DogGone Delightful Stampin'

Calla Lily Thank You

 

Good Morning Fellow Stampers -

I am so happy it's Friday; and even more ecstatic that it's an Off-Friday for me.  Here's hopin' I can get a little rest today, as well as get a lot done around the house.  Haha -- now how do you put those two things together? 

 

Again, I want to apologize for the issues I'm having with the Feedblitz service for my blog.  I hope to have whatever the problems are sometime this morning.  Thank you so much for being patient and sticking with me while we figure this out and get the problem resolved.  We're on a "manual" push right now for my blog posts until this get sorted out.  On the auto setting, the servers were sending two, three, and even four instances of my daily blog post -- that's a little over the top!!  ;-)

 

It's Mojo Monday challenge time, and I really have actually been thinking about this card design all week.  It's "tall and skinny" week at Mojo Monday; and as you well know, that's one of my favorite cards to create.

 

 

 

Doggone Delightful Stampin' Design Tips:

• Layerothology.  This card base is cut from Whisper White cardstock - now watch out, this is different ;-) - 5 1/2" x 7", score at 3 1/2."  I chose the little "smaller" tall and skinny size this month; it makes a nice "notecard" and fits perfectly in our A2 envelopes. 

Technique Tip:   I used our new 100 lb cardstock for my card base.  This is just an "alert" to you.  Because this cardstock is significantly thicker than regular Whisper White, it is "harder" to get a good solid score line pressed through it.  So use your Simply Scored, and the larger end of your stylus and go over your line a couple of times pressing firmly.  This should get you a good solid score line.

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!

 

There are two pieces to the background layer here.  A Tangerine Tango back mat with a piece from the Pretty Petals DSP Stack.  I have wrapped these layers with White Jute Ribbon, and then a second "layer" of ribbon using the Sahara Sand lace trim as an overlay.r

Technique Tip:  Use your Tear & Tape adhesive to adhere the Jute and Lace trim.  These are "heavy" trims and regular SNAIL adhesive will not hold it in place for you.

 

 

• Calla Lily.  The gorgeous Remarkable You stamp set is quickly becoming one of my favorite for "coloring" and fussy cutting.  This beautiful flower pair was stamped on Shimmery White cardstock using our new, and soon to be released to you, Archival Basic Black ink.  This ink stamps beautifully, and works well with watercoloring techniques.  Using a Blender Pen I watercolored these flowers using Tangerine Tango, Calypso Coral, and Daffodil Delight on the petals.  Old Olive was used on the stems.  I fussy cut the flowers out and apart from each other and then rearranged them to my liking using Dimensionals (and glue dots on the stems to attach to the trim layer).  Don't forget those pearls ;-)

Technique Tip:  Archival ink is much like Staz On and WILL stain your stamps (both rubber and photopolymer).  Be sure to use your Staz On Cleaner on your stamps after using Archival ink so as to properly clean the ink off your stamps.  Then you can rub them through your Stampin' Scrub with some water and regular stamp cleaner to finish the process.

 

• Tin of Cards.  The gorgeous coordinating stamp set that goes with the Tin of Cards kit, is quickly becoming a "go to" for me for sentiments.  I love the font and the simplicity of many of the sentiments.  This one worked perfectly for my 1 3/4" circle (matted with a Daffodil Delight 2" circle), popped with dimensionals.  I topped it off with a Daffodil Delight 1/4" cotton ribbon bow.

Although there is some detail to this design, it's actually fairly simple to put together.

 

• Turn to the Inside.  The inside of this card is stamped with a Sahara Sand image of the flowers on the front, stamped off twice first so as to create a "background" shadowed look.  The sentiment is from the Remarkable You stamp set.  Always look carefully at the sentiments in your stamp set -- you can change them around, and use just certain words from sentiments to make them anything you want.  In this case, I left the word "and" off when I stamped up the stamp, and just stamped the "I'm So Grateful for You".  Perfect!!!

 

 

I hope you have enjoyed today's design.  Are you feeling "enabled" yet to buy that Remarkable You stamp set ??  ;-)  LOL  It is a fabulous set -- hop on over to my Online Store today and get your set!

 

As always, if you have any questions regarding my designs, or need assistance with anything Stampin' Up! -- I'm only an email away.  [email protected].

I'd love to be your Stampin' Up! Demonstrator of choice!  Give me a call :-) 

 

Until Next Time . . .

 

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Inspire! Create! Share! 2015 Highlights and Swaps!

 

 

 

Hello Fellow Stampers -

 

How is everyone this lovely Thursday morning?  I have to say that I have been a little bit tired this week.  Convention wore me out!!  LOL :-)  Honestly, I was going about a hundred miles an hour the two weeks prior to leaving for Convention, and then of course, Convention itself is a non-stop experience with all the workshops, general sessions, gatherings, parties, etc., etc.  So I'm just sort of struggling to get some "get-up-n-go" this week!  But we'll get there ;-) 

 

So we have no Pals Paper Arts challenge this week.  It's a 5-week month, and so PPA always take the 5th week of 5-week months off.  So that gives us a chance to do other things.  Which is really nice too.

 

I thought I'd take this chance this week to share some highlights of Convention with you, and to share all about our Stampin' Pretty Pals Sip and Swap event the very first evening everyone arrived.  I look forward to getting together with our Pals group.  We are all very spread across the country, and although we're "tied in" via a private Facebook chat group, it's not quite the same as actually getting to see each other face-to-face, and spend quality time together.  Here are a few pics from our Sip and Swap last Wednesday evening.

 

 

 

Sip and Swap night is always an evening everyone in the group looks forward to.  Most of us have just arrived in town within the  short hours before; we usually all gather for a Lisa Pretto training session at about 4:00 SLC time, and immediately after we break for wonderful hor's doerves and swapping of cards.  This is a planned swap.  This is how a swap works for those who don't know.  You make a certain number of cards based on number of participants -- i.e., I made 60 swap cards for this years Sip and Swap and convention.  The cards have to showcase current product, and be a "full" card.  This means, no card fronts only.  In other words, some card swaps you would just create a "card front" -- a 5 1/2" x 4 1/4" piece of cardstock that has been decorated/designed.  Our swap requires a complete full card that is useable and mailable.  I love seeing other people's work up close and personal, and best of all, get to bring it home.

 

We hold what's called an "organized" swap.  Everyone lines up in a straight line (or what should appear to be a straight line -- apparently we didn't learn anything in Kindergarten -- LOL)  That's Susan Itell in the foreground in case you follow her blog -

 

Then the first person starts down the line, giving their card in exchange for the other person's; and each person follows.

By the time it's done, you've gotten one of each person's card, and they've gotten one of yours :-)

 

 

 

Have you ever seen so much fun :-)  It really is a blast -- a real highlight!!

So I thought, as promised, I'd share some of the beautiful swap cards I received last week.  I want to take a little bit of time and show off some of the other Pals work.  This group is talented and I think they all deserve a moment in the spotlight.  I won't do them all here today -- we'll start with some of my favorites here; and we'll look at some more later in the week or next week :-)

 

I showcased my swap card to you last Saturday --  you can see that post HERE.

 

 

Let's take a look at some others :-)

 

Design by Susan Itell

 

 

Designer Unknown

 

Design by Ginger Toivonen

 

Design by Susan Galbraith

 

Design by Jason Casper

 

Design by Lynn Kolcun

 

Design by Vicki Lozier

 

Design by Sherrie Gross

 

Design by Judy Newsome

 

Design by Windy Ellard

 

Design by Tina Johnson

 

Design by Candy Ford

 

Design by Shawn de Oliveira

 

Pretty Fabulous, don't you think?!?  I look forward to sharing more of these beautiful pieces of art with you soon.  I feel like I should find someplace in the house to hang them all up to enjoy :-)

 

So which one of today's postings is your favorite?  I have one -- but I'm going to keep it a secret for now :-)  Won't you leave me a comment and tell me which one was your favorite?  I'd love to read your comments.

 

Have a great day everyone!!

Until Next Time . . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Until Next Time . . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ask Wendy Wednesdays - The New Inks Are Coming!

 

Hello Fellow Stampers -

Sooooo -- Here we are, and I'm just bursting at the seams and can hardly wait for all of you to get the new 2015 Holiday Occasions Catalog in your hands.  You are absolutely going to LOVE this catalog.  But we have to wait a few more weeks!  Eeeeeeek . . .

 

In the meantime, I'm sure you are going to start seeing a lot of "sneak peaks" of product circling around the internet.  Keep an eye on my 2015 Holiday Occasions Catalog Pinterest Board where I will be corralling all the goodies so you can take a "peak" at what is coming.

 

Did you take a close look at Monday's Paper Players challenge posting?  Did you figure out what the brand new product was that I was "sneak peaking" ?  It's pretty Fabulous!!!!

 

 

 

 May I introduce the Brand New Archival Inks from Stampin' Up!!

 

Whoo Hoooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!   I am so excited.  We were all a little confused when Stampin' Up! announced during April that they were "retiring" the previous Basic Black and Basic Gray classic ink pads because they were reformulating them; and then when the new Annual Catalog came out, they weren't anywhere to be found.  So everyone was hoping that something would show up in the new Holiday Catalog this Fall -- and Stampin' Up! did not let us down.  In fact, Archival Ink is top of the line!  This is a fabulous additional to our ink pad collection and I'm absolutely thrilled. 

