A Coastal Sketched Birthday

It's workshop week!  I have my holiday scrapbook Thursday, my holiday stamp camp & hostess appreciation camps in Payette/Fruitland on Saturday, and then one more stamp camp for a hostess in Caldwell.  Happy we've seen crisp weather and not snowy weather yet - would be great if that held out for a little while longer to allow for all this driving!

Today's project is one for my stamp camp next weekend.  The hostess requested two holiday projects and three other cards working for other occasions all designed using the Tealish color schemes.  It was an interesting one to design too since this is a color scheme I stay away from.  It gives me creative block but in prepping this camp, I now have several cards just for my mother-in-law who LOVES this scheme too!

My camera is still somewhere in the world so my apologies for the poor quality of this photo.  I hope to hear back from Nikon in time for Thanksgiving!!!

This project utilizes Coastal Cabana.  I wanted to keep it simple but also show off some of my favorite products and some of the more versatile products that Stampin' Up! sells since I am not familiar with all the attendees of this workshop!

Supplies:

• Cardstock: Very Vanilla (8 1/2 x 5 1/2, 3 1/4 x 4 1/2, 2 1/2 x 3 3/4, scrap), Coastal Cabana (3 1/4 x 1, scrap)
• Ink: Coastal Cabana
• Stamps: Sketched Birthday
• Accessories: Big Shot & Cutting Mats, Multi-purpose Platform, Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Basic Rhinestones, Magnetic Platform, Bitty Banner Framelit, Dimensionals, Dauber, Bone Folder, Scissors, Adhesive

I tried to do a banner with the strip across the card but it just didn't look the way I wanted so I cut it down to match that second Very Vanilla layer.  You could use any embossing folder to give this piece dimension and the sponging adds another layer of color.  The cake piece is cut out and sponged as well and then up on a dimensional.  The sayings are both cut using the Bitty Banner framelits and are up on dimensionals.  Then I put a few strategically placed rhinestones to complete the project!

 

What are my favorite products mentioned before in this project?

• Dimensionals - Favorite Stampin' Up! product and they are only a few dollars per package!  I use them to give my projects dimension and they are the perfect height.  Other products that offer similar function are either too bulky or the wrong size or the wrong height.  I use these on every card, mini book, and scrapbook page I make!
• Big Shot - I think this revolutionized my crafting and artistry.  I use it for everything!
• Embossing Folders - I have most of them and I think they make an easy card look masterful!
• Magnetic Platform - I love my post-its but it's nice to have them back for notes and use this great tool to keep my framelits PERFECT every time!
• Basic Rhinestones - Sometimes a little bling is all a card needs. 
• Tip - use the tip of your paper piercing tool to get the rhinestones off the sheet so that it will pull the adhesive off the sheet too.  If it sticks to your piercer, you'll know you got all the adhesive! 

The hostess code for online orders for next month is G3SGBMJK.  Anyone that purchases anything online by 11/24 can enter this code.  We have reached a qualifying workshop already this month so I will draw a mystery hostess from those that purchased and the lucky winner will get the free merchandise (currently at $30).

 

Have a craftastic day,

Stacy

Masculine Birthday Card

This weekend is my special occasions camp.  We are doing five cards for $10 to cover the events in life that you always find yourself looking for a homemade card but can never find one!  My class is full but you can have a camp like this at your house if you are interested!

All the cards I'll post this week can be modified to be another occasion if you needed birthdays, thank yous, etc.  Except this one.  I'm posting it first because there were about six versions of it before I was happy enough to make it a class card.  I even consulted my husband for his opinion, much to his dismay. 

Now that it's out of my brain and on paper, I can feel the creativity flowing.  You know how that gets?  When you get stuck on a stamp set or a paper or color combo and you just find all your creativity come to a halt.  It happens to the best of us and it happens a lot! 

 

• Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Early Espresso, Soho Subway
• Ink: Early Espresso
• Stamps: You're Amazing
• Accessories: Linen Thread, Big Shot and Cutting Mats and Magnetic Platform, Regals Candy Dots, Apothecary Accents Framelits, Oval Collection Framelits, Sponge/Dauber, Scallop Ribbon Border Punch, Scissors, Glue Dots, Adhesive, and Dimensionals

 

Craftastic Notes:

• The center piece is CASE'd from pg 15 of the Annual Catalog.
• The easiest way to tie a linen bow is to tie it and then attach to a card using a glue dot instead of trying to tie it directly on the card.
• Use the apothecary accent framelit to get sayings perfectly centered in a rectangle piece if you don't have a stamp-a-majig.
• You can layer multiple framelits together and run through the Big Shot in a single pass to create perfectly even rings.

