Nutz about Stamping

My Stampin' Up! Mailing List

Are you on my mailing list?

If you love stamping and scrapbooking, and with the brand new 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog going live tomorrow, I encourage you to subscribe to my mailing list today.

I send out two newsletters by email every month - the first contains articles that include:

- exclusive card samples with photos and step-by-step instructions
- stamping techniques
- tool tips featuring brand new products or my all-time faves
- customer Q&A's - perhaps some you have been secretly asking too!
- and much, more

The second monthly edition is shorter and features upcoming class deadlines, also sprinkled with project ideas other than cards.

For my scrapbookin' customers, I send out a third newsletter on scrapbooking and you must choose to subscribe to this newsletter when signing up. This edition contains lots of different scrapbook page ideas and for you digital crafters, watch for digital page ideas too!

And remember to read each edition carefully as you just never know when I might throw in a contest question or special one-time-only promotion!

If you are not on my mailing list and would like to be, here's what you do:

• Look for the Join My Mailing List heading in the top left-hand corner of this blog
• Type your email address in the box and click the "go" button
• Fill in the requested registration information
• Check off the "Scrapbooking" box if you want to receive an additional newsletter just for scrapbookers (digital or paper)
• Check off your birthday month only if you want to receive a special gift from me
• Click "Save Profile Changes" at the bottom of the registration page
• In a few minutes, check your email. I use a confirmed opt-in subscription process to guarantee that you do want to subscribe. Please watch your email and respond to the confirmation notice that you will receive.

Then...let the stampin', scrappin' and paper craftin' fun begin!

Proud Peacock

Want a beautiful card that will make everyone stop and take a second look? Then try this card idea, using the Proud Peacock stamp set on page 14 of the Summer Mini Catalog:

Stamp sets: Fabulous Phrases Set, Proud Peacock

Card stock: Basic Black, Cajun Craze, Crumb Cake, Elegant Eggplant, Marina Mist, Whisper White

Ink: Jet Black StazOn, VersaMark

Accessories:
White Stampin' Emboss Powder
Basic Black 5/8" Satin Ribbon
In Color Glimmer Brads
Stampin' Dimensionals
Crystal Effects
Crop-A-Dile
Paper-Piercing Tool
Modern Label Punch
Word Window Punch
2-3/8" Scallop Circle Punch

Perfect Punches

Here's a fun project idea that is so cute the birthday girl just won't be able to wait to open it up to see what's inside!(Thanks to Stampin' Up! for this cool idea!)

Happy Birthday Envelope

Stamps

Perfect Punches Set

Paper
Whisper White Card Stock
Daffodil Delight Textured Card Stock
Pumpkin Pie Textured Card Stock

Ink
Melon Mambo Stampin' Write Marker
Old Olive Stampin' Write Marker
Pumpkin Pie Stampin' Write Marker
Tempting Turquoise Stampin' Write Marker

Accessories
Stampin' Dimensionals
Scallop Trim Border Punch
2" x 1-3/8" Oval Punch

Instructions

1. Score Pumpkin Pie Textured Card Stock 2" from top, 3-1/2" from bottom, and 3/4" from each side. Fold and adhere sides and bottom of envelope.
2. Punch border from Daffodil Delight Textured Card Stock using Scallop Trim Border Punch. Pleat border and adhere to top flap. Adhere envelope flap. 
3. Stamp sentiment in Pumpkin Pie, Melon Mambo, Old Olive, and Tempting Turquoise ink on Whisper White Card Stock. Punch out using 2" x 1-3/8" Oval Punch and adhere to envelope using Stampin' Dimensionals.

Want more project ideas? Then join my Anything but a Card Club, beginning soon!

 

Stampin' Pastels

Here's a product that I bet you haven't used very often, if at all: Stampin' Pastels. There are 35 chalk pastels in exclusive Stampin' Up! colors along with six applicators and an eraser in each container. The pastels are very soft and allow for easy blending. Images that are stamped with Versamark ink and then applied with pastels yield a soft, muted effect.

Here are some basic how-to's for using your Stampin' Pastels:

1]   Apply pastel color to your card stock or paper with a sponge-tip applicator, cotton swab, sponge dauber, or stiff paintbrush.
2]   Blend the colors as desired with the applicators or blender pen. When using blender pens, just touch the pen directly to the corner of the chalk to pick up the color.

QUICK TIP:  To avoid smearing, gently dab the chalk rather than rubbing it across the image.

And here's a photo of the chalking technique using one of the sponge-tip applicators:

Would you and your friend like to try making cards using the Stampin' Pastels? Book a private class with me and we'll stamp up a storm! Contact me at [email protected] for my available July and August calendar dates.

Spotlighting Technique

I am sure it will surprise you somewhat to let you know that I do not have my weekly Sundays with Sizzix video tutorial today. I am on vacation and so is my Sundays with Sizzix segment!

But while you wait for my return, I have a special treat for you: I have a project featuring a stamp set that will be retiring next week and a technique for you to try at home.

For this card I used the Fresh Cuts stamp set, one of my original favorites when it was first introduced. This set makes stunning cards and is partnered with the retiring Fresh-Cut notes (page 171). I prefer to use soft colors when stamping with this set:

The technique on the front of this card is called "Spotlighting" and here's how this technique is done:

1. Using Jet Black StazOn, stamp the main image from Fresh Cuts twice, reinking in-between - the first time stamp on the card layer for the front of the card and the second time stamp on scrap Whisper White card stock.

2. Using the 1-1/4" circle punch, punch out an area of the main image you wish to "spotlight" on the card front. Color the image using Stampin' Pastels.

3. Punch out a 1-3/8" circle from Bashful Blue scrap card stock. Adhere under the 1-1/4" spotlight circle.

4. To complete this technique, adhere the circle to the Fresh Cuts layer exactly over top of the original.

5. Layer as desired to complete the card.

Why not give the Spotlighting technique a try today? It is easy to do and easily impresses too! And if you would like to learn many more techniques, join my Techniques Club at my Raleigh New Catalog Open House on July 23 & 24. Contact me to RSVP for my Open House and for driving directions to my Stampin' Spot.

Summer Splash

Summer Splash caught my eye the very first time I browsed through the Summer Mini Catalog and it was on my very first demonstrator order. I realized today that I haven't shown you any cards I have made with this set and now that summer is here and I am off on vacation to the sun and the sand, today is the perfect time to feature Summer Splash.

This card below is super easy to create. All you need are some markers, paper snips, a punch, paper and Stampin' Dimensionals!

I started off with deciding to use Nautical Expressions designer series paper scraps I had tucked away, which then determined the marker colors for the surfboard images - Cherry Cobbler and Not Quite Navy. The rest of the card design I tweaked from a card created by another demonstrator and once done I used Teeny Tiny Wishes for the phrase.

Summer Splash is a terrific stamp set for cards and scrapbook pages. Come back soon and I will show you some scrapbook pages using my beach vacation photos.

My Digital Studio

Yet again, I am totally amazed at this week's brand new My Digital Studio downloads. You can see the entire download document here, but I wanted to feature my two new faves:

For those of you who love digital scrapbooking, a must-have is the brand new Anchored Stamp Brush Set:

This versatile and extensive 79-piece stamp brush set (for only $7.95!) gives you tons of options for accents, borders, and sentiments; it’s perfect for photobook pages, cards, or any project! Based on our popular retired Anchored Rub-Ons.

Second, is a brand new embellishment package: Messenger II and it's only $3.95:

Our Messenger II Embellishments are a complete package; its 27 pieces deliver trendy postal flair to any project. Use with our Notebook II Designer Series Paper and Messenger II Stamp Brush Set for ultimate coordination. Includes a one-page 8" x 8" designer template. Coordinating colors include Chocolate Chip, River Rock, Bermuda Bay, and Very Vanilla.

Were you aware that a brand new set of digital downloads is published every Tuesday! Contact me at: [email protected] if you want to see all the downloads available or a private My Digital Studio class!

How I Find The Time To Stamp During The Busy, Busy Summer Season!

Yes, summer is here and the kids are home on vacation and you wander by your stamping room looking longingly at the stamps, inks, papers and accessories just waiting for you. And each time you pass by you ask yourself silently: How am I going to find the time to stamp during the busy, busy summer season?!

If there's a will, there's a way I always say:

1. Take some of that stamping stuff to the pool with you. As you watch the kids and chat with your neighbor friends, you can also be watercoloring, punching or other simple tasks that don't require a lot of supplies.

2. As you are basking on your lounge chair with one eye still on the kids, browse through the Idea Book & Catalog and add sticky notes to the pages showing card sample ideas that caught your eye. Half the battle can be planning a card layout so don't forget it's an Idea Book as well as a catalog! You can also have a small sketch book by your side and draw out sketch ideas to try. Then when the kids are tucked into bed you can take a little extra time just for you to try those sketch ideas.

3. Take some of that stamping stuff to the park or kid's amusement play area with you. As you watch the kids play, you can also be watercoloring, punching or other simple tasks that don't require a lot of supplies. You just might find a new stamping mommy friend at the park and can share your love of stamping with her too.

4. Do you have close neighbor friends who have children? Have a play date: you and the other moms stamp while the kids play together. Call it a girls day in!

5. Feeling flush? Hire a babysitter to come in to play inside or outside with the kids while you take an hour of silent stamping time.

6. Check out week long daytime sports camps. Exercise is great for the kids and the quiet time is even better for moms!

7. Summer is also a great time to connect with long distance family. Pack a shoebox of stamping goodies when you travel so that when the kids are busy with grandpa and grandma you can listen in and work on some stamping projects too.

*** Better snap some photos of these special summer times so that this fall you have some great memories to scrapbook!

What other ideas can you share with us? Use the "comments" button below and tell us how you are going to find the time to stamp this summer!

Teeny Tiny Wishes Birthday Card

Need a fun simple birthday card idea? Then grab your square punches and left over designer series paper and create this card in just minutes:

 

Stamp set: Teeny Tiny Wishes

Ink: Night of Navy

Card stock: Pink Pirouette, Whisper White, scrap designer series paper, Night of Navy

Punches: 1 1/4" square, 1 3/8" square, 3/4" square, Word Window

Accessories: Snail adhesive, Pretty in Pink Grosgrain ribbon, Mini Glue Dot

The next time you need a birthday card grab your scrap designer series paper and give this card idea a try!

Project 52 - Week 16

After a few weeks of a very busy life and not much happening that was photo worthy, this past week has been a whirlwind of activty!

A major work event has come about and I decided to preserve it for my 2011 Project 52 scrapbook. After being at the same elementary school for past ten years I applied for and was accepted for a position in another elementary school. As I was packing up my office and reflecting on the past ten years I decided to create two separate pages in my scrapbook.

First a page to honor the school I am leaving:

My Digital Studio is such an easy program to work with. As you may know I have kept my Project 52 pages very simple as it is the story and photos that need to take center stage as opposed to punches and accessories.

If you'd like a free class on My Digital Studio, please contact me. There is a brand new My Digital Studio Express available for purchase which is a very economical way to explore this fun world of digital crafting! Click here for my previous announcement on My Digital Studio Express.

Big Shot Table

Now that I am on summer vacation I have a to-do list that is longer than the days I have off. So I decided to tackle projects in order of importance for impact and organization. A while back I posted photos of the Big Shot table which I purchased when I painted my Stampin' Spot bonus room. I assembled the table and put it place but it wasn't quite complete. When I purchased the desk I also purchased a hutch to go on top but with school ending and a second eye surgery and recovery to deal with I didn't get that final piece in place until..... last night!

My wonderful son did the assembly and installation of the hutch and I am delighted that the desk is finally completed.

 

 

When putting my Big Shot dies in place I was excited to see that the Big Shot storage boxes and XL dies fit perfectly on the shelves. I decided to use the top of the hutch for extra card displays as I never seem to have enough room for all the cards I create, hehe. And the cupboard are currently empty but I promise to work hard to fill them when the brand new 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog goes live.

So now I am all ready to offer some Big Shot classes this fall - watch my Calendar of Events page for a variety of new class ideas!

If you want information more information on my Big Shot desk, feel free to contact me at: [email protected].

 

Sundays with Sizzix: Matchbox Messages Greeting Card

Today's video tutorial features the retiring Matchbox Messages stamp set and the Big Shot Fun Flowers die to create a very unique greeting card. I got the idea for this card as I was designing a brand new Fun Folds class (click on the title for the class details). I love cards with a twist, don't you?

 

Matchbox Messages Greeting Card

Stamp set: Matchbox Messages #113800

Card stock: Baja Breeze (5 ½ x 4 ¼, 1 x 5 ½), Whisper White scraps, Greenhouse Gala designer series paper #117167 (4 x 5 ¼), Chocolate Chip scrap, Pear Pizzaz (8 ½ x 3)

Markers: Pear Pizzazz, Baja Breeze

Punches: 1 ¼" circle, 1 3/8" circle, Itty Bitty Shapes punch pack (circle)

Accessories: Big Shot, Standard cutting pads, Fun Flowers die #121812, Bone Folder, Snail Adhesive

And now for the video tutorial: thanks for watching!

 

 

If you would like to purchase the supplies used to make this card, email me at: [email protected]. Don't forget that Matchbox Messages and the Greenhouse Gala designer series paper are both retiring June 30^th!

Card Map Challenge

You all know how much I love Card Maps and this week I entered a challenge to create a card following a card sample that was posted in an exclusive monthly magazine for Stampin' Up! demonstrators. We could either reproduce the card in the magazine or we could use it as a "map" and create our own idea. I opted for the latter and created this card:

Stamp set: Pennant Parade

Card stock: Pear Pizzazz, Whisper White, Poppy Parade, In Color Patterns Designer Series Paper Stack

Punches: 1 1/4" Circle, Petite Pennants Builder, Itty Bitty Shapes Pack, Word Window

Accessories: Stampin' Dimensonals, Rhinestone Jewels

I know that you can't purchase the fabulous Pennant Parade stamp set and Petite Pennants Builder punch until the 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog goes live on July 1st but why not give this map idea a try while you wait? Instead of the Pennant punched shape try something different and make a super cute and colorful card to give to someone special!

The perfect Father's Day Gift for the man in your life

Want the perfect Father's Day Gift for the man in your life? Read on, as I have the perfect solution: join Stampin' Up! as a demonstrator and my All About Stamping team. Nope, I am not kidding and here's three reasons why becoming a Stampin' Up! demonstrator would be the perfect Father's Day Gift:

1. You will earn extra income for the family and take the pressure off your family budget. Become a demonstrator, set your financial goals, work hours of your choosing to provide those litte extras that the man in your life would love to have! Becoming a Stampin' Up! demonstrator has allowed me to pay for family trips (local and international), purchase a new desktop computer, lay hardwoods in my living room and dining room and much more!

2. You can earn a fabulous and FREE annual vacation for two, all expenses paid by Stampin' Up!. A group of demonstrators will soon be going on an incentive trip to Disney World and staying at one of the famous resort hotels. Another group just returned from an Alaskan Cruise. And this coming year, Stampin' Up! is adding a second incentive trip choice for their demonstrators. Wouldn't the man in your love an all expenses paid annual vacation?

3. You will learn new skills to better support your family and model for your children. As a Stampin' Up! demonstrator I have loved learning organizational skills, budgeting skills, communication skills, technology skills, goal setting skills and time management skills. You will do the same and will see that these new skills will allow you and the man in your life to have more time to spend together on the fun things in life!

Joining Stampin' Up! as a demonstrator could turn out to be the best Father's Day Gift to make his life easier! Contact me at [email protected] for more information and to join my team!

 

 

Flight of the Butterfly Clean & Simple Card

I love the look of Clean & Simple cards and when paired with black and white as the two tones for the card can result in a stunning look.

As I was cleaning out my retiring stamp sets from my set collection I came across Flight of the Butterfly and realized I haven't made a card using this stamp set for a while. So I sat down and, with Basic Black marker and Butterfly punch in hand, I created this Clean & Simple card:

Why don't you try creating a Clean & Simple card today using a set you haven't used in a while? Use my card as a Card Map idea and see what you can come up with - then share the results with me at [email protected].