Too Cool Stamping

Best of Greetings - Sympathy Cards

Hi Stamping Friends!

I couldn't wait to show you the cards I just created for my Best of Greetings Club Kit this month.  I love this set—you can never have too many sentiments!

My first set of two cool cards are sympathy cards and I used some of the images from sets that have already been released in the Best of 25 Years Collection. 

I used the beautifully soft color combination of Very Vanilla, Island Indigo and Pistachio Pudding that I found in the Venetian Romance Designer Series Paper. 

I adore how this focal point turned out!  I stamped the sentiment in Island Indigo onto Very Vanilla card stock, then die-cut it with the new Deco Labels Collection Framelits. 

Next, I used the daisies silhouette image from Best of Flowers to stamp twice along the bottom without re-inking. 

A die-cut another Island Indigo layer with the same Deco Labels dies, then texture embossed that layer with the Fancy Fan Folder. 

A few Pearl Jewel accents give it a touch of elegance.

 

I decorated the border with a 5-1/2" x 3/4" strip of the Venetian Romance DSP layered onto a 5-1/2" x 1" strip of Island Indigo.  Under that is a layer of Pistachio Pudding card stock that's been die-cut with the Adorning Accents Edgelits.  

The card is finished with Very Vanilla Seam Binding wrapped around the card front, then tied and trimmed.

Check out the gorgeous patterns in the Venetian Romance DSP pack.  Click to enlarge. 

I flipped the strip of Venetian Romance paper over for the color combo on this version.  It's a pretty, marbled pattern that adds Tangerine Tango and Crisp Cantaloupe to the colors used in the card above.

I brought back one of the butterflies from the Best of Butterflies set for the focal piece on this one.  The wings are colored in with markers.  I think I might have to go back and add some Dazzling Diamonds to give it that extra pizzazz!

Complete Supply List: 

• Stamps—Best Greetings, Best of Flowers (card #1), Best of Butterflies (card #2)
• Ink—Island Indigo Classic Ink; Pistachio Pudding, Tangerine Tango and Crisp Cantaloupe Markers
• Paper—Venetian Romance DSP; Island Indigo, Pistachio Pudding and Very Vanilla card stock
• Accessories—Pearl Jewels, Very Vanilla Seam Binding
• Tools—Deco Labels Collection Framelits, Adorning Accents Edgelits, Magnetic Platform, Fancy Fan Texture Impressions Folder, Big Shot, Dimensionals, SNAIL

Check Out All of The Best of 25 Years Sets—See complete details, including how you can earn two free $14.95 stamp sets of your choice for collecting them.  See all the "Best of..." sets, which are all available through March 31, 2014. 

Have You Earned A FREE Set? We've now had six months of Best of 25 Years Collector sets.  If you purchased all of the sets and saved all of your stickers, you can now send it your Collector Card to redeem any $14.95 stamp set of your choice! 

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Find all the supplies to create these projects & more at my Online Store!

Stay tuned for more Best of Greetings cards from my Club kits!

Angie

Wildflower Meadow Watercolor Marker Spritz

Hi Stamping Friends!

Today I'm featuring a card that we'll be doing at my Wow Techniques Class on Friday! 

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Wow Techniques Class! 

If you are in the Fort Wayne area, come and check out my monthly stamping class that builds on the basics!  If you're a stamping enthusiast wanting to try out the latest and greatest stamping tools and techniques, this is the class for you!  The class is only $15 or it's FREE with a minimum qualifying order* placed at the event.  We meet on the 2nd Friday of the month, at 6:30pm in my Too Cool Stamping studio in SW Fort Wayne.

Beginners and seasoned stampers are invited to come any month with no commitment.  Or sign up to be a Stamp Club member* and you'll get your Wow Techniques classes for FREE, plus earn at least $25 in Hostess Benefits! 

See complete details about the *Wow Techniques Class & Stamp Club

Registration is NOW OPEN for my next Stamp Club!  Sign up today!

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I've featured lots of new products on these two cool cards!  

I started by using several new markers to color the beautiful image on the Wildflower Meadow stamp: Pear Pizzazz, Crisp Cantaloupe, Strawberry Slush, Wisteria Wonder and Coastal Cabana. 

TIP: When stamping with a larger stamp image like this, I recommend stamping on the Piercing Mat.  The cushioned surface will ensure that you get a complete and crisp image every time.  Simply lay a piece a scrap paper over the top to keep the surface clean.

A stamped the hummingbird a second time, cut him out, and popped him up with a Dimensional.

After layering my stamped piece onto a 4" x 5-1/4" piece of Pear Pizzazz, I wrapped a piece of Strawberry Slush Ruffled Stretch Trim around it, securing it on the back with SNAIL. 

TIP: I tried laying down a line of Sticky Strip on the fron to the card to adhere the ribbon, but since the trim is stretchy, it's difficult to lay it down evenly.  I had better luck keeping the ribbon loose on the front and adhering around the back. 

The sentiment is from the Too Kind stamp set, stamped in Coastal Cabana and punched with the Decorative Label Punch.

I stepped up the second card by using the Wildflower Meadow Texture Impressions Folder that perfectly matches the stamp!

Bundle It To Save!  Purchase both the Wildflower Meadow stamp and folder together in a Bundle and save 15%!  Awesome!

Check out that awesome raised texture around each image!  Love it! 

Watercolor Marker Spritz—I also used my Stampin' Spritzer to mist my colored stamp before stamping onto the Whisper White card stock.  This gives the images a soft and pretty, faux watercolor look. 

I finished this card by adding some Dazzling Diamonds to the flower centers with a 2-Way Glue Pen.  So sparkly!

The sentiment is also from Too Kind, this time punched with the Artisan Label punch. 

Complete Supply List: 

• Stamps—Wildflower Meadow or Wildflower Meadow Bundle, Too Kind
• Ink—Pear Pizzazz, Crisp Cantaloupe, Strawberry Slush, Wisteria Wonder and Coastal Cabana Markers; Coastal Cabana Classic Ink
• Paper—Crisp Cantaloupe, Pear Pizzaz and Whisper White card stock 
• Accessories—Strawberry Slush Ruffle Stretch Trim, Dazzling Diamonds (card #2)
• Tools—Decorative Label Punch (card #1), Artisan Label Punch (card #2), Wildflower Meadow Texture Impressions Folder or Wildflower Meadow Bundle (card #2), Big Shot, Stampin' Spritzer, 2-Way Glue Pen, Dimensionals, SNAIL

Find all the supplies to create these projects & more at my Online Store!

Join Us At The Wow Techniques Class!

We'll be doing the second card at the Wow Techniques Class!  Come and try out lots of new products with this project and two more!  Contact me by Thursday, June 13, at 5pm, to let me know you're joining us!

Angie

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Events—Mark Your Calendars!

• Wow Techniques Class—This Friday, June 14
• "Last Thursdays" Class—Wednesday, June 26 <<<Rescheduled

Bye Bye French Foliage & Jewelry Tag Punch

Mystery Hostess Contest—Order with Hostess Code AFM4SVYW by May 31, 2013 to enter.  Details on this post.  Order now.

Best Of 25 Years Facebook Contest—Guess the theme for the June "Best of..." stamp set and win a June Class Kit.  Details on this post.  Guess now at my Facebook Page.

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Hi Stamping Friends!

I've been focusing on several of the Retiring Stamps & Retiring Accessories one last time before they are all gone on June 3, 2013.  Today I'm featuring another card from my "Last Thursdays" class coming up tomorrow, May 30.  There's still time to join us!

RSVP For The "Last Thursdays" Class—Thursday, May 30, 2013, at 6:30pm in my Too Cool Stamping Studio in SW Fort Wayne, IN.  We'll create 4 cards with envelopes for just $10, or it's FREE with a qualifying order placed that night.  RSVP by Wednesday, May 29 at 5pm if you'd like to join us.

I'm also offering a Class-To-Go Option AND, this month only, qualifying orders will receive an entry in the current Mystery Hostess Contest!

See complete details: "Last Thursdays" Class—May 2013.

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I was hesitant to do a Fall-themed card, but I couldn't resist using the gorgeous French Foliage set one last time.  It also paired so well with the retiring Bravo Burgundy, River Rock, More Mustard and Riding Hood Red colors that are featured on this card. 

The card base is Bravo Burgundy, and the background has a piece of 3" x 4" River Rock card stock texture embossed with the Houndstooth Folder.

The 5" x 2-1/4" Whisper White card stock is layered with stamp images that create a collage effect.  I started with the script image randomly stamped three time in River Rock for a subtle patterned background.

The leaves are randomly colored directly on the rubber with markers: More Mustard, Riding Hood Red, and Bravo Burgundy.  TIP: Add the colors from lightest to darkest, so you don't contaminate the lighter markers with dark inks. 

The last layer was stamping the waterspots with Early Espresso to fill in the empty spaces. 

After matting the stamped piece on a 5-1/4" x 2-1/2" piece of Early Espresso, I wrapped it with Early Espresso Baker's Twine. 

The tag is made with the retiring Tiny Tags set, stamped in Early Espresso, then punched with the retiring Jewelry Tag Punch. It's adhered with a Mini Glue Dot under the twine bow. (So much easier than stringing it onto the twine!)

I used the retiring Lacy Brocade Folder to texture the second card background. 

Gosh, I'm gonna miss this mini tag.  It's so teeny and cute and the perfect size for adorning card elements.  Sad, sad, sad...

Complete Supply List: 

• Stamps—French Foliage (retiring), Tiny Tags (retiring)
• Ink—More Mustard, Riding Hood Red, Bravo Burgundy (all retiring) Markers; River Rock (retiring), and Early Espresso Classic Ink
• Paper—Bravo Burgundy (retiring), River Rock (retiring), Early Espresso and Whisper White card stock 
• Accessories—Early Espresso Baker's Twine
• Tools—Houndstooth Texture Impressions Folder (card #1), Lacy Brocade Texture Impressions Folder (card #2, retiring), Big Shot, Jewelry Tag Punch, Glue Dots, Dimensionals, SNAIL

Find all the supplies to create these projects & more at my Online Store!

• Retired Accessories While Supplies Last!  Order Now!
• See The Complete Retired Stamps List
  

Angie

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Events—Mark Your Calendars!

• "Last Thursdays" Monthly Class—May 30
• Demo Team Meeting—June 10 
• Wow Techniques Class—June 14

Promotions & New Arrivals Quick Links

• NEW Hostess & Starter Kit Promo—Earn $30 in FREE merchandise.
• Retired Accessories Are Going Fast!  Order Now!
• See The Complete Retired Stamps List
• Special Offers—See ALL of the current promotions!
• New Arrivals—See the latest NEW products!
• Shop Spring Catalog—Online Store. Ends May 31.

Bye Bye Just Believe & Vintage Wallpaper

Mystery Hostess Contest—Order with Hostess Code AFM4SVYW by May 31, 2013 to enter.  Details on this post.  Order now.

Best Of 25 Years Facebook Contest—Guess the theme for the June "Best of..." stamp set and win a June Class Kit.  Details on this post.  Guess now at my Facebook Page.

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Hi Stamping Friends!

Well, the days are winding down and we'll soon be saying goodbye to the Retiring Stamps & Retiring Accessories.  They'll all be gone after June 3, 2013, so don't wait any longer to order at my Online Store!   

I'll be featuring some of my favorite retiring products one last time at my "Last Thursdays" class coming up May 30, 2013.  Today's project is one of the cards we'll be creating! 

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RSVP For The "Last Thursdays" Class—Thursday, May 30, 2013, at 6:30pm in my Too Cool Stamping Studio in SW Fort Wayne, IN.  We'll create 4 cards with envelopes for just $10, or it's FREE with a qualifying order placed that night.  RSVP by Wednesday, May 29 at 5pm if you'd like to join us.

I'm also offering a Class-To-Go Option AND, this month only, qualifying orders will receive an entry in the current Mystery Hostess Contest!

See complete details: "Last Thursdays" Class—May 2013.

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As soon as I found this beautiful card design online, I knew we had to do it for this month's "Last Thursdays" class.

CASEd from Jennifer Cotton at Stamp With Jennifer.

It features several retiring items including the Just Believe stamp set, the Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder, and the Pretty In Pink Scalloped Dots Ribbon. Plus, it's even done in two retiring colors: Lucky Limeade and Regal Rose.

The Just Believe image is colored with Lucky Limeade and Regal Rose markers directly on the stamp, then stamped on a 2-1/4" x 4" piece of Whisper White and matted on a 2-1/2" x 4-1/4" piece of Lucky Limeade card stock. 

I added Regal Rose card stock punched flowers created with two of the Itty Bitty Punch Pack shapes.  TIP: Scrunch the flowers around the tip of your Bone Folder for easy crinkling.  Flowers are adhered with Multipurpose Glue and accented with Pearl Jewels.

The Inked Impressions background is created by brayering Lucky Limeade Classic Ink directly onto the inside of the Vintage Wallpaper Folder, then using that to texture the Whisper White card front. 

The card base is cut at 4-1/4" x 11" for a vertical fold, making it easier to tie on the Pretty In Pink Scallop Dots Ribbon. 

Finally, the sentiment, also from the Just Believe set, is stamped in Regal Rose, punched with the Word Window Punch, and layered on a Lucky Limeade Modern Label punch-out. 

My horizontal version leaves more room to showcase the Pretty In Pink ribbon, which, by the way, is 40% off right now!  Only $4.77 while supplies last!

I changed up the flowers by coloring them with Regal Rose and Primrose Petals for a two-toned look.  Then, I added some Dazzling Diamonds with a 2-Way Glue Pen for a little sparkle.

The sentiment is in opposite colors: stamped in Lucky Limeade and layered on Regal Rose card stock.

Complete Supply List: 

• Stamps—Just Believe (retiring)
• Ink—Lucky Limeade, Regal Rose and Primrose Petals Markers; Lucky Limeade and Regal Rose Markers Classic Ink
• Paper—Lucky Limeade, Regal Rose and Whisper White card stock 
• Accessories—Pretty In Pink Scallop Dots Ribbon (retiring), Pearl Jewels (card #1), Dazzling Diamonds (card #2)
• Tools—Vintage Wallpaper Texture Impressions Folder (retiring), Big Shot, Word Window Punch, Modern Label Punch, Itty Bitty Punch Pack, Brayer, Bone Folder, Multipurpose Glue (card #1), 2-Way Glue (card #2), Dimensionals, SNAIL

Find all the supplies to create these projects & more at my Online Store!

• Retired Accessories While Supplies Last!  Order Now!
• See The Complete Retired Stamps List
  

Angie

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Events—Mark Your Calendars!

• "Last Thursdays" Monthly Class—May 30
• Demo Team Meeting—June 10 
• Wow Techniques Class—June 14

Promotions & New Arrivals Quick Links

• NEW Hostess & Starter Kit Promo—Earn $30 in FREE merchandise.
• Retired Accessories Are Going Fast!  Order Now!
• See The Complete Retired Stamps List
• Special Offers—See ALL of the current promotions!
• New Arrivals—See the latest NEW products!
• Shop Spring Catalog—Online Store. Ends May 31.

May "Best of" Set & Oh Hello Pretty Chevrons

• Retired Accessories Are Going Fast!  Order Now!
• See The Complete Retired Stamps List 
  
• 25% Off MDS Kits & Print Products—Shop Now!
• NEW Photopolymer Sets—Shop Now!
• NEW Best of 25 Years Set—Brides & Babies

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Recently Released—Best of 25 Years Set For May!

Judging by the reaction of my Best of 25 Years club members, the recently released Best of Brides & Babies stamp set is definitely a favorite!

It's the perfect set for creating cards, invitations, gift tags and more for those special events that are so popular in June—bridal showers, weddings, baby showers, and anniversaries! 

The Best of Brides & Babies set is available in clear-mount only (#133482) for $14.95 from now until April 30, 2014.  The anniversary image with the two birds is a brand new image, and all of the other images are popular designs from the past 25 years. 

Check Out All of The Best of 25 Years Sets—See complete details, including how you can earn two free $14.95 stamp sets of your choice for collecting them.  See all the "Best of..." sets so far.

Order the Best of Brides & Babies set from my Online Store!

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Hi Stamping Friends!

This is going to be a busy, busy week in the Too Cool Stamping Studio!  Woohoo!

I'm currently getting ready for a special event on Wednesday with Big Brothers, Big Sisters where we'll be creating brag books, purses and butterfly magnets with about 30 bigs and littles. That should be so much fun!  

Then, my Wow Techniques Class is coming up this Friday, May 10, at 6:30pm.  We'll be fashion designing with the Dress Up Framelits and Pop 'n Cuts Die, plus we'll make a Soda Pop Top project, too!  You're gonna love this one!

Plus, I'll be playing with some of my new catalog goodies, planning my Best of Brides & Babies club cards, and designing a project for our Too Cool Demo Team Shoebox Swap next Monday.  Whew!  Bring on the creativity!  I love it!

What does any of that have to do with today's projects?  Absolutely nothing!!!  Haha!

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If you're looking for a versatile stamp set, I highly recommend Oh, Hello from the Spring Catalog!  It amazes me how many different looks you can get from all of the clever, coordinating images and sentiments! 

Today's projects feature the patterned chevrons, but I showed a totally different floral look just a few days ago.

I created these two cool cards back when I thought we would be retiring all of the 2011 In Colors, but now we are just saying goodbye to Lucky Limeade.  Thank goodness!  I love the combination of that green with Pool Party, Calypso Coral and Wisteria Wonder.

I colored the patterned chevron image with markers directly on the rubber to stamp the pretty chevron border along the edge of a 3-3/4" x 5" piece of Whisper White.  You'll definitely need the Stamp-A-Ma-Jig for this one for perfectly lined up "arrows."  You'll want to re-ink the image with each marker every time you stamp.  It takes a bit of time, but SO worth it when you see the results!

Double-wrap Lucky Limeade Baker's Twine around the card stock and tie before adhering it to the 4" x 5-1/4" Pool Party layer and then onto the Wisteria Wonder card base.