The newest downloads for My Digital Studio posted yesterday - you can find them here:  http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ItemList.aspx?categoryID=1594

Have a craftastic day,
Stacy

Fall Card Thinlits

Have you used our new card thinlits yet?  They make a horrible noise when they go through my Big Shot but a great sound escapes me when I'm done with a card using them.  I love the instant WOW they bring to a card. 

I am also a big fan of our Designer Papers.  I love that you can simply turn them over and have a whole new theme.  Such is the case with these cards that were the make-n-take at my workshop last night.  One side of the Sweater Weather Designer Paper lends itself to Halloween and the other lends itself to Thanksgiving.  I also LOVE our candy dots.  After the card was all put together, I realized that it needed something extra.  I was able to add a "brad" without the legs showing in the back. Whoo hoo!

Supplies:

• Cardstock/Paper: Sweater Weather Designer Series Paper (1 7/8 x 5 1/4, 2 3/4 x 5 1/4), Sahara Sand (2 3/4 x 2 3/4), Whisper White (8 1/2 x 5 1/2)
• Stamps: Tags 4 You
• Ink: Tangerine Tango or Chocolate Chip
• Accessories:  Big Shot, Cutting Mats, Magnetic Platform, Circles Card Thinlit, Label Bracket Punch, Bold Brights or Neutrals Candy Dots, Bone Folder, Dimensionals, Scissors, and Adhesive

Directions:

• Do NOT fold your Whisper White cardstock in half.  Run it through the Big Shot using the Card Thinlit.  Press it flush against the left side.  My Big Shot makes a VERY loud noise when you run this through - it's okay.  Set the 2 1/2 x 5 1/2 scrap to the side.   Use the bone folder to make sure the scores are sharp so the card closes.
• Place the Card Thinlit back on the cutting mat.  Center the pieces of DSP in the framelit with about 1/8 inch space on all sides.  MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE SIDES UP THAT YOU WANT TO USE ON THE CARD. Run through the Big Shot.   Set the circle scraps to the side.  If you don't like my embellishment cluster, you can use other framelits in the set on the DSP.  If you do this, do it before you attach it to the card.  The DSP is attached using adhesive.
• Run the Sahara Sand piece through the Big Shot using the Scallop Circle Framelit.  Attach to the center using adhesive.
• With the 2 1/2 x 5 1/2 strip that is left over from the thinlit, stamp the seasonal image of your choice.  Use Chocolate Chip for Thanksgiving and Tangerine Tango for Halloween.  Punch out using the Label Bracket punch and attach to the Sahara Sand Scallop as shown.
• Layer the half circles on the lower right side as shown using adhesive. 
• Take the scrap that you used for the Tags 4 You image and punch out a bracket.  Trim the ends using your Paper Snips.  Attach to the card using adhesive.
• Attach a candy dot in the correct color to the cluster.

To view the Card Thinlits that are available, click the image below!


If you decide to order any of these downloads or anything else outside of a party, please use the hostess code of J3R4BYRD.  I will put your name into a drawing for a mystery hostess if the monthly online workshop qualifies for free merchandise.

Have a craftastic day,
Stacy

Blushing Bridal Decorations

I have never given a bridal shower before and was very happy to be able to throw one for my dear friend Jessica who is marrying one of the best men I have in my life.  I adore his whole family and was happy to meet Jessica's family and friends, which only confirmed how fun and loving she is and how wonderful they are as well!

I could gush on them all for hours but I want to gush on myself for a minute!  :)  For the past week I've been working on getting the decorations completed.  Between My Digital Studio, my current and retired supplies, and swaps and knowledge gained at Convention 2013, I was able to put together a pretty fun spread of party materials!

Let me know which one is your favorite!

LOVE BANNER

Supplies:

• Paper: Blushing Bride, Basic Gray, Whisper White
• Ink: Basic Gray (pad & refill), Blushing Bride (pad & refill)
• Stamp Set: Love & Laughter
• Accessories: Big Shot and cutting mats, Magnetic Platform, Heart Framelits, Simply Scored, Perfect Print Embossing folder, Adorning Accents Embossing Folders, Silicon Mat, Glue Gun (non-SU), Blushing Bride Ribbon Stitched Poly (retired), Dimensionals, Sponge, Scissors, Glue Dots, and Adhesive

Craftastic Notes:

• When doing the banners, remember that the alcohol will bleed a little - my "L" is purposely covered a little bit.  Spray from about 6 inches and wear gloves if you are using a permanent ink.
• If you make rosettes using cardstock, they have a tendency to tear.  You can fix this by cutting up 1/2 inch on each seam - then it doesn't look like it's ripping and adds an interesting dimension to it.
• Use white Baker's Twine, a sponge, and an ink pad to transform the twine to any color needed for your project. 
• Thank you to Sara for showing us how easy these were at Convention 2013. 

