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

The New Stampin' Up! Catalog Is Here!

You have been waiting patiently for launch of the new Stampin' Up! 2012-2013 Annual Catalog and the time has finally arrived!

View the 2012-2013 annual catalog online (Flash)
Stampin' Up! 2012-2013 annual catalog (PDF)
 Stampin' Supplies List

I LOVE the new clean, look of the catalog along with sophisticated samples and photography throughout.  There are many new stamp sets to choose from and the new Firm Foam Ink Pads are getting rave reviews, including my own.  Don't miss my previous post:  What's All the Buzz About Stampin' Up! Firm Foam Ink Pads?  

Please leave me a comment below with your favorite new products!  I would love to hear!

IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER!

• The Stampin' Up! ordering system will be down until Noon Mountain Time today due to the transition to the new catalog. 
• Ordering begins at Noon Mountain.  (2:00 p.m. Eastern, 1:00 p.m. Central, 11:00 a.m. Pacific)
• If you plan to purchase the Stampin' Up! $99 Starter Kit (more details here) today, you will not be able to do so until Noon Mountain Time.
• Due to heavy traffic at at the time of the catalog begins, you may experience lag time when placing your order. 
• NEW UPDATE!  The New $99 Starter Kit just got better!  Get up a product bonus (value to $48) when you join during June.  SEE TAKE THE CAKE STARTER KIT PROMOTION!

NEED A LITTLE INSPIRATION?   Here are the links to my New Catalog Sneak Peeks and In Color Comparison Samples.

GET THE NEW STAMPIN' UP! CATALOG DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR FOR $5!

No purchase necessary.  Includes catalog and shipping.  U.S. ONLY.  Click for details.

EARN FREE STAMPS WITH MY TULIP REWARDS PROGRAM.  Stampin' Pretty Rewards is my way of personally saying "thank you" to my returning customers.  Qualify to earn a FREE stamp set of your choice from ANY current Stampin' Up! catalog -- ANY PRICE!   Learn More About Stampin' Pretty Tulip Rewards

Stampin' Up! Chock-Full of Cheer Holiday Matchbook

It's hitting over 100 degrees these days in Tucson, AZ, and I'm thinking about Christmas?  REALLY?  Actually, I wanted to share a few more sneak peeks with you from the "be of good cheer" holiday suite in the new Stampin' Up! 2012-2013 catalog.   Ho ho ho!

DRUM ROLL, PLEASE:  The new catalog begins tomorrow, June 1.  Orders for new products begin at NOON MST.  I'll post the on-line link to the new catalog on my blog when Stampin' Up! makes it available.

STAMPIN' PRETTY TIPS:

• I stamped the mitten twice (Cherry Cobbler Ink), snipped and popped up the mitten on the left with Stampin' Dimensionals.  Both the mitten and sentiment are from Chock-Full of Cheer stamp set, available June 1.
• The Gumball Green 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon is easy to work with and oh, so, luscious.  The ribbon, along with the new 2012-2014 Stampin' Up! In Colors, will be available tomorrow!
• Stampin' Up! Be of Good Cheer Designer Series Paper (the polka dot paper added to the matchbook) offers charming patterns in a scale perfect for card making.
• To create the matchbook (an idea from Stampin' Success, my Stampin' Up! demonstrator magazine), I cut Gumball Green card stock to 3 1/8" x 8 5/8".  Using a Stampin' Up! Simply Scored Scoring Tool, I scored the short distance at 3 3/8", 3 3/4" and 7 3/4".
• I closed the matchbook with the ribbon.  However, you could staple the front, bottom flap it as an alternative.  You can fit a standard gift card in the pocket.  Please leave me a comment below with any other ideas to tuck in the matchbook!  Chocolates or tea, anyone? 

SEE ALL MY STAMPIN' UP! NEW CATALOG SNEAK PEEK SAMPLES HERE!  Be sure to scroll through the posts.

GET THE NEW STAMPIN' UP! CATALOG DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR FOR $5!

