Stampin' Up! New Catalog Coming Soon!!!!!

These are the new In Colors coming soon!  Today Stampin' Up! introduced the new catalog at the South Pacific Convention and here is a sneak peak of up and coming colors, products, excitement!!!  WOO HOO!!!!  Excellent presentation, Stampin' Up!!

Butterflies Just Because...

Here is my final card for my "coloring" series this week.  As you can see, I've added some Whisper White Card Stock, some Glimmer Paper and an embossing folder, to just enhance the coloring we can do.

When you use the doily on this card you'll cut into the lace, cut out the center and then using the Fast Fuse, you'll adhere and "gather" the paper doily.  I used a larger circle punched piece of card stock below the doily to mount it on and then popped the painted Dazzling Diamonds punched circle on top of that.

This had been a fun tutorial to work with and watch "grow" as I sat down to create.  There is always a time to color and it's not just for kids!  Adults love coloring, too--right?!  I know I do:)

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Butterflies-Simple and Still Elegant

Papillon Potpourri

My project today is simply adding a doily to give a little elegance to an easy project.  So many times, as demonstrators we want to use ALL of our "stuff" to get that perfect look.  I am definitely guilty of this.  Keep It Simple Silly!  That's what I tell myself A LOT!  

When I attended a Leadership conference one of the presentations was on the $80 card.  It's true!  I think about this when I continue to add things to my cards.  

With that being said, tomorrow I will post my final project for my series of coloring.  It IS embellished quite a bit more as I want to show the possibilities as we move forward in this craft.  

I've used the Papillon Potpourri stamp set for my projects, because I love butterflies and I wanted to show how one stamp set can be used and yet you can get a few different looks in your designs.  My intent with all of these cards is to show new stampers where to start, to eliminate, or at least lessen the overwhelming feeling that many get as decisions are made on what to purchase first.  

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Weekly Deals Rock!!

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Butterfly Thank You

Papillon Potpourri

Introducing two of the most awesome tools we have to embellish with...the Elegant Butterfly Punch and the Bitty Butterfly Punch.  Sometimes it's nice to "fussy cut" images, but a lot of the time you just want to get it done.  

Continuing with my theme for the week, COLORING, and showing a new stamper where to start and what to add to get more bang for the buck.  On the previous project I just stamped and colored and then mounted to butterfly pieces on the In Color Card Stock, but here I've amped it up just a touch. And although this is a simple card, the butterflies give it a touch of elegance and style, without being too complicated.

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Coloring for Adults...

Papillon Potpourri

At the end of this week I'm traveling to my old stampin' grounds to spend a few hours with some very awesome ladies.  We've stamped together for years, and this Friday night kicks off the 10th Annual Spring Into Stamping, that Kim Peck and Meg Loven started many moons ago.  I've been asked to do a presentation and as I may or may not have said earlier in my blog, I am going to do it on coloring. Who doesn't like to color, right?  At one time or another coloring was a big part of our lives, as we entered pre/grade school, and some of us up 'til we graduated from high school and maybe some still do it today.  So using some of the tools that really are a must have in everyone's toolbox, my blogging this week will be showing you cards starting from the basic to the blinged.  

I think one of the hardest things a new potential stamper has to do is decide where to start.  With my presentations over the next few days, I'll show what they may want to get, to begin with, and what they may want to add to their stash  .I recommend showing your new stamper the 'In Color' collections, as there are two of them and when they buy the card stock and ink package, show them a way to enhance their coloring with the Watercolor Paper and an Aqua Painter.  

Easy.  Takes the apprehension away.  Brings a smile to their faces.  Makes them want to do more!  

Next time, maybe they'll want to get a stamp set,  the Stampin' Trimmer and some Fast Fuse...who knows...

Just open the door to the imagination, and what better way than with coloring?!

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Using Sponge Daubers

Bravo!! You Did It!!!!

Very simple, very fast.  Sometimes it's best this way!  It's the last minute, even though you know this event has been coming for oh...18 years or so... 

