Two By Two

It's late, but it's still Friday everywhere in the USA so this still counts for today's post.  We have company in town again so I didn't get to it first thing this morning and then I started puttering around my stamp room and just forgot.  But here is the card I promised to share.  This picture is not the best.  But I waited until too late to take it and there wasn't a lot of natural light left.

Colors: Crumb Cake, Bashful Blue, Chocolate Chip, So Saffron, Pumpkin Pie, Sahara Sand, and Pretty in Pink.  Stamp: Two by Two.  Big Shot: 3-1/2" Circle, Apothecary Accent Framelit. Accessories: Many Marvelous Markers, Paper Piercing Pack, Brads.

Two by Two is a single stamp image that is new to the catalog this year.  I don't tend to buy a lot of the single sets because I love the idea of images that coordinate together. But I love this image.  It's just so sweet and perfect for a baby card.  And it makes me think of the Noah song we used to sing at Girls' Camp when I was younger.  Maybe you know it?  "It rained and rained for 40 daisies, daisies.  Rained and Rained for 40 daisies, daisies.  Drove those animals almost crazy, crazy. Children of the Lord."  I probably could have found a You Tube video of it so it could be stuck in your head too, but I decided to spare you just this once.

Monday, I'll be sharing a peak a new promotional stamp set that is only available during the month of July.  You won't want to miss out on this fun promotion!

Flowering Flourishes

There are so many fun, new sets in the 2012-2013 Catalog.  I tried to feature several of them at my last stampin' buffet.  This is one of them:

Colors: Soft Suede, Summer Starfruit, Primrose Petal, Very Vanilla.  Stamps: Flowering Flourishes, Perfectly Penned.  Punches: Itty Bitty Punch Pack and Boho Blossom.  Accessories: Pearl Jewels, Primrose Petal Stitched Satin Ribbon.

This set is called Flowering Flourishes.  I love flourishes of any kind.  They make great back ground images or focal point images.  Here I used the largest of the three flourishes that come in the set as the focal point.  To give it some dimension, I added punched and layered flowers to the spot on the stamp that already had flowers.

This card also features two new In Colors, Primrose Petal and Summer Starfruit, with Soft Suede. Remember back with Soft Suede was a new In Color and it was the most despised of the colors that year?  I just cannot get enough of it now.  And I love how it lends an vintage look with the new In Colors.

Come back on Friday for a look at another new stamp: Two by Two.

Teacher Gifts

I know, I know.  I'm a few weeks late posting these.  They are the gifts I made for my boys' teachers this year and they both feature products that recently retired.  I hope you will forgive me and just enjoy the project and the idea behind them.

Actually, I got the idea for them from the Family Frame insert that I made a couple of months ago.  A teacher friend of mine was at my house making one and we started talking about how I could turn it into a teacher's gift and well, this is what I came up with:

Colors: Lucky Limeade, Coral Calypso, Whisper White, Wisteria Wonder, Early Espresso.  Stamps: Fruit and Flowers, retired greeting.  Big Shot: Serif Essentials Alphabet(r), Timeless Type(r).  Punches: Itty Bitty Punch Pack, Heart Trio(r) Accessories: Berry Blossoms Designer Series Paper(r), Lucky Limeade and Coral Calypso Ruffled Ribbon, Whisper White Taffeta Ribbon, Rhinestone Jewels. Other: 8-1/2"x11" frame.

This is for the amazing first grade teacher my younger boy had this year.  The saying on it reads, "We make a living by what we do, but we make a life by what we give. - Winston Churchill"  I've always thought this was a great saying for a teacher because who gives more than they do?  The stamp came from a hostess set from a few years back, but I won't give it up since I love this saying so much. And I really do love these alphabet dies and was so sad to see them retired.  But again, no way am I giving them up.  I love them.

Colors: Not Quite Navy, Cajun Craze, Naturals Ivory.  Stamps: Daring Adventure.  Big Shot: Serif Essentials Alphabet(r), Timeless Type(r). Accessories: Well Worn Designer Series Paper (r).  Other: 8-1/2"x11" frame.

My older son also had a fabulous teacher this past year. I chose the saying, "Life is either a daring adventure or nothing - Helen Keller" for Mr. Hassett because he loves adventures and was so excited to talk about our National Park trip and other adventures he has been on. As you can see, I kept this one a little more simple (less embellishments) for a man.

The Family frame inserts were 10"x13".  But I also wanted to make these smaller so they could be displayed in the classroom, if the teachers choose.  So I shrank down the squares to make them fit in the frame.  (And of course, I didn't measure them before I gave them away so I couldn't tell you exactly what those measurements are.  Sorry).

This is the week I get serious about convention swaps so I should have lots of new projects to share with you over the coming weeks.  Everyone send mojo my way so I can get them done in the three weeks I have until convention starts.

Moving Forward Frog and Blimp Cards

As promised, today I'm sharing the details on my last two cards from the Stampin' Addicts New Catalog Blog Hop.  BTW, it's not to late to see all the projects from the Blog Hop.  You can start right here because all the blogs are still deeplinked together.

The first, the frog card:

Colors: Gumball Green, Pretty in Pink, and Whisper White.  Stamps: Moving Forward and Pursuit of Happiness.  Big Shot: Designer Frames Folders.  Accessories: Gumball Green Stitched Satin Ribbon.

I just wanted to make a simple 4-1/4" square card featuring this frog to show off the smaller images in this stamp set.  I love the Pursuit of Happiness stamp set.  The sayings in it are just good for my heart.  I picked this saying because it has the word "mainspring" in it (which I know has little to do with jumping per say, but in my head, that is where I went).  I used the rectangular frame from the Designer Frames Folders and cut it out to make the frame for the greeting and tucked a flag of ribbon behind it.  I also cut the frog out and popped it up with a dimensional to give the card some depth.  (Have I mentioned lately how much I love dimensionals?  I simply cannot get enough of them.  I have to order them at least once a month just because I keep running out.)

Color: Pacific Point, Tangerine Tango, Whisper White, and Pool Party.  Stamps: Moving Forward.  Big Shot: Finishing Touches Edgelits.  Punch: Cupcake Builder Punch.  Accessories: Pacific Point Stitched Ribbon.

This is a 3" square card, perfect to go with a gift for a boy's birthday party. I started out using markers to make this blimp different colors and then had the a-ha moment: stamp it twice, once in Tangerine Tango and once in Pacific Point and cut the Tangerine one out and put it on top of the Pacific Point one.  That gives the card a little more dimension nd interest.  To make the clouds behind the Pacific Point image, I used the top of the Cupcake punch and inked around it and then moved it and did it over and over again to get clouds. (They are a little hard to see in this picture). I do like this "pinking" edge from this Edgelit too.  It is a nice finishing touch that isn't too girly.  And of course, a little paper piercing at the bottom too.

I hope you have enjoyed these projects featuring Moving Forward.  Remember, every time this stamp set is purchased, Stampin' Up! donates $3 to the Ronald McDonald House Charities.  A fabulous stamp set for a great cause!

Moving Forward Sailboat Card

Today I promised to show you a closer look at the Sailboat card I made for the blog hop. 

Colors: Wild Wasabi, Bashful Blue, and Whisper White.  Stamps: Itty Bitty Banners and Moving Forward.  Big Shot: 3" circle die, Striped Embossing Folder, Large Scallop Edgelit, Bitty Banners Framelit.  Accessories: Brads, Essentials Paper Piercing Pack, 1/4" Wild Wasabi stitched grosgrain ribbon.

As I posted on the blog hop, this card pretty much made itself.  Everything just seemed to fall into place.  I knew I wanted to make a baby card and I knew I wanted it to be these colors.  The rest just happened.  This doesn't happen for me very often but I love it when it does.  Usually I cut a bunch of pieces out and move things around and try to make it work and then end up starting all over again. 

I also knew I wanted to show off the new Essentials Paper Piercing Pack. I loved the old Mat Pack we had with the little piercing template, but this is about 1000 times better.  To start with, it is a full 6"x6".  That means it fits across an entire card and you don't have to move it and line it back up as you go down a card front.  It comes with three separate templates too and many of them match up with the shapes in the Apothecary Accents Framelits, several different Edgelits and many of our most popular punches.  Here is what they look like:

Come back on Friday for a closer look at the final two cards from the Blog Hop!

Moving Forward Tricycle Box

I hope you enjoyed the Stampin' Addicts New Catalog Blog Hop as much as I did.  I swore I wasn't going to buy any more new stamp sets from this catalog for awhile, but darn if I'm not tempted by some of the featured sets that I don't own.  If you missed the hop, it's not too late.  All the posts are deep linked together and will continue to be available for the foreseeable future.  You can start here.

I promised to share with you some of the details from my projects this week.  I thought I would start with the Tricycle box since it is the project with the most details to share.  I was never really thrilled with the picture I took of it last week but I ran out of time to tweak it any more.  Maybe this one is better:

Colors: Basic Black, Real Red, Whisper White, Basic Gray and Wild Wasabi.  Stamps: Moving Forward.  Big Shot: Oval Accent Clear Bigz and Bitty Banner Framelits.  Punch: Corner Rounder.  Accessories: Mini Brads, Basic Black 1/8"Taffeta Ribbon, and Markers.

From that picture, you can't see the end of the banner so here is a close up of the topper:

For the main image, I used my markers to color on the stamp to get this different colors.  The flowers that I added to the basket are one of the four smaller images included in this set.  To make the banner with the words, I used the largest of the Bitty Banner Framelits and cut off one end.

For the box, I knew I wanted it to be wide enough to use the new Oval Accent Die for the topper.  It is approximately 4-1/8" wide so my box needed to be at least 4" wide. I started with a  piece of 12"x7" card stock and placed it on my Simply Scored with the short side at the top and scored it at 1-34". Then I turned the box and scored it at 1-3/4", 5-3/4", 7-1/2" and 11-1/2".  To make it easier for the box to close, I also ran a score line about 2/3 of the length of the box at 7/8" and and 6-5/8" (the middle of  the 1-3/4" sections.)  You can see those score lines when you turn the box to the side:

Fold along all the score lines and clip out the extra piece 1/2"x1-3/4" piece on the bottom end.  Place adhesive on the 1/2" tab piece and the bottom pieces and assemble (just like a 2, 4, 7, 10 box).  For the topper, I scored the die cut in the center and then adhered it to the back of the box.  I used the super thin neodymiom magnets to close it on the front.  Then I added the ribbon and image and voila!

These kind of boxes are very simple to customize.  The trick is to have your bottom the same width as the sides of your box. And the Simply Scored board makes it that much easier since it has the score lines every 1/8".

On Wednesday, I'll share the details of the Sailboat card from the hop, so come back then.

Stampin' Addict's New Catalog Blog Hop: Moving Forward

Welcome to stop #13 on the Stampin' Addict's New Catalog Blog Hop.  If you are hoping in order, then you've arrived from Betty's Kitty Stamps and her fabulous look at Clockworks.  If this is your first stop on the hop, just follow the links at the end of the post to loop back around to the beginning so you don't miss out on any of the fabulous projects.  If you get lost along the way, visit the main thread over on Stampin' Addicts.

There were so many stamp sets to choose from, but I decided to go with Moving Forward -- this year's Make A Difference stamp set.  Stampin' Up! donates $3 from the sale of each of these stamp sets to the Ronald McDonald House Charities.  I was very impressed to learn that Stampin' Up! has donated more than $1,000,000 to this fabulous charity over the years.  If you haven't discovered this set yet, it's inside the very back cover of the catalog.

The set features three stamps with a transportation theme: a sailboat, tricycle and blimp. There are  four additional smaller stamps to accent the larger ones.  Each of the larger images have a greeting attached, but I cut them off to make the set a little more versatile.  I have four projects to share with you today and I will be posting more details about each one over the next couple of weeks so please come back and see ALL the details then.

This card seemed to make itself.  (Love it when that happens.)  I just love this sailboat.  It just spoke "baby card" to me (even though the attached greeting says Thinking of You).  Several other new items are featured on this card including the Large Scallop Edgelit and the fabulous new Stampin' Pierce Mat.  I may have gotten a little carried away with the paper piercing on this card, but it's so easy with this new template.  This should go to the top of everyone's wish list ASAP.  I also used a greeting from the Itty Bitty Banner Set with the matching Bitty Banner Framelits. And let's not forget the new stitched grosgrain ribbon: love this stuff.

Isn't this blimp fun?  I don't remember Stampin' Up selling a blimp stamp before but I know this is my first.  The pinking design on the orange mat comes from the new Finishing Touches Edgelit set.  And I added a different color of the new stitched ribbon and just a touch of paper piercing to add just the right touch to this 3x3 card.

Remember I told you that there are four little accent stamps that go with this set?  This card features two of them: that cute frog and that dotted swirly line. I just love this little frog and I can see him appearing on lots of projects in the next year.  I used the new Gumball Green In Color card stock, ink and stitched satin ribbon as well.

My last project is a box that features the tricycle from the set.  I know I gushed over the blimp and the sailboat, but I think the tricycle is my favorite.  I had a tricycle just like this when I was a child (minus the basket on the back).  So it makes me nostalgic.  I cut the new Polka Dot Parade Designer Series Paper with a new Oval Accent Clear Bigz Die to make the topper for this box.  The box itself was made with the Simply Scored too.  I will share more details about this project on Monday so if you want the measurements and directions, come back then.

Thanks for visiting my blog today.  I hope you will stop back again soon.  If you started at the beginning of this hop with Twila's Stamp a Little Longer look at Chock-Full of Cheer, you've made it all the way to the end.  If you started somewhere in the middle, then just continue to her blog by clicking "next."

Pleasant Poppies

One of the first stamps that caught my eye in the new 2012-2013 Catalog was Pleasant Poppies.  It is a larger, single stamp, big enough to cover an entire card front.  Here is the first card I made with it.

Colors: Gumball Green, Coral Calypso, Whisper White.  Stamps: Pleasant Poppies, Pursuit of Happiness.  Accessories: Black StazOn Ink, Markers, Gumball Green Stitched Satin Ribbon.

This is one of the first extra large stamp sets that has been available in clear mount.  One of the things I love about clear mount stamps is the ability to "surgically" separate a single stamp image for more versatility.  On this stamp, I used my trusty Craft & Rubber Scissors to cut the smaller group of flowers off of the larger image. Here is the entire image so you can get an idea of which part I cut off:

Does that cause anyone any heart palpitations?  At first it freaked me out a little bit too when I first thought of it.  But with clear mount, it is so simple to just line them back up on the block along the cut line for when you need the entire image.   And it worked so well, I plan to do it with other stamps too.

This is one of the cards that will be available at my All-You-Can-Stamp Buffet this Saturday and next Tuesday.  Thursday is the last day to RSVP for this event so let me know if you plan to attend.

And Friday starts the Stampin' Addicts New Catalog Blog Hop.  I will be featuring the new Ronald McDonald House Stamp Set called Moving Forward.  We'll see you then!

Corner Bookmark

My friend Lynne asked me to do some make and takes for a team building activity at her work.  She specifically requested these fun book marks that were in an issue of Stampin' Success a month or so ago.

Colors: Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Pool Party and Very Vanilla.  Stamps: Creative Elements.  Punches: Scallop Trim Border, Scallop Oval, Modern Label.  Accessories: Early Espresso 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon, Large Pearl Basic Jewels.

Stampin' Success is a month publication that Stampin' Up! sends to demonstrators.  It is chalked full of business tips and fun project ideas and it's just one of the many perks for being a demonstrator.  Stampin' Up! recently revised their starter kit to make it entirely customizable for new demonstrators.  You are now allowed to choose up to $125 in catalog product, plus you get your business supplies for only $99.  And Stampin' Up! pays for the shipping to you.  And to make the deal even sweeter, this month, new demonstrators receive bonus products from the Patio Party Suite valued up to $48.

These bookmarks will be one of the available projects at my All-You-Can-Stamp Buffets this Saturday (June 16) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and again Tuesday (June 19) from 6 to 9 p.m.  Come for three hours and stamp as many projects as you can, all for $15.  You will go home with at least 8 items.  Lunch/Dinner will be served and it will be a great chance to shop from my retired stamps and products.  RSVP by Thursday, June 14.  Hope to see you there.

Step it Up Cards: Best of Everything Take 2

On Wednesday, I showed you a card I made for a swap on Stampin' Addicts: Best of Everything Take 1   I promised to show you the "Stepped Up" version of the card today. Drum roll please:

Colors: Lucky Limeade, Island Indigo, Whisper White, Pool party.  Stamps: Best of Everything.  Big Shot: Adorning Accents Edgelits and Embossing Folders, Labels Collection Framelits, Polka Dot Embossing Folder.  Punches: Itty Bitty Punch Pack.  Accessories: Mini Brads, Pool Party Ruffled Ribbon.

As you can see, a lot changed on this stepped up version of the card.  Instead of the striped Designer Series Paper, I opted to use regular card stock and spiff it up with the Edgelits and matching embossing folders.  I embossed the bottom Framelit layer.  I added another color to the mix with Pool Party flowers on the branch and ribbon running around the card.

This was a fun swap to do. And I hope to get to play in another one again soon. Next week, my company goes home and I'll have more time to use my new stuff.  Come back on Monday and hold me to it. :)

Step It Up Cards: Best of Everything Take 1

A few months ago, I participated in a Stampin' Addict's swap with a twist.  The idea for the swap was that you created a simple card that would work as a make and take for a workshop and then you took that card and "stepped it up" by adding embellishments or techniques to it to show how easy it is.  I did two groups and have already posted my first set of the simple card and the stepped up version.

I told you then, almost two months ago now, that I had a second set to show you as well.  Since I'm kind of in a lull waiting for my box of new stuff to get here tomorrow (come on Mr. Brown!) I thought I'd share with you the simple version of the second set of cards.

Colors: Lucky Limeade, Island Indigo and Whisper White.  Stamps: Best of Everything. Big Shot: Label Collection Framelits.  Accessories: Brads, In Color Paper Pack

While I made this card over two months ago, everything on the card is still currently available.  Givent the large retirement list from the last catalog, I can't say that about many of my older cards.  Come back on Friday and I'll show you how I added some "wow" and stepped it up.

We ♥ our Hostesses!

Besides just the new catalog, June is also special because Stampin' Up! is running a promotion just for hostesses.  If your workshop totals more than $450, you get an extra $50 in hostess benefits on top of the already generous hostess benefits you would normal get.  That is free money to spend on anything in the brand new catalog. I know it's a busy time for everyone, but this is a great chance to take care of that wish list you and your friends have.

Another benefit of hosting your own workshop is you get a VIP invitation to my Customer Appreciation Event.  This year my event will be held  June 16 from 11 to 2 and Tuesday, June 19 from 6 to 9.  The event is an All-You-Can-Stamp Buffet: you make as many cards as you can in three hours for only $15.    I serve a light lunch and it's also your opportunity to shop from my retired stamps and other products as well as receive special bonuses for placing catalog orders. Anyone is welcome to attend the event and bring a friend,  but VIP's get to come an extra hour early to stamp and shop. So if you have hosted a workshop this past year, joined one of my hostess clubs or are just one of my best customers, watch for your invitation in the mail this week.

Colors: Raspberry Ripple, Daffodil Delight, Whisper White, and Gumball Green.  Stamps: Mixed Bunches and Loving Thoughts.  Big Shot: Polka Dot Textured Embossing Folder.  Accessories: Daffodil Delight 1/4" Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon

This is one of the cards that will be featured at the event.  It uses to the 3-1/2"x5" Note Cards and Envelopes that Stampin' Up! sells in the catalog.   I know I have used this "Happiness" stamp a lot lately but I just love it because it works for so many things: birthdays, weddings, showers, just because, thank you, etc, etc. 

There will be several projects to choose from and I will be featuring them on my blog over the next couple of weeks.  For this buffet, you don't have to tell me what cards you want to make, but you do have to RSVP by June 14 so I can plan lunch and have projects ready to go: paula24@gmail.com or voice or text to 801-557-3439.  I look forward to seeing you there!

Fell off the Wagon. Back on in time for NEW STUFF!!

Sorry I disappeared there for a couple of weeks.  Geesh!  Lots going on here and most of it is baseball related. Last spring, both my boys played soccer and baseball at the same time.  This year, I made them choose but it didn't really seem to free up any extra time.  Happily, we are in tournament play right now so that means the end is VERY near. :)

Since today is the date all Stampin' Up! demonstrators and loyal customers have been waiting months for, I couldn't let today go by without a post.  And since I've missed a couple of weeks, I'll share with you two cards, both featuring brand new products that you can order starting today.

Colors: Early Espresso, Whisper White, Raspberry Ripple, Primrose Ripple, and Summer Starfruit. Stamps: Loving Thoughts and Betsy's Blossoms.  Big Shot: Square Lattice Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Apothecary Accent Framelits.  Accessories: Brads.

You might recognize this card as very similar to another card I posted here a few weeks back that featured the new incolors.  After I made that one, I decided to use a similar background and technique to make this card for a swap.  I do love this Dahlia stamp from Betsy's Blossoms more than I thought I would.  And these new in colors work very well together.

Colors: Rich Razzleberry, Daffodil Delight, Lucky Limeade, Whisper White.  Stamps: Floral Fancy.  Big Shot: Tasteful Trim, Circle #2 and Apothecary Accent Framelits.  Accessories: Floral District Designer Series Paper, Daffodil Delight 1/4" Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon, Rhinestone Jewels.

This is the other card I made for the preview swap.  The stamp greeting isn't new.  But the Designer Series Paper and the ribbon (as well as the framelits that I am using on everything right now) are new.  I was a little sad when they retired all the 1/4" grosgrain ribbon.  But I do love this stitched ribbon, maybe even a little more than the ribbon it replaces.  The texture is slightly different and it ties a bit flatter than the old ribbon to make a more "mailable" card.  It comes in the nine "Getting Started" colors that should be the staple of your craft room.

I get to place my big order from the new catalog today and I am so excited to get my hands on so many things.  The next week or so promises to be almost as busy as the past two weeks have been with our best friends visiting from Boise.  But I will be posting projects next week, they just might not all be brand new stuff.