Mary Fish, My Fun & Chic Stampin' Up! Boutique!

Charming Stampin' Up! Blossom Box

I returned from the Stampin' Up! Founder's Circle retreat on Sunday feeling inspired and refreshed.  We were pampered with great food, time to relax and Stampin' Up! products and gifts.  One of the gifts was this adorable Blossom Box, created with the Stampin' Up! Blossom Box Bigz L Die (123127) and a Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine (113439).  Imagine all the surprises you could tuck inside (little soaps, candies, jewelry, wrapped cookies).  Closed, it measures approximately 3" in diameter and 1" high.

STAMPIN' PRETTY TIP:   2-sided  Beau Chateau Designer Series Paper (122357) makes this box beautiful inside and out!

The purse charm above was a very special gift from Stampin' Up!.  It's loaded with Simply Adorned Clear Crystals (121012), Pink Crystals (121013), Vanilla Pearls (121014) and Trinket Crowns (121891).  The tiny teacup was representative of our tea shoppe theme and says "Founder's Circle, 2011" on the bottom.  What a treasure!

FOLLOW MY LATEST FOUNDER'S CIRCLE NEWS!  Have you seen the photos of my amazing narrows passage hike in Mount Zion Park with 11 other Stampin' Up! Demonstrators?  Beauty and "boot camp" all rolled into one!  Unforgettable!  See the photo album.

The Mojo Monday Sketch Is Back!

After a well-deserved 2-week break, Julee Tilman has fired up the Mojo Monday Sketch Challenge (MOJO207).  I had a delightful time playing with color and pattern from Stampin' Up! Domestic Goddess Designer Series Paper.  Check out the rest of the Mojo Monday design team samples here.

STAMPIN' PRETTY TIPS:

• The sentiment is from a new stamp set in the Stampin' Up! Holiday Mini Catalog called Lighthearted.  Find more card ideas using the Lighthearted stamp set by clicking on my search blog tool.  You can use the search tool to find ideas for any stamp set, tool or embellishment.
• I cropped the sentiment with the Extra Large Oval Punch.  It fits perfectly into the Stampin' Up! Designer Frames Textured Impressions Embossing Folder?  Très Chic!
• Create coordinating envelopes (like I did above) with Stampin' Up! Designer Series Paper and the new Simply Scored Scoring Tool.  Watch my Simply Scored Envelope Tutorial to learn how to whip up your own for a 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" card.

MY CUSTOMERS LOVE FREE STAMPS!  Learn more about my Stampin' Pretty Rewards Program

Stamp Sets:  Lighthearted (W120274, W121157), Butterfly Prints (W121049, C120738)
Paper: Domestic Goddess Designer Series Paper (122355), Pool Party (122924), Calypso Coral (122925),  Whisper White (100730)
Ink:  Calypso Coral (122939)
Cool Tools:  3/16" Corner Punch (119871), Butterfly Punch (119848), Heart to Heart Punch (119881), Designer Frames Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (123130), Big Shot Die Cutting Machine (113439)
The Perfect Touch:  Calypso Coral 3/8" Ruffled Ribbon (122976), White Baker's Twine (124262), Designer Printed Brads (122940), Brights Designer Buttons (119747)

 

 

Pals Guest Stamper Linda F.

Let's "give thanks" to Linda Fisher, a member of the second level of my Stampin' Pretty Pals, for sharing her beautiful card as my guest stamper today!  Woo hoo!  I love how it mimics a fall decorated mantle under a mirror.  Stunning!  The Hand-Penned Holiday stamp set (W124310, C124312) adds such a rich touch for the sentiment and the gold candles really shine!

To see the full card details and and indulge in more of Linda's "mad" card making skills, please visit her blog here!

NEED A FREE COPY OF THE STAMPIN' UP! HOLIDAY MINI CATALOG?  Simply EMAIL ME with your name and address (U.S. only).  If you have a relationship with another Stampin' Up! Demonstrator, please contact them directly for your copy.

COMING UP TOMORROW . . . THE MOJO MONDAY SKETCH CHALLENGE RETURNS!

New Video! Wrapping Up with the Stampin' Up! Petite Pocket Die

Gift cards are a welcome treat for almost every occasion.  Plus, they keep those friends and family that are a challenge to buy for fabulously content.  However, is there a cool and crafty way to wrap them up?  The Stampin' Up! Petite Pocket Bigz XL Die (used with a Big Shot Die-Cut Machine) is an amazing solution!  A standard gift card fits neatly inside!

Today's video shows you how quickly you can give your gift cards a new paper-licious personality using the Petite Pocket Bigz XL Die.  Watch the video and see what's tucked inside!

