Goodbye April!

I cannot believe April is over all ready.  What happened to this month let alone the first third of this year?  The end of April also means the end of the Occasions Mini Catalog.  Today is your last chance to place orders from it.  And since we don't know what is carrying over to the new catalog, if there is something you want, you probably want to get it now.

A big thanks to everyone who participated in the blog hop this weekend.  Weren't the projects fabulous?  Didn't it make you want all those stamp sets?  I promised a closer look at the projects this week so today we are going to look at the first card I shared:

Colors: Peach Parfait(retiring), Pear Pizzazz (retiring), Daffodil Delight and Whisper White.  Stamps: Borderlines (retiring), Sweethearts (retiring), Mixed Bunch, Heard from the Heart(retiring).  Punches: Blossom and 3/4" circle.  Accessories: In Color Glimmer Brads (retiring), Daffodil Delight 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon (retiring).

This is normally not a card I would demonstrate, because it uses so many parts and pieces from several different stamp sets, but we did make it at club last week. I wanted to show how Borderlines coordinates with all the other stamps in our collection and I wanted to get one more use out of these retiring stamps and accessories.

Remember retiring accessories are only available while supplies last and some of them discounted up to 70%.  Retiring stamp sets will be available through May 31.  However, Mixed Bunch and the Blossom Punch are in the Occasions Mini Catalog and as I mentioned before, that catalog ends today.  You can just click that handy "shop now" button and place your order now, before it's too late.

Come back on Wednesday and I'll show you more details on the scrapbook page from the blog hop and announce my first ever Facebook Contest in honor of National Scrapbook Month.

Retiring Sets Blog Hop: Borderlines

Welcome to stop #15 on the Stampin' Addicts' Retiring Stamp Blog Hop!   If you hopped on over from Krystal's Cards and More, then you saw the amazing things she did with Extreme Elements.  Isn't she talented? If you are just joining the blog hop here, all the blogs are linked together in a loop so you won't miss a thing.  If you get lost, visit Stampin' Addicts for a complete list of participating blogs or to chat it up!

I'm featuring the Borderlines stamp set with you today.  If you are a regular here on my blog, you might remember me gushing over this stamp set a month or so ago.  It was new to the catalog last year, but it took me SEVERAL months before I even noticed it.  And sure enough, as soon as I fell in love and bought it, it hit the retirement list.  But this is one I will be holding onto for a long time because it is so versatile.  It comes with three long stamps that are perfect to add a border to any project.  I have also added several other retiring products to my projects.  That was pretty easy since the list is so long this year.  You can click on any of the pictures to get a better look.

The first project is a card that features the polka dot border stamp from the set.  The stamps are each nearly 6" long, so they will fit across an entire card front, but here I used it on just a portion of the card.  I also used two additional retiring stamp sets on this card: Heard from the Heart and Sweetheart.  Retiring Accessories include the In Color Glimmer Brads and Daffodil Delight 1/4" grosgrain ribbon as well as the Peach Parfait and Pear Pizzazz card stock and ink.

Remember how I said the images on these stamps are nearly 6" long?  That makes them perfect to create a border on a 6x6 scrapbook page.  Here I used the leaf image to do just that.  A friend of mine pointed out how well the Falling Leaves (retiring) stamp set coordinates with this set too.  Also retiring on this page are the Tab Punch and the 1/4" grosgrain ribbon.

The Borderlines stamp set is also perfect for adding a little touch to a treat box.  Here I used the medallion shapes to stamp along the bottom edge of a box cut with the Box #2 Die for the Big Shot.  This box also retiring from the Stampin' Up! catalog.  And my beloved 1-1/4" striped ribbon too.

 

Seems like for these blog hops, I always end up with one project that is hard to photograph and this card set is it this time. But it features all three of the stamps from Borderlines as well as three of the four stamps from Heard it From the Heart.  Notice how I made matching envelopes for the cards just by stamping across the front and across the flap? So easy to do with this set.  I just added a knot of grosgrain ribbon (retiring) around them to give them a little something special.  

The possibilities with Borderlines really are endless so don't miss out on getting your very own set.  You will not regret it. Thank you for stopping by today.  I will be providing more details about each of the projects over the next week so be sure to check back. Next stop on the hop is Lily's Ink Pad and a look at another stamp set you will want to make sure you have: Turtle & Co.  

Going, Going, Gone!!

