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

Stampin' Up! Starter Kit Product Bonus Extended thru Nov. 11!

BIG NEWS! Stampin' Up! has announced that it has extended the Starter Kit Bonus Offer (below) through Nov. 11.

GET A FREE STAMPIN' UP! BIG SHOT (or your choice of $100 in FREE products) as a bonus when you purchase the Stampin' Up! Starter Kit by Nov. 11!  Enjoy up to $440 of Stampin' Up! products for $175 and it ships FREE. PLUS, you'll be able to "test drive" Stampin' Up! discounts and benefits through March 31, 2012 with no obligation to purchase anything further.

Attention Hobby Stampers!  This is the perfect opportunity to fill your Stampin' Up! wish list at a discount, enjoy exclusive creative resources and be part of my friendly, virtual community, the Stampin' Pretty Pals.

STAMPIN' UP! STARTER KIT PROMOTION DETAILS!

CLICK HERE TO ORDER YOUR STARTER KIT NOW!

Mojo 213 and FREE Big Shot Offer Continued thru 11/11!

Let's kick off the week with a fresh Mojo Monday Sketch Challenge (MOJO213 by Julee Tilman.

I choose a 4 x 4 square card and incorporated the colorful, "retro" Christmas tree bulbs created with the Stocking Accents Originals Die (Holiday Mini Catalog, 124099).   I used the same adorable die (the Christmas tree design) on this previous project with the wine bottle tags!

STAMPIN' PRETTY TIPS:

• If you are a texture maven like me, you'll love the effect the Snow Burst embossing folder added to the tree bulbs and large circle.
• I recropped the bulbs with just a touch of Silver Glimmer Paper at the top for added sparkle.
• Itty bitty bits of Mini Glue dots keep the silver cord (retired) in place.  
• What?  No envelopes for a 4 x 4 card?  Check out my Easiest Ever Envelope Video to see how you can customize your own in a snap using the Stampin' Up! Simply Scored Scoring Tool and Designer Series Paper.

 

NEW STAMPIN' PRETTY VIDEO CLASS COMING SOON!  Love to learn?  I'm recording my next full length, on-line video class and am so ecstatic about the projects.  I hope to have it ready for prime time by next week!  Here's a sneak peek of what will be my "Welcome Baby" class.  The projects and tips will translate from "baby" into any theme you want.  Stay tuned.

LAST CHANCE FOR A FREE STAMPIN' UP! BIG SHOT (or your choice of $100 in FREE products)!  Today is your last chance to order the Stampin' Up! Starter Kit AND get a FREE Big Shot (or your choice of $100 in FREE Stampin' Up! Products).   Take Stampin' Up! discounts and benefits for a test drive through March 31, 2012 (with no obligation to purchase anything further) and enjoy up to $440 in products for $175 Plus, they ship to you FREE! YOU can be your own best customer, enjoy exclusive creative resources and be part of my friendly, virtual community, the Stampin' Pretty Pals.

BIG NEWS!  I just learned this a.m. (10/31) that Stampin' Up! has extended this promotion through Nov. 11!

STAMPIN' UP! STARTER KIT PROMOTION DETAILS!

CLICK HERE TO ORDER YOUR STARTER KIT NOW!

Stamp Set:  Contempo Christmas (W118734, C120594)
Paper:  Regals Patterns Designer Series Paper Stack (117154), 2011-2013 In Color Patterns Designer Series Paper Stack (122384), More Mustard (100946), Lucky Limeade (122926), Cherry Cobbler (119685), Very Vanilla (101650), Silver Glimmer Paper (Holiday Mini Catalog, 124005)
Ink:  Cherry Cobbler (119669)
Cool Tools:  Extra Large Oval Punch (119859), Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch (122464), Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine (113439), Stocking Accents Originals Die (Holiday Mini Catalog, 124099), Snow Burst Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (Holiday Mini Catalog, 124096), Circle Scissor Plus (112520), Circle Scissor Plus Glass Mat (112531), Paper Piercing Tool (116631)
The Perfect Touch:  Antique Brads (117273), Silver Cord (retired), Mini Glue Dots (103683), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

