A Dizzy Turtle

After I made my crayon-resist card the other day, I still needed a sketch challenge for the week. Or did I? Actually, my crayon-resist card became the Sketch Challenge for this week on Stampin' Addicts.  And by coincidence, it also met the requirements for this week's Accessories and More Challenge (use the new Pennant Die).

I could have stopped right there and called it good.  But I was in the juice on Wednesday.  So I made not one, but two more cards based on the sketch.  You  only get to see one today, but the other one will appear with some sneak peeks next week.

Colors: Wild Wasabi, Peach Parfait, Daffodil Delight, Baja Breeze.  Stamps: Turtle & Co. Big Shot: Polka Dot Embossing Folder, Perfect Pennants Die, Circle #2 Die.  Punch: Word Window. Accessories: Daffodil Delight 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Many Marvelous Markers, Crystal Effects, Just Add Cake Designer Series Paper.

"Hope you're back on your feet again soon!"  Get it?  I made this for a dear friend who is undergoing chemo right now.

And since I was still in the juice, as soon as I made this card, a big bright light bulb went off.  That turtle needs to spin so it can land on it's feet again.  I happen to really, really, really love spinner cards and this turtle needed to be on one for sure!

Colors: Wild Wasabi, Peach Parfait, Daffodil Delight, Baja Breeze.  Stamps: Turtle & Co. and Confetti.   Big Shot: Circle #2 Die.  Punch: Word Window, Modern Label, 2-3/8" Scallop. Accessories: Many Marvelous Markers, Crystal Effects, Just Add Cake Designer Series Paper, paper piercer, mini brads.

 You know you want to see it move.  Right?  I can play with these cards for hours.

(That's the very first video I've ever made and uploaded all by myself.  I can't believe it worked!)


I love this turtle. He's this year's Making a Difference set called Turtle & Co. When you purchase this set, Stampin' Up! donates $3 to the Ronald McDonald House Charities.   Such a great cause!  And he makes perfect get well and other cards for the young and not-so young men in your lives (and he has cute little friends too - a snail and frog). 

And besides the challenges over on Stampin' Addicts, these cards also fit the theme of the monthly contest over on soshelli.com.  So they are my entries for this month.  Cross your fingers for me.

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. 

Ellen on Glitter

Someone asked so I have to share.  Here is Ellen on Glitter:

Holiday Mini Sneak Peeks: Fun and Festive

The Holiday Mini doesn't start until September 1.  But one of the perks of being a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator is the opportunity to pre-order new items and get to play with them a whole month before everyone else.  (And that's just one of the many perks).

My order arrived last week and I promised to provide some sneak peeks.  I'm hoping to do this once a week for the rest of the month.  This week's sneak peek is the Fun and Festive set.  The set features three stamps, one for each upcoming holiday: Halloween, Christmas and Valentines.  I knew when I saw it, I'd have to have it.

Colors: Pumpkin Pie, Lucky Limeade, Perfect Plum, Daffodil Delight, Whisper White and Basic Black.  Stamps: Fun and Festive. Tools: Many Marvelous Markers, and Small Oval Punch. Accessories:  Basic Black 1/2" Scallop Dot Ribbon, Dazzling Details, and Crystal Effects.  Tutorial for Pull-Up Candy Bar Holder from splitcoaststampers.com.

If you love sparkle, but hate glitter (don't forget what Ellen DeGeneres says about glitter), you will love the other new product featured on this project: Dazzling Details - an iridescent glitter glue.   All the bling with none of the mess.  After I colored the image, I added a layer just over the colored areas to give it lots of sparkle (I know it's a little hard to tell from the picture).

And isn't this Candy Bar Holder a great Halloween treat?  This may  be a project for my Spooktacular Buffet in October.  If you are a class regular or want to be, let me know and I'll add it to the lineup.

Colors: Garden Green, Cherry Cobbler and Whisper White. Stamps: Festive and Fun.  Tools: Spritzer and Marker. Accessories: Frostwood Lodge Designer Series Paper, Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding Ribbon, Garden Green Button, and Crystal Effects. 

The Christmas image says, "Have a Holly Jolly Christmas."  Tell me that song is not running through your head right now!  This time, instead of sparkle, I wanted shine so I just put a layer of Crystal Effects over just where I colored.  That is one of my favorite techniques, but sometimes I have a little trouble being patient enough for it to dry.

Colors: Cherry Cobbler, Regal Rose, Very Vanilla, Pink Pirouette, Pretty in Pink.  Stamps: Fun and Festive.  Big Shot: Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder.  Tools: Markers, Paper Piercer and Mat Pack.  Accessories: Dazzling Details, brads.

I know, Valentines is still six months away.  Seems a little silly to be showing you a card this early.  But I love this stamp.  It's so cute.  I also used it in a swap I am doing so I'll have another card using this same stamp set to show you in a few weeks.  Again, I just added just a touch of Dazzling Details to this one too. 

I've been so drawn to these line art images lately. I know some of my customers HATE to color images.  But I have always found it a bit therapeutic to color.  It takes me back to my childhood days of coloring books and crayons.  I used to beg my mom to buy me markers and the thicker-paged books.  Simpler times.   Now I have my very own set of markers and can stamp all the images I want to color anytime I want.  Heaven, I tell you!

Stampin' Addict Sketch Challenge 104 & Color Challenge 108

I have A LOT of nicknames.  In my younger years I was also Paula Koala, PJ, and PaulaJo.  And because Californians tend to shorten everything (rad, bromance, vaca, Cali to name just a few famous terms) I was even just Jo for awhile.  Now I'm mostly just Mom, Paula, Pahlua (because I misstamped my name once and it stuck) or my online name, scrapshappen.

But I have another name not very many people know about: Challenge Master. When Stampin' Addicts first got started I took on coordinating the Challenges.  We have six every week: Monday's 3D challenge (with awesome video tutorials), Tuesday's Techniques, Wednesday's Accessories and More, Thursday's Sketch, Friday's Colors and Saturday's Scrapbooking.  If you are ever in need of some inspiration, be sure to check it out: www.stampinaddicts.com.

I've mentioned before that I host the Sketch Challenge and then a group of very talented stampers do the rest.   This week's challenge came straight off of page 104 of the Idea Book and Catalog. (Coincidentally, it is also Sketch Challenge 104).  One of the things I love about our catalog is it really has some great inspiration for creating at home -- substituting other stamps and colors for those shown. 


So here is the card I made based on the sketch for this week:

Colors: Early Espresso, Melon Mambo, Pumpkin Pie and So Saffron.  Stamps: Daring Adventure. Accessories: Brads, Markers, Spritzing Tool.

I love the saying on this stamp set.  It makes me want to be brave and go climb a mountain or something. But after I made this card, I had an idea for another one:

Colors: Island Indigo, Calypso Coral, Pool Party, Lucky Limeade. Stamps: Delightful Dozen. Accessories: Designer Printed Brads, 3/8" Ruffled Ribbon.

 

Notice how the cards have the same sketch but the one on the bottom is flipped up so it looks completely different.  It was a happy accident actually.  But I was very pleased with the way it turned out.  (Sorry the Pool party ink didn't show up well in the picture, it looks much better IRL).

And because our usual color challenge hostess Crissy is vacationing with her family, I repurposed this card to be the color challenge this week too. That's color challenge 108 if you'd like to play along too.  Have I mentioned how much I LOVE the new colors?  I have?  Oh, sorry. Use them and you will too.  I promise.

So head on over to Stampin' Addicts and check it out!  You won't be sorry.

Nobody Faint!

I know.  Shocking.  Two times in one week.  We might even make it three if I'm lucky.

Seems like every year at this time, I start thinking about my kids going back to school.  And I start thinking about all the free time I'm going to have once they are safely occupied at their institutions of lower learning.  And then I start making plans and goals as to how to spend that free time.  And every year I say I'm going to spend some of it here, on my blog. And every year the shiny squirrels with their disco balls interfere.

Well friends, this is the year.  My youngest son is starting FIRST GRADE!!!! No more stopping the stampin' mojo at 11:30 to feed the boy and get him to school on time. Soon I will have blissful quiet all day long and can stamp and blog to my hearts content!  Can you hear the party music playing?  So this time, I really, really, really mean it.  At least until the next shiny squirrel appears.

Lest you think I'm totally heartless.  I am sad that my kids are growing up.  It happens in the blink of an eye.  But I am totally psyched to have them both in full day school now too.  Can they just stay 6 and 8 forever?

Now on to the project you came to see:

Colors: Crumb Cake, Pretty in Pink, Very Vanilla and Chocolate Chip. Stamps: Pennant Parade and Happiest Birthday Wishes. Punches: Cupcake and Petite Pennants Builder Punches.  Accessories: Scalloped Dot Chocolate Chip ribbon, Red Glitter Paper.  Big Shot: Perfect Polka Dots Impressions Folder.

You might recall that last year's Summer mini featured a really cute ice cream set.  Several of my customers were disappointed that it didn't carry over to the big catalog.  Now we have something even better: PUNCHES THAT MAKE ICE CREAM CONES!!!! It's like a gift from the stampin' gods.

To make your very own ice cream cone cards or scrapbook page, you will need the Cupcake Builder Punch (carried over from the Occasions Mini Catalog) and the brand new Petite Pennants Builder Punch.  The Pennant Parade stamp set is a nice addition too because it gives you that waffle cone look.  (Watch for more ideas using this set and punch coming soon).

And check out that new 1/2" Scalloped Dot Ribbon.  It has a grosgrain finish to it, but it is extra soft and easy to tie. It comes in 10 different colors too.  Almost as yummy as ice cream cones.

A New Look. A New Month. And a New Resolve!

I spent the better part of today playing with My Digital Studio to create this fun background and header for my blog.  Have I mentioned lately how much I love My Digital Studio?  I was really afraid it would be difficult, but it turned out to be a lot easier than I expected.  It helps that blogger has vastly improved it's user interface too.

The fun kit that I used is the Noteworthy Digital Content CD, exclusively available as a hostess item.  It has 12 different Designer Series Papers, 25 embellishments and 36 stamp images.  If you want a copy for yourself, ask me about how to earn it for free.  It features my favorite of the 2011-2013 In Colors: Pool Party, (But I reserve the right to change my mind about the favorite thing.  Really I love them all!) as well as Cherry Cobbler, So Saffron and Early Espresso.


And since it's the beginning of a new month, of course there is Stampin' Up! news as well.  During the month of August, Stampin' Up is offering lots of customers' favorite promotions: buy three packages of Designer Series Paper and receive a fourth package free!  I don't remember them having this promotion so close to the start of a catalog before -- but I love that!  I ordered mine today.  Don't wait to get yours!  For more information, click on the button on the right for the promotion.  Or click the Shop Now button on the top right.

And finally, a new resolve.  Seems like this blog has become an after thought to me. I only post when I have classes to share.  I have a list of excuses for that, but I know you don't really care about that part. So I am resolving today to make this blog a bigger priority.  I won't promise to post every day or even a certain amount of days each week.  But I will post several times a month.  (How is that for vague?)

I'll kick it off today with last week's Sketch Challenge over on Stampin' Addicts:

Supplies: Just Add Cake Designer Series Paper; Wild Wasabi, Poppy Parade, Whisper White and Baja Breeze Card Stock; Swirls and Curls Verses (from the Summer Mini Catalog); Boho Blossoms Punch and Itty Bitty Shape Punches; Mini Brads

You probably know that I host the sketch challenge over there but like so many other things this summer, it has also fallen through the cracks some weeks.  But I'm promising to be better about that too.  You can check them out and play along here: Stampin' Addict Sketch Challenge Forum.  This particular sketch is number 103.  It's a great way to use some of that Designer Series Paper that is on special this month. :)

Other quick tidbits of news:  I placed my Holiday Mini Catalog preorder this morning so hopefully I'll have some sneak peeks for you soon.  And I've added a new member to my team!  Welcome Sarah Crow!  She took advantage of the $99 starter kit special this weekend.  I'm so excited for her!

So let me know what you think of the new design and let me know what types of things you would like to see posted here!

New 2011-2012 Idea Book and Catalog

I've been a bit MIA lately.  But now that my family reunion is over, I'm ready to get back to business!  

The brand new 2011-2012 Idea Book and Catalog is out and as always, it is full of fantastic new products.  There is truly something for every taste and style in this one.  Not only that, the book itself is absolutely GORGEOUS!!!  It is just packed with fabulous samples that you will look at it over and over and refer to it frequently when you are stamping for ideas.

HOSTESS BENEFITS

With the new catalog, Stampin' Up! has changed its hostess benefit program.  And there has never been a better time to host your own workshop!  Instead of different levels of stamp sets, they are offering hostess dollars that can be spent on exclusive discounted hostess products or on anything from the catalog.  And starting with a $400 workshop, you can earn 50% off full-priced items.  (Just this week, I got a Big Shot for 50% off using hostess benefits.)  See  the above chart for more information.

During July, you can join the Stampin' Up! family as a demonstrator for only $99! This limited time Starter Kit—valued at $185—comes with the following:

• Easy Events Clear-Mount Set*
• Pennant Parade Wood-Mount Set*
• Basic Black Classic Stampin' Pad
• Old Olive Classic Stampin' Pad
• Pumpkin Pie Classic Stampin' Pad
• Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad
• Brights 8-1/2" x 11" Assorted Card Stock
• Just Add Cake Designer Series Paper*
• Chocolate Chip 1/2" Scallop Dots Ribbon*
• Note Cards (20)
• Clear-Mount Block C
• Blender Pen (1)
• SNAIL Adhesive
• Business supplies

(*Brand new item from the 2011-2012 Idea Book and Catalog)

Plus, join in July and get a FREE Christmas Keepsake project kit—a $40 value! Imagine an afternoon spent chatting with friends while creating something beautiful—isn't that what Stampin' Up! is all about? But act now because this special kit is only available as part of this limited-time offer. 

To find out more about any of these things, contact me today.

Crop 'til You Drop!

In honor of National Scrapbook Month, I will be hosting an all day crop!!!!  Come spend the day with your friends scrapbooking, cardmaking, or working on whatever craft you would like to bring.

WHEN: Saturday, May 21 from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

WHERE: My house in Farmington

COST: $12.50 for the entire day includes snacks, lunch and dinner, your choice of Goody Bags* and access to my stamps, Big Shot and dies and tools.  Can't come for the entire day?  You can also choose 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. or 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. for only $8. (Includes only one meal). I will also have loads of samples to inspire you on display and retired product for sale.  And there will be Doorprizes too.  It really is a great value!

MY DIGITAL STUDIO CUSTOMERS:  If you purchase My Digital Studio from me before the class (or if you've purchased it from me in the past), you will receive $5 off the cost of the full day crop or $2 off the half day.  I will be teaching My Digital Studio mini classes throughout the day and I can help you with the software if you are bringing a laptop to digiscrap.

*GOODY BAGS:  You will have your choice of three different Goody Bags.  Please let me know which one you would prefer when you RSVP for the class:

• Scrapper's Goody Bag: 12x12 paper and embellishments perfect for scrapbooking.
• Cardmaker's Goody Bag: precut card bases and embellishments for card making.
• Virtual Goody Bag: choose your own MDS downloads worth up to $5 (I will purchase them for you that day) - you must bring a laptop with you if you would like this option.

RSVP: Space is limited for this event so get your RSVP in soon.  I want to make sure everyone has enough space to work.  Please let me know which goody bag you would like and whether you are coming for a full day or half day so I can have everything ready for you that day.

I'm looking forward to spending the day crafting with you!  Did I mention yummy food and door prizes?  You won't want to miss this!!

Spring Fling Buffet

April showers are bringing lots of flowers, at least of the crafty variety.  Come spend the day creating some fun Spring projects with your friends.

WHEN: Saturday, April 30 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

WHERE: My house in Farmington

WHAT: Make only the projects you want and multiples of the ones you love.

RSVP: Let me know your project order by Wednesday, April 27 so I can have them cut and ready for you.  Some projects are limited on supplies and will be available to those that RSVP first.

EXTRA SPECIAL PROJECT AND OFFER: Instead of offering special incentives and discounts, this month, I am supporting one of my favorite causes and you can help!  This card is made with a new stamp set called "Strength and  Hope," that benefits breast cancer research.  The cost of this card is $2, but I will donate $1 from each card made to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation.

In addition, order this stamp set or anything in any shade of pink from April 28 - May 3, including at the class, I will donate my instant income to the Komen foundation.  Contact me for a complete list of products that qualify.

OTHER PROJECTS

MINI ALBUM: Instead of a scrapbook layout this month, I am doing a CD Folder Mini Album instead. The Album is approximately 5x5 inches and is made from thin chipboard CD/Literature holders. It has six full pages, three mini pages and three pull out pages. Pictured is the Love Letters Paper. There is also an option for the Springtime Vintage Paper (paper patterns shown.) Cost: $10.

MONOGRAMMED NOTE CARDS AND MATCHING BOX: Perfect for Mother's Day or for an end of the year gift for your child's teacher. There are eight cards and envelopes and a matching pen that fit in the box. Choice of Beyond the Garden Paper (left) and Paisley Petals Paper (right). Cost: $12

TREAT PURSE: Aren't these just the cutest things ever? My friend Vicky made me one recently and I have to share them with you. They are approximately 3.5" wide by 2.5" tall. Perfect to fill with some candy or other small gift. Cost: $1.50 or 3 for $4

WATERING CAN: Also ready to fill with candy or other treats is this adorable watering can. You will use a wheel to stamp it and then cut it out and score it. (Much easier than the witch's shoe, don't worry.) Cost: $2 or 3 for $5.

DAISY MAGNETS: These fun magnets will brighten up your fridge or magnet board for Spring and Summer. Shown are Melon Mambo/Pumpkin Pie and White/So Saffron cardstock. If there is another color combo you would like, just ask. Cost: $1.00 Each

PLANE AND SIMPLE CARD: With Father's Day around the corner, I thought I should offer a couple of masculine cards. This one also has a Happy Birthday or Thank You option. Cost: $1.75 or any 10 cards for $15.

 

THE OPEN SEAS CARD: A nice masculine card. This one says Happy Father's Day, but there is also an option for Happy Birthday, Happy Retirement, and Thank You. Cost: $1.75 or any 10 cards for $15.

FLORAL MOTHER'S DAY: This card reminds me of my grandmother. She was an artist and this stamp set reminds me of something she would paint. This card is colored with blender pens and then a layer of Crystal Effects is added to the top of each flower (so it take a bit of time to dry). Cost: $1.75 or any 10 cards for $15.

VINTAGE MOTHER'S DAY: Not all moms like pink and purple. In fact, this card is more like something my mom would like. Cost: $1.75 or any 10 cards for $15.

 WINDOWPANE CARD: These windowpanes are a fun embellishment. The greeting on this card can be Happy Mother's Day, Happy Birthday, Thank You, With Sympathy and others. Cost: $1.75 or any 10 cards for $15.

 BABY WATERFALL CARD. These cards look a little tricky, but they are easy to make and fun to share. Pull on the tab and the pictures cascade. I always love a fun interactive card. :) Cost: $1.75 or 10 for $15.

WEDDING CARD: A simple card for a beautiful occasion. It is super easy to make two of these at once (as you can see from the picture.) Cost: $1.75 each or any 10 cards for $15.

GRADUATION CARD: I borrowed the idea for this card from another demonstrator, Yapha Mason. Love how simple it is and how perfect for the graduate. Cost: $1.75 or any 10 cards for $15.

 HELLO FLOWER CARD: How about a simple Hello! There is also a Thank You Kindly option for this card. Cost: $1.75 or any 10 cards for $15

THANK YOU PAISLEYS: I just love the saying on this card, "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life out of what we give." I thought it would be a perfect thank you card for a special teacher in your child's life or for anyone who has touched your life. Cost: $1.75 or any 10 cards for $15.
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What are you waiting for, RSVP today!  Voice or text:  801-557-3439 or email to paulastamps@gmail.com