DogGone Delightful Stampin'

Trendy Thursdays -- Product Focus

 

Hello Fellow Stampers -

It's Thursday -- another week just flying by us.  Even more exciting, I get to see a sneak peak of the new 2015-2016 Annual Catalog and Idea Book today -- whooo hooo ;-)  Exciting things are coming, I can feel it ;-)  I already saw a sneak of the brand new 2015-2017 In Color Collection last night -- it's delish ;-)

In the mean time, I continue my focus on some of the wonderful products that are retiring at the end of May -- today I want to focus on the Label Card Thinlet and the Labels Collection framelits die sets.  These two die sets have been some of my very favorite over the past couple years. 

 

What many may not have realized is that the Label Card Thinlet set contains a smaller Label framelit in the set that coordinate and nests in with the Labels Collection framelits.  The two sets are very versatile together :-)  In fact, I use the smallest size of the Labels framelits in my card design below.

 

The framelit from each of the sets nests together so perfectly, that you get that "thinner" border that you sometimes really want.

 

Like this :-)

 

 

Now you can cut your Label Card out just the regular way -- using a 5 5/8 x 8 1/2" piece of cardstock, and you'll get your fabulous card ready to go and play with.

There is, however, another fun option to try with this framelit.

Cut your piece of cardstock just a smidge larger than 5 3/" x 8 1/2"; then slide the one end of your cardstock up through and over the end of the framelit so that it doesn't get cut when running it through the Big Shot.

 

 

What you get when you're done is an extra "flap" that you can fold over (inwards) and create extra space for a message, or to enclose a gift card or something fun like a little candy bar.

 

When you've finished designing and decorating your card, you have the perfect little folded card with a special message hidden away.

Tie it shut with a piece of thick bakers twine, and it's perfect to tuck a little gift inside.

This set has so many fun little die pieces to it -- arrows, little words like "hi" and "i{heart}u", and fun little banners.

I used all retiring product in this design -- all items I really love!

The Gold Soiree SDSP has been one of my favorites all year, as has this entire 2013-2015 In Color collection.  I'm really going to miss it!

 

When you open it up, you can see the message on back of the "flip" label, as well as my fun little "sentiment" popped on the inside. 

The extra flap is the perfect place to write your personal message to your friend.

Or decorate it too, and pop a message in a different spot.

There are a lot of options!

 

Don't miss out on any of the fabulous products featured in today's post -- get them while they're still available.  Order yours today before they're gone!  Remember, other than stamp sets, retiring products are "while supplies last" only.

An “X” in the right column indicates the product has sold out.   These lists are the latest update as of Close of Business April 27th.

• Retiring List (PDF)
• Retiring List Sortable (Excel File)
• Retiring List – Larger Font (PDF)
• My Digital Studio (PDF)
• My Digital Studio (Excel)

 

Thanks for stopping by today my friends :-)  I cherish  your comments and thoughts and do read every one!  Are you looking for a Stampin' Up! demonstrator?  I'd be honored to be your choice.

 

Until Next Time . . .

The Doggone Delightful Stampin' Team!

 

 

 

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

 

Ask Wendy Wednesdays! - That Darn Stamp-a-Ma-Jig

Hello Fellow Stampers -

 

Happy Hump Day!!!  :-)  I hope everyone is having a fabulous week :-) It has been hectic around here lately with Spring coming on fast, and me deciding I need to do a big clean out and reorganization in my Studio, and Miss Laredo wondering what all the mess is about, and the release of the Retiring Product List for the 2014-2015 Annual Catalog and Idea Book, and WHEW!  We are well on the road now in the countdown to this catalog closing.  Even more exciting, the Demonstrators get to see the New Catalog for the first time tomorrow morning.  I'm looking forward to seeing what our new product lines will look like!

 

With so much going on, I wasn't sure I wanted to take too much time this week for an Ask Wendy -- but then I decided to talk a little bit about the Stamp-a-Ma-Jig -- a tool I feel is essential for truly fabulous cardmaking and that I use all the time.  Many of my customers and others feel frustrated by this tool and shy away from it; which I find sad because it is absolutely so easy to use.  It also makes such a difference when you're trying to line things up just right in your design.

 

I want to showcase a I card I designed and made for a card swap at a Demonstrator meeting last week -- I used the Stamp-a-Ma-Jig for most of the front of this card -

 

 

 

 Let's step through a few easy steps on how to use this tool to its best advantage!  We will create the front of this card while stepping through this process.

