Hi there folks! I hope you are enjoying all the new offerings in the new catalog. I know I am and I am sure there is even more to come with the Seasonal Catalog coming in August. I can't wait to see all of the Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas stuff. The holidays are my favorite time of year! Well, I'm busy preparing for this weekends Card Buffet with my recent recruit Flossie. I will have more fun cards to show you after Saturday so check back.

Just a reminder...the 25% off Digital products ends on June 15th. Don't wait too long to pick up this discount off of digital product and print services. Check it out on my website here.

I wanted to share my card for this month's group card swap. I had fun making it, even though I was up late tying to figure out the layout till I was able to CASE one similar. SU Michele Reynolds made one similar here and I changed it up a bit, but thanks to her for the inspiration!

The theme was summer fun. I loved the bikini made using the Dress Up Framelit Dies (130101) and had to make one for myself. The bikini was made using the Polka Dot Parade DSP (126902) and I backed it up with the Gingham Garden DSP (129310). Now, you probably can't see through the glare...I took this picture in my car before going into the meeting because I realized I hadn't taken a pic of my card to share yet. I guess I could've waiting to go inside for better lighting, duh, oh well. The base of the card is Marina Mist and I used a piece of Whisper White over the base that I textured using the Perfect Polka Dots (117335) texture folder. I thought it went well with the bikini. The saying comes from the Blooming with Kindness (126422) stamp set..."Warmest Wishes"...Summer....Yeah, well my kids say I'm too punny already, so I know! 

It's been fun sharing with you. Drop me a comment and let me know what you think. I love to read your comments.

Happy Staming...

New Stampin'Up! Catalog Kick Off Open House

This past Saturday I hosted a new catalog kick off open house. What fun we had! Friends could stop in, pick up a new catalog, make 5 free cards using new catalog products, see numerous samples, eat, chat, and generally just relax and have fun. I had a fantastic turn out and was visited by several friends, new and old. It was so much fun just for me!
I thought I would share my card projects with you today...

First was this fun dress card using the Dress Up Framelits (130101). I have discovered so many fun outfits to make with this framelit set.  I added a flower from the flower trim found in the Spring Catalog. We smushed one into a stamp pad lid that had ink on it in order to kind of antique the flower. You can use the water pen to do the same or even a re-inker to dye the flower to match a card you are making.  I  used  Cherry Cobbler for the base card. Demonstrator Vicki Burdick created the inspiration for this card. She has a ton of cards on Pinterest.

The next card was created by using the Mosaic Punch (131267) along with the matching Mosaic Madness (130249) stamp set. The base card is Whisper White, then I used the new Coastal Cabana and Crisp Cantaloupe papers & inks, as well as Baked Brown Sugar ink. The word phrase came from the Blooming With Kindness set (126422). Add some rhinestones for some sparkle...oh! and yes, shimmer spray to finish! The inspiration was copied from a card by SU! Demo Melissa Davies. She added a butterfly and some flowers to hers....really cute!

For the base of this card I used Very Vanilla cardstock. I used the Apothocary Accents Framelits (127003) and the Essentials Paper Piercing Pack (126187).  The background paper is Pistachio Pudding paper ran through the Big Shot using the Fancy Fan (127751) folder. The butterfly was punched out of Strawberry Slush cardstock and the Bitty Butterfly (129406) and Elegant Butterfly (127526) punches. The Delicate Designs (127023) embossing folder for the lacy design and topped it with the Gingham Garden Designer Washi Tape (129314). Now, in case you haven't seen the new Simply Pressed Clay (130685) you will love it! You press this silly puddy like clay into the Buttons & Blossoms Molds (131272), place into the freezer for 10 mins. and ta-da! Flowers ready to paint, or sponge or whatever! You can color them using a re-inker prior to molding as well. What a fun embellishment these are.  You can even press a stamp into the clay for a unique accent to a card. Oh, the words are from the Trust God (126702) stamp set. I love the soft colors for this year's NEW In-Colors. Michelle VanWiggeran is the Demo that came up with the basic design for this card, I saw her sample on Stampin'Connection.

Next, I wanted to do a simple chalk board kind of card and this is what I came up with. I used Basic Black as a base card. Although you can't tell by this photo....the background is actually Pool Party cardstock.  The Labels Collection I used offers a variety of sizes to cut out accents. From the Heart (126557) was stamped using the StazOn (106960) white pad and I drew accents around the perimeter with the Uni-ball white gel pen (105021). The corners were punched out with the 1/2" Circle punch (119869).

