Retro Fresh Awesome Thanks

I thought I'd play along with the most recent challenge at Hand Stamped Sentiments.  This week it's a color challenge, and it's a combination I've used a lot lately.  I love these colors together, and especially love the Retro Fresh Designer Series Paper.  I'll be sad to see that go, but I'm super happy that the washi tape is sticking around.  Oh my, I wasn't even trying for that pun!  But I'm a dork, so I'm giggling.

Tips & Tricks

• I love to use the Arrows Embossing Folder to emboss a scrap, then trim it to use as a paper embellishment.  I used it as an arrow on this card, and then today I'm using it as a little flag.  It's a fun and simple way to add texture and interest to a card.

• I might just shed a tear over the fact that the stretch ruffle trim is retiring.  I really love this stuff...it's so pretty and it's easy to use.  I've found that the best adhesive to use with it is Sticky Strip.  It holds well, but the fabric will lift off of it (unlike paper) to allow for repositioning.  I've used it here as a fun way to kind of mat the Very Vanilla card stock.

Supplies

Stamps:  Yippee-Skippee
Ink:  Coastal Cabana and Tangerine Tango Stampin' Write Markers
Paper:  Baked Brown Sugar, Coastal Cabana, and Very Vanilla card stock, Retro Fresh DSP
Accessories:  Big Shot, Arrows Embossing Folder, Coastal Cabana Stretch Ruffle Trim, buttons, Linen Thread

Retro Fresh Happy Card {Retiring Products}

Oh, how I love the Retro Fresh Designer Series Paper!  I'm so sad that it's going away at the end of this month.  The good news, however, is that the Retro Fresh Designer Washi Tape isn't!  That's right, it's in the new catalog that comes out in June!  I got a sneak peek at it yesterday and was SO happy to see it in the new catalog.  So while I won't be able to get the DSP, I can still enjoy this color combination with the Washi tape.  And since I'm so happy about that, what better card to show off today, right?

I've decided that I have too much ribbon.  Actually, I already knew that, but finally came to terms with the fact that it's completely out of control and I have to use it up.  So those little orange banners you see peeking out?  Yup, old, long-retired ribbon.  And using those little pieces didn't even make a dent in my stash.  I'd better get to work using that ribbon.  I'm told myself that I can't buy any new ribbon until the old is gone (or at least mostly gone), and that's going to be hard.  I'll have to be creative and find some interesting ways to use my ribbon!

Supplies

Stamps:  Yippee-Skippee
Ink:  Coastal Cabana, Baked Brown Sugar, and Tangerine Tango Stampin' Write Markers
Paper:   Very Vanilla, Coastal Cabana, Baked Brown Sugar, and So Saffron card stock, Retro Fresh DSP
Accessories:  Big Shot, Arrows Embossing Folder, Chalk Talk Framelits, Coastal Cabana Stretch Ruffle Trim, Tangerine Tango ribbon, Sticky Strip, Paper Snips

Retro Fresh Thanks So Much Card

Happy Friday!  I think this has been the longest week ever.  So let's just say that it's a good thing that Friday is here.  What's even better is that the weather forecast says it's going to be 60 today.  After the last few freezing cold days, I'm ready for a bit of spring.

And speaking of spring, this card brings a bit of it as well.  It's the same layout as this card from a few weeks ago, just with different colors.  It's amazing how different two cards of the same layout can look when you change just a few elements.  In this case, I even used butterflies again, just did them a bit differently.

Tips & Tricks

• When adhering ribbon that's more than 1/4" wide, be sure to use Sticky Strip.  It's a guarantee that it will hold and you won't have to worry about it falling off.

• I love the new Tag Topper punches.  I also love using the corner rounder on the two corners when using the Scallop TT punch.  It just softens it a bit and gives a finished look that is consistent with the rounded edges at the other end.

Supplies

Stamps:  Oh Hello, Papillion Potpourri
Ink:  Tangerine Tango, Coastal Cabana, and Soft Suede
Paper:  Retro Fresh DSP, So Saffron, Tangerine Tango, Coastal Cabana, and Soft Suede card stock
Accessories:  Scallop Tag Topper Punch, Elegant Butterfly Punch, Bitty Butterfly Punch, Coastal Cabana Ruffled Ribbon

Don't forget that Sale-a-Bration ends on Monday.  If you'd like to place an order and earn some fabulous FREE products, contact me today!

Retro Fresh Angled Tag Topper Punch Card

I have another busy card filled with arrows today.  I think I've decided that I like this one from a couple of weeks ago after all, so why not try another take on the arrows?

This card uses paper from the Retro Fresh Designer Series Paper, and I just love the color combination.  As time goes by, I am loving Coastal Cabana more and more, especially when it's paired with Tangerine Tango. 

Tips & Tricks

• I wanted to add some arrows to the card to go along with the arrows on the paper.  The Label Card Thinlits set has two different arrows in it.  Actually, the Circle Card Thinlits set also has an arrow, so if you have either set, you can cut out some arrows!

• See that little strip of Coastal Cabana in the middle?  By cutting your card stock 4" x 1/2", it will fit perfectly into one of the lines of arrows in the Arrows Embossing Folder.  It adds just a little bit of subtle texture that this card needed.

Supplies

Stamps:  Just Sayin', Gorgeous Grunge
Ink:  Coastal Cabana
Paper:  Retro Fresh DSP, Soft Suede, Tangerine Tango, and Very Vanilla card stock
Accessories:  Big Shot, Word Bubbles Framelits,  Label Card Thinlits, Arrows Embossing Folder, Angled Tag Topper Punch, Very Vanilla 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon

Retro Fresh Praying for You Card

A few weeks ago I mentioned that each week I wanted to make a card and send it to someone different each week.  I've only done this twice, but each time, the recipient told me how much it meant to them.  That's not why I do it, but it's a good reminder that something as simple as sending a card makes a difference.  It's easy to make lots of pretty cards and just let them accumulate.  What's the point in that?  More than ever, I'm encouraged to make sure I use my cards to bless others. 

This is one of those cards that's going to someone who has been going through a really rough time lately.  I'm hoping that receiving this card will be an encouragement.  It's always nice to know that someone is praying for you!

Tips & Tricks

• I love this Coastal Cabana Stretch Ruffle Trim.  But I wouldn't recommend using SNAIL to adhere it.  Be sure to use our Tombo Multipurpose Glue or Sticky Strip.

• You may notice the paper-piercing on the Praying for You element.  I had to eyeball the poking, which just made me appreciate all the different templates that Stampin' Up! does have (I really wish there was one for the Deco Labels Framelits!)  They are quite inexpensive and I highly recommend getting them if you haven't already!

Supplies

Stamps:  Betsy's Blossoms, Thoughts & Prayers
Ink:  VersaMark, Tangerine Tango
Paper:  Soft Suede and Very Vanilla card stock, Retro Fresh Designer Series Paper
Accessories:  Coastal Cabana Stretch Ruffle Trim, Big Shot, Deco Labels Framelits, Pearls Basic Jewels, Heat Tool, Winter White embossing powder (retired), Paper-Piercing Tool and Mat