 

 

 

Basically, the Stamp-a-ma-jig consists of 2 pieces -- the clear plastic " x  " square on which you stamp and is washable, and the alignment tool.

The square plastic has a slightly textured opaque side to it; and a smooth side.

You want to do your stamping on the smooth side.  This side is made for this exact purpose and is easily wiped off/washed off after your use like a white board for example.

[yes, I bought this a million years ago when Stampin' Up! first came out with it -- it's one of the originals ;-) ]

 

 

 

 

First Step :  We need to set up the image you're going to be using on your card front.

Align your plastic square with the 90 degree angle notch of your alignment tool -- just set it right in there firmly against the corner.

 

 

 

Step Two:  Take your stamp of choice and line it up firmly in that same angle and stamp straight down on your clear plastic (making sure the edge of your block is firmly against the tool angle).

 

 

 

 

When you lift your stamp back up you will see your image stamped on the plastic square.

 

 Because I am aligning 3 different images for this card design, I pre-set up all 3 using a separate corner for each one.  Easy peasy and helps me just get right through the project.

 

 

 

 Step 3:  Lay the plastic square stamped image in the position you want it over your cardstock.

 

Fit the Stamp-a-ma-jig back into position at the 90 degree angle with the plastic square; then lift the square away keeping the Stamp-a-ma-jig firmly in place.

 

Now stamp down with the block firmly in place against that angle of the Stamp-a-ma-jig and your image is going to stamp exactly where you just "previewed" it with the plastic square.

 

 

Now we're going to do the same exact thing with the leaves and flower images.

First set the pre-stamped leaves image on the plastic piece where you want it on the cardstock.  This makes it so easy to line it up exactly where you want it without messing everything up and having to do it over and over.

Then set the Stamp-a-ma-jig in place against that 90 degree corner.

Life the plastic away, and stamp with your block firmly in that 90 degree position against the tool

 

 

 

And do it again for the flower petals

 

And the nice thing about this, is that I actually stamped the flower petals image twice

Once with Hello Honey; and a second time with Daffodil Delight to give the flowers depth and deeper color.

By using the Stamp-a-ma-jig, and keeping it exactly in place after I stamped the Hello Honey, I could come back in with the Daffodil Delight and have an absolutely perfect image every time.

[I made 11 of these cards for the swap the other week]

 

This is the final stamping with the Daffodil Delight overlay

[Note:  I did not quite do the Smoky Slate stripes right on this example, but I decided not to worry about it since I was just doing this one as an example for today's blog post.

These stripes should have been measured further apart for the sentiment to fit in properly. ;-)  ]

 

 

 

If there ever was a stamp set that needed the assist of the Stamp-a-ma-Jig, it's the Painted Petals stamp set ;-)  LOL

Nevertheless, I love this stamp set; and I love this tool.  I use it a lot -- it's a no fail technique for perfect alignment every time!

 

I hope you have enjoyed my tutorial and my Ask Wendy today.  Submit those questions -- you never know but that yours might be the next one answered right here on Ask Wendy Wednesdays.

Have a fabulous Wednesday everyone!

Until Next Time . . .

The Doggone Delightful Stampin' Team!

 

 

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

 

Terrific Tuesdays Weekly Deals and More . . . Apr 28 - May 4

 

Good Morning Fellow Stampers -

 

Hello everyone -- Good Morning!!  :-)  It's Tuesday -- and that means time to check out the latest and greatest deals, promotions, and going's on over at Stampin' Up!  Let's get started :-)

 

We really have a fabulous grouping of Weekly Deals this week -- I love ALL our heart punch grouping, and you really must have all of these in your stash at home.  The Retro Fresh Washi tape is one that is not retiring (if I remember correctly), so it's a nice touch that's on sale this week.  However, our beautiful Hello Honey 3/8" satin stitched ribbon is retiring, so now is the perfect time to grab a couple extra rolls while it's on sale.  Don't miss the deal on the Fast Fuse and the Gold Ribbon trim either!  So much fun -- so little time ;-)

 

 

 

 

The new 2015-2016 Annual Catalog and Idea Book is coming!!  To make way for all of the fantastic new products it will offer, we must say good-bye to lots of current favorites.  The Retirement List has officially been released and includes the products that are leaving our current 2014-2015 Annual Catalog offerings.  Some items listed are offered at a discount, which means there are some great deals to be had.  Some good news this year is that Stampin' Up! has gone back to the way it "used to be" on retiring products -- Namely, stamp sets will be available through May 26th; Accessories*, however, are available only while supplies last, so you'll want to order your must-haves early to avoid missing out.

