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

Blog Candy Winner!!!

Holy Cactus . . . I'm officially a new home owner in Tucson.  There was a little "demolition" to my new Stampin' Pretty Zone today in preparation for the movers tomorrow.  It should be pretty spiffy in no time.

I can't get over how many great comments (450+) my blog candy post received.  I review all the comments and treasure the wonderful support and insight you provide.  Thanks so much for playing. 

There was a such wide range of favorites.  The In Color Markers, Real Red Polka Dot Ribbon, Medallion Background and Circle Circus stamp sets were popular but there were many standouts!

The random winner is Melissa Ricker for this comment:

"Hi Mary! Good luck with the move, I just got into a new home myself and am trying to get my stamping area re-organized. My favorite new stamp set is Herb Expressions, I think it is so cute! Thanks for the chance to win blog candy!

Melissa, I'm digging Herb Expressions, too.  Please email me your address in the next 24 hours so that I can ship your goodies to you pronto!

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

Holiday Mini Card Magic

Punch mavens, take heart (and I speak your language)!  There's a new Stampin' Up! Hostess Level 2 stamp set for the holidays, with you in mind.  Christmas Punch offers delightful gift tag images (scroll to see full set below) that coordinate with Stampin' Up! punches.  They multi-task beautifully for today's punch fest of simple to make mini gift cards. You can earn this stamp set FREE with a qualifying on-line order.  Click here for details! 

Stamp Set:  Christmas Punch (115366, Hostess Level 2)
Paper:  Whisper White (100730), Ruby Red (102030) and Soft Suede (115318)
Ink:  Bermuda Bay (115655), Ruby Red (102259), Soft Suede (115657)
Cool Tools:  Small Tag Punch (1082640, Tag Punch (105934)
The Perfect Touch:  Bermuda Bay Polka Dot 1/2" Grosgrain Ribbon (115610), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)
TIP:  I stamped the snowman first with Bermuda Bay Ink on Whisper White card stock and second with Ruby Red Ink on Ruby Red card stock.  I snipped out the ruby hat and nose and adhered to the Bermuda image for a spirited contrast.

Stamp Set:  Christmas Punch (115366, Hostess Level 2)
Paper:  Soft Suede (115318), Ruby Red (102030), Whisper White (100730)
Ink:  Soft Suede (115657), Ruby Red (102259), Bermuda Bay (115655)
Cool Tools:  Curly Label Punch (112208), Boho Blossoms Punch (110711)
The Perfect Touch:  Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)
TIP:  Here's a "wow" moment.  The three snowflake image from this stamp set coordinates with the Boho Blossom Punch.  Very cool

Stamp Set:  Christmas Punch (115366, Hostess Level 2)
Paper:  Ruby Red (102030), Whisper White (100730)
Ink:  Ruby Red (102259), Bermuda Bay (115655)
Cool Tools:  Wide Oval Punch (112082), Boho Blossoms Punch (110711)
The Perfect Touch:  Circle Rhinestone Brads (109111, Ice), Bermuda Bay Polka Dot 1/2" Grosgrain Ribbon (115610), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)
TIP:  Tie your ribbon first.  Then, twist/adjust to get all the polka dot "wings" to show face up.

Stamp Set:  Christmas Punch (115366, Hostess Level 2)
Paper:  Soft Suede (115318), Whisper White (100730), Ruby Red (102030)
Ink:  Soft Suede (115657), Ruby Red (102259)
Cool Tools:  1 1/4" (104400) and 1 3/8" Square (103375) Punches, Blender Pen (102845)
The Perfect Touch:  Whisper White Organza Ribbon (114319)
TIP:  Using a Blender Pen and a few drops of Ruby Red ink (just squeeze the closed ink pad to create a little pool on the inside for little jobs), I quickly added a second color to the Soft Suede image.

Stamp Set:  Christmas Punch (115366, Hostess Level 2)
Paper:  Whisper White (100730), Ruby Red (102030)
Ink:  Ruby Red (102259), Bermuda Bay (115655)
Cool Tools:  Large Oval Punch (107305), Scallop Oval Punch (114889), Full Heart Punch (113693)
The Perfect Touch:  Circle Rhinestone Brad (109110, Fire), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)
TIP:  This little darling (2 x 2) came to life when I layered the Heart Punch behind the sentiment.

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

How About Some Blog Candy!

Got your new Stampin' Up! 2009-2010 Idea Book and Catalog yet?  Do you think it's simply the most aesthetically pleasing version to date?  Do you have a wish list a mile long?  Well, I'm saying a resounding "YES" to all three questions but am itching to hear what in the catalog is making your heart go pitter pat. 