Last week, I post the list of retiring stamp sets.  Today, Stampin' Up! released it's list of retiring accessories.  And it's really, really long.  The bad news is, we're losing some really fun products.  But the good news is, it's making way for even more fresh new products.  And they have discounted some of the retiring products up to 60%!  So head on over to my online store at paula.stampinup.net and place your order today because these savings and the products are only available while supplies last!!!

Two things on the list are featured on today's card:

Colors: Naturals Ivory, Cajun Craze, Chocolate Chip.  Stamps: Delightful Dozen.  Accessories: Well Worn Designer Series Paper, 5/8" Jumbo Brads.

Every year, Stampin' Up! retires nearly all their designer series paper and this year is no different.  I have loved this Well Worn paper.  It is perfect for masculine cards like this one.  And the Jumbo Brads are also retiring.  I've had these in my stash for quite a while but just recently started using them more.  I think they also add just the right touch to the card.

 After I finished the card, I wished that I had made the ends of each piece pointed so that it looked like ties.  You could certainly do that to your own when you make it at my Spring Fling Stampin' Buffet this weekend.  Thursday is the last day to RSVP.  So let me know what you want to make and I'll see you there.

And come back on Friday for a Stampin' Addicts blog hop featuring retiring stamp sets.  The gals over at Stampin' Addicts never disappoint and I'm sure they won't this time either.

Circle Easel Card for Baby

Baby cards can be a challenge for me.  I always want something neutral, but sometimes green and yellow just feel stale to me. This time, to freshen it up a bit, I added Crumb Cake to the mix and then did a really fun shape and fancy fold:

Colors: Crumb Cake, So Saffron, Pear Pizzazz, Peach Parfait, Pool Party.  Stamps: Easy Events and Delightful Dozen.  Big Shot: Scallop Circle, Clear Circle, 3" Circle,  Circle #2, Polka-Dot Embossing Folder.  Punch: 2-3/8" Scallop Circle.  Accessories: So Saffron Taffeta Ribbon, Many Marvelous Markers.

The shape and "easel" fold of the card were completely inspired by Yapha Mason.  She filled in for me a few weeks back on the Stampin' Addict Sketch Challenge 130 and this was the sketch.  She turned her cute card into an easel so I knew I had to try that too. 

This is another card that will be featured at my Spring Fling Stampin' Buffet.  Let me know if you would like to come and make one this Saturday.  I hope to see you there!

Mother's Day is Just Around the Corner

Mother's Day is May 13.  That may sound like several weeks away, but really, it is just around the corner.  I will be featuring Mother's Day Cards as well as other spring occasions at my Spring Fling Stampin' Buffet on April 28.

Here is one of the cards you can come and make:

Colors: Concord Crush, Wisteria Wonder, Old Olive, Shimmer White.  Stamps: Field Flowers and Messages for Mom.  Accessories: 2011-2012 In Color Collection Patterns Designer Series Paper Stack, Concord Crush Stitched Poly Ribbon.

This card also features a few items on it that we already know will not be in the 2012-2013 Catalog including the Messages for Mom stamp set and the Concord Crush card stock, ink and poly twill ribbon (since it is one of the 2010-2012 In Colors.)  If you love any of these things, don't delay too long to purchase them.  But they will for sure no longer be available after May 31.

You can check out all the projects for my Spring Fling Buffet on it's own page here on my blog.  RSVP's need to be to me by Thursday, April 26!

Charm School

Stampin' Up! released the retiring stamp list this past weekend. You can click the link on the side over there to see what is on it.  The retiring accessory list will be released on April 25.  But one of the product lines we already know will be on it is the Simply Adorned Charm line.  I understand why these are retiring (to make room for more products in the main lines), but I have to say, I really, really love these things.

So before these beautiful charms go away forever, I am offering a Charm School as part of my Spring Fling Stampin' Buffet on April 28.  Purchase the 1"x1-1/4" charm and you can make up to 8 charm inserts for it for free.  The charms including tax and shipping are $22.  Add the 24" chain for an additional $12.75.  If you've purchased a charm from me in the past, you are welcome to come to the class and make some new inserts for it.

Here are the charm inserts I designed for the class:

If you want to join the Charm School, I need your RSVP by the end of the day Tuesday, April 24 so I can get them ordered and here for the class.  You can see all the details on the rest of the class by visiting the page here on my blog.

Spring Fling!

On Friday I showed you a sneak peek of on of my Spring Fling Stampin' Buffet Projects and promised to share more with you today. All the projects and class details are now posted on the Spring Fling Stampin' Buffet page.

