DogGone Delightful Stampin'

Just Ask Wendy . . . These Are a Few of My Favorite Things . . . from the 2018 Spring Occasions Catalog!

 

Good Morning Fellow Stampers ~

Welcome to this catalog's list of "my favorite things."  I give you this list each catalog cycle as a way to sift out all the wonderful products in the catalog, and help you with your Wish Lists.  Sometimes there are so many things to look at, that we miss what we're actually looking at, or what's on a catalog page.  And there are some pretty terrific things in this catalog . . . so without further ado, hum along with me . . . . these are a few of my favorite things!!

 

 

If you love savings, start your search for new products and versatility with Stampin’ Up! 10% off bundles. Bundles combine a coordinating stamp set with dies and/or punches. They always end up my “go to” items and customer favorites because of the all inclusive coordination and ease.

 

No matter which way you frost it, you can't go wrong with the Cake Soiree Bundle.  Page 12.  Wood-mount 145816, $72.00 | Clear-mount 147627, $61.00 

And there are all sorts of accessories to help you "decorate" - like the new Sweet Soiree Decorative Mask set the pretty shimmery embossing pastes (all new!!)

 

 

Our Pals group is predicting that the Petal Palette Bundle will end up being the number one pick of the entire catalog this season - and I think I have to agree.  The gorgeous sentiments, elegant images and fabulous coordinating dies feel vintage and Spring all at the same time!  page 23  Wood-mount 145973, $72.75 | Clear-mount 145974, $62.00.

 

I fell head over heels from the moment I saw the Hold Onto Hope Bundle.  If you are looking for a more "religious" bent to your upcoming Easter, this bundle is truly a "must have" ~ but would be perfect for sympathy cards, confirmations, and other events as well.  The dies in this set are GORGEOUS!!  page 27  Wood-mount 145969, $50.25 | Clear-mount 145970, $43.00

 

 

The country girl in me jumped for joy upon spying the Barn Door Bundle.  I haven't been that big a fan of "slider" cards (just haven't gotten on the band wagon I guess); but this easy peasy bundle has me hooked!  page 43  Wood-mount 145989, $49.50 | Clear-mount 145990, $42.25

 

 

 

 

And then there's the homemaker in me (probably comes from my farm Grandmas), which is not going to be able to resist the adorable Apron of Love bundle. Lots of cute ideas for any fun occasion are awaiting your creativity in this fun bundle.  page 47  Photopolymer 145986, $45.00

 

 

 

 

I'm always looking to add versatility to my birthday stamp collection. This season we have one that's hitting the airwaves in style - Perennial Birthday is a wonderful set with wonderful sentiments - and lots of options for us fussy cutters too!!  Not only that, it has the most incredible easy peasy project kit to go with it.  Check it all out on page 16,  Wood-mount 145757, $30.00 | Clear-mount 145760, $22.00

 

 

I am really loving ALL the stamp set options given us this season for coloring - whether using our Stampin' Blend alcohol markers, our watercolor pencils, blender pens, or true watercoloring with aquapainters.  The options are endless.  It's hard to pick just one set -- so let's narrow it down to just a couple of my favorites . . .

 

Hanging Garden, page 30  Wood-mount 146236, $27.00 | Clear-mount 146239, $19.00

 

 

Friendship's Sweetest Thoughts, page 34  Wood-mount 145823, $27.00 | Clear-mount 145826, $19.00

 

 

 

Bird Banter, page 42  Photopolymer 145852, $17.00

 

 

 

Want an impressionistic watercolor feel without actually having to do any coloring?  Then you MUST have the Waterfront stamp set - it is by far all the rage this year!!  page 48,  Photopolymer 146386, $17.00

 

 

Finally, here is a set that I'm crowing about for the very coolest "ombre" ink effects you can get with a 3-step stamp set - easy peasy!  Be sure to give the Amazing Congratulations stamp set another look see - it truly is "Amazing",  page 51, Photopolymer 145938, $21.00

 

 

 

 

 

Pretty flowers, lots of shimmer - that's what makes the Sweet Soiree Specialty Designer Series Paper a "must have" in my book!  But then, I like pretty as you all know!!  page 13  145564, $13.00. 

 

 

 

Petal Passion Designer Series Paper, page 23 145589, $11.00  Each black and white pattern offers sophisticated style and a welcome opportunity to add color with a brayer, dauber, stamps and ink – you decide!  

 

 

 

 

 

 

When it comes to "tools" (punches, dies, embossing folders) - I am a firm believer in making that investment in full and up front.  You can never go wrong with a punch and an embossing folder - let's take a look at what this catalog has to offer that I don't think you should pass up!!