For the sentiment, I stamped the large oval chevron patterned image in Pool Party onto a scrap of Whisper White card stock, then stamped the Wisteria Wonder words on top.  I used the 1-3/4" Circle Punch to punch out the sentiment, then layered it onto a 2-3/8" Scallop Circle of Calypso Coral. 

I thought it kind of looked like a flower, so of course I had to add a cute Wisteria Wonder Bitty Butterfly with a Rhiinestone Jewel accent!  Butterflies make every card better!

I like the chevrons going sideways just as much!   Which do you like better?

Complete Supply List: 

• Stamps—Oh, Hello
• Ink—Pool Party, Wisteria Wonder, Calypso Coral and Lucky Limeade Markers; Pool Party and Wisteria Wonder Classic Ink
• Paper— Pool Party, Wisteria Wonder, Calypso Coral and Whisper White card stock 
• Accessories—Lucky Limeade Baker's Twine, Rhinestone Jewels
• Tools—1-3/4" Circle Punch, 2-3/8" Scallop Circle Punch, Bitty Butterfly Punch, Stamp-A-Ma-Jig, Dimensionals, SNAIL

Find all the supplies to create these projects & more at my Online Store!

Angie

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Events—Mark Your Calendars!

•  Wow Technique Class—May 10
• Demo Team Shoebox Swap—May 13
• "Last Thursdays" Monthly Class—May 30

Promotions & New Arrivals Quick Links

• NEW Hostess & Starter Kit Promo—Earn $30 in FREE merchandise.
• Special Offers—See ALL of the current promotions!
• New Arrivals—See the latest NEW products!
• Shop Spring Catalog—Online Store. Ends May 30.

Playing With Textures—Oh, Hello Doily Flower

• Retired Accessories Are Going Fast!  Order Now!
• See The Complete Retired Stamps List 
  
• 25% Off MDS Kits & Print Products—Shop Now!
• NEW Photopolymer Sets—Shop Now!
• NEW Best of 25 Years Set—Brides & Babies

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There's something about textures that really make a card "feel" special.  Today's two cool cards feature lots of tactile layers that combine to create a pretty "thinking of you" card for Spring.

My textured background was created with a 4" x 5-1/4" piece of Pool Party Core'dinations card stock, texture embossed with the Honeycomb Folder. I gently sanded the raised texture to bring out the white core layer of this specialty card stock.

Embossing TIP: Since I had planned on sanding the pattern, I used "no tabs" when running it through the Big Shot.  I've found that the deep creases created by this folder using one tab often make it difficult to sand without tearing.  Eliminating the tabs makes it a litle sturdier for distressing.

Clean-up TIP: Use the handy Dust Buddy to pick up your sanded paper remnants from your project and work surface.  It's only $2.50 and picks up glitter and embossing powder, too!  It's a must-have clean-up tool!

Next, I added a 4" x 1-1/2" strip of Lucky Limeade card stock that I had die-cut with the Large Scallop Punch, then embossed with the coordinating Delicate Details Impressions Folder for more texture. TIP: Always cut first, then emboss, so your texture doesn't get flattened.

I colored the Oh, Hello flower stamp with Primrose Petals and Lucky Limeade markers before stamping on the Paper Doily a little right of center. I love how even the stamped image has a little pattern to it because of the surface texture of the doily. 

I adhered the doily to the background piece, leaving the lace edges free, then trimed off the to make it flush with the panel. Then, it's ready to be adhered to the Pool Party card base with SNAIL. 

This is a great shot of all of the layered textures.  Notice that I used the "raised" side of the embossed elements on this version.  

For the sentiment, I omitted the "oh" part by coloring the "hello" with Lucky Limeade marker before stamping.  It was die-cut with a small Labels Collection Framelit and popped up with Dimensionals. 

My horizontal version hides one side of the doily under the scalloped border.  And, I flipped each embossed element so that "de-bossed" side was showing.  I really love the look of the Honeycomb texture this way, especially when it's sanded—more smooth, but with depth!  And, the scallop looks less like a lace edge and more like decorative ropes that are draped. These subtle details make all the difference!

Complete Supply List: 

• Stamps—Oh, Hello
• Ink—Primrose Petals and Lucky Limeade Markers
• Paper—Pool Party Core'dinations card stock; Pool Party, Lucky Limeade and Whisper White card stock 
• Accessories—Paper Doilies
• Tools—Honeycomb Texture Impressions Folder, Delicate Designs Texture Impressions Folder, Labels Collection Framelits, Large Scallop Edgelit, Big Shot, Stampin' Sanding System, Dust Buddy, Dimensionals, SNAIL

Find all the supplies to create these projects & more at my Online Store!

Angie

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Events—Mark Your Calendars!

•  Wow Technique Class—May 10
• Demo Team Shoebox Swap—May 13
• "Last Thursdays" Monthly Class—May 30

Promotions & New Arrivals Quick Links

• NEW Hostess & Starter Kit Promo—Earn $30 in FREE merchandise.
• Special Offers—See ALL of the current promotions!
• New Arrivals—See the latest NEW products!
• Shop Spring Catalog—Online Store. Ends May 30.

Tea For Two Thanks So Much Z-Fold

• Retired Accessories Are Going Fast!  Order Now!
• See The Complete Retired Stamps List 
  
• 25% Off MDS Kits & Print Products—Shop Now!
• NEW Photopolymer Sets—Shop Now!
• NEW Best of 25 Years Set—Brides & Babies

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Hi Stamping Friends! 

I want to start by giving a shout-out to all my new stamping friends that I met at the private class last night!  We had an awesome group of 14 stampers, many of them stamping for the first time!  Thanks so much to Lynn and her mom, Vicki for hosting the event!  So much fun!

 

Today's card is a pretty Z-Fold card using the color combination from the Tea For Two Designer Series Paper and the versatile Oh, Hello stamp set, both from the Spring Catalog. 

I started with a 8-1/2" x 5-1/2" Island Indigo card base that I scored at 2-1/8" and 4-1/4" with the Simply Scored Tool.  I adhered the 1-3/4" x 5-1/4" Tea For Two paper to the front panel with SNAIL.

After coloring on the "thanks so much" image from the Oh, Hello set with Island Indigo and Lucky Limeade Markers, I die-cut it with the Ovals Collection Framelits. 

Sneak Peek Hint—Bundle It!  Order the Oh, Hello Bundle of stamps and oval framelits and it's 15% off, but only in the Spring Catalog thru May 31!  Although the stamps and framelits will be in the new catalog, the discounted bundle is NOT...save when you order the Oh, Hello Bundle now!

The Lucky Limeade layer was also cut with the Ovals Framelits, then pierced with the help of the Occasions Piercing Template Pack.  I adhered those onto the card front with 3 Dimensionals on the left half of the oval.

The inside of the card is what I love the most!  I inked the flower from the Oh, Hello set with the markers, then stamped 5 times onto 4" x 5-1/4" Very Vanlla card stock without re-inking in between.  You can see that the darkest one is second from the right, then I stamped to the left of that, then to the right of the first flower, and faded out to the left.  Lovely, soft detail! 

I added a Bitty Butterfly punched from So Saffron card stock and attached with a Dimensional, then added Pearl Jewels accents.

I actually did two cool versions of this card, but they were so similar I didn't photograph both of them.  The only difference was the inside.  This one is a little more randomly stamped. 

Complete Supply List: 

• Stamps—Oh, Hello or Oh, Hello Bundle
• Ink—Island Indigo and Lucky Limeade Markers
• Paper—Tea For Two DSP; Island Indigo, Lucky Limeade and Very Vanilla card stock 
• Accessories—Pearl Jewels
• Tools—Ovals Collection Framelits or Oh, Hello Bundle, Big Shot, Occasions Paper Piercing Pack, Piercing Tool, Piercing Mat, Bitty Butterfly Punch, Simply Scored, Dimensionals, SNAIL

Find all the supplies to create these projects & more at my Online Store!

Angie

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Events—Mark Your Calendars!

•  Wow Technique Class—May 10
• Demo Team Shoebox Swap—May 13
• "Last Thursdays" Monthly Class—May 30

Promotions & New Arrivals Quick Links

• NEW Hostess & Starter Kit Promo—Earn $30 in FREE merchandise.
• Special Offers—See ALL of the current promotions!
• New Arrivals—See the latest NEW products!
• Shop Spring Catalog—Online Store. Ends May 30.

So Long Pretty Elements of Style

• Retired Accessories Are Going Fast!  Order Now!
• See The Complete Retired Stamps List 
  
• CONTEST: Guess The May "Best of..." Theme. 

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I created these two cool cards while I was designing projects for a recent class, not knowing that it was going to be one of my last times to use the soon-to-retire Elements of Style set.

This set has been a favorite of mine ever since it was released because of its gorgeous images and the overall versatility of the set.  Of all of the retiring sets this year, I'll be most sad to see this one go.  *sigh*

My first version is in neutral tones for a very classy and elegant look.

I stamped the beautiful floral image onto a 3" x 4" Very Vanilla piece in Soft Suede, then matted that on a layer of 3-1/4" x 4-1/4' Cherry Cobbler.  The hummingbird was stamped in Early Espresso onto scrap Very Vanilla, then cut out and popped up with Dimensionals.

Along the bottom of the card base, I stamped the same floral image in Soft Suede for a soft and subtle pattern.  Before adhering the main element, I wrapped it in Soft Suede 3/8' Taffeta Ribbon and tied it in a double-knot. 

The sentiment was stamped in Early Espresso and punched with the Large Oval Punch.

The second version is a little bit stepped up because it uses a watercoloring technique.  Although the look is very similar to the Dressed Up Birthday Card from yesterday, I actually created it before I'd even seen the Dolled-Up Birthday Kit.  What a coincidence! 

I used Wisteria Wonder as the card base, here with a mat in Elegant Eggplant.

I stamped the floral pattern in Elegant Eggplant ink onto the First Edition Designer Series Paper, then colored the image with Wisteria Wonder and Old Olive ink with Blender Pens.  Mr. Hummingbird is also in Elegant Eggplant.

The element is wrapped with the Old Olive 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon this time. The sentiment was inked in Elegant Eggplant and punched with the 1" Circle Punch. 

Complete Supply List: 

• Stamps—Elements of Style
  
• Ink—Blender Pen (card #2); Soft Suede and Early Espresso (card #1), Elegant Eggplant, Wisteria Wonder and Old Olive (card #2) Classic Ink
• Paper—First Edition DSP (card #2); Soft Suede and Very Vanilla (card #1), Wisteria Wonder, Elegant Eggplant, and Very Vanilla (card #2) card stock 
• Accessories—Soft Suede 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon (card #1), Old Olive 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon (card #2)
• Tools—Large Oval Punch (card #1), 1" Circle Punch (card #2), Dimensionals, SNAIL

Find all the supplies to create these projects & more at my Online Store!

So long Elements of Style!  I will sure miss your loveliness! 

If you haven't yet added the Elements of Style stamp set to your collection, be sure to do so before it's gone for good.  I know you'll love it!  Order it today at my Online Store,

Angie

"Last Thursdays"—Henry Says It's A Birthday!

*  *  *  *  RETIRING STAMPS FACEBOOK CONTEST! *  *  *  *

Guess The Retired Sets!  Last Day To Play! 

The Retired Stamp List from the 2012-2013 Annual Catalog will be announced tomorrow, April 24.  Which sets do you think will be retiring?  Let me know and you could be a winner of one of those retired sets!

To Enter: Head on over to my Too Cool Stamping Facebook Page and do the following before 11:50 pm on Tuesday, April 23, 2013:

1. If you haven't already, "Like" my Too Cool Stamping Facebook page.
2. Post on my page which 10 stamp sets you think will be leaving this year. 

If you guess the most retired sets correctly, you win one of my retired stamp sets!  It's that easy! 

If we have a tie, then I'll randomly select a winner.  You must enter on my facebook page by 11:50pm on April 23, 2013. I will give the winner a selection of retired sets to choose one set from as the prize.  No purchase necessary to enter.  Demonstrators may enter.  US Residents only.

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"Last Thursdays" Class—Thursday, April 25

My monthly "Last Thursdays" card class is coming up this Thursday, April 25, at 6:30pm at my Too Cool Stamping Studio in Fort Wayne, IN.  Make 4 cards for $10 or the class is FREE with an order* placed at the event.  See complete details on the class. 

 Want to join us?  RSVP by Tuesday, April 24, at 5pm. 

Class-To-Go "Last Thursdays" Class Kit

Can't make it to my class?  Class-To-Go Card Kits are available for a limited time!  See complete details.

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Today, we're checking out another one of my "Last Thursdays" class cards featuring the adorable elephant in the Henry Says stamp set!

This set is terrific for all sorts of occasions—fun, fun, fun!

CASEd from Amy Storrie from StampedWithJoy.com.

You've probably noticed that I don't create a lot of whimsical cards, but how could I resist Henry?!  He's too cute!  This is a fun birthday card design that is delightful for any age!

I layered a 2" x 4" piece of the rainbow striped Sunshine & Sprinkles Designer Series Paper onto a 5-1/4" x 4" piece of Lucky Limeade card stock.  After tying some Marina Mist Striped Organdy Ribbon around the layers, I adhered it to the Whisper White card base.

 

Henry The Elephant is all decked out in plaid...Beyond Plaid, that is! 

I stamped the plaid image several times on Whisper White card stock, then stamped Henry in Basic Gray over the top and cut it out.

After stamping the elephant again on a 4" x 3-1/4" Whisper White piece, I added the colorful pennants image, colored with Pacific Point, Lucky Limeade and Melon Mambo markers directly on the rubber.  Then, I adhered the plaid cut-out over the top with Dimensionals. Notice the tip of the tail is represented by the image underneath.

Don't forget (because an elephant never does) to add the birthday hat in Pacific Point.

The card is finished off with the 2" x 1" plaid banner stamped with the birthday sentiment, layered on another 2-1/4" x 1/2" Melon Mambo banner.  

The second version features the trio of cute birdies instead of the pennants.

Awww!  Sweet tweets!

Complete Supply List: 

• Stamps—Henry Says, Beyond Plaid 
• Ink—Pacific Point, Lucky Limeade, Melon Mambo and Marina Mist Markers; Basic Gray, Daffodil Delight and Pacific Point Classic Ink
• Paper—Sunshine & Sprinkles DSP; Lucky Limeade, Melon Mambo and Whisper White card stock 
• Accessories—Marina Mist Striped Organdy Ribbon
• Tools—Paper Snips, Dimensionals, SNAIL

Find all the supplies to create these projects & more at my Online Store!

Don't forget to guess your retired sets before the end of today at my Too Cool Stamping Facebook Page! 

Angie

Sunday Showcase—Sale-A-Bration Celebration Projects

Hi Stamping Friends!

Yesterday, I had my premiere Sale-A-Bration Celebration event and it was so much fun!  Anyone who had spent at least $150 during the Sale-A-Bration promotion earlier in the year was invited to attend for FREE!  Too Cool!

Here are all of the awesome projects that we created!  I stuck with the Sale-A-Bration theme, using many of the products that were exclusive to that promotion.  Even though the SAB items used are now retired, I still thought it would make a fun Sunday Showcase!  Let's take a closer look!

CASEd from Chiaki Haverstick at StampingPro.com.

Project #1—A quick and simple card featuring the Feeling Sentimental set and Sycamore Street Designer Series Paper.  

Accented with a Sycamore Street Designer Button and tied with Baker's Twine.

 

Project #2—A fun Z-Fold Card featuring the Bloomin' Marvelous set with more Sycamore Street DSP.  Score card base at 2-3/4" and 5-1/2" for the Z-fold. 

I adhered a 2-1/2” x 4” piece of Sycamore Street DSP to the front panel.  The inside has DSP and Whisper White sections in 5-1/4” x 2”. 

The focal point was randomly stamped with Pool Party blossoms and Summer Starfruit leaves.  It's accented with a Sycamore Street Pool Party ribbon and either a hummingbird or butterfly stamped in Rich Razzleberry.  I used the Bitty Butterfly Punch with the butterfly.  The Bloomin' Marvelous sentiment is also stamped in Rich Razzleberry.

Project #3—I love this card design and I'm not even a coffee drinker!  It fits into a standard-sized, Medium Envelope, and could easily be used as a gift card holder.  

I trimmed off a little from each side; mark 5/8" in from each side on the bottom (the openinge), then trim from mark to top edge.  I also embossed with the Perfect Polka Dot Folder.

For the lid, I used two 4-1/4" x 1" pieces of Whisper White, rounded the bottom corners and adhere them on the front and back of the card.  A smaller piece of 4-1/4" x 1/2" piece of Whisper White is adhered to the top to create the illusion of a "lip" on the "lid."

More 3-3/4" x 2-1/2" Sycamore Street DSP is used to create the wrapper on the cup, trimmed flush with the edges. 

For the medallion, I used markers and the Patterned Occasions to stamp on the 1-3/4" Circle shape, and it's layered on an Island Indigo 2-3/8" Scallop Circle. 

Project #4—My favorite project is the Mini Note Holder with four 3x3" note cards. 

The box is created with two die-cuts from the Scallop Envelope Die.  Trim the bottom of the envelope to 1" wide, and adhere the tabs with Sticky Strip to two 1" x 2-1/4" sides.  You can see a nice tutorial by Debbie Kalustian at Got To Stamp: Mini Note Holder.

I added 3" x 2" piece of Sycamore Street DSP to the front and back of the box.  I wrapped some Tangerine Tango Satin Ribbon around the box and adhered it with Sticky Strip under the folded down scallop edge.  The bow is separate and adhered with a Glue Dot. I didn't fold the second die-cut, so I could use it as a stand-up back on the box. 

Next, I created some 3x3" note cards with Whisper White and decorated each with a piece of 2-3/4" square piece of Sycamore Street DSP.  Each of the four designs were created in the same way.  And, I'm showing both of my two cool versions of each so you can see how fun it is to mix & match the colors! 