In addition to the Family Frame Insert I showed you on Friday, I am also offering this Spring-themed insert that can go in the same frame:

Colors: Baja Breeze, Blushing Bride, Pear Pizzazz, Basic Gray, and Whisper White.  Stamps: Pursuit of Happiness, Fabulous Phrases, Loving Thoughts. Big Shot: Serif Essentials Alphabet, Little Leaves, Fun Flowers, and Beautiful Wings Embosslit.  Punches: Itty Bitty Shapes, 5-Petal Flower, Boho Blossoms, Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer, Tiny Tags, Word Window, Curly Label, Modern Label and Extra-Large Oval.  Accessories:  Twitterpated Designer Series Paper, White Taffeta Ribbon, Twitterpated Buttons, Baja Breeze and Blushing Bride Pleated Satin Ribbon, Pearl Jewels, Baja Breeze 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon, White Grosgrain Ribbon.

Each insert on it's own for you to make at my class is $10, or you can make them both together for $16.  This one is customizable too.  I used BLOOM on this sample, but you could spell out SPRING or MOTHER or other five or six letter word.  You can also choose to make the letters Basic Gray or Baja Breeze instead of Blushing Bride to make them stand out a bit more.

Can't come to the class but still want to make one of your own?  The cost for the kit with everything precut, punched and die cut and shipped to you is $15. (No frame or stamped images included).   If you want this one and the Family one together, the cost is $25.  I have created a KIT page here that even includes a Paypal option.  Check it out!

Stamp Retirement List is OUT!

With the change in the catalog schedule, Stampin' Up! released it's retirement list extra early this year.  And it's a LONG list to make way for a LOT of new stuff when the new catalog comes out June 1.

So check out the list and find out which stamps that are still on your wish list will not be available after May 31 and place your order today. 

The retired accessory list will be revealed on April 25.  Those items will only be available on a first come, first served basis.  Once they sell out, they are gone forever.  So be sure to check back then too.

Family Frame

My Spring Fling Stampin' Buffet is coming up in just two more weeks!  Saturday, April 28th from 11-4 at my house.  (I'm still trying to add a second date, but with my boys baseball schedule, I'm not sure yet when that will be.)  I'll be posting all the projects and more details this weekend but I wanted to give you a little preview today.

This is probably the project I am most excited about.  I know several other demos have offered this project as a class and I did a little sleuthing and as near as I can tell, the original idea came from Dawn Derrick over at Periwinkle Press.   Here is my take on the Family Frame:

Colors: Pear Pizzazz, Very Vanilla, Basic Black.  Stamps: Just Believe and Elements of Style and Fabulous Phrases.  Big Shot: Polka Dot embossing folder, Serif Essentials Alphabet, Little Leaves and Swirl Scribbles.  Punches: Decorative Label, Extra-Large and Large Ovals, Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer, Blossom, 1-3/8 and Scallop Circle,  Itty Bitty Shapes, Small Heart, and Dotted Scallop Ribbon.  Accessories: First Edition Specialty Designer Series Paper, Pear Pizzazz Seam Binding, Basic Black striped grosgrain, pearl jewels, scallop dotted ribbon and vintage lace.  Other: 10x13 frame.

I filled every square with accents, but you could choose to leave a square or two for a family picture instead.  I also picked Pear Pizzazz to go with the Black and Vanilla for my frame because it matches the colors in my house.  For the class, you can choose an accent color besides Pear that might match the decor in your own home. You will just need to let me know before the class so I can have it ready for you.  The cost to make the insert alone is $10.  If you want me to provide the frame (and I will try to buy the same one I have shown here if I can get them) it will be $25.

I will also be offering a second spring-themed frame insert that I will feature here on my blog next week.  And I can see myself offering other seasonal inserts at future stamping buffets too if there is interest.

Can't come to the class but still want to make one of your own.  The cost for the kit with everything precut and shipped to you is $15. (No frame included). I now have a page here that includes this kit plus another one now.  Check it out.

Creative Elements Step It Up Swap - Take 2

On Monday, I showed you a card I made for a swap on Stampin' Addicts: Creative Elements Step It Up Swap- Take 1.   I promised to show you the "Stepped Up" version of the card today. Drum roll please:

Colors: Baja Breeze, Basic Gray and Very Vanilla.  Stamps: Creative Elements and Delightful Dozen. Big Shot: Polka Dot Textured Impressions Embossing Folder.  Punches: Decorative Label and Large Oval, Scallop Circle.  Accessories: Pearl Basic Jewels and Basic Gray Satin Ribbon.