No purchase necessary.  Includes catalog and shipping.  U.S. ONLY.  Click for details.

EARN FREE STAMPS WITH MY TULIP REWARDS PROGRAM.  Stampin' Pretty Rewards is my way of personally saying "thank you" to my returning customers.  Qualify to earn a FREE stamp set of your choice from ANY current Stampin' Up! catalog -- ANY PRICE!   Learn More About Stampin' Pretty Tulip Rewards

Stamp Set:  Chock-Full of Cheer* (Wood-Mount 126715, Clear-Mount 126717)
Paper:  Be of Good Cheer Designer Series Paper* (126896), Gumball Green* (126840), Cherry Cobbler (119685), Very Vanilla (101650)
Ink:  Gumball Green* (126861), Cherry Cobbler (126966)
Cool Tools:  Stampin' Up! Simply Scored Scoring Tool (122334), Paper Snips (103579)
The Perfect Touch:  Rhinestone Basic Jewels (119246), Gumball Green 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon* (126848), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

*Available June 1 in the Stampin' Up! 2012-2013 Annual Catalog.

LAST 2 DAYS Retiring Stamps & Accessories PLUS New MDS Releases

FINAL 2 DAYS TO PURCHASE RETIRING STAMPS:  Over 300 Stampin' Up! stamp sets are retiring May 31. Retired stamp sets will be available for purchase THRU May 31, 2012 and then they are GONE!

Retired Stamp List Alphabetical

Retired Stamp List by Page Number

RETIRING ACCESSORIES:  ONLY AVAILABLE WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!  Lots of fabulous discounts (up to 70% on select items).  An "X" on the right side of the list indicates the product has already sold out.  See my explanation on what's retiring and why!

UPDATED Retired Accessory List by Page Number (includes "sold out" information)

Retired Accessory List Alphabetical

Retired Definitely Decorative List

STAMPIN' UP! OCCASIONS MINI CARRYOVER LIST:  Check out what you can still purchase and is guaranteed to be in the new Stampin' Up! 2012-2013 Catalog on June 1.  Occasions Mini Carryover List and Details.

 

NEW MY DIGITAL STUDIO DOWNLOADS!  You'll love the newly released downloads for My Digital Studio (MDS)!  I'm digging the Sweet and Sour DSP!  SEE MORE MDS UPDATES!

CLICK FOR A FREE MY DIGITAL STUDIO 30 DAY TRIAL!

LATEST MY DIGITAL STUDIO RELEASES

Summer Happiness Kit - Released May 29, 2012

Sweet and Sour II Designer Series Paper - Released May 29, 2012

Loved Ones Stamp Brush Set - Released May 29, 2012

 

Pride Framable Designer Template - Released May 29, 2012

Creatively Yours Stamp Brush Set - Released May 29, 2012

 

Simple Vintage with Stampin' Up! Layered Labels

A sophisticated label on a clean design combine for quick and simple vintage.  Stampin' Up! is introducing two new products on June 1 (with the release of the 2012-2013 Annual Catalog) that make the process of "simple vintage" fun.  I used Layered Labels stamp set and Apothecary Accents Framelits Dies for crisp, coordinated results.

STAMPIN' PRETTY TIPS:

• A great tip from one of my blog readers!  Use a Post-It to keep Stampin' Up! Framelits in place over coordinating stamped images.  This will keep them from moving on their journey through the Big Shot Die Cutting Machine. 
• A touch of Pearls Basic Jewels is both pretty and quick.

• I stamped the label image twice.  First on Very Vanilla (the main image), then on Primrose Petals, one of the new 2012-2014 In Colors.  Learn more about the New Stampin' Up! In Colors.
• I cropped the sentiment from the Primrose Petals image and adhered it with Stampin' Dimensionals.

GOING, GOING GONE!  JUST 2 DAYS LEFT!!!   Be sure to purchase your favorite Retiring Stampin' Up! Stamps and Accessories by June 1.  Discounts on many select accessories!