I wrapped a coordinating color of the Sycamore Street ribbon around the front, tied in a double-knot and trimmed. 

I colored the Patterned Occasions images with coordinating markers before stamping onto scrap Whisper White and punching with a 1-3/4" Circle Punch.

The stamped circles were layered on coordinating 2-3/8" Scallop Circles and adhered to the front with Dimensionals.  Cute, cute, cute!

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I'm totally looking forward to doing another Sale-A-Bration Celebration for next year's promotion!  If you missed it this year, mark your calendars for next spring to make sure you earn your FREE stamp camp! 

Thanks so much for visiting today's Sunday Showcase!

Angie

Blooming With Kindness In Pacific Point

Blooming With Kindness is the stamp set featured on these two cool cards that I created for a recent private class.  This project is a perfect example of how you don't have to have a lot of "stuff" on a card to make it Too Cool! 

CASEd from Chris Glebus at My Stamp Lady Chris.

This is definitely a quick and easy, but truly lovely, card!  I started with a Wild Wasabi card base, then added a 5-1/4" x 4" piece of Whisper White that was embossed with the Framed Tulips Texture Impressions folder. 

The blossom image is colored directly on the stamp with Pacific Point and Wild Wasabi Markers.  I stamped it on a 2-3/4" x 4" piece of Whisper White, and adhered it to a 3" x 4-1/4" Pacific Point mat.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again...the sentiments in this stamp set are the best reason to buy it!  They are so pretty, and I find that they are my go-to greetings these days.

Just for fun...I used the 2-Way Glue Pen to added a little Dazzling Diamonds glitter at the last minute before my class.  I couldn't resist showing them how easy it was to add a little glitz! 

Complete Supply List: 

• Stamps—Blooming With Kindness
• Ink—Pacific Point and Wild Wasabi Markers; Wild Wasabi Classic Ink
  
• Paper—Wild Wasabi, Pacific Point and Whisper White card stock 
• Accessories—Dazzling Diamonds (optional)
• Tools—Framed Tulips Texture Impressions Folder, Big Shot, 2-Way Glue Pen (optional), Dimensionals, SNAIL

Find all the supplies to create these projects & more at my Online Store!

Angie

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Events—Mark Your Calendars!

• Sale-A-Bration Celebration FREE Stamp Camp—April 20, 1-3pm
• "Last Thursdays" Monthly Class—April 25
• Wow Technique Class—May 10

Promotions & New Product Quick Links

• NEW Hostess & Starter Kit Promo—Earn $30 in FREE merchandise.
• Special Offers—See ALL of the current promotions!
• New Arrivals—See the latest NEW products!
• This & That Products—Sneak peak discounted bundle thru April 30.
• Shop Spring Catalog—Online Store. Ends May 30.

Sunday Showcase—April Too Cool Team Projects

Hi Stamping Friends!

My April Too Cool Demo Team meeting was last week and several members shared their creations. Here are some of the awesome projects we saw!

Created by Jodi Geers from Polka Dot Stamper.

Does this one look familar?  It's the Bitty Butterfly Punch card that I CASEd for the class project that I featured on yesterday's post!  (Thanks for the great idea, Jodi!)  I love her color combination highlighting neutrals: Whisper White, Basic Gray, Basic Black, Crumb Cake, Sahara Sand, and So Saffron. Bold and dramatic!  Also features Word Play, Rhinestone Jewels, and Honeycomb Texture Impressions Folder.

Created by Darla Eigenschink from Stampgrl.stampinup.net.

Darla tried out the new Sent With Love stamp set that's also part of the Sent With Love Bundle available now through April 30.  That Island Indigo airplane with the Cherry Cobbler heart contrails are SO adorable!  I love the Postage Stamp Punch to go along with the "airmail" theme. Also features 1" Square Punch and Island Indigo Baker's Twine.   

 

Created by Rita Berning.

Check out those fabulous Papillon Potpourri butterflies!  Rita embossed them with Black Embossing Powder onto Vellum Card Stock, then colored them on the back with markers.  It looks like she used Always Artichoke and Old Olive for one and Primrose Petals and Riding Hood Red for the other.  The hydrangea is from Best of Flowers, part of the Best of 25 Years Collection. Also features Riding Hood Red Taffeta Ribbon, Teeny Tiny Wishes and Rhinestone Jewels.  

Created by Darla Eigenschink from Stampgrl.stampinup.net.

Darla CASEd a simply stunning card from Mary Fish.  What a focal point!  She punched a window with the Elegant Butterfly Punch, pierced around the shape with the Occasions Paper Piercing Pack, then backed it with International Bazaar Designer Series Paper. On top, she added a Bitty Butterfly Punch shape with a Temping Turquoise brad from the Brights Brads.  Sentiment is from Petite Pairs.

Created by Jodi Geers from Polka Dot Stamper.

Jodi is the self-proclaimed Polka Dot Stamper, and you can see why on this cheerful card!  She used the Polka Dot Parade Designer Series Paper for the Pumpkin Pie color, and the Sunshine & Sprinkles Designer Series Paper for the green one.  Even the Gumball Green Stitched Satin Ribbon has dots!  It all looks great with the cute birds From the Aviary stamp set.  Also features: Oh, Hello, Large Oval Punch, and Scallop Edge Border Punch.

Created by Darla Eigenschink from Stampgrl.stampinup.net.

Darla CASEd a pretty card that was featured on the new Color Refresh Video.  Carrie Cudney presented a sample from each color collection using the colorful Flower Fusion Sizzlit flowers on this card.  What a fun design!  Darla selected the colors from the Brights Collection: Rich Razzleberry, Melon Mambo, Daffodil Delight, Old Olive and returing color Bermuda Bay. Also features: Curly Cute stamp set, Perfect Polka Dot (uh oh, Jodi...competition!), Large Scallop Edgelit, and Rhinestone Jewels.

I think my team did an amazing job on these projects!  Thanks so much for sharing them with us, ladies! 

And, thank YOU for taking the time to visit my blog today!  If you're not already a subscriber, I invite you to enter your email address in the Subscription Box in the upper left-hand column.  Then, you'll receive daily creative inspiration right to your inbox, so you won't miss a thing!

Now, I'm off to have some stamping fun with Beth and her friends at a private class.  Let me know if you'd like to have your own event to kick-off the New Annual Catalog coming on May 31, 2013!

Angie

Colorful Papillon Potpourri Butterfly Cards

Hi Stamping Friends!

So, you may have noticed that out of "pure necessity," I've extended my March butterfly theme into April.  Part of that was because I already had three butterfly cards planned for my "Last Thursdays" event that is rescheduled for tonight.

By the way, you still have time to order a Class-To-Go Kit for this class, but you need to order by Friday, April 5. 

But, don't be surprised if you see several more butterflies now that Stampin' Up! just released the Best of Butterflies set this month.  I sure don't want to put you into butterfly overload, but I simply can't help it!  There are so many flutter-tastic ideas to share.  I'm having too much fun, and hopefully you're enjoying it as much as I am! 

Today's cards feature the Papillon Potpourri butterfly set from the Annual Catalog, which is the most popular set from this catalog.  I guess I'm not the only one loving butterflies!

CASEd from Bev Gomez at Stamping With Bev.

I've always adored this beautiful pattern from the Floral District Designer Series Paper pack, but I didn't know how much until I created these two cool cards! 

The design looks so pretty against the Baja Breeze card base.  I used a 2" x 5-1/2" strip bordered with a piece of Rich Razzleberry that was die-cut with the Adorning Accents Edgelits. 

Punched Window

Once all the front layers were adhered, I punched out a window with the 1-3/4" Circle Punch.   

TIP: Be sure to do a quick and forceful punch to get a clean cut through all of those layers.  If you look closely, my layers aren't that clean.  Part of that is because I was using the black, old-style punch, but it would have been better with a quick punch.

Multicolor Butterfly

The Papillon Potpourri butterfly was inked up with markers right on the rubber stamp.  I started in the center with Baja Breeze, then added a bit of Tangerine Tango, then finished the tips of the wings with Rich Razzleberry.  I stamped and cut out the butterfly free-hand (so sorry, but you can't have a punch for every shape!).  A few Rhinestone Jewels make the butterfly body. 

The diameters of the butterfly wings and the window are both 1-3/4", so the wings may overlap when you cut them out.  But, if you curl up the tips of the wings a bit, you'll be able to open and close the card with no problem. 

The So Sorry font has kind of a distressed look that coordinates well with the paper and the scalloped border.  Is that weird that I look that closely at fonts?  I used to work on an art supplies catalog, so I have a bit of an obsession about the "feel" of type.  Anyway, this one "feels" just right! 

No matter what you're sorry for, you'll find the perfect phrase to complete your sentiment in the So Sorry set. 

There are 9 different endings from which to choose.  Although it's never fun to send an "I'm sorry" card, this one's got you covered, so it's a great stamp set to have on hand.

I was a little concerned that the butterfly's wings wouldn't stay curved if I sent it through the mail, so I created another version without a window for him to peek through.

This one has a border created with the Finishing Touches Edgelits. 

The butterfly was colored in the same way, but this time I stamped the image on the card front in Rich Razzleberry first to give him some antennae.  See them peeking out of the top?  It's all in the details.

Complete Supply List: 

• Stamps—Papillon Potpourri, So Sorry
• Ink—Baja Breeze, Tangerine Tango, Rich Razzleberry Markers; Rich Razzleberry Classic Ink
• Paper—Floral District DSP; Baja Breeze, Rich Razzleberry and Whisper White card stock 
• Accessories—Rhinestone Jewels
• Tools—1-3/4" Circle Punch, Adorning Accents Edgelits (card #1), Finishing Touches Edgelits (card #2), Big Shot, Dimensionals, SNAIL

Find all the supplies to create these projects & more at my Online Store!

Angie

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Events—Mark Your Calendars!

• Too Cool Demo Team Meeting—April 8 
• Wow Techniques Class—April 12
• Sale-A-Bration Celebration FREE Stamp Camp—April 20, 1-3pm
• "Last Thursdays" Monthly Class—April 25

Limited-Time-Only Promotion Quick Links

• MyPaperPumpkin.com—Subscribe to this monthly kit by April 10.
• Sent With Love Promotion—Now Thru April 30.
• This & That Products—Sneak peak discounted bundle thru April 30.
• A Round Array Bundle—New catalog sneak peek thru May 30.
• Browse Spring Catalog—Flash Player. Ends May 31.
• Shop Spring Catalog—Online Store. Ends May 31

NEW Product Quick Links 

• Best of 25 Years Stamps—Collect a new stamp set each month!
• NEW Price on MDS—Now only $19.95 for full software & content! 
• The Basics Online Class—34 project lessons, only $14.95
• Photopolymer All-Clear Stamps—New Designer Typeset set!

Swallowtail Feel Goods Cards

Let's take a closer look at one of the cards I'll be featuring at my "Last Thursdays" card class, rescheduled for Wednesday, April 3.  You can still RSVP until 5pm tonight, Tuesday, April 2, or find out how to get a Class-To-Go.  See complete details.

CASEd from Mary Brown at Stamper Camper's Corner.

I am loving the soft and pretty look of this beautiful "thinking of you" style card.  It features the gorgeous Swallowtail butterfly as the subtle background.  It's a nice change from using this huge butterfly as a bold focal point every time.  

I inked the Swallowtail in Crumb Cake and stamped off onto scrap paper once before stamping onto the Very Vanilla card front. 

The opening edge of the card is lined with a 1" x 5-1/2" strip from the Tea For Two Designer Series Paper. 

The Primrose Petals Stitched Satin Ribbon is adhered onto the front with Sticky Strip tape.  TIP: Place the Sticky Strip on the card first, then add the ribbon and trim the ends.

My favorite parts of the card are the Flower Trim rosettes, dabbed into the Primrose Petals ink pad, then layered on top of some Old Olive leaves punched with the Bird Builder Punch. I love how the flowers mimic the roses in the designer paper.  TIPS: I adhered the leaves with the 2-Way Glue Pen and the flowers with the Tombow Multipurpose Glue.

The Feel Goods sentiment was colored on the rubber with Old Olive and Primrose Petals Markers before stamping.  The style of the font really coordinates with the shabby chic look!

The design looks just as lovely as a horizontal card, too.  Quick and pretty—I think my class is going to love this one! 

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Complete Supply List: 

• Stamps—Swallowtail, Feel Goods
• Ink—Old Olive and Primrose Petals Markers; Crumb Cake and Primrose Petals Classic Ink
• Paper—Tea For Two DSP; Old Olive and Very Vanilla card stock 
• Accessories—Primrose Petals Stitched Satin Ribbon, Flower Trim
• Tools—Bird Builder Punch, 2-Way Glue Pen, Multipurpose Glue, Sticky Strip, Dimensionals, SNAIL

Find all the supplies to create these projects & more at my Online Store!

Angie

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Events—Mark Your Calendars!

• "Last Thursdays" Monthly Cards Class—Rescheduled to April 3
• Too Cool Demo Team Meeting—April 8 
• Wow Techniques Class—April 12
• Sale-A-Bration Celebration FREE Stamp Camp—April 20, 1-3pm

Limited-Time-Only Promotion Quick Links

• MyPaperPumpkin.com—Subscribe to this monthly kit by April 10.
• Sent With Love Promotion—Now Thru April 30.
• This & That Products—Sneak peak discounted bundle thru April 30.
• A Round Array Bundle—New catalog sneak peek thru May 30.
• Browse Spring Catalog—Flash Player. Ends May 31.
• Shop Spring Catalog—Online Store. Ends May 31

NEW Product Quick Links 

• Best of 25 Years Stamps—Collect a new stamp set each month!
• NEW Price on MDS—Now only $19.95 for full software & content! 
• The Basics Online Class—34 project lessons, only $14.95
• Photopolymer All-Clear Stamps—New Designer Typeset set!

Sunday Showcase—Single Stamps Availability Extended!

Hi Stamping Friends! 

The end of the month brings the end to several exciting promotions—don't miss out!

Final Fabric Frenzy!  Today we're finishing up the Fabric Frenzy promotion giving you 50% off the complete selection of Designer Series Fabrics. 

25% More Starter Kit!  It's your last chance to get $156 worth of supplies with the awesome Sale-A-Bration Starter Kit Promotion, so be sure to take advantage while you can!  See more details: Starter Kit Promotion Extended. 

Guess The "Best of..." Theme!  Today is your final day to enter to win my Best of 25 Years Contest by guessing which theme Stampin' Up! will be releasing tomorrow.  See details: April's "Best of..." contest.

Single Stamps Availability Extended! 

One thing that is continuing on is Single Stamps!  Even though they were supposed to be retiring today, Stampin' Up! just announced that the Single Stamps will continue to be available through July 31, 2013. 

With this new news, I thought it would be very fitting to have Single Stamps the theme of today's Sunday Showcase.  I don't currently own any single stamps, but there are lots of fun projects featuring those stamps all over the internet.  I'm highlighting one of my favorite card ideas from each Single Stamp below...

 

Created by Amy Koenders at Stamp With Amy K.

Towels For Two—What a fun image to use for newlyweds!  Amy used markers to color the different towels on the stamp before stamping.  Also features: Ovals Collection Framelits, Adorning Accents Folders, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Word Window Punch, Patio Party DSP, Antique Brads, Organza Ribbon, Teeny Tiny Wishes stamps.

 

Created by Sharon Burkert at As The Ink Dries.

Woohoo!—Sharon used the chalkboard technique to create a fancy Multi-Panel Card with this fun birthday stamp.  Also features: Sunshine & Sprinkles DSP, Bird Punch (candle flame), and Dazzling Diamonds.

 

Created by Heidi Weaver at Stampin Along With Heidi.

You Are My Sunshine—Heidi stamped this cheerful sentiment in black, then masked it before stamping the beautiful Delightful Daffodil, More Mustard and Tangerine Tango blossoms from Secret Garden over the background.  Also features: Rhinestone Jewels.

 

Created by Betty Saccocia at Booptique's Blog.

Spec-Tacular—Betty colored the different frames in neutral colors, highlighting only one in Melon Mambo to go along with the "There's Only One You" sentiment from Vintage Verses (retired).  Also features: 3/8" Basic Black Taffeta and Soda Pop Tops.

 
Created by Anne-Marie Hile at Stampin' Anne.

Oh, Baby!—A fun image for expectant mothers!  Anne-Marie this pretty card with paper flowers from the Pop-Up Posies Designer Kit, both textured with the Square Lattice Embossing Folder.  Also features: Pool Party Ruffled Ribbon, Calypso Coral Ruffled Ribbon, Finishing Touches Edgelits, and Rhinestone Jewels (in that pony tail, too!)

 

Created by Erica Cerwin at Pink Buckeroo Designs.

Hello, Hello—Such pretty layers!  Erica colored the stamp with Raspberry Ripple and Summer Starfruit markers, then cut out Ovals Collection Framelits layers.  Also features: Flower Trim, Print Poetry DSP Stack, and Summer Starfruit Stitched Satin Ribbon.

   

Created by Janet Baker and Jessica Wilstead at Snippets & Pretties.

Hello, Foxy!—I love the creative ways that Janet and Jessica used this whimsical stamp.  Also features: Sunshine & Sprinkles DSP, Woodgrain Embossing Folder, Itty Bitty Punch Pack and Rhinestone Jewels.

Created by Bonnie Klass at Stamping with Klass.

Ears To You—What a cute card...look at those cute bunny tails!  Bonnie stamped the bunnies and cut them out to play amongst the free-handed grass.  Also features: Vine Street Embossing Folder (available again with the new catalog in June), and Primrose Petals Stitched Satin Ribbon. 

 

Created by Deb Crowley at ExpressivelyDeb.com.

Boutique Blossom—Deb used the bold 2012 In Colors and matching Patio Party DSP for this card.  Also features: Primrose Petals Stitched Satin Ribbon, Extra Large Oval and Friendly Phrases.

 

Created by Meg Holland at Megumi's Stampin' Retreat.

Basic Label—This versatile frame coordinates perfectly with the Apothecary Accents Framelits shape.  Meg used it with the perfectly sized You're Amazing birthday sentiment.  Also features: That's The Ticket stamps, Ticket Builder Punch, World Spectacular DSP and In Color Designer Printed Brads. 

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I hope you enjoyed a little tour through the Single Stamps!  The best part about these individual images is the price—ranging from only $5.95 to $7.95! 

Order Single Stamps now at my Online Store! 

Thanks so much for joining me for today's Sunday Showcase!  I hope you were creatively inspired!  And, for those who celebrate...have a very Happy Easter!

Angie

Best of Flowers - Oval Bouquet Gate Fold Card

• Reminder: Guess The Next "Best of..." Stamp Set To Win!
• Reminder: Starter Kit Promotion Extended Thru March 31!
• Reminder: 50% off Fabric Frenzy thru March 31.

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Here is the final card design from my March Best of Flowers card kit for my club.  It's a fun gate-fold card created from a piece of 5-1/2" x 8" Very Vanilla card stock, scored at 2-1/8" and 6-3/8". 

I added 2" x 5-3/8"strips of Tea For Two Designer Series Paper to each front panel to create a pretty patterned background.

The Ovals Collection Framelits were used to make the focal point.  I stamped the Best of Flowers bouquet images in Early Espresso onto Very Vanilla, then centered the oval die to cut.  It's layered on a So Saffron oval that's a couple sizes bigger and pierced with the help of the Occasions Piercing Pack.

I colored the images with Markers in coordinating colors: So Saffron, Bashful Blue, Tangerine Tango and Lucky Limeade. 

I thought the Calypso Coral Baker's Twine bow added just the right touch.  It's adhered with a dab of Multipurpose Glue.

The Oh, Hello sentiment was stamped in Early Espresso on scrap Very Vanilla, then punched out with the Curly Label Punch.  I adhered it to the right front panel with Dimensionals, slightly overlapping the oval embellishment as a way to keep it closed. 

You know me...I had to do two cool versions (one to keep, one to give), but it wasn't much different than the first.  I colored the flowers with more Bashful Blue this time, changed the sentiment to one from Bloomin' Marvelous (retired), and added the bow to the sentiment. 

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CONTEST!  Win An April "Best of..." Card Kit!

What do you think April's "best of..." theme will be?  Any guesses?  If you think you know, add your guess to the Comments section.  If you guess right, I'll enter you in a drawing to win my April "Best of..." Card Kit with all the supplies to create three cards with the featured stamp set. 

UPDATE: Where IS the Comment Box?  The Comment Section is located at the bottom of the original blog post.  If you don't see the comment box, look for the Comments link at the end of the post. 

If you're reading this post from your email in-box, you'll need to either go to my actual blog post and scroll to the bottom, or simply reply to this email and submit your guess.  Sorry for any confusion!

One guess per person please.  US residents only please.  Contest ends March 31 at 11:50pm MT.

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Complete Supply List: 

• Stamps—Best of Flowers, Oh, Hello (card #1), Bloomin’ Marvelous (retired, card #2)
• Ink—So Saffron, Tangerine Tango, Bashful Blue and Lucky Limeade Markers; Early Espresso Classic Ink
• Paper—Tea For Two DSP; So Saffron and Very Vanilla card stock 
• Accessories—Calypso Coral Baker’s Twine
• Tools—Ovals Collection Framelits, Big Shot, Occasions Paper Piercing Pack, Paper Piercing Tool, Piercing Mat, Curly Label Punch, Multipurpose Glue, Dimensionals, SNAIL

Find all the supplies to create these projects & more at my Online Store!

Angie

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Events—Mark Your Calendars!

• "Last Thursdays" Monthly Cards Class—Rescheduled to April 3
• Too Cool Demo Team Meeting—April 8 
• Wow Techniques Class—April 12
• Sale-A-Bration Celebration FREE Stamp Camp—April 20, 1-3pm

Limited-Time-Only Promotion Quick Links

• Fabric Frenzy—50% off all fabrics. Ends March 31.
• Starter Kit Promotion Extended—Ends March 31!
• MyPaperPumpkin.com—Subscribe to this monthly kit by April 10.
• Sent With Love Promotion—Now Thru April 30.
• This & That Products—Sneak peak discounted bundle thru April 30.
• A Round Array Bundle—New catalog sneak peek thru May 30.
• Browse Spring Catalog—Flash Player. Ends May 31.
• Shop Spring Catalog—Online Store. Ends May 31

NEW Product Quick Links 

• Best of 25 Years Stamps—New stamp set each month!
• NEW Price on MDS—Now only $19.95 for full software & content! 
• The Basics Online Class—34 project lessons, only $14.95
• Photopolymer All-Clear Stamps—New Designer Typeset set!

Best of Flowers—Baja Breeze Hydrangeas

• Reminder: Tonight's "Last Thursdays" Class Rescheduled.
• Reminder: Guess The Next "Best of..." Stamp Set To Win!
• Reminder: Starter Kit Promotion Extended Thru March 31!
• Reminder: 50% off Fabric Frenzy thru March 31.
  

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This is my favorite pair of cards from my Best of Flowers card kit going out to my Best of 25 Years club members this month. 

It's actually a CASE of a Because I Care Two-Sheet-Wonder Card project, originally designed by Chiaki Haverstick, that Darla Eigenschink shared with our Too Cool Demo Team a couple years ago.  If you're looking for a great card set gift idea, be sure to check out Chiaki's tutorial: Two-Sheet-Wonder Card Tote.

The images from both sets are so similar and I didn't have a chance to try this project before Because I Care was retired, so I was excited to have the chance to do it again!  

I layered the Basic Black card base with a 5-1/4" x 4" sheet of Whisper White that was randomly stamped with the hydrangea in StazOn Black.  It appears a bit lighter only because I was in need of re-inking my pad.  TIP: Always have a refill on hand with the StazOn.  That ink tends to dry quickly on the paper and in the pad. 

Next, I texture embossed a piece of 3” x 4-1/4” Baja Breeze card stock with the Lacy Brocade Folder Texture Impressions Folder and adhered it to the card with SNAIL.

The hydrangea image was stamped onto a piece of 2-1/4” x 3-1/2” Whisper White card stock, leaving room for a sentiment at the bottom.  I colored the image with Baja Breeze and Lucky Limeade Markers.  On the flower petals, I kind of dabbed on the color so there were white spaces and not solid color.

At the bottom of the piece, I stamped a Bloomin’ Marvelous (now retired) sentiment in StazOn Black.  Then, I wrapped the stamped piece with a 1/8” Baja Breeze Taffeta Ribbon, which was tied in a double-knot and trimmed.

Finally, I matted the entire piece onto a 2-3/8” x 3-5/8” layer of Basic Black card stock with SNAIL, and adhered it to the card front with Dimensionals.

I love the look of my horizontal version, too, but I added a little extra something on this one.  Can you see the Dazzling Diamonds on the flower?  Click the image to enlarge it to see the details.  Ooohh, so sparkly! 

Complete Supply List: 

• Stamps—Best of Flowers, Bloomin’ Marvelous (retired)
• Ink—StazOn Black Ink; Baja Breeze and Lucky Limeade Markers
• Paper—Basic Black, Baja Breeze, and Whisper White card stock
• Accessories—1/8” Baja Breeze Taffeta Ribbon, Dazzling Diamonds (card #2)
• Tools—Lacy Brocade Texture Impressions Folder, Big Shot, 2-Way Glue Pen (card #2), Dimensionals, SNAIL

Find all the supplies to create these projects & more at my Online Store!

Angie

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CONTEST!  Win An April "Best of..." Card Kit!

What do you think April's "best of..." theme will be?  Any guesses?  If you think you know, add your guess to the Comments section.  If you guess right, I'll enter you in a drawing to win my April "Best of..." Card Kit with all the supplies to create three cards with the featured stamp set. 

UPDATE: Where IS the Comment Box?  The Comment Section is located at the bottom of the original blog post.  If you don't see the comment box, look for the Comments link at the end of the post. 

If you're reading this post from your email in-box, you'll need to either go to my actual blog post and scroll to the bottom, or simply reply to this email and submit your guess.  Sorry for any confusion!

One guess per person please.  US residents only please.  Contest ends March 31 at 11:50pm MT.

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Too Cool Promotion Quick Links! 

• Browse Spring Catalog—Flash Player
• Shop Spring Catalog—Online Store
• Sent With Love Promotion—Now Thru April 30.
• MyPaperPumpkin.com—Monthly Kit Subscription.  Sign up by April 10.
• Best of 25 Years Stamps—New stamp set each month!
• A Round Array Bundle—New catalog sneak peek thru May 30.
  
• NEW Price on MDS—Now only $19.95 for full software & content! 
• The Basics Online Class—34 project lessons, only $14.95
• Photopolymer All-Clear Stamps—New Designer Typeset set!
• Fabric Frenzy—50% off all fabrics thru March 31.
• Starter Kit Promotion Extended—Thru March 31!

Events—Mark Your Calendars!

• "Last Thursdays" Monthly Cards Class—Rescheduled to April 3
• Too Cool Demo Team Meeting—April 8 
• Wow Techniques Class—April 12
• Sale-A-Bration Celebration FREE Stamp Camp—April 20, 1-3pm

 

 

Rescheduled "Last Thursdays" & Another Thumping Card

PLEASE NOTE: "Last Thursdays" Class Rescheduled For Wednesday, April 3

My awesome "Last Thursdays" class "regulars" are being kind enough to allow me to watch my Indiana Hoosiers play in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament on Thursday night instead of having class that night.

I'd like to give an extra BIG thank you to everyone who has so graciously been inconvenienced in order to allow me to enjoy a fun (hopefully) night of basketball!  This crazy IU fan truly appreciates it!  As a thank you, everyone who attends next Wednesday's class (whether you're a "regular" or not) will get an extra project to create at no charge!  Go Indiana Hoosiers!

Contact me to RSVP for the "Last Thursdays" Class on Wednesday, April 3, 6:30pm.

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Jodi Geers' Swallowtail Thumping project from yesterday inspired me to create a similar card project for a recent private class.  You know I had to have some butterflies, since that's my theme for this month. 

Well, my hostess (*waves to Angie*) said she liked purple, and I thought this would be a perfect card to customize to a purple color combination.  Plus, you probably already know that I love me some purples, too! 

I started by inking the Swallowtail stamp with the lighter Wisteria Wonder ink.  Then I used the Thumping Technique by tapping Island Indigo and Elegant Eggplant markers on the rubber before stamping onto the 5" x 3-3/4" Whisper White card stock.  Wow!  I love the color variations! Yesterday's post tells more details about Thumping.

I layered this onto a 5-1/8" x 3-7/8" piece of Elegant Eggplant, so just a thin frame would be showing.

I was gonna stop there, but I just couldn't do it!  I had to add some bling!  So, I got out my 2-Way Glue Pen and some Dazzling Diamonds to glitter it up!  I used the glue sparingly, keeping it somewhat symmetrical on both sides.  Awesomeness!

For my second card, I also added some thumping with the Rich Razzleberry marker, which I love even more! 

The Blooming With Kindness sentiment is inked in Island Indigo and really complements that butterfly so nicely.

You can see in this photo that I popped up the entire stamped and matted layers with a gazillion Dimensionals, too.

Are You feeling The Swallowtail Love? I've said it before, and I'll say it again.  I never thought of this huge butterfly as being versatile, but I've come to absolutely love it.  It's mostly because the image is so gorgeous on it's own that you don't have to do much to have an amazingly beautiful card. 

Seriously, if you don't have this one yet—Get It! I promise that you won't be disappointed!

Complete Supply List: 

• Stamps—Swallowtail, Blooming With Kindness
• Ink—Island Indigo, Elegant Eggplant and Rich Razzleberry (card #2) Markers; Wisteria Wonder and Island Indigo Classic Ink Pads
• Paper—Elegant Eggplant and Whisper White card stock 
• Accessories—Dazzling Diamonds
• Tools—2-Way Glue Pen, Dimensionals, SNAIL

Find all the supplies to create these projects & more at my Online Store!

Angie

___________________________________________________________________

Too Cool Promotion Quick Links! 

• Browse Spring Catalog—Flash Player
• Shop Spring Catalog—Online Store
• Sent With Love Promotion—Now Thru April 30.
• MyPaperPumpkin.com—Monthly Kit Subscription.  Sign up by April 10.
• Best of 25 Years Stamps—New stamp set each month!
• A Round Array Bundle—New catalog sneak peek thru May 30.
  
• NEW Price on MDS—Now only $19.95 for full software & content! 
• The Basics Online Class—34 project lessons, only $14.95
• Photopolymer All-Clear Stamps—New Designer Typeset set!
• Fabric Frenzy—50% off all fabrics thru March 31.

Events—Mark Your Calendars!

• "Last Thursdays" Monthly Cards Class—Rescheduled to April 3
• Too Cool Demo Team Meeting—April 8
• Wow Techniques Class—April 12
• Sale-A-Bration Celebration FREE Stamp Camp—April 20, 1-3pm

50% Off Fabric Frenzy, Plus Cool Thumping Technique

One Week Only—All Designer Fabrics Are 50% off!

Have you tried Stampin' Up! Designer Fabrics?  If not, now is the perfect time!  All Designer Fabrics are half-price through March 31, 2013. 

Check out the complete selection of fabric at my Online Store.

• High quality fabric comes in extra-wide, 18" x 26" fat quarters.
• Designs coordinate with Designer Papers, colors, and accessories!
• Great for quilting & sewing projects!
• Also, fantastic for embellishments, home décor and more!

Check out this video for some awesome ideas for using Designer Fabrics (click to see the video from my blog post):

 

Order Your 50% off Fabric at my Online Store.

And, for even more savings, be sure to check out the Clearance Rack!

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I still have a few more Quick & Cool technique cards to show you from my Too Cool Demo Team shoebox swap earlier this month.  Today's project is definitely a "wow" that is super-easy!

Team member Jodi Geers brought this gorgeous Swallowtail card for us to complete at the swap.  I love all of the colors and details in the wings, which we created using the Thumping Technique. 

Basic Thumping Technique

• Ink up a detailed stamp in a light color.
• Using another color of marker, tap or "thump" the brush-tip end all over the image.
• Repeat the thumping process with other colors of markers, as desired, starting with the lightest colors first and moving on to the darker colors.
• Huff on the stamp to re-moisten it, then stamp onto card stock for a multicolor image.

For Jodi's card, we used Sahara Sand as the base color, then we thumped on So Saffron, Tangerine Tango, and Basic Gray.  The card was finished with a Blooming With Kindness sentiment, and some Basic Gray Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon.  It took less than 5 minutes to make this card!  Awesome!

Complete Supply List: 

• Stamps—Swallowtail, Blooming With Kindness
• Ink—So Saffron, Tangerine Tango and Basic Grey Markers; Sahara Sand Classic Ink Pads
• Paper—So Saffron, Basic Gray, and Whisper White card stock 
• Accessories—Basic Gray Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon
• Tools—SNAIL

Find all the supplies to create these projects & more at my Online Store!

So how are many of you enjoying the beautiful Spring snowstorm?!  My Lucky-dog sure loves it!

He's so excited about the snow he's running around like a firecracker is up his butt!  This was the best photo I could get of him and I had to hold him in place.  Check out those snowballs on his legs!  What you can't see are all the snowballs on his head from sniffing around in the snow.  He's a happy, happy dogger!

Angie

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Too Cool Promotion Quick Links!

Wow!  This list just keeps growing and growing!  There are so many exciting things happening with Stampin' Up! right now! 

• Browse Spring Catalog—Flash Player
• Shop Spring Catalog—Online Store
• Sent With Love Promotion—Now Thru April 30.
• MyPaperPumpkin.com—Monthly Kit Subscription.  Sign up by April 10.
• Best of 25 Years Stamps—New stamp set each month!
• NEW A Round Array Bundle—New catalog sneak peek thru May 30.
  
• NEW Price on MDS—Now only $19.95 for full software & content! 
• The Basics Online Class—34 project lessons, only $14.95
• Photopolymer All-Clear Stamps—New Designer Typeset set!
• Fabric Frenzy—50% off all fabrics thru March 31.

Events—Mark Your Calendars!

• "Last Thursdays" Monthly Cards Class—March 28 (possibly rescheduling to April 3)
• Wow Techniques Class—April 12
• Sale-A-Bration Celebration FREE Stamp Camp—April 20, 1-3pm.

Win Mystery Hostess Benefits, Plus A Patterned Occasions Card

How Would You Like To Be My Mystery Hostess?

Sale-A-Bration Ends Friday, March 22!  This is your last chance to get FREE Sale-A-Bration items for every $50 you spend! 

As part of my Sale-A-Bration Celebration, I've decided to end this promotion with a bang...by giving YOU a chance to win Hostess Benefits on my last Sale-A-Bration order! 

Here's How It Works!

With the new Hostess Codes, we now have the ability to combine online orders together to earn Hostess Benefits.  Best of all, those online orders ship out immediately and right to your door-step!  I'm combining all the orders I receive and the winner of my Mystery Hostess Drawing will get all of the accrued Hostess Benefits!  Woohoo!

• Place An Online Order—At my Online Store before noon EDT on March 22, 2013.
• Use The Hostess Code—Enter the Hostess Code SUQVAF7D during the checkout process.  You should see my name listed as hostess.
• Two Cool FREE Cards—I'll send two cool, completed cards to anyone who orders! 
• Bonus For Every $25—You'll receive an extra entry for every $25 you spend!

Have Your Wishlist Ready!

If you're drawn as the winner of the Mystery Hostess Benefits, I'll need to get your selections before 8pm on March 22, so I can get the order in before the end of the promotion.  I'll notify the winner by email and/or phone before 12:30 pm on March 22.  If you don't think you'll be available to contact during this time, please email a list of your hostess selections up to $65 in value to me in advance.