I wanted to add some texture to the card so I ran it through the Big Shot using the Polka Dot Textured Impressions Embossing Folder and added a ruffly ribbon treatment.  For the ribbon, I applied a sticky adhesive tape to the ribbon and to the card where the ribbon would go.  Then I started applying it at the bottom and just kind of pinched and gathered it as I went and wrapped the other end around the layer of the card.

Isn't that a fun idea for a swap?  I have one more set of these cards to share with you next week.   In the mean time, happy stamping!

Creative Elements Step It Up Swap - Take 1

Last month, I signed up for a really fun swap on Stampin' Addicts called a Step It Up Swap.  The idea for this swap is to make a basic card that you might feature at a workshop.  Then you take the same card and "Step It Up" with a "wow" element or two.  Of course I've never met a swap I didn't love so I signed up for two groups.

Today, I'm sharing with you my demonstrate-able card from the first group:

Colors: Baja Breeze, Basic Gray and Very Vanilla.  Stamps: Creative Elements and Delightful Dozen.  Punches: Decorative Label and Large Oval.  Accessories: Pearl Basic Jewels.

Some of the inspiration for this card came from the cover of the April Stampin' Success.  They showed the Decorative Label punch layered over that same stamp from Creative Elements and that was my jumping off point for this card.  This is probably not the most traditional colors for a Mother's Day Card, but I love this color combo.

Come back on Wednesday to see the "Stepped Up" version of this card.  You won't want to miss it!

From the MDS Archives

On Wednesday I shared a project with you from my Stampin' Archives.  Today you get one from my My Digital Studio Archives.  It's the first full album I ever created in My Digital studio about 2-1/2 years ago and it covered the trip we took to a few National Parks in May 2009:

These are just a few of the pages that I did for the album.  I divided it by the places we visited on the trip.  Each section had it's own color so all the Capitol Reef pages were Dusty Durango and all the Bryce Canyon Pages were Crumb Cake, and so forth.

One of the things I love about digital scrapbooking is the ability to get lots of pictures on one page.  If you've ever been guilty of snapping hundreds of pictures of the scenery only to wonder what you are really going to do with them all, digital scrapbooking helps you solve that problem.  Look at this page with seven pictures on it:

I posted these pictures now because we are on our way home today from another National Park Adventure.  This time to Arches, Canyonlands, Mesa Verde and the Grand Canyon with a few other spots along the way.  I can't wait to get that album made too.  

From the Archives

Today's post is brought to from the archives.  I needed some projects to post this week on my blog and I started looking around my stamp room to see what hadn't been posted yet and came across this card:

Colors: Basic Black, Poppy Parade, Wild Wasabi, Tempting Turquoise and Whisper White.  Stamps: Aviary and Curly Cute.  Big Shot: Square Lattice Textured Impressions Embossing Folder.  Punches: 1" circle.  Accessories: Black grosgrain ribbon.

I cased this card from one I saw on Stampin' Addicts by Lynn Put (The Queen's Scene).  I love the layout of the card and for as much as I HAD to have this stamp set, I have hardly used it.  This little owl is so cute though. And these are not colors I would normally reach for together, but I think they make for a cheerful Thank You card.  What do you think?

Happy April!!

April is such a great time of year.  Here in the mountains, we can still get an occasional snow storm.  But for the most part, Spring is really in full swing.  My perennials are poking up through the dirt and the frogs in the marsh behind my house are in full voice.   And they both love April Showers.

At Stampin' Up! April means Sale-A-Bration is over.  I wanted to give a big thank you out to my customers who supported my business during this year's promotion.  I had a great quarter thanks to those of you that let me share what I love with you.  I hope you enjoy the free things you earned. 

This month, Stampin' Up is giving us something new to enjoy: Summer Smooches.  I have shown you some sneak peeks of this fun product suite but I have one more for you today.

Colors: Island Indigo, Daffodil Delight, Lucky Limeade, Real Red, Tangerine Tango and Rich Razzleberry.  Stamps: Bright Blossoms and Tiny Tags.  Big Shot: 3-1/2" Circle Die.  Punches: Small oval, 3/4" circle, 1-3/8" square.  Accessories: Summer Smooches Designer Series Paper, brads.

This is such a fun line to get you in the mood for the bright sunny days ahead.  It includes the Bright Blossoms stamp set, Summer Smooches Designer Series Paper and matching Fabric.  And don't forget the super cute Petite Purse die for your Big Shot. You can see all the products here:

SUMMER SMOOCHES

You can order your own online today by clicking the shop now button.  In the mean time, enjoy those warm spring days and April showers.