What's your favorite new Stampin' Up! accessory or stamp set?  Please leave me a comment at the end of this post by Wednesday, July 8, 9:00 PM PST and you could win all the goodies above.  I'll choose a random comment and announce the winner on Thursday.  Note:  I only ship within the U.S.  Winner has 24 hours to email me their name and mailing address so stay tuned!  I'll pull a backup winner since the prize is boxed and ready for a new home (just like me, LOL) one way or another.

My blog candy stash includes the following retired Stampin' Up! products:

• Approximately 100 sheets of 6" x 6" Stampin' Up! Designer Series Paper (lots of oldies but goodies in there :)
• A colorful hodgepodge of my remaining retired ribbon, buttons, hardware and a few surprises.
• 3 Retired Stampin' Up! Hostess Stamp Sets (left to right):  Darling Dots, Organic Grace, God's Beauty

 
Need a Catalog?  Click here to order a copy or download instantly at the link below!

2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalog (40.6 MB)
2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalog: Stampin' Supplies (12.8 MB

DON'T MISS!!!

	Deal of the Week: Big Shot Doctor's Bag
	You'll feel like a big shot carrying around the Big Shot Doctor's bag! July 6-12, get the Big Shot Doctor's Bag for $49.99. That's nearly 30% off the regular price of $69.95! Throughout July, be sure to check my blog site every Monday at 10 AM (MT) for the week's new deal.

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

It's Mojo Time!

Welcome to Mojo Monday, featuring my design this week for MOJO Sketch 94 (MOJO 94).  This birthday card is for my niece, Kris (Kween Bee Kreations).  Stampin' Up!'s new Tall Tale Designer Series Paper takes the spotlight.  To see more of my samples using new products from the latest Stampin' Up! Idea Book & Catalog, CLICK HERE!

• The present was created using a sweet So Saffron pattern from Tall Tales Designer Series Paper.  TIP:  The other colors in the collection are Old Olive, Chocolate Chip, Rose Red and Brilliant Blue.
• I matted the present on Chocolate Chip card stock and wrapped a snippet of Chocolate Chip Taffeta Ribbon vertically around.  TIP:  Using a couple Mini Glue Dots, I attached a matching bow that I tied separately.
• The layer to the left uses a fun and funky tree pattern from Tall Tales.  It's layered on Chocolate Chip.
• The Whisper White card base is 4 1/4" x 5 1/2".  It's topped with more designer paper and two strips of Textured Rose Red card stock.
• The sentiment is from Wow Flowers.  It was inked in Old Olive, stamped on Whisper White and cropped with a 1" Circle Punch. 
• I popped out a Rose Red flower using my Boho Blossoms Punch and attached it to the sentiment with a green Circle Rhinestone Brad (Ice Collection).
• The sentiment was adhered with a couple Stampin' Dimensionals over a 1 1/4" Circle of Chocolate Chip.

 COMING UP:  Are You Ready for a Little Blog Candy?

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

Stamp Set:  Wow Flowers (111714)
Paper:  Tall Tales Designer Series (115678), Whisper White (100730), Chocolate Chip (102128), Rose Red Textured (108696, Assorted Soft Subtles)
Ink:  Old Olive (102277)
Cool Tools:  Boho Blossoms Punch (110711), 1" Circle Punch (109046), 1 1/4" Circle Punch (104403)
The Perfect:  Chocolate Chip Taffeta Ribbon (109065), Circle Rhinestone Brad (109111, Ice), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Mini Glue Dots (103683)

Another Trip to Circle Circus

The new Stampin' Up! set, Circle Circus, is incredibly versatile.   Here's a previous sample that offers a more playful look.  My inspiration today is from two resources--Splitcoast Color Challenge CC225 (Kraft, So Saffron and Night of Navy) and a scalloped note card sketch from Clean and Simple (FTL48).