Stamp Set:  Layered Labels* (Wood-Mount 127070, Clear-Mount 127072)
Paper:  Neutrals Patterns Designer Series Paper Stack (117157), Crumb Cake (120953), Primrose Petals* (126841), Very Vanilla (101650)
Ink:  Crumb Cake (126975)
Cool Tools:  1" Square Punch (for flagged ends, 124094), Apothecary Accents Framelits* (127003), Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine (113439), Stamping Sponges (101610)
The Perfect Touch:  Pearls Basic Pearls (119247), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

*Available June 1 as part of the 2012-2013 Stampin' Up! Annual Catalog

More Peeks from the New Stampin' Up! Catalog!

Are you ready for a new Mojo Monday Sketch Challenge (MOJO243) and more sneak peek samples from the Stampin' Up! 2012-2013 annual catalog?  Let's kick it off with a layout that will surely get your creative engine started!  Choose round or square!

STAMPIN' PRETTY TIPS:

• The Naturals Designer Buttons with a wood-like finish give my tree a blast of charm.  Buttons will be available June 1.

• Are you digging the texture on the tree?  That's the new Stampin' Up! Fancy Fan Embossing Folder (available June 1).  Vavoom definition!  Click and scroll through all my Stampin' Up! Sneak Peek Posts.
• Gumball-licious.  I'm sharing one of the new Stampin' Up! In Colors called Gumball Green.  Both the tree top card stock and a strip of Be of Good Cheer Designer Series Paper feature this new color.
• A tiny pop of color adds interest.  The wee heart (à la Owl Builder Punch) was cropped from Raspberry Ripple card stock (also one of the new Stampin' Up! In Colors and available June 1).  Learn more about the New Stampin' Up! 2012-2014 In Colors
• Make a flagged end lickety split.  Watch my Flagged End with a Square Punch Video Tutorial.

GET THE NEW STAMPIN' UP! CATALOG DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR FOR $5!

No purchase necessary.  Includes catalog and shipping.  U.S. ONLY.  Click for details.

EARN FREE STAMPS WITH MY TULIP REWARDS PROGRAM.  Stampin' Pretty Rewards is my way of personally saying "thank you" to my returning customers.  Qualify to earn a FREE stamp set of your choice from ANY current Stampin' Up! catalog -- ANY PRICE!   Learn More About Stampin' Pretty Tulip Rewards

5 x 5 SQUARE CARD

Stamp Sets:  Pennant Parade (Wood-Mount 122740, Clear-Mount 122742)
Paper:  Be of Good Cheer Designer Series Paper* (126896), Gumball Green* (126840), Very Vanilla (101650), Raspberry Ripple* (126842), Chocolate Chip (102128)
Ink:  Chocolate Chip (126979
Cool Tools:  1 1/4" Square Punch (119865), Scallop Square Punch (119884), 1 3/8" Square Punch (flagged end, 119877)), 2 1/2" Circle Punch (120906), Owl Builder Punch (heart, 118074), Fancy Fan Embossing Folder* (127751), Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine (113439), Paper Snips (103579)
The Perfect Touch:  Naturals Designer Buttons* (127554), Linen Thread (104199), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Glue Dots (for buttons, 103683)

*Available June 1 with the release of the Stampin' Up! 2012-2013 Annual Catalog.

A Card to Cheer Up a Special Friend

We first introduced ourselves on the playground swings on the first day of third grade.  Little did we know that we would become dear friends for life.  Today, for the first time, I’m posting from a jet (with wireless, of course).  I’m traveling back to Madison, WI (my home town) to visit my friend, Vicki, who had a stroke this past week at the age of 53. 

Fortunately, she reports that she’s getting the feeling back on her left side and is now home after several days in the hospital.  She’s using a walker but doctors feel that it will only be temporary.   However, I could tell in her voice (as good friends can) that her emotional recovery would take much longer.  She doesn’t know I’m coming.  My plan is to call her to see how she’s doing, then ring her doorbell, holding the card I created just for her above.  It says it all.