Last, but not least....is this little ditty. Gingham Garden DSP (129310) was used along with Whisper White for this card. The Label Love (130622) stamp set was used with the Artisan Label (130920) Scallop Trim Border (118402) punches for this card. The trim piece was Pistachio Pudding. A super simple card to make.    
And the paper offers lots of color combinations too!
Everyone really seemed to have fun playing with the new stamps and accessories. I truly enjoyed sharing the new products and playing with my new stash. So, until next time, I hope you all get a chance to look through the new catalog and see all the fun new stuff Stampin'Up! is offering this year. I'll be preparing swaps for next week and swaps for convention so check back to see what I come up with...until then,
Happy Stamping!

Card Swap

I just wanted to post a quick pic of the card I made for this month's card swap. I really like this fold and there is so much you can do with it.

This is the front. I used the Petite Pairs sentiments #122497 and the Papillon Potpourri set for the butterflies #123759. Oh! and of course, Mixed Bunch #125537 and Blossom Punch. The polka dot DSP adds just the right touch.

See how cute it is on the inside. I can't wait to share the other cards I'll get back from the swap next week. So, until then....

Happy Stamping!

T

Cards and Inspiration...

After attending my friend Michelle Haney's card buffet on Saturday, I felt the need to come home and create some more cards. Some of these ideas were inspired by some cards seen on Pinterest. It really is a great place to get ideas for anything! Here are the cards I came up with...

I love this stamp set ( Mixed Bunch #125537 clear mount ) and matching punch (Blossom # 125603). The birthday wish is from the Petite Pairs stamp set #122497 clear mount.  It's so quick and easy to stamp and punch and make these fun flowers. I like using bright colors for a summery look!  I used Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie, Real Red, and Tempting Turquoise inks. I really like the effect of stamping one piece of card stock and then cutting it apart to create the panels. My inspiration came from here.  I made another one as well. 

This one I used Daffodil Delight, Wild Wasabi, Pumpkin Pie, and Bermuda Bay inks. The words are from the Trust God stamp set # 126702 clear mount. Same kind of card...different feel. Which one do you like?

Next, I found inspiration in the rainbow. I just love the bright colors! My inspiration started with this and morphed into what you see here.

I stamped the butterflies using Versa Mark and used The Best of Butterflies set #133345 clear mount.Then I used the Flowering Flourishes #126367 clear mount stamp set for the shwoopies, and then used the Elegant Butterfly #127526 punch, and then embellished with pearls. Words are from the Blooming Kindness  #126422 clear mount set. 

This was similar and I saw a card on Pinterest like it here. I used Stampin'Up! product and Bright colors again for mine. Blooming with Kindness #126422 clear mount set for the words. Fashionable Hearts Embosslits #125596 and Scalloped Heart of Hearts Embosslits #117332 for the hearts. Add a rhinestone for some sparkle! 

These next ones were inspired by this post, but I didn't make mine as elaborate as she did. I went simple. I used Marina Mist, Tempting Turquoise, and Basic Black. This first one was on Whisper White card stock. I stamped in Versa Mark and embossed with White embossing powder. The stamps used are from French Folliage #121166 (it's on the discontinued list!) Papers used were Black, Marina Mist, and Midnight Muse.

Another twist to the previous card...I used First Edition Specialty Paper #121878 as the base. I stamped over the top, sponged with the same colors. I finished off with a Loving Thoughts #125845 clear mount phrase and some pearls.

I have others in the works that I'll be sharing with you once they are finished. Hope you enjoyed these cards. Drop me a note and let me know which ones you liked.
Happy Stamping!

Card Class Samples and New Items at Stampin'Up!

Oh my gosh! I can't believe all of the fun new things coming out of Stampin'Up! these days! One thing after another....and yes, I Want it All! Look at this fantastic kit! It's called All Dolled Up. This is a fantastic way to make a batch of adorable cards in little time. It can be made by novice as well as more advanced stampers and card enthusiasts. This is what you get:


Dolled-Up Birthday Photopolymer Stamp (1)
8-1/2" x 5-1/2" Crumb Cake Cardstock (6 pieces)
2" x 4-1/4" Very Vanilla Cardstock (6 pieces)
Very Vanilla Medium Envelopes (6)
Tea Lace Paper Doilies (6)
Dress Up die-cuts (6)*
Soft Suede Classic Stampin' Spot (1)
Vanilla 5/8" Flower Trim (6 pieces)
Sponge Dauber (1)
Get everything you need to make six cards for only $15.95 (item 133913)!**

