DogGone Delightful Stampin'

Terrific Tuesdays ~ Birthday Stamp-a-Stack Tutorial Poll

Hello Fellow Stampers ~~

Last week, I was in a flurry getting ready for the Annual Birthday Stamp-a-Stack here at DDS Studios.  Since the Covid Pandemic, our original stamp-a-stack of 25 cards in a day-long event, has been dropped to 12 cards in a 5-hour event.  And it seems to be working easier for everyone actually.  So I think the "stamp-a-short-stack" is here to stay!  LOL

 

I promised everyone last week that we would take a peek at the fun designs the crafters made this past Saturday. 

I'm going to do even better than that . . . join me for a Poll this week, and let me know which of the cards in the picture above, you'd like to see me demonstrate in my next Class With Wendy Video Tutorial:

Poll closes by Thursday morning, March 17th; and based on the most popular choice, I will have a video for you by next week!!

I love to share, and help you create!!  Tell me what you love!

Don't forget all the wonderful promotions going on during March.  You can check them all out HERE.

I Love to hear from you.  Leave your questions or comments below!!

Hugs, . . .

 

Mix-It Up Mondays ~~ Celebrating 8 Years!!

Hello Fellow Stampers ~

Happy Monday!  And welcome to another week in March!!  This one has St. Patty's Day encompassed in it!!  And I just think it's fun!  We're experiencing the usual March/early Spring weather here in Colorado.  One day it's 65, the next it's snowing like crazy!!  LOL

I had intended on putting up this post a month ago -- yes, that's the truth!!  But the weekend I passed my 8-year Anniversary as an Independent Demonstrator with Stampin' Up!, I was lying on the couch trying to recover from Implant Surgery!  Yuck!!  So, needless to say, despite my best laid plans, I was not up to doing much. 

So, I've been holding off on this, and have decided that this week, is our week to "get caught up" so to speak, and I just want to share with all of you!

I went back to the first posts on the Doggone Delightful Stampin' Blog, and walked myself down memory lane.  It's so hard to believe that 8 years have passed since I made the decision to take this "leap of faith" and start this little home business.  Here is the card I posted on the day I joined Stampin' Up! officially!  -- I think my style has evolved some since those early days -- what do you think??  LOL

So much has evolved since those early days.  My blog, my "watermark" and branding for DDS, the "studio" itself (I know that journey was fun!!).   I've had over 530,000 visits to the Doggone Delightful Stampin' website/blog; and I've posted 1,577 posts in these 8 years!  Oh My Goodness!!

And much has stayed the same.  I had a vision for my little business; and it grows and evolves as well.  As I look to retirement from my "real job" in the next several years, I know that the initial plan I had for this to be my "retirement" business may yet prove to come to fruition.  And I am excited about the future!!

There is so much I truly love about being a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator.  From getting early access to the new products, to enjoying the automatic "coupon" discount on every order, to getting to play, create, and share with everyone on my own schedule.  But I really think for me, it has been about the people who have passed through my life and the doors of this studio over these years; the friendships that have been built and the wonderful community that I am a part of!!  I adore you all - the crafters - and how much we share together!!

I want to thank each and every one of you who has stuck by me all these years; who have faithfully followed the blog, whether what I was posting was interesting or not; and for supporting my business through the bleaker days and through the sunshiney ones too!!  I'm sure we have lots of creativity ahead of us, and I'm so grateful for each and every one of you!!

 

In celebration of 8 years of creative fun as a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator, I am giving away this Bundle of Goodness to one special recipient!!

To "enter" the giveaway, just leave a comment on this post, and tell me what you love about Stampin' Up!  I will randomly pick a winner from all the commenters next week, and will announce the winner on my blog!!

I'm looking forward to hearing from all of you!

 

We'll be back with Birthday fun; and later this week, we'll be celebrating with our own version of Shamrocks!!

 

I Love to hear from you.  Leave your questions or comments below!!

Hugs, . . .

