Too Cool Stamping

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.

Sunday Showcase: Best of Retiring Stamp Sets Part 2

Hi Stamping Friends!

Today is Part 2 of highlighting a few of my favorite projects using stamps that will soon be retiring.  Be sure to check out Part 1 from last Sunday.  There are only a couple more weeks left to order the ones on your wishlist before they are gone for good!   

Retired Stamp Lists—Stamps available through June 3, 2013.

• Retired Stamp List PDF—Alphabetized
• Retired Stamp List Excel File—Searchable and sortable by Catalog Page Number

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I had A LOT of trouble narrowing down to only one project from today's stamp sets, so I'm showing two cool, or even three cool, projects for each one!  These are definitely some of my favorites from the retiring list. 

All of these projects have been featured previously, so click on the link below each photo for complete details and supply lists. 

French Foliage Rainbow Masking

 

French Foliage Poinsettias

French Foliage—This a gorgeous set that is classic and timeless!  I love the realistic leaves and coordinating images that are so collage-friendly for layering!  This is a very versatile set for all kinds of occasions and techniques.  The rainbow masking was a great way to use the images as silhouettes.  And I simply adore the way you can adhere the leaves together to create a beautiful poinsettia flower!  VERY sad to see this one go!

 

Artistic Etchings French Patina

Artistic Etchings Emboss Resist

Artistic Etchings—This is another set that has wonderful collage components.  I've had so much fun using it for my Faux Patina cards and emboss reisist techniques, like the one shown above.  I've enjoyed the Parisian trend, but now it seems to be making its way out.    

Elements of Style Brag Book

Elements of Style Purse & Card Gift Set

Elements of Style—I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE every image in this beautiful set and THIS one is gonna hurt!  It's one set that I've never gotten tired of, and have been using consistently ever since it came out.  The flower image is way more versatile than I ever imagined it would be, and the vine flourish creates pretty backgrounds.  Even the "Life Is A Matter of Moments" works for so many special events.  I may not be able to let this one go.

Snow Much Fun Tic Tac Holder

Snow Much Fun Multi-Panel Card

 

Snow Much Fun Window Sheet Card

Snow Much Fun—As far as snowmen sets go, this is THE BEST one I've ever owned in my 10 years of stamping!  Fat snowman, skinny snowman, Christmas tree, fun sentiments—everything you need for a cute Christmas card!  I'll sure miss watercoloring that striped scarf!  It was snow much fun!

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

Thanks for stopping by today's Sunday Showcase!  Be sure to get your favorite retired sets before they are gone forever!  Check out the entire Retired Stamp List than order now!

Angie

Sunday Showcase—9 Cool Retiring Accessories Projects

Hi Stamping Friends!

The Retired Accessories List was announced just a few days ago and some items are already sold out.  Don't miss your last chance to get your favorites!  Some are even being offered at a discount of 25% to 60% off!  See what's left with this searchable Retired Accessories List Excel File. 

For today's Sunday Showcase, I'm spotlighting some of my all-time favorite projects and techniques that feature some of the retiring accessories on that list.  In fact, many of these projects wouldn't have been possible without the featured product.  So, if you find one you like, you definitely want to order it today!

Complete Instructions Already Posted—Since I've already previously posted each project, simply click on the link under each photo to see all the details on how to create it and complete supplies lists. 

 

Four Square Double-Embossed Tulips

Scallop Squares Duo Bigz Die—I adore the "four-square" design layered on one of the scalloped squares from this versatile die.  It's a simple and classic layout that combines smaller designs into a lovely focal point.  I also love that this card features double-embossing with two different Texture Impressions Folders...click on the project link to see how it's done! 

 

Mocha Morning Stocking Gift Card Holder

Holiday Stocking Bigz Die—The stocking is so cute on it's own, but I loved adhering two sides together to create a super-cute stocking gift card holder!  This is a great project for kids, too!  Give them a selection of papers and embellishments and they can design their own stocking gift card holder for Christmas-time gift giving! 

 

Scallop Envelope Treat Tote

Scallope Envelope Bigz Die—This cute mini-envelope is fun for holding mini notes, but it's also fabulous for making a variety of boxes and holders.  This project uses two envelopes to make a treat holder for Ghirardhelli Chocolates. 

Other Ideas: I also recently used the Scallop Envelope Die to make a 3x3" Note Card Holder that I featured on last week's Sunday Showcase.  I've also lengthened it to make an easy gift card holder.  And, you can put four (or more) of them together to create a cute treat basket.  So many fun ways to use this die!  Sad to see it go!

 

Manhattan Floral Watercolor Splash

Manhattan Texture Impressions Folder & Glossy White Paper—Talk about a gorgeous technique!  Watercolor Splash is the perfect technique to try with this unique, rose embossing folder.  Use it on Glossy White Paper and all of the little flower sections can be filled with beautiful, blended ink color. 

 

Vintage Wallpaper Inked Impressions

Vintage Wallpaper Texture Impressions Folder—How can this classic pattern be leaving us already?  I love the Inked Impressions technique with this one!  This project shows the difference between inking each sides of the folder with White Craft Ink.  Both versions remind me of soft flocking. 

And, I'll always have a special place in my heart for Vintage Wallpaper, because it was the folder I chose for my Faux Patina Technique projects and video!  It looks SO good with that technique!

 

Pop-Up Ornament Punch Gift Card Holder

Ornament Punch—I know we probably don't need this punch now that the Ornament Keepsakes Framelits are around, but I sure loved making this pop-up gift card holder project last season. It features the retiring Tags Til Christmas coordinating images, or you could use the retiring Delightful Decorations, too.  Easy and fun!  It's also great for making those Elf Shoes! 

 

Build A Blossom Vellum Flowers

Blossom Petals Builder Punch—Another cool technique that just won't be the same without this punch.  I embossed the coordinating Build A Blossom (also retiring) petals onto vellum, then punched and assembled for a crisp and unique embellishment.  The Blossom Petals Punch also makes great "flames" on birthday candles, like the card I featured last week.

  

Just Believe Shimmer Resist

Frost White Shimmer Paint—I'm not happy AT ALL about the Shimmer Paints being discountinued.  I love "resist" techniques and Frost White did a wonderful "shimmer resist" on Glossy White Paper.  This is just one of the many shimmer resist (or Mother of Pearl) projects I've tried and it uses the soon-to-retire Just Believe stamp set. 

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If you'd like to try any of these projects, get your retiring accessories ASAP!  They are only available while supplies last.  Check availability here: Retired Stamp List Excel File.  And, see the complete list of Retiring Stamps, too.

Order your favorites from my Online Store while they are still available.

Thanks so much for stopping by today's Sunday Showcase!

Angie

Wow! Project—Petal Cone Heart Pouch

I'm so excited about my Wow! Teahniques Class tonight!  We'll be creating some awesome projects, including the one I'm featuring today—the Petal Cone Heart Pouch. 

Whether you fill them with chocolates, a gift card, or simply use them for decoration, these pretty hanging heart pouches are perfect for Valentine's Day! 

See how cute it is hanging on a doorknob?!  Wouldn't this be a fun way to celebrate the occasion with your kids (no matter what age!), roommates, or a co-worker? 

The base of the pouch is created with two Petal Cone die-cuts, in Primrose Petals card stock, adhered back-to-back without folding them into a four-sided cone. 

Once I adhered the sides together with Sticky Strip, I added stamping over the entire front and back with the flourish from Everything Eleanor inked in Primrose Petals.

I decorated the front with a 5-1/2" x 2" strip of More Amore Designer Series Paper, accented with Finishing Touches Edgelit borders, then trimmed to fit. 

The Loving Thoughts sentiment is stamped in Primrose Petals onto a Very Vanilla banner that comes from the same Petal Cone Die.

I used the new Creped Filter Paper for the pretty scrunched flower.  First I die-cut five layers using the second smallest die from the Floral Frames Framelits.  TIP: It looks better with 6-8 layers, but I was trying to conserve so I had enough for the entire class. 

The Creped Filter Paper is so soft and easy to dye!  I used a brayer with Pool Party ink and simply rolled over each flower layer a few times. 

I stacked the layers on a Pool Party 1-3/4" Scallop Circle punch-out (for stability), pierced the center with my Piercing Tool, and attached them with a Mini Silver Brad.  Then it's just a matter of pulling each layer toward the center of the flower, scrunching as you go.  When all the layers are scrunched, fluff it until it looks good. 

I finished the pouch by punching a couple of holes to hang a 15" piece of Primrose Petals Stitched Satin Ribbon.  I also added some Very Vanilla scallop circle die-cuts (from the same Petal Cone die) to the inside of the back so the scallops would peek out when viewed from the front.

You can fit a lot in there, too!  I put three Ghirardelli Chocolate squares inside and there was still plenty of room for more!

The second version uses the flip side of the More Amore DSP.

Look at all that detail and texture—awesome!  The sentiment is from You Are Loved. This time I added some Very Vanilla Seam Binding scrunched and adhered with Sticky Strip.

Instead of using the brayer, this Creped Filter flower is stamped with the oval chevron pattern image from Oh, Hello in Primrose Petals ink.  It matched the Designer Paper perfectly! 

Don'f forget to stamp the back, too, so it's pretty anywhere you hang it!

Complete Supply List:

• Stamps—Everything Eleanor, Loving Thoughts (project #1), You Are Loved (project #2), Oh, Hello (project #2)
• Ink—Primrose Petals, Pool Party (project #1) Classic Ink
  
• Paper—More Amore DSP; Primrose Petals, and Very Vanilla card stock  
• Accessories—Creped Filter Paper, Primrose Petals Stitched Satin Ribbon, Mini Silver Brads, Pearl Jewels, Large Pearl Jewels (project #2), Very Vanilla Seam Binding (project #2)
• Tools—Petal Cone Die, Finishing Touches Edgelits, Floral Frame Framelits, Big Shot, 1-3/4" Scallop Circle Punch, Piercing Tool, 1/8" Hole Punch, Sticky Strip, 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!

• 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

Cute & Sweet Poinsettia Treats

A couple months ago, I received this adorable thank you gift from fellow demonstrator Ronda Wade at one of her events...

 

Created by Ronda Wade at Stamp With Ronda.

It's created with the Floral Frames Framelits Die and the 2-3/8" Scallop Circle and the Sweet Treat Cup holds 2 yards of Summer Starfruit Stitched Satin Ribbon. What a fun gift idea for customers and hostesses to get a little sample of product in their hands! 

   

I decided to make my own holiday version, so I came up with this poinsettia flower that I'll be giving out as appreciation gifts.  It uses two layers of the Floral Frames Framelit Die, the larger embossed with the Perfect Polka Dot Texture Impressions Folder and the smaller embossed with the Square Lattice Texture Impressions Folder. 

Inside my Sweet Treat Cup, I added 1 yard of Old Olive Dotted Scallop Ribbon and three matching Bright Buttons.

I embellished my flower with a Whisper White Modern Label Punch stamped with a sentiment from Petite Pairs in Old Olive ink.  It's accented with an Early Espresso Baker's Twine bow and Rhinestone Jewels. 

 

I also tried a version with some leaves that were die-cut from the Autumn Accents Die, then folded and embossed with "veins" from the Woodgrain Texture Impressions Folder.  I added Chocolate Chip Dotted Scallop Ribbon and a Bronze Designer Button in this cup, and changed the twine to Cherry Cobbler.

Which version do you like better?  With or without leaves?  I like the leaves, but I'll probably have to add another layer to the back, or else it will look like this...

That's not very pretty at all! 

Tips On Creating Your Own Poinsettia Sweet Treat

• Use the second largest Floral Frames Framelits Die for the base, then emboss.
• Add your "treats" to the cup, peel off paper backing on cup, and adhere to base.

• For top flower, punch a 1-3/4" Circle in the card stock first, then position the 3rd largest Floral Frames Framelit over the top.  It will just barely fit.  Emboss, then adhere over the Sweet Treat Cup with Dimensionals.

OK—what about the Old Olive version with leaves?  Seriously, I need some help deciding! 

Optional Treats: Don't forget that Sweet Treats are great for just that—sweets!  You don't have to add ribbons and buttons...try some M&M's, Skittles, Swedish Fish and more!

Complete Supply List:

• Stamps—Petite Pairs
• Ink—Old Olive Classic Ink
  
• Paper—Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive and Whisper White card stock  
• Accessories—Sweet Treat Cups, Old Olive Scallop Dots Ribbon/Bright Buttons, Chocolate Chip Scallop Dots Ribbon/Brushed Bronze Designer Buttons; Early Espresso Baker's Twine, Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine, Rhinestone Jewels
• Tools—Floral Frames Framelits, Perfect Polka Dot Texture Impressions Folder, Square Lattice Texture Impressions Folder, Woodgrain Texture Impressions Folder, Autumn Accents Die, Big Shot, 1-3/4" Circle Punch, Dimensionals, Mini Glue Dots, SNAIL

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

Angie

Email me with questions anytime!

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Mark Your Calendar!  Upcoming Too Cool Events!

• Too Cool Demo Team Meeting—Dec. 10, 6pm
• Wow Techniques Class—Dec. 14, 6:30pm.  RSVP by Dec. 13.
• "Last Thursdays" Monthly Cards Class—Dec. 27, 6:30pm.
• Procrastinator's Open Stamp Night—Dec. 18, 6pm-10pm.
• Spring Catalog "Kick-Off" Party—Jan. 6, 1pm.

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Holiday Catalog Quick Links!

• Browse Holiday Catalog by Flash Player
• Shop Holiday Catalog Items Online

December Promos Quick Links!

• Ink-redible FREE Ink Pads—Thru 12/16 for Hostesses & Recruits!
  
• New Single Stamps now available for a limited time!
• Ornamental Elegance Kit—While supplies last!
  

Watercolor Winter Sparkling Poinsettias

Christmas cards really aren't Christmas cards, to me, without a little bling!  And, today's projects showcase four sparkling elements!

I've been playing with the awesome Watercolor Winter stamp set.  Wow!  With seven elegant, two-step stamping images, it really is a versatile set! 

I started with a Gumball Green card base, and added random stamping with the holly leaves image in the same color.  The striped paper comes from Be of Good Cheer Designer Series Paper.

Sparkle #1: Silver Glimmer Paper was used to created a Dotted Scallop Ribbon punched border to tie the two background panels together.

The Greetings of the Season sentiment was colored with Gumball Green and Cherry Cobbler Markers before stamping onto Very Vanilla card stock.  After stamping, I die-cut the image with an Apothecary Accents Framelit.

Sparkle #2: Rhinestone Jewels flank each side of the greeting—blingin' it up!

Some pretty poinsettias were added as accents!  The Watercolor Winter poinsettia flower line image was stamped in Cherry Cobbler onto Very Vanilla card stock.  The second step, with the bolder design, was also inked in Cherry Cobbler, but stamped off once onto scrap paper to create a lighter shade.  Each flower was hand-cut.  Yep. Sometimes you have to actually cut the shapes out!  Boy, we can get spoiled with all of those matching Framelits and punches, can't we?!

Sparkle #3: Silver Sparkle Dazzling Details glitter glue was dotted onto the centers of each flower.

Sparkle #4: Dazzling Diamonds glitter was added to each flower with a 2-Way Glue Pen.

Woohoo!  That's four times the sparkle-power of most holiday cards!  Oh yeah!

I like layout of the design elements of the horizontal version even better! 

Complete Supply List:

• Stamps—Watercolor Winter, Greetings of the Season
• Ink—Gumball Green and Cherry Cobbler Markers; Gumball Green and Cherry Cobbler Classic Ink
  
• Paper—Be of Good Cheer DSP; Silver Glimmer Paper; Gumball Green and Very Vanilla card stock  
• Accessories—Rhinestone Jewels, Silver Sparkle Dazzling Details, Dazzling Diamonds
• Tools—Apothecary Accents Framelits, Big Shot, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch, 2-Way Glue Pen, 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

November Promos Quick Links!

• Ink-redible FREE Ink Pads—For Hostesses & New Recruits!
  
• 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!

Thoughts & Prayers Sympathy: Simple & Stepped Up

Unfortunately, I needed a sympathy card today, so I thought it was a perfect time to showcase the beautiful Thoughts & Prayers stamp set.  It's always good to keep a couple of these cards on hand for unexpected occasions when you need a heartfelt card.  

Of course, I usually don't keep many of these kinds of cards on hand, which means I typically need to make one in a hurry.  Can you relate?  It's no problem, though!

 

The Thoughts & Prayers set, with it's serene and thoughtful images, had everything I needed to make a beautiful card in minutes.

I started with a Soft Suede base, then layered Not Quite Navy card stock with some Twitterpated Designer Paper for the background. 

I stamped the tree image in Soft Suede, and the sentiment in Not Quite Navy, on Very Vanilla card stock.  Then, I die-cut the image with the Apothecary Accents Framelits and added a couple of Pearl Jewels. 

A simple Baja Breeze Seam Binding ribbon finishes this simple card.

CASEd from Lee Ann at Greyt Paper Crafts.

I stepped up my second version of the card, adding some details and extra elements to really make it something special!

I used the Essentials Paper Piercing Pack templates to pierce evenly around the edges of die-cut shape, as well as outlining the shape on the card front. 

I also added Baja Breeze and Not Quite Navy blooms with the flower punch from the Itty Bitty Punch Pack.  For dimension, I wrapped each bloom around the tip of my Bone Folder to scrunch it, then adhered it to the image with Multipurpose Glue.  A small Pearl Jewel center makes these flowers so cute!

Finally, I tried something a bit different with my Seam Binding.  I twisted it and twisted it, heated it up slightly with the Heat Tool on the low setting, then ran my finger down the length of the ribbon to lock the creases in it.  (If I would have had an iron handy, or even a flat iron for hair, I would have just swept that over it.)  I double-wrapped it around the card—love that creased look!

I LOVE how this one turned out!  So pretty!

Complete Supplies List:

• Stamps—Thoughts & Prayers
  
• Ink—Not Quite Navy, Soft Suede Classic Ink
• Paper—Twitterpated DSP; Soft Suede, Not Quite Navy and Very Vanilla card stock  
• Accessories—Baja Breeze Seam Binding, Pearl Jewels
• Tools—Apothecary Accents Framelits, Big Shot, Essentials Paper Piercing Pack (card #2), Pierce Mat (card #2), Paper Piercing Tool (card #2), Itty Bitty Punch Pack (card #2), Bone Folder, Heat Tool (card #2), Multipurpose Glue, SNAIL, Dimensionals

Order 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

Core'dinations Floral Frames & Delicate Doilies Blossom

One of my favorite things about being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator is having access to all kinds of fabulous stamping ideas through their demo-exclusive Stampin' Connection website and monthly Stampin' Success magazine. 

The embellishment for today's project comes directly from our magazine...

The blossom embellishment features lots of layers using the Floral Frames Framelits and Delicate Doilies Sizzlits.  Lots of dimension and textures and very little stamping at all!

My card starts with a Soft Suede base, with a strip of coordinating Comfort Café paper.  I added a Very Vanilla Finishing Touches border to one side of the paper, and a piece of Cherry Cobbler Scallop Dots Ribbon to the other.  The Curly Cute sentiment is stamped in Cherry Cobbler ink.

For the awesome blossom, I used the Cherry Cobbler Core'dinations card stock with the Floral Framelit die-cuts in three sizes and layered them on all three sizes of the Delicate Doilies Sizzlits in First Edition Designer Series Paper.

The entire blossom is layered on a Labels Collecion die-cut from Crumb Cake card stock, and that's pierced with the Festive Paper Piercing Templates.  I added an Antique Brad for the flower center.

My favorite part of the blossom is the Woodgrain embossing on each layer.  It creates a terrific striped texture that I gently sanded with the Sanding System (see Core'dinations sanding tips).  Too Cool!

Complete Supplies List:

• Stamps—Curly Cute
  
• Ink—Cherry Cobbler Classic Ink
• Paper—Cherry Cobbler Core'dinations Card Stock; Comfort Café DSP and First Edition DSP; Soft Suede, Crumb Cake and Very Vanilla card stock  
• Accessories—Cherry Cobbler Scallop Dots Ribbon, Antique Brads
• Tools—Labels Collection Framelits, Big Shot, Delicate Doilies Sizzlit, Floral Frame Framelits, Finishing Touches Edgelits (card #1), Adorning Accents Edgelits (card #2), Woodgrain Impressions Folder, Festive Paper Piercing Pack, Pierce Mat, Paper Piercing Tool, Stampin' Sanding System, Core'dinations Dust Buddy, SNAIL, Dimensionals

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

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If you're a stamping enthusiast, you'll love all of the tips, techniques, and project ideas that Stampin' Up! shares with demonstrators!  Don't miss out!  Order your fully customizable $99 Starter Kit today and join in on the fun! 

Plus, this month only, when you purchase a 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

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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

Daydream Medallions & Floral Frames Framelits

Coordination!  That is one of my absolute favorite things about Stampin' Up!  I love that the inks match the card stock, which matches the ribbon, which matches the brads, and so on.  And, I love that the shapes of certain stamps work perfectly with Punches and now Framelit Dies. 

TIP: Did you know that any stamp image in the catalog that has a blue outline has a coordinating punch?  And, if it has a red outline, it means that there is a coordinating Framelit! 

 

The new Daydream Medallions and matching Floral Frames Framelits are a perfect example of coordination and used them to put together a beautiful floral medallion embellishment for today's card!

I had some fun with three of the new In Colors: Gumball Green, Raspberry Ripple, and Midnight Muse. 

But, the best part was the amazing look that is created when you stack each layer with Dimensionals!  Wow!  Each stamped layer, except the smallest, was die-cut with the Floral Frames Framelits. The largest Gumball Green medallion shape was die-cut with the second-to-largest Floral Frame die.  The smallest center image was punched with the 3/4" Circle Punch!  The floral medallion is topped with a Large Pearl.

  

And, let's not overlook the gorgeously detailed, texture embossed border created with the new Delicate Designs Impressions Folders.  The pattern is so deep and crisp, and it coordinates so well with all of the doily-esque images that are so trendy right now!

 

I also added some piercing with the new Piercing Essentials Kit!  Oh yeah...I'm really going to enjoy using this fun tool kit!  The templates coordinate with so many of the punched shapes and Framelit die-cuts that it's gonna be tempting to go piercing crazy!  (I enlarged the template that I used with the large scallop Delicate Designs border.)

I finished off my card with some new Midnight Muse 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon, and stamped a Bitty Banners sentiment colored with Midnight Muse Marker.

Complete Supplies List:

• Stamps—Daydream Medallions, Itty Bitty Banners
• Ink—Midnight Muse, Gumball Green, Raspberry Ripple Classic Ink; and Midnight Muse Markers.
• Paper—Gumball Green, Raspberry Ripple, Whisper White card stock  
• Accessories—Large Pearl Jewels, Midnight Muse Stitched Satin Ribbon
• Tools—Floral Frames Framelits, 3/4" Circle Punch, Piercing Essentials Kit, Pierce Mat, Piercing Tool, Delicate Designs Folders, Big Shot, SNAIL, Dimensionals

Stampin' Up! coordination makes creating simple!  Order these coordinating items from my Online Store today!

Angie

Last Day—Thanks For A Terrific Sale-A-Bration!

Last Chance For FREE Sale-A-Bration Items

It's the final day of Sale-A-Bration!  Don't miss out on your last chance to earn a FREE exclusive Sale-A-Bration item for every $50 you spend. You can order up until 11:59 MST.

Place your Sale-A-Bration Online Order now!

Last Chance To Join My Team With Special Rewards

You only have until the end of the day to join my team for only $125 (for more than $340 of supplies), plus receive your choice of either FREE Designer Series Paper or a FREE digital download every month for the remainder of the year! 

It's a tremendous value, plus you'll be able to enjoy the demonstrator discount and amazing perks for being a part of the Stampin' Up! family!  Learn about the benefits.

It's easy to join...simply click on the Join Now button to purchase your customizable Starter Kit! 

Thanks For Sale-A-Brating With Me!

Thanks so much to everyone who has Sale-A-Brated with me during this fabulous promotion!  I really appreciate your business and I'm happy that so many of my stamping friends received all kinds of FREE goodies over the past 10 weeks!  Woohoo and thank you!

Today, I was having some fun one last time with my favorite product from the Sale-A-Bration flyer: Everyday Enchantment Designer Series Paper. 

I made cute little thank you notes embellished with scrunched flowers featuring all 12 different patterns in the package. 

 

 

These were my four favorite combinations, but they all mix and match so well.  I'm gonna miss these awesome papers!

Card Details: I made little 3x3" notecards from Whisper White card stock.  Each notecard front was stamped with the fancy border from Fresh Vintage (bye-bye my favorite Sale-A-Bration stamp set!), and a sentiment from Kindness Matters (also a SAB selection, but still available in the catalog...whew!).

The scrunched paper flowers were created by punching four layers with the Blossom Punch, misting them with water, and scrunching them. 

Once they were dry, I unfolded each one, then layered them in alternating patterns, pieced a hole in the center, and added a brad from the Everyday Enchantment Ribbon & Brad pack. 

Complete Supplies List:

• Stamps—Fresh Vintage (SAB selections), Kindness Matters
• Ink—Basic Black, Lucky Limeade Classic Ink
• Paper—Everyday Enchantment DSP (SAB selection) Whisper White card stock   
• Accessories—Everyday Enchantment Ribbon & Brad Pack (SAB selection)
• Tools—Blossom Punch, Paper Piercer, spray bottle of water, Dimensionals 

See all Sale-A-Bration (SAB) selections in the Sale-A-Bration Flyer PDF.

Angie

Easy Card Box With The Diagonal Plate

Today, I have another fantastic project using the new Simply Scored Diagonal Plate!  You're gonna LOVE it!  This may be my favorite Diagonal Plate project yet!

It's a card box that is perfect for giving your beautiful greeting cards as a gift to friends and family! 

 

The box will hold approximately 6-10 cards with envelopes depending on how many layers and embellishments you have on them. 

My Soft Suede card box is decorated with the beautiful Paisley Petals Designer Series Papers on the front triangles, as well as on the back.  (Oh, look how the paper matches my River Rock painted wall in my Too Cool Stamping Studio.  Yes, I did that on purpose!)

Paper Flower Closure: The front flap tucks in neatly behind the scrunched paper flower to close the box.  The flower is made from the same Paisley Prints paper.  I punched six 2-3/8" Scallop Circle layers from coordinating paper, spritzed them lightly with water, then crumpled them.  After un-crumpling the paper, I layered them and poked a hole through the whole stack and the box front with a Paper Piercer.  An Antique Brad holds it in place. 

Diagonal Plate Card Box How-Tos

• Start with a 11x11" sheet of card stock.

• Score on opposite sides diagonally at 3-1/2" and 5-1/2".  TIP: Score from the ruler along the top and the ruler along the side and you don't have to turn your paper.

• Turn your card stock 90° and score both sides diagonally at 4-1/2" and 6-1/2".

• Look for the widest side of the box and snip along the score lines to the inside-most intersection of the score lines.  You'll do this on both wide sides.  Refer to the photo above.
• Snip off all of the mini triangles that are created by the overlapping score lines.  They'll be two on each tab.
• Fold all the score lines to get the basic box shape ready to adhere.
• Optional: Trim the point off the bottom flap, so it looks more like an envelope opening.  I didn't do this, but it probably looks nicer when it's trimmed off.  I would score diagonally at 1", then trim along the score line.
• Add Sticky Strip Adhesive to the bottom two tabs (but not the top two, that's the box opening).
• Adhere the two side flaps together at the center with Sticky Strip.
• Adhere the bottom flap to the side flaps with Sticky Strip.
• Add the flower, or another embellishment at the bottom to tuck the top flap behind to close.

I found this awesome project idea from Jackie Topa at Addicted To Stamping.  If you need more of a visual, check out her Diagonal Plate Card Box Tutorial.

Complete Supplies List:

• Stamps—None
  Ink—None
  Paper—Paisley Prints DSP; Soft Suede card stock   
• Accessories—Antique Brads
  
• Tools—2-3/8" Scallop Circle Punch, Simply Scored, Diagonal Plate, Paper Piercer, Sticky Strip

Shop online for these and more stamping products at my Online Store!

Angie 

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3 Easy Ways To Earn FREE Products!

1. Spend $50—For every $50 order, you can select one FREE Sale-A-Bration product of your choice!  Order Online now!
2. Host A Workshop—Host a workshop of at least $150 and earn a FREE Sale-A-Bration Tote.  Host a workshop of $400, earn a FREE Sale-A-Bration Bundle.  All this, plus the generous hostess benefits!  Contact me today!
3. Join Stampin' Up!—Become a demonstrator during Sale-A-Bration, and receive $50 off your Starter Kit!  Plus, receive FREE Designer Series Paper or digital download EVERY month for the rest of 2012!  Sign up today!

See complete details about Sale-A-Bration!

Simply Stunning Fresh Vintage In Indigo

A simple card design today that is simply stunning!  This will be one of the cards that we create at my Last Thursdays Montly Card Class on March 29! 

 

CASEd from Connie Collins at Constantly Stamping

I adore how elegant the floral image from the Fresh Vintage Sale-A-Bration set looks when it's randomly stamped in a single color!  In this case, it's Island Indigo.  Absolutely gorgeous!  This image is pretty when it's all colored up with markers, too!  It's such a versatile stamp set, and it's even better when it's FREE!  Earn it with any $50 order during Sale-A-Bration (ends March 31).

The banner is from Take It To Heart and I added the sentiment from Apothecary Art because it fits perfectly!  I also sponged some Island Indigo on the bottom layer of Whisper White to soften the edges a bit.

Then, la piece de resistance on this card is the beautiful Poppy Parade blossom, created with the Everyday Enchantment Designer Series Paper (also a Sale-A-Bration selection)!  What a "pop" of color! 

I punched two large flowers with the Blossom Punch for the bottom layers.  Then, I layered a Circle Scallop punch snipped between each of the petals.  And, the center is from the Boho Blossoms Punch.  Each layer is gently curved with a Bone Folder and adhered with Dimensionals for a lot of height.  The flower is topped with Pearl Jewels.

Have you noticed how much I'm enjoying making paper flowers with the Blossom Punch?  So easy, so pretty!  You should try it, if you haven't already!

Complete Supplies List:

• Stamps—Fresh Vintage (SAB selection), Apothecary Art, Take It To Heart
  Ink—Island Indigo Classic Ink
  Paper—Everyday Enchantment (SAB selection); Island Indigo, Whisper White card stock   
• Accessories—Pearl Jewels
• Tools—Blossom Punch, Boho Blossoms Punch, 1-3/4" Scallop Circle Punch, Paper Snips, Bone Folder, Sponges, Dimensionals, SNAIL

Shop online for these and more new products from the Occasions Mini Catalog!

Come and create this project, and three more, at my Last Thursdays Montly Card Class on March 29.   Contact me today to sign up!

Angie 

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3 Easy Ways To Earn FREE Products!

1. Spend $50—For every $50 order, you can select one FREE Sale-A-Bration product of your choice!  Order Online now!
2. Host A Workshop—Host a workshop of at least $150 and earn a FREE Sale-A-Bration Tote.  Host a workshop of $400, earn a FREE Sale-A-Bration Bundle.  All this, plus the generous hostess benefits!  Contact me today!
3. Join Stampin' Up!—Become a demonstrator during Sale-A-Bration, and receive $50 off your Starter Kit!  Plus, receive FREE Designer Series Paper or digital download EVERY month for the rest of 2012!  Sign up today!

See complete details about Sale-A-Bration!

Mixed Bunch White Embossed Blossoms

Who knew that Mixed Bunch would become my favorite set out of the Occasions Mini Catalog?  I sure didn't, but it definitely has!  It's so versatile, especially when combined with the Blossom Punch, to make all sorts of beautiful paper flower embellishments! 

 

CASEd from Stampin' Success Magazine & Jodi Geers from last Sunday's Showcase

The delicate designs on two of the Mixed Bunch stamps are so pretty when the are embossed with White Embossing Powder, then punched with the Blossom Punch.  I used Blushing Bride, Basic Gray and either Baja Breeze or Pear Pizzazz card stock for the flowers on these Two Cool cards.  The background patterns are from the Twitterpated Designer Series Paper.

The centers are images from the same set, also embossed, then punched out with the 3/4" Circle Punch and popped up with Dimensionals.  Each flower is accented with either Pearl Jewels or a Large Pearl Jewel.

You'll notice that the first card has some leaves that were cut from Pear Pizzazz card stock with the 5-Petal Flower Punch, then trimmed to one or two leaves. 

The lovely Pleated Ribbon adds a soft texture and a punch of color on card #2.  Sentiments are from the Everyday Elegance Sale-A-Bration stamp set.

This card design is definitely going to be one of my choices for workshops for next month!  All of the elements go together surprisingly quickly with the punches! Plus, it's a great "Think Spring" card with all the soft, pastel shades! 

Just a reminder...there are still a few dates left for a March workshop or private class before the end of the awesome Sale-A-Bration promotion!  Visit my Calendar of Events to pick out a date, then contact me today!

Complete Supplies List:

• Stamps—Mixed Bunch, Everyday Elegance (SAB selection)
• Ink—VersaMark, Basic Gray Classic Ink
• Paper—Twitterpated DSP, Basic Gray, Blushing Bride, Baja Breeze (card #1), Pear Pizzazz, Whisper White card stock   
• Accessories—Pearl Jewels, Large Pearl Jewels, Blushing Bride Pleated Ribbon (card #1), Baja Breeze Pleated Ribbon (card #2), White Embossing Powder
• Tools—Blossom Punch, 3/4" Circle Punch, 5-Petal Punch (card #1), Heat Tool, Dimensionals, SNAIL

Shop online for these and more new products from the Occasions Mini Catalog!

Angie 

*  *  *  *  *

3 Easy Ways To Earn FREE Products!

1. Spend $50—For every $50 order, you can select one FREE Sale-A-Bration product of your choice!  Order Online now!
2. Host A Workshop—Host a workshop of at least $150 and earn a FREE Sale-A-Bration Tote.  Host a workshop of $400, earn a FREE Sale-A-Bration Bundle.  All this, plus the generous hostess benefits!  Contact me today!
3. Join Stampin' Up!—Become a demonstrator during Sale-A-Bration, and receive $50 off your Starter Kit!  Plus, receive FREE Designer Series Paper or digital download EVERY month for the rest of 2012!  Sign up today!

See complete details about Sale-A-Bration!

Happiness Is...A Giant Decorated Candy Bar!

What's better than a giant candy bar?  How about a giant candy bar decorated with the beautiful Designer Series Papers and a pretty paper flower?!

So pretty and yummy!  I covered the Hershey's candy bar with In Color Patterns Designer Paper first, only adhering the ends of the paper to each other, so it could easily slide off the candy bar.

Next, I die-cut a couple of large Labels Framelits shapes from the Everyday Enchantment DSP and wrapped them around the bar. 

I wrapped the entire candy bar with scrunched Pool Party Seam Binding.  The above picture shows what it looks like from the bottom of the bar.

The paper flower is created with crumpled layers of more of the In Color Patterns DSP punched with the new Blossom Punch.  Each layer has Dimensionals for lots of height.

The flower center is a button from Brights Buttons (which you can select as a FREE Sale-A-Bration item), topped with a Large Pearl Jewels surrounded by mini Pearl Jewels.

The "happiness" tag is stamped from Loving Thoughts in Lucky Limeade and accented with more Pearl Jewels.  The fishtail banner is created by punching with the corner of a 1" Square Punch.

Happiness is...giving a prettied-up chocolate treat to your best friend!  Try it with any size candy bar!

Complete Supplies List:

• Stamps—Loving Thoughts
• Ink—Lucky Limeade Classic Ink
• Paper—Everyday Enchantment DSP (SAB selection), In Color Patterns DSP, Very Vanilla card stock   
• Accessories—Large Pearl Jewels, Pearl Jewels, Bright Buttons, Pool Party Seam Binding
• Tools—Labels Framelits, Blossom Punch, 1" Square Punch, Dimensionals, SNAIL

See all Sale-A-Bration (SAB) selections in the Sale-A-Bration Flyer PDF.

Shop online for these and more new products from the Occasions Mini Catalog!

Angie 

*  *  *  *  *

3 Easy Ways To Earn FREE Products!

1. Spend $50—For every $50 order, you can select one FREE Sale-A-Bration product of your choice!  Order Online now!
2. Host A Workshop—Host a workshop of at least $150 and earn a FREE Sale-A-Bration Tote.  Host a workshop of $400, earn a FREE Sale-A-Bration Bundle.  All this, plus the generous hostess benefits!  Contact me today!
3. Join Stampin' Up!—Become a demonstrator during Sale-A-Bration, and receive $50 off your Starter Kit!  Plus, receive FREE Designer Series Paper or digital download EVERY month for the rest of 2012!  Sign up today!

See complete details about Sale-A-Bration!

Leadership Make & Takes—Blossoms & Pennants Page

Here is another cute project from the Leadership Make & Takes...

This photo is actually the sample 8x8" scrap page created by Stampin' Up!  My project looks identical, except it doesn't have a photo in it, yet.

 

In yesterday's post, I talked a little about the versatility of using the new Blossom Builders Designer Printed Kit.  I have to admit that using the Kit on this page was so much fun!  Mixing and matching, layering, and adding dimension...the colors and patterns bring a lot of personality to this page. 

The only flower that isn't in the kit is the one punched with the Blossom Punch from the Baja Breeze Twitterpated DSP under the "Wonderful You" sentiment from the Loving Thoughts stamp set. 

Those words are actually stamped onto a pre-cut banner from the same kit!  Check out the cool texture in the paper!  The Library Clip, wrapped with Lucky Limeade Baker's Twine, holds the sentiment onto the flower.

I love the idea of creating the pennant flags with the Petite Pennants Builder Punch and wooden skewers.  Once the pennant was punched from Twitterpated paper, it was adhered to the skewer with a couple of Mini Glue Dots, then attached to the page with more Glue Dots.

Complete Supplies List:

• Stamps—Loving Thoughts (shown right), Mixed Bunch
• Ink—Baja Breeze, Lucky Limeade Classic Ink
• Paper—Twitterpated DSP; Baja Breeze card stock   
• Accessories—skewers, Library Clips, Blossom Builders Designer Printed Kit, Lucky Limeade Baker's Twine, Bright Buttons
• Tools—Blossom Punch, Petite Pennant Builder Punch, Dimensionals, SNAIL

Shop online for these and more new products from the Occasions Mini Catalog!

Angie 

*  *  *  *  *

3 Easy Ways To Earn FREE Products!

1. Spend $50—For every $50 order, you can select one FREE Sale-A-Bration product of your choice!  Order Online now!
2. Host A Workshop—Host a workshop of at least $150 and earn a FREE Sale-A-Bration Tote.  Host a workshop of $400, earn a FREE Sale-A-Bration Bundle.  All this, plus the generous hostess benefits!  Contact me today!
3. Join Stampin' Up!—Become a demonstrator during Sale-A-Bration, and receive $50 off your Starter Kit!  Plus, receive FREE Designer Series Paper or digital download EVERY month for the rest of 2012!  Sign up today!

See complete details about Sale-A-Bration!

Leadership Make & Takes—Snipped Blossom Card

We had SO many Make & Takes to do at Leadership, there was no way we could get everything done in the time allowed! 

That's OK!  I like to take my time and work on them later anyway...so we mostly chatted and only got two out of the 10 projects done.  LOL!  Plus, we each received one of these at each place setting...

 

...a Fancy Favor box to match our notepad organizer!  What a cute and simple idea!  It was filled with three kinds of chocolate that was handmade by a Stampin' Up! employee.  (I love all the little details that Stampin' Up! provides!)  But, who can concentrate on creativity when there's chocolate?!!!

Fancy Favor Box Supplies: Cherry Cobbler 12x12" Card Stock, Fancy Favor Die, 1-3/4" Circle Punch, 1" Circle Punch, 1/2" Circle Punch, 5-Petal Flower Punch, Clear Rhinestone Brad, Island Indigo Ruffled Ribbon. (Wish I had the chocolate recipes to share!)

 

Our Make & Take supplies came in this brown logo bag (a little worse for wear after the plane ride).  The projects were packaged up with photos and instructions, and came with all the buttons, ribbon, and other embellishments we would need. 

Somehow, between the chatting and the chocolate, my friend Mary Ellen and I got the first project accomplished! 

 

We did the one with the Two Cool cards first...how appropriate!  This project fits my "make one to give and one to keep" philosophy!  We were supposed to make two cards and donate one to Ronald McDonald House Charities, one of the many organizations with which Stampin' Up! is partnered.  That IS too cool!

My favorite part of this card is the flower!  It uses the new Blossom Punch, and I love the idea of snipping between each petal for more texture and dimension!  

The flower center is a Bright Button tied with Lucky Limeade Baker's Twine and layered on a piece from the new Blossom Builders Designer Printed Kit!  Isn't it so pretty and delicate! 

To be honest, I wasn't all that interested in the Blossom Builders Kit, mainly because I like to stamp and color my own flowers.  But, I love the idea of mixing the pre-printed pieces with stamped and punched flowers!  When I think of how I could use them that way, there are endless possibilities! 

The Blossom Builders Designer Printed Kit includes two double-sided sheets of colorfully printed, die-cut blossoms on textured paper.  One side of each flower is patterned and the other side is a solid color.  Mix, match and layer to create dozens of one-of-a kind flower embellishments! You also get 30 pink rhinestones to decorate the blooms!

I know you're gonna fall in love with these pre-printed flowers, too, once I complete my Make & Takes and share them with you!  Every one of them uses parts and pieces from this fantastic kit!  I wish I had them all done, because I can't wait to show you!

Here's another cool tip!  Did you know you can make card stock ric rac with the Scallop Edge Border Punch?  Punch on one side of your card stock, then flip it over and offset the scalloped punches on the other side.  Neat-O!

Want to make this card with your friends, and earn fabulous Sale-A-Bration Hostess Rewards, too?  Contact me today!

Complete Supplies List:

• Stamps—Thank You Kindly, Mixed Bunch
• Ink—Old Olive, Daffodil Delight Classic Ink
• Paper—Daffodil Delight, Old Olive, Poppy Parade, Whisper White card stock   
• Accessories—Blossom Builders Designer Printed Kit, Lucky Limeade Baker's Twine, Bright Buttons
• Tools—Blossom Punch, Scallop Edge Border Punch, Dimensionals, SNAIL

Shop online for these and more new products from the Occasions Mini Catalog!

Angie 

*  *  *  *  *

3 Easy Ways To Earn FREE Products!

1. Spend $50—For every $50 order, you can select one FREE Sale-A-Bration product of your choice!  Order Online now!
2. Host A Workshop—Host a workshop of at least $150 and earn a FREE Sale-A-Bration Tote.  Host a workshop of $400, earn a FREE Sale-A-Bration Bundle.  All this, plus the generous hostess benefits!  Contact me today!
3. Join Stampin' Up!—Become a demonstrator during Sale-A-Bration, and receive $50 off your Starter Kit!  Plus, receive FREE Designer Series Paper or digital download EVERY month for the rest of 2012!  Sign up today!

See complete details about Sale-A-Bration!

Enchanting Edges With An Awesome Blossom Flower

I really can't get enough of the Everyday Enchantment Sale-A-Bration Designer Series Paper!  I love it! 

Who would have ever guessed that I would like Poppy Parade so much? Those close to me know I've struggled with liking that color...until now, that is!

I think it must be the combination of colors and patterns in the papers that make me love it so!  Poppy Parade, Pool Party, Lucky Limeade, Calypso Coral, Peach Parfait, Soft Suede, and Very Vanilla—I never would have put all of those together, but they really work! 

I love that Stampin' Up! can change my mind about a color simply by providing me with a fresh and trendy color combination!  Too Cool!

 

My favorite card from January's Card Class was this one, featuring the Everyday Enchantment paper, Adorning Accents Edgelits & Adorning Accents Impressions Folders, and the new Blossom Punch!

These Two Cool cards are nearly identical aside from the different sentiments and flower centers, because why mess with what works!  And, this design really works for me!  Simple and pretty!

Card Details: I started with a 5-1/4" x 3-1/2" piece of floral paper, then trimmed the edge with on of the Adorning Accents Edgelit.  After mounting that on the Poppy Parade card base, I used the coordinating Adorning Accents Impressions Folder to add a raised line along the decorative border.  Love it!

The sentiment is from another Sale-A-Bration selection, the Elementary Elegance stamp set!  The words were stamped in Soft Suede and the tiny bird and butterfly were stamped in Poppy Parade.

 
 

Blossom Flower: I punched two flowers from another Everyday Enchantment paper with the Blossom Punch, and gently curled their petals upward with a Bone Folder.  

The center image is from the Fresh Vintage Sale-a-Bration stamp set.  I stamped one center in Peach Parfait, and the other in Pool Party, then trimmed around the images. 

I punched a hole in the center and added an Everyday Enchantment Brad (another Sale-A-Bration selection!)

All of the layers are then adhered together with Dimensionals for a great 3D look!

Flower Center TIP: I've since learned that you can use the Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch to punch out this shape.  Here's how...

1) After unlocking your punch, set your Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch to the solid flower shape.

2) Stamp the image on Very Vanilla card stock.

3) Turn the punch upside-down and line up the dotted lines on the image with the openings on the punch.  Look closely at the photo to see what I mean.  It's not as easy to see as a regular punch, but it works!

4) Punch!  It will hardly feel like it punched when you push down. 

I'll be sharing this new tip with my workshop attendees later today when we make this card!  Shout out to the stamping ladies from Brotherhood Mutual!  Woot!  Woot! 

Want to make this card with your friends, and earn fabulous Sale-A-Bration Hostess Rewards, too?  Contact me today!

Complete Supplies List:

• Stamps—Elementary Elegance, Fresh Vintage (SAB selections)
• Ink—Soft Suede, Poppy Parade, Peach Parfait (card#1), Pool Party (card #2) Classic Ink
• Paper—Everyday Enchantment DSP (SAB selection) Poppy Parade, Very Vanilla card stock   
• Accessories—Everyday Enchantment Ribbon & Brad Pack (SAB selection)
• Tools—Adorning Accents Edgelits, Adorning Accents Impressions Folders, Blossom Punch, Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch, Dimensionals, SNAIL

See all Sale-A-Bration (SAB) selections in the Sale-A-Bration Flyer PDF.

Shop online for these and more new products from the Occasions Mini Catalog!

Angie 

*  *  *  *  *

3 Easy Ways To Earn FREE Products!

1. Spend $50—For every $50 order, you can select one FREE Sale-A-Bration product of your choice!  Order Online now!
2. Host A Workshop—Host a workshop of at least $150 and earn a FREE Sale-A-Bration Tote.  Host a workshop of $400, earn a FREE Sale-A-Bration Bundle.  All this, plus the generous hostess benefits!  Contact me today!
3. Join Stampin' Up!—Become a demonstrator during Sale-A-Bration, and receive $50 off your Starter Kit!  Plus, receive FREE Designer Series Paper or digital download EVERY month for the rest of 2012!  Sign up today!

See complete details about Sale-A-Bration!

 

French Foliage Poinsettia Box In A Bag

Today, I found a project that I had created last year for a gift and never posted.  Well, it's simply Too Cool not to share!

 

I absolutely LOVE the idea of creating a poinsettia flower from the leaf in the French Foliage set, so it is worth bringing back this awesome project idea this holiday season, too!

 

Making The Poinsettia—You can see all the details for creating the shimmering poinsettia at my previous French Foliage Shimmering Poinsetta post.  The post features the beautiful card pictured above. Still one of my favorites of all time!

Box In A Bag—This project also features the Box In A Bag technique, which is a simple way to create a small, durable gift bag for any occasion.  Check out how to make this fun style of box in my Spooky Box In A Bag post.

Other Project Details—The scallop border along the bottom of the box is created with the Tasteful Trim Die. The Jolly Holiday DSP has since retired.

I used the Round Tab Punch with Old Olive card stock to create tabs on the top of the box.  I punched holes in the tabs with the Crop-A-Dile, then tied the bag closed with Chantilly Crochet Trim.

I stamped one of the Delightful Decorations ornaments in Old Olive on Very Vanilla, punched it out with the Ornament Punch, then layered it on Riding Hood Red and cut it out freehand.  The tag is tied on with Linen Thread. 

Complete Supplies List:

• Stamps—French Foliage, Delightful Decorations
• Ink—VersaMark Ink, Old Olive Classic Ink
  
• Paper—Riding hood Red, Old Olive, Very Vanilla card stock 
  
• Accessories—Pearl Jewels, Chantilly Crochet Trim, Linen Thread, Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder
• Tools—Round Tab Punch, Ornament Punch, Crop-A-Dile, Tasteful Trim Die, Big Shot, Heat Tool, Sticky Strip, SNAIL

Find all the supplies at my Online Store!

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The Online Extravaganza continues through Wednesday, November 30!  Visit my Online Store now, plus check out the amazing deals in the Clearance Rack!

Angie

Two Cool Crystal Effects Floral Cards

I haven't used Crystal Effects on my cards in ages, but after seeing these Two Cool cards, created my two of my stamping friends, I'm ready to gloss up some flowers!  Check it out!

 

Darla Eigenschink created this beauty using the single Triple Treat Flower stamp and Crystal Effects. Talk about a treat! 

Streaky Glass Flower

She started by stamping the floral image onto Glossy White card stock with StazOn Black ink, then covered with a thick layer of Crystal Effects.  While the Crystal Effects was still wet, she dropped several drops of Pool Party, Pear Pizzazz and Island Indigo Refill Inks on top, then used a straight pin to marbleize the colors.  When the Crystal Effects was dry (let it dry overnight), she trimmed around the flower.

See a step-by-step tutorial on Streaky Glass by Amanda Corbet.

Other supplies used: Top Note Die, Curly Cute, Finial Press Impressions Folder, Island Indigo Ruffled Ribbon, Pearl Jewels, Antique Brads.

 

Jodi Geers created this cheerful card, also showcasing flowers topped off with Crystal Effects.

She stamped the Fabulous Florets flowers onto Whisper White card stock with StazOn Black ink, then colored them in with So Saffron and Poppy Parade Classic Ink Pads and a Blender Pen. 

After trimming around the flowers first, she added a thin layer of Crystal Effects to the petals and let them dry overnight. 

Simply gorgeous!

Other supplies used: Just Believe stamp set, In Color Designer Patterns Paper Stack, Subtles Designer Patterns Paper Stack, Rhinestone Jewels.

Thanks so much to Darla & Jodi for allowing me to share their beautiful creations! 

Angie

Too Cool Demo Team Autumn Showcase

More beautiful autumn-themed projects from my Team...

Created by Darla Eigenschink.  The base of the card is made from the Scallop Square Die.  Not Quite Navy layer is embossed with the Finial Press Impressions Folder.  The Leaves of A Tree stamp is inked in VersaMark and colored with Stampin' Pastels.  The Teeny Tiny Wishes sentiment is layered on two altered punches: Word Window and Decorative Label.  I love the cute, shortened versions of these two shapes! 

 

Created by Carmen DeBruce.  This is a hand-sanitizer holder CASEd from a post at Inspiration Ink.  The flower is created by combining layers from the Daisies #2 Die, the Blossom Party Die, and the Boho Blossom Punch.  So pretty!

Created by Carmen DeBruce.  She used the same flower to create a fantastic 1x8" Cellophane Bag Topper! 

Created by Jodi Geers.  This sweet Triangle Box is made with Spice Cake Designer Series Paper and some More Mustard Scallop Dots Ribbon.  The image from Easy Events stamp set looks like it's colored with ink and a Blender Pen. 

Created by Darla Eigenschink.  What a beautiful thank you card using the Days of Gratitude set.  She used a variation of the Rock & Roll technique for the colored image.  Background is embossed with the Finial Press Impressions Folder.  The Antique Brad looks great in the center, and the strip of Spice Cake Designer Fabric pulls the whole thing together!

 

Created by Carmen DeBruce.  Here is another gorgeous card using the Days of Gratitude set.  This time Carmen Gold Embossed the leaves image on colored card stock, then cut out the branches.  Background is embossed with the Vintage Wallpaper Impressions Folder. 

Created by Carmen DeBruce.  Here's a great masculine style birthday card using the Etched Engravings (retired) set, the Scallop Trim Corner Punch, the Houndstooth Impressions Folder, and Well Worn Designer Series Paper.  What looks like brads is actually two circles of Not Quite Navy card stock topped with Crystal Effects to make them dimensional and shiny. 

Thanks so much to Jodi, Darla and Carmen for allowing me to share their projects! 

You can find all the supplies to make any of these fun fall creations at my Online Store!

Angie

FREE Big Shot Promotion—Learn how you can receive a FREE Big Shot or $100 in FREE product when you sign up to become a demonstrator by October 31.

Michelle's Flower Class Projects - Part 2

Yesterday, we looked at five of the fabulous flower projects that my Demo Team member Michelle Hoover showcased at one of her recent classes.  You can see those projects here.

Today, we're looking at the five remaining projects! 

Bird Punch Sunflower

Use the Bird Punch to punch out 15 of the bird wings to create this fun sunflower embellishment.  Michelle added some lines with markers on each petal.  The center is a 1-1/4" Circle Punch that's textured with the Square Lattice Impressions Folder. 

Also features: Perfect Polka Dot Impressions Folder, Stripes Impressions Folder, Chocolate Chip Dotted Scallop Ribbon, and Oval Punch.

 

Shabby Ribbon Flower

This is a new one for me!  You create it by folding the Striped Grosgrain Ribbon in half length-wise, then run a straight stitch with Linen Thread along the edges.  Then, you snip along the fold every 1/4".  Draw the stitch tight and tie it off, then play with the ribbon until it frays a bit.  Neat-O!  See a tutorial from Jenny Ingerick: Shabby Ribbon Flower Tutorial.

Also features: Flower Fest stamps, Flirtatious Designer Series Paper doilies, Lace Ribbon Border Punch, Jumbo Brads.

  

Heated Satin Ribbon Flower

This is one of my all-time favorites!  You snip along the edge of a 5/8" Satin Ribbon about every 1", then heat the edges with a Heat Tool before wrapping it around a circle punch base.  You can see more details on how it's done at this post.

Also features: Notably Ornate stamps, Elements of Style stamps, Word Play stamps, White Embossing, Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Antique Brads, Square Lattice Impressions Folder.

  

Ornament Punch Rose

The petals of this stunning rose, as well as the leaves, are made from the Ornament Punch.  Using a Bone Folder, Michelle sculpted the petals and layered them on a circle punch base.  You can see how in the Ornament Punch Rose Tutorial at FrenchieStamps.

She added the rose to a Fancy Favor Box Die.

Accordion Fold Flower

This elegant medallion was created with Mocha Morning Designer Series Paper and the Simply Scored Tool.  On a 12" strip of paper, just score every 1/4", fold the paper back and forth, and adhere the ends. 

Also features: Just Believe stamp, 2-3/8" Scallop Circle Punch, Circles #2 Die, Brushed Gold card stock.

Thanks, Michelle, for sharing your beautiful projects!

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This weekend, I'm attending a special stamping event hosted by top demonstrator Ronda Wade.  Several top demonstrators are scheduled to present, plus it sounds like there will be fun make & takes and prizes, just like a mini Stampin' Up! convention.  Can't wait!  I'll share more details when I return!

Angie

 

Michelle's Flower Class Projects - Part 1

Michelle Hoover, one of my Too Cool Demo Team members, taught an awesome class recently featuring how to make 10 different types of flower embellishments with Stampin' Up! supplies! 

Let's take a look at her fabulous flower projects!

  

Eyelet Border Punch Flower

To create this frilly, layered flower, use the Eyelet Border Punch on a long strip of card stock, run it through the Crimper, then adhere it in a pleating fashion onto a circle punch base.  A Melon Mambo Designer Button makes a perfect flower center.  Here is a quick tutorial to show you how: Eyelet Border Punch Flower Tutorial.

Also features: Lace Ribbon Border Punch, Flirtatious Designer Series Paper, Elements of Style stamp, 1-3/8" Circle Punch, and Scallop Circle Punch.

5-Petal Faux Suede Flower

Create these beauties by punching out a flower shape with the 5-Petal Flower Punch.  Next, run the punched flower through your Crimper several times until the card stock begins to separate.  Pull the two sides apart—the inside surface of the card stock feels like suede.  Layer the shapes, then attach them with a Filigree Brad.  See this technique on my Faux Suede Fun Flowers Magnets post.

Also features: Beau Chateau Designer Series Paper, Happy Greetings (retired), Decorative Label Punch.

  

Scallop Circle Heart-Petal Flower

This darling flower is made with two Scallop Circle Punch shapes.  Cut a slit between every other scallop, so your petals become heart shaped.  Add a slight fold in each petal for added dimension. Adhere back-to-back with a brad.

Also features: Beyond The Garden Designer Series Paper, Fabulous Florets stamps, Modern Label Punch, Word Window Punch.

Sweet Pea Paper Flowers

Check out these sculpted paper flowers!  I believe that they are created from the Butterfly Punch...spritz the punch shape with water and wrap into a "sweet pea" flower.  The leaves are created from either the Bird Punch (wing) or part of the 5-Petal Flower Punch.  Simply lovely!  Here's a tutorial to show you how: Maria Vanderform's Sweet Pea Flower Tutorial.

Also features: 2010 In Color Patterns Designer Series Paper, Designer Label Punch (retired), Dotted Scallop Punch.

 

Butterfly Punch Pansies

I love how real these pansies look!  Punch out two Butterfly Punch shapes from Watercolor Paper, saturate with water, then add some Refill Ink with a watercolor brush.  Once they are dry, attach the two shapes together with a Rhinestone Brad.  Awesome!  You can see more details at my Butterfly Punch Panies post.

Also features: Elegant Bouquet Impressions Folder, Bird Punch, Top Note Die.

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See more of Michelle's paper flower projects next time!

Thanks for visiting!

Angie

 

Matchbox Nugget Box With Gerber Daisies

See this...

This makes me jump up and down and clap my hands together really fast!  Partly because I'm happy to be finished, but mostly because it thrills me to see a multitude of handmade projects lined up after mass production!  I love the feeling of accomplishment, and I love admiring the results!  Ahhhh!

In this case, I was creating some wedding favors for my friend, Susan, who is getting married this coming weekend. When she told me that Gerbera Daisies were going to be her main wedding flower, which happened to be right after I had learned how to make Gerber Daisies with the Daisies #2 Die, I told her I just HAD to make some matching wedding favors for her! 

  

We came up with a cute Matchbox Nugget Box that brought together her three wedding colors.  I'm really happy with how they turned out and I hope she loves them as well!  I think they will look great on her white tablecloths and the guests will enjoy a unique and personal twist to store-bought chocolates!

My very favorite part is the tiny Jewelry Tag that says, "Mr. & Mrs." on it!  So cute and just the right touch!

Matchbox Tips

• I highly recommend using the Extended Crease Pad to get the best cuts and scoring when using this die (or any die with scoring).  You'll use this in place of the cutting pad on the blade side of your die.
• Every Big Shot machine is different in calibration because it's hand-assembled.  Sometimes you may have to use a card stock shim to get the best results.  Sometimes using the two cutting pads is all you need.  Experiment with your machine to see what works best.
• I used NO adhesive on the box bottom.  If you fold the long sides in first and tuck the corners under the short sides, then burnish all of the sides with a Bone Folder, it should hold together perfectly!  (If it doesn't, and you have a loose flap, use Sticky Strip, because SNAIL doesn't want to hold the sides down).
• I did use Sticky Strip to adhere the box sleeve together.  Again, I wouldn't recommend SNAIL, because it will come apart when you handle it too much, or if it's humid.

Daisies Assembly Tips

Check out how to make Gerber Daisies at my previous post.

• I finished them off with a sparkly Rhinestone brad that attached them to the sleeve of the matchbox.  Be sure to attach them before you adhere your sleeve ends together! 
• To be fast, I quickly glued four layers together, laying them lightly over each other, then I used the tip of my Bone Folder to press around the inner circle to really push them together and hold them in place.  I did this with both sizes of petals.
• I folded the petals up before adhering the layers, but I also fluffed them up after I secured them to the box top.  You'll notice that the top petals are bent upward, while bottom petals sometimes curve downward.  You can sculpt them to make them more realistic and dimensional.
• I let the daisies dry on wax paper, so they wouldn't stick to the table. Good move.

Inside the box, I included an assortment of Hershey's Nuggets that were decorated to match!  You can find bulk Nuggets at Wal-Mart or Target, or even online (but you risk melting during shipping in summer months).

  

I opted to not use Designer Paper, and instead wheeled pretty designs on 1" x 3" Avery self-adhesive mailing labels.  They don't completely cover the nugget, but they are close enough! 

This was a really fast alternative, but the only bad part is that you can't tell what kind of Nugget it is before you open it.  Oh well, it's a surprise!  It's like a REAL box of chocolates...you never know what you're gonna get, right Forest?!  I tried to help a bit by using a different wheel design for each flavor, so at least they may get the idea that they are different, and that way each person gets one of each kind.  (Yes, I AM anal that way!)

You may have noticed in the first picture that 10 of the boxes were apart from the others.  Well, those are the ones without chocolates for those who may be allergic to dairy or nuts (and man, there are a lot of people allergic to stuff these days!).  I don't want anyone to miss out on the pretty boxes, so some have been kept in quarantine! 

Once the guests eat their chocolates, they'll find a cute "Together Forever" decorative label at the bottom.  It's all about the details! 

Last, but not least, I made sure to stamp the bottom with my "hand stamped by" stamp.  Do you make sure to stamp your name on your handmade projects?  If not, you should!  It's a work of art and you are the artist—be proud! 

Personalized Name Stamps

There are lots of different styles of personalized stamps from Stampin' Up!, but they don't sell them online.  The one I used above is called Hand Stamped By Flourish, and they have another one that features a polka dot butterfly. 

They also have one-line, two-line, three-line and four-line personalized stamps that are perfect for return address stamps, special event dates stamps (like for a wedding), or ANYTHING you want to put on it up to 32 characters per line!  I've seen them used for stamping the wedding couple's name on napkins, to create a personal saying to stamp on your projects, to provide your contact details (that's what I use on flyers), and much more. 

Want more information and to see the complete selection of options, contact me!

Complete Supplies List:

• Stamps—Tiny Tags, Hand Stamped By Flourish, Together Forever (retired), Elegance Wheel, Spring Floral Wheel (retired), Forever Flowers Wheel (retired), Retro Remix Wheel (retiring, may be sold out because it's not coming up online)
• Ink—Night of Navy, Marina Mist Classic Ink.
• Paper—Night of Navy, Marina Mist, So Saffron, Whisper White card stock
• Accessories—Clear Rhinestone Brads, 1"x3" Self-Stick Mailing Labels, Hershey's Nuggets—yum!
• Tools—Daisies Flower #2 Die, Big Shot, Matchbox Die, Extended Crease Pad, Jewelry Tag Punch, Decorative Label Punch, Tombow Multipurpose Glue, SNAIL, Bone Folder, Paper Piercer & Foam Mat (for attaching brad), Sticky Strip, Glue Dots

I'll be sure to post pictures from the wedding!  Can't wait!

Angie

 

Too Cool Demo Team May Showcase

It was a very small Too Cool Demo Team meeting for May, but we still saw plenty of fabulous projects created by Carmen DeBruce!  Here is a sampling...

The paper flowers are made with layers of the Scallop Circle Punch with slits cut all the way around to make petals.  Flower centers are from the Boho Blossoms Punch and leaves are from the Bird Punch.

  

Layers of the Daisies #2 die-cuts are used for this flower.  Check out the fuzzy center!  Carmen used the Distressing Tool from the Cutting Tool Kit on Early Espresso cardstock, gathered up the fuzzy remnants, then adhered them with Tombow Multipurpose Glue (or Crystal Effects).  I recently saw another card using this effect to create the look of a tennis ball.

    

Carmen also showed us this beautiful mum embellishment she made.  It's smaller than it probably looks on screen (about 2" diameter).  She used two medium flowers from the Blossom Party die and two of the flowers from the Boho Blossoms Punch.  You could also use the medium flower from the Daisies #2 die for the bottom layers.

The really amazing thing is that she scored each petal down the center!  Wow!  But, man that sure makes it look like a real mum!  Too Cool!

  

I'm enjoying the Pear Pizzazz and Black combination tremendously!  Carmen used the Sail Away single stamp with the Curly Cute greeting.  The inside features the Top Note die-cut for the writing space (it's the perfect shape for the inside of any card!).  The anchor image is from The Open Sea.

  

Here's a super-cute Owl Punch gift card holder for your grad!  Oh, isn't he just darling?!  And, you could dress him up in any school's colors.  The card holder is made from the Two Tags Die.  She CASEd this one from Frenchie Stamps...see the Grad Owl Gift Card Holder post for a video tutorial.

Here's another gift card holder using the same tutorial from Frenchie.  This one uses the Crazy For Cupcakes stamp set.

  

Carmen used a similar design on a money holder, too!  It's also a CASE from Frenchie and you can see that tutorial here.  Very nice!

  

These cute mini cards were inspired by Dawn Griffth's April Thank You Cards.  They are mini Tri-Fold Pocket Cards created with the new Beyond The Garden Designer Series Paper.  Adorable! 

I love all of Carmen's projects (that's no surprise!).  Thanks so much for allowing me to share them!

Until next time!

Angie

 

 

Love Letter Fun Flowers Bookmark

My May Stamp Club group had the choice of creating my original Lap of Luxury Fun Flowers Bookmark in Concord Crush and Blushing Bride, or this one with the Love Letters Designer Serieis Paper...

  

This was by far the more popular!  I love it, too!  The Love Letter DSP is one of my favorites of all time (which is surprising since I don't usually like red and black).  I'll be so sad to see this beautiful set of coordinating papers go after June 30th.  Time to stock up before the new catalog!

See more details on how to make the Fun Flowers Ribbon Bookmark on my original post.

Complete Supplies List:

• Stamps—None
• Ink—None
• Paper—Love Letter DSP, Cherry Cobbler, Basic Black card stock
• Accessories—Antique Brads, Black 1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Vintage Wallpaper Impressions Folder, Big Shot
• Tools—Paper Piercer, Foam Mat, Fun Flowers Die, Sticky Strip, SNAIL, Dimensionals, Craft & Paper Scissors, 1-3/4" Circle Punch

Order the supplies to make this project at my Too Cool Online Store!

Craft & Paper (or Ribbon!) Scissors

I have to give a shout out for my awesome Craft & Paper Scissors on this post, because not only do they work wonderfully for paper and card stock, they are THE BEST scissors for cutting ribbon and fabric, too! 

They slice through cleanly and easily with no fraying!  They have a soft and smooth, ergonomic handle that is very comfortable for right handed use.  And, the heavy-duty, stainless steel blades are 3-3/4" long, so it cuts through your materials quickly. 

I only have one pair right now, so I've dedicated mine to ribbon and fabric cutting only (all those ribbons on the handle mean "no paper" for these scissors!).  I need to get another pair for my paper cutting projects.  Isn't there always something else to add to that Stampin' up! Wish List?

Angie

Faux Suede Fun Flowers Magnet

Today I'm sharing another fun project using the Fun Flowers Die along with easy-to-die-cut Magnet Sheets!  This idea is courtesy of the always-inspiring Becky Roberts from Inking Idaho: Fun Flowers Magnet.

      

Here's my version, which is nearly identical to hers, except that I used a Rhinestone Brad in the center (hers had an Antique Brad). Not only do I love, love, love this purple color combination, I also love the softness of the flower petals created by the Faux Suede Technique.

Have Fun With Magnet Sheets

I've discovered that paper flowers and Magnet Sheets make a fabulous combination!  I'm having so much fun making paper flowers of all kinds, but they don't always work on cards because they can be bulky.  But, stick a magnet on the back and now you have have a fun and colorful, not to mention functional, piece of dimensional art! 

The Magnet Sheets come in a package of four 6" x 13" sheets.  You can make tons of paper flower magnets, or any stamped magnet for that matter, with these large sheets.  The thin sheets can even be used together to create a magnetic clasp on papercrafted notebooks, purses and more (a great alternative to Velcro®)!  They really are great to have on hand!

Faux Suede Fun Flower Magnet How-Tos

• Use the Fun Flowers Die to cut out one large flower (from a 3-1/2" square of Perfect Plum), one medium flower (3" square of Elegant Eggplant), and one small flower (2-1/2" square of Concord Crush). 
• Run each of the flowers through the Crimper at least 15 times in all directions.  This loosens up the paper fibers. 
• Once the card stock starts to separate on its own, you are ready to very carefully pull the two layers of card stock apart.  Be gentle as you pull each petal to avoid tearing it off.
• Crumple all six layers into little balls, then uncrumple and layer on top of each other.
• I also added one small, undistressed die cut flower (Perfect Plum) to the bottom of the layers, so the magnet would have something smooth to adhere to.
• Using a Paper Piercer and Foam Mat, make a hole in the center and add a Rhinestone Brad.
• Die-cut a 2-1/2" x 2-1/2" Magnet Sheet piece with the small flower shape, and apply to the back of the scrunched flower.
• Re-scrunch the petals as desired, then spritz with homemade Shimmer Mist spray.

TIP: As you assemble your layers, you'll notice that each flower now has a "felt" side and a "shiny" side...choose different ones for subtle differences in the look of the flower.

  

Shown above: All felt sides up (left) vs. all shiny sides up (right).

This one alternates felt and shiny sides for even more dimension.

I had to make several more...they were just too awesome!    

Complete Supplies List:

• Stamps—None
• Ink—None
• Paper—Perfect Plum, Elegant Eggplant, Concord Crush card stock
• Accessories—Ice Circles Rhinestone Brads, Magnet Sheets, Champagne Shimmer Mist
• Tools—Paper Piercer, Foam Mat, Fun Flowers Die, Crimper, rubbing alcohol & spray bottle for homemade Shimmer spray.

Order the supplies to make this project at my Too Cool Online Store!

New Catalog Sneak Peek

I just received my latest issue of Stampin' Success, you know, the magazine for Stampin' Up! demonstrators.  Well, they gave us the teeniest of sneak peeks for a few new products in the upcoming catalog...EEEEeeee! 

I didn't even notice it right away, but the cover of the magazine was done in a very light, grayish-purple color...could it be...yes, I think it is!  It is a peak at one of the five new In Colors...and it's PURPLE!  Woohoo!  (Wasn't I just saying in the last post that Stampin' Up! listens to our requests?  We've been asking for more purples ever since the Color Renovation!)  I found out later that the new color is called Wisteria Wonder, and it will be around for two years!  (It's actually not too far from the light purple box on the right hand side of my blog!)  Too Cool!

There were some other new products featured on projects throughout the magazine, too!  (If you're a demo, I know that you were probably making a game of looking through all the pictures hoping to find something that was new, right?!  Me, too!  It reminds me of trying to find the animals in the Highlights Magazine hidden pictures when I was a kid!  Too much fun!)

So what else did we see?  Well, how about some new polka dot ribbon with scallops?!  I saw some in Chocolate Chip.  And, it looks like there are two new pennant punches; one with straight sides, and a larger one with scalloped sides for layering!  And, there is new fabric.  And, intricately die-cut doilies in one of the Designer Specialty Papers, with a doilies stamp set to match, of course! 

OOOooohh!  I'm getting SO excited about the new Idea Book & Catalog, but it won't be out until July 1st.  Patience. Patience.  Before that, starting on June 1st, we'll be seeing the Last Chance List of stamps that will be retired.  Mark your calendars—it will be one last hurrah before all the new goodies get revealed! 

Angie

Gerber Daisy Paisley Petals Card

Have you noticed that paper flowers are very popular right now?  I certainly understand why...they are fun to make and they look fabulous! 

And, just like the blooms in your garden, they come in all shapes and colors!  Using various Stampin' Up! punches and dies, along with card stock, Designer Series paper, and even ribbon, provides limitless creative possibilities!

I've tried Scrunchy Flowers, and Fun Flowers, and Satin Ribbon Flowers, and Vellum Flowers, and Accordion Flowers, and many, many more! 

Then, at our April Too Cool Demo Meeting, Michelle Hoover showed us how to make Gerber Daisies with the Daisies Flower #2 Bigz Die—woohoo, it's a new one for me!

  

Here's the flower that I made...simply fabulous!  And, so easy!

• Die-cut four large daisy flowers and adhere them with Multipurpose Glue, curling up the top three layers.
• Die-cut six of the small daisy flowers, adhere them with Multipurpose Glue, and curl all layers.
• For the flower center, add Crystal Effects to a Build-A-Brad and let it set for 30-45 minutes.  (Hey look!  It's another project with Build A Brads!) 
• Then, sprinkle gold and black embossing powder over the glue and heat with a Heat Tool until bubbly. 
• Attach the brad to the center with more Multipurpose Glue.
• Spray the daisy with a little Shimmer Mist Spray (made with Shimmer Mist and rubbing alcohol).

You can see a complete tutorial at Stamping With Noel's blog: Gerber Daisies.

Here's the complete card that I created with my Gerber Daisy...

I used the Paisley Petals DSP and Four Frames stamp set that are available for just a few more days with the Spring Is Blossoming promotion!  Don't miss it—offer ends April 30th!

And, I know, I know, this isn't the type of card that the post office likes (unless it's in a padded envelope), but it's perfect for hand-delivered cards. Or, to top a lovely gift box in place of a bow.  Or, what about in place of the Fun Flower on the ribbon bookmark that I showed you yesterday?!  Great idea!

Complete Supplies List:

• Stamps—Four Frames, Occasional Quotes
• Ink—Early Espresso and Tangerine Tango Classic Ink.
• Paper—Paisley Petals DSP, Tangerine Tango, Daffodil Delight, Whisper White card stock
• Accessories—Build-A-Brads, Gold Embossing Powder, Black Embossing Powder, Daffodil 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon, Champagne Shimmer Mist
• Tools—Daisies Flower #2 Die, Tasteful Trim Die (for scallop border), Decorative Label Punch, Heat Tool, Tombow Multipurpose Glue, Crystal Effects, Dimensionals, SNAIL

Order the supplies to make this project at my Too Cool Online Store! 

Last Chance For Occasions Mini Items

Just a reminder that there are just a few more days before the Occasions Mini limited-time-only items are gone!  We've already heard that the Vanilla Rosettes inventory has been depleted, so those are already sold out! 

Don't miss your favorites before they are gone after April 30th—place your Online Order today!  There are a few items from this Mini that will be sticking around—see the complete Carryover Items List.

Summer Mini Catalog Starts May 1!

Have you you received your Summer Mini Catalog yet?  If so, what do you think of the new products?!  Leave me a comment below (and you'll be entered to win blog candy).

There are some really awesome new products coming!  I'm really excited about...

• Triple Layer Punches—Three punches in one!
• Nautical stamps & accessories!
• More masculine stamps!
• Postage Stamp Punch & stamps to match!
• Beautiful summer flower stamps & papers
• Colored Embossing Powders
• Summer Fun whimsical stamps
• Back-to-School theme stamps

If you'd like your own copy, and you do not already have a relationship with another demonstrator, contact me and I'll get one in the mail to you.

Angie

Fun Flowers Ribbon Bookmark

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend.  I had two full days of fun family celebrations. 

On Saturday, I attended a ceremony dedicating Snider High School's baseball field to my uncle Mike!  He worked at the high school for 40 years as a teacher, track coach, football coach, and eventually athletic director, and he was instrumental in developing the baseball field that now bares his name: Michael W. Hawley Field.  I'm so very proud of him!  Congratulations, uncle Mike!

On Easter Sunday, we gathered at my in-laws for dinner and Easter-egg hunting with all the little ones!  We also celebrated my niece Allison's 7th birthday!  It was a fun, fun family day!  I hope you all were able to enjoy some family time during this holiday weekend.

Fun Flowers Ribbon Bookmark

Today's project uses the Fun Flowers Die to create a beautiful bookmark! 

     

I love the paper flowers you can create with the Fun Flowers Die and these were so fun and easy to make!

  

After die-cutting all of my pieces, I started with the smallest flowers first and worked my way down. 

• I punched a 3/4" Circle Punch of Concord Crush, added the Pretty Ink Pink die-cut scalloped circle center, then topped it off the center with a retired Epoxy Brad. 
• I embossed the light purple flower from the Lap of Luxury DSP with the Vintage Wallpaper Impressions Folder.  Adhere the flower center to this with Dimensionals. 
• I scrunched up the Very Vanilla Lap of Luxury layer and finger-formed the petals. Adhere the smaller flower layers to the top with Dimensionals.
• The bottom Concord Crush layer is embossed with the Vintage Wallpaper Folder, then adhered with more Dimensionals.
• The entire flower is adhered to a 15" long Pretty In Pink Striped Grosgrain Ribbon with SNAIL adhesive (about 5" or 6" from the end).

• I finished off the back with another embossed large flower die-cut adhered with SNAIL.

The next time you're giving a book as a present, wouldn't it be great to create a coordinating flower bookmark to go with it?!  What a terrific idea!  It's also a nice thank you gift all by itself!  Cute, cute, cute!

Complete Supplies List:

• Stamps—None
• Ink—None
• Paper—Lap of Luxury DSP, Concord Crush card stock
• Accessories—Pretty In Pink Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Epoxy Brad (retired)
• Tools—Fun Flowers Die, 3/4" Circle Punch, Vintage Wallpaper Impressions Folder, Paper Piercer (for brad hole), Dimensionals, SNAIL

Order the supplies to make this project at my Too Cool Online Store! 

Angie

Carmen's Amazing "Tie Dye" Stationery Kit

My friend Carmen DeBruce is an amazing stamper!  Not only does she do amazing work, but she also finds time to create an amazing amount of projects each month, even with her busy, non-stamping schedule.  I don't know where she gets the energy, but I love that she shares her awesome projects with us!  

Today's project is another example of the Amazing Carmen!  She wanted a cool project to do for a stamp class, so she CASEd a stationery box created by Jackie Topa, then took it too a whole new level by showcasing a myriad of cool stamping techniques. 

I'll give you a "tour" of the entire ensemble, but I'm sure I'll be leaving out something...it's so jam-packed with fun extras!  I'm gonna count up all the techniques as we go along...  

Here is the outside of the colorful stationery box...it's bright and cheery and very "tie-dye" looking.  Love it!

(1) Baby Wipe Stamping—To achieve the tie-dye look, add drops of Re-Inker onto a baby wipe and use it as an ink pad. This project uses the Medallion stamp, but it would look terrific with any bold image stamp. Baby Wipe tutorial.

(2) One Sheet Wonder (OSW)—That's when you randomly stamp on one sheet of card stock, then cut it up into pieces to create matching projects.  The OSW pieces are used on the box and many pieces inside the kit. One Sheet Wonder gallery of ideas.

(3) Build A Blossom—Using the Build A Blossom stamps and Blossom Petals Punch to create a lovely focal point.

Take off the lid of the box and it's filled with all kinds of goodies: cards, mini cards, tags, and more!

On the left side of the inside flap, is a little notepad covered with OSW paper.  You can use this to keep track of who to send cards to, or to make a gift list.

The little pocket on the right side holds stamps for mailing out the pretty cards!  TIP: The tutorial has the pocket opening toward the fold of the box flap, but if you put it that way your stamps fall out. Just turn it around like Carmen's.

(4) Decorated Pen—Use a piece of OSW on the inside of a Pentel RSVP pen to fancy it up!  Altered RSVP instructions at the bottom of this post.

Here's an upclose photo of the card holder pockets, again created with OSW card stock. Let's look at the coordinating cards...

(5) Scallop Trim Border Punch—Guests got to try out border punches using the Scallop Trim Border Punch.

(6) Dyed Taffeta Ribbon—OK, Carmen may have been using non-Stampin' Up! ribbon, but you could certainly use our White Taffeta dipped in Melon Mambo Re-Inker for a colorful bow!  I'm counting it!  Ribbon Dyeing tutorial.

Stamp set: Curly Cute.

(7) Torn Edges—Create a beautiful layered border with a torn edge.

(8) Twisted Scallop Circle Punch—Create the "pointy" scallop border by punching once with the 2-3/8" Scallop Circle Punch, turning the punch a little and re-punching it.  Mary Fish did a video on this same technique using a different punch: Fancy Flower Punch With A Twist.

(9) Watercolor Pencils—I'm not sure if she used Watercolor Pencils or Watercolor Crayons or Classic Ink, but choose any one of those and smooth the color with a Blender Pen.

(10) Glitter—She outlined the glass with a 2-Way Glue Pen and sprinkled on Dazzling Diamonds.

Stamp Sets: Cheers To You, Happy Thoughts (retired)

(11) Embedded Embossing—The OSW piece was layered on Tempting Turquoise card stock, then textured with the Square Lattice Impressions Folder.  See Embedding Embossing instructions.

(12) Paper Buttons—She created her own buttons by stacking several layers of 1/2" Circle Punches together and covering them with Crystal Effects.  She even used a skinny strip of card stock for the "thread."  Paper Button Tutorial.

(13) Layered Punch Borders—She showed how to use extra Square Scallop punches to create a layered border all the way around the top punch.  This is the same basic technique I used for the Decorative Label Punch border shown at this post.

Stamp Set: Punch Bunch (retired)

(14) Lengthening Punches—She showed how to use the Jewelry Tag Punch to create a long tag.  See how to lengthen the Jewelry Tag Punch in Diana Gibbs' video.

Stamp Set: Pocket Silhouettes

There are four 3x3" Mini Cards and Mini Envelopes in the kit.  Carmen used the Flower For All Seasons stamp set with more watercoloring. 

Finally, she used the Two Tags Die to make some cute little gift tags featuring more techniques!

Tag #1 Stamp Set: So Happy For You (retired)

(15) Build A Cupcake—She showed how to use the Build A Cupcake Punch including the cute mini candles with flames!

(16) Crimper—The Crimper was used to create the textured cupcake paper.

Tag #2 Stamp Set: Baroque Motifs

(17) Emboss Resist—Embossed in clear powder, then brayered in Tempting Turquoise ink. Emboss Resist tutorial.

Tag #3 Stamp Set: Bold Blossom

(18) Pop-Ups—Using Dimensionals to give images a 3D look.

(19) Scrunchy Paper Flower—Using the 1-3/4" Circle Scallop Punch to make a paper flower.  Here's a great tutuorial by Dawn Griffith: Scrunchy Paper Flowers.

(20) Faux Suede—She used the faux suede technique on the circle scallop punches to create the flower above.  I just used this technique on a recent project: Altered Button Holder.

Holy Moley!  Didn't I tell you she was AMAZING?!  Her class sure got their money's worth out of this Too Cool project!  Fantastic job, Carmen!  *claps enthusiastically and gives standing ovation* 

Thanks for sharing your awesome talents with us, my friend!

Order Your Stamping Supplies Today!

Want to make this project or try these techniques?  You can find all the supplies to make everything you've seen here at my Online Store.  Use the direct links provided above to see specific products.  And, if you have any questions, feel free to contact me!  I'd love to help you out!

Angie

 

 

 

 

Too Cool Demo April Showcase - Part 2

Here are a few more projects shown at my Too Cool Demo meeting in April...

Created by Darla Eigenschink.  Darla showed us how to crimp ribbon by saturating it with cheap, extra-hold hairspray, letting it dry, then crimping.  You could do the same thing with a dry embossing folder.

Featured Supplies: Because I Care Hostess set, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Baja Breeze Seam Binding.

Created by Darla Eigenschink.  I love the simplicity of this card.  It could even work as a masculine card.

Featured Supplies: Fine Flourish, Sincere Salutations, Build-A-Brads.

Created by Kari Heitmann.  I'm loving the Paper Daisies on Kari's card!  She colored the bottom layer, then stamped on a couple layers with En Francais and Elements of Style, then added some Shimmer Paint—gorgeous!  She also added a hat pin with beads for added interest!  Love it!

Featured Supplies: Paper Daisies, En Francais, Elements of Style, Just Believe (sentiment), Framed Tulips Impressions Folder, Nursery Suite DSP, Pearl Jewels, Large Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Champagne Shimmer Paint, First Edition DSP.

Created by Kari Heitmann.  I'm loving the look of the hat pins that Kari is using on her cards!  This one is tucked behind a little Crumb Cake Seam Binding.  Very nice!

Featured Supplies: Just Believe, Vintage Wallpaper Impressions Folder, Crumb Cake Seam Binding.

Created by Michelle Hoover.  Do you recognize what these cute little purses are made from?  The Cupcake Punch!  I love finding different and unexpected ways to use tools!  Absolutely darling!

Featured Supplies: Build A Cupcake Punch, Small Oval Punch, Large Oval Punch, 1/2" Circle Punch, Love Letter DSP, Rhinestone Jewels.

  

Created by Michelle Hoover.  Michelle CASEd this joy fold card from Ann Schach and it is beautiful!  I love all of the sponging detail over the Elegant Lines embossing!

Featured Supplies: Thanks For Caring, Occasional Quotes Hostess set, Vintage Flower Adornments, Baja Breeze Seam Binding, Elegant Lines Impressions Folder.

Thanks for sharing your projects Darla, Kari and Michelle!  These cards are incredible!  Keep 'em coming!

What Do I Do With All This Stuff?