ADVICE CARDS

Supplies:

•     _Designer Kits\2012 Fresh Flowers - embellishments\Calendar - f6
•     _Designer Kits\Storytime\Storytime - lines 2, Color = 0,0,0

Craftastic Notes:

• I created an 8 1/2 x 11 scrapbook page and then inserted a 3.5 x 5 photo box on the page.  I filled it with the Blushing Bride color and then layered the journaling lines on it.  Then when I put the flower on the corner, it was the same color so it just covered up the lines in the corner.

 BRIDAL NAPKINS

 

 

Supplies:

• Paper: Shimmer White, Basic Gray, and Blushing Bride
• Accessories: Big Shot and Mats, Oval Framelits (3rd smallest), Large Oval Punch, 1 1/4 Circle Punch, Boho Blossoms Punch, Blushing Bride Pleated Satin Ribbon (retired), Paper Piercing Tool & Mat, Mini Silver Brads, Dimensionals, Glue Dots, and Scissors

 

Craftastic Notes:

• Thank you to the mystery swapper at Convention that gave me a sample in black of this project.  Your name wasn't on it but I'd love to give you credit.  We'll just have to settle for the lovely demonstrator that made my day on that Friday!
• When doing the napkins, fold the napkins to a point and then insert in the back of the dress form and fold over the "belt" and hold with a glue dot.
• These would look great with our clay flowers on them - I just wasn't patient enough to wait for enough of them to dry!

 

DOOR SIGN

 

Supplies:

• Designer Series Paper\_Designer Kits\2010 In Color Patterns - designer series paper\Blushing Bride Polka Dots
• _Designer Kits\2012 Fresh Flowers - embellishments\Calendar - f6
• Alphabet & Numbers\Simple Letters\Simple Letters - j, e, s, s, i, c, a, Fill Color = BLUSHING BRIDE 243,182,177

 

Craftastic Notes:

• I put this on the door with dimensionals so it would peel off without harming the paint on my door.
• The background is a designer paper that I changed the opacity to 20% - this gave me a slight design without me having to compete with the Blushing Bride elements.

 

NAME TAGS and PLACECARDS

Supplies:

• Placecards: _Designer Kits\2012 Fresh Flowers - embellishments\Calendar - f6 & photo box filled with Blushing Bride cardstock.
• Nametags: Whisper White & Blushing Bride cardstock, Oval Punch, Decorative Label Punch, Dimentionals, and Adhesive.

Craftastic Notes:

• Once I created one of these in the right size using a cardstock layer on an 8 1/2 x 11 page, I was able to copy and paste them to put 8 on a page and have the same text.  They measured 2 x 3 which was perfect to go on the food and by the beverages. 
• The Name tags were just the Large Oval and the Decorative Label punches.  Then I put a dimensional on the back of them so they could put them on their cups and also on their shirts so everyone could know everyone!

THE OVERALL LOOK! 

 

I've had a craftastic day, I hope you have one too!

Stacy

Convention 2013 Wrap Up

We are back from Convention and once I convince Callie I'm not leaving her again, I might actually separate her from my hip and get my goodies put away in my craft room.

We got amazing gifts this year.  Our bags were the best I can remember in 9 years being a demo.  Mine is already filthy, the downside of a white bag, but we'll see if Mr. Clean's special sponge will help that!  I love the my sister and my mom are both demonstrators and that I get to share this experience each year with them as our annual girl trip!

We also got more giveaways than any year before.  I ended coming home with 7 stamp sets, a stamp to design myself, a goodie bag kit, a pack of Winter Designer Paper, silver taffeta ribbon, both sets of washi tape from the Seasonal Catalog, and the May Paper Pumpkin kit that was the mini book that I fell in love with and was so sad to have missed out on!!!

While I loved the free stuff and all the surprises, I have to say that the on stage demonstrations were fantastic this year and the samples were much more my style than years prior.  I felt truly inspired as these amazing women demonstrated for us!  As for classes, I also left all three of my classes feeling like I learned something I can immediately put into play for my business.  The classes were "Turning Contacts into Customers", "Teaching MDS", and "Living the Creative Life."  Emily, Kimberly, and Carrie did such a good job with these topics!!!

There appeared to be two themes at Convention.  One was Be the Difference and there was a real focus on how Stampin' Up! is able to reach out in the community and make a difference.  The other theme seemed to be Innovation and what the company will be doing to try new items and reach new customers.  This is what brings us product lines to try out, great promotions, and changes like the Color Refresh.  Some are afraid of change but I think it helps us make sure that we have products for you to fall in love with like we do.