STAMPIN' PRETTY TIP:  When using a die that both cuts and scores (like the Petite Pocket Die), be sure to use the Extended Premium Crease Pad in place of the top cutting pad in your "sandwich."  This ensures clean cuts and defined (but not cut) score lines.

NEED A FREE COPY OF THE STAMPIN' UP! HOLIDAY MINI CATALOG?  Simply EMAIL ME with your name and address (U.S. only).  If you have a relationship with another Stampin' Up! Demonstrator, please contact them directly for your copy.

Stamp Set:  Contempo Christmas (W118734, C120594)
Paper:  Frostwood Lodge Designer Series Paper (124002), Cherry Cobbler (119685), Whisper White (100730)
Ink:  Garden Green (102272), Cherry Cobbler (119669)
Cool Tools:  Petite Pocket Big XL Die (123131), Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine (113439), Extended Cutting Pads (113478), Extended Premium Crease Pad (117630), 1" Square Punch (to create the flagged end, 124094)
The Perfect Touch:  Gold Brads (104337), Cherry Cobbler/White Baker's Twine (123125), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

Stampin' Up! Square Punch Trio Video Tutorial

I have had a number of requests from my blog readers for details on how to create the little trio of square windows for this previously posted card.   So I made another card (above) using the same technique along with a new video tutorial. 

TO CREATE THE TEMPLATE:  Using a ruler, I marked the template below at the penciled measurements. 1/2" from the top.  Then 1/2", 1 7/8", 3 1/8" and 4 1/2" on the width. The overall width of the template is 5".  Using a 1 1/4" Square Punch, I lined up and punched squares as shown.  You can use the template on different widths of card stock as long as you are careful to center it.

STAMPIN' PRETTY TIP:  I stamp through the "windows."  However, if you are concerned about centering it or have an "oops" in the process, an alternative would be to stamp on another piece of matching card stock, crop with the 1 3/8" Square Punch (a size larger than the window, 119877) and slide it underneath your completed card template.  It fits!

COMING UP TOMORROW!  I'll share the details and another video tutorial on the Petite Pocket Bigz XL Die used to make the coordinating gift card envelope above!  Charming and practical for gift giving!

JOIN ME ON FACEBOOK for continuous updates and photos from my visit to St. George. UT.  I'm getting a chance to see and try brand  new products (plus the treats are divine)!  Start here!

Stamp Set: Hand-Penned Holidays (W123310, C124312), Jolly Bingo Bits (W120857, C121187)
Paper: Frostwood Lodge Designer Series Paper (on envelope flap, 124002)), Whisper White (100730), Garden Green (102584)
Ink:  Cherry Cobbler (119669)
Cool Tools:  1 1/4" Square Punch (119865), Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch (119275)
The Perfect Touch:  Cherry Cobbler Quilted 3/8" Quilted Satin Ribbon (124105), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

Additional:  Whisper White Stampin' Up! Note Cards (5" x 3 1/2") and companion envelopes (5 1/8" x 3 5/8"): 107311

PPA111 & Stampin' Up! PeekABoo Frames

Nothing kickstarts a card quicker that having a good sketch.  This week's Pals Paper Arts Challenge (PPA111) offers you the perfect foundation--a classic sketch by PPA Design Team Member Margaret Moody.  Be sure to play along this week . . . use any brand of products you want!  See Pals Paper Arts Design Team Cards and Inspiration.

Since it's introduction in the Stampin' Up! Holiday Mini Catalog on Sept. 1, the PeekABoo Frames Bigz L Die has been one of my hottest  Big Shot accessories.  I'm lovin' the way it works for an advent calendar (see p. 36 of the mini) . . . however, it's a multi-tasker far beyond that.  Think about all the surprises you could tuck behind the little "door!"  Images of birthday cakes, punched hearts, sweet sentiments, a little photo . . . endless possibilities.

STAMPIN' PRETTY TIPS:

• When I layered the Frightful Sight Designer Series Paper Pattern over the PeekABoo Frame door, I recropped the opening slot with my Itty Bitty Shapes Circle Punch for a clean finish.
• Create the flagged end on the banner in a flash with a 1" Square Punch.  Watch this quick video to learn how.
• I love the little Halloween Owl from the Warmest of Wishes Hostess Rewards Set (Stampin' Up! Holiday Mini Catalog).  It coordinates with the Owl Builder Punch.  What a hoot!  DID YOU KNOW that you can earn hostess rewards with your on-line product order of $150 or more?
• Dazzling Details Glitter Glue (new in the Holiday Mini Catalog) adds a delicious touch of sparkle to the owl's eyes.  This cute idea was shared with me by Susan Dyas when she sent me this Mini Milk Carton Box and card.  Did your jaw drop as wide as mine?  Visit Susan's blog and get the details.

and it only gets better with goodies waiting inside . . .