• I began this card using a Big Shot, Night of Navy card stock and a Bigz Scallop Die.  By folding the card stock and aligning the folded card stock a few scallops below the top, you can create a note card instantly when you run it through a Big Shot.  TIP:  This is one of my favorite uses for this die.  The finished note card is approximately 4" in diameter.  Here's a note card tutorial.
• My Circle Scissor Plus next came out to play.  I cut a So Saffron and Kraft Circle (I believe at 3 3/4"--but packed it away and forgot to write down the measurement).  The beauty of the Circle Scissor Plus is that you can adjust circles in tiny increments to make the perfect size or layer from 1" to 6".
• TIP:  I layered a portion of the Kraft circle over the So Saffon layer for a dual colored circle.
• A strip of Night of Navy Textured Card Stock makes the transition from Kraft to So Saffron look polished.
• Three circle stamps from Circle Circus were inked in Night of Navy ink and stamped on Kraft card stock.
• TIP:  When using similar elements like the circles, give each just a touch of their own personality.  I added a Circle Rhinestone Brad, Stampin' Dimensionals, and a So Saffron Circle layer (sandwiched on the bottom circle) to accomplish this.
• The top circle was cropped with a 1" Circle Punch and layered on a 1 1/4" Circle of Night of Navy.
• The middle circle was shaped with my Paper Snips.
• I used a Scallop Circle Punch, 3/4" Circle Punch and 1 1/4" Circle Punch to fashion elements for the bottom circle.
• The sentiment is from Teeny Tiny Wishes, inked in Night of Navy and stamped on So Saffron.  TIP:  Please don't feel you always need to stamp colored ink on White or Vanilla. Experiment.
• "Just for You" was cropped with a Small Oval Punch and layered with a couple Stampin' Dimensionals over a Large Oval Punch in Night of Navy.

Important:  The new Stampin' Up! In Color Bermuda Bay has quality issues in the Ink Pad and Ink Refill.  Stampin' Up! is working diligently on a correction.  In the meantime, 115655: Bermuda Bay Classic Stampin' Pad and 115661: Bermuda Bay Classic Stampin' Ink refill are unavailable.  Ribbon, card stock and other items using the Bermuda Bay color are not affected.

The Stampin' Up! Deal of the Week ends July 6 at 10:50 a.m. CST for on-line orders.  Don't miss your chance to save over 30% on the Scallop Edge Punch.

COMING UP:  My Mojo Monday weekly design and sketch will be waiting for you Monday morning at 7:00 a.m. CST

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

Stamp Sets:  Circle Circus (115778), Teeny Tiny Wishes (115370)
Paper:  Kraft (102125), So Saffron (105118), Night of Navy (100867), Night of Navy Textured (108696)
Ink:  Night of Navy (102977)
Cool Tools:  Big Shot Die Cut Machine (113439), Bigz Scallop Circle Die (113468), Circle Scissor Plus (112530), Scallop Circle Punch (109043), 1 1/4" Circle Punch (104403), 1" Circle Punch (109046), 3/4" Circle Punch (107217), Large Oval Punch (107305), Small Oval Punch (107304), Paper Snips (103579)
The Perfect Touch:  Circle Rhinestone Brad (109110, Fire), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

Happy 4th of July Card Parade!

I wanted to salute marvelous Independence Day artwork from my downline, the Stampin' Pretty Pals.  They are so talented and very dear to my heart. We have a fabulous time sharing our passion for Stampin' Up! and stamping virtually.

By:  Kris Kilcoyne

By:  Kim Lampone

By:  Mike Funke

By:  Carrie Fitch

By:  Ann Schach

 
By:  Patti McLeith

By:  Liz Hughes

By:  Martha Stewart

By:  Kalshelia Lloyd

Want to become a virtual Stampin' Pretty Pal?  Starting July 15 (thru Aug. 31), it's possible to join Stampin' Up! and receive a Mini Starter Kit for $85.  Nice choice for a hobby demo :)  OR opt for the $199 Standard Starter Kit and get all six new In Color Ink Pads and a pack of Assorted In Color Card Stock as a  FREE BONUS  ($43 Value).  Both options including free shipping and full demonstrator discounts and benefits.

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

4th of July Parade of Cards Tomorrow

This is a sneak peek of one of the featured cards for my 4th of July Parade of Cards tomorrow morning.  It's a super cool design (love the crisp look employing a simple apple image) by my talented niece and downline, Kris Kilcoyne of Kween Bee Kreations.  More details on the Parade of Cards below!

I'm blogging today while sitting on the only available chair in my Madison home . . . . the floor.  Everything else is packed and on it's way to Tucson (including my complete Stamping Zone---I promise, promise, promise before and after photos of my new zone with a mountain view). 

My family slept on the floor last night (no beds) along with the cat and dog, who were basket cases over the removal of "their" furniture.  Mom had to let them in and out several times during the night so that they could feel adequately loved.  Those crazy animals!

I have my laptop during the move and will still be posting cards and ideas regularly on Stampin' Pretty.  My projects were done in advance, although I'm already missing my stamps and paper, sigh.  My Stampin' Up! customers, who are overwhelmingly excited about the new Stampin' Up! Idea Book and Catalog, will continue to be a top priority and can email me with any product questions. 

