DogGone Delightful Stampin'

A Spiral of Wishes!

 

Good Morning Fellow Stampers -

 

It's Friday!!!  All I can say is TGIF!!  It's been a week -- and I'm feeling rather buried in snow and cold here in Colorado.  The sun is shining for the timebeing this morning; before the next round comes barreling in.  Sometimes I feel very cooped up.  I'm planning on heading out in a while to do some dog food shopping for Miss Laredo (she wouldn't like it very much if she ran out, trust me!!) and maybe have some lunch with a friend.

In the meantime, it's Paper Players [PP233] challenge time -- and I do want to get this posted to you before the time runs out on me!!  ;-)

 

 

Another one of those sketches I've been contemplating all week -- finally decided on a focal stamp set yesterday; and really brought it together this morning :-)  I decided to try something a little different for me -- so I hope you will like it!

 

 

Doggone Delightful Stampin' Design Tips:

• Layerothology.  This a little more of a CAS card for me -- the layers on this card are limited to two, rather unusual for my designs :-)  This card is cut from Whisper White cardstock, 5 1/2" x 8 1/2", scored at 4 1/4".  The background mat layer is Coastal Cabana, topped with a Whisper White piece again which has been stamped and sponged -- but we'll talk about that next ;)
  

• Emboss Resist.  I decided to try something a little different this morning.  I chose our fabulous Snuggles & Smooches stamp set that was released last month, stamped the largest "swirl" flower image with Versamark, and embossed it with White embossing powder; and then started sponging ;)  First with Coastal Cabana, and then with Strawberry Slush around the outside and on the edges.  I really kind of love the soft look of this card.  Very different.  Emboss Resist is an easy technique -- which is why our Sale-A-Bration Irresistibly Yours specialty paper is so popular -- it is an emboss resist all ready for you to just play!

• Spiral of Wishes.  I combined last month's limited edition photopolymer release (Snuggles & Smooches), with this month's set (Lovely Amazing You) to create this lovely focal point.  I really do love both these stamp sets.  If you have not checked out this month's release yet, you really should!  The beautiful sentiments in the Lovely Amazing You set are a lovely font reminiscent of our Endless Wishes and Endless Birthday Wishes sets, and the beautiful little feathers are a fabulous compliment to your designs.  In this case the heart is from the Snuggles & Smooches set, stamped on Whisper White in Coastal Cabana, and punched out with the Sweetheart punch (perfect match); the feathers are "fussy cut" after being stamped on Whisper White with Coastal Cabana and Strawberry Slush.  The beautiful Coastal Cabana thick baker's twine is a perfect compliment -- and I separated out the strands to have a slightly "thinner" piece before running it through the Sweet Dreams designer button and attaching with glue dots.  The banner and embellishment piece are popped with dimensionals.  The entire piece replicates the "swirl" behind it to continue a seamless feel to the front of the card.

 

 

I hope you have enjoyed today's design and that it inspires you to try something new !  What do you think of this sponged technique background?  Your comments are important to me, and I do read each and everyone! And remember, if you ever have a question about the cards I create or the techniques I use, I am only an email away - [email protected].

Until Next Time . . .

The Doggone Delightful Stampin' Team!

 

 

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Ask Wendy Wednesdays! - Thinlets, Framelits, Edgelits, huh?

 

Hello Fellow Stampers :-)

Happy Hump Day :-)  Are you having as busy of a week as I am?  I was flat out exhausted last night and went to bed pretty early.  Thus, I didn't get the post done for this morning the way I wanted.   I did want to put together an "Ask Wendy Wednesdays" post for you though -- I'm having fun doing this :-)

 

One of the most common questions I'm asked is what is the difference between all our dies and accessories for the Big Shot -- well, that is an Excellent question!  There are several different types of dies we use with the Big Shot, and they do indeed each have their own purpose, while doing very similar things.  The Big Shot is manufactured by Sissix, as are many, if not most, of the accessories that we use with this tool.  Stampin' Up! has partnered with Sissix to have product that is made specifically for Stampin' Up! and carries our Logo.  As such, you will not find our dies and embossing folders anywhere else.  These are designed and made by Sissix specifically for Stampin' Up!'s product line.  When you look at the labeling for these products when they arrive at your door, you will see both the Sissix and the Stampin' Up! logos on the label - it will often say "Sissix Big Shot for Stampin' Up!"