To assemble one card, follow the instructions below:

Place the stamp on clear-mount block D or H rubber side up and ink with the Soft Suede Classic Stampin' Spot.
Stamp "Happy Birthday" at the bottom of the card front.
Ink the Sponge Dauber with Soft Suede ink and gently antique the doily and the edges of the dress form.
Adhere the pieces to the card front in this order:
Doily
Very Vanilla Cardstock
Dress form
Flower
*Created using the Dress Up Framelits Die designed by Karen Burniston
**Adhesive not included

Fun & Simple! These kits would make great gifts as well! Get yours today by going to my online store or contacting me directly.

Also, today is the first of May and a new Best Of stamp set is available. This month is Best of Brides and Babies.

Some things to remember:

• All Best of stamp sets will include 3-5 images, including a never-before seen image, and will be priced at $14.95.
• While we are releasing just one Best of stamp set per month (with a new theme each month), all of the Best of sets will be available until March 31, 2014.
• A new flyer will be released every month for each new Best of set.
• All Best of stamp sets are available in Clear-Mount only.

While we are releasing just one Best of stamp set per month, all of the Best of sets will be available until March 31, 2014.

I held a card class on Friday night and taught two techniques. One was the brayer method that I posted card samples of previously and the second was a patina (aged metal) effect. Here are samples of one of the cards we created. Hey! Is that the Tardis from Doctor Who? That's what my daughter said about the phone booth stamp. Cute! Well, this effect is created by layering ink on the embossed side of cardstock by sponging. I used Tempting Turquoise and Marina Mist over the top. Then I sponged Versa Mark over the top randomly, trying not to cover all of the ink, then embossed with gold. I used the Feeling Sentimental set from Sale-A-Bration.The card on the right is more even, but I like the randomness of the card on the left as well. What do you think?

Don't forget the retiring stamp list. Stamps and supplies only available while supplies last. See previous post for links to download list!

Well, with so much going on I don't want to overwhelm you. I will post the other items later, but you can see the flyers here on my blog and download if you'd like more info. 

Until then, Happy Stamping!

Stampin'Up! Retiring stamps lists now available!

Every year as we anticipate the new Stampin'Up! catalogs release we also await the retiring stamp list so we can make sure to purchase those stamps we have wanted but may not be around in the next catalog. The lists for retiring stamps and accessories have been released today. Many of these items are discounted and will only be available while supplies last and will not be in the new catalog, so if you see something you want, Get it now!

See the retiring stamp list here.
See the retiring accessories list here.

Click on my store logo to the right and place your order using the code NQDYW2KQ in the Special Offers section of the online order.


So many exciting things are happening at Stampin'Up! as they get ready for the new catalog release and Convention in July. New products are coming out and new colors. I can't wait! If you are interested in hosting a workshop and earning credit towards these new products, please don't hesitate to contact me. I would be happy to arrange a date for you to get together with some of your friends and use some of these exciting new products. Contact me and we will make a date to have a great time with all the great Stampin'Up! products!
 More to come soon, so keep checking in!
Happy Stamping,
Christina

Additional $30 for hostesses and new recruits!

Woo Hoo! Do you like to get FREE stuff? Silly question, eh? ME TOO! Stampin'Up! is offering an additional $30 in hostess credits to those hostesses who hold a $350 party during April 15-May 30th! That is in addition to the $50 in hostess credits already offered for a party with that amount of sales. WOW! With all of the new products being revealed and offered at this time, what a great time to hostess a party. Contact me today and I will get you started on planning a fun and exciting party for you and your friends to learn to create fabulous cards, scrapbooks, home decor, and more!

Also, if you love to paper craft, love Stampin'Up! products, love getting a discount on your paper crafting supplies, and could use a tax write off for your hobby or business, NOW is the time to sign up to be a demonstrator! Purchase your started kit for $99 and get an additional $30 in product for your kit. That means you get you will get to choose $155 worth of Stampin'Up! product for only $99!!! And with all of the bundled products offered at this time, you can get even more for your money. What a fantastic deal! There are lots of options for demonstrators and if you love stamping please call me and we can chat about getting your started in a fun business of your own today!

I would love to have you join my team or host a party of your own where I can introduce you and your friends to all the wonderful quality products Stampin'Up! has to offer. Contact me today!