 

page 17, 1-1/8" Scallop Circle Punch 146138

 

 

page 17, 1-3/8" Scallop Circle Punch 146139

 

page 29, Itty Bitty Fruit Punch Pack 145657

 

page 45, Tailored Tag Punch 145667

 

page 5, Simple Stripes Textured Impressions Embossing Folder 145648

 

page 13, Scattered Sequins Dynamic Textured Impressions Embossing Folder  145649

 

page 23. Petal Pair Textured Impressions Embossing Folders  145656

 

 

 

 

Our last category today is "accessorizing" - because every pretty card needs LOTS of accessories -- LOL.  And while I love ribbons, and pearls and so much more - there are just a couple of items in this catalog that I am filtering to the "top picks" that I feel deserve extra special attention . . .

 

The new Brusho Crystals Colour are an absolute "must have" for a wonderful new tool in your arsenal of "coloring" options.  I've never worked with anything quite like it, and I'm absolutely LOVING it!  page 26, Brusho Crystals Colour 144101

 

 

We've waited a long time for the convenience of "sticky" sequins - and they are here!!  Check out the new Tutti-Frutti Adhesive-Backed Sequins - you're gonna love the 'ease' of using these wonderful additions of bling to your projects, page 29, Tutti-Frutti Adhesive-Backed Sequins 145609

 

Tucked quietly away in a corner of page 33 you'll find a sweet little set of epoxy shapes that are getting missed in the frenzy.  But these should NOT be missed!!  The Glitter & Clear Epoxy Shapes come in clear and a pretty shimmery "glitter" in varied sizes of circles and teardrops!!  They are perfect to embellish your cards - and would be fabulous for "rain" and "bubbles" on all sorts of projects!!  page 33, Glitter & Clear Epoxy Shapes  145632

 

And One Final - Honorable Mention I'm going to call it!  The new Berry Burst 3/8" Metallic-Edge Ribbon is just luscious.  You're going to want a couple rolls of this ribbon in your stash for sure!!  page 13, Berry Burst 3/8" Metallic-Edge Ribbon  145489

 

Have fun drooling and shopping my friends!!

Until Next Time . . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just Ask Wendy! ~ Layering Color With Your Stampin' Blends

 

Good Morning Fellow Stampers ~

Hello  my crafty friends!!  Whooo hooooo ~~ I'm so excited this morning.  Thanksgiving is tomorrow; my honey and I are hosting Thanksgiving together for the first time.  Both his boys and one of their girlfriends are here; his mom and one of his sisters.  It should be a wonderful day together.  I've already got the 7-Up Jello Salad done and in the fridge; the Chocolate Marble Cheesecake is finished (Mike made the Pumpkin Pies last night - something he likes to do!); and the Sweet Potato Casserole is put together and ready to be popped in the oven tomorrow.  The Thanksgiving table has been laid; and this morning the dough is started in the bread machine for my homemade rolls!!  I have big plans for a nice breakfast for everyone tomorrow morning; and it should just be a wonderful day together!!

 

 

I'm also over the moon excited to bring you today's little video technique tip.  I promised this video last week on taking a closer look at layering different colors of the Stampin' Blends and seeing the pretty effect you can get.  So let's jump in and take a look at that first up today!!!

 

 

  I promised in the video that I would post up the cards I designed and created for and out of last weekend's Meet the Stampin' Blends class.  So let's take a closer look at those for some fun today!!

 

This 2-card set is created with the Remarkable You stamp set (one of my favorites!!).  One is a CAS (clean and simple) card using Rich Razzleberry Stampin' Blends, and layered on the card front with Berry Burst cardstock.  The other has some simple layering incorporating the Sweetheart TIEF, the Naturally Eclectic DSP, and a combination of the Layering Circles, Layering Ovals, and Stitched Shapes framelits.

 

This card was easily thrown together with Pool Party and Soft Suede cardstocks, and the wonderful piece of Wood Textures DSP in the background.   l love the Pool Party 3/8" Shimmer Ribbon on this card.

 

This fun card has a series of layered ovals in Tangerine Tango, Peekaboo Peach, and of course Whisper White.  The soft background in Sahara Sand keeps it neutral and lets everything else pop.  Don't you love the look of that Garden Trellis TIEF in the background?  I did sneak in the retired Tags & Labels framelits for my little sentiment; punched holes with the 1/8" Handheld Punch, and added some pretty Calypso Coral 1/8" Sheer Ribbon.  So pretty!

 

This simple sweet card was created with the Just Add Color SDSP.  I really did just keep this card simple so that the focus would be on the colored images.

I used a piece of Painted Autumn DSP layered with Calypso Coral and Old Olive in the background, and wrapped with Crushed Curry 3/8" Mini Chevron Ribbon.

Don't forget to color those pearls (and rhinestones) with your wonderful Stampin' Blends.