The Bravo Stamp Set is a great one for accomplishments, and you can add your own touch depending on the event, like graduation, promotion, new job, etc...  And, you can always change up the colors based on your event.  Maybe you want it to be the recipients favorite color or their school colors, or maybe you want it to be monotone.  It's YOUR choice!

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Bravo!! You Did It!!

This is such a cool stamp!  I had no idea how cool till I started using it.  Funny how that happens...

I just had to make the box for this card with Black card stock.  It needed something sleek and simple

...then just touches of color and emotion.

I love trying to figure out how to make embellishments with the supplies I already have.  I recently acquired the 1/8" Hole Punch so I colored with the Strawberry Slush Stampin' Write marker on the Dazzling Diamonds Glimmer Paper and then punched these little glimmer dots.  When doing the coloring you really need to just gently bounce the coloring tip on the glimmer paper, since the surface is so rough.  If you tried to actually color your marker tip would be ruined in no time. 

I have no idea why I am enamored with the matchbook, but I am.  I made one years ago for a wedding favor, with the bride and groom's new name and address inside and adhered a mint inside, too.  It turned out really cute, if I do say so myself;)  But anyway, I just like the dimension.  To keep the little flap closed on the bottom I used our Handheld Stapler in the middle and on each side.   

Hope you enjoy this design and make one of your own.  Very simple.  Let me know if you have any questions. 

Now follow her advice, and go celebrate!!  Have a great Wednesday!!!!

Friends Who Know Never Tell

I cased the technique for this card from page 115 in our Annual Catalog, adding a few of my own touches:) When you're using the Classic Black Ink be sure to let it dry completely before you do anything else with your design.  I actually used the Heat Tool, because sometimes patience is not a virtue I possess...
I made this card before our Retiring List came out this morning, and the Beautiful Wings Embosslit is ON THE LIST!  NOOOOOO!!!  I love this embosslit!  Ah well, can't wait to see what's new;)  Be sure to go to my online store to check out the length and details of this list and place your order soon!  All tools and accessories are "while supplies last" so when they're gone, they're gone!! Use this Hostess Code: PXC4GCWS when you place your order.  You'll find the place to enter this code on the Shopping Bag page in the lower left corner.

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Weekly Deals

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Our Favorite 2015 Retiring Products

Marker to Stamp Technique

Happy Amazing Birthday

I love the way I can get more than one shade from one ink pad.  This card, using the Amazing Birthday stamp set, wood mounted, is stamped using only the Blackberry Bliss Ink Pad.  Wow!  Now that's a deal;)  As you may be able to tell I stamped once with the ink full strenth, then I stamped on another sheet of card stock without re-inking, and then a third time, creating the lightest color of purple.  I'd love to see some things you're working on, using the stamping off technique!  Happy Stamping:)

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Happy Birthday!! Think Outside of the Box

Since our 2013-2015 In Colors are retiring soon I want to use them as much as I can.  Hence, this color combination...  

I also wanted to make something that was a bit different.  I'm not necessarily opposed to conformity, but it is refreshing to see "different" now and then, right?

I wanted to make sure my box would hold a small gift so to make it sturdy I sandwiched a piece of the backer board (the plain white piece found in the back of the DSP packets) between two pieces of DSP. I like to use the Glue Stick for this as I can get really good coverage and then I secured the paper to the board with my Brayer.  Some of the glue may ooze to the sides so be sure to wipe it away before you go any further.

                                  

This is a view of our Box Punch Board which is so easy to use!  

There is an extension arm that tucks away when not in use.  Such a great feature. 

To make your box, use the chart on the board and it will show your box size, how big you need to cut your paper, and where you need to make your scores. 

Since my piece was so thick, I was able to mark where I needed my notches by inserting as usual, and then I cut what the blade could not get through. Normally this board will cut through heavy card stock.

Next, to get my "outside the box", after gently folding on the score lines, I cut around all four sides on the middle score lines.   

Then I cut out the right side piece, as shown, all the way around so it sort of looks like a pinwheel. 

To secure my box so it would not EVER come apart I used Sticky Strip at the joints... 

and multipurpose adhesive on the remainder of the tab. 