 

We were introduced to the new ink at Convention, and even got to use it during our workshops.  Then Stampin' Up! made sure that each of us had one to take home as well.  What a bonus!!

 

Archival inks were not one of the categories I touched on when I discussed inks with you all back in February on my Ask Wendy Wednesday installment (2/18/2015).  So let me take just a moment now to chat with you about this style of ink.

 

Archival ink may seem similar to Staz On because one of the required properties of archival inks is that it doesn't run when it comes into contact with moisture.  Most archival ink is a permanent dye ink; although pigment in archival inks becoming more popular.  The reason for this is the second required property of an archival ink -- it has to be fade resistant.  Archival ink is an ink which is designed to resist fading and weathering so that it will endure for future enjoyment.  Thus, the two required properties that makes an ink archival -- fade resistant and moisture resistant.

Thus, the new Stampin' Up! Archival Inks are fade resistant and work well with watercoloring because they will not run.  And I can attest from personal experience ( haha), that this ink stamps absolutely beautifully.  It is clear, crisp, and stamps a solid image through and through.  No patchiness to the ink; nor does it look like it's a "faded" black, which was the frustration with the old ink pads; you simply could not get a good solid stamped image.  These are gorgeous folks!  You are going to love them!

 

So get ready -- on September 1st, when the new Holiday Catalog goes live -- you will want to get a set for yourself!  Page 19 of the new catalog --

 

Please join me for my Holiday Catalog Premier on August 30th -- and you can get a sneak peak real time -- even get a chance to try it out for yourself :-)

 

Until Next Time . . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Terrific Tuesdays Weekly Deals and More . . . July 28 - Aug 3

Good Morning Fellow Stampers -

 

Here we are -- another Terrific Tuesday!  Time to check out deals and promotions and all the goin's on at Stampin' Up!  We're getting down to the final week of the Bonus Deals that have been a part of our Weekly Deals we've been enjoying for the past month.

 

 

Remember, Bonus Deals are in Limited Quantities - so if there is something you have your eye on, place that order today and snap that Deal up before it's sold out and gone!

 

 

 

And oh, do I love these Bonus Deals we've been getting -- take advantage of stocking up on all our new ribbons, embellishments, and tools!!  You can't miss on these! :-)

 

 

 

 

“Oh the places you'll go! There is fun to be done! There are points to be scored. There are games to be won. And the magical things you can do with that [box] will make you the winning-est winner of all.”

Dr. Seuss, Oh, The Places You'll Go!

 

 

And Stampers, I must tell you, I have gone and I have seen!!  The Paper Pumpkin for the next two months is beyond Fabulous!  We got a very secret, very special, Sneak Peak at Convention at the August and September Paper Pumpkin kits.  They are FABULOUS!!  I am so excited :-)  Sign up today on this very special promotion -- and don't miss out !!

 Starting Thursday, July 23rd, until September 10th,  you can sign up for Paper Pumpkin and get 50% off your first two months!  Now that's a DEAL!!  Here's the "Fine Print" on this promotion folks --

• For new subscribers only.
• Available for month-to-month subscriptions, not prepaid subscriptions.
• Discount applied to one kit per month for the first two months of a new subscription. After the first two months, the price for each month's kit will go to the regular price: $19.95.
• Visit PaperPumpkin.com to join.
• Enter the Promo Code, HALFOFF when you sign up.
• New subscribers must join by Thursday, September 10, 2015; 11:50 PM (MT).

 

Find out more about Paper Pumpkin HERE -- and SIGN UP today -- it's quick, easy, and fun ;-)

 

Better yet -- Paper Pumpkin subscribers get exclusive access to past kits and kit refills.   But you have to hurry -- many of these kits are retiring and will be gone after July 27th.  So check out the Past Kits today, and get Signed Up for Paper Pumpkin so you can take advantage of the Fun :-)

 

 

Let me know how I can help you with your Paper Passion -- Looking for a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator?  I'd be so honored to be your choice.  Contact me today at [email protected], and let me know how I can help you :-)

 

 Until Next Time . . .

 

 

 

 

 

Awesome Thanks!

 

Good Morning Fellow Stampers -

Happy Monday!  Time to start another week :-)  And it's the last week of July -- now can you believe that?  It's hard to believe that I've spent the last six months planning for my trip to Stampin' Up! convention; and now it's all over and we're settled back at home.  The new Holiday Catalog is on the horizon; and Fall will be here before you know it :-)

 

In the meantime . . . we'll stick to late summer and the "dog days" which are about upon us.  It's Paper Players [PP255] challenge time.  This week, I set out to create a very special ensemble as a thank you for my dear friend (and her family) who took care of Miss Sadie while I was in Salt Lake City for convention.  I wanted to let her know just how much we appreciate the loving care given to Miss Sadie Ann.  So let's take a look at today's project(s).