  

If you've been on the fence about these markers, I encourage you to take the plunge.  If you're not sure, pick just a couple of the color sets, and start there.  Give them a try!  I can assure you, these are well worth the purchase.  Click HERE or on the image below to learn all the details about Stampin' Blends.  Then hop on over to my Online Store and snag yourself the collection today!

 

 

Be sure you are signed up for the DDS Nibbles Newsletter.  DDS Nibbles subscribers get host codes, and special perks, rewards, and tutorials, that are not offered here on the blog.  We're in the middle of the 12 Weeks of Christmas -- so don't miss out!

 

 

Don’t miss the exciting discounts and deals of the Stampin’ Up! On-Line Extravaganza Sale, Nov. 20 – 26.  See what’s on sale here.

 

Until Next Time . . .

 

 

 

 

Just Ask Wendy! ~ A Sampler of the Stampin' Blends

 

Good Morning Fellow Stampers ~

 

It's Hump Day!  And I'm glad that this week is almost over for me!!  With Thanksgiving next week, I'm going to be taking some much needed vacation time, and I'm really looking forward to the long break, as this week is an off-Friday for me!  Whoo hooo!

 

Let's spend a little time today with the new Stampin' Blends.  This is my next installment in showcasing the blends and shading techniques.  The more I use these markers, the more I'm really falling in love.  

 

I used the boot image from the Country Livin' stamp set, stamped it 12 times using Memento Tuxedo Black ink on our Thick Whisper White cardstock, and then set about showcasing each set of Stampin' Blends that are currently available to us.  I have to tell you that as I worked through each color, and played with shading, I was amazed really at how easy it was to create this look.

 

I am going to reiterate what I have said before - these are not Copics.  If you are a Copic user these are not the same type of marker in that sense.  Copic has 328 colors, that are created to shade and interact with each other in a very different way.  Stampin' Blends are an alcohol blending marker, but I assure you that they act a little differently.  I have found that the best way to blend and create with Stampin' Blend is to lay down the lighter shade all over first; then come back in and lay in the darker shade and blend it into the image (this is opposite my Copic training and how we would work flicks and blending with Copics).  Nevertheless, this works well with Stampin' Blends and the look is phenomenal.  I am very impressed how easy it was to make these fabulous boots.  Every single one of them looks gorgeous and has that great shaded artist look.

 

I used the Color Lifter sparingly, and only in some cases (not all).  I also used it around the edges of my Smoky Slate shading below and around each boot just so the coloring wouldn't be too harsh.

I can't decide which color is my favorite -- they all look so good!

 

I think the only one I didn't catch in the "close-up" is the Crumb Cake boot - but you can see that one in the first image.

 

If you've been on the fence about these markers, I encourage you to take the plunge.  If you're not sure, pick just a couple of the color sets, and start there.  Give them a try!  I can assure you, these are well worth the purchase.  Click HERE or on the image below to learn all the details about Stampin' Blends.  Then hop on over to my Online Store and snag yourself the collection today!

 

 

Be sure you are signed up for the DDS Nibbles Newsletter.  DDS Nibbles subscribers get host codes, and special perks, rewards, and tutorials, that are not offered here on the blog.  We're in the middle of the 12 Weeks of Christmas -- so don't miss out!

 

Until Next Time . . .

 

 

 

Just Ask Wendy - A Technique Tip Video - No Naked Envelopes

 

Good Morning Fellow Stampers ~

Hump Day!  And the first day of November! WOW!  Are you getting your plans in order for the holidays ahead?  Thanksgiving is already being organized here in my family. 

 

 

As promised -- it's time today for a technique tip video, all about "no naked envelopes."  And particularly addressing a recent question on how to do those cute designer series paper flaps to your envelopes.  Easy Peasy!  But let's review!  It's always good to "go back to the basics" I say and refresh our memories.  If you're like me -- LOL  So let's enjoy today's fun short video.

 

 

 

 

Hope you enjoyed that.  I'd love to read your comments in my comment section.  How do you keep your envelopes pretty to match your projects?  I think we have the coolest craft, don't you? 

Today the new Stampin' Blends went live -- did you get yours yet?  LOL  Don't wait!!  They are fabulous! You can hop right on over to my Online Store and purchase a few or a whole set; and don't miss the Color Me Happy kit and stamp set specifically meant to go with your new markers.

 

Be sure you are signed up for the DDS Nibbles Newsletter.  DDS Nibbles subscribers get host codes, and special perks, rewards, and tutorials, that are not offered here on the blog.  We're in the middle of the 12 Weeks of Christmas -- so don't miss out!

 

Until Next Time . . .

 

 

 

 

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Just Ask Wendy ~ Stampin' Up! Knockoffs!!!

 

Hello Fellow Stampers ~

How is everyone today?  It's a gorgeous week here in Colorado . . . and we're certainly enjoying these unexpected warm days, as I'm sure Winter is right around the corner.