There are several new products coming out of Convention.

 

Starting August 1st, you can order the Thinlits Card Dies.  These framelits work with the big shot and create both the pull out from the image above but also the words and embellishments unlike any of our current framelits. 

 

 

For the artist in all of us, Stampin' Up! has introduced a new line called Undefined.  These stamps need to come to life by your hand.  You get tools, rubber, and wood blocks to sketch and carve the stamps that you have been missing from your collection.  I cannot wait for this product to get into my hands and am stalking my email for the UPS notification saying they are on their way.  This product may not be for everyone but for those that know they are artistic or just need to realize they are artistic, this product line could be the best thing for you since dimensionals!!!

Through August 31st, you can sign up for Paper Pumpkin and receive the first two months for only $10 each!  Usually the kits run $19.95 per month.  You will receive a kit that is designed to give you a 30 minute escape from the world and a way to create cards or 3D items that are on trend.  Kits usually include 4 cards or a 3D item, 2-4 stamps, and 1-2 ink spots.  You just have to provide the adhesive.  If you would like to try out this product offering, click the header above.  When you sign up, click Add Promo Code and enter PUMPKINDEAL.

Another perk of Paper Pumpkin is joining my Pumpkin Princesses.  Once you have 3 kits under your belt, you qualify for this free event as a thank you!  The next time you hit 3 kits, you win it again for that quarter.  The Princess Party is free and will involve projects using the supplies from the kits you received during that 3 month period.

Click here to sign up or email me with any questions you have! 

Tomorrow I will be posting the newest digital downloads and some information on my digital classes.  I hope you are all well and had as good of a time over the last four days as I did!

Have a craftastic day,
Stacy
 
 
 

 

Chalk Talk Convention Swap

Taking a moment out of my last minute swap prep for Convention to post another of the general swaps that is complete for this week.

This card allows me to teach my customers how to do the chalkboard techique while using a few of my favorite products in the catalog like the magnetic platform and the Chalk Talk Bundle.  The bundle includes the stamp set and the framelits for 15% off! 

This card showcases how you can use the Big Shot in your paper crafting.  Embossing Folders & Framelits bring dimension and texture to cards with very little effort.  While not a glitter gal, I have to say that this card is made by having a small glitter brad right on the top!

Supplies:

• Cardstock: Real Red, Old Olive, Basic Black, Whisper White
• Ink: VersaMark, White Craft Ink
• Stamps: Chalk Talk
• Accessories: Big Shot, Magnetic Platform and Mats, Chalk Talk Framelits, Beautifully Baroque Embossing Folder, Hearts Framelits, Chalk Marker, Sponge, White Embossing Powder, Heat Gun, Powder Pal, Embossing Buddy, Glimmer Brads, Paper Piercing Tool & Mat, Dimensionals, and Adhesive

Craftastic Notes:

• If using framelits and embossing folders, make sure you do the framelit first.  Otherwise, the pressure of putting the cardstock through the Big Shot to cut it will flatten out your embossing.
• This card has a sneak peek of our Chalk Talk Marker available on August 1st!
• When doing the chalkboard technique, you use VersaMark and white embossing powder to do the saying but a sponge and White Craft ink around the Basic Black cardstock to make it look chalked.

Have a craftastic day,
Stacy

Creatively Inspired Samples

As a member of the demonstrator group, Creatively Inspired Stampers, my adopted upline does a special a few times a year to allow demonstrators to earn a free day of creativity and delicious nibbles.  Our courageous leader, Lori Bowerman, outdid herself on these samples.  I guess when you have such great products to play with, it's fun to spoil those around you!

 

This  card is wonderful and is one of my cards for my New Catalog camp.  The layout and use of products is wonderful and has just enough "bling" to bring a smile!  And the color combo of Whisper White, Coastal Cabana, and Calypso Coral is a hit in my book!

Supplies:

·         Cardstock: Whisper White, Calypso Coral, Coastal Cabana
·         Ink: Coastal Cabana & Calypso Coral
·         Stamp Set: Chalk Talk
·         Accessories: Chevron Embossing Folder, Big Shot and Cutting Mats, Basic Rhinestones, Large Oval Punch, Calypso Coral Chevron Ribbon, Dimensionals, and Adhesive

I also wanted to post this sample from Lori's event as it inspired my 3D swap for Convention.  I just didn't have pictures ready yet!  Lori used the strips of patterned designer paper and the little butterflies bring a perfect bit of dazzle to the party.

 

 

Have a craftastic day,

Stacy