 

Not in the Blog Hop - Pelican Critter for Inspiration

Hello Fellow Stampers ~~

Well, it's been a crazy weekend and week already!!  I had hoped to have some fun posts for you already this week; but it just hasn't worked out that way.  I am busily prepping for Coffee & a Card class this week!  AND - the BIG Annual Birthday Stamp-a-Stack, this coming Saturday that I am officially in over my head designing and prepping for!!  Yikes!!  Hopefully I can share some of the fun with you next week after the Stampers get a chance to make their fun cards in class this weekend!

In the meantime, today is Stampin' Pretty Pals Blog Hop -- which we are "observing from afar" -- LOL.  This month it was all about "cute critters" - projects featuring animals or birds or insects - anything that is a "critter."  Since I had planned on showcasing the new "Early Order" Waves of the Ocean bundle of products this week anyway, it was the perfect time to pull out this fabulous stamp set and die set and start playing!!

 

This card features the cute Pelican on the seaside posts; and the cheerful and warm coloring of So Saffron.

Card base is Thick Basic White, cut 4-1/4" x 11", scored @ 5-1/2".

Then I put a mat background of So Saffron behind a piece of Basic White embossed with the Seashells 3D Emboss Folder.  I love having these seashells and sea grasses in the background of the focal point.

I cut a panel of Watercolor Paper using the Stitched Rectangle Dies; then used a Blending Brush with So Saffron ink to create a warm "sunny" background for my Pelican; and attached a small piece of the gorgeous Waves of the Ocean DSP, near the bottom for a nice layering look.

Then I stamped and die cut my Pelican; die cut the clouds; and stamped some flying birds on the panel as I layered everything together.

This is where I had some fun!

I stamped the sentiment in Mint Macaron, and used the large label die in the Waves Dies set to cut it out; then I snipped off the outer "curves" of the die to create a different look.

Then I went online and and figured out how to tie a "bowline" sailor's knot with some old burlap twine I have on hand and added it to the left-hand side of my card -- I love it!!!

I finished off with just a few Iridescent Jewel Rhinestones - which is not the beautiful new Rhinestone Waves Basic Jewels that come in the new bundle - but I thought these matched better to my color scheme.

Now is your chance to order this set of products EARLY ~~ the new Waves of the Ocean stamp set and die bundle will be in the new Annual Catalog!

 

Click here for the informational flyer.  Click here to shop these products online.  Click here or below for an informative video about these products.

 

Other details…

• The Waves of Inspiration Stamp Set and Waves of the Ocean Collection are available in English, French, and German.
• Items available during this promotion can be added to demonstrator, customer, workshop, and online orders.
• No limits apply during the customer sales period.
• The Waves of the Ocean Collection cannot be purchased at 50% as part of the Stampin’ Rewards program.
• Waves of the Ocean items can be added to a starter kit.
• The following exclusive products are only available while supplies last:
  • Waves of the Ocean 12″ x 12″ (30.5 x 30.5 cm) Designer Series Paper
  • Blue Foils 12″ x 12″ (30.5 x 30.5 cm) Specialty Paper
  • Rhinestone Waves Basic Jewels

We'll probably be away the rest of this week while I prepare for Stamp-a-Stack - but come back next week as we will be back with more fun!

In the meantime, I'll be snug inside the Studio while the snow keeps falling, falling, falling outside!!

 

I Love to hear from you.  Leave your questions or comments below!!

Hugs, . . .

 

Wednesday Spotlight - Happy Happy Ladybugs!!!

Hello Fellow Stampers ~

It's Hump Day!!!  And it's just been beautiful weather this week.  We're shoveling around the mounds of snow trying to get them to melt -- LOL  😂🤣😂  It would be nice to get things melted off a little before the next storm arrives this weekend!

 

Today I'm putting the Hello Ladybug bundle in the "spotlight."  Our group just completed our last Coffee & a Card virtual class series using this bundle; and everyone had so much fun!!  The set is absolutely adorable, and there are so many things you can do with it.  I even taught them how to make bumblebees from their ladybugs.  Are you missing out on our virtual Coffee & a Card classes.  We're just kicking off the new series which centers around Sentimental Swirls.  Keep an eye for the next Coffee & a Card series classes over on the  Class Schedule page.

