Thanks So Much

I don't know about you, but I was shocked to see the Square Lattice embossing folder on the retiring list!  I love that folder, and use it all the time.  I just love the unique texture it gives, but hopefully there will be something similar in the new catalog.

Because I love this folder so much, I thought I'd show it off with this card.  I really like to layer it on a same colored card base, as it gives a subtle bit of texture and interest without drawing attention away from the main image. 

I'm also linking this card to the Fab Friday challenge.  This one was a color challenge and was really tough for me!  These are NOT colors I would normally use together, but I was pleasantly surprised to see them work as well together as they do.  That's why I like to do challenges...they push me outside my comfort zone.  Considering the creative block I've had going for the last few weeks, this was just the push I needed!

Supplies

Stamps:  Just Believe (retired), Tiny Tags (retired), Papillion Potpourri
Ink:  Early Espresso, Summer Starfruit, Crisp Cantaloupe, Smokey Slate
Paper:  Early Espresso, Summer Starfruit, Crisp Cantaloupe, Smokey Slate, and Naturals White card stock
Accessories:  Big Shot, Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Chalk Talk Framelits, Jewelry Tag Punch, Bitty Butterfly Punch, Sweet Sorbet Accessories Pack, Basic Jewels Pearls

So Sorry Circle Flip Card

I wasn't going to show this card for a while, but since it's loaded with retiring products, I thought that sooner was better than later!  Unfortunately, Summer Starfruit card stock is no longer available.  Trust me, I'm as sad about that as you are! I may try to post this same card in different colors later this week.  Other retiring items include the So Sorry stamp set and the ribbon.

Tips & Tricks

• Did you know you can make a really cool linen look with the Gorgeous Grunge stamp set?  How great is that?  I love that set, for so many reasons, and now I have one more!  Just randomly stamp in two directions until you're satisfied with the look.  I used Summer Starfruit ink and card stock for a tone on tone look, and it's just perfect.

• Someone recently asked me how I know when to punch first and when to stamp first.  A lot of it is just kind of learned behavior that comes with lots of practice.  But a good rule of thumb is that if something needs to be centered, stamp then punch.  So in the case of the circle in the middle, I stamped the "So Sorry" then punched, and then stamped the flowers.  I could have stamped those before punching, but doing it after allowed me to better see the placement of the image, and I was much happier with it that way.

Supplies

Stamps:  So Sorry, Just Believe (retired), Gorgeous Grunge
Ink:  Summer Starfruit, Smokey Slate, Night of Navy
Paper:  Summer Starfruit and Very Vanilla card stock, Comfort Cafe Designer Series Paper (retired)
Accessories:  Big Shot, Circle Card Thinlits, 2 1/2" Circle Punch, Midnight Muse Stitched Satin Ribbon

Friendship Preserves Label {Retiring Products}

I'm sad that Friendship Preserves is retiring, but honestly, I'm not surprised.  I was shocked when it carried over last year, so I guess I got a bonus year out of it.

I thought it would be fun to make a tag with this stamp set...one that could be added to a jar of jam and given as a gift.  I do a lot of canning, and really should give more of it at Christmastime.  I'll have to keep that in mind.

Tips & Tricks

• Did you know that the 2 1/2" Circle punch is the perfect size to fit the lid of a regular mouth canning jar?  I just chose a gingham print from the Gingham Garden Designer Series Paper and punched it out.  So simple!

• I used Island Indigo Baker's Twine to tie the tag on, because it perfectly matches the Island Indigo gingham paper.  If you love Island Indigo, be sure to grab the Baker's Twine, as it's retiring.

Supplies

Stamps:  Friendship Preserves
Ink:  Versamark
Paper:  Pear Pizzazz and Naturals White card stock, Gingham Garden DSP
Accessories:  Big Shot, Window Frames Framelits, Paper Piercing Tool and Mat, Festive Paper Piercing Pack, Heat Tool, Clear Embossing Powder

Betsy's Blossoms Birthday Card {Retiring Products}

On Monday Stampin' Up! released the Retiring Products Lists, and wow, were there some surprising things on that list!  I can't even believe how many Big Shot dies and embossing folders are retiring.  That's a hard one for me to take.  But I'm glad I have many of them, and can just keep on using them.

I'm also sad about Betsy's Blossoms being on the list.  I've always liked this set, and it was one of the first ones I bought the year it came out.  I love the big flower in the set, and don't use the little ones enough.  But I think they work perfectly  with the Gingham Garden Designer Series Paper (also retiring), and was really pleased with how this card turned out. 

Tips & Tricks

• If I wanted to take this card up a notch, I would put some buttons in the center of the flowers.  I happen to have some old retired buttons in coordinating colors, but if I didn't, I could make them using the Simply Pressed Clay and Button Mold.  That's something that's NOT retiring!