Envelope:  2011-2013 In Color Patterns Designer Series Paper Stack (1222384), 3/16" Corner Punch (119871), Simply Scored Scoring Tool (122334)

 

 

Cool Card Ideas from Amy G. and Rita

I love receiving handmade cards as much as giving them.  The beautiful thank you card above was sent to me by Amy Gehman, one of my Stampin' Pretty Pals.  Inside she included "I'm very proud & happy to be in your downline!  Thanks for everything :)"  One of the greatest gifts of being a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator is having such a friendly and caring group to call my Pals.  Thank you for your kind words, Amy.  They mean so much!

That sweet purple flower stamp is from Posy Punch (W122480, C122482), one of the Stampin' Up! Hostess Rewards gifts.  It coordinates with the Fancy Flower Punch (118073).  

AMY'S TIP:  I wanted to use the Concord Crush and then the Color Coach gave the idea to use Daffodil Delight.  Stampin' Up! Color Coach (120148, English Version).  To see more of Amy's paper crafting card ideas and tips, please visit her blog!

Rita Bradt, one of my customers and stamper extraordinaire, sent me this Halloween card.  The colors and brayering are stunning.  However, my favorite part is the texture on the tree!

FINAL DAYS!!!  GET A FREE BIG SHOT OR $100 IN FREE PRODUCTS as a BONUS with the Stampin' Up! Starter Kit.  Ends Oct. 31!  The $175 Starter Kit and Product Bonus are valued to $440 and ship free!  That's a 60% savings!  

STAMPIN' UP! OCTOBER STARTER KIT PROMOTION DETAILS!

Saturday Stamping with a Couple of Pals

I have two fun folded projects to share today, created by members of my Stampin' Up! group, the Stampin' Pretty Pals.  A few of the products are retired so please use your imagination to create your very own version.

The first project (above and below) is by Debra Simonis.  What a snazzy way to create a quick photo album!

Stampin' Up! Directions:  Begin with a 10" x 5" piece of card stock.  Score at 1 1/4" from the bottom edge and fold it up to create the pocket.  Then score and fold lengthwise at 2 1/2" intervals.

Debra's Tips:   I was going to make a button closure on the right side with a loop of ribbon to hold it closed, but quickly found out that nothing helped keep the left side from bulging open.   I recommend using a ribbon all around the album and tying it shut, like is shown.  Put the ribbon under the matted image on the front.  The tags can be decorated on both sides allowing for more pictures and journaling.  I cut my tags at 2 1/8” X 3 1/2”.  I did put sticky strip along the outside edge of the first and last pockets so the tags don’t fall out. 

The next project is by Sumaiyah Yates (a member of my Stampin' Pretty Pals, 2nd level).  I love that the butterfly panel is perforated so that it can double as a bookmark.

CARD INTERIOR:

CARD FRONT:

Recipe

Cut one of the colors of your cardstock to 5 1/2 x 11. Crushed Curry was used for this cut. Score this piece at 4 1/4 and 8 1/2. Use the perforating tool from the Cutter Kit to perforate the cardstock at the 8 1/2 score mark. Cut the other color of cardstock to 4 x 5 1/4 and a second piece to 2 1/4 x 5 1/4. Cut designer paper to 3 3/4 x 5 and a second piece to 2 x 5. Layer, assemble and adhere these pieces onto the card base using your Snail Adhesive. Punch a scalloped circle from the beige cardstock and ink the edges. Stamp the sentiment in the center of the scalloped circle, using a Stamp-A-Ma-Jig (101049) for placement if necessary. Adhere this to the front of the card using Stampin' Dimensionals. Stamp the image from the stamp set onto the bottom of the bookmark's top layer. Punch a butterfly from the green cardstock and ink the edges. Bend slightly so the wings "lift" from the page and adhere using a mini glue dot. Adhere 3 pebbles to the top of the designer paper using mini glue dots. Fold at score lines to complete the card.