 

I promised my stamping group that there would be more fun ideas on the blog for this cute bundle!!  And I'm one to keep my word!!  LOL

So I'm featuring some fun cards today using Hello Ladybug, stepping away from the traditional Black, Red and White.

 

The first card is a fun combination of Granny Apple Green & Bermuda Bay/Coastal Cabana!  I love fresh bright color combination and this card makes me feel happy!

The base is Thick Basic White, cut 8-1/2" x 5-1/2", scored @ 4-1/4"; with the fold to the top.

Then there are layers of Bermuda Bay and Granny Apple Green, before the top Basic White layer, that has been die cut with the Tasteful Labels Dies.

Cutting out the center, allows a pop of color (instead of the usual matting around the outside edges), and creates a cute way to showcase the sentiment.

The ladybugs alternate the two colors - one with a Coastal Cabana Body, Granny Apple Green wings, and Coastal Cabana dots using the 2-step stamping that this stamp set affords; the other with a Granny Apple Green body, Coastal Cabana wings, and Granny Apple Green dots.  These ladybugs are all stamped with the images in the stamp set, and then punched - a technique we didn't get time for in class.  Most of our class ladybugs were straight punched from different colors of cardstock.

The dots on the wings are overlaid with the fabulous Iridescent Basic Rhinestone Jewels, which capture and reflect the colors perfectly, and allow the coloring of the dots underneath to peek through!

With some Clear Wink of Stella in all the right places, and a fabulous Old Olive/Pretty Peacock Reversible ribbon bow - which looks like it matches perfectly - this sweet little card is ready to "fly" into someone's day!!

 

The other cutie patootie card, showcases a piece from the Ombre Specialty Paper, that has been embossed with an emboss folder from the Meadow Moments Embossing Folder set.

 

In this case, I chose Evening Evergreen to border and offset the panels (rather than black) for a softer look to the edges.  Black can be very harsh.  And the Evening Evergreen looks nice as a backdrop for the Granny Apple Green leaves that have been stamped in a random pattern in the background.

This cute ladybug is all punched instead of stamped (unlike the ladybugs in the card further up); a Basic Black body and Poppy Parade wings.  The only thing stamped on this ladybug are the black dots on the wings.

 

I hope you have enjoyed our ladybug fun today!!!  Keep an eye out on the YouTube channel; a Class With Wendy video will follow soon walking through how to make each of these fun cards!!

I Love to hear from you.  Leave your questions or comments below!!

Hugs, . . .

 

 

Terrific Tuesdays ~~ Kick off March Promotions!!

Hello Fellow Stampers ~~

Hellllooooo March!!!  My goodness!! Time is flying!  But I'm so excited !!  It is 68 degrees out today, the snow piles are slowly melting, and Sadie and I took our first walk in months and months!!  The air was fresh, the sky was beautiful, and the sun was beyond wonderful!  I'm chomping at the bit for Spring!!!  How about you??

 

There is so much happening at Stampin' Up! starting right away here this month!!  So I hope you're ready for a VERY busy upcoming Spring!!  Let's get started with what's happening right out of the chute . . .

 

Discover the depths of the ocean—and your artistic abilities—with the Waves of the Ocean Collection!

This coastal collection includes an inspiring set of stamps and detailed dies (This is an "Early-Release" product bundle from the upcoming 2022–2023 Annual Catalog), a beautiful Designer Series Paper pack made from images of hand-poured paint, Blue-hued Foil Sheets for a sea of shine, and Radiant Rhinestones for a splash of sparkle (each an exclusive product you can only purchase during the promotion period)!

Click here for the informational flyer.  Click here to shop these products online.  Click here or below for an informative video about these products.

