Oh my goodness! Stampin' Up! has 30% off selected scrapbooking stamp sets this month and I can hardly wait to order some for myself! Yes, it's true, there are still sets I don't have that I've been craving and now I can get them at an awesome price!!
Grab your 2010-11 Idea Book and Catalog and check out the sets and prices from the flyer here. I think you'll be as excited as I am to check them out and order them. Remember - they're only available at these prices for the Month of May (my favorite month).
Thanks for checking in and have a great weekend!
Hugs ~ Donna
Friday, April 29, 2011
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Stampin' Scrub Now Available!!
Great News from Stampin' Up!!
Stampin' Scrub Available
April 28, 2011We have replenished our supplies of Stampin' Scrub (item 102642) and Stampin' Scrub Refill Pads (item 101230) and are happy to announce these products are now available for regular orders.
As a result of the material issues, our supplier was unable to provide the same scrubbing pad material. While you may notice a slight difference in the material, the functionality and high-quality standards remain the same. After in-house testing, we approved the material change because we found it to be an excellent alternative.
Dictionary for Stamping Junkies
Stamping Junkie's Dictionary
Confused by all of the abbreviations and 'stamp slang'? Don't know the difference between craft and classic? Here is a future junkie's (let's be honest, you know you are!) translator just for you!
CASE: Copy and share everything (the crafters' motto! Just be sure to give credit where it is due!)
Scraplifting: Using another person's original work and passing it off as your own (unless you are using the term lightheartedly as you give credit to them ex: I scraplifted this layout from Kelly.)
CAS: Clean and simple.
DSP: Designer Series Paper, also known as patterned paper.
Bling: Just about anything that sparkles or shines!
White space: Blank area of card stock, does not have to be white.
ABAC: Anything But A Card, refers to 3D projects, jewelry, just about anything that is not a card or a scrapbook page.
Huffing: Don't panic! This is not illegal : ) When using a marker to color a stamp, a crafter will 'huff' (breathe) on the stamp after coloring to keep the ink moist, then stamp onto paper.
Kissing: Again, not what you are thinking... A two step process where a stamp is inked then gently 'kissed' with an uninked stamp. This is followed by huffing to remoisten the ink. This can be used to add or remove details from a stamp.
Distressing: Taking steps to make something look used/old/worn. This is done by tearing, crumpling, inking, fraying, or using a special tool.
Swap: A fun occasion where crafters agree to create a quantity of cards or pages and trade them with fellow crafters. If it is a supplies swap, several crafters will 'go in' on a supply of ribbon, brads, etc. and split the supplies between them. This is a great way to get supplies in a variety of colors!
Craft vs. Classic: There are two types of ink pads available craft, which is pigment ink, and classic which is dye based. Classic is a good all purpose, quick drying ink which is great for cards and safe for scrapbooking. Craft is also scrapbook safe and features long-lasting color. Craft is often used for embossing or when you want to use a light ink on a darker paper. Both are wonderful inks, it just depends on what you are needing for the project.
I hope this clears up any confusion! If you have any new words that need to be translated, please post a comment and maybe we can figure this all out together!
CASE: Copy and share everything (the crafters' motto! Just be sure to give credit where it is due!)
Scraplifting: Using another person's original work and passing it off as your own (unless you are using the term lightheartedly as you give credit to them ex: I scraplifted this layout from Kelly.)
CAS: Clean and simple.
DSP: Designer Series Paper, also known as patterned paper.
Bling: Just about anything that sparkles or shines!
White space: Blank area of card stock, does not have to be white.
ABAC: Anything But A Card, refers to 3D projects, jewelry, just about anything that is not a card or a scrapbook page.
Huffing: Don't panic! This is not illegal : ) When using a marker to color a stamp, a crafter will 'huff' (breathe) on the stamp after coloring to keep the ink moist, then stamp onto paper.
Kissing: Again, not what you are thinking... A two step process where a stamp is inked then gently 'kissed' with an uninked stamp. This is followed by huffing to remoisten the ink. This can be used to add or remove details from a stamp.
Distressing: Taking steps to make something look used/old/worn. This is done by tearing, crumpling, inking, fraying, or using a special tool.
Swap: A fun occasion where crafters agree to create a quantity of cards or pages and trade them with fellow crafters. If it is a supplies swap, several crafters will 'go in' on a supply of ribbon, brads, etc. and split the supplies between them. This is a great way to get supplies in a variety of colors!
Craft vs. Classic: There are two types of ink pads available craft, which is pigment ink, and classic which is dye based. Classic is a good all purpose, quick drying ink which is great for cards and safe for scrapbooking. Craft is also scrapbook safe and features long-lasting color. Craft is often used for embossing or when you want to use a light ink on a darker paper. Both are wonderful inks, it just depends on what you are needing for the project.
I hope this clears up any confusion! If you have any new words that need to be translated, please post a comment and maybe we can figure this all out together!
I CASED this from Margaret at Black Shadow Creations. I myself have been trying to find the "explanation" of CASE, so was thrilled to find this and share with you!
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Thinking of You
Tonight I made a card for a friend of ours that is in the hospital recovering from surgery. I really like how this came out. Design credit goes to Sheryl Dickinson from a post she made on Splitcoast Stampers. I changed it up a bit and used the new Postage Stamp Punch (122344) that is in the Summer Mini. If you are already a customer of mine, you should have received yours in the mail by now. If you haven't, let me know and we'll get one to you.
The base cardstock is Perfect Plum, layered with Whisper White and Elegant Eggplant. The stamp set used is a Hostess Set from the 2010-11 Idea Book & Catalog, Silhouette Sentiments. I inked the flowers, stems and sentiment with Stampin' Write Markers, Wild Wasabi, Regal Rose and Concord Crush and then embellished with Basic Pearls (119247).
Thanks for peeking in....
Only two more days and the Occasions Mini will be history... BUT, the Summer Mini will begin on May 1st!
The base cardstock is Perfect Plum, layered with Whisper White and Elegant Eggplant. The stamp set used is a Hostess Set from the 2010-11 Idea Book & Catalog, Silhouette Sentiments. I inked the flowers, