This is my new favorite stamp set! Why? I’m so glad you asked!

Although coloring can be fun and provide stress relief, sometimes you just want things to be easy. And, when you can create something easy AND beautiful, that’s my kind of stamp set!

It’s a two-step stamp set, meaning that there are outline stamps and stamps to add color to those outline images. But, THE BEST part, is that the stamps that add color are made to create their own shading! All I’ve done is stamp those flowers. The stamps provided all the color shading.

This set has coordinating dies to cut out the images. And, if you look close, you can see an embossed image on the white panel behind the flowers. That’s made with a die! Dies aren’t just for cutting anymore. Now you can emboss with them, too, simply by using the new Big Shot Embossing Mats. I am IN LOVE!

Stamps: Oh So Eclectic, Itty Bitty Greetings

Cardstock: Thick Whisper White, Coastal Cabana, Whisper White

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Old Olive, Pear Pizzazz, Coastal Cabana

Dies: Eclectic Layers Thinlits

Other: Basic Black, Solid Bakers Twine

If you’re looking for a demonstrator, I’d love to be your creative coach!

June 15, 2018

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Check Out the New Ink Pads!

I am re-posting this, because the pictures didn’t come through the first time!!

Stampin’ Up! just did a Color Revamp. We lost some of the colors from the “core” line, but some of the most popular retired in-colors came back, along with brand new colors!

During this process, Stampin’ Up! decided to improve on the design of the ink pad cases.

On the left is one of the “old” ink pads, and the new design is on the right. As you can see, the new pads will be a tad bit smaller and sleeker.

The new pads are designed to be easier to open. They will open more like a compact. Instead of flipping and turning, the lid will just lie back flat and slide in.

One of my favorite things about the new pads is how nicely they stack. The old pads just would not stack together, which could be frustrating when they were sliding all over the place! The new pads have small bumps in each corner of the bottom, which fit into small depressions in the top of the next pad. I think they will be so much easier to store.

They technically fit into the current ink pad carousel, but in my opinion, not very well at all. Stampin’ Up! is in the process of designing a storage system for the new pads. I can’t wait to see what they come up with!

On the back of each ink pad is a series of peel and stick labels in several languages. Did you know that Stampin’ Up! has demonstrators in ten different countries!

Just pick your preferred language, peel and stick it to the front of the ink pad. Or, get a jump start on a new language by using a different label!

At the bottom of the series of labels, Stampin’ Up! has included a colored label without text. Peel this one off and stick it inside the tray at the end of the stamp pad, so you can easily tell the color when you have several pads out on your work area.

As you can see, Stampin’ Up! heard our pleas for stamp pads that are easier to open and stack nicely! One of the best things about our company? They actually listen to, and act on, our feedback!

These new ink pads are available in the 2018-2019 annual catalog, which just launched on June 1st.

If you’d like to order any of these ink pads, you can shop my online store at the link below.

June 12, 2018

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Celebrating 30 Years!!

It’s Finally Here! – Celebrating 30 Years – The New Annual Stampin’ Up! Catalog

Don’t you just love receiving a new and shiny catalog from your favorite store in the mail? How about a copy of the new 2018-2019 annual catalog from Stampin’ Up!: LOVE IT – LIVE IT – SHARE IT. 30 YEARS OF LOVING WHAT WE DO.

There are some great new project kits, and some all-inclusive kits that you won’t want to miss. The project kits require additional products like inks and stamps, but the all-inclusive kits have everything you need to create the projects.

The catalog has been broken down into numerous suites:

1) Tea Room – dainty, delicate images and elegant touches of copper;

2) Animal Expedition – makes any occasion a fun adventure and is perfect for the little ones in our lives;

3) Delightfully Detailed – gorgeous, detailed laser-cut images paired with watercolor wash designs;

4) Best Route – products designed for all your adventures, including some great designer series paper perfect for masculine cards;

5) Broadway Bound – bold images and marquee signs to make a big statement on your projects;

6) Twinkle Twinkle – leave your little ones seeing stars when you share your stellar creations;

7) Under the Mistletoe – create gorgeous greenery to celebrate the Christmas season;

8) Petal Promenade – infuse your projects with elegant photographic images and messages of encouragement;

9) Tropical Escape – experience the lush feel of the tropics without leaving home;

10) Garden Impressions – bring a flower garden blooming to life on your projects;

11) Nature’s Poem – beautiful, natural images designed to use with a variety of techniques;

12) Tranquil Textures – images and embellishments designed to give your projects gorgeous texture;

13) Graceful Glass – the grace and elegance of stained glass;

14) Share What You Love – a suite to celebrate 30 years of Stampin’ Up! and loving what you do.

And what would a new catalog be without some beautiful new embellishments – leaf trinkets, blossoms elements, and tinted faceted buttons. I could go on and on but then I would ruin it for you by not letting you discover the new catalog on your own.

A new catalog is much more than just beautiful products and projects. It’s a bridge that brings people together, and in some cases, changes lives for good. If you haven’t gotten your new catalog yet, let me know, and get ready to create some handmade happiness!

June 10, 2018

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Farewell to Julia

One of my best friends has had a house guest for the past year. Part family, part exchange student, it’s been such fun to get to know Julia and learn about her home in Slovenia.

Julia attended the local high school where she was on the softball team. My friend, LaAnna, threw a farewell party for Julia last weekend, and I wanted to make her a special card. What better than a softball card for a girl who loves the game like she does?

It’s not very visible, but if you look close, you’ll see that the top corners have decorative piercing.

Stamps: Itty Bitty Greetings

Cardstock: Real Red, Night of Navy, Whisper White

Ink: Night of Navy

Dies/Punches: Layering Circles Framelits, Triple Banner Punch

Other: Paper Piercing Tool, Real Red Solid Bakers Twine (vintage)

June 6, 2018

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Grown With Love Mother’s Day

I hope you were able to get these stamps and dies from the last catalog. It’s too late to order it now, but if you were lucky enough to get this bundle before it retired, here’s an idea for you.

I made this for my Mother in Law for Mother’s Day. I liked it so much, everyone made it in May’s Stamp Club. I got the frame at our local Dollar Tree, and it was perfect to match the watering can.

Stamps: Grown With Love

Cardstock: Soft Suede, Powder Pink, Whisper White

Ink: Smoky Slate, Pear Pizazz, Powder Pink, Berry Burst

Dies: Garden Grown Framelits

Other: Garden Trellis Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Pinewood Planks Dynamic Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Delicate White Doilies, Berry Burst 1/2” Finely Woven Ribbon (cut into thirds)

Stop by again soon!

June 4, 2018

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Brusho Class – Watercolor Wings

Another card from my Brusho class, this one uses two different techniques.

First, we spritzed watercolor paper and sprinkled it with the Yellow, Gamboge, and Brilliant Red crystals. We spritzed again and let this paper dry before cutting our butterfly. Using the Aquapainter, we mixed water with a little of the Gamboge then did a wash on Shimmery White cardstock to create the background.

Stamps: Watercolor Wings

Cardstock: Peekaboo Peach, Basic Black, Shimmery White

Ink: Basic Black

Paper: Watercolor

Dies: Butterflies Thinlits

Other: Brusho Crystal Colour, Aquapainter, Spritzer, Peekaboo Peach Ribbon (vintage), Basic Pearls

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you’ve enjoyed this card!

June 2, 2018

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Brusho Class – Sheltering Tree

Today’s card is another from my Brusho class.

I got the idea for this card from the fabulous France Martin. You can see her card here.

On this card, we used painters tape to mask the edges of watercolor paper. We created the background with spritzers and the Moss Green and Prussian Blue Brusho Crystals, then removed the tape to expose the white edges.

The tree is stamped in Basic Black and highlighted with the Chalk Marker.

Stamps: Sheltering Tree

Cardstock: Dapper Denim, Whisper White

Ink: Basic Black

Paper: Watercolor

Punch: Triple Banner

Other: Basic Black Solid Bakers Twine, Chalk Marker

I hope you like this card. If you’re interested in any of the supplies used to create this card, you can find them at my website below.

June 1, 2018

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New Catalog is Here!!

Woohoo! Today, the new 2018-2019 Annual Catalog went live!!

You can now order so many great new products, including the Stamparatus!!

If you want to see what’s available, you can shop at the link below 24/7.

I’d love to be your demonstrator!!

May 31, 2018

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Sweet Cupcake

This is another card from May’s Stamp Club. Both the cupcake bottom and the cupcake frosting use three layered stamps, making this project perfect for the Stamparatus!

I also love the dies which not only cut the cupcake top, bottom and candle, but also includes the banner and the words “wish” and “sweet”.

Stamps: Sweet Cupcake

Cardstock: Thick Whisper White, Pool Party, Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Whisper White

Ink: Soft Sky, Pool Party, Crushed Curry, Crumb Cake, Chocolate Chip, Early Espresso

Dies: Cupcake Cutouts Framelits

Other: Wink of Stella, Polka Dot Basics Textured Impressions Embossing Folder

Today is the last day to order this stamp set and dies, so get it while you can!! You can order at the link below.

May 30, 2018

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Weather Together

Tomorrow is the last day to get the cute bundle I used on this card!! This was a project from May’s Stamp Club.

We used a retired envelope paper, but any pretty Designer Series Paper would work just as well. We also used the notecards and envelopes. They are the perfect size for this project.

Tip: Stamp and cut the umbrella and handle from the DSP (Designer Series Paper) you’re using for your layer. Just be sure to stay away from the edges. Since you’re covering up everything but the edges, it’s a great way to save paper.