Then I used my Bone Folder to press the pieces together firmly and continued until all four sides were adhered. 

Wala, the box! 

Next, I stamped my "strings" for my balloons.  I actually stamped a long piece of the backer board that I had cut to 1/4" and then cut it in half and glued all but about 1/2" to 1".  I spread the unglued portion and this became the foot for my balloon string, to give it stability.

 I used 2 balloon pieces so the back looks finished, as well and then to ensure that the strings stayed separated I put a little confetti card stock in the bottom.

Have fun creating your own box(es) and let me know if you have any questions!!  I'd love to see pix of your creations!!

Have a groovy day;)

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Water Coloring and Friends Forever

Have you ever gotten a stamp because you LOVED it in the catalog and then you're holding it in your hand and you have no idea what to do with it---now that you have it?  I acquired this stamp (Friends Who Know) several months ago, and I admired it from afar.  What was I going to do with it?  It's kind of vintagey and I am not, so it became a conundrum to me.  Until, I just arbitrarily stamped it in Whisper White onto the Chalkboard Paper.  I let it set for a day, or so, and then I started playing around with colors.  Then that got me to thinking about one of my favorite stamp sets of all time, In This Together, and BAM, I knew what I was going to do...

So, once again, using my aqua painter, I began coloring this girl's dress in a color that I love, Pool Party.  I love the color, I love the name of the ink, and I love that it coordinates so well with so many colors. I'm really going to miss the 2013-2015 In Colors.  You know they're leaving us in June, right?  They are "to die for" beautiful!!

I used my paper snips to "fussy cut" this cutie and popped her up on my card with some dimensionals.  I love spending time on these kinds of projects.  It's so relaxing and I can just drift away into my "artistic" heaven.  Thanks for coming to visit me today.  See my list of supplies below so you can start creating, too!

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Reconnect With Old Friends

When I had initially heard that the Blendabilities markers were no longer available to anyone, I went through a grieving period.  Crazy, but true.  I just loved how I could color with them.  Then I thought...what are you thinking...you have all of the perfect tools, right in front of you, to color beautiful projects.  You just temporarily forgot them when the new kid came onto the block.  So I've reached into my tool box, as you've seen with some prior projects, and I've started coloring the way I used to.  And--I've fallen in love all over again with my ink refills, my aqua painters and the wonder of it all.  Life is good when you reconnect with old friends!

One thing I have not forgotten to stay connected with is the Crystal Effects.  There are so many uses for this product including gluing and adding dimension.  Dimension is one of those things that   really draws the eye and creates an excitement that   makes you want to look more!!

                               
So when you're looking for something new, to change things up a bit, head back to your trusted "old" friends and reacquaint yourself.  It's amazing the things you'll find you still have in common;)

Weekly Deals...Framelits...Gotta Get 'Em!!!

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Oh, and I love the LITTLE staples.  This stapler is so nice!  You actually have to try it to believe it.  Hee hee!!

Using Sponge Daubers

Cute idea for a quick project.  I love using sponge daubers and keep them labeled and in a little box, so that I know which dauber I used with which color ink:)  Then I don't have 5 of the "sorta" same color of dauber.

Just Kidding Old Friend

How many of you can relate to this?  I know I can.  Some days I have trouble figuring out if I'm coming or going.  It's good to laugh at all the crazies of life, for sure!

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Just Kidding

If you saw my post from earlier in my blog you know that this is another MUST HAVE for my collection.  I like quirky comical stamps and look forward to more. This girl's attire screamed seventies so I had to go with the colors to match.  I chose Wild Wasabi for her blouse and Tangelo Twist for her skirt.  I think she'd approve;)  I love the line stamps because I love to color.  Definitely looking forward to designing more cards from this set!!

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Boys Will Be Boys Birthday

I have not much of a clue about boys and what it's like to live in the same household with them because Bob and I had 3 girls, but thanks to our daughter Shannon, I am learning.  Boys are cool. For the most part they're no muss no fuss and they don't get bothered by the stupid stuff.  I've noticed that Shannon's 3 boys fight and then they get over it.  Sometimes they fight because it's cool.  