STAY TUNED ON FACEBOOK & TWITTER.  I'm at the Stampin' Up! Founder's Circle Retreat in breathtaking St. George, UT and promise to share photos of the activities and projects.  

Click to join me on FACEBOOK (be sure to "like" me) OR follow me on TWITTER.

COMING UP:  Ready for some fresh ideas?  I'll be sharing new video tutorials tomorrow and Saturday!

 

Stamp Set:  Warmest of Wishes (Hostess Rewards: W122670, C122672), Spooky Bingo Bits (W123944, C123946)
Paper:  Frightful Sight Designer Series Paper (122351), Basic Black (121045), Cajun Craze (119684), Basic Gray (121044)
Ink:  Basic Black (101179)
Cool Tools:  Peekaboo Frames Bigz L Die (124587), Big Shot Die-Cut Machine (113439), Owl Builder Punch (118074), 1 3/4" Circle Punch (119850), Pinking Hearts Border Punch (117649), 1" Square Punch (124094), Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack (118309)
The Perfect Touch:  Dazzling Details (124117), Basic Black 1/2" Scallop Dots Ribbon (124145), Basics Glimmer Brads (121003), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

PPA Sneak Peek and Stampin' Up! Hot Promos!

NEW PPA CHALLENGE TOMORROW!  Here's a sneak "peek-a-boo" of my Pals Paper Arts project for tomorrow's PPA challenge.   Be sure to view the announcement of the PPA Favorite Picks for last week's challenge.

THE STAMPIN' UP! HOLIDAY MINI CATALOG IS LIVE and it's time to start shopping!  View the catalog on-line or email me for a FREE print copy.  For inspiration, please see my Holiday Mini Catalog card samples.

MY TOP 10 HOLIDAY MINI PRODUCTS.  Discover my top ten must-have products from the Stampin' Up! Holiday Mini Catalog.

EARN FREE STAMPS with my Stampin' Pretty Tulip Rewards Program.  My customers LOVE receiving their free stamps!

OPEN SEA and other rubber stamps not in the current catalogs are still available on the Stampin' Up! Carry-Over List.

BRAND NEW MY DIGITAL STUDIO DOWNLOADS!  Perfect for Halloween projects!!!  Click here to see this week's MDS additions.

COMING UP FRIDAY.  You asked for it . . . you got it!  I'll have a video tutorial to share this Friday on how to create a simple template for the trio of "windows" on last week's Pals Paper Arts card.

Pals Halloween & Fall Blog Hop

Welcome to this month's Stampin' Pretty Pals Halloween and Fall Blog Hop.  I'm stop #7 on the hop.  The complete list of 22 hoppers and their links are below.  Get ready for loads of inspiration and amazing talent. 

My project for the hop is a cute little set that is destined for my mom.  She will love the play on words . . . I removed the word "mother" from the sentiment by isolating text with a Stampin' Write Basic Black Marker.  Next, I substituted the image of a "mummy."  Very Halloween appropriate!

NUGGET BOX:

Stamp Set::  Spooky Bingo Bits (W123944, C123946)
Paper:  Frightful Sight Designer Series Paper (122351), Basic Black (121045), Old Olive (100702), Whisper White  (100730)
Ink:  Basic Black (101179)
Cool Tools:  Matchbox Bigz XL Die (114890), Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine (113439), Extended Premium Crease Pad (117630), 1" Circle Punch (119868), 1 1/4" Circle Punch (119861)
The Perfect Touch:  5/8" Black Satin Ribbon (117285), White Baker's Twine (124262), Linen Thread (104199), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

STAMPIN' PRETTY TIP:  Cut DSP to 3" x 1" to cover nuggets.  Per Hershey's, please do not remove any of their original wrap or use any adhesives that have an odor that could affect the taste or safety of the treat.