Sumaiyah's Tips:  Give a card that can be used every day. This great little card doubles as a bookmark! The panel on the right side can be detached and is designed to be used as a bookmark. You will be able to give a keepsake -- the card -- while providing a useful tool too. Quick and easy card takes about 15 minutes to make, but it will be treasured by the receiver forever!

WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE A MEMBER OF THE PALS?  It's a perfect place for hobby stampers or business demonstrators who love discounts, exclusive resources and a friendly, pressure free environment.  Purchase the Starter Kit by Oct. 31 and  get a FREE Big Shot.  See Starter Kit Promotion details!

Here are a few words from Debra about her experience with my group:

So glad I chose you from the on-line demos when I signed up last year.  Haven’t had a single moment of doubt – you have been a truly awesome leader.

NEW Video! Holiday Wine Bottle Tag Ideas

 
Dress up wine, gourmet olive oil or a luscious bath product with these sweet and simple bottle tags.  A quick holiday gift is a snap!

 I'll demonstrate two ways to create them on today's Stampin' Pretty Video Tutorial.

 

Holiday Tree Tag

Stamp Set:  Petite Pairs (W122495, C122497)
Paper:  Cherry Cobbler (119685), Garden Green (102584), Basic Black (121045), Whisper White (100730)
Ink:  Basic Black (101179)
Cool Tools: Two Tags Bigz Die (115954), Stocking Accents Originals Die (Holiday Mini Catalog, 124099), Big Shot Die Cutting Machine (113439), 1 3/8" Circle Punch (119860), 1" Square Punch (for flagged end on sentiment, 124094), Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack (circle punch, 118309), Simply Scored Scoring Tool (122334)
The Perfect Touch:  Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

Joy at Christmas Tag

Stamp Set:  Perfect Punches (W117022, C120516)
Paper:  Frostwood Lodge Designer Series Paper (Holiday Mini Catalog, 124002), Garden Green (102584), Whisper White (100730)
Ink:  Garden Green (102272), Cherry Cobbler (119669)
Cool Tools:  1 3/8" Circle Punch (119860), 1 3/4" Scallop Circle Punch (119854), 1 1/4" Square Punch (for flagged end, 119865), Simple Scored Scoring Tool (122334)
The Perfect Touch:  Mini Jingle Bells (Holiday Mini Catalog, #124116), Cherry Cobbler 3/8" Quilted Satin Ribbon (Holiday Mini Catalog, 124105), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

 

 

 

NEED A STAMPIN' UP! HOLIDAY MINI CATALOG?  Email me for a free copy (U.S. Only)

PPA117 Just Believe Card in Night of Navy

Got ribbon?  Then you are ready to play this week's Pals Paper Arts Clean & Simple Challenge (PPA117).  I find doing challenges one of the keys to boosting to my papercrafting skills.  It's easy to play the PPA challenges and you can use ANY brand of products you like.  Click to see the rest of the PPA Design Team's card and ribbon ideas for this week!

Here's what my cropped card looks like flat:

Open sesame!

STAMPIN' PRETTY TIPS:

• I dusted off my Color Spritzer Tool and love the stunning, painterly effects it offers.  Question #1:  Why don't I get this tool out more often?
• Question #2:  Why did it take me so long to use my Stampin' Up! Blue Denim Ribbon?  This was my "maiden voyage" with it and it's a delight to work with.  Gorgeous with Night of Navy.
• You can crop the card front flap to any size you want.  I first stamped the Just Believe stems on the right in order to gauge how much to remove from the card front.  I cropped this card at 2 3/4".
• A few Night of Navy Designer Buttons (Regals Designer Buttons) add texture and charm.  I'm a stickler for a finished look and added White Baker's Twine so they look stitched.