 

Other details…

• The Waves of Inspiration Stamp Set and Waves of the Ocean Collection are available in English, French, and German.
• Items available during this promotion can be added to demonstrator, customer, workshop, and online orders.
• No limits apply during the customer sales period.
• The Waves of the Ocean Collection cannot be purchased at 50% as part of the Stampin’ Rewards program.
• Waves of the Ocean items can be added to a starter kit.
• The following exclusive products are only available while supplies last:
  • Waves of the Ocean 12″ x 12″ (30.5 x 30.5 cm) Designer Series Paper
  • Blue Foils 12″ x 12″ (30.5 x 30.5 cm) Specialty Paper
  • Rhinestone Waves Basic Jewels

SAVINGS ARE IN BLOOM!!!
20% off savings in March

During the month of March, you can snag the Mini Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine at a 20% discount! This miniature machine (perfect pick for budding beginners who want to branch out, papercrafting pros who want to craft on the go, or those who are short on storage space) is compatible with a large selection of Stampin’ Up! embossing folders and dies.

Build your craft collection and combine the Mini Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine with any (or all!) of the select stamp-and-die bundles that are also available for 20% off during the month of March!

Item #150673   Mini Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine             $60.00 $48.00 USD

Item #158382   All Squared Away Bundle                               $50.00 $40.00 USD
Item #156227   Art Gallery Bundle                                         $56.00 $44.75 USD
Item #155834   Beauty of Friendship Bundle                          $58.00 $46.25 USD
Item #154065   Celebrate Sunflowers Bundle                         $57.00 $45.50 USD
Item #156220   Garden Wishes Bundle                                   $57.00 $45.50 USD
Item #159519   Hydrangea Haven Bundle                                $58.00 $46.25 USD
Item #155674   Pansy Patch Bundle                                        $57.00 $45.50 USD
Item #155847   Quiet Meadow Bundle                                    $59.00 $47.00 USD
Item #158359   Seascape Bundle                                            $52.00 $41.50 USD
Item #155823   Sweet as a Peach Bundle                                $41.00 $32.75 USD
Item #159529   Welcoming Window Bundle                             $56.00 $44.75 USD
Item #155845   What’s Cookin’ Bundle                                    $51.00 $40.75 USD
Item #155507   Wild Cats Bundle                                           $43.00 $34.25 USD

Click here for the informational flyer. Click here to shop these products online. Click here or below for an informative video about the “Mini Boss”.

 

Other details…

• For this promotion only, we’ve brought back the previously popular Art Gallery, Celebrate Sunflowers, and Garden Wishes bundles. They will only be available in their bundle form during this promotion, so make sure to snag ‘em while you still can!
• There is no limit on the number of Mini Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machines you can purchase during this promotion. 
• Products are available in all markets while supplies last. Offer may vary from market to market based on product availability. No backorders or substitutions will be allowed.
• Due to supply chain challenges, this promotion may be altered or ended early. We will post a Current Update with further information if this is anticipated.
• Discount applies on Stampin’ Rewards.

A PEEK AT MARCH’S PAPER PUMPKIN KIT

From the hands and hearts of our in-house artisans comes this month’s breathtaking kit. The Beyond the Horizon Paper Pumpkin Kit includes watercolor prints and designs inspired by the beautiful nature around us and creates 9 cards—3 each of 3 designs.  AND the paper pieces coordinate perfectly with the New Horizons Suite Collection in our January–June 2022 Mini Catalog. 

Celebrating 9 years of Paper Pumpkin & to thank subscribers, this kit also includes an extra FREE stamp set! 

Coordinating kit colors: Bumblebee, Calypso Coral, Evening Evergreen, Misty Moonlight (ink color included), Night of Navy, Old Olive, and Pale Papaya
If you are not a Paper Pumpkin subscriber, I invite you to give it a try. CLICK HERE to learn more.  CLICK HERE to sign up by March 10th for this next kit.

I hope you're ready for lots of creative fun and all the upcoming specials during the month of March -- there's a new catalog on the "New Horizon" -- and that means we'll be saying good-bye to lots of beautiful products, and making way for the new!!

I Love to hear from you.  Leave your questions or comments below!!

Hugs, . . .