2 1/8" X 2 1/8" CARD AND BITTY ENVELOPE:

Stamp Set:  Delightful Dozen (W122650, C122652), Spooky Bingo Bits (W123944, C123946)
Paper:  Frightful Sight Designer Series Paper (122351), Basic Grey (121044), Cajun Craze (119684), Whisper White (100730)
Ink:  Basic Black (101179), Basic Black Stampin' Write Marker (100082)
Cool Tools:  Bitty Box & Envelope Bigz XL Die (115967), Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine (113439), Extended Premium Crease Pad (117630),  1" Circle Punch (119868), 1 1/4" Circle Punch (119861), Paper-Piercing Tool (116631), Mat Pack (Piercing Mat, 105826)
The Perfect Touch:  Silver Mini Brads (122941), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

 

 

1. Jeanne Norris at My Creative Impressions
2. Patti MacLeith at Papercrafts by Patti
3. Melanie Collins at Oops a Daisy Designs
4. Ann Schach at The Stampin' Schach
5. Mikki Sarkisyan at Mikki's Creative Corner
6. Leah O'Brien at My Stampin' Room
7. Mary Fish at Stampin' Pretty
8. Barb Furlong at The Love of Stamping
9. Linda Fisher at Linda's Stampin Loft
10. Mike Funke at Stampin-Style
11. Nancy Gleason at My Stampin' Space
12. Joan Norris at Clearly Creative
13. Barbara Chatzkel at Take Out Paper Arts
14. Kylie Nicolosi at Kylie's Crafty Corner
15. Cindy Hall at Pretty Impact
16. Nina Dee at Deesigns by Nina Dee
17. Sandie Conner at Pretty Provisions
18. Nicole Watt at Impressions By Nicole
19. Rae Harper at Wild West Stampin', Scrappin' & Crafts
20. Debbie Pierce at Stampin' Sunshine
21. Camila McManus at OBX Scrapbook
22. Jason Casper at Jason's Stampin' Pad

 

Stampin' Up! Fashion Inspired Petite Pairs

I'm getting ready to head to the Founder's Circle retreat in St. George, UT this Wednesday.  It's a special reward from Stampin' Up! for demonstrators who excelled in sales, recruiting and leadership this past year.  I'm so fortunate to be included and ready to be pampered!  Meanwhile, I have a fabulous week planned for you on my blog with card ideas, inspiration and two new video tutorials!

STAMPIN' PRETTY TIPS:

• Need I explain the connection to my fashion inspiration?  It was fun playing with Brushed Silver, Lucky Limeade, Concord Crush and a bit of bling!
• The Stampin' Up! Houndstooth Textured Impressions Embossing Folder adds the perfect flavor for the card and mimics the pattern on the skirt.
• Did you notice the little flower on the tag?  I cropped Lucky Limeade card stock with the  Lattice Ribbon Border Punch and did a little "surgery" with my Paper Snips to emancipate the flower.  Cool new use!

• Open sesame!  The beauty of the Stampin' Up! Petite Pairs rubber stamp set is that there is a coordinating sentiment for the interior of any card.  

WHERE'S THE MOJO?  The Mojo Monday Sketch Challenge will be back next week when Julee Tilman returns from vacation!

COMING UP:  The Stampin' Pretty Pals will be strut their spooky inspiration for our Pals Halloween Hop tomorrow. 

Stamp Set:  Petite Pairs (W122499, C122497)
Paper:  Brushed Silver (100712), Concord Crush (119792), Lucky Limeade (122926), Whisper White (100730)
Ink:  Concord Crush (119785)
Cool Tools:  Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch (122464), Lattice Ribbon Border Punch (122362), Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack (Circle Punch, 118309), Extra-Large Tag Punch (119866), Large Tag (119876), Big Shot Die Cutting Machine (113439), Lattice Bigz Die (115958), Houndstooth Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (123134), Paper Snips (103579)
The Perfect Touch:  Jewels Basic Pearls (119247), Antique Brads (117273), Concord Crush 1/2" Stitched-Poly Ribbon (119266), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

 

 

Pals Guest Stamper Leah O.

Look what Leah's whipped up!  Today's Stampin' Pretty Pals Guest Stamper, Leah O'Brien, shares a dynamic example of the shaving cream technique in red, white and blue.  She does a wonderful job combining her paper crafting talents with patriotic gratitude.

Here's a quick run down of the supplies Leah used.  For full details on the technique and more of Leah's work, please visit Leah's Stampin' Corner Blog.

Card stock:  Riding Red Hood, Night of Navy, Whisper White, Glossy White

Ink: Night of Navy, Riding Red Hood pad and reinkers, Versamark

Extras: Night of Navy Bradshaw, Gold Embossing powder, Stripes Impression Embossing Folder

Technique: Shaving Cream

STAMPIN'  PRETTY ONLINE CLASS CLEARANCE SALE!   I slashed the prices of my classes.  Get the details.

GOT MINI?  The Stampin' Up! Holiday Mini Catalog is live and the shopping begins!

• View Holiday Mini Catalog on-line instantly.
• OR EMAIL ME your name and address (U.S. only) if you would like a free print copy mailed to you.  If you have a relationship with another Stampin' Up! demonstrator, please contact them directly for your copy.  Thanks.