[*Accessories include ribbons, inks, embellishments, paper, adhesives, embossing powders, etc.]

 

Things to Remember:

 

BIG STAMPIN’ UP! DISCOUNTS on a huge inventory of retiring stamp sets, punches, dies, ribbon, pretty paper and much more!  The Stampin’ Up! Retiring Stamp and Accessories List is here and you won’t want to delay.

• Stamps will be available for purchase through May 26.
• Accessories (punches, paper, dies, etc.) are available for purchase while supplies last and can sell out quickly!
• An “X” in the far right column of the list means the item has sold out!
• Select retiring products discounted up to 50% off

CLICK FOR UPDATED RETIRING STAMPIN’ UP! PRODUCT LIST

 

 

I think that's all for now stampers -- check back later for any other updates that might pop up :-)

Have a fabulous Tuesday!!

 

Until Next Time . . .

The Doggone Delightful Stampin' Team!

 

 

Seashore Dreamin' for the Pals Paper Arts

 

[This design is a Pals Paper Arts Artists' Pick!]

 

Hello Fellow Stampers -

I'm here -- I promise :-)  LOL  - been a crazy Monday; and I spent more time than I thought I would on today's design.  Mostly, the problem is I didn't get my designing done this weekend which always puts me behind.  It's very difficult to come home after a long day at work and sit down and try to design a card in just a couple of hours.  At any rate, in-between keeping an eye on Dancing With the Stars (my Monday night must), I did finally get this card designed.  I'm not sure what I had in my mind, other than I knew what stamp set I wanted to focus on -- here we go :-)

 

It is indeed Pals Paper Arts [PPA249] challenge time (long overdue) and in keeping with my focus on celebrating my favorite retiring products, my primary focus tonight was featuring one of my very favorite stamp sets -- By the Seashore.  I have combined this with a number of other retiring products in this design --  the beautiful In Color, Coastal Cabana; the Naturals Ivory cardstock, the wonderful Maritime DSP, and the Really Good Greeting's stamp set.  It's just a treasure trove ;) LOL

 

 

 

Doggone Delightful Stampin' Design Tips:

• Layerothology.  This card base is cut from Naturals Ivory cardstock, 5 1/2" x 8 1/2", scored at 4 1/4".  I had not planned initially on a "pop" color, but once I picked my background DSP (from the Maritime collection), it just seemed to happen naturally.  I toned down the brightness of the Coastal Cabana background mat pieces, and the bright white of the DSP by sponging with Crumb Cake around the edges and lightly throughout the central areas of the background DSP stripe.  I also stamped the background DSP using Crumb Cake ink, and the splatter from the Gorgeous Grunge stamp set.  The 1 3/4" vertical strip is "created" DSP that I designed by watercoloring a Soft Sky and Crumb Cake wash over the background, and then lightly stamping the seaweed from By the Tide in Pear Pizzazz in a random pattern across the piece.  The foreground focal point has been stamped with the seashells in Crumb Cake and Gorgeous Grunge using Crumb Cake, Pear Pizzazz, Soft Sky, and Pink Pirouette.  With the sponging on the edges, it's a lovely piece :-)
  

• Deco Focal Point.  I used the fabulous Deco framelits to create my focal point.  The sentiment from the Really Good Greetings was stamped in Memento Tuxedo Black ink.  I couldn't help think that the seashore is the perfect place to ponder your dreams and imagine the life you want to pursue.  I love collecting seashells, and maybe that's why I like the By the Seashore set so much.  It makes me think of digging my toes in the sand, and feeling the waves lap around my ankles, and looking for those seashells and sand dollars like I used to as a kid.  I wonder, what was the life I imagined back then?  I'm not sure it ended up quite the way I had thought.