Earn An Invitation To A FREE Sale-A-Bration Celebration Stamp Camp!

Don't forget that you can earn a FREE Sale-A-Bration Celebration Stamp Camp when you place at least $150 in orders during Sale-A-Bration!  Click the above link for details on this April 20 event! 

Ready...Set...GO! 

Start placing your orders NOW at my Online Store! 

Remember, the deadline is Friday, March 22, at noon EDT.  You must enter the Hostess Code SUQVAF7D during the checkout process for your order to qualify.

If this Online Virtual Workshop is successful, I'll be offering more!   

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CASEd from a swap I received at Leadership 2013.

I'm doing a private class tonight (*waves to Angie*) and one of the projects we'll be creating features some of our awesome Sale-A-Bration exclusive items!  

I embossed the Pool Party card front with the Honeycomb Texture Impressions Folder.  

The banners are created with a 1-1/2" x 5" piece of Sycamore Street Designer Series Paper from Sale-A-Bration, that's fish-tailed at the bottom.  A strip of 3/4" x 4-1/2" piece of Island Indigo card stock, also fish-tailed at the bottom, is layered on top. 

A 3-1/2" piece of Tangerine Tango card stock that's been die-cut with Adorning Accents Edgelits is peeking out from under the banners.  Rhinestone Jewels add some bling.

The focal point is created with the Patterned Occasions Sale-A-Bration stamp set, colored with coordinating markers, then punched out with the 2-1/2" Circle Punch.  Super easy!

Here's a second version using the cute jeans image!  Love it! 

Complete Supply List: 

• Stamps—Patterned Occasions (SAB 129624 c, 129621 w)
• Ink—Island Indigo, Pool Party, Tangerine Tango Markers
• Paper—Sycamore Street DSP (SAB 127540); Pool Party, Island Indigo, Tangerine Tango, and Whisper White card stock 
• Accessories—Rhinestone Jewels
• Tools—Honeycomb Texture Impressions Folder, Adorning Accents Edgelits, Big Shot, 2-1/2" Circle Punch, Dimensionals, SNAIL

Find all the supplies to create these projects & more at my Online Store!

Angie

Swallowtail With Designer Paper & Markers

I had lots of fun playing with the Swallowtail image last week!  Here are two cool experiments:

I tried embossing the Swallowtail image on some of the Sale-A-Bration Sycamore Street Designer Series Papers and then coloring it with Markers.

Version #1 uses the Summer Starfruit pattern from the Sycamore Street DSP.  I stamped in VersaMark and embossed in Basic Black Embossing Powder.  I should have taken a photo of that, because it looked pretty awesome without the coloring.

The Lacy & Lovely sentiment is also embossed.

I colored in the sections with Summer Starfruit, Melon Mambo and Tangerine Tango Markers.  The paper's pattern slightly shows through for a nice effect. 

I used a Sponge Dauber to add some Champagne Shimmer Mist Paint over the top for shine!  Gorgeous!

Version #2 uses the Razzleberry dotted pattern from the Sycamore Street DSP.  I tried Pool Party Embossing Powder on the Swallowtail and Blooming With Kindness sentiment for a bold contrast.  Not sure if I like it very much...what do you think? 

This time, I used Rich Razzleberry, Pacific Point and Elegant Eggplant Markers to color the wings.   

Complete Supply List: 

• Stamps—Swallowtail, Lacy & Lovely (card #1), Blooming With Kindness (card #2)
• Ink—VersaMark Ink; Summer Starfruit, Melon Mambo and Tangerine Tango Markers (card #1), Rich Razzleberry, Pacific Point and Elegant Eggplant Markers (card #2)
• Paper—Sycamore Street DSP (SAB #127540); Summer Starfruit and Whisper White (card #1), Rich Razzleberry and Pool Party (card #2) card stock 
• Accessories—Black Embossing Powder, Pool Party Embossing Powder, Champagne Shimmer Mist Paint
• Tools—Embossing Buddy, Heat Tool, Sponge Daubers, Dimensionals, SNAIL

Find all the supplies to create these projects & more at my Online Store!

Check out all of the Sale-A-Bration items you can earn...choose one FREE item for every $50 you spend! 

And, don't forget that you can earn a FREE Sale-A-Bration Celebration Stamp Camp when you place at least $150 in orders during Sale-A-Bration!  Click the above link for details!

Angie

___________________________________________________________________

Too Cool Promotion Quick Links!

Wow!  This list just keeps growing and growing!  There are so many exciting things happening with Stampin' Up! right now! 

• Browse Spring Catalog—Flash Player
• Shop Spring Catalog—Online Store
• Sent With Love Promotion—Now Thru April 30.
• MyPaperPumpkin.com—Monthly Kit Subscription.  Sign up by March 10.
• Best of 25 Years Stamps—New stamp set each month!
• Best of 25 Years Stamp Club by Mail—One more opening available.
• NEW The Basics Online Class—34 project lessons, only $14.95
• NEW Photopolymer All-Clear Stamps—New Designer Typeset set!
• Hostess Codes—Learn how you can earn more Hostess Benefits!

Events—Mark Your Calendars!

• "Last Thursdays" Monthly Cards Class—March 28
• Sale-A-Bration Promotion—Ends March 22...Don't Miss It!
• Sale-A-Bration Celebration FREE Stamp Camp—April 20, 1-3pm.

Embossed Swallowtail With Markers

One More Day To Sign Up For Paper Pumpkin!

The deadline to sign up for the premiere of this amazing new monthly crafting kit program is tomorrow, March 10, 2013! 

Sign up today at MyPaperPumpkin.com and you'll be on your way to a monthly creative escape, delivered to your doorstep every month!  Be sure to select me as your demonstrator!

See complete details.

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Earn A FREE Sale-A-Bration Celebration Stamp Camp!

The end of Sale-A-Bration is drawing near, but there's still plenty of time left to earn FREE items for every $50 you spend before the promotion ends on March 22, 2013!  

And, there is still plenty of time to qualify for my FREE Sale-A-Bration Celebration Stamp Camp! 

I'm hosting a FREE Sale-A-Bration Celebration Stamp Camp in appreciation for all of my stamping friends who order a cummulative total of at least $150 throughout the entire Sale-A-Bration promotion!  Doesn't that sound like fun?!  Woohoo! 

• What: Sale-A-Bration Celebration Stamp Camp!
• When: April 20, 2013, from 1-3pm
• Who Can Attend: Anyone who has placed a cummulative total of $150 in orders from me between January 22, 2013 and March 22, 2013. 
• Cost: FREE!
• Details: We'll do 3-4 projects and there will be some door prizes and incentives for placing an order that day. 
• Online Customers: If you qualify, I will ship a Stamp Camp kit (without stamping) to you for a $5.60 fee for Priority Mail Shipping.

Fine Print: Limit one free Sale-A-Bration Celebration Stamp Camp kit per customer. If you qualify, but can't attend, you can pick up a free Kit with no stamping included, or pay to have it shipped to you.  Orders that have already been discounted through a special Too Cool Stamping offer, like Sale-A-Bration Bucks, may not count toward the qualifying total.  Contact me for details.  

Make sure you qualify for this fun & FREE Too Cool Stamping event! 

Place your order at my Online Store today!

________________________________________________________________________

Hi Stamping Friends!

I was playing around with the beautiful Swallowtail image last week and created this card...

This huge butterfly image is so beautiful!  You don't even need to add a bunch of layers or embellishments to created a fabulous card for all kinds of occasions.  It's simple and stunning all on its own!

Here, I stamped the Swallowtail in VersaMark Ink and heat embossed with Black Embossing Powder onto Marina Mist card stock.  I also embossed the sentiment from Blooming with Kindness. 

I used Wisteria Wonder, Rich Razzleberry, Bashful Blue and Marina Mist markers to color in the different sections of the wings.  Talk about quick and easy! 

What? Only One Cool Card? Oh, I tried creating two cool cards for this design, but sometimes one of the two cool cards just ends up looking like crap.  Know what I mean?!  I did find out that coloring over the top of this butterfly with a 2-Way Glue Pen, with the intention of adding some Dazzling Diamonds, makes all of your resisted marker inks run together into a muddy mess.  Good to know.  Haha!

Complete Supply List: 

• Stamps—Swallowtail, Blooming With Kindness
• Ink—VersaMark Ink; Wisteria Wonder, Rich Razzleberry, Bashful Blue and Marina Mist Markers
• Paper—Rich Razzleberry, Marina Mist and Basic Black card stock 
• Accessories—Black Embossing Powder
• Tools—Embossing Buddy (should have used it!), Heat Tool, Dimensionals, SNAIL

Find all the supplies to create these projects & more at my Online Store!

Angie

___________________________________________________________________

Too Cool Promotion Quick Links!

Wow!  This list just keeps growing and growing!  There are so many exciting things happening with Stampin' Up! right now! 

• Browse Spring Catalog—Flash Player
• Shop Spring Catalog—Online Store
• Sent With Love Promotion—Now Thru April 30.
• MyPaperPumpkin.com—Monthly Kit Subscription.  Sign up by March 10.
• Best of 25 Years Stamps—New stamp set each month!
• Best of 25 Years Stamp Club by Mail—One more opening available.
• NEW The Basics Online Class—34 project lessons, only $14.95
• NEW Photopolymer All-Clear Stamps—New Designer Typeset set!
• Hostess Codes—Learn how you can earn more Hostess Benefits!

Events—Mark Your Calendars!

• "Last Thursdays" Monthly Cards Class—March 28
• Sale-A-Bration Promotion—Ends March 22...Don't Miss It!
• Sale-A-Bration Celebration FREE Stamp Camp—April 20, 1-3pm.

Easy Half Envelope Gift Card Holders

Have you ever been in need of a quick & easy gift card holder when you're running late, or need a simple style gift card holder to make for a group of people? 

Today, I'm sharing Two Cool ideas for dressing up your gift cards in a cute and clever way...in no time at all! 

I was inspired to create these from a Leadership presentation by Stampin' Up! CEO Shelli Gardner. She shared a mini note card tucked into an envelope that had been cut in half.  I quickly discovered that a half envelope was the perfect size for a gift card! 

Both gift card holder styles are created by cutting a  standard A2 Medium Crumb Cake Envelope in half at the 2-7/8" mark. 

  

The first one is created by adhering the cut edges together to make a mini, sealable envelope. You need all the room you can get inside this envelope for the gift card to fit.  TIP: Sticky Strip is too wide for the edge, so I used a super-thin line of Multipurpose Glue.

I decorated the envelope with the You Are Loved floral stamp, inked in Rich Razzleberry, Not Quite Navy and Elegant Eggplant Markers.  To save time, I only inked once, then continued to stamp the random pattern up the front of the envelope.  

I didn't want to actually seal the envelope, so I wrapped some Wisteria Wonder Baker's Twine around the top so the flap could tuck into it.  It's embellished with a Basics Designer Button and a Tiny Tags sentiment punched with the Jewelry Tag Punch.  

 

My mini card is a piece of 8-1/2" x 2-1/2" Crumb Cake folded in half.  I stamped it first with the Vintage Verses Sale-A-Bration stamp, also inked up with Markers, then added a bit of embossing with the Needlepoint Border Texture Impressions Folder. 

See!  It's the perfect size, with just enough room to sign your name!   

 

Version #2 is a pouch that is open on the cut side with a sealed flap.

I decorated the outside similarly to the other one, and also added my sentiment on the front, since there wasn't any room on the inside.  I wrapped it with Linen Thread (which matches so much better than the Twine!), and added some Pearl Jewels, too.

My gift card is mounted on a 4-1/4" x 2-3/4" piece of Crumb Cake that decorated with a Rich Razzleberry Scallop Edge Border and Not Quite Navy Window Frame Framelit pull-tab.  I also added some Needlepoint Border embossing along the top of the tab.

Adhering The Gift Card Holder—Many times you can re-use the glue strip that holds the gift card to the holder card it was attached to when you purchased it.  If you don't have that, you can create your own glue strip with Multipurpose Glue.

Simply add a bead or dots of Multipurpose Glue to the back of your card, avoiding any strips or scan codes, and let it dry overnight.  The glue becomes tacky and repositionable after drying.  You can pre-dry a bunch of lines or dots of this adhesive on wax paper, then attach them to your card later, too. 

Disclaimer: Sometimes the glue doesn't pull off the card very easily, so the card may have a sticky residue.  Something to keep in mind if the recipient will be carrying it without the envelope.

Complete Supply List: 

• Stamps—You Are Loved, Vintage Verses (SAB #129636 c, #129633 w), Tiny Tags (project #1)
• Ink—Rich Razzleberry, Elegant Eggplant, and Not Quite Navy Markers
• Paper—Crumb Cake, and Rich Razzleberry and Not Quite Navy (project #2) card stock 
• Accessories—Crumb Cake Medium Envelopes, Wisteria Wonder Baker's Twine (project #1), Basics Designer Buttons (project #1), Linen Thread (proeject #2), Pearl Jewels (project #2)
• Tools—Needlepoint Border Texture Impressions Folder, Window Frame Framelit (project #2), Big Shot, Jewelry Tag Punch (project #1), Scallop Edge Border Punch (project #2), Stampin' Trimmer, Multipurpose Glue, SNAIL

Find all the supplies to create these projects & more at my Online Store!

Check out all of the Sale-A-Bration items you can earn...choose one FREE item for every $50 you spend! 

And, don't forget that you can earn a FREE Sale-A-Bration Celebration Stamp Camp when you place at least $150 in orders during Sale-A-Bration!  Click the above link for details!

Angie

___________________________________________________________________

Too Cool Promotion Quick Links!

Wow!  This list just keeps growing and growing!  There are so many exciting things happening with Stampin' Up! right now! 

• Browse Spring Catalog—Flash Player
• Shop Spring Catalog—Online Store
• Sent With Love Promotion—Now Thru April 30.
• Sale-A-Bration Promotion—See what you can earn for FREE!
• MyPaperPumpkin.com—Monthly Kit Subscription
• Best of 25 Years Stamps—New stamp set each month!
• Best of 25 Years Stamp Club by Mail—One more opening available.
• NEW The Basics Online Class—34 project lessons, only $14.95
• NEW Photopolymer All-Clear Stamps—New Designer Typeset set!
• Hostess Codes—Learn how you can earn more Hostess Benefits!

Events—Mark Your Calendars!

• Best of 25 Years Club Orders Due—March 5
• Wow Techniques Class—March 8, 6:30pm.
• "Last Thursdays" Monthly Cards Class—March 28
• Sale-A-Bration Celebration FREE Stamp Camp—April 20, 1-3pm.

Oh, Hello Two Flowers Cards

Here's my final card from my "Last Thursdays" class from last week...

CASEd from Yvette Ashe at Yvette's Paper Garden.

I've seen this card design floating around the internet—it's certainly a popular one on Pinterest—so, I had to try it out on my own!  I love the lovely layers and textures combined with the sweet flowers from the Oh, Hello stamp set. 

I started with a card base in Very Vanilla, then started decorating a second layer in the same color card stock.  The top 2/3 was embossed with the Honeycomb Texture Impressions Folder, leaving enough room for the sentiment stamped in Early Espresso. 

 

I added some Early Espresso sponging around all of the edges and over the top of the embossing.

This is a great photo of all the fun layering and detail!  I embossed the 4-1/4" x 2" piece of Early Espresso with the beautiful, scalloped Needlepoint Border Folder. 

After adding a 4-1/4" x 1" piece of Tea For Two Designer Series Paper on top, I wrapped the entire layered Very Vanilla piece with the Island Indigo Satin Ribbon from the Sale-a-Bration Sycamore Street Ribbon & Button Pack.  That ribbon is SO soft and easy-to-tie!  I wish it was sticking around after Sale-A-Bration! 

The flowers were colored on the stamp with Island Indigo and Lucky Limeade Markers before stamping, then punched out with the 1-3/4" Circle Punch.  I love the look of the Island Indigo 2-3/8" Scallop Circle layered on top of the Early Espresso Window Frame Framelie die-cut.  Don't forget to add some detailing with the Paper Piercing Tool and Festive Paper Piercing Pack template!

Here's another version...Oh, Hello on the horizontal!  :-D

Complete Supply List: 

• Stamps—Oh, Hello
• Ink—Island Indigo and Lucky Limeade Markers; Early Espresso Classic Ink
• Paper—Tea For Two DSP; Island Indigo, Early Espresso, and Very Vanilla card stock 
• Accessories—Sycamore Street Ribbon & Button Pack (SAB #130812)
• Tools—Honeycomb Texture Impressions Folder, Window Frame Framelit, Needlepoint Border Texture Impressions Folder, Big Shot, Festive Paper Piercing Pack, Paper Piercing Tool, Pierce Mat, 2-3/8” Scallop Circle Punch, Sponges, Dimensionals, SNAIL

Find all the supplies to create these projects & more at my Online Store!

Check out all of the Sale-A-Bration items you can earn...choose one FREE item for every $50 you spend! 

And, don't forget that you can earn a FREE Sale-A-Bration Celebration Stamp Camp when you place at least $150 in orders during Sale-A-Bration!  Click the above link for details!

Angie

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Too Cool Promotion Quick Links!

Wow!  This list just keeps growing and growing!  There are so many exciting things happening with Stampin' Up! right now! 

• Browse Spring Catalog—Flash Player
• Shop Spring Catalog—Online Store
• Sent With Love Promotion—Now Thru April 30.
• Sale-A-Bration Promotion—See what you can earn for FREE!
• MyPaperPumpkin.com—Monthly Kit Subscription
• Best of 25 Years Stamps—New stamp set each month!
• Best of 25 Years Stamp Club by Mail—One more opening available.
• NEW The Basics Online Class—34 project lessons, only $14.95
• NEW Photopolymer All-Clear Stamps—New Designer Typeset set!
• Hostess Codes—Learn how you can earn more Hostess Benefits!

Events—Mark Your Calendars!

• Best of 25 Years Club Orders Due—March 5
• Wow Techniques Class—March 8, 6:30pm.
• "Last Thursdays" Monthly Cards Class—March 28
• Sale-A-Bration Celebration FREE Stamp Camp—April 20, 1-3pm.

FREE Sale-A-Bration Celebration! Plus Folded Frame Mini Notes

Earn A FREE Sale-A-Bration Celebration Stamp Camp!

There is only one month left of Sale-A-Bration, so you still have plenty of time to earn FREE items for every $50 you spend!  The Sale-A-Bration promotion ends March 22, 2013. 

But, the fun doesn't stop there!  I've decided to host a FREE Sale-A-Bration Celebration Stamp Camp in appreciation for all of my stamping friends who order a cumulative total of at least $150 throughout the entire Sale-A-Bration promotion!  Doesn't that sound like fun?!  Woohoo! 

• What: Sale-A-Bration Celebration Stamp Camp!
• When: April 20, 2013, from 1-3pm
• Who Can Attend: Anyone who has placed a cummulative total of $150 in orders from me between January 22, 2013 and March 22, 2013. 
• Cost: FREE!
• Details: We'll do 3-4 projects and there will be some door prizes and incentives for placing an order that day. 
• Online Customers: If you qualify, I will ship a Stamp Camp kit (without stamping) to you for a $5.60 fee for Priority Mail Shipping.

Fine Print: Limit one free Sale-A-Bration Celebration Stamp Camp kit per customer. If you qualify, but can't attend, you can pick up a free Kit with no stamping included, or pay to have it shipped to you.  Orders that have already been discounted through a special Too Cool Stamping offer, like Sale-A-Bration Bucks, may not count toward the qualifying total.  Contact me for details.  

Make sure you qualify for this fun & FREE Too Cool Stamping event! 

Place your order at my Online Store today!

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Hi Stamping Friends!

A lot of my stamping friends have commented on how much they love the Folded Frame technique that I featured on my Folded Frame Patterned Occasions post. 

It's such a simple and fun way to add a fabulous focal point to your projects!

I loved it too, so I thought it would be fun to create some mini 3x3" notecards with the same idea.  Check it out!

I made some cute Folded Frame notes with the Happy Hour set to give out as thank yous! 

 

I started with a 3" x 6" piece of Whisper White card stock, folded in half to fit perfectly inside a Mini Square envelope.  I added a 2-1/2" square Island Indigo mat frame to make the colored paper pop!

Create Your Own Mini Folded Frame

• I started with a 3-1/4" square of the Sycamore Street Designer Series Paper from the Sale-A-Bration Catalog.  Using the Diagonal Plate on top of the Simply Scored tool, I scored along each side at the 1-5/8" and 2-1/4" marks.  
• Fold the inner most lines toward the middle and outer most away from the middle.  You'll get a different look depending on which side of the double-sided paper you use.  My photos show both ways above.
• Add a stamped image on a 2" square piece of Whisper White card stock.
• Add Dimensionals under each of the folds to keep the sides secured.

I used Pool Party and Island Indigo markers to coloring directly on the margarita stamp in order to stamp it in two colors.  The Tangerine Tango orange slice and a Rhinestone Jewel were added for a garnish.

Like the Happy Hour image?  Check out more variations of glasses and garnishes at my It's Happy Hour! post.

Awww...I love the matching sentiment inside, also from the Happy Hour set!  It's perfect!

Complete Supply List: 

• Stamps—Happy Hour
• Ink—Island Indigo, and Pool Party Markers; Tangerine Tango Classic Ink
• Paper—Sycamore Street DSP (SAB #127540); Island Indigo, and Whisper White card stock 
• Accessories—Rhinestone Jewels
• Tools—Simply Scored, Simply Scored Diagonal Tool, Bone Folder, Dimensionals, SNAIL

Find all the supplies to create these projects & more at my Online Store!

Check out all of the Sale-A-Bration items you can earn...choose one FREE item for every $50 you spend!

Angie

___________________________________________________________________

Too Cool Promotion Quick Links!

• Browse Spring Catalog—Flash Player
• Shop Spring Catalog—Online Store
• Sent With Love Promotion—Now Thru April 30.
• Sale-A-Bration Promotion—See what you can earn for FREE!
• MyPaperPumpkin.com—Monthly Kit Subscription
• Best of 25 Years Stamps—New stamp set each month!
• Best of 25 Years Stamp Club by Mail—Openings still available.
• Hostess Codes—Learn how you can earn more Hostess Benefits!

Events—Mark Your Calendars!

• "Last Thursdays" Card Class—February 28, 6:30pm
• Best of 25 Years Club Orders Due—March 5
• Wow Techniques Class—March 8, 6:30pm.

Big Girl or Smarty—It's All About The Pants

 

Bobbi Putman 1944-2008

Hi Stamping Friends!

Today is a bittersweet day for me...it's been five years since I lost My Mommy, my great friend, my inspiration, and my biggest fan. 

Although I didn't realize it at the time, that moment in 2008 would forever change my life in ways I could never have imagined. Most importantly, losing her gave me the courage and opportunity to start a journey of discovering myself and to begin living my life more passionately. 

Since then, I've made some big changes in order to better take care of myself.  I quit a job I had loved for 17 years, because it no longer fulfilled me.  I started walking...A LOT.  I finally quit smoking.  And, I took the leap of focusing on my Stampin' Up! hobby as a full-time business! 

My Mommy is a HUGE part of my stamping adventure to this day.  She always encouraged me to enjoy and share my creative talents because she knew that I absolutely LOVE doing it!  I even named of my business Too Cool Stamping in honor of her memory.  She would always exclaim that my cards were, "Too Cool!" 

Nowadays, it's that "Too Cool" factor that I try to bring to all of my projects, my blog posts, my events, and every part of my life.  Still trying to make her proud, I guess. 

Big Girl Pants

Back on February 19, 2011, I blogged about a special card that I created for her: My Mommy's Big Girl Denim Pants Card.  We always talked about putting on our Big Girl Pants when things got tough.  Well, it sure seems like I've accumulated quite a closet-full of those damn pants over the years, but I'm happy to say that they are feeling more comfortable all the time! 

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Put On Your Smarty Pants!

OK—I admit it's a terrible segue, but the adorable jeans in the Patterned Occasions Sale-A-Bration set totally reminded me of My Mommy and our Big Girl Pants.  It seemed like the perfect project to share today! 

I seriously can't get over how adorable these jeans are hanging on a line!  Too Cute!

The 5" x 3-3/4" Whisper White background is embossed with the Cloudy Day Texture Impressions Folder.  I added a strip of Lucky Limeade card stock that was die-cut with the Finishing Touches Edgelits to the bottom.  Doesn't it look like grass?

I strung a line of Calypso Coral Baker's Twine across the top, and adhered it behind a 5-1/4" x 4" layer of Not Quite Navy card stock to create the clothesline.  All layers are adhered to a Baja Breeze card base. 

Then, it was just a matter of stamping all of those colors of denim!  I used Night of Navy, Baja Breeze, Midnight Muse and Not Quite Navy Markers to color the pants, and omit the sentiment. 

Oh, and then there are the Smarty Pants! 

For the Smarty Pants, I used Markers to achieve a fun, tie-dyed look!  I squiggled on stripes of Calypso Coral first, then added zigzags of Melon Mambo and Island Indigo. 

TIP: Always start with the lightest colors first when you are coloring so close to other colors of ink.  You don't want a darker color to contaminate your lighter marker brush tips.  

I finshed off the jeans with some Rhinestone Jewels bling!

Faded Knees TIP: See how the Not Quite Navy jeans above are a little lighter at the knee?  This was an unexpected consequence of me coloring the top half of the pants, and then the bottom half.  Where the marker strokes overlapped, the color became lighter.  Well, whaddya know?!!!

The Baker's Twine bows were added separately and glued on with a dab of Multipurpose Glue.

My Midnight Muse jeans are distressed with a Sanding Block along the bottom and ripped in all the right places with a Piercing Tool. 

I used the Not Quite Navy marker again to isolate the sentiment for stamping onto Whisper White.  Then, I did some double-punching to make the two-layered pop-up.  The words are punched with the Word Window Punch, and the sides are shortened by punching again.  The Baja Breeze card stock was punched with the Decorative Label Punch, then shortened by punching the shape again. 

Learn how to shorten your punch-outs with the Double Punching tip I showed on a previous post.

I changed the Whisper White to 4-1/4" x 4" here, and layered it on a 4-1/4" square piece of Not Quite Navy.  Then, the only other difference is the coloring on the Smarty Pants!

I added two "ruffled" Calypso Coral cuffs with markers first, then colored in the rest with the Elegant Eggplant marker.  The heart is also in Calypso Coral, punched from the Owl Punch. These would have been just My Mommy's style, because purple was her favorite color! 

Complete Supplies List:

• Stamps—Patterned Occasions (SAB #129624)
• Ink—Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy, Night of Navy, Midnight Muse, Calypso Coral, Island Indigo (card #1), Melon Mambo (card #1), and Elegant Eggplant (card #2) Markers
• Paper—Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy, Lucky Limeade, Whisper White card stock 
• Accessories—Calypso Coral Baker's Twine, Rhinestone Jewels
• Tools—Cloudy Day Texture Impressions Folder, Finishing Touches Edgelits, Big Shot, Word Window Punch, Decorative Label Punch, Owl Punch (card #2), Sanding Block (card #1), Piercing Tool (card #1), Multipurpose Glue, Dimensionals, SNAIL

Find all the supplies to create these projects & more at my Online Store!

Check out all of the Sale-A-Bration items you can earn...choose one FREE item for every $50 you spend!

Angie

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Too Cool Promotion Quick Links!

• Browse Spring Catalog—Flash Player
• Shop Spring Catalog—Online Store
• Sent With Love Promotion—Now Thru April 30.
• Sale-A-Bration Promotion—See what you can earn for FREE!
• MyPaperPumpkin.com—Monthly Kit Subscription
• Best of 25 Years Stamps—New stamp set each month!
• Best of 25 Years Stamp Club by Mail—Openings still available.

Events—Mark Your Calendars!

• "Last Thursdays" Card Class—February 28, 6:30pm
• Best of 25 Years Club Orders Due—March 5
• Wow Techniques Class—March 8, 6:30pm.

Wow! Project—Folded Frame Patterned Occasions

I had a fantastic time at my Wow Techniques Class last night!  What a great group of ladies!  Leesa brought her friend Beth, and I found them sneaking around my photography area and laughing. I wondered what they were up to.  Turns out they left me a surprise on my camera to commemorate the night...

 

Awww!  I can tell you two ladies are trouble when you get together!  LOL!  Thanks for adding to the fun!

Today's project is one of the cards we did last night and it features a fun and easy-to-make focal point. 

We used the Patterned Occasions Sale-A-Bration stamp set—oh, it's so cute and you can earn it for FREE with a $50 order during Sale-A-Bration.  Then, we created a fun folded frame with Parker's Patterns Designer Series Paper to highlight that image. 

The Marina Mist card base is layered with a piece of 4" x 5-1/4" Not Quite Navy card stock that has been embossed with the Argyle Texture Impressions Folder.  I wrapped some Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding around that layer before adhering it to the base. 

The Patterned Occasions elephant is colored directly on the stamp with Not Quite Navy, Cherry Cobbler, and Wild Wasabi Markers before stamping onto a 2-3/4" square piece of Whisper White.  After folding the designer paper, the whole frame is mounted on a 3-1/4" square of Cherry Cobbler card stock.

UPDATE: My original photo had 4-1/2", but it is really 4-1/4" square as listed below.  Sorry for the confusion!

Creating The Folded Frame

• Start with a 4-1/4" square piece of double-sided paper.
• Using the Simply Scored Diagonal Plate, score each side at 2-1/8" and 2-7/8"
• Fold the inside score lines in one direction and the outer lines in the other direction depending on which side of the paper you want showing.

Option: If you don't have the Diagonal Plate, you can use the regular Simply Scored Tool to score it.  Position the square like a diamond with the top and bottom points at the 3" mark, then score at the 1" and 1-1/2" marks. Repeat on all sides.

• Add Dimensionals between the two score lines, one near each edge, but don't stick them down yet.
• Add Dimensionals on the flip side underneath the pointed flaps.  Wait on these, too.
• Add your stamped image, then adhere the Dimensionals.

I like using the folded frame as the diamond shape, but I found that you couldn't use the Cherry Cobbler layer beneath it because it made the frame hang over the edges of the card. Oh well, still cute!

I used the Chevrons Texture Impressions Folder on this one to match the chevron pattern on the paper.

Complete Supply List:

• Stamps—Patterned Occasions (SAB #129624 c, #129621 w)
• Ink—Not Quite Navy, Marina Mist, Cherry Cobbler, and Wild Wasabi Markers
  
• Paper—Parker's Patterns DSP; Marina Mist, Not Quite Navy, and Whisper White card stock  
• Accessories—Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding, Rhinestone Jewels
• Tools—Argyle Texture Impressions Folder (card #1), Chevrons Texture Impressions Folder (card #2), Big Shot, Simply Scored, Simply Scored Diagonal Plate, Dimensionals, SNAIL

Find all the supplies to create these projects & more at my Online Store!

Don't forget to check out all of the Sale-A-Bration items you can earn...choose one FREE item for every $50 you spend!

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Receive A FREE Wow! Techniques Class—Every Month!

Did you know that you can make Too Cool projects just like this one for FREE every month when you join my Stamp Club?  Learn more.

Angie

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Too Cool Promotion Quick Links!

• Browse Spring Catalog—Flash Player
• Shop Spring Catalog—Online Store
• Sent With Love Promotion—Now Thru April 30.
• Sale-A-Bration Promotion—See what you can earn for FREE!
• MyPaperPumpkin.com—Monthly Kit Subscription
• Best of 25 Years Stamps—New stamp set each month!
• Best of 25 Years Stamp Club by Mail—Openings still available.

Events—Mark Your Calendars!

• Too Cool Demo Team Meeting—Feb. 11, 6pm
• "Last Thursdays" Card Class—February 28, 6:30pm
• Wow Techniques Class—March 8, 6:30pm.

Thanks So Much Calypso Coral Chevrons

 

These two cool cards were part of my Spring Catalog Kick-Off event back in January.  I've discovered that the Oh, Hello stamp set is surprisingly versatile.  The bold sentiments are fun, but I'm also loving the look of the patterned chevrons!

Even though I didn't use it on this project, I borrowed the color combination from the Tea For Two Designer Series Paper.  The card base is Calypso Coral and it's accented with Island Indigo, Lucky Limeade and Pretty In Pink.

I used markers colored directly on the stamp to get the multicolored image. 

Stamp-A-Ma-Jig Alert!  This is definitely one of those stamps that looks MUCH better lined up straight.  I recommend using the Stamp-A-Ma-Jig if you want perfect alignment.  If you haven't tried this awesome tool, just know that it's easier than it looks and the results are fabulous every time!  

  

A 2-1/2" x 5-1/2" strip of Calypso Coral was embossed with the Chevrons Texture Impressions Folder.  The sentiment was stamped in Island Indigo on Whisper White, then punched with the 2-1/2" Circle Punch. 

An Old Olive Bright Button is threaded with Lucky Limeade Baker's Twine and adhered with a Glue Dot.  I wrapped more of the twine around the bottom and tied in a bow. 

The chevrons have a whole different zig-zag look when they are lined up side-by-side.  Love it!

Complete Supply List:

• Stamps—Oh, Hello
• Ink—Island Indigo, Calypso Coral, Pretty In Pink, Lucky Limeade Markers; Island Indigo Classic Ink
  
• Paper—Calypso Coral, Whisper White card stock  
• Accessories—Bright Buttons, Lucky Limeade Baker's Twine
• Tools—Chevron Texture Impressions Folder, Big Shot, 2-1/2" Circle Punch, Stamp-A-Ma-Jig, Glue Dots, Dimensionals, SNAIL

Find all the supplies to create these projects & more at my Online Store!

Don't forget to check out all of the Sale-A-Bration items you can earn...choose one FREE item for every $50 you spend!

Angie

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Too Cool Promotion Quick Links!

• Browse Spring Catalog—Flash Player
• Shop Spring Catalog—Online Store
• Sent With Love Promotion—Now Thru April 30.
• Sale-A-Bration Promotion—See what you can earn for FREE!
• MyPaperPumpkin.com—Monthly Kit Subscription
• Best of 25 Years Stamps—New stamp set each month!
• Best of 25 Years Stamp Club by Mail—Openings still available.

Events—Mark Your Calendars!

• Wow Techniques Class—Feb. 8, 6:30pm.
• Too Cool Demo Team Meeting—Feb. 11, 6pm
• "Last Thursdays" Card Class—February 28, 6:30pm

Secret Garden Stacked Flowers

While I'm down in sunny (hopefully) Florida getting ready for my Leadership Conference, I thought I'd share an equally bright and cheery couple of cards from my Spring Catalog Kick-Off Party. 

Don't forget to order this week to take advantage of my 2013 Leadership Special—FREE Texture Impressions Folder!  See Leadership Special 2013 details.   

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Inspired by Beth Adams at CraftsByBeth.blogspot.com.

The Secret Garden Bundle is another dynamic duo of Too Cool products from Stampin' Up!  The flower shapes in the Secret Garden stamp set are fabulous, but combine them with the matching Secret Garden Framelits and the possiblities are amazing!

The Daffodil Delight card base has an Old Olive layer that is 5-1/2" x 1-1/4".  The Top Note is die-cut from Whisper white, creating the perfect foundation for my layered flowers!

I love this stacking technique!  I simply stamped the flowers multiple times onto patterned paper in Basic Gray ink, cut out the layers, and popped them up with Dimensionals.  The orange flower is stamped on Tangerine Tango paper from the Brights Collection Designer Series Paper Stack and the center was punched with the Itty Bitty Punch Pack circle.  The yellow flower is stamped on paper from the new Sunshine & Sprinkles DSP. 

I added some Dazzling Diamonds with a 2-Way Glue Pen for sparkle.

The leaves are die-cut from Old Olive paper from the Brights Collection Designer Series Paper Stack. 

The sentiment is from You're Amazing, colored on the rubber stamp with Daffodil Delight, Tangerine Tango and Old Olive markers before stamping.  Had to add some Dazzling Diamonds sparkle to that, too!

Complete Supply List:

• Stamps—Secret Garden or Secret Garden Bundle, You're Amazing
• Ink—Daffodil Delight, Old Olive and Tangerine Tango Markers; Basic Grey Classic Ink
  
• Paper—Brights Collection Designer Series Paper Stack, Sunshine & Sprinkles DSP; Daffodil Delight, Old Olive and Whisper White card stock  
• Accessories—Dazzling Diamonds
• Tools—Top Note Die, Secret Garden Framelits or Secret Garden Bundle, Big Shot, Paper Snips, 2-Way Glue Pen, Dimensionals, SNAIL

Find all the supplies to create these projects & more at my Online Store!

What are your favorites from the Spring Catalog?  Leave a comment on my Top 10 Too Cool Spring Items post by Janaury 13, and I'll enter you to win one of my Spring Catalog Kick-Off Party 20-Card Kits!  That's a $40 value!  I'll announce a winner on January 14. 

Angie

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Too Cool Quick Links!

• Browse Spring Catalog—Flash Player
• Shop Spring Catalog—Online Store
• Leadership Special—Now Thru Jan. 12
  
• Wow Techniques Class—Jan. 18, 6:30pm.
• Limited-Time Valentine's Offers—Thru Jan. 21
• Sale-A-Bration Begins—Jan. 22

You Are Loved Floral Oval

CASEd from Lyssa Griffen Zwolanek at Song of My Heart Stampers.

I've been wanting to do this card ever since I first saw it last January after I thought the You Are Loved stamp set was gone for good.  Thankfully, the set ended up in the Annual Catalog and now is the perfect time to try out this beautiful and elegant card design!  We'll be making it tonight at my "Last Thursdays" card class!

The card is deceptively simple to create and that's why I love it!  I started with a Cherry Cobbler card base. The 5-1/4" x 4" Very Vanilla background was created by coloring directly on the stamps with markers. 

I used the Primrose Petals ink in the centers of the flowers, Cherry Cobbler on the outer edges of the flowers, and Always Artichoke for the leaves.  Once I determined where I eventually wanted to place the embossed oval, I stamped once with the flowers going vertically, and without re-inking, stamped again horizontally. I anticipated that the images would be partially covered by the oval.

Next, emboss with the oval Designer Frames Texture Impressions Folder run through the Big Shot.

Then, add some sponging with River Rock ink.  I also added some flecks of color with the Color Spritzer Tool using the Chocolate Chip marker. 

Finish off the oval by stamping the You Are Loved sentiment in Early Espresso on Very Vanilla and punching it out with the Extra-Large Oval Punch.  That oval really pops! 

I finished off the cards with a Primrose Petals Stitched Satin Ribbon.  So, so pretty!  It makes a great Valentine's Day card, but it could be used for a get well, sympathy, wedding, thank you, or any occasion to show you care!  Very versatile!

Couldn't stop without adding some Champagne Shimmer Mist Spritz to the whole card (click to enlarge the photo to see the shimmer!). 

Complete Supply List:

• Stamps—You Are Loved (wood)
• Ink—Primrose Petals, Cherry Cobbler, Always Artichoke and Chocolate Chip Markers; Early Espresso and River Rock Classic Ink
  
• Paper—Cherry Cobber and Very Vanilla card stock  
• Accessories—Primrose Petals Stitched Satin Ribbon, Champagne Shimmer Mist Paint (mixed with rubbing alcohol for a spray)
• Tools—Designer Frames Texture Impressions Folder - oval, Big Shot, Extra-Large Oval Punch, Color Spritzer Tool, Stampin' Spritzer, Sponges, Dimensionals, SNAIL

Find all the supplies to create these projects and more at my Online Store!

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We'll be making 20 unique cards in one afternoon on Janaury 6, starting at 1pm!  I only have limited spaces available at this awesome event, so be sure to reserve your spot today!  Find out complete details about the Spring Catalog Kick-Off and Sale-A-Bration Sneak Peek Party!

Angie

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Upcoming Too Cool Events!

• "Last Thursdays" Monthly Cards Class—Dec. 27, 6:30pm.
• Spring Catalog "Kick-Off" Party—Jan. 6, 1pm.
• Wow Techniques Class—Jan. 18, 6:30pm.
• Sale-A-Bration Promotion—Jan. 22 - March 22.

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Too Cool Quick Links!

• Browse Holiday Catalog by Flash Player
• Shop Holiday Catalog Items Online
• Clearance Rack Blitz—Great deals...while supplies last!
• New Single Stamps now available for a limited time!

It's Happy Hour—Last Call For FREE Bonuses!

This is it!  It's the LAST DAY of the the Online Extravaganza!  Don't miss out!  Sale ends at 11:59pm MT. 

Today only, save 20% off three additional items!

• Clear Block Bundle (Blocks A-I) - Only $53.56
• Clear Block Storage Caddy - Only $13.56
• Stack & Store Caddy - Only $27.96

Plus, for every $50 you spend today, you'll receive a FREE $10 Gift Certificate all wrapped up in a cute, handmade gift card holder AND a FREE "Last Thursdays" Class-To-Go Kit! 

See my Two Cool Bonuses post for details.

Place Your $50 Order Now For Your FREE Bonus Gifts!

• Email Your Order before 8pm tonight.
• Order at my Online Store

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Last Call To Register For My "Last Thursdays" Monthly Class!

I still have a few open spots remaining for my monthly card class!  Won't you join us?  Please RSVP by 5pm today to reserve your space!  See class cost and details for November's "Last Thursdays" class.

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It's Happy Hour!

OK—speaking of Last Call!  It's been Happy Hour around my stamping studio this week as I created samples for my "Last Thursdays" class with this adorable Happy Hour set! 

This set has 17 festive ingredients to create drinks for all kinds of occasions and celebrations: birthdays, anniversaries, New Year's, retirement, girls night out, promotions, and more! 

I was mixin' it up like a bartender!  So, belly up to the bar and check out all of the colorful holiday drinks I was making...they're on the house!

Seriously, too much fun!  Once you start serving 'em up, it's hard to stop!  I can't wait to see what concoctions my "Last Thursdays" class comes up with tomorrow night! 

CASEd from a card displayed at the Lansing Regionals (let me know if it's yours)

Holiday Merlot—I started with a simple, smooth Merlot garnished with a sprig of holly.  Each of my drinks is showcased on a partially-embossed Whisper White background with a sentiment spritzer.  The Raspberry Ripple Stitched Satin Ribbon adds a nice splash of flavor and matches the card base.  

The rubber stamps were colored with Basic Black, Raspberry Ripple and Gumball Green Markers before stamping onto Whisper White card stock.  I die-cut the image with the Window Frame Framelits die and added paper-piercing with the Essentials Paper-Piercing Pack template. 

Notice the cool background layer...it's two Decorative Label Punch shapes adhered together.  Doesn't it make an awesome frame for this small die-cut framelit?  (And, it's on sale today only!)

I used the Fancy Fan Texture Impressions Folder, because it coordinated with the pattern on the merlot. 

I was so buzzed from the first card, I had to pour a few more!  I hadn't yet quenched my creative thirst...

Frozen Margarita—I blended up a smooth Gumball Green margarita with a strawberry garnish.  The card base and ribbon were changed to Gumball Green and Decorative Label punches and sentiment are in Raspberry Ripple this time.  Background embossing is from Petals-A-Plenty Texture Impressions Folder.

Mmmm...let's take another sip...

Strawberry Frozen Margarita—I'm a fan of the strawberry version of this drink and I like a little squeeze of lime in mine.  Perfect Polka Dots Texture Impressions Folder add some subtle dimension.  By now, I was completely under the influence of alcoholic inspiration!

Grasshopper—I've never had one of these, but I've heard they are minty, so it was a perfect drink to go with a candy cane!  Do you like how I matched the Stripes Texture Impressions embossed background to the stripes on the candy cane?  I'll toast to that!

Cranberry Martini—I don't know much about martinis, but I'm pretty sure that an olive doesn't go with cranberries...unless your stamping it too-cool style!  This jazzy drink needed a Chevron embossed texture behind it.  Straight up, neat!

Raspberry Daiquari—Finally, I had to blend up a sweet treat for the daiquari glass!  This goblet was a little tall for the Window Frame Framelit, so I punched it out with the Decorative Label Punch and layered more punches in Gumball Green.  I had to freehand the paper-piercing, since it didn't have that inside shape on the Essentials Paper-Piercing template (it does have the coordinating outside shape piercing!). I used the Argyle Texture Impressions Folder here.

So, what did you think of my full bar?  Pretty intoxicating, don't you think?  Not too bad for bartending without a license! By now, I bet you're ready to take a swig of this refreshing Happy Hour set!  If you need a shot, order now from my Online Store! 

Well, all good things must come to an end...it's closing time, my friends!  Stay drunk on creative ideas, but stamp responsibly today! 

Cheers!

OK—I'm done now. That was fun! 

Remember to tip your waitresses on your way out!  Hey, can somebody call me a cab?

Complete Supply List:

• Stamps—Happy Hour
• Ink—Raspberry Ripple, Gumball Green and Basic Black Markers; Raspberry Ripple and Gumball Green Classic Ink
  
• Paper—Raspberry Ripple, Gumball Green and Whisper White card stock  
• Accessories—Raspberry Ripple Stitched Satin Ribbon, Gumball Green Stitched Satin Ribbon
• Tools—Petals-a-Plenty Impressions Folder, Perfect Polka Dots Impresions Folder, Fancy Fan Impressions Folder, Stripes Impressions Folder, Chevron Impressions Folder, Argyle Impressions Folder, Apothecary Accents Framelits, Big Shot, Decorative Label Punch, Essentials Paper-Piercing Pack, Piercing Mat, Piercing Tool, Dimensionals, SNAIL

Find all the supplies to create these projects and more at my Online Store!

Angie

Just Believe CASE—A Study In Brights

"Last Thursdays" Monthly Card Class

It's your last chance to sign up for my "Last Thursdays" card class, coming up tomorrow, Thursday, October 25, at 6:30pm at my Too Cool Stamping Studio in Fort Wayne, IN.  Make 4 cards for $10 or the class is FREE with an order* placed at the event. 

• Frosty Friends CASE—Try simple coloring with Markers & Blender Pen.
• Just Believe Thinking Of You—(posted below) Try multi-colored stamping with markers & paper-piercing.
• Ornament With Candlelight Christmas Banners—Try die-cutting with Framelits.
• More Perfectly Preserved Pears— More die-cutting with matching Framelits and paper-piercing.

Want to join us?  Please RSVP by Wednesday, October 24, at 5pm. 

Can't attend?  Try our Class-To-Go Option...see details!

*Minimum order is $20 for the FREE class.  Workshop, private class, Stamp Club and Ink Pad Club orders do not qualify.

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CASEd from Sandi MacIver at Stampin' with Sandi.

My final design for October's "Last Thursdays" card class was a simplified version of a card I found at Sandi MacIver's website this week.   

Not only did I love the layout, the bright, contrasting orange color also made me wonder how it would look in other colors from the Brights Collection.  So, I pulled out my Brights Collection Designer Paper Patterns Stack (it's a great go-to paper assortment), and selected a few colors from the rainbow!

I started with a Soft Suede card base, cut so it would fold vertically, then stamped with the Parlor Prints background stamp in the same color. The 2" x 4-3/4" Pumpkin Pie Patterns DSP is layered on a piece of 2-1/4" x 5" Early Espresso card stock. I tied a piece of Very Vanilla Seam Binding around the card front before adding the focal image.

The Just Believe stamp was colored on directly with Old Olive and Pumpkin Pie markers, stamped on Very Vanilla card stock and die cut with the Labels Collections Framelits.  The next largest Framelit was used to cut the Early Espresso layer behind it. 

Notice the paper-piercing detailing courtesy of the Festive Paper-Piercing Pack.  Receive the Festive Paper-Piercing Pack FREE with the purchase of the Christmas Gift Bundle this month only.

The sentiment is from Teeny Tiny Wishes and it's double-punched with the Word Window Punch to make it shorter. 

This version uses the Melon Mambo Patterns Paper, a Melon Mambo marker and the Melon Mambo Scallop Dots Ribbon (I used the plain back side).  I also changed the background to En Francais.  Otherwise, everything is the same.

This one features Daffodil Delight Patterns Paper, a Daffodil Delight marker and Daffodil Delight Seam Binding.

The final version is in Tempting Turquoise. 

I love how easily the colors can be swapped out for a completely different look.  If you're part of my "Last Thursdays" card class tomorrow, you'll be able to select any one of these colors for your card, or try a new color on your own!  It will be fun to see which colors are the most popular! 

Complete Supplies List:

• Stamps—Just Believe, Teeny Tiny Wishes, Parlor Prints, En Francais
• Ink—Soft Suede and Early Espresso Classic Ink ; Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Melon Mambo, Daffodil Delight, and Tempting Turquoise Markers
• Paper—Brights Designer Series Patterns Paper Stack (shown right); Soft Suede, Early Espresso and Very Vanilla card stock  
• Accessories—Very Vanilla Seam Binding, Melon Mambo Scallop Dots Ribbon, Daffodil Delight Seam Binding, and Tempting Turpquoise 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon (retired)
• Tools—Labels Collection Framelits, Big Shot, Festive Paper Piercing Pack, Piercing Mat, Piercing Tool, Word Window Punch, SNAIL, Dimensionals

Order all of the supplies used on today's projects at my Online Store!

Angie

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Holiday Catalog Quick Links!

• See Holiday Catalog PDF
• Browse Holiday Catalog by Flash Player
• Shop Holiday Catalog Items Online
• Holiday Stampin' Supplies List - for samples in the catalog

October Promos Quick Links!

• FREE Festive Paper-Piercing Pack with Christmas Bundle purchase
• New Single Stamps now available for a limited time!

Upcoming Events!

• NEW WOW Technique Class - November 9
• Demo Team Holiday Shoebox Swap - November 12
• Holiday Stamp-A-Stack - November 18, details coming soon!

"Last Thursdays" Class & Frosty Friends CASE

"Last Thursdays" Monthly Card Class

Just a reminder that my "Last Thursdays" card class is coming up this Thursday, October 25, at 6:30pm at my Too Cool Stamping Studio in Fort Wayne, IN.  Make 4 cards for $10 or the class is FREE with an order* placed at the event. 

If you're a new stamper, this is a fantastic opportunity to learn some basic stamping skills!  If you're a stamping enthusiast, it's a fun night of stamping and chatting with friends, and adding to your card stash!  Either way, it's a night you won't want to miss!

This month, we'll be using the Ornament Keepsakes Bundle, Candlelight Christmas Designer Series Paper and Festive Paper-Piercing Pack, which are all featured in this month's Christmas Gift Pack Promotion promotion.  

• Frosty Friends CASE (posted below)—Try simple coloring with Markers & Blender Pen.
• Just Believe Thinking Of You—(posting tomorrow) Try multi-colored stamping with markers & paper-piercing.
• Ornament With Candlelight Christmas Banners—Try die-cutting with Framelits.
• More Perfectly Preserved Pears—More die-cutting with matching Framelits and paper-piercing.

Want to join us?  Please RSVP by Wednesday, October 24, at 5pm.

*Minimum order is $20 for the FREE class.  Workshop, private class, Stamp Club and Ink Pad Club orders do not qualify.

Class-To-Go "Last Thursdays" Class Kit

Can't make it to my class?  Class Card Kits are available to purchase!  I include all the pre-cut, pre-punched, and pre-die-cut card supplies, plus embellishments, for all four cards. The Kits do not include pre-stamping, per Stampin' Up! policy. 

Please note: You'll need to add your own stamped images, inks, and adhesives to complete the cards.  Kits available while supplies last.  Available in the US only.

Class-To-Go Card Kit Price:

•  $10, plus $5.35 for shipping (or pick it up at my Too Cool Stamping Studio in Fort Wayne, IN). 
• FREE with a $50 order placed at my Online Store from now thru October 31, 2012. (Plus, earn a spot on my 50/50/50 Board!)
  

Contact me today to order!

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When I'm feeling in need of some creative inspiration, it's always helpful to take a closer look at the Stampin' Up! catalog for fantastic ideas!  For example, today's project is CASEd directly from page 9 of the Holiday Catalog.

I've loved this card since I first saw it...it's so cute and quick to make!  I started with a Baha Breeze card base that I embossed with the snowflake pattern from the Delicate Designs Texture Impressions Folders. 

The next layer is a 3-1/2 x 4-1/4" piece from the Snow Festival Designer Series Paper.  The entire front of the card is wrapped with Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine and tied in a bow. 

I stamped both the Greetings of The Season sentiment and Frosty Friends single stamp image in Black StazOn Ink.  Next, I used a Blender Pen and Baja Breeze Classic Ink to lightly color on the snow and shade each snowman.  The rest of the snowmen are colored directly with Stampin' Write Markers. 

I added some sparkling Dazzling Diamonds to the snow and snowmen with a 2-Way Glue Pen. 

I used a plate to trace a curve to the bottom of my 4" x 3-1/2" piece of Whisper White card stock.  Then, I adhered a border die-cut with the Finishing Touches scallop edge.  It's so pretty and ruffly (is that a word?)! 

To make the scallop border curve, simply add some snips every couple of scallops (on the non-scallop side) and adhere the sections in an overlapped fashion as it curves. 

Coloring Option: Remember my friend Darla Eigenschink did the same card in another color combination that I already posted.  She used Watercolor Paper and an Aqua Painter for a smoother background wash.