"Are you all moved in yet?!"  That's what everyone keeps asking me, and you don't know how much I wish I could say, "YES!"  But, alas, I'm still working on it!  *sigh*

I spent much of last week getting the remaining items out of my second storage unit (only to create two temporary storage rooms in my new house—ugh!).  Most of it is stuff I've saved from when My Mommy passed away in 2008.  We had similar tastes in home décor items, so I saved many of her little accent tables and decorative pieces in anticipation of using them in a new house someday.   

Three years later, here I am, finally in a new home, and going through all of her stuff—again.  I have to say, it's a bit emotional!  Not as bad as the first time, but still very bittersweet.  I haven't seen this stuff in so long, I get a bit of "Christmas-like" excitement when I discover that a ceramic vase will work perfectly in the living room. But, then there are realizations that I'll have to part with some of her things that aren't going to work, and that is difficult.  It's hard to pass along things of hers, even if it is to someone else who will be able to use it and enjoy it just as much as she once did. 

I also cleaned out the attic from my old place.  Holy moley!  There's even more stuff than I remembered.  More stuff I don't know what to do with!  I mean, how long do I save my Fisher Price school house with the stickers now peeling off? 

  

Or, my very first, very worn Teddy Bear? 

Or, my two boxes of my art and writing projects from elementary school?  Like this one...

All of these little pieces of my childhood that are just growing older and more brittle each year...  Do I really need to keep these things? 

These are the kinds of dilemmas that are slowing up the process.  Not just decisions, very emotional decisions!  I'm in purge-mode, but I don't want to be in regret-mode later on.  Know what I mean?

I know it's a process that I will get through and things will be much better on the other side.  There will be closure in the near future.  There will be organization after all of this chaos.  I'm looking forward to that time, especially if it means I'll be able to stamp more often!

In the meantime, does anyone need a Barbie RV Camper circa 1976?  It comes with folding chairs and sleeping bags...

Until next time,

Angie

 

Too Cool Demo April Showcase - Part 1

Here are some of the fantastic projects we saw at my Too Cool Demo Meeting last week...

Created by Darla Eigenschink.  This is a CASE of Jodi Geers' Butterfly Bliss Card.  It's so cool to see one of my team members using another team member's idea!  Sharing is what it's all about!

Featured Supplies: Paper Daisies, Silver Foil Smooch Spritz, Filigree Brads, Occasional Quotes stamp, Modern Label Punch, White Organza Ribbon, First Edition DSP. 

Created by Darla Eigenschink.  What a simple and beautful Mother's Day card!

Featured Supplies: Build A Blossom stamps, Blossom Petals Punch, Framed Tulips Impressions Folder, Rhinestone Jewels.

  

Created by Kari Heitmann.  Square, gate-fold card.  The Botanical Gazette paper really gives this card a fabulous look, but, I especially love the Vintage Wallpaper embossed texture on the inside paper.

Featured Supplies: Botanical Gazette DSP, Scallop Oval Punch, Nature Walk stamps, Wide Oval Punch, Large Oval Punch, Vintage Wallpaper Impressions Folder.

Created by Michelle Hoover.  I do love the textured look on the Fun Flowers SO much!

Featured Supplies: Easter Blossoms stamps, Fun Flowers Die, Polka Dot Impressions Folder, Framed Tulips Impressions Folder, Early Espresso Striped Grosgrain Ribbon.

Created by Michelle Hoover.  Everything but the sentiment is created with the Celebrations Quick Accents Kit!  Great idea for quick & easy cards!

Featured Supplies: Celebrations Quick Accents Kit, Bring On The Cake stamp, Watercolor Crayons, Blender Pen.

Created by Darla Eigenschink.  Remember the Build-A-Brad Bracelet that Darla was showing us how to make?  Well, here is the completed project that she started with the Night & Day Designer Series Paper.  

Featured Supplies: Build-A-Brads, Night & Day (retired, but currently available in the Clearance Rack!)

My team is SO talented!  I am inspired by them every meeting!  You should be a part of our Too Cool Demo Team—become a Stampin' Up! demonstrator today!

Until next time!

Angie

Springtime Vintage Altered Button Container

OK, I'll admit it.  I sometimes like to save the kind of things that "you never know when you might need someday."

I'm not a hoarder, by any means, even though that tendency seems to run in my family.  But sometimes, I do get an idea of how I might be able to use something in the future, for a stamping class or household project, and I save and save and save until I have a pile of things!  Here's an example...

Stampin' Up! embellishment containers!  I just can't throw these babies away!  They are so small and "organizy" and surely I can use them for something!

To my credit, I've already used them many times to hold project supplies for my workshops.  Very functional.  But, then I saw Patty Bennett alter them, and it gave them a whole new life! 

Check out my version that we did at my April Stamp Club on Friday night...

  

Oh my!  Isn't that just the most darling little container now?  See!!!!  I knew that I was saving these little jars for something! 

Now, these containers have a lot more potential!  They could still be button or brad holders, and look so pretty setting on a shelf by your craft table!  But, they could also be a treat gift box, a jewelry gift box, a pretty pill box, or paper clip holder, just to name a few ideas.  Too Cool!

Springtime Vintage Altered Button Container How-Tos

• Start by cleaning off any excess labels from your container.  Sometimes the labels peel right off.  Mine weren't coming off that easily, so I just took the tabs off and left the circles.  TIP: You could always take more time using some Goo-Gone or Goof-Off to get them off completely. 

• Decorating the lid: Run a line of Sticky Strip around the top 1/3 edge of the lid.  This is going to be used to hold both the Pom Pom Trim and the Designer Paper with one strip of tape!  TIP: You can see a "line" on the edge of the lid, and I ran my tape just above that (1/16" maybe).  I tried making it flush with that line, but I had sticky tape peeking through under my pom poms, and you don't want that! 

• Once you're all the way around, remove the red liner and fold the tape over the "corner" and onto the top of the lid. 

• Punch out a 2-1/2" Circle of Springtime Vintage Designer Series Paper and adhere to the top of the lid.  I love that it fits perfectly!  Woohoo!

  

• Apply Pom Pom Trim along the edge of the lid.  I made the trim flush with the DSP on top, then wrapped it over the edge to the side.  TIP: There is definitely a "top" and "bottom" side to the Pom Pom Trim.  The trim will lay flatter against the sides if you put the side with more "trim" showing on the top of the lid.  

I have to say that it was this project that really sold me on the Pom Pom Trim—way too cute!  And, even though the Springtime Vintage DSP doesn't have Melon Mambo in it, the colors still coordinate fabulously!  If you like this combination, remember both are only available for a limited time in the Occasions Mini, which ends April 30, so be sure to order online today!

• Next I adhered a 8" x 1-2" piece of striped paper around the outside of the container with SNAIL.  I added another circle of Springtime Vintage DSP to the bottom of the container with SNAIL.

Now, you can decorate the container any way you like! 

I created Scrunched Faux Suede Flowers and I layered them on some Pear Pizzazz branches from the Bird Punch.

Scrunched Faux Suede Flowers How-Tos

  

• I started with a strip of Melon Mambo card stock. To create the faux suede, I used a bone folder on the strip like you would curly ribbon to break up the fibers.  Keep curling it one way and then the other until the card stock easily separates, then pull it apart.  If it doesn't separate easily, keep curling!  TIP: You can also use a Crimper over and over to loosen the paper.

• Punch out five of the large flowers in the Boho Blossoms Punch.  Then, scrunch the flowers up.

• Unscrunch the flowers and lay them on top of each other.  The the faux suede felt-like texture has a lighter color than the smoother side, so you may want to alternate which side is up as you layer, so the flower will have more of a two-tone look.  Use a Paper Piercer to poke a hole through the center and add a Rhinestone Brad.

• Rescrunch each layer, one at a time.  The first layer should be really tight, nearly covering the brad, then keep scrunching each layer a little more loose each time.  Once it's all scrunched, you can play with the petals to get the look you want.

Complete Supplies List:

• Stamps—Clearly For You (sentiment)
• Ink—Pear Pizzazz Classic Ink
• Paper—Springtime Vintage DSP, Very Vanilla card stock
• Accessories—Trinket Container, Melon Mambo Pom Pom Trim, Rhinestone Brads
• Tools—2-1/2" Circle Punch, Boho Blossoms Punch, Bird Punch, Small 1-3/8" x 5/8" Oval Punch, Bone Folder or Crimper, Paper Piercer, Foam Mat, Sticky Strip, SNAIL, Dimensionals

Next, I'll show you another way to alter embellishment containers into a super cute Easter bonnet!  You won't want to miss it! 

Angie

 

Fun With The Fun Flowers Die

Paper flowers are so much fun to make and the Fun Flowers Sizzix Die makes it easy!  Look at this beautiful birthday card that I made for my sister-in-law...

    

I used the Springtime Vintage Designer Series Paper for the background and bottom layer of the flower.  The second Whisper White flower layer was embossed with the Perfect Polka Dots Impressions Folder, and the Baja Breeze top layer was embossed with Finial Press. All layers are popped up with Dimensionals for extra...well, dimension! 

You can recreate this look with these stampin' supplies...

Complete Supplies List:

• Stamps—So Happy For You (retired Sale-a-Bration)
• Ink—Baja Breeze, Pear Pizzazz Classic Ink
• Paper—Springtime Vintage DSP, Whisper White, Baja Breeze, Pear Pizzazz card stock
  
• Accessories—Baja Breeze Seam Binding, Rhinestone Jewels, Brights Buttons, Linen Thread
• Tools—Perfect Polka Dots Folder, Finial Press Folder, Fun Flowers Die, Distress Tool, Sponges, Glue Dots, SNAIL, Dimensionals

Enjoy your weekend!

Angie

It's All In The "So Shelli" Details

I love that Shelli Gardner, the co-founder and CEO of Stampin' Up!, still takes the time to stamp and share some project ideas on her So Shelli blog.  Well, why wouldn't she want to continue doing what she loves—stamping!  That's what she encourages all Stampin' Up! demonstrators to do with the motto, "Share What You Love!"

Shelli mentioned that Bliss is her favorite Sale-A-Bration set, too, and I wanted to share one of the cards she created with it:

Isn't it darling?!  I adore her stamping style!  You'll notice that nothing on the card is difficult or complicated.  There are no fancy techniques.  But, there are lots of tiny, thoughtful additions that make a great impact on the look of this card.  A crinkle or fold here; a small, simple accent there.  Shelli's projects are all about the details! 

There were a lot of great detail ideas on this card, many of which are different than anything that I've tried. 

• She stamped the "bliss" sentiment directly on the background.
• She used the Tasteful Trim scallop border (or simply some 1" Circle Punches) to peek out from under the focal point.
• She added some small Pearl Jewels between the scallops.
• She folded the 5/8" Old Olive Satin Ribbon to create a pretty loop.
• She crinkled up the Very Vanilla card stock underneath the River Rock Designer Series Patterns Paper.
• She stamped the flourish on the DSP, rather than plain card stock.
• She added a Scallop Circle scrunched flower to the top of the flourish image.
• She added two tiny card stock "ribbons" coming out from under the flower. 
• She added a Boho Blossoms Punch flower from the First Edition DSP on the top of the flower.
• She added two scrunched Old Olive leaves probably using the 5-Petal Flower Punch.
• She dog-earred the top corner of the card and distressed the opening edge.
• She used the Color Spritzer Tool to add some very sparse speckles to the entire card.

All of these little nuances may be small, even insignificant details when they stand alone, but Shelli combines them effortlessly to create a beautiful, "So Shelli" look!  Fabulous! 

Be sure to check out SoShelli.com for fun, behind-the-scenes posts about Stampin' Up! and Shelli's wonderful family adventures.  You can see a few more of Shelli's awesomely detailed Sale-A-Bration projects at her blog:

• Bliss Card #1
• Bliss Card #3
• Two More Sweet Summer Projects
• Ice Cream Parlor Scrapbook Spread
• Masculine Punch Bunch Birthday Card

There is still time to get your FREE Sale-A-Bration item for every $50 order!  But, hurry!  These freebies are only available until March 31!  Order online at my Too Cool Stamping Store today! 

In Other News...

Everytime I see great ideas like the ones that Shelli or my stamping friends share, I'm chomping at the bit to get back to my stamping!  It's times like these that I'm thinking this moving stuff is getting real old! 

I packed up the rest of my office yesterday, so there's not much left on the inside of the old house.  We still haven't moved the garage equipment over, yet.  And, I'm scared to see what might be in my old attic!  Lord knows what has accumulated up there over 15 years!  Eeep!

But, truthfully, I'm just taking my time and trying to enjoy the process.  It's such a fun and exciting experience getting to know my new house and learning how to get along with it.  I think we're becoming fabulous friends!

More later,

Angie

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3 Easy Ways To Earn FREE Products!

1. Spend $50 —For every $50 order, you can select one FREE Sale-A-Bration product of your choice!  Order Online now!
2. Host A Workshop—Host a workshop of at least $300 and earn fone FREE Sale-A-Bration item of your choice, in addition to the generous hostess benefits!  Contact me today!
3. Join Stampin' Up!—Become a demonstrator during Sale-A-Bration, and receive 15% off your Starter Kit!  Plus, get a bonus product bundle filled with more than $50 in FREE products!  Sign up today!

Carmen's Bird Punch Tulips & Shimmer Embossed Card

I'm still running short on time, so I'll pull out another of my friends' cards from my emergency blogging stash...and the "winner" is Carmen DeBruce!

Carmen created this lovely project as one of the all-occasion cards in her awesome All-Occasion Card Gift Box that she gave to me for Christmas. 

The tulips are created with the Bird Punch (see more examples at my Bird Punch Tulips post) and sponged for dimension. 

My favorite part, though, is the shimmery background!  She used the Vintage Wallpaper Impressions Folder with Crumb Cake card stock.  Seriously, with all of the fabulous looks you can create with the Vintage Wallpaper Folder, if you don't have it, you are totally missing out! 

For the shimmery look, first she lightly sponged the piece with Crumb Cake ink. then she sponged on Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint—ooooh, it has such a fabulous sheen (no not THAT Sheen!)!  Click to enlarge to see it up close.

I really like the way she rippled the Great Friend sentiment, too!  It looks like a mini-banner waving in the breeze! 

Thanks for allowing me to share your beautiful creation, Carmen!

Too Cool Stamping Studio Update

One coat down and 2/3 of the second coat to go on my basement painting!  It's looking so nice!  Woohoo!  I'll try to get some photos of it today, so I can show you how much better it looks in my warm, earthy River Rock and Soft Suede tones! 