 

 

• Shimmer, Glimmer, and Pearls.  Ahhh yes, -- I had a customer tell me the other day that she thinks of me when she sees pearls on a card.  I had to giggle.  I actually think of my upline, Ann Schach, when I see pearls on a card; but then, she and I think a lot alike -- you just can't have enough pearls!  ;-)  I decided that the sea is the perfect place for lots and lots of pearls -- my little "water air bubbles" on my vertical background and across the focal sentiment are perfectly imagined with pearls of all shapes and sizes.  Those of you who have been following the past couple days know I am in the throws of a clean out and reorganization in my Studio.  I located all my glitter and embossing powders this weekend and finally have them all in one place; in the process I re-discovered all sorts of fun things I've gotten over the years; like the fine detail glitter I used on my seashells - a color aptly called "Sand."  It's not Stampin' Up!, but it is fun to try other things once in a while ;-)

 

I hope you have enjoyed my design this evening and that it inspires you.  Don't miss out on any of these fabulous retiring products.  Order yours today before they're gone!  Remember, other than stamp sets, retiring products are "while supplies last" only.

An “X” in the right column indicates the product has sold out.   These lists are the latest update as of Close of Business April 27th.

• Retiring List (PDF)
• Retiring List Sortable (Excel File)
• Retiring List – Larger Font (PDF)
• My Digital Studio (PDF)
• My Digital Studio (Excel)

 

I'd love to hear what you think of today's design.  I do cherish all your comments.  Looking for a Stampin' Up! demonstrator?  I'd be honored to be your choice!  Let me know how I can help you with your paper passion!

Until Next Time . . .

The Doggone Delightful Stampin' Team!

 

 

 

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

 

A Little Mojo Monday Retrospective

Hello Fellow Stampers -

 

Sorry I'm coming to you so late today.  I've been fighting a headache all day; and my neck has been hurting me pretty badly.  This is definitely my weak spot, and I'm paying I think for not getting to the chiropractor in a while.

I also spent a good portion of my day today working my way through "clean out" projects in the Studio.  Today's focus was to attach the stack of Paper Pumpkin kits I've received over this past year, and determine what was getting packaged up for my Annual Sale in June, or what did I want to hold onto for future use.  I spent a fair amount of time working with each kit, putting together some older projects so I'd have some finished work on hand, and I worked my way all the up to this current year's kits, so I feel pretty good about my accomplishments today.  I want to spend some time with the February, March, and the newly received April kit, but it's been a long day and I needed to quit for today.

The problem with all that is that I sort of ran out of real time to sit down and design for today's Mojo Monday challenge -- and then as the afternoon progressed, although I had an idea in mind, I sort of just wore out and decided I needed to take a break this week from Mojo Monday and designing in general.  Sometimes a person just starts to feel burned out.

 

All that being said, it occurred to me that now was the perfect time to think about all our wonderful retiring products that I love so much, and revisit prior designs for Mojo Monday where I used some of my favorite products that will be leaving us in a few weeks.  I settled on a design I made last August for Mojo Monday challenge #357 -- this uses the cute For the Birds stamp set, one of my favorites from the past couple years.  I think I may have to dust this cute set off and use it this next week.

 

The fun focal of this design was the fact that we had just gotten the fabulous Four Feathers stamp set and coordinating framelits and I was just so excited to combine the two sets and create this card.  Now that I'm looking at it again -- whoo hooo -- I may just have to pull those fabulous feathers out too and start playing ;-)

 

To see more on this fun design, visit my Post from last August and read all about it :-)  Including the list of products used to create this card.

 

I hope you have enjoyed this little retrospective.  Sometimes it is nice to look back at what we created before and be reminded of our favorite products.  We'll revisit some more of my favorites from the retiring products list in the weeks to come.  In the meantime, keep track of what is happening with the retiring products right here --  I will keep you up-to-date as we progress toward the end of May!

 

An “X” in the right column indicates the product has sold out.   These lists are the latest update as of Close of Business April 24th.

• Retiring List (PDF)
• Retiring List Sortable (Excel File)
• Retiring List – Larger Font (PDF)
• My Digital Studio (PDF)
• My Digital Studio (Excel)

 

Exciting things are coming to your mailbox soon!  :-)  The Demonstrators receive their sneak peak and premier of the new 2015-2016 Annual Catalog and Idea Book later this week, and I'm starting to get excited about what fun and new products we will have to play with come June.  Are you looking for a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator?  I'd be honored to be your choice.  Let me know now that you'd like to get on board, and I'll be sure you have a new Annual Catalog with it's release in just a couple weeks!

Have a wonderful Sunday evening everyone -- rest up for the new week!

Until Next Time . . .

The Doggone Delightful Stampin' Team!