Supplies

Stamps:  Betsy's Blossoms, Sincere Salutations
Ink:  Island Indigo, Melon Mambo, Daffodil Delight, and Pear Pizzazz
Paper: Island Indigo, Melon Mambo, Daffodil Delight, and Pear Pizzazz card stock, Gingham Garden DSP
Accessories:  Melon Mambo ribbon (retired), Decorative Label Punch

FREE SHIPPING!!! (and Retired Lists, too!)

Can you believe this?  Stampin' Up! is offering FREE SHIPPING all week.  This almost never happens, and the fact that it coincides with the release of the Retiring Products Lists is amazing!  The free shipping is good on any order, consisting of any items.  It does not, however, apply to expedited shipping.  But I don't think you'll mind waiting if you aren't paying shipping costs! 

The Retiring Lists have also been released.  Click here for the Retiring Stamps, and here for Retiring Accessories.  Two things that have jumped out at me (I haven't even had a chance to study these lists yet, just take a quick glance!):  a LOT of ribbon is retiring.  Also, the wheels are retiring.  I love wheels, so this makes me really sad.  If there is one you've had your eye on, grab it now, and stock up on empty cartridges while you're at it.

If you'd like to place an order, contact me, or better yet, visit my online store to place the order yourself (use hostess code 9WKB7ZYE).  I think this will be the best option, as you will immediately know if an item has sold out.  If you have me place it, something could sell out before the order is placed.  And with free shipping, you can order once now, and once later on when you realize you forgot something. :)

Simple Shadow Box Card

This simple shadow box card is for one of my daughter's good friends.  We just found out that she has to have surgery, so I wanted to have a special card to give to her to let her know we're thinking of her and praying for her.  Thankfully it's a relatively minor issue, but she's going to have a rough few days as she recovers.  What better color combination for a little girl than pink and purple?  I love how Wisteria Wonder and Strawberry Slush look together!

I've made shadow box cards before, and even won an award for one (although technically these are called diorama cards).  But those were a bit more complicated to make.  This one is SO simple.   It really only took me a few minutes to make this!

Tips & Tricks

• Just cut two pieces (one for the front, one for the back) of card stock 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" and score at the 1/2", 1", 4 1/2", and 5" marks.

• After you've scored, cut out some type of hole in the center of your front piece.  I used the Deco Labels Framelits* here.

• Stamp the background.  I also spritzed some sparkles using the Glimmer Ink Refill and some rubbing alcohol in a spritzer bottle.  If you plan on stamping or embossing the front, go ahead and do that now.

• Once everything is stamped and embellished, adhere to two pieces together along the sides using Sticky Strip.

Supplies

Stamps:  Just Believe, Gorgeous Grunge, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink:  Wisteria Wonder, Strawberry Slush, and Wild Wasabi, Glimmer Ink refill
Paper:  Wisteria Wonder and Naturals White card stock
Accessories:  Big Shot, Deco Labels Framelits*, Strawberry Slush Stretch Ruffle Ribbon, Dazzling Details, Bitty Banners Framelits, Linen Thread, Button, Spritzer bottle

*The RETIRED PRODUCTS LIST comes out on Monday.  Be sure to check back here for links to the list.  I have no inside knowledge, but I highly suspect that the Deco Labels Framelits will be on that list.  Due to the fact that Karen Burniston has not renewed her contract with the makers of our Framelits and other Sizzix products, I'm guessing that everything with her name next to it in the catalog will also be retiring. 

If you want to be sure to get the items from your wish list that appear on the retiring list, go here to place an online order.  If you use hostess code 9WKB7ZYE, you'll receive a gift from me. :)

Masculine Mosaic Madness

Since we're anxious for spring around here, it's been easy to make lots of cards with bright colors and flowers.  But I thought it was time to attempt some masculine cards. 

Tips & Tricks

• This card could just as easily be a more feminine card...it's all about the color scheme.  Choosing these dark, earthy colors makes this card seem like it's appropriate for any man.  But choosing softer colors would definitely make it work for a girl or woman.

• Did you know that you don't need to use an ink cartridge with a wheel when using it on a card?  Just run the wheel over any ink pad and push it across the card front.  This time I used VersaMark.

Supplies

Stamps:  Mosaic Madness, Friendly Phrases, Alhambra Wheel
Ink:  Always Artichoke, Cajun Craze, Night of Navy, and VersaMark
Paper:  Always Artichoke, Cajun Craze, Sahara Sand, and Whisper White card stock
Accessories:  Big Shot, Modern Mosaic Embossing Folder, Angled Tag Topper Punch, Mosaic Punch

Stampin' Up! + Project Life = A Match Made in Heaven!