One of the really cool Stampin' Up! demonstrator achievement events is attending Founder's Circle.  Those attending swapped their "best stuff" and the layout of my card was inspired by the beautiful card below, designed by fellow Stampin' Up! Demonstrator Colleen Magness.

LOVE TO LEARN?  Visit My Tutorial Library for free tips, ideas and plenty of video instruction!  Prefer full-length video demonstrations?  Check out  My On-Line Video Classes!

COMING UP:   I'm going into full holiday mode and plan to dazzle you (literally) with papercrafting ideas for Christmas and more!

Stamp Sets:  Just Believe (W116948, C120453), Petite Pairs (W122495, C122497)
Paper:  Night of Navy (100867), Whisper White (100730)
Ink:  Night of Navy (102977), Night of Navy Stampin' Write Marker (100069)
Cool Tools:  Color Spritzer Tool (107066)
The Perfect Touch:  3/8" Blue Denim Jean Ribbon (125053), White Baker's Twine (124262), Regals Designer Buttons (119744), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Mini Glue Dots (103683)

 

JUST BELIEVE

 

PETITE PAIRS

 

PPA Sneak Peek and New MDS Downloads!

NEW PPA CHALLENGE TOMORROW!  Here's a sneak peek (right) of my Pals Paper Arts card for tomorrow's PPA challenge.   Don't miss the PPA Favorite Picks for last week's blog challenge.

MY ULTIMATE STAMPING ZONE.  Take a video tour of my stamping space and get organizational and storage tips for all your precious stamping supplies!  Learn more.

GET A FREE BIG SHOT OR $100 IN FREE PRODUCTS as a BONUS with the Stampin' Up! Starter Kit.  October only!  The $175 Starter Kit and Product Bonus are valued to $440 and ship free!  That's a 60% savings!    STAMPIN' UP! OCTOBER STARTER KIT PROMOTION DETAILS!

BUY 2 SIMPLY SENT CARD KITS AND GET A COORDINATING STAMP SET FREE.  Simply Sent Kits are the perfect basic for a new or busy stamper.  They make fabulous gifts, too.  Ends Oct. 31.   LEARN MORE!

DELICIOUS NEW PRODUCT:  STAMPIN' UP! COOKIE STAMPS.  A "sweet" new way to celebrate the holidays or special occasions.  GET THE YUMMY DETAILS.  Join the conversation about Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamps on Facebook.

EXCLUSIVE MY DIGITAL STUDIO HOSTESS REWARDS.  FOR A LIMITED TIME.  VIEW DIGITALLY COOL DETAILS!

NEW! NEW! NEW!   LOADS OF MY DIGITAL STUDIO DOWNLOADS!   New images from holiday to hockey released 10/25/11!  Don't miss the Beautiful Season & Dasher stamp brushes!  lick here to see all MDS downloads.

LATEST MY DIGITAL STUDIO RELEASES

Warm Holiday Wishes Photocard Template - Released October 25, 2011

Classic Poinsettia Photocard Template - Released October 25, 2011

Celebrate Any Day Greeting Card Templates - Released October 25, 2011

Merry & Bright Days Photocard Template - Released October 25, 2011

Handle With Care Stamp Brush Set - Released October 25, 2011

Something Blue Guestbook Template - Released October 25, 2011

Mr & Mrs. Stamp Brush Set - Released October 25, 2011

Beautiful Season Stamp Brush Set - Released October 25, 2011

Dasher Stamp Brush - Released October 25, 2011

 

Stampin' Up! Simple & Lighthearted Card

 
Sometimes the simplest ideas can create the splashiest patterns.  The rows of half circles on this clean and simple card were inspired by the skirt from a boden usa clothing catalog below.  Like this card?  Please leave me a comment at the end of this post!