Let's explore :-)

 

 

The Big Shot is one of the most frequently used tools in my Studio -- I use it almost every single design I create.  The reason is there are so many accessories that Stampin' Up! has designed for us to use with this tool, that it really is a Fabulous way to create cards, 3D projects, gifts, the list goes on and on.  The accessory designators however, can be confusing to folks, so let's take a look at each one in turn and what it does.

 

• TIEF.  What exactly does TIEF stand for?  You see it everywhere ;-)  Simple -- Textured Impressions Embossing Folder!  (TIEF).  This is one of the most versatile and frequently used of all the accessories.  You can dry emboss, apply ink and make a design, all sort of ideas!  If you explore the "world wide web" you will find many techniques to use with your TIEFs ;-)   We carry a wide range of TIEFs, and have new releases with each catalog release as well.

**NOTE:  We also sell a smaller Tool called the Texture Boutique that is ONLY for use with the TIEFs.  It is lightweight and easy to carry around with you when traveling or going to an event.  Remember -- it only works with the TIEFs.

 

• Embosslits.  Embosslits are like a little "folder" that cuts a shape and embosses all at the same time.

Here is an example of an embosslit -- one of my favorites actually (the Beautiful Wings embosslit).  When you lay your paper and close the "folder" around it, run it through the Big Shot, and open it, you will have pieces that are cut out for you and embossed with a texture as well.

 

• Framelits.   We have a number of varieties of steel dies; let's start with the framelits collections.  Framelits are named such because that's exactly what they do -- they frame an image or sentiment and allow you to cut it out in that shape.  Many of our new stamp sets have framelit sets created specifically to frame and cut out the image.  Our various framelit sets (e.g., window, label, deco, circle, square, etc.), are created to frame your artwork and cut it out in the shape.

This is a sample created with the Circles framelits -- a sentiment is stamped, and then "framed" and cut in a circular shape.  The new 2015 Spring Occasions Catalog offers several new Framelit sets including the Balloon framelits which coordinate with the stamped images in the Celebrate Today stamp set, and Handpicked framelits which coordinate with the new From the Garden stamp set.

 

• Thinlets.  Thinlets are a little bit different from framelits in that they create a shape unto themselves -- stand alone so to speak.  They are not for "framing" something and cutting it out; but for creating a specific shape or "artwork" and use in conjunction with other elements on your design.

Here are some samples of Thinlets -- thinlets can be very intricate such as our Darling Doily or the new Butterflies.  Using wax paper and dryer sheets can help you cut these out with ease.  The 2015 Spring Occasions catalog offers several new Thinlets dies including the Mini Treat Bag Thinlet - which is a good example of a Thinlet which creates a 3D project.

 

Now, although the new Butterflies set is called a "Thinlets" die set -- do not be confused; there is actually one die in here that is a "framelit" -- why?  Because it "frames" and cuts out one of the images in the new Butterfly Basics stamp set -- check it out :)

 

• Edgelits.  Now, as though that's not all confusing enough, guess what, there are "Edgelits" too.  Edgelits do exactly what their name says they do -- they put a pretty "edge" on your paper.

 

This set is the Finishing Touches Edgelits.

 

• Steel Cut Dies.  Steel cut dies basically are their own "base" and have the sharp cutting edge set down inside.  They can cut multiple pieces of cardstock at once, and are similar to a "thinlet" in that they cut shapes that can be used in layering or for 3D projects.

The die on the left is Spiral Flower Originals steel cut die.  This shape helps you create a beautiful spiral flower.  The die on the right also has its cutting blade set inside the "base" but this is a Sizzlit and is very thin in shape and size compared to a regular "bigz" or "originalz" die.

 

These are just a few examples of the different categories of dies we carry and use with the Big Shot.  I hope this has been helpful to you all today.  I offer Big Shot training for all my local customers.  And as always, I'm only an email away with any questions you may have -- [email protected].  I love answering your questions and would love to showcase your question on my next "Ask Wendy Wednesdays."  So drop me those questions via email and who knows -- maybe your question will be the next feature ;-)

 

Until Next Time . . .

The Doggone Delightful Stampin' Team!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Terrific Tuesdays Weekly Deals and More . . . Feb 24 - Mar 2

 

 Good Morning Fellow Stampers --

 

Happy Tuesday :-)  I'm very excited about this week's Terrific Tuesdays deal roundup -- so let's just dive in and get started !

 

 

 

 

 

 A great grouping of "deals" this week meant to beef up your inventory -- don't miss out on the gorgeous ribbons, baker's twine, and sequin collection.  These are "must have's" for embellishing your designs and crafts :-)

 

 

 

 I have some VERY exciting news to share with you :-)  -- We have some very special NEW Sale-A-Bration items that will be released as of this upcoming Sunday.  Yessiree -- beginning March 1st, we have 4 additional limited edition items you can "earn" with your minimum $50 orders (before tax and shipping) -- and these 4 items are "to die for!!" -- I'm just sayin'  --

Two new stamp sets -- an absolutely Fabulous new In-Color accessory set, and some spectacular new Vellum -- an absolute Must Have -- perfect for "coloring" with your blendabilities (we'll talk about that in the days ahead ;) ) --  A couple notes for you -- the new For Being You stamp set coordinates with our Heart Border Punch.  The new Nature's Perfection stamp set coordinates with our Elegant Butterfly punch; the Vellum has gorgeous images on it that are perfect for coloring (from the back side) with our markers or blendabilities.  We've never had a Vellum like this set, and it is spectacular!  The accessory pack is matched to our 2014-2016 In Color set -- and is all new!  We have no buttons or thick baker's twine to match this set of colors -- I am so excited :-)

 

 

 

Now is the perfect time to sign up for Paper Pumpkin -- the fabulous kit that comes right to your door once a month with a secret surprise project inside, all inclusive, ready to give you a 30 minute creative "get-away" !  See more about Paper Pumpkin HERE!  And right now, you can get $5 off a 3-month prepaid subscription.  It's the perfect time to give it a "test drive" :-)

 

 

 

 

Have you thought about joining the Stampin' Up! team, but just aren't sure?  Did you know that it is a no-obligation prospect, where you can enjoy the discount and perks of being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, and drop any time you like?  Here are some of the great things about being a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator :

• Ongoing 20% discount off all of your orders (and a additional 10% on top of that in the first 45 days) 
• Earn additional income of up to another 20% of your sales
• VIP access to new product releases and pre-order before they hit the streets
• Earn free stamps with various promotions
• Qualify for cash bonsues, product reewards, incentive trips and more
• Receive Stampin' Success magazine on a bimonthly basis

 

INDULGE IN THE ART OF STAMPING!  Take your passion for stamping and Stampin' Up! products to a new level when you get the Sale-A-Bration $99 Starter Kit (free gift bonus for a limited time) and join Stampin' Up thru me HERE!  

I Welcome Hobby Stampers!!!!

 

 Shop with Me and Earn Stamps for FREE.  My Bow-Wow-Wowser Rewards Program.

 

SIX WAYS TO SAVE $$$ AND BE INSPIRED BY STAMPIN' UP!

1. 3 Fabulous Ways to Earn FREE Product During Sale-A-Bration
2. Bundle Up and Save 15%
3. Stampin' Up! on Clearance--While Supplies Last!
4. Shop with Me and Earn Stamps for FREE.  My Bow-Wow-Wowser Rewards Program.
5. Need a FREE Catalog and Plan to Shop with Me?  Email:  [email protected]
6. Save 25% on NEW Stampin' Up! Weekly Deals.

 

Until Next Time . . .

The Doggone Delightful Stampin' Team!

 

 

 

 

Fair Winds and Following Seas!

Good Evening Fellow Stampers -

Hope everyone had a good Monday and start to their week :-)  My apologies that this is going out so late.  I did not get this card designed yesterday like I would have preferred; in the end, it has worked out to my advantage.  I was NOT feeling the "mojo" yesterday -- LOL; yes, I know it was a Mojo Monday challenge design yesterday -- LOL  ;-)  But today, things seemed more in sync and much like a writer, the "block" seemed to lift this evening after I got home.

Today it's time for the Pals Paper Arts [PPA240] sketch challenge --  and as I thought about this sketch earlier, I was a little frustrated to be honest.  There are so many options you can take this with this "3 circle sketch" -- and I hate just being "expected" so to speak.  When I looked at what others had already submitted to the challenge, I felt like anything I did had already been done and was just "blah!" -- So as I flipped the pages of my catalog this morning and contemplated my inventory, I suddenly just "had an epiphany" and decided to go with it!  And this design just flew together tonight as I reached for different options.  I'll also tell you that I started with an ivory and always artichoke color mix; and then when I flipped open the Adventure Bound DSP, everything changed -- LOL  . . .  I hope you will like it!

 

 

 

 

 

Doggone Delightful Stampin' Design Tips:

• Layerothology.  This design tonight is a little "cleaner" and simpler than I often do.  I did not do any embossing on this card -- this card uses all DSP and layers to create depth and dimension.  This card base is cut from Whisper White cardstock, 4 1/4" x 11", scored at 5 1/2" (what I call the vertical card base).  The background layer is a beautiful piece of DSP from the new Adventure Bound DSP stack, matted with Basic Gray.  The perfect background for my sea-themed card ;-)  This layer is wrapped in a triple "spiral" of Whisper White Bakers' Twine before it was adhered to the card base.  The 2" x 4 1/2" vertical layer is also a piece from the Adventure Bound DSP stack also matted with Basic Gray.  The papers from the DSP are phenomenal.  And I just knew when I looked at these two papers that I had found the perfect "foundation" to "anchor" my design ;-)
  

 

• A Following Sea.  If you research the beautiful toast or blessing given a sailor who is heading off to sea, you will learn that a "following sea" is a sea that doesn't overtake or swamp the boat -- a calm sea.  I love this sentiment in the Adventure Awaits stamp set, because it reminds us that an "easy life" does not help us to become better people and "learn" life's lessons, growing us, and bringing us wisdom.  The sentiments in this stamp set are nice and big and really have impact!  It was easy to make this the focal point of this card - stamped in Island Indigo on Whisper White cardstock, and cut with a circle framelit - and bring in coordinating pieces from the wonderful The Open Sea stamp set to accent.  The Anchor and Compass are stamped in Memento Tuxedo Black on Whisper White, and are matted with Basic Gray and Island Indigo cardstock.  If you look closely you will see that my "embellishment" on this card are the adorable silver mini brads, strategically placed in just the right places ;-)  No pearls on what is truly a masculine card!

I think this card would work well for "encouragement," or "birthday", or even a "congratulations" on your achievement-type situation.  I hope you enjoyed this design today and find it versatile for many circumstances.  I'd love to hear your thoughts and read your comments :-)  As always, if you ever have any questions about any of my designs, I'm only an email away - [email protected].

 

Until Next Time . . .

The Doggone Delightful Stampin' Team!

 

 

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Lovely Amazing You for Mojo Monday

Hello Fellow Stampers -

Happy Sunday :-)  Is everyone staying warm and snug?  I've been out and shoveled a couple times and let Miss Laredo bounce through the snow drifts -- one of her favorite past times :-)  Have been working through boring household chores like laundry and ironing -- yes, I really do still iron ;-) 

Inspiration and creativity has come slow today; but in the end I think I'm fairly pleased with today's design.  Just wish I had accomplished this a couple hours ago -- LOL.  At any rate, it is time for today's Mojo Monday [MOJO385] design which I combined this week with the colourQ [cQc#280] color challenge.

 

 

I will note that Raspberry Ripple is a retired In Color that is no longer in any of our collections.  As such, I have replaced it with Rich Razzleberry as a comparable substitute :-)  I do not use retired colors in any of my work as a rule; in fact, I pretty much clear out retired colors from my inventory, so I really don't even have them to use.