Stamp Set:  Lean On Me (Wood-Mount 122283, Clear-Mount 122285)
Paper:  Summer Smooches Designer Series Paper* (125409), Whisper White (100730)
Ink:  Rich Razzleberry (126950)
Cool Tools:  2 ½” Circle Punch (120906), 3/16” Corner Punch (119871), Big Shot (113439), Beautiful Wings Embosslits (118138)
The Perfect Touch:  5/8" Whisper White Organza Ribbon (114319), Pearls Basic Jewels (119247), Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430)

Finding Your Inner Artist

Is your head tipping a bit to the left as you look at this card?  It's not a particularly WOW! card and the photography is definitely lacking.  Perhaps this card was created by a paper crafting newbie?

In fact, this card WAS created by a paper crafting newbie--ME.  This is one of the first cards I ever posted to Splitcoaststampers (SCS) in August of 2007. I only had a few Stampin' Up! stamp sets and a modest amount of supplies. My Stampin' Pretty blog didn't exist and a small built in desk in our tiny guest room sufficed for my stamping space.

I remember how I mentally paced wondering if anyone on SCS would comment on my card once it was uploaded.   My journey into stamping and finding my "inner artist" would never have blossomed without the kindness of a few fellow stampers who left me words of encouragement, even at the very beginning.  I gained the confidence to stick with a growing passion and discovered a creative side I thought I had left behind in elementary school.

The thrill of new products and satisfaction of finding time to create are just as powerful as they were in 2007.   Sharing new ideas and projects with my blog readers and downline members continues to invigorate me each day.   So for those of you who are just getting started or haven't played with paper for awhile, I encourage you to grab some ink and stamps this weekend and let your "inner artist"  take over.  I reach out to you with a virtual pat on the back to assure you that your beginning efforts will blossom into something not only beautiful but a new level of creative understanding.

What All the Buzz About Stampin' Up! Firm Foam Ink Pads?

 

With the introduction of the 2012-2013 Annual Catalog, Stampin' Up! has made a significant change to their ink pads to make your stamping experience even better!  The new pads will be available in all Stampin' Up! Colors (including the new In Colors) on June 1 (Noon MST). 

Click on Shannon West's You Tube video above for an excellent discussion of the new pads!   I would love to hear your feedback.  Please leave me a comment below!

As a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, I have had a chance to experiment with the new firm foam pads for the past couple weeks.  I immediately found that there's a short learning curve.  My former "thump, thump, thump, swivel, swivel, thump"  technique gets too much ink on the stamp using the new pads.  Once I mastered the lighter touch, this new style earned a big thumbs up from me!  

HERE'S THE BUZZ!

• Light-tap stamping produces crisp, complete coverage on both line and solid stamps.   There's no question you'll notice a difference, especially on solid stamps.
• The pads are juicier and are designed to stay juicy longer.
• No more "dip" in the middle of the pad!  Even Steven, baby!

I'll share more details about these new pads after June 1, when the new catalog begins.  REMEMBER:  Orders from the new catalog (including on-line orders) can be placed beginning at NOON MST on June 1.

GET THE NEW STAMPIN' UP! CATALOG DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR FOR $5!

No purchase necessary.  Includes catalog and shipping.  U.S. ONLY.  Click for details.

Stampin' Up! Pennant Punch Congrats

Isn't this card a fun and simple congrats or birthday card?  I used the new Stampin' Up! 2012-2014 In Colors to give it plenty of colorful pizzazz!  The design is inspired by a card I saw at the Stampin' Up! Demonstrator Leadership Conference last January (see below). 

STAMPIN' PRETTY TIPS:

• Five new In Colors will kick off the new Stampin' Up! 2012-2013 Catalog.  From left to right on the pennants:  Raspberry Ripple, Summer Starfruit, Gumball Green, Midnight Muse and Primrose Petals.  Click for my Comparison to Other Stampin' Up! Colors.
• Each pennant is propped up on Stampin' Dimensionals.  I love those little 3-D wonders!
• A contrasting circle adds a festive flair.