I'm trying to get the whole basement all done before we get the furniture moved in...our rent-a-truck, Big Furniture Move is on Saturday!  After that, it might actually feel like I live there!  How exciting! 

Angie

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3 Easy Ways To Earn FREE Products!

1. Spend $50 —For every $50 order, you can select one FREE Sale-A-Bration product of your choice!  Order Online now!
2. Host A Workshop—Host a workshop of at least $300 and earn fone FREE Sale-A-Bration item of your choice, in addition to the generous hostess benefits!  Contact me today!
3. Join Stampin' Up!—Become a demonstrator during Sale-A-Bration, and receive 15% off your Starter Kit!  Plus, get a bonus product bundle filled with more than $50 in FREE products!  Sign up today!

Blossom Petals Simple Punched Flower

I enjoyed the look of dry embossing on vellum from yesterday's post, so I thought I'd take a more traditional route with the Blossom Petals Punch today!

  

Sometimes I have trouble keeping it simple when it comes to my cards, but this one is very simple and clean looking!  I'm proud of myself!  Teehee! 

Sidenote: I think I'm gonna need to get WAY into quick and simple while I'm moving—we close on our new house tomorrow!  I'm SO excited and I'll be sure to keep you posted on my Too Cool Stamping Studio progress!  If you don't see me, that's what I'm doing, but I'm gonna try to keep posting as much as possible! 

Creating The Bloom

I embossed Peach Parfait card stock with the Finial Press Impressions Folder, then punched out the smallest petal shape on the punch.  All the petals were adhered to a 1" circle with Sticky Strip, then topped with another 1" circle from the In Colors Designer.  I love the look of the Filigree Brad in the center!

Blossom Petals Punching TIP: With a punch like the Blossom Petals Punch, you have possibility of wasting a lot of card stock because of the multiple punch openings, many of which you won't use.  You'll get your most efficient use of card stock by 1) pre-cutting strips that are just wide enough for the size you need, and 2) coming into the punch from the appropriate side. Here's what I mean...

  

For the small petal, you can see that I cut the paper down to about 1-1/2" wide, then brought it in from the left side at a slight angle.  I hardly had any waste at all with this method.  If you were punching the large blossom, you'd need a strip about 2-1/4" wide, and you'd come in from the right-hand side. 

Of course, there's not much you can do when you have to punch the small leaf shape in the bottom center.  You're just gonna waste some card stock any way you try it!

Creating The Stem

I used Pear Pizzazz Seam Binding for the Scrunchy Ribbon technique (that seems to be on every one of my cards lately), only this time it's used in a new way!  I created the shape of the stem with a line of Sticky Strip for a secure hold. 

Two more Pear Pizzazz Blossom Petals punches become the leaves.

Creating The Sentiment Shape

   

The Word Play sentiment was created the same I did with yesterday's sentiment, I just used a wider, 1-1/8" strip of card stock.  I LOVE the pretty new punch shapes that can be created with the Blossoms Petal Punch!  Lots of versatility!

Complete Supplies List

• Stamps—Word Play
• Ink—Pear Pizzazz Classic Ink
• Paper—Whisper White, Pear Pizzazz, and Peach Parfait card stock, In Color Designer Patterns Paper Pack (hostess)
• Accessories—Filigree Designer Brads, Pear Pizzazz Seam Binding
• Tools—Blossom Petals Punch, Finial Press Impressions Folder, 1" Circle Punch, Paper Piercer, SNAIL, Sticky Strip or Glue Dots, Dimensionals

More very soon, if I'm not drowning in boxes!

Angie

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3 Easy Ways To Earn FREE Products!

1. Spend $50 —For every $50 order, you can select one FREE Sale-A-Bration product of your choice!  Order Online now!
2. Host A Workshop—Host a workshop of at least $300 and earn fone FREE Sale-A-Bration item of your choice, in addition to the generous hostess benefits!  Contact me today!
3. Join Stampin' Up!—Become a demonstrator during Sale-A-Bration, and receive 15% off your Starter Kit!  Plus, get a bonus product bundle filled with more than $50 in FREE products!  Sign up today! 

Blossom Petals Dry Embossed Vellum Flowers

Last week, I showed you a fun way to use heat embossing on Vellum card stock to create beautiful flowers with the Build A Blossom stamp set and Blossom Petals Punch: Build A Blossom Embossed Vellum Flowers.

Today's project also features embossing on Vellum Card Stock, but this time it's with the Finial Press Impressions Folder to create a beautifully textured finish!

  

The look of this card is so soft and sweet!  With its Marina Mist and Whisper White color combination, I thought it would make a lovely wedding/anniversary card.

Texture Embossed Vellum Blossoms How-Tos

I ran a piece of Vellum Card Stock through the Big Shot with the Finial Press Impressions Folder first, then punched out the Blossom Petals shapes. 

TIP #1: You will need to adjust your "sandwich" before using vellum with the folders.  If you use the Multipurpose Platform set to Tab 1, the stiffness of the card stock causes the raised patterns to tear through the sheet, making the embossed piece brittle with sections breaking off easily.  I found better results by using NO tabs for this technique.  Your machine may vary a bit, so experiment first.  If you don't get a very good impressions with no tabs, try adding a vellum card stock shim. 

TIP #2: I also found that line images, like the ones in Elegant Lines or Manhattan Flower, really stress the vellum and will cause more tearing than "sparser" patterns like Finial Press or Perfect Polka Dot.  Bolder textures, like Vintage Wallpaper and Petals A Plenty will work OK, but experiment with different "sandwiches" for just the right "recipe."

Once the petals were embossed and punched, I sponged the tops and edges with Marina Mist Classic Ink to make the raised pattern really stand out!  Then, I sculpted them a bit with my Bone Folder for dimension. 

I attached each petal to a 1" Circle Punch from Marina Mist card stock with Sticky Strip.  I also punched out a second layer of Whisper White petals, sponged their edges, and adhered them to the back of the 1" circle with Sticky Strip.  I love the double-layer look for these flowers, but mainly I did it to solve the problem of the background pattern conflicting with the embossed pattern on the translucent petals!  See how things just work out the way they are supposed to?!

The pieces are securely fastened in the center with a Filigree Designer Brad, topped off with a Basic Pearl.

Blossom Petals Punched Sentiment

Did you notice the unique shape of the punched sentiment?  It's similar to the Modern Label Punch, but wider and without the curves!  It's the Blossom Petals Punch! 

Here's how I did it...

    

I punched the Occasional Quotes sentiment on a 3/4" strip of card stock on the largest petal size (you can use up to a 1-3/8" wide strip for lots of curved scallop options!).  Insert the strip as usual into the punch, then pull the opposite end through the top of the punch.  Flip it over and repeat to punch the other side.  Too Cool!

Complete Supplies List

• Stamps—Teahouse (background), Occasional Quotes
• Ink—Marina Mist Classic Ink
• Paper—Whisper White and Marina Mist card stock, Vellum card stock
• Accessories—Filigree Designer Brads, Basic Pearls, White Organza Ribbon
• Tools—Blossom Petals Punch, Finial Press Impressions Folder, Sponges, 1" Circle Punch, Paper Piercer, Bone Folder, SNAIL, Sticky Strip or Glue Dots.

Win Too Cool Secret Blog Candy

Want to win some stamping goodies?!  You still have 6 opportunities to enter before the drawing on March 1.  Leave a comment on at least one post before the end of the month, you will be entered to win my Too Cool Secret Blog Candy (aka: an awesome stamping prize!) giveaway! 

Plus, make sure you stop by daily to leave your comments...you'll receive one entry per comment per day (your comment must be on the day of the post to qualify).  I'm not going to reveal what the Blog Candy is, because then it wouldn't be "Secret," but let's just say that the Candy will get "much more sweet" the more comments I receive!  US residents only, please.

Looking forward to hearing your comments!  And, good luck!

Angie

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3 Easy Ways To Earn FREE Products!

1. Spend $50 —For every $50 order, you can select one FREE Sale-A-Bration product of your choice!  Order Online now!
2. Host A Workshop—Host a workshop of at least $300 and earn fone FREE Sale-A-Bration item of your choice, in addition to the generous hostess benefits!  Contact me today!
3. Join Stampin' Up!—Become a demonstrator during Sale-A-Bration, and receive 15% off your Starter Kit!  Plus, get a bonus product bundle filled with more than $50 in FREE products!  Sign up today! 

 

 

 

More Matchbox Nugget Boxes!

A couple of ladies in my downline created their own Valentine's versions of the cute Matchbox Nugget Box I featured last week.  Let's take a look at their projects...

Darla Eigenschink created these two classy designs dressed up with Small Hearts punched from the Red Glimmer Paper.  I recognize the black decorative paper as the retired Night & Day DSP.  I love the red, black and white color combination!  The faux hinges are die-cuts that are included on the Matchbox Die—bonus!

And, apparently, Michelle Hoover likes that color combo, too!

She used the Love Letter DSP for the background for a very similar look, right down to the black hinges!  (Hey, were you ladies having a craft night without me?!  LOL!) 

Michelle also used the Scallop Heart of Hearts Embosslit for the hearts, and the white one is layered with a First Edition DSP Full Heart punch.  The sentiment, from You're A Gem, is layered on Large Oval punch and Scallop Oval punch layers. I absolutely adore that the sentiment says "Key To My Heart" and she has tied a Trinket Key around the cover with Linen Thread—Perfect!

She used more Love Letter DSP to wrap the chocolates.  Aha!  Looks like someone's been sneaking a few Hershey's Nuggets, Michelle! 

Along with the Matchbox Nugget Box, Michelle's Stamp Club created a matching Valentine card—Love it! 

They used the Framed Tulips Impressions Folder for the background on the Red Riding Hood base.  The next layer is First Edition DSP and Basic Black die-cut with the Top Note Die.  That piece is accented with some Scrunchy Black Satin Ribbon.

The heart is a single stamp called, appropriately enough, Be My Valentine.

The paper flower accent is created with two Scallop Circle punches and an Antique Brad.  See this Pleated Flower Tutorial if you want to learn how to make your own.

Thanks for sharing your Matchbox Nugget Holder projects, ladies!  Beautifully done!

Stamp with you again soon!

Angie

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3 Easy Ways To Earn FREE Products!

1. Spend $50 —For every $50 order, you can select one FREE Sale-A-Bration product of your choice!  Order Online now!
2. Host A Workshop—Host a workshop of at least $300 and earn fone FREE Sale-A-Bration item of your choice, in addition to the generous hostess benefits!  Contact me today!
3. Join Stampin' Up!—Become a demonstrator during Sale-A-Bration, and receive 15% off your Starter Kit!  Plus, get a bonus product bundle filled with more than $50 in FREE products!  The Bonus Bundle includes a Color Coach, any Simply Sent Kit, any Simply Sent stamp, and any $16.95 punch!  Learn about all the benefits of being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, then sign up today! 

 

Build A Blossom Embossed Vellum Flowers

You may have seen some projects on the internet using the Build A Blossom stamps and Blossom Petals Punch, but I wanted to try something a little different...how about some vellum flowers!

  

How do you like this translucent, Perfect Plum flower?!  The large size of these blossoms are really quite eye-catching on cards—can you imagine how they would look on a scrapbook page?!  (And, look!  This card matches my blog!)

Card Details: The vellum has been stamped with the Build A Blossoms petals in Perfect Plum Classic Ink. The petals were Clear Embossed with the Heat Tool, then punched with the Blossoms Petals Punch.  I gave the blooms some shapely dimension by curling them under with the edge of a Bone Folder.

Adhere all of the petals to a 1" punched circle (big enough to hold the petals, small enough not to show through) with Sticky Strip or Glue Dots.  The top center circle is a 3/4" punch-out from the Regals Designer Pattern Paper Stack.  I poked a hole in it with the Piercing Tool and finished it off with a Rhinestone Brad (these just don't get the love anymore, since the Basic Rhinestones were introduced last year).

Card #1 Complete Supplies List

• Stamps—Build A Blossom, Bliss SAB (background), Afterthoughts Hostess
• Ink—Perfect Plum, Pear Pizzazz (background), Elegant Eggplant marker (sentiment)
• Paper—Whisper White, Pear Pizzazz, So Saffron card stock, Vellum card stock, Regals Designer Patterns Paper Pack.
• Accessories—Rhinestone Fire Circles Brads, Pear Pizzazz Seam Binding, Brights Buttons, Clear Embossing Powder
• Tools—Blossom Petals Punch, 1" Circle Punch, 3/4" Circle Punch, Wide Oval Punch, Heat Tool, Paper Piercer, Bone Folder, SNAIL, Sticky Strip, Glue Dots.

  

Here's another version (two cool!) that I did with Peach Parfait, Pear Pizzazz, and Tempting Turquoise.  Same basic design with a different Charming pattern on the background, a different Occasional Quotes sentiment and a different look for the ribbon.  This time I twisted the Pear Seam Binding and tied it in a double-knot for a mini faux bow.  

Card #2 Complete Supplies List

• Stamps—Build A Blossom, Charming (background), Occasional Quotes Hostess
• Ink—Peach Parfait, Pear Pizzazz (background), Tempting Turquoise (sentiment)
• Paper—Whisper White, Pear Pizzazz, Tempting Turquoise card stock, Vellum card stock, In-Color Hostess Designer Paper Pack.
• Accessories—Rhinestone Ice Circles Brads, Pear Pizzazz Seam Binding, Brights Buttons, Clear Embossing Powder
• Tools—Blossom Petals Punch, 1" Circle Punch, 3/4" Circle Punch, Designer Label Punch, Heat Tool, Paper Piercer, Bone Folder, SNAIL, Sticky Strip, Glue Dots.

Want to create some pretty Embossed Vellum Build A Blossoms of your own?!  Order online today!

Thanks for looking! 

Angie

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3 Easy Ways To Earn FREE Products!

1. Spend $50 —For every $50 order, you can select one FREE Sale-A-Bration product of your choice!  Order Online now!
2. Host A Workshop—Host a workshop of at least $300 and earn fone FREE Sale-A-Bration item of your choice, in addition to the generous hostess benefits!  Contact me today!
3. Join Stampin' Up!—Become a demonstrator during Sale-A-Bration, and receive 15% off your Starter Kit!  Plus, get a bonus product bundle filled with more than $50 in FREE products!  The Bonus Bundle includes a Color Coach, any Simply Sent Kit, any Simply Sent stamp, and any $16.95 punch!  Learn about all the benefits of being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, then sign up today!