 

 

Doggone Delightful Stampin' Design Tips:

• Layerothology.  This is one of those cards that incorporates a lot of layering and fun :-)  This card base is cut from Whisper White cardstock 5 1/2" x 8 1/2", score at 4 1/4".  The background layer for this card is created from Wisteria Wonder and Whisper White, with the Whisper White having been stamped with Crumb Cake, Wisteria Wonder, and Rich Razzleberry inks -- I have incorporated 4 different stamp sets into this card -- Work of Art, Build A Bouquet, Lovely Amazing You, and Four Feathers.  The background is stamped with images from Work of Art, and some fabulous images from the Build A Bouquet stamp set -- great stamp set!!!  This layer is wrapped on the diagonal with White Jute Ribbon before being laid down on the card base.

  Technique Tip:  Always use a scoring tool to make lines. Don’t just fold by hand. This often results in buckling and wrinkling of the cardstock, depending on its “weight”. A great card deserves a great foundation on which to build.  Also, use a Bone Folder to create a crisp edge on all of your folds. But be careful…too much pressure can lead to unsightly “cracked” edges.

  Technique Tip: Did you know that there is a right and wrong side to your scored card base?  The “bump” formed by the scoring tool goes toward the inside of your card.  You’ll notice when you fold inward so the score bump is inside that you get a perfect professional-looking fold and card every single time!

  
  

 

 

• Dots, Blooms & Feathers.   The focal layers of this design incorporate a number of elements.  The background square (more of a rectangle at 2 1/2" x 3"), is cut from the new Painted Blooms DSP and matted with Rich Razzleberry cardstock.  It is popped up with Dimensionals so that it fits nicely over the Jute Ribbon.  The center rectangle (1 1/2" x 4 1/8") is cut from Brushed Gold (matted with Crumb Cake), and embossed with the new Spring Flowers TIEF.  It has dimensionals on the ends to keep it even with the piece underneath; but actually lies flat to the popped piece underneath.  It creates a lovely "relief" piece that helps pull the other pieces of the card into focus.  The vintage feel of this piece draws the rest of the card together.  The main focal point is all about a brand new set that I've featured on the Weekly Deals postings in the last two weeks -- and is an unbelievable Fabulous set!!!

Lovely Amazing You has some gorgeous sentiments in it (reminiscent of our Endless Wishes and Endless Birthday Wishes font type), along with a beautiful feather image which I stamped in Wisteria Wonder around the edge of my circle and then supplemented with feathers from our Four Feathers stamp set -- another one of my favorites from last Season, and still very much available :)  Along with those fabulous coordinating framelits to cut them out!  The circle is popped with Dimensionals; the feathers and ribbon are adhered with glue dots.  A Blackberry Bliss Satin Stitched double bow with pearl embellishments finishes off this piece :-)

Technique Tip:  The pieces or strands you see sticking from behind the circle are piece pulled from the Jute Ribbon.  I've done this a couple times recently.  It's very easy.

 

Cut the very outside edge "strand" of ribbon off, and then you can pull off strips/strands easy as pie as you want them and need them to embellish your designs.  They slide right off.  But you have to cut that very outside piece off first.

 

Now, onto more important business -- the winner of my Blog Candy Giveaway from my One Year Anniversary Celebration earlier this week --  A goody box packed full of "Sale-A-Bration" items perfect for a Celebration :-) 

And The Winner Is ----

 

 

Jan Elmore!!! 

Congratulations Jan :-)

I will be emailing Jan shortly -- and sending her box off to her as soon as I have confirmed all mailing instructions.

I'm very excited for Jan to receive this Goody Box! 

Thank you to everyone who stopped by and left comments this week.  I will try to get a response back to each of you yet this weekend!!  It was a thrill to see what everyone "loved" from this past year, and certainly makes me feel good that my efforts are appreciated!  I look forward to the months ahead with all of you as we explore the new Annual Catalog as it is released in June.  There are so many exciting things coming this year from Stampin' Up!  -- including an exciting announcement this week!  So stay tuned :-)

Until Next Time . . .

The Doggone Delightful Stampin' Team!

 

 

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