I am so excited to pass on this amazing news...Stampin' Up! has partnered with Project Life and will now offer authentic Project Life products, in exclusive Stampin’ Up! colors and designs!  These products will be available with the new catalog in June, but you'll be actually be able to get a few of them as early as May 1. (Yay!)

I've personally been in a bit of a scrapbooking slump lately, so I'm really excited about this new addition to the Stampin' Up! family.  I think it will give me just the kick I need to get back to preserving my family's memories.

Betsy's Blossoms Bookmark

I've been a creative rut lately, so I thought that making something other than a card might help the creative juices flow a little better.  I'm not sure it worked, but it is fun to have something different to show!

I decided to make this tag that can double as a bookmark.  I may stick this in a card for someone, or I might even tuck it into the next book I loan out.  That would be a fun surprise for the reader!

Tips & Tricks

• If you're new to Stampin' Up!, you might be overwhelmed by all the gorgeous colors there are to choose from.  And you might not quite know where to start when it comes to building your ink collection.  If your budget is limited and you can't get them all in one shot, I highly recommend picking a few that you love, and adding in the VersaMark ink.  I used it here on the Pacific Point tag.  This ink gives a tone-on-tone look, and can also be used for embossing.  It's a very versatile ink (hence the name) and it's one that every stamper needs to have!

• I've been trying to use up my many, many scraps of paper, and this project lends itself perfectly to that mission.  I ONLY used scraps on this project, and it could be made using any Designer Series Paper and coordinating card stock or ribbon.

Supplies

Stamps:  Betsy's Blooms, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink:  VersaMark, Chocolate Chip, and Pacific Point
Paper:  Crushed Curry, Very Vanilla, Old Olive, Chocolate Chip, and Pacific Point card stock, International Bazaar DSP (retired)
Accessories:  Very Vanilla Seam Binding Ribbon, Big Shot, Bitty Banners Framelits, Scallop Tag Topper Punch, Tangerine Tango ribbon (retired)

Scallop Tag Topper Punch Treat Holder

I'm not sure about you, but I hadn't really realized how close Easter was.  Which is pretty pathetic, considering how late it is this year.  So even though my Easter decorations are still in my attic, I thought it would be fun to make a little Easter project.  This is a treat holder that is perfect to give as a gift, and would be easy to make multiples of. 

Tips & Tricks

• I love the new Tag Topper Punches, because they are so easy to use.  I just cut a 2" strip of card stock along the 8 1/2" side.  The best part about this project is that you don't have to have precise measurements for the length.  This would have still worked out great had I made a shorter strip.  It's a great way to use up your scraps!  I punched both ends of the strip.

• Get out your Simply Scored Scoring Tool and score twice...I scored about 3" in from each end.  I say about because I counted wrong from one end.  I recommend turning your piece after the first score, so that you are sure you are using the same measurement for both sides. :)

• Once you have punched and score, just embellish!  And don't forget to tuck a little bag of jelly beans or other treats inside!

Supplies

Stamps:  Betsy's Blossoms, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink:  Strawberry Slush, Coastal Cabana, and Crushed Curry
Paper:  Strawberry Slush and Whisper White card stock
Accessories:  1 1/4", 1", and 3/4" Circle Punches, Coastal Cabana Ruffled Trim, Scallop Tag Topper Punch, Whisper White Baker's Twine

Stampin' Up! Hardwood Thank You Card

Well, I'm a little late in posting this week, but it was because I didn't have any time to stamp this weekend!  And this card is for the person responsible for that.  My friend Cathy organized a mini-retreat for homeschool moms this weekend, and it was WONDERFUL!  Homeschooling is really hard sometimes (and I know it's not for everyone).  It's totally worth it, because I know it's best for my family.  But it's still easy to get burnt out, especially at this time of year when you just. want. to. be. done.  Actually, I'd bet money that every single teacher out there feels that way right about now...especially the ones who have been doing standardized testing over the past few weeks!

Anyway, I had a wonderfully relaxing weekend, even though it didn't involve stamping. 

Supplies

Stamps:  Itty Bitty Banners, Hardwood
Ink:  Soft Suede and Crumb Cake 
Paper:  Crumb Cake, Naturals White, and Cherry Cobbler card stock
Accessories:  Big Shot, Hearts Collection Framelits, Bitty Banners Framelits, Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding Ribbon, retired ribbon...for a similar look, try the 7/16" Trim instead!

Simple Washi Tape Card

This is just a simple card I whipped up in a few minutes.  It's one I'll be making with about 20 tween girls later today, so I needed something simple and easy, but also on that's fun to make.  I think they'll love the splatters and the washi tape.  At least I hope so!

Supplies

Stamps:  Thoughts & Prayers, Gorgeous Grunge
Ink: Daffodil Delight and Melon Mambo
Paper:  Naturals White and Island Indigo card stock
Accessories:  Large Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Gingham Garden Designer Washi Tape