 What I'm getting at is I normally design cards with a more, shall we say, feminine trend, so I really wanted to come up with something that said, "this is for a boy".  When I saw this stamp set in the 2014-2015 catalog, I knew I needed it in my collection and I think I've concocted a radical card that lends itself toward the male gender.  Oh, and of course, there was a whole back side to this card that needed---something.  So I made a little gift card envelope with the Punchboard and left space for a personal message.  What do you think?

 I designed this card as a shadow box because 1 or 2 dimensional just wasn't going to cut it.  I needed it to be spectacular, awe inspiring and something that a guy would think was "COOOL!"  I used inks from the 2014-2016 collections as well as the Regals and Brights Collections.  So fun:)

I love that we have our envelope punchboard, because I had no trouble finding a way to package this card to send!  The brightness of this card still amazes me.  Thanks, Stampin' Up! for giving me the tools to create awesome things!!

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Pay It Forward

I'm always looking for ways to pay it forward because one of my goals in this life is to leave the world in a better place than it was when I found it.  I know that the best way to do that is to start with myself and be the best I can be.  I cannot focus on what others are or are not doing.  In doing what I can to recognize my shortfalls and my strengths I can move forward and achieve my goal.  

The other evening my husband and I were fortunate to be able to serve families at the Ronald McDonald House in St. Louis.  We were actually part of a group from my husband's work place, and together we all worked together to prepare a meal for these families. It's important that when family members come "home" from a very long, stressful day at the hospital, learning about their children's illness, comforting them, worrying about what the future will bring, and just coping in general, that they can just sit, eat, rest, talk and prepare themselves for the next day.

We took a tour of the RMH and learned that everything this organization works with, from supplies for cleaning, to food, to the furniture in all the rooms, all of it is donated.  

I've known since shortly after I became a demonstrator that Stampin' Up! has always donated to the Ronald McDonald House Charities and that the group I began stamping with has always donated cards to the local house in Springfield Illinois and now I know that I need to do something here in St. Louis for these houses.  

I am beginning a card making campaign so that everyone that comes to participate in my events can make cards for these families so they can keep in touch with their loved ones without having to go out and hunt for a card. We were told by the gentleman that took us on the tour that it was surprising to him how important these cards are to these family members.  Enough said.  Done.  I'll put these dates for my events on my blog and on my website.  I hope, if you live close by, that you'll be able to participate.  If you don't live close, maybe you can do this in your neck of the woods.  

In This Together Bridal Shower

With the coordinating products available, whatever your colors are for your event, you can be sure your inks, papers and embellishments will look gorgeous together.  You don't have to guess which ones to use as Stampin' Up! has made it so easy for us.  Have fun choosing your colors for your projects!  

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Head over to  My Website to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity!  Now is the time to get those embellishments and all those items without having to pay the shipping!  Woo Hoo:)  Oh, and enter the Hostess Code WF6692VX......on the shopping cart page, before you finalize your order.



Oh, and be sure to check out The Weekly Deals!!!

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Big News Baby Card

 I love this all occasion stamp set, Big News.  I was especially drawn to it when the current catalog made its debut, and I saw this cute bunny and these cute little shoes.  And, once again, watercoloring is the way I saw doing these pieces!!  I used the soon to retire Strawberry Slush and Crisp Canteloupe.  I will miss these colors when they go away in June.  I wonder what the new 'In Colors' will be...Hmmm...

 Using dimensionals, which are little double sided sticky foam pads, brings life to this card and takes this card to the next level.  I used crystal effects on the little bows and buttons on the shoes to give them a different texture and added the stars from our 'In Color' sequin collection,  So love this color combination and the embossing on the Canteloupe piece was the finishing touch.  What do you think?

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In This Together

Sometimes girls just want to have fun, oh girls just want to have fun!  This is a sort of contradictory card in that the background is grunge and the girl is anything but grunge, but I think it's fun to mix the unpredictable.  And the Melon Mambo just pops on the white and black background.  Glitz, glamour and grunge...who knew;)

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