Stampin' Pretty - Mary Fish - Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator

SU Retiring Stamps: I'll Miss This Bird

Have you ever debated on a purchase, decided you simply must have it . . . and then learned that the item is no longer available?  Stampin' Up!'s Retiring Stamps List is now available (download below or check my right side bar).  If there are any stamp sets listed you have debated on, now is the time to order.  They officially retire Aug. 10, the day before the Fall/Winter catalog release date on Aug. 11.  However, supplies are limited and I encourage you to order before any of your favorites run out.  To place a Stampin' Up! on-line order through me (by credit card), please click here.  I personally cover shipping costs with product orders of $99 or more.  Pretty simple.

Stampin' Up! Retired_List Alphabetical

Stampin' Up! Retired_List Numerical

My color inspiration is from Splitcoast Color Challenge CC173 and includes Wild Wasabi, Purely Pomegranate and Certainly Celery.  My skepticism that it would be "too holiday" vanished when I discovered how scrumptious these colors looked combined.

This little "Partridge Family-esque" bird has starred in quite a few of my card making endeavors.  He's only available as a Hostess Level II stamp set (Spring Solitude Bundle) and is slated for retirement along with many other Stampin' Up! stamps on August. 10.  He's proud to be stamped in Wild Wasabi on Whisper White card stock.  I popped him out with a 1" Circle Punch and layered him on circle punches of Wild Wasabi (1 1/4") and Certainly Celery (1 3/8").  The retro flower stamp was inked in Purely Pomegranate and jazzed up Whisper White card stock.  It's matted on Wild Wasabi.

This delightful sketch is from Taylored Expressions.  I went a tidtad (my sister uses this word . . unlikely that it exists) out of the box by adding five flowers when the sketch calls for three.  However, that's exactly what sketches are . . . a starting point for inspiration.  To date, I have witnessed no arrests for straying.  TIP:  If you try a sketch challenge, don't be afraid to customize.  Using Nestabilities Rectangles, I created a scalloped Purely Pomegranate background layer and added some Certainly Celery Boho Flowers with 1/4" Wild Wasabi circle centers. 

The 4.25 x 5.5 Certainly Celery card base is topped with a soft little pattern from the Hostess Level I Prints Pack (exclusive 6 x 6" designer paper colors in Wild Wasabi, Bashful Blue, Apricot Appeal, Pretty in Pink, Real Red).  TIP:  When using a funkalicious pattern like the retro flower stamp, I like to balance things with a designer paper background of a smaller scale.  The ribbon banner consists of 5/8" Certainly Celery Grosgrain over Purely Pomegranate card stock.

The sentiment is a rub-on from Sale-A-Bration's Love and Happiness set.  They are no longer available but there are lots of Stampin' Up! Rub-On options on p. 182 of the Spring-Summer Catalog.  I plan to order many more rub-ons when the new catalog is released.  They are so crisp and easy to use. 

Hugs and Pretties . . . Mary

Stamp Set:  Spring Solitude Bundle (Hostess Level II)
Paper:  Prints Pack Wild Wasabi Designer Series (Hostess Level I), Certainly Celery, Purely Pomegranate, Wild Wasabi, Whisper White
Ink:  Wild Wasabi, Purely Pomegranate
Cool Tools:  Boho Blossoms Punch, Circle Punches:  1/4, 1, 1 1/4, 1 3/8", Nestabilities Rectangles, Cuttlebug
The Perfect Touch:  Certainly Celery 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, Love and Happiness Rub-Ons

IMPORTANT NOTE:  Stampin' Up!'s Retired Accessories List will be posted on Monday, July 21.  TIP:  Any accessories (designer paper, card stock, ribbon, ink pads) using the current In Colors (Purely Pomegranate, Groovy Guava, Soft Sky, Blue Bayou, Wild Wasabi, River Rock) will definitely be retiring on Aug. 10.  So stock up on those items you love.

The Queen of the Star Punch

I can't take credit for this one.  Today's creation is by Betsy Ross!  Nice sketch, Betsy :)  Is that Real Red, Whisper White and Night of Navy? In all seriousness, this vintage flag is such a powerful reminder of how lucky we are to enjoy freedom.  Happy 4th of July to all my readers.

I won't be able to create or post for the next few days (a mini vacation with friends) so I wanted to provide you with some Stampin' Up! news and reminders.  I'll still be checking email and handling orders every day.

The really cool news . . . Stampin' Up! announced yesterday that all new release stamp sets will be die-cut.  I'm so excited that Stampin' Up! has listened to the demos and customers and made this time-saving change.  Existing uncut stamp sets will still need to be cut manually.

Stampin' Up! revealed to the demos some beautiful Level II and III Hostess sets and new stamp sets (and accessories) from the Fall/Winter catalog that I have on order (along with the new In Color ink pads and card stock--Bali Breeze, Kiwi Kiss, Pacific Point, Pink Pirouette, Riding Hood Red, Tangerine Tango).  I can't wait to play with them and show you sneak peeks of what's coming.  Think vintage to modern, fun, even retro sock monkey!

Here's a quick list of Stampin' Up! reminders :)

Hodgepodge Hardware 25% off
Retiring Stamp Sets (while they last):  In Alphabetical Order or by Page Number.  Here's a categorized option with pictures of the sets developed by Debbie McNeill.
NEW Décor Elements.  Stampin' Up!'s venture into wall decor and home design.
Cut At Home Specials:  July VIP 40% off coupon (that's how I purchase my Nestabilities' sets each month) and check out Marcie's other smoking specials!

Hugs and Pretties . . . Mary

Fresh Cuts Offer. Last Call!

Last call is June 30!  Here's project three of my count-down to the expiration of some really cool Stampin' Up! Promotions.  For all current Stampin' Up! sales, please check out my right side bar list under "What's On Sale?"   Now through 6:00 p.m. CST, Monday, June 30, I'm exclusively offering any item in the Occasions Mini Catalog at 10% off, plus FREE Shipping for products totals over $99.  US Only.  Simply click and securely order by credit card here.

It's the last day of the Fresh Cuts Promotion, too.  Purchase the Fresh Cuts stamp set for $21.95, in advance of its release in the Fall/Winter Catalog, and get the coordinating die-cut Fresh Cut note cards and envies for just $5.  Click here for full details on the Fresh Cuts Promotion.

Using one of the adorable Fresh Cuts note cards, I stamped the front using my Paisley Background  in Chocolate Chip.  TIP:  Please remove the die cut petals after you stamp, otherwise the pattern will stamp through to the inside of the card.  Seems obvious but I have to confess, I blew it.  I added some Soft Sky card stock as an insert to cover it up.   TIP:  To be extra safe, slip some scratch paper inside the card so that when you stamp the front, nothing can get through, even with the die cut petals in place. 

I snuck some striped Afternoon Tea Designer Series Paper (Stampin' Up! Occasions Mini Catalog) behind the die cut opening and topped things off with a couple flowers in Soft Sky and Chocolate Chip Textured card stock (created with a Boho Blossoms Punch) and a 1/4" Soft Sky Textured circle for the center.

The sentiment from Fundamental Phrases (this text is great for wedding, anniversary) is inked in Chocolate Chip and stamped on Whisper White card stock.  A small Oval Punch snaps it out along with a large oval in Soft Sky Textured.  A little distressing  with a handy Cutter Kit tool roughs up the edges.  Two Hodgepodge Hardware Brads (Pewter) accent the sides.  Stampin' Dimensionals bump things up.  Soft Sky Double Stitched Ribbon adds a final touch to the card.

The envelope showcases some of the same Afternoon Tea Designer Series Paper (Stampin' Up! Occasions Mini Catalog).  TIP:  To customize a envelope flap, adhere patterned paper on top (outside).  Flip the envelope over and trim the excess with good scissors.  I used my Paper Snips.  The last detail was a snap of a 5 Petal Punch with a Chocolate Chip Boho Blossom on top.

Hugs and Pretties . . . M

Stamp Set:  Fundamental Phrases, Paisley Background
Paper:  Fresh Cuts Note Cards and Envelopes (Stampin' Up! Occasions Mini Catalog), Afternoon Tea Designer Series, Whisper White, Soft Sky Textured, Chocolate Chip Textured
Ink:  Chocolate Chip
Cool Tools:  Small and Large Oval Punch, Boho Blossoms Punch, 1/4" Circle Punch, 5 Petal Punch, Cutter Kit
The Perfect Touch:  Soft Sky Double Stitched Ribbon, Hodgepodge Hardware Brads (Pewter), Stampin' Dimensionals

COMING UP:  Stampin' Up! has promised some more sneak peeks and offers for the Fall/Winter Catalog July 1.  Stay tuned!

Die-Cut Blooms. WOW Card in 10 Minutes or Less!

Project #2 (of 3) of my count-down to the June 30 expiration date of some really cool Stampin' Up! Promotions.  For all current Stampin' Up! sales, please check out my right side bar list under "What's On Sale?"   However, I have sweetened the deal:  Now through 6:00 p.m. CST, Monday, June 30, I'm exclusively offering any item in the Occasions Mini Catalog at 10% off, plus FREE Shipping for products totals over $99.  US Only.  Simply click and securely order by credit card here.

For those of you who don't know, any card I create that can be assembled easily in 10 minutes or less earns my "Stamping 911" approval (category for all Stamping  911 cards on the left side bar).  Today's card is the definitive Stamping 911 example.  It holds it's own with snappy colors (Pumpkin Pie, Real Red and a Chocolate Chip 5.5 x 4.25" card base) and the use of Stampin' Up!'s Die-Cut Blooms (Occasions Mini Collection). 

There is no magic layout or combination.  Just play away with these delightful pre-cut textured flowers and centers (one 12 x 12 sheet each of Pumpkin Pie, Bashful Blue, Old Olive, Real Red).  TIP:  I like to run some of the blooms off the edges and then trim them with a paper cutter.  This is especially jazzy if you use one of the large blooms as a backdrop on a layout.

I added a Hero Arts sentiment in Real Red Ink on a 1 1/4" Circle of Very Vanilla matted on a 1 3/8" Circle of Real Red Textured card stock.  TIP:  A row of orange mini brads balances out the space.  I used a Paper Piercer and Template to align these little guys neatly and easily.  The sentiment is adhered to the flower using a Stampin' Dimensional for an added three dimensional effect.

Hugs and Pretties . . . Mary  (stay tuned for a Fresh Cuts note card and envelope idea on Monday morning)

Stamp Set:  Hero Arts Take Good Care
Paper:  Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla, Real Red Textured
Ink:  Real Red
Cool Tools:  1 1/4" and 1 3/8" Circle Punches, Paper Piercer and Template (Stampin' Up! Crafter's Tool Kit)
The Perfect Touch:  Mini Brads

Attention Stampers . . . The Mini is About to Close.

Stampin' Up!'s Occasions Mini Collection and the Fresh Cuts Offer both expire, Monday, June 30.  While the clock winds down, I'm going to highlight products from these promotions with THREE new projects (beginning below) over the next 24 hours.  Still on the fence?  Now through 6:00 p.m. CST, Monday, June 30, I'm exclusively offering any item in the Occasions Mini Catalog at 10% off, plus FREE Shipping for products totals over $99.  US Only.  Simply click and securely order by credit card here.

If you love punches (yowse, I used six different ones), today's berry-licious card is a perfect match.  I colored the delicious strawberry stamp from Tart and Tangy (Occasions Mini, p.14) with Stampin' Up!'s Always Artichoke and Real Red Markers.  TIP:  With a couple of huffs of breath to moisten the ink, they were ready to jump to life on Whisper White card stock.  They pop out with ease using a Small Tag Punch and layer precisely over a Large Tag Punch of Always Artichoke.

The little handles for each tag were created using the Word Window Punch and Textured Basic Black card stock.  TIP:  Fold them in half first (vs. attaching one end to the tag and then folding) so that they will each be the same size.  I thought a little dazzle was in order so I pierced a hole at the base and added a Circle Rhinestone Brad.

The horizontal banner consists of a zigzag strip of Real Red Textured card stock matted on Basic Black Textured.  TIP:  For a descriptive tutorial on how to create the zigzag border using a 1/4" Square Punch, click here. 

The sentiment is from All Holidays (one of my favorite "go to" occasions and holiday sets).  It's inked in Basic Black and stamped on Whisper White.  It gets a "new figure" using the Small Oval Punch and is adhered with a few Stampin' Dimensionals to Real Red Textured card stock (shaped with the Designer Label Punch).  TIP:  It's easiest to align and attach the sentiment first and THEN add the label holder.

The real glam comes from a Styled Silver Label Holder (Hodgepodge Hardware, Stampin' Up! Occasions Mini, p.7) and a couple matching brads.   TIP:  Styled Silver Hodgepodge Hardware is currently only offered in the Occasions Mini Catalog and offers label holders to fit several of the punches.  Its far and away my favorite and, in my opinion, the most useful hardware collection Stampin' Up! makes.  I hope to see more like this in the Fall/Winter catalog in August.

For the card base, I stamped the Canvas Background (Basic Black) on Always Artichoke card stock.  It's matted on Basic Black Textured card stock (yum, I can't get enough of Stampin' Up!'s textured card stock and went nutso with it on this card) at 5.5 x 4.25" (scored at the top).

Hugs and Pretties . . . stay tuned for two more count-down posts in the next 24 hours . . . . M

Stamp Sets:  Tart and Tangy (Stampin' Up! Occasions Mini), All Holidays, Canvas Background
Paper:  Basic Black Textured, Real Red Textured, Whisper White, Always Artichoke
Ink:  Basic Black, Stampin' Up! Markers:  Always Artichoke and Real Red
Cool Tools:  1/4" Square Punch, Large and Small Tag Punch, Small Oval Punch, Designer Label Punch, Word Window Punch, Paper Piercer
The Perfect Touch:  Circle Rhinestone Brads (Fire/Red), Styled Silver Hodgepodge Hardware Brads and Label Holder (Stampin' Up! Occasions Mini)

COMING UP LATER TODAY:  Die-Cut Blooms . . . Make a WOW Card in Less Than 10 Minutes!

Fresh Cuts Chocolate Dip

I'm thrilled Stampin' Up! is providing sneak peeks of the Fall-Winter Catalog (to be released August 11).  Stay tuned for another "peek" in July.  If Fresh Cuts is a sign of things to come, I'm destined to go bananas on the new catty.  Please don't miss this Fresh Cuts Special Offer, only available now through June 30.

The Fresh Cuts block stamp was inked in Chocolate Chip and stamped on Very Vanilla card stock.  The flowers and leaves were dolled up with color using Pale Plum and Certainly Celery Stampin' Up! Markers. I then clipped the corners with a Ticket Corner Punch and layered on Chocolate Chip (also clipped on the corners and used Stampin' Dimensionals to adhere).  Pale Plum card stock provides the base mat along with some Certainly Celery brads as a lively accent. 

The Fresh Cuts stem image is Chocolate Chip on Certainly Celery card stock and layered horizontally on Pale Plum Card Stock.  TIP:  A Paper Piercer and Template make dressing up the corners a snap.  The card base is 4.25 x 5.5 in Chocolate Chip.  I randomly stamped the flower for a jazzy background.

The Chocolate Chip sentiment "Thank you" was aligned on Very Vanilla card stock using a Stamp-a-ma-jig (tutorial here) for perfect placement.  TIP:  Create your own designer label--I snapped out the corners with a Ticket Corner Punch to mirror the main image.  The Paper Piercer and Template also came out to play.  The final touch was a crunch of the Boho Blossom Punch on Pale Plum card stock.  I added a 1/4" circle of Certainly Celery for the center and gave it a lift on a Stampin' Dimensionals for a 3D effect.

The layout for this project was inspired by Beate's Weekend Sketch Challenge 52.

Stamp Sets:  Fresh Cuts
Paper:  Chocolate Chip, Pale Plum, Certainly Celery, Very Vanilla
Ink:  Chocolate Chip, Pale Plum Stampin' Up! Marker, Certainly Celery Stampin' Up! Marker
Cool Tools:  Paper Piercer and Template (Stampin' Up!'s Crafter's Tool Kit), Ticket Corner Punch, Boho Blossoms Punch, 1/4" Circle Punch, Stamp-a-ma-jig
The Perfect Touch:  Soft Subtles Brads (Certainly Celery), Stampin' Dimensionals

Just Announced:  Stampin' Up!'s Retired Stamp Lists are posted on my right navigation bar.  Quantities are limited so don't wait :)

Stampin' Up! Announces Retiring Stamps

No more All in a Row?  The end of Print Pattern Background?  Taking my Touch of Nature?  How about Eat Cake?  Not a crumb will be left.   After years of dedicated service, dozens of stamps from Stampin' Up!'s Spring-Summer 2008 Catalog are retiring.  This is your last chance to order your favorites now through August 10.  Supplies are limited so please order on-line before your favorites run out. 

Click the links below for the newly announced retired lists.  I also have them listed on my right side bar for future reference.

Retired_Stamp List Alphabetical

Retired_Stamp List Numerical

IMPORTANT STAMPIN' UP! DATES:

July 21:  Stampin' Up!'s Retired Accessory List Will Be Released (mark your calendar)

August 10:  Stampin' Up! Spring-Summer Catalog Ends and Deadline to Order Retired Stamps

August 11:  Stampin' Up! Fall-Winter Catalog Released and Retired Stamps No Longer Available

Stampin' Up!'s "eScape 2008" June 25

Stampin' Up! has designated June 25, 2008 as eScape day.  They are encouraging all of us to put away cell phones, laptops and computers on that day and reconnect with those we cherish through the art of a handwritten, handmade note.   I love the handmade card part.  However, does this mean I have to take a day off from blogging because I can't use my computer?  Will I go into withdrawal?

To celebrate eScape 2008, Stampin' Up! has put together the following bundle available in June at a 25% savings!

Love Notes Assortment (p. 167) 
Circle of Friendship Stamp Set (p. 143)
Rose Red Classic Stampin' Pad (p. 165)
Very Vanilla 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon (p. 191). 
The total separately is $40.10 but bundled together it's $30 (click here for a on-line spring/summer catalog)

Today's card is based on Poetic Artistry's Mojo Monday Sketch.  I began with some Chocolate Chip Textured Card Stock (4.25 x 5.5) and layered some Groovy Guava that took a quick trip through my Cuttlebug with the Tiny Mosaic embossing folder.  I snapped out the corners with a Ticket Corner Punch.  TIP:  Sponging Chocolate Chip ink on the edges and on top really makes the texture pop.

The horizontal banner is 3 different paper patterns from the Afternoon Tea Designer Series.  I sponged the edges and adhered them to Wild Wasabi Card Stock.  A Five Petal Flower in Wild Wasabi was Faux Stitched with a White Signo Pen.  The flower center is from Kind Thoughts, inked in Chocolate Chip and stamped on a 1/2" Circle of Afternoon Tea Designer Paper (same pattern as on the far left).  I gave it a little 3-D with a Stampin' Dimensional.

The butterfly is also from Kind Thoughts and was inked in Chocolate Chip, stamped on Whisper White, and matted on Chocolate Chip.  For the "xoxoxo" sentiment (Fundamental Phrases) I used another piece of Chocolate Chip Textured Card Stock and popped out the center with a Large Oval Punch.  TIP:  For easy alignment of the sentiment, I used a Stamp-a-ma-jig. 

The Perfect Touches for this card include luscious Groovy Guava Double Stitched Ribbon (attached using the always reliable Stay Put Bow Technique) and these cool micro brads from Just Brads and Eyelets from the Heritage and Antique color collections.  I originally spotted them on Silke Ledlow's My Life Blog and she was kind enough to share her source to the curious. TIP:   A template and paper piercer makes placement of the brads a breeze.

Thank goodness for all the punches or this card would have been a marathon :)

Hugs, and Pretties . . . . M

Stamp Sets:  Kind Thoughts, Fundamental Phrases
Paper:  Afternoon Tea, Chocolate Chip Textured, Wild Wasabi, Groovy Guava, Whisper White
Ink:  Chocolate Chip
Cool Tools:  Large Oval Punch, Five Petal Punch, Ticket Corner Punch, 1/2" Circle Punch, Paper Piercer and Template (Stampin' Up!'s Crafter's Tool Kit), Sponge, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Cuttlebug and Tiny Mosaic Embossing Folder
The Perfect Touch:  Groovy Guava Double Stitched Ribbon, Signo White Gel Pen, Stampin Dimensional

Fresh Cuts Notecards FREE w/$99 Purchase

My Fresh Cuts set just arrived and I have two cards to share for today's post showcasing the new Fresh Cuts Sneak Peek from Stampin' Up!'s unreleased Fall-Winter Catalog.  Plus, during the month of June, purchase the new Fresh Cuts Stamp Set for $21.95 and get the the coordinating die cut cards (15 Whisper White note cards and envelopes) for $5 ($8.95, if purchased separately).  For full details and other perks, please click here.

However, I'm ready to personally sweeten the deal :)  If you pre-order through me a minimum of $99 in Stampin' Up! products (must include the Fresh Cuts Stamp set (111634) for $21.95) no later than 1:00 p.m. CST, Saturday, May 31, I'll throw in these adorable die cut note cards (111882) for FREE ($8.95 value).  You will qualify for my Free Shipping deal, too!  Note: Your order will not be processed with Stampin' Up! until June 1.

I'm just beaming about this set.   You can make a group of them and give them as a gift, too.  Colors were inspired by this week's Splitcoast Color Challenge 167 (Soft Sky, Blue Bayou and Certainly Celery).  TIP:  I now list all the Splitcoast challenges on the right side of my blog. 

For the first note card (above), I used a Stamp-a-ma-jig (tutorial here) to line up the block image over the flower.  I then stamped it in Blue Bayou Ink.  A Five Petal Punch snapped out a Soft Sky Textured Card Stock flower for below the die cut image and I added some Certainly Celery Card Stock as a backdrop.  A jumbo brad from the Styled Silver Hodgepodge Hardware Kit (exclusively Occasions Mini 2008) jazzed up the center.

The "for you" sentiment was inked in Certainly Celery and stamped on Whisper White.  A small oval punch crops out the perfect fit and it was adhered with Stampin' Dimensionals.  I then added a luscious label holder with a couple of brads, also from the Styled Silver Hodgepodge Hardware Kit (exclusively Occasions Mini 2008).  A snippet of Soft Sky Double Stitched Ribbon accentuates the left side.  A few stamps of the small Fresh Cuts Flower in Certainly Celery creates a coordinated envelope flap.

The second card was just as charming and easy.  After removing the die cut area of the flower, I added some Blue Bayou Textured Card Stock behind it.  I punched out a 5 Petal Flower in Certainly Celery and zipped it through my Cuttlebug with a Swiss Dots Embossing Folder.  I added a single flower from the Boho Flower Punch in Blue Bayou Textured Card Stock and topped it all off with a Circle Rhinestone (Ice Collection). 

The border consists of repeated stamps of the vine image in Soft Sky.  "Thank You" is in Blue Bayou and was also aligned using my Stamp-a-ma-jig.   My, my, we do like things exact, don't we?  Three Circle Rhinestones (the smallest size from the Ice Collection) dress up the top corner and some Blue Bayou Double Stitched Ribbon dolls up the left side.  Again, I opted to coordinate the envelope flap (Soft Sky).

Stamp Set:  Fresh Cuts
Paper:  Fresh Cuts Die-Cut Note Cards and Envelopes, Certainly Celery, Blue Bayou Textured, Soft Sky Textured
Ink:  Blue Bayou, Soft Sky, Certainly Celery
Cool Tools:  (Card A) 5 Petal Punch, Small Oval Punch, Stamp-a-ma-jig.  (Card B) 5 Petal Punch, Boho Blossoms Punch, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Cuttlebug and Swiss Dots Embossing Folder
The Perfect Touch:  (Card A) Soft Sky Double Stitched Ribbon, Hodgepodge Hardware Brad and Label Holder (Stampin' Up! Occasion Mini), Stampin' Dimensionals.  (Card B) Blue Bayou Double Stitched Ribbon, Circle Rhinestones (Ice)

Fresh Cut Sneak Peek and Important Dates

Fresh Cuts (featured left) is a gorgeous, die-cut floral set and will be part of Stampin' Up!'s new Fall-Winter Idea Book & Catalog, to be released August 11, 2008.  However, from June 1-June 30, you can purchase your very own Fresh Cuts set two months early for $21.95 and get the die-cut, coordinating  Fresh Cut Notes for just $5.  If you prefer, you may purchase the Fresh Cuts Stamp Set (#111634) separately for $21.95 and the Fresh Cut Notes (#111882)for $8.95.

This charming stamp set is perfect for your upcoming summer projects. The 4 x 4 die-cut note card set includes 15 note cards and envelopes in Whisper White.  They are delightful for gifts, hand-delivered thank yous . . . even dinner name placeholders.   My Fresh-Cut stamps and note cards are on the way and I can't wait to demonstrate them in advance of the sale! 

Added Hostess Benefits:   Also, from June 1 through June 30, place a Stampin' Up! product order of $400 or more (teaming up with stamping pals on one order is definitely allowed, although I just ship to one of you) and you will receive the Fresh Cut stamp set and coordinating Fresh Cut Notes FREE.  This is a $30.95 retail value in addition to regular hostess benefits.

Stampin' Up! News! When the Stampin' Up! Fall-Winter catalogs become available, I will be selling them with a special offer.  Anyone on my mailing list or placing an order after August 11, will automatically receive the new Stampin' Up! Catalog Sampler (a 12 page mini of new Stampin' Up! products, In Color options and projects, plus three on-going 6-month promotions).  The Previews (mini) brochures which normally precede the release of a new catalog have been discontinued by Stampin' Up!.

IMPORTANT DATES: 

On Board Chipboard Special Offer  and Cutting Mat Offer expire 5/31
Fresh Cuts Stamp Set and Fresh Cuts Notes Pre-Order June 1-30
Occasions Mini Expires June 30
Stampin' Up! Retired Stamp List Available June 15
Spring/Summer Catalog Expires Aug. 10
Fall/Winter Catalog Is Released and Available for Orders Aug. 11

May Starter Kit Offer

Yowser!  Stampin' Up! just announced that any new demonstrator who signs up during May, will receive 20% off the price of the starter kit (over $300 worth of products normally for $199 are now $159.20).  FREE shipping, too (local sales tax applies)!  Here's what's included in Stampin' Up!'s Starter Kit.   

As an added bonus, you will receive your choice of a free Hodgepodge Hardware  Kit (value $27.95) from Stampin' Up!'s Spring/Summer Collection (p. 188).  Colors include Antique Brass, Pewter, Aged Copper.  Please note:  The Styled Silver Hardware Kit from the Occasions Mini catalog is not included. 

There are many reasons to consider taking advantage of this special.  Maybe you just want the deal on the kit and 30% on your first order?  No problem.  Check out all the possibilities and there's no obligation beyond the Starter Kit.  I provide virtual demonstrator support to my downline (at any level) across the United States.

Hugs and Pretties,  Mary

ALSO ON SALE IN MAY!

Buy a Cutting Mat and Get a Hobby Blade (and refills) FREE!
Get on Board with Chipboard (and save 25%) 

Stamp Like a Firefighter 2 Day Sale

Now through 7:00 p.m. CST, Wed., April 30, I am exclusively offering 10%  off on all Stampin' Up! storage items shown on p.193 of  the Stampin' Up! Spring/Summer Collection 2008. Yes, I'm one of those guys who not only has a designated spice drawer, but each spice is organized alphabetically.  So when I stamp, I like everything lined up, within my eyesight and ready to go.  It's reminds me of a firefighter with boots, pants and gear perfectly positioned for the next alarm.

Some Red Hot Sale Ideas . . . :

Color Caddy:  I couldn't live without my Color Caddy (pictured here with the extender kit).  Just swirl and see every color at a glance.  The Color Caddy alone accommodates 48 Stampin' Up! ink pads (classic or craft) and 48 refills in the basins on top (or whatever you like to keep close at hand).  The Extender Kit allows for an additional 12 ink pads.  TIP: The Word Window Punch (p. 180 of the catty) makes labeling ink pads by color a snap (among all the other magic this indispensable punch performs).

Stampin' Stack & Store: This little gem is exclusively designed to be used with Stampin' Store containers (which come with Stampin' Up!'s brads, beads, eyelets).  All your little accent jewels are fingertip ready on a turn table  Additional Stampin' Store Containers (item nos. 103649 regular & 103657 for the minis) may be purchased for your non SU items, too. 

Ribbon Keepers:   Stackable storage boxes offer an organized way to store your Stampin' Up! ribbon.  Each package (small, medium or large) includes 2 boxes of the same size and additional items for simple assembly.  The small keepers hold taffeta ribbon (and my gold and silver cord).  The medium hold gingham, double-stitched ribbon and 5/8" grosgrain.  The large keepers hold 1/4" grosgrain ribbon.  So much nicer than sifting through a drawer for the right color.

SAVE NOW . . . before the fire goes out at 7:00 p.m., Wed., April 30!

Hugs and Pretties . . . Firefighter Mary

P.S.   Don't miss all Stampin' Up!'s current and May 1 sales on the right hand side of my blog under "What's on Sale?"

P.S.S. The marker storage X-Cube and 4 drawers below (separate) are Eldon Shelf Savers, available on-line thru Office Depot, Office Max and Staples.

P.S.S.S. The cute little child in pastels is my mother :)

COMING UP . . . . More Mini Occasions magic.  The deadline for ordering from Stampin' Up!'s Occasions Mini Collection 2008 has been extended through June 30.  I'll be demonstrating more delightful (not to mention die cut) stamp sets and luscious ideas over the coming week!

The Envelope, Please

I adore the look of a handcrafted card with a coordinating envelope (stay tuned for the matching card). TIP:  Using some Au Chocolate polka dot designer series paper (retired, but any polka dot pattern will do) and a Pretty in Pink Stampin' Up! marker to color in the ivory dots, I created a custom pink and brown envelope flap.

The designer paper was adhered to the flap and then flipped over to expose the leftover paper.  Using a Stampin' Up! hobby blade and cutting mat (click for sale starting May 1), I cut off the excess.    I added a  Pretty in Pink flower from the Big Pieces stamp set to Whisper White card stock. TIP:  I cropped it with a 1 1/4" Circle Punch and matted it on a 1 3/8" Pretty in Pink circle for a "crafty" envelope seal.

Hugs and Pretties . . . Mary

Stamp Set:  Big Pieces
Paper:  Whisper White, Pretty in Pink, Au Chocolat Designer Series Paper, Whisper White Envelope
Ink:  Pretty in Pink Marker and Ink Pad
Cool Tools:  Sanding Blocks (to scuff unused flower stamp), 1 1/4" and 1 3/8" Circle Punches, Cutting Mat and Hobby Blade

Stampin' Up! Kindness

I know that pinks and browns are hot, hot, hot . . . However, I have always loved the rich contrast of black and pink.  The colors of today's card remind me of a black leotard and delicate pink ballet shoes.   Plus, check out a "bright idea" to add a dash of paisley to the envelope.

I just received textured card stock in all Stampin' Up!'s color families (I was using the In Color textured up like mad) and cracked out the Pretty in Pink Textured first.  It made a divine textured card base.  I stamped Whisper White with the Paisley Background stamp, dipped in Versamark.  Heat embossing with Black Embossing Powder gives a wonderful sheen.  The paisley layer is matted on Whisper White.

The horizontal banner is another slice of Pretty in Pink (textured, of course).  TIP:  I used a Paper Piercer and template to place the three Black Brads on the left evenly.   Takes the guess work out.   I'm not typically a good guesser--give me the tool, please.  The sentiment from Define Your Life (offering a charming definition for every circumstance and every letter of the alphabet) is in Basic Black stamped on Whisper White.  I snipped the corners with a Ticket Corner Punch.  TIP:  I placed the sentiment on the pink banner with removable tape so that I could use my paper piercer to earmark the spots for the four additional brads.  After setting the brads, I popped the sentiment up on Stampin' Dimensionals, so it hovers over the banner.

The flower image is from Wonderful You (which comes with a free Stems and Silhouettes Jumbo Wheel, now through April 30, tick, tick, tick).  I adore the versatility of this 2 step set . . . masculine to feminine, multiple or single images.  TIP:  The solid images create an impressive background when stamped repeatedly on cardstock with matching ink . . . very chic and tone on tone. 

I first stamped the line image flower in Basic Black (Whisper White card stock).  I then inked up the solid flower, Pretty in Pink for the Petals and Old Olive Marker along the stem.  Using a Stamp-A-Ma-Jig, I added the soft, shadowy solid flower.  It's not intended to line up perfectly.  It's a more organic feel than that. 

For a couple quick final touches, I used a Basic Black marker to add a trio of dots in each corner and a Sakura Glaze Gel Pen to give some dimension to the flower center.

TIP: Want a Bright Idea for an easy "wow" to your envelope?  Simply run the flap through your Cuttlebug with an Embossing Folder . . . Voilá.  "Impressive" (yes, that's an intentional pun).

Hugs and Pretties . . . . M

Stamp Set:  Wonderful You, Define Your Life, Paisley Background
Paper:  Pretty in Pink Textured, Whisper White
Ink:  Basic Black, Old Olive Marker, Basic Black Marker, Pretty in Pink, Versamark
Cool Tools:  Stamp-A-Ma-Jig, Ticket Corner Punch, Paper Piercer & Template (Crafter's Tool Kit), Heat Tool
The Perfect Touch:  Stampin' Dimensionals, Black Brads, Black Embossing Powder, Sakura Glaze Gel Pen

A Peony, A Mum and Two New Specials!

Wow!  Stampin' Up! has launched two new sales starting May 1 and continuing through May 31.  First up, "Get On Board With Chip Board."  Spend $35 on Stampin' Up! products and get 25 percent off any On Board items from the Spring-Summer Collection.  No limit on how many chipboard products you can buy.  Check it out on pp. 178-179 of the catalog.    Get 3-D fast and easy.

Next, have you ever admired Stampin' Up!'s fabulous 12 x 18" cutting mat (p. 184)?  I couldn't live without this no slip wonder, perfect for precise cutting.  Purchase the mat in May ($15.95 U.S.) and get the hobby blade and 5 refills free.  Sharp.

So does this card offer a little deja vous?  It's inspired by page 90 of the Stampin' Up! Spring Summer Catalog.  It was one of the reasons I purchased this set (but have found so many additional ways to use it).  I want to give my Pretty Peony set to my sister (she adores it) so I stamped a few last chance cards before it finds a new home.

I started with a Ruby Red card base and stamped a little less than half with a French Script Background stamp (Ruby Red ink).  I then used the two step stamps from the Peony set to create the main flower.  It's created using only one ink (Ruby Red).  TIP:  However for the more solid image, I stamped off once before stamping on Very Vanilla.  I used a Stamp-A-Ma-Jig to position the deeper version on top.  You get a soft shaded effect vs. using two distinct colors.

I next added leaves in River Rock and cut out one to mount on Stampin' Dimensionals.  The gorgeous sentiment is from All Holidays (River Rock ink).  The edges are sponged in Ruby red and mounted on River Rock card stock.  My handy cutter kit distresses the River Rock in no time.

Hugs and Pretty Peonies . . . . Mary

Stamp Set:  All Holidays, Pretty Peony, French Script
Paper:  Ruby Red, River Rock, Very Vanilla
Ink:  Ruby Red, River Rock
Cool Tools:  Cutter Tool (Distressing), Stamp-A-Ma-Jig, Sponges.
The Perfect Touch:  Hodgepodge Hardward (Brads, Pewter), Stampin' Dimensional

With Sympathy

Unfortunately, we all need sympathy cards.   A handmade card for an occasion of sadness is, in my opinion, all the more thoughtful and sincere.  This particular card is for a male friend (whose wife passed away last week).  I took inspiration for my colors from this week's Splitcoast Color Challenge (CC 161), believing they conveyed a masculine feel.

The card base is Night of Navy with layers of Glorious Green and Real Red on top.  A couple Real Red brads accent the corners.  I used the Stems & Silhouettes Jumbo Wheel, rolled it on my Versamark pad and gave it a ride on Night of Navy.  TIP:  You don't need a wheel cartridge if you are only "driving" a short distance.  Inking it up on the pad should do the trick for 4 to 5" inches.  TIP:  Don't miss Stampin' Up!'s Free Wheelin' Bundle Specials for a terrific offer on Jumbo Wheels!  Heat embossing with white embossing powder provides a striking contrast against the navy.  I then matted on Real Red.

The "Wonderful You" line stem was inked in Real Red and stamped on Whisper White.  It, too, was matted it on Real Red card stock.  For the final touch, I used a Papertrey sentiment, inked in Glorious Green and stamped on Whisper White.  The words were cropped with a Large Oval Punch and the edges sponged in Glorious Green.

Hugs and Pretties . . . .M

Stamp Set:  Wonderful You, Stems and Silhouettes Jumbo Wheel, Papertrey 1st Anniversary Set (sentiment)
Paper:  Night of Navy, Glorious Green, Real Red, Whisper White
Ink:  Glorious Green, Real Red, Versamark
Cool Tools:  Large Oval Punch, Heat Tool, Sponges
The Perfect Touch:  White Embossing Powder, Bold Brights Brads (Real Red), Stampin' Dimensionals

Blog Candy Is "So Sweet"

Last minute shoppers your attention, please.  Stampin' Up!'s Sale-A-Bration promotion ends Monday (March 17).  However, if you are feeling especially lucky, please leave me a comment at the end of this post with your favorite stamp set in the Occasions Mini and earn a random chance to win Sale-A-Bration's "So Many Scallops" stamp set (used in today's post).  All comments for consideration need to be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. CST Sunday, March 16.

The vase is free hand but simple.  TIP: I sketched a vase with pencil (you can erase and redraw easily) on Whisper White Paper, flipped it over and stamped the area opposite the vase.  It was then cut out with a hobby blade (scissors if that's your preference) using the sketched drawing as a guide.  I chose Boho Backgrounds and sponged the edges in Pumpkin Pie.  However, you can create a cool design for the vase with any stamps.

I chose the "So Sweet" daisy from the So Many Scallops set and inked it in Pixie Pink.  I stamped twice on Pixie Pink card stock and twice on white.  I first punched out the pink daisies with a Scallop Circle Punch and added Pink Duos beads.  TIP: I find the beads are easiest to apply by stabbing them with a Paper Piercer, dabbing them a tad in some Tombow Multi Purpose Adhesive and carefully sliding the bead off the piercer in the spot you want.  You need a good strong glue to avoid "wardrobe failure."  The white "So Sweet" centers were punched with a with a 1" Circle Punch, followed by a 1/2" Circle Punch of an Apricot Appeal flower from  "Always."  3-D is added with Stampin' Dimensionals.

TIP:  For perfect placement of the flower stems within the vase,  l temporarily lined up the vase where I wanted it (not adhering it) and covered the top of the vase with a sticky note (this also helps hold the vase in place where the sticky is wider).  I then used the dashed acrylic line stamp (curving it to my  heart's content) inked in Green Galore and stamped onto Whisper White card stock, stamping on top of the sticky note.  I removed the sticky note and then adhered the vase with Stampin' Dimensionals.  Three leaves were added and the daisies topped off the stems (the taller of the two launched on dimensionals and the shorter without--I like to stagger). 

The "All Holidays" sentiment is in Green Galore, stamped on Whisper White.  TIP:  I adhered it to the white main layer with Stampin' Dimensionals, before adding the Hodgepodge Hardware label holder.  I find it much easier to add the holder on a fixed sentiment.  I then placed the paper piercing mat below and created holes for the green Soft Subtles Brads.

The main image layer is cropped on the corners with a Tag Corner Punch and attached to Apricot Appeal and a Pumpkin Pie card base.  Pumpkin eyelets accent the corners (with the help of a Crop-A-Dile).

Hugs and Pretties . . . . Mary

Stamp Set:  So Many Scallops (111409), Boho Backgrounds (111072), All Holidays (109397), Always (111141), Papertrey Ink  Faux Ribbon and Beautiful Blooms
Paper:  Pumpkin Pie (105117), Apricot Appeal (105124), Whisper White (100730), Pixie Pink (105121)
Ink:  Pixie Pink (105212), Pumpkin Pie (105216), Green Galore (102122), Apricot Appeal (105218)
Cool Tools:  Scallop Circle Punch (109043), 1" Circle Punch (109046), 1/2" Circle Punch (104390), Tag Corner Punch (107215), Sponges (101610), Paper Piercer (Crafter's Tool Kit, 104310), Crop-A-Dile (108362)
The Perfect Touch:  Bead Duos (Pink, 110752), Tombow Multi Purpose Adhesive (110755), Hodgepodge Hardware (Occasions Mini, Styled Silver), Soft Subtles Brads (106954), Earth Elements Eyelets (100381), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

Stampin' Up! Occasions Mini is HERE!

For those of you madly stalking the release of the 24 page Stampin' Up! Occasions Spring Mini Collection  2008 catalog--indulge by simply clicking HERE or the on-line catalog below! The Occasions sale runs from March 1 through May 31, 2008.  All the stamps sets are die cut . . . delightful!  If you have any questions on the new products (or otherwise, of course), please don't hesitate to email or "ring" me in real time at my Live Help Button (on the left above my smiling face :)   Hugs and Pretties . . . . Mary!

More Stampin' Up! Retired Stamps For Sale

Today's article is fully loaded with quick tips and ideas, using three cards that showcase some of my retired stamps for sale (all prices and stamps updated 2/19/08).    Kick back and get ready for some fresh ideas for jazzing up your stamping projects.

Project #1 features the retired stamp set "Blooming With Happiness."  The card base is Very Vanilla with a layer of Ginger Blossoms Designer Series Paper.  The right corner of both papers is snipped with a Corner Rounder Punch for a little asymmetry.  The horizontal banner paper is a coordinating stripe from the Ginger Blossoms series.  It's accented with Groovy Guava Double Stitched Ribbon.

TIP #1 LAYERED SENTIMENTS:  Using a variety of punches and Stampin' Dimensionals creates a real "wow" 3-D sentiment.  A Groovy Guava slide was created using the Designer Punch and the Horizontal Punch on each side (to make openings for the ribbon).  I then layered a 1 1/4" Close to Cocoa Circle on top.  TIP #2:  What's my favorite difference between Craft and Classic Ink?  Craft can be heat embossed.  Classic cannot (unless you use Versamark with it . . . but that's for another day).  The sentiment is inked in Close to Cocoa Craft and embossed with clear for a sassy sparkle.  It's on Very Vanilla card stock and pumped up on three Stampin' Dimensionals.

TIP #3 EMBOSSING MAKES COLORING A BREEZE.  Close to Cocoa Craft Ink was used again for the cake and candles.  Once I embossed with clear embossing powder and a Heat Tool, I had an easy time bringing  the flowers to life with color because you have a tiny lip within which to work.  I used a Blender Pen dipped in Groovy Guava and Ruby Red to color.   TIP #4:  You can either use Ink Refills with your blender pen or squeeze your closed ink pad to create a little pool of ink on the inside lid for coloring.  TIP #5:  If you are using a blender pen for one color, I suggest using it for the second, even if you have the marker.  That keeps the level of saturation consistent . . . on the other hand go for it if you want more contrast and pow.

I then layered my cake on Ruby Red, Groovy Guava and Close to Cocoa.  Four eyelets tag the corners (courtesy of my Crop-A-Dile) and a little paper piercing (with a template, of course), brings a wee twist to the  Ruby layer.

Stamp Set:  Blooming with Happiness (Retired For Sale)
Paper:  Ginger Blossoms Designer Series (110697), Very Vanilla (101650), Close to Cocoa (101341), Groovy Guava (108643), Ruby Red (102030)
Ink:  Close to Cocoa Craft (100549), Groovy Guava (109012), Ruby Red (102259)
Cool Tools:  Crop-A-Dile (108362), Designer Punch (107590), 1 1/4" Punch (104403), Large Oval Punch (107305), Corner Rounder Punch (109047), Paper Piercer and Template (Crafter's Tool Kit, 104310), Heat Tool (100005), Blender Pens (102845)
Perfect Touches:  Groovy Guava Double Stitched Ribbon (109063), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Clear Embossing Powder (109130), Non SU Eyelets

Project #2 highlights "Too Terrific Tags" and was put together in short order using Stampin' Up! punches.  I chose some simply wild and wacky colors, all inspired by a J Crew catalog (see below).  I began with Green Galore as a card base and then stamped the Print Pattern Background Stamp stamp (in Basic Gray) on Pink Passion Card Stock.

The horizontal banner is a layer of Pink Passion on Basic Gray cardstock.  TIP #6:  Using a 1/4" square punch makes a simple and accurate zigzag border.  Just angle the punch 90 degrees so that you have a little triangle where you punch and keep moving to the opposite side).   

TIP #7:  When in a rush, grab your punches.  The rest of this card is pretty much a "punching" bag of tricks.  The tags were each a chomp of the small and large tag punches (they layer perfectly together) with the Word Window Punch for the "clasp."  I added a bright green snap with my Crop-A-Dile to each.   The "sparkle" sentiment is from Warm Words and is Basic Gray ink on Whisper White.  I used the small oval to carve it out and layered it on a large oval of Green Galore.  I added a couple deep pink snaps (with the assistance of Mr. Crop-A-Dile) for interest and the whole thing landed on several Stampin' Dimensionals.  Done!

Stamp Sets:  Too Terrific Tags (Retired For Sale), Warm Words (107123), Print Pattern Background (105167)
Paper:  Green Galore (101768), Pink Passion (102762), Basic Gray (108692), Whisper White (100730)
Ink:  Basic Gray (109120)
Cool Tools:  Crop-A-Dile, Large (105934)and Small (108264)Tag Punches, Word Window Punch (105090), Large (107305) and Small (107304) Oval Punches, 1/4" Square Punch (104943)
Perfect Touches:  Non SU Snaps

Project #3:  The final project puts "Love Ya Bunches" back on the front line in a layout that can be done in a flash.  I layered Linen Prints Designer Paper and Cameo Coral on an Old Olive cardbase.  I then wrapped Old Olive 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon and Very Vanilla 1/4' Grosgrain around the Linen Prints Layer. 

TIP #8:  Try using a marker (I used Cameo Coral) to carefully color the raised edge of ribbon.  I did this once with the large tip (not a good idea--it bled) but had great luck in my second attempt with the small tip.  My Very Vanilla ribbon gets a charming, custom coral accent.  Cool.  I then plucked an Olive felt flower from my new Flower Fusion tin and popped in a Stampin' Up! Rhinestone Circle Brad (Fire Collection).  TIP #9:  When you add a brad, try to push it through to the deepest layer of paper (or on this case ribbon), short of exposing the little metal pieces (someone let me know if they have a name for the little spikes) on the inside of the card.  This keeps them nicely buried and avoids "show through" on the outside, too.

I used Close to Cocoa Craft Ink with Clear Embossing Powder (and a Heat Tool) to stamp on watercolor paper (same reason as project #1 above, to help keep the color in . . .  especially when watercoloring).  Markers fill in the tiny details and shade in the entire wheel barrow in Cameo Coral.  Using an Aqua Painter, I removed a bit of the coral color to give it a quick watercolored touch.   

Hope you learned something new today.  Please let me know with a the comment what was the most helpful (and that you survived the long blog article).  I would love to hear from you!

Hugs and Pretties,  Mary

Stamp Set:  Love Ya Bunches (Retired for Sale)
Paper:  Linen Prints Designer Series (retired), Watercolor Paper (105019), Old Olive (100702), Cameo Coral (100475)
Ink:  Close to Cocoa Craft (100549), Stampin' Up! Markers:  Pink Passion (100053), Cameo Coral (100074), Old Olive (100079)
Cool Tools:  Heat Tool (100005), Aqua Painter (103954), Marvy Giga Scallop Circle and Mega Circle Punches (available at Create for Less.  Link in the bottom right corner of my blog)
Perfect Touches:  Flower Fusion (110720), Old Olive 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon (109054), Very Vanilla 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon (109026), Circle Rhinestone Brads (Fire, 109110), Clear Embossing Powder (109130) 

Stampin' Up! Marker Madness Sale Thru Feb. 16

Stampin' Up! Marker Madness, my exclusive Stampin' Pretty special, is underway now through Saturday, Feb. 16 (and some more fun ways to use markers below).  Purchase one family of markers (you get 12 colors in a family, either Bold Brights, Earth Elements, Soft Subtles or Rich Regals) and get the second family at 20% off.  The markers are perfectly coordinated with Stampin' Up! card stock, inks and accessories . . . so no need to chase all over town trying to get things to match (something I'm determined to avoid).  Plus, save another 10% with my FREE shipping deal on your on-line order of $40 or more :)

If that's not convincing enough, here's a wonderful Marker Tip Sheet with even more m