 

 

Today I want to address a topic (and a question that was posed to me over the weekend) that EXPLODED on the scene last week.  It became such a hot topic so fast, that Stampin' Up! addressed it head on in the Demonstrator weekly bulletin.  It has to do with fake's or knock-offs.  Specifically, Stampin' Up! stamps, dies, and other items that have been replicated and copied and are being sold for pennies compared to the real thing.  "So what do Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, and Stampin' Up! all have in common? They make quality products that some not-so-nice people want to replicate (poorly) and sell for their own benefit."

Some of you may be familiar with the logo I posted above.  I had not been familiar with this until last week when this conversation first began in one of the private forums I'm a member of.  I have done a bit of research since and am shocked at what I have found.  Some of you may be familiar with e-commerce sites such as e-Bay, AliExpress, and Alibaba.  I have not been happy with e-Bay tactics for several years now; but I was not aware of the other sites.  Guess I don't get out much -- LOL  The names alone should give you some insight as to where these sites originate from.  In fact, most of the knockoffs out there are coming straight from China.  They are poorly made and very inferior products that you would not want.

 

Does everyone recognize this stamp set?  We know it as Beautiful You and it was introduced by Stampin' Up! in the 2017 Spring Occasions catalog and is currently being sold in our 2017-2018 Annual Catalog.

Buuuuuuut . . .  did you know that the image I posted above is NOT Beautiful You?  In fact, the image I posted above is straight off the Aliexpress online site.  Here is their listing . . .

 

 

 

Are you as shocked as I am?  Let's take a moment and analyze what we see here --

1.  The name has been changed - Aliexpress calls their set "Dancing Girl"

2.  The set is advertised as "transparent clear silicone"

3.  The item sells for $2.30 - FROM CHINA

 

O M G!!!  First - what a blatant copyright infringement.  Changing the name does not change the fact that they have copied Stampin' Up! artwork, and stolen their privileged property.

Secondly, let's talk about "transparent clear silicone."  Silicone is an ingredient in a lot of the products we use every day - lubricants, the seal caulking you put around your windows and doors, other types of adhesives, molds, rubber products, etc.  Does that sound like something that would make a good high quality stamp - much less one you'd like to have in your stamp room? 

On the other hand . . . Stampin' Up! perfected the use of "photopolymer" in making its line of photopolymer stamps.  I won't go into the science of it, but basically photopolymer is "a light-activated resin that changes its properties when exposed to light.  Photopolymerization is a widely used technology, used in applications ranging from imaging to biomedical uses."  You will find photopolymers used in dentistry, in medical products such as hearing aids and surgical masks, and it is widely used now in the 3D-Printing world (you will find this product in our labs here at Lockheed Martin).  It is much safer, stronger, lasts longer, and as we all know, creates an incredible "sharp image" stamp.

 

Now, tell me , what would you rather have?  A $2.30 silicone stamp from China that will most likely have cancer-causing carcinogens?  Or do you want the high quality $28.00/$39.00 stamp set made by Stampin' Up! right here in their own factory in Utah, United States of America [by the way - Beautiful You is actually a red rubber set that you can buy in clear mount or wood mount]?  Remember, you get what you pay for!!!

 

 

Yes, Hey Chick! has also been "knocked off."  Here is what Stampin' Up! shared with us yesterday . . .

 

"It's unfortunate, it's illegal, and it's something we'd like to see stopped. As some of you are already aware, a few low-quality knockoffs of Stampin' Up! products have been surfacing on e-commerce sites like e-Bay, AliExpress, and Alibaba.  We wanted to say thank you to those of you who have already reached out to us about this issue and let you know we're currently working to resolve it.  Please help us put an end to this problem, and continue watching out for—and notifying us of—any fake Stampin' Up! products. You can send all comments related to this issue to [email protected]."

 

Yup, even our beautiful new Birthday Delivery has been copied.

 

Folks, I would ask you to stay vigilant!  Do not frequent these sites; do not buy from them.  These are not the only products Aliexpress is selling; they sell lots and lots of other "fake" Junk (as I call it), including dies, embossing folders, poor quality yarns, clothing, cell phones, computers, etc., etc., etc.  I am sure you understand that if it's being made in China and sold on this site for a few dollars, you're wasting your money.  Even $2 for something that will break or be worthless upon its arrival is a waste of money.

 

Support your local and "Made In America" businesses.  NEVER buy from these "fake" sites; and when you see a blatant "knock off" report it immediately to the originating company -- I can tell you I saw knock offs for My Favorite Things and several other US stamping companies that I follow online.  I was appalled and saddened.

 

I hope I have answered the question posed to me over the weekend, and that I have brought a serious matter to light for all of my followers.  Just Ask Wendy is YOUR forum -- and I'm pleased to address or answer any question I can regarding our little craft world.  Talk to you soon! and Happy Hump Day!

 

Until Next Time . . .

 

 

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