4TH OF JULY PARADE OF CARDS!  I have such an amazing and talented demonstrator downline (from New York to Hawaii), the Stampin' Pretty Pals.  Not only do they enjoy the discounts and benefits of being a Stampin' Up! demo, we have a virtual blast as a group!  Many of the Pals created 4th of July cards which I will share tomorrow morning as a parade of cards.  You'll definitely be impressed and inspired.  I encourage you to visit their blogs, too.

Interested in becoming a Pal?  Click here for the discounts and benefits, plus two tempting promotions beginning July 15.

If you missed all the excitement of the catalog release and promotions, click here for a tidy summary including downloads to the new catalogs.

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

Circle Circus Thank You

What a busy day yesterday!  Stampin' Up! released the new catalog and fabulous summer promotions (click here for a summary and a download to the new catty).  In the midst of it all, my husband, daughter and I finished packing up for our move to Tucson.  My tank is running low today (only a couple hours of sleep) but I simply had to share an incredibly easy card that packs a "wow" punch! 

• Using the Circle Circus stamp set (a perfect basic for card elements and making patterns for your own designer paper), I inked up the cute floral circle in Pumpkin Pie.
• It was stamped five times on Whisper White.
• TIP:  Stampin' Up!'s circle punches are lovely companions for the Circle Circus set.  I used the 1 3/4" Circle to pop out the circles and sentiment (from Simply Said).
• The circles were adhered with Stampin' Dimensionals to Old Olive card stock and a 4 1/4" by 5 1/2" Pumpkin Pie card base.
• The Heart to Heart Punch quickly cropped two Pumpkin Pie hearts and jazzed up the sentiment (also on Dimensionals).
• For a pretty polish,  I added a strip of Pumpkin Pie 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon.
• The Medium White Envelope gets a little Circle Circus treatment, too!

My inspiration for today's card came from two sources.  First, I played the Splitcoast Sketch Challenge SC235.  For a change up, I tried  bigger circles but the same overall effect.  Second, I loved the crisp look of Olive and Pumpkin in this home design magazine (below).  TIP:  I pull and save pages like this from clothing and home catalogs when they catch my eye.  If I need an idea, I grab my little pile of imagination.

Click here to see many more samples I created using stamps and supplies from the new Stampin' Up! Idea Book and Catalog.



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

Stamp Set:  Circle Circus (115778), Simply Said (115066)
Paper:  Old Olive (1007020, Pumpkin Pie (105117), Whisper White (100730)
Ink:  Pumpkin Pie (105216), Old Olive (102277)
Cool Tools:  1 3/8" Circle Punch (112004), Heart to Heart Punch (113694)
The Perfect Touch:  Pumpkin Pie 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon (109030), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)
Envelope:  Whisper White Medium (107301)

Stampin' Up! Catalog and Promotion Summary

Wow, what a fantastic day of sharing the Stampin' Up! 2009-2010 Idea Book and Catalog release on-line plus rolling out exciting new promotions.  Despite my impending move to Tucson, my customer orders will remain a top priority and will be monitored closely.  I have blog projects ready to go so I don't plan to miss a beat.  Did you notice my new "Crushed Curry" banner in honor of the new In Colors?

Since I have been posting announcements fast and furiously today, I thought it would be helpful to provide a tidy summary.

• Download new 2009-2010 Stampin' Up! Idea Book and Catalog
• Download Stampin' Supply List (supplies used in the new Catalog)
• Download new Definitely Decorative Brochures
• Download Celebrando Creatividad
• Download Celebrando Creatividad Supply List
• Stampin' Up! Deal of the Week (Scallop Edge Punch on Sale)
• Updated Dormant (not in the catalog) but Available List
• Join My Stampin' Pretty Pals and Stampin' Up! Starting at $85 for the new Mini Starter Kit
• Standard Starter Kit Summer Bonus.  Free In Color InkPads and In Color Assorted Card Stock.

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

Need a copy of the Stampin' Up! Idea Book and Catalog?  Here are the details!

The New Stampin' Up! Catalogs Are Available On-Line!

Download 2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalog    (it's a big file with over 200 pages . . . be patient)!

Download Definitely Decorative

Make that 12:30 MT :)

News from Stampin' Up!

The 2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalog Available at 12:30 MT

Stampin' Up! is still testing!  I'm watching with anticipation!  Mary

Become a Demonstrator for $85!

While anytime is a great time to join the Stampin' Up! family as a demonstrator, joining during July and August is especially sweet!