Here's the card that jumped out at me at Leadership (a sample created for a display).  I simplified the process by using the Petite Pennants Builder Punch, which is larger than than what's used on the card below.

GET THE NEW STAMPIN' UP! CATALOG DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR FOR $5.

No purchase necessary.  Includes catalog and shipping.  U.S. ONLY.  Click for details.

Stamp Set:  Curly Cute (Wood-Mount 117014, Clear-Mount 120510)
Paper:  Raspberry Ripple (126842), Summer Starfruit (126839), Gumball Green (126840), Midnight Muse (126843), Primrose Petals (126841), Whisper White (100730), Crumb Cake (120953)
Ink:  Midnight Muse (126860)
Cool Tools:  Stampin' Up! Petite Pennants Bulder Punch (122361), Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack (circle, 118309)
The Perfect Touch:  Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

Stampin' Up! Hot Promotions & MDS Updates

NEW $99 STAMPIN' UP! KIT!  The new $99 Stampin' Up! Starter Kit let's YOU choose ANY current catalog items you want up to $125 in value (hostess sets excluded).  That means you get up to $26 in products FREE.  The kit ships FREE for another 10% savings.  Dreamy!  PLUS you'll get 8 of the new Stampin' Up! 2012-2013 Catalogs to share with friends or even plan a party or class!  There's no risk, no pressure and no penalty to drop!  Hobby stampers will feel right at home with the exclusive resources and friendliness of with my Stampin' Pretty Pals. 

The $99 Stampin' Up! Kit will be available through May 31, 2013 (yes, 2013)!

Here's what Kathy C. of my group recently shared:  

I'm so glad I signed up with you, Mary.  You are connected, helpful and creative!

NEW RE-JOIN RULE!  STAMPIN' UP! JUST ANNOUNCED THAT A demonstrator must only wait 90 days (previously 6 months) from their effective drop date before signing up under a new upline. 

Learn more about the Stampin' Up! $99 Starter Kit or EMAIL ME (mary@stampinpretty.com) if you have any questions.

RETIRING STAMPS:  Over 300 Stampin' Up! stamp sets are retiring May 31. Retired stamp sets will be available for purchase THRU May 31, 2012 and then they are GONE!

Retired Stamp List Alphabetical

Retired Stamp List by Page Number

RETIRING ACCESSORIES:  ONLY AVAILABLE WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!  Lots of fabulous discounts (up to 70% on select items).  Look for the "X" on the right side of the list to see what has already sold out.  See my explanation on what's retiring and why!

Retired Accessory List Alphabetical

Retired Accessory List by Page Number

Retired Definitely Decorative List

STAMPIN' UP! OCCASIONS MINI CARRYOVER LIST:  Check out what you can still purchase and is guaranteed to be in the new Stampin' Up! 2012-2013 Catalog.  Occasions Mini Carryover List and Details.

GET THE NEW STAMPIN' UP! CATALOG DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR FOR $5.
No purchase necessary.  Includes catalog and shipping.  U.S. ONLY.  Click for details.

NEW MY DIGITAL STUDIO DOWNLOADS! You'll love the newly released downloads for My Digital Studio (MDS), Stampin' Up!'s digitally cool scrapbooking and card making software (and so much more)!  SEE MORE MDS UPDATES!

CLICK FOR A FREE MY DIGITAL STUDIO 30 DAY TRIAL!

LATEST MY DIGITAL STUDIO RELEASES

World Traveler Photobook Template - Released May 22, 2012

 

Soft Blooms - Released May 22, 2012

File It Fun Kit - Released May 22, 2012

Button Buddies Stamp Brush Set - Released May 22, 2012

Curvy Verses Stamp Brush Set - Released May 22, 2012