STAMPIN' PRETTY TIPS:

• Flip a 1 3/8" Circle Punch over (looking at it from the bottom), slide your card stock in halfway and crop to create the half circles.  Instant bold graphics!
• Good news!  The design is intended to be casual . . . so don't sweat lining up the half circles perfectly.
• The Stampin' Up! Mini Clothespin is quite the charmer. Mail it in one of our Padded Envelopes (116911) for a safe trip.
• The tiny heart on the sentiment was cropped using the Heart to Heart Punch and popped up on a bit of Stampin' Dimensionals.

FREE BIG SHOT OFFER ENDS OCT. 31! 

Stampin' Up! is offering a FREE Big Shot (or $100 of your choice of free Stampin' Up! products) when you purchase either the Standard Starter Kit or My Digital Studio Starter Kit.  Up to $440 in products for $175 and ships free.  Ends Oct. 31.  Get the details.

Stamp Set:  Lighthearted (Holiday Mini Catalog, W120274, C121157)
Paper:  Pool Party (122924), Riding Hood Red (111349), Pear Pizzazz (119795), Night of Navy (100867), Whisper White (100730)
Ink:  Night of Navy (102977)
Cool Tools:  1 3/8" Circle Punch (119860), Heart to Heart Punch (119881)
The Perfect Touch:  Mini Clothespins (122942), Brights Brads (119740), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

 

Stampin' Pretty Blog Candy Winner!

What wonderful participation in my Stampin' Pretty Blog Candy Giveaway!  Thank you so much for playing.  The comments are always fun to read and it's apparent that you love your bling!

And the winner IS . . . .Maria Reynolds!  Congratulations, Maria!

Maria said . . .  I am loving the new dazzling details in the holiday mini!! quick and easy bling.

Maria, please email me in the next 24 hours with your U.S. mailing address and I'll get your goodies sent to you right away!

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

Up, Up & Away With Mojo Monday

I needed another masculine birthday card this week.  The balloon images from the Up, Up & Away rubber stamp set are adorable snipped out and popped up on Stampin' Dimensionals. 

However, I gave them a "manly" twist with the colors and patterns of Stampin' Up! Well Worn Designer Series Paper.  Together, the balloons and images set the scene for this week's Mojo Monday Sketch Challenge (MOJO212).
STAMPIN' PRETTY TIPS:

• I stamped the birds on the tag to coordinate with the balloon layer.
• Linen thread blends perfectly with the "well-worn" look and is so easy to work with.
• I used a Crop-A-Dile to pop out the "entrance" for the linen bow on the tag.
• A little "heavy metal" adds a handsome touch in the form of Silver 5/16" Jumbo Brads.
• A touch of Tea Stain (Stampin' Up! Distressing Essentials Kit) gives the Very Vanilla for the balloons and tag an antiqued look.

 

 

SAVE $$$.  SEE ALL STAMPIN' UP! PROMOTIONS IN ONE PLACE.  Click here.

STILL TIME!  I'm offering a chance for STAMPIN' PRETTY BLOG CANDY until Noon CST today.  Click here for details.

Stamp Set:  Up, Up & Away (W122755, C122757)
Paper:  Well Worn Designer Series Paper (122359), Not Quite Navy (101722), Early Espresso (119686), Cajun Craze (119684), Very Vanilla (101650)
Ink:  Not Quite Navy (103008), Early Espresso (119670), Cajun Craze Stampin' Write Marker (119678), Soft Suede Stampin' Write Marker (120973), Tea Stain (Distressing Essentials Kit, 118762)
Cool Tools:Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch (119275), Extra Large Tag Punch (119866), Large Tag Punch (119876), Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine (113439), Square Lattice Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (119976), Crop-A-Dile (108362), Paper Snips (103579)
The Perfect Touch:  Linen Thread (104199), 5/16" Jumbo Brads (Neutrals, 122534), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)