Starting your own Stampin' Up! business means free and discounted products, plus a little extra cash--and who couldn't use that? Plus, from July 15 - August 31, you can become a Stampin' Up! demonstrator for only $85!  My personal downline, the Stampin' Pretty Pals, live across the U.S. and stay in touch through swaps, our private blog and more!

The special, limited-time Mini Starter Kit contains many of the items you need to get started in your new business, including

• For All You Do stamp set
• In Color Classic Stampin' Pads (6)
• Whisper White card stock (8-1/2" x 11")
• In Color assorted card stock (8-1/2" x 11")
• Business forms and tools

Or if you want to buy the standard $199 Starter Kit, in addition to the supplies listed below, you'll get all six of the new In Color Classic Stampin' Pads and one pack of In Color assorted card stock (8-1/2" x 11")--a $43 value! The standard Starter Kit includes

• Four stamp sets
• A Stampin' Around wheel, handle, and ink cartridge
• Stampin' Pastels
• Card stock
• Eastern Blooms Décor Elements and applicator tool
• Five Classic Stampin' Pads
• VersaMark Pad
• Stampin' Scrub and Mist
• Blender pens
• Business forms and tools

These special offers--the Mini Starter Kit and the In Color add-on to the standard Starter Kit--are only available for a limited time, so you must act fast!
Benefits of Becoming a Demonstrator
Whether you just love to stamp, or you want to grow a successful, thriving business, the Stampin' Up! opportunity is the right fit for you. Stampin' Up! demonstrators enjoy many benefits, with just a few listed below:

• Product discount. Demonstrators get a 20 percent discount on all Stampin' Up! products, including stamp sets, paper, and accessories. It's a great way to support your love of stamping and paper crafting.
• Extra income. You'll earn extra income based on your sales and recruiting--how much extra income is up to you. Maybe you just want enough income to pay the electric bill every month, or maybe your goal is bigger--the monthly payment for your new car--it's your decision! See the Compensation Table for more information.
• Flexible schedule. This is your business, so you can put in as much (or as little) time as you'd like.
• Support from Stampin' Up! We love our demonstrators and it shows through our demonstrator support materials, including a monthly magazine, workshop ideas, and audio and video trainings on all kinds of topics available on our Demonstrator Web Site.

I would love to have you join my Pals.  We have a ball!  For more information, click here to email me!

July Weekly Stampin' Up! Deals

Dates: July 1-31, 2009

Promotion Details:

Every week during the month of July, Stampin' Up! will offer one discounted product as a "Deal of the Week."  No limits and no minimum purchase required.  NOTE:  If the latest offer is not available immediately on my blog, click here.

Deal of the Week: Scallop Edge Punch!  Everything's prettier in scallops! July 1–5, get the Scallop Edge punch for just $10.99—over 30% off the regular price of $15.95!

Click for my tutorials on Using the Scallop Edge Punch and Making Rick Rack.

Customer Weekly Deal Announcements:

• Deal #1: Wednesday, July 1, 2009; noon (MT)*
• Deal #2: Monday, July 6, 2009; 10:00 AM (MT)
• Deal #3: Monday, July 13, 2009; 10:00 AM (MT)
• Deal #4: Monday, July 20, 2009; 10:00 AM (MT)
• Deal #5: Monday, July 27, 2009; 10:00 AM (MT)

Deadlines:

Deal of the Week	Ending Date	Online Ordering Deadlines*
1	July 6, 2009	9:50 AM (MT)
2	July 13, 2009	9:50 AM (MT)
3	July 20, 2009	9:50 AM (MT)
4	July 27, 2009	9:50 AM (MT)
5	July 31, 2009	11:50 PM (MT)

*The deadline for each new deal is 10 minutes before the next deal is announced, except for the last deal, which ends at the end of the business day July 31.

The New Stampin' Up! Catalogs Starts Today!

So much excitement!  I'll keep you posted throughout the day with multiple posts on the new Stampin' Up! 2009-2010 Idea Book and Catalog and HOT new promotions.  Stay tuned!!!

• The sales period for the new catalog begins today at noon, Mountain Time.  You can place your on-line order by clicking here!
• The on-line version of the new catalog will be announced and available on my blog.  This will be shortly after noon Mountain Time, once I step through a few technology hoops.  Need a new catalog?  Click here for details.
• Introducing the Stampin' Up! Deal of the Week.  I love this new promotion idea.  Details can't be released until noon, Mountain Time.  I can't wait to share!
• Mini Starter Kit Special.  For a limited time, get a cool new mini kit of supplies and join my Stampin' Pretty Pals and Stampin' Up! for just $85.  Details coming very soon!