Fabulous Creative Elements

I set out the other day to make a list of the top 10 things in the new Idea Book and Catalog.  The problem was, I couldn't stop at 10.  So much to love in this one.

But one of my favorite stamp sets from the new catalog is Creative Elements.  You know how you can tell I think it's fabulous?  I've made two cards with it in the last week and both times I reached for the "fabulous" stamp to compete the card.  I didn't even realize it until I went to take pictures of them both last night.

I mentioned one perk of being a demonstrator yesterday.  Another one is Convention.  This card is a CASE of a card presented by Stampin' Up Founder and CEO Shelli Gardner and her daughter Shalae Brown on the main stage at Convention last month.  I think it was my favorite of all the projects presented on stage during Convention and I knew I had to try it at home.

This card features all kinds of techniques.  First, emboss resist: I stamped the flourishes in VersaMark and used clear embossing powder then I stamped and sponged over it and rubbed away the excess ink over the embossing.  Then I ran the whole thing through the Big Shot with the embossing folder and lightly sponged Razzleberry mostly just on the bumps.  Then I spritzed it with a combination of shimmer paint and alcohol to give it some shine. It was a little work, but worth the effort.

This set really lends itself well to techniques. This time, I wanted to plan a project for my Technique Hostess Club called Crayon Resist.  I stamped the glossy white card stock with StazOn black ink.  Then I stole, I mean borrowed, a white crayon from my kid's crayon box, and colored in all the places I wanted to stay white.  Then I sponged Pool Party Ink all over that piece.  Last, I rubbed away the crayon.  I think this was one of the very first techniques I ever did at one of the first Stampin' Up Workshops I went to, way back before I ever intended to become a stamper.  It's an oldie, but a goody.  Love how elegant it looks with this technique.

Colors: Wisteria Wonder, Concord Crush and Whisper White.  Stamps: Creative Elements. Punches: Decorative Label and Lace Ribbon Border.  Accessories: Rhinestones

And last, but not least, is a card from my customer appreciation event.  No techniques on this one, but some new things to point out.  Concord Crush is one of the carry-over In Colors from last year.  I hardly ever used it because I just had a hard time pairing it with anything other than white or vanilla.  But I love it with Wisteria Wonder.  It's like they were made for each other.  I especially love Wisteria Wonder Card Stock stamped with Concord Crush ink.

The other new thing I love on this card is the Lace Ribbon Border.  It's one very large punch.  But it is so beautiful.  Look at all the detail in it. It really adds to a card.

Now tell me Creative Elements is not one of YOUR favorites from the new catalog.   If you want it for yourself, click on over to my online store and order it.  The set of 8 stamps in wood mount (item 122645) is $32.95 and in clear mount (item 122647) is $24.95.