Complete Supply List:

• Stamps—Frosty Friends, Greetings of the Season
  
• Ink—Black StazOn Ink; Blender Marker; Cherry Cobbler, Wild Wasabi, Pacific Point, Daffodil Delight, Early Espresso and Pumpkin Pie Markers; Baja Breeze Classic Ink
  
• Paper—Snow Festival DSP; Baja Breeze and Whisper White card stock  
• Accessories—Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine, Dazzling Diamonds
• Tools—Finishing Touches Edgelits, Delicate Designs Texture Impressions Folders, Big Shot, 2-Way Glue, Dimensionals, SNAIL

You can find all the supplies to create these projects and more at my Online Store!

Angie 

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Holiday Catalog Quick Links!

• See Holiday Catalog PDF
• Browse Holiday Catalog by Flash Player
• Shop Holiday Catalog Items Online
• Holiday Stampin' Supplies List - for samples in the catalog

October Promos Quick Links!

• FREE Festive Paper-Piercing Pack with Christmas Bundle purchase
• New Single Stamps now available for a limited time!

Upcoming Events!

• "Last Thursdays" Monthly Card Class - Oct. 25.
• NEW WOW Technique Class - November 9
• Demo Team Holiday Shoebox Swap - November 12
• Holiday Stamp-A-Stack - November 18, details coming soon!

Last Chance To Sign Up For Ornament Keepsakes Class!

Hurry—Last Chance To Register!

Tuesday is the final day to register for the Ornament Keepsakes Class on October 20 at either 10am or 1pm.  We'll be making the gorgeous ornament on the front of the Holiday Catalog, plus 4 more Ornament Keepsakes cards.  You'll even get a pack of Pearls to use on your projects. 

Check out all of the pricing options, including new options with the October FREE Festive Paper-Piercing Pack.  If you can't make it, be sure to check out the Class To Go option at the bottom of the pricing page.

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Here are the final card designs for the Ornament Keepsakes Class.  The Island Indigo adds a fresh twist on the traditional Christmas colors!

The card design really showcases the fun and colorful layering possibilities with the Ornament Keepsakes stamps and Ornament Framelits.

For the large ornament, I used Island Indigo and Wild Wasabi markers to color in the ornament rubber before stamping.  On top of that die-cut, you'll find a Real Red accent image that also comes in the set. 

The small round ornament is stamped in Early Espresso and die cut, then topped with another die-cut accent in Wild Wasabi.  My favorite is the line of Pearl Jewels on the Real Red ornament die-cut. 

All ornaments are "hanging" from Early Espresso Baker's Twine wrapped around the pack of the Whisper White and Wild Wasabi card layers.

The background is nearly as pretty as the ornaments!  I've embossed a sheet of Early Espresso Core'dinations card stock with the Lacy Brocade Impressions Folder, then sanded it to bring out the contrasting color.  It's layered on the Island Indigo card base with a small Real Red card stock accent piece. Sentiment is from Greetings of the Season.

The horizontal version uses all the same design elements, except I substituted the Fancy Fan Impressions Folder. 

This might be my favorite card of the class—I like to save the best for last!  Check out all the other projects we'll be creating:

• Wintery Gold Ornaments Card
• Holiday Frame Embossing Card
• Cherry Cobbler Ornament Card
• Holiday Ornament from Holiday Catalog

Complete Supply List:

• Stamps—Greetings of the Season, Ornament Keepsakes OR Ornament Keepsakes Bundle
• Ink—Island Indigo, Wild Wasabi, Real Red, and Early Espresso Classic Ink
  
• Paper—Early Espresso Core'dinations card stock; Island Indigo, Wild Wasabi, Real Red, and Whisper White card stock  
• Accessories—Pearl Jewels, Early Espresso Baker's Twine
• Tools—Holiday Ornaments Framelits OR Ornament Keepsakes Bundle, Lacy Brocade Impressions Folder (card #1), Fancy Fan Impressions Folder (card #2), Big Shot, Stampin' Sanding System, Dimensionals, SNAIL

You can find all the supplies to create these projects and more at my Online Store! 

Or, bring a friend and join us at the Ornament Keepsakes Class on October 20th.  Contact me to complete your paid registration by October 9th. 

Angie 

*****************************************************************************

Holiday Catalog Quick Links!

• See Holiday Catalog PDF
• Browse Holiday Catalog by Flash Player
• Shop Holiday Catalog Items Online
• Holiday Stampin' Supplies List - for samples in the catalog

October Promos Quick Links!

• FREE Festive Paper-Piercing Pack with Christmas Bundle purchase
• New Single Stamps now available for a limited time!

Upcoming Events!

• Ornament Keepsakes Class - Oct. 20, register by Oct. 9
• NEW WOW Technique Class - rescheduled to Oct. 18, details coming soon!
• "Last Thursdays" Monthly Card Class - Oct. 25.

 

You're Amazing Balloons Birthday

CASEd from Chat Wszelaki from Me, My Stamps and I.

I must still be in a blue & gold mood from my reunion because I found myself drawn to Pacific Point and Summer Starfruit for today's quick & easy projects!

 

The fun hot air balloon and birthday images from these two cool cards come from the You're Amazing stamp set.  And, the Pacific Point designer paper from International Bazaar makes a fantastic, festive background for these birthday cards.

I used markers to color directly on the stamps to create the two-color images.

I stamped a second balloon and cut it out to pop up with Dimensionals.  Then, I dabbed the 2-Way Glue Pen over the top and sprinkled on some Dazzling Diamonds for some sparkle!

The sentiment was stamped on Whisper White card stock, then die-cut with the Apothecary Accents Framelits.  I used another Apothecary Accents Framelits shape cut in half to create the Pacific Point layer underneath.  Rhinestone Jewels gives it even more sparkle!

I stamped two balloons on the second card, and I really love how the popped up layer breaks out of the box! 

Complete Supplies List:

• Stamps—You're Amazing
  
• Ink—Pacific Point, Summer Starfruit Markers
• Paper—International Bazaar DSP; Pacific Point, Summer Starfruit and Whisper White card stock  
• Accessories—Dazzling Diamonds (card #1), Rhinestone Jewels
• Tools—Apothecary Accents Framelits, Big Shot, 2-Way Glue Pen (card #1), SNAIL, Dimensionals

Order supplies used on today's projects, at my Online Store!

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Final Days To Earn A FREE Howl-a-ween Printer's Tray Kit

Don't miss out!  This month only, when you purchase a fully customizable $99 Starter Kit, you'll receive a FREE Howl-A-Ween Printer's Tray Project Kit, which features Toxic Treats stamps, valued at $60!  What a bonus! 

Learn more, contact me for more details, or order your Starter Kit now!

Angie

*********************************************************************************

Holiday Catalog Quick Links!

• See Holiday Catalog PDF
• Browse Holiday Catalog by Flash Player
• Shop Holiday Catalog Items Online
• Holiday Stampin' Supplies List - for samples in the catalog

July Brings A Reason To Smile

 

During July 2012 only, you can purchase the exclusive Reason To Smile stamp set for only $5 with a minimum order of $50 or more! 

Take a look at this beautiful, versatile Two-Step stamp set...

CASEd from Teneale Williams: Reason To Smile.

The gorgeous floral images in the Reason To Smile set are delightfully versatile. My Two Cool cards feature the stemmed flower combination. 

The Whisper White card base is layered with a 4 x 5-1/4" Wisteria Wonder card stock background embossed with the Fancy Fan Impressions Folder.  A Lucky Limeade 4 x 2-3/4" piece is stamped with the stamp that's intended to be the flower center, but it works nicely as some big, subtle polka dots!

I used the new Piercing Essentials Tools to add some details along the bottom, then accented it with some Lucky Limeade Baker's Twine.

I colored the bold flower image rubber with Wisteria Wonder and Lucky Limeade Markers for the two flowers, then colored only the flower (not the stem) of the line-image stamp with the same markers and stamped over the top.  I didn't use the Stamp-A-Ma-Jig for perfect alignment, because the design is very forgiving if you just want to eyeball it.

I stamped a third two-stepped flower on scrap Whisper White card stock and hand cut it out to pop up with Dimensionals.  I love how it breaks out of the edge of the frame.

After die-cutting the flowers with the Labels Collection Framelits, I added the Wisteria Wonder sentiment from the Blooming With Kindness set.  

The horizontal card is embossed with the Argyle Impressions Folder.

 

Notice that these stems aren't as curvy as the ones on the vertical card.  When you have clear-mount stamps, skinny stems like this have some flexibility when you mount them on the block.  I carefully adjusted the stems to be a bit more straight before stamping. 

I added three lines of piercing to the bottom of this Lucky Limeade piece.  And my Baker's Twine runs parallel to my Wisteria Wonder Ruffled Ribbon. 

The clean lines, cool colors, and lovely new stamp set on these cards really do give me a Reason To Smile!

Complete Supplies List:

• Stamps—Reason To Smile, Blooming With Kindness
• Ink—Wisteria Wonder and Lucky Limeade Markers; Wisteria Wonder and Lucky Limeade Classic Ink
• Paper—Wisteria Wonder, Lucky Limeade, and Whisper White card stock  
• Accessories—Wisteria Wonder Ruffled Ribbon, Lucky Limeade Baker's Twine
• Tools—Labels Collection Framelits, Fancy Fan Impresssions Folder, Argyle Impressions Folder, Big Shot, Piercing Essentials, Pierce Mat, Piercing Tool, SNAIL, Dimensionals

Order all of the supplies used on today's projects, at my Online Store!

Angie

Blooming With Kindness Fancy Floral Cards

Blooming With Kindness is quickly becoming one of my favorite new stamp sets!  Not only is the flower versatile enough to use with lots of stamping techniques, but the sentiments are SO PRETTY!

I used Blooming With Kindness on today's Two Cool cards and I love how easily this design came together in only a few minutes!

 

The floral design is perfect for coloring with markers!  I started by coloring the rubber with the lighter Summer Starfruit yellow on the outer edges, then added Primrose Petals to the center.  Where the two colors overlapped, it blended into a pretty copper shade. 

My favorite part of this card is the way the flower continues onto the Labels Collection Framelit accent.  It really adds some interesting dimension!

 

The background is embossed with the Fancy Fan Impressions Folder, and each side of the stamped piece is bordered with a piece of Primrose Petals card stock die-cut with the Finishing Touches Edgelits.  They kinda match the Fancy Fan shapes...neat-o!

I tried something a little different with the Apothecary Accents Framelit die-cut sentiment by having it peek out from under the border.   I'm liking it!

Complete Supplies List:

• Stamps—Blooming With Kindness
• Ink—Primrose Petals & Summer Starfruit Markers; Primrose Petals Classic Ink
• Paper—Summer Starfruit, Primrose Petals, and Whisper White card stock  
• Accessories—None...wait, what?
• Tools—Labels Collection Framelits (card #1), Apothecary Accents Framelits (card #2), Finishing Touches Edgelits, Fancy Fan Impresssions Folder, Big Shot, SNAIL, Dimensionals

Order all of the supplies used on today's projects, at my Online Store!

___________________________________________________________________________

Firm-Foam Ink Pad Club—Still looking for ONE MORE participant in my Firm Foam Ink Pad Club!  See details.

HUGE Clearance Extravaganza—100s of retired items on sale at my house this Friday & Saturday!  Don't miss it!  See details.

"Last Thursdays" Card Class—Coming up June 28th!  RSVP today!

Angie

 

 

 

 

 

Transforming Natural Composition Designer Paper - Part 2

Yesterday, I showed two cool projects using bleach and ink to alter Natural Composition Specialty Paper.  I was having fun experimenting with adding color to this awesome paper, so I have a couple more cards to show you today!

These Two Cool cards are colored with Markers, then brayered with a neutral color to bring out the glossy, embossed pattern of the papers. 

 

I used the brush tip ends of the Melon Mambo, Calypso Coral, and Daffodil Delight Stampin' Write Markers to color in the floral design. You'll notice that I colored outside of the lines, so the lines would stand out a little more as the ink was resisted.  I even drew Lucky Limeade color along the stems of the flowers. 

 

For the final step, I brayered on River Rock over the entire piece.  This little bit of extra color gives the entire piece a yellowy hue and makes the embossed patterns emerge!  It also tones down the harsh colored lines, while still leaving an aura of color.  What a pretty effect!

  

I love how elegant the finished card looks layered on Early Espresso and Raspberry Ripple card stock!  I added a From My Heart sentiment on the banner and accented it with Rhinestone Jewels.

 

The blue card used Pacific Point, Tempting Turquoise, Pool Party and Soft Suede Markers for the coloring, and Crumb Cake for the brayering. 

You can see that the River Rock gives a much lighter background, while the Crumb Cake looks more like taupe.  Both are pretty!

   

The blue card is finished by layering on Early Espresso and Midnight Muse card stock. 

Complete Supplies List:

• Stamps—From My Heart
• Ink—Pacific Point, Tempting Turquoise, Pool Party, and Soft Suede (midnight muse card); Melon Mambo, Calypso Coral, Daffodil Delight, and Lucky Limeade (raspberry ripple card); Early Espresso Markers
• Paper—Natural Composition DSP; Early Espresso, Midnight Muse, Raspberry Ripple, Naturals Ivory card stock  
• Accessories—Rhinestone Jewels
• Tools—1" Square Punch (for banner), Brayer, SNAIL, Dimensionals

Gosh, I'm loving this paper already, and I've only used ONE of the patterns!  More please!

Angie

Summer Smooches Joy Fold Cards

Today's Two Cool cards feature a fantastic style of card that is always fun—the Joy Fold card! 

Combine this fancy fold with the Summer Smooches Designer Series Paper and Bright Blossoms stamps currently available with the Summer Smooches Sneak Peek, and you have a delightful greeting for any spring celebration!

 

See what I mean!  It IS joyful!!  

Open the center flap, and you find the decorative paper panel.  You could also add a sentiment or another image here that would be hidden under the front flap.  

Here it is fully open.  The mail card base, shown here in Island Indigo, is a 11" x 4-1/4" piece of card stock that folds to standard 5-1/2" x 4-1/4" standard size.  The Lucky Limeade piece is 8" x 3-1/4" scored at 4" and adhered to the center of the card base. 

You can vary which side you open the front fold, like I did in my second card...

 

I love this easy-to make fancy fold!  Fun, fun, fun! 

Card Details: The Summer Smooches DSP, with it's colorful round flowers and Real Red polka dot patterns, really creates the mood for these cards. 

I used Markers to color directly on the Bright Blossom stamps to add two different circle-flower vase images.  Then I used one of the Designer Frames Textured Impressions Folders to add a pretty frame around the images.  The frames are cut out free-hand, then popped up with Dimensionals. 

Next, I added some of the matiching Daffodil Delight Seam Binding, either by tying in a double-knot (card #1), or thread-pull scrunching (card #2). 

For the sentiments, my favorite is the little Jewely Tags with coordinating images from Tiny Tags that I added to card #1 with some White Baker's Twine.  But the other card also uses one of the same stamps and punch, this time double--punched to form a soft-cornered, mini-rectangle.  Also cute!

Summer Smooches Sneak Peek Products Are Only Available Thru April 30!

Don't wait!  Order today at my Online Store!

Complete Supplies List:

• Stamps—Bright Blossoms, Tiny Tags
• Ink—Island Indigo, Real Red, Daffodil Delight, Lucky Limeade Markers
• Paper—Summer Smooches DSP; Lucky Limeade, Island Indigo, Whisper White card stock   
• Accessories—Daffodil Delight Seam Binding, White Baker's Twine
• Tools—Designer Frames Impressions Folders, Big Shot, Jewelry Tag Punch, Dimensionals, SNAIL

*  *  *  *  *

Hurry! Just a reminder that the Retired Accessories are going fast!  There are already dozens of items that are sold out!  Here is the updated Retired Accessories List PDF...be sure to check it out and order soon!

Angie

Retiring Items Quick Links:

• Retired Accessories List PDF
• Retired Definitely Decorative Items PDF
• Retired Stamp List PDF
  

• Browse All Retired Products Online
• Browse Only Retired Ink, Paper & Accessories Online
• Browse Discounted Retired Accessories Online

Summer Smooched Blossoms

Oh, I'm having so much fun playing with my new Bright Blossoms stamp set and new Summer Smooches  Designer Paper that I almost forgot to blog today!  Ooops!

The Summer Smooches Suite of products are available as a sneak peek now through April 30.

Here was the first project I created...I love how these Two Cool cards turned out!

 

CASEd from Jen Smith at Ladybug Stamper

Love it, love it, love it!  The patterns in the Summer Smooch DSP go so perfectly with the Bright Blossoms images—dots and circles everywhere! 

Bright Blossoms is a two-step stamp set, so you can stamp the vase you want and add flowers in a different color.  There are a couple of ways you can get multicolored flowers. 

For my two-color image above, I stamped the tulip twice, once in Tangerine Tango and once in Rich Razzleberry. Then, I cut out the Rich Razzleberry petals and popped them up with Dimensionals over the Tangerine tulip, so only the dot at the top shows through.  I popped up the vase to match.

 

For this version, I used markers to color the flowers right on the stamp before stamping.  Then, I cut out the entire flower and popped it up.  The stem and circle flowers image underneath were colored the same way for a multicolor look, but most of that ended up be covered anyway. 

Other Card Details: Once the Bright Blossoms images were stamped and the sentiment from Kindness Matters added, I die-cut the Whisper White piece with the Labels Framelits.  Island Indigo Ribbon gives it some additional texture and dimension.

 

Complete Supplies List:

• Stamps—Bright Blossoms, Kindness Matters
• Ink—Lucky Limeade, Tangerine Tango (card #1), Rich Razzleberry (card #1), Island Indigo (card #2), Real Red (card #2) Marker
• Paper—Summer Smooches DSP; Daffodil Delight, Whisper White card stock   
• Accessories—Island Indigo Ruffled Ribbon
• Tools—Labels Framelits, Big Shot, Dimensionals, SNAIL

Order all the supplies you need to make this project and more at my Online Store! 

More fun Summer Smooches projects to come!

Angie