelope with Jackpot Designer Series Paper.  Click here for a tutorial by Lauren Meader.

The final "envie" touch was the funkalicious stamp from Polka Dot Punches (Sale-A-Bration), cropped out with a Scalloped Circle Punch and layered on a band of Basic Black card stock.

Card (3 x 3)

Stamp Set:  Three Little Words (113254)
Paper:  Rockabilly Specialty Designer Series (114039), Real Red (102482), Whisper White (100730)
Ink:  Basic Black (101179)
Punch Bunch:  Large (107305) and Small (107304) Oval Punches, Eyelet Border Punch (113692)

Envelope (3.25 x 3.25) 

Stamp Set:  Polka Dot Punches (113788, Sale-A-Bration)
Paper:  Jackpot Designer Series (113995), Basic Black (102851), Whisper White (100730)
Ink:  Basic Black (101179)
Punch Bunch:  Scallop Circle Punch (109043)
Other:  Scor-Pal (www.ucutathome.com)

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Animal Crackers

It's time for my contribution to this week's Mojo Monday Sketch Design (MOJO73).  I have been anxious to try out Stampin' Up!'s new Animal Crackers stamp set and this sweet little giraffe was a delightful fit, as long as I flipped the sketch 45 degrees.  All the line images in this set stamp very cleanly and the sentiments are absolutely charming (see all images below).

My spotted friend is the epitome of Sale-A-Bration style.  I combined three patterns of Delicate Dots Designer Series Paper and Certainly Celery and So Saffron Ribbon, all available exclusively as Sale-A-Bration free products (earned with every $50 spent on Stampin' Up! products).  For full details on the Sale-A-Bration promotion, CLICK HERE!

The giraffe was inked in Basic Gray and his spots, horns and star were dolled up using Stampin' Up!'s Markers in Bashful Blue, Certain Celery and So Saffron.  TIP:  To remove the sentiment, which is part of the giraffe stamp, I wet a small piece of paper towel with Stampin' Mist Stamp Cleaner (102394) and carefully removed the ink from just the sentiment.  TIP:  For added pizzazz, I used a Sakura gel pen for a touch of shine and texture on each of these colored areas.  Very splashy in real life.

Continuing my multi-color theme, I accented the bottom corner with three coordinating brads.  The Horizontal Slot Punch hollowed out the opening for the ribbon to pop through.  TIP:  To make the slot wide enough for the 5/8" ribbon, punch once and carefully line up again just a tad right or left to punch again for a wider opening.

I layered the two colors of ribbon on top of each other (just for fun) and popped in a star brad from Stampin' Up!'s Styled Silver Hodgepodge Hardware.  I adhered the main image with Stampin' Dimensionals to Bashful Blue card stock followed by a So Saffron Delicate Dots pattern.  

Using the Large Star Punch, I created the Certainly Celery Star.  TIP:  The Punches Plus Classy Brass Template has a coordinating star piercing template.  With a needle, I easily added the star-shaped paper piercing detail.  The Star Punch (small) was applied to another Delicate Dots pattern (Bashful Blue) and adhered to the larger star with a Stampin' Dimensional.

TIP:  To ink up just the sentiment of the giraffe stamp ("reach for the stars"), I grabbed a Basic Gray Marker and colored only the sentiment area.  It was stamped on Bashful Blue card stock and tucked in on the side.  I doodled a bit with the same marker to define the border.

The Whisper White card base is 4.25 x 5.5, scored at the top.  It's topped with a pretty stripe from Delicate Dots matted on So Saffron card stock.

 

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Stamp Set:  Animal Crackers (113395)
Paper:  Delicate Dots (114674, Sale-A-Bration), Bashful Blue (105120), So Saffron (105118), Certainly Celery (105125)
Ink:  Basic Gray (109120), Stampin' Up Markers:  Basic Gray (109126, Assorted Neutrals), Bashful Blue (105111), So Saffron (105114), Certainly Celery (105106)
Cool Tools:  Large Star Punch (110710), Star Punch (109045), Horizontal Slot Punch (105089), Punches Plus Classy Brass Template (109539)
The Perfect Touch:  So Saffron 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon (114618, Sale-A-Bration Ribbon Bundle), Certainly Celery Poly-Twill Ribbon (114618, Sale-A-Bration Ribbon Bundle), Hodgepodge Hardware Star Brad (111325, Styled Silver), Soft Subtles Brads (106954), Rich Regals Brads (106953), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Sakura Gel Pen (non-SU)
Other:  Stampin' Mist Stamp Cleaner (102394)