 

 

This week's PP challenge is a fun sketch challenge.

 

 

I decided to head to my Creative Color Inspiration board on Pinterest to find some inspiration to kick my card off.  I chose this beautiful color palate as it just "spoke" to me.  It feels fresh and summery.  Besides, I adore yellow and blue together!

So here is how I interpret this color line-up - let's see if you agree .  .  .

Smoky Slate, Pacific Point, Crushed Curry, Wild Wasabi, Basic Grey

 

 

Doggone Delightful Stampin' Design Tips:

• Layerothology.  I'll talk primarily about the card design today, since this is a Paper Players challenge; and then we'll touch on the little gift bags secondarily.  This card base is cut from Basic Grey cardstock, 5 1/2" x 8 1/2", scored at 4 1/4", turned horizontal.  A back mat of Smoky Slate is cut 1/8" smaller than the card front.  Then I used Whisper white to as my "foundation" for the rest of my design.
  

 

 

• Inked Layers.  The background of this focal point is made up of a number of inked layers. Starting with the background stamp in the You've Got This stamp set, it is stamped in Crushed Curry (stamped off once first); then I took the cute little honeycomb image from the Butterfly Basics stamp set, and stamped it a number of times in Wild Wasabi (again, stamping off first once or twice).  The cute little "postal" image from Butterfly Basics is stamped in Smoky Slate.  Then I stamped the hashed line image in Pacific Point (this is also stamped off once before being stamped on the card front).  

 

 

• Tag Talk.  I turned the "tag" in the sketch horizontally, because I really wanted to use this sentiment from the Big News stamp set.  I felt it summed up how wonderful I thought Amy was for taking care of Miss Sadie for 4 days.  The sentiment is stamped on Whisper White cardstock (the honeycomb image is stamped again here in Crushed Curry for interest in the background - stamp that image off first Stampers).  I pulled a piece of beautiful Pacific Point 3/8" satin stitched ribbon through the Ornate Tag Topper punched top of my tag, and tied it up with some Linen Thread.  The end was punched with the Triple Banner punch.  I added some little banners of Pacific Point, Crushed Curry and Wild Wasabi to the "bottom" side of my little tag, and popped it with dimensionals over some Linen Thread and a little Silver Metallic Doily on the card front.  Then I added some fun little butterflies using the Butterfly Basics stamp set, and our coordinated Butterfly Thinlets and Bitty Butterfly punch.  Easy and quick!  Do you like my "rock 'n roll" butterfly on the bottom right there?  Stamp first in Crushed Curry, then gently "rock 'n roll" through Pacific Point or this effect.

 

• Mini Gift Bag.  Have you tried the new Gift Bag Punch Board yet?  If not, you really should.  What a fabulous way to create the perfect pretty wrapping for that little something.  I whipped this little bag up using the punch board and a piece of DSP from the Brights Background DSP Stack.  The punch board can be a little tricky; I will do a tutorial on this fun tool.  The end result is fabulous, topped with a little Whisper White 3/8" satin bow. 
  

 

 

• Turn to the Inside.  The inside of this card is stamped with the perfect sentiment from the Fabulous Four stamp set and a flutter of butterflies.  I love this simple stamp set and how it gets right to the point :-)  The perfect touch - don't forget to line your envelopes with those Envelope Liner thinlets -- so easy, and just steps it up to a beautiful envelope for giving!
  

 

 

• Easy Gift Giving.  I had to put together a little treat for my friend's son as well -- he adores Sadie and helped a lot in watching out for her.  What could be easier for "wrapping" up a little sweet treat, then our new glassine bags?  These Sketched Dot gift bags are perfect and easy to decorate.  I sponged the front of this bag with Crushed Curry, Pacific Point, and Wild Wasabi to give it some fun color.  Technique Tip:  Take a kleenex or piece of paper towel when you are done and just wipe off the bag surface to remove any excess ink so that it doesn't get all over your fingers ;-)   I popped a piece of Whisper White cardstock inside the bag in front of my little treat so it wouldn't show through and be a little bit of a mystery; then created a fun tag for the front.

Pacific Point cardstock and ink; the easy Tag Talk stamp set; and some Crushed Curry bakers twine with Silver Sequin trim and a clothespin make this fun and easy tag.  Just clip it to the front of the bag :-)

 

I hope you have enjoyed today's little thank you gift ensemble.  So, let's see if you were paying attention.  There is a "sneak peak" somewhere above.  Did you see it?  There is a brand new product coming in the 2015 Holiday Catalog that you are absolutely going to LOVE!  Do you see it?  It's brand new, never been in Stampin' Up! product line up before.  Leave a comment and tell me what you think it is.  I'll follow up later this week, and tell you if you're right ;-)

 

Have a great Monday everyone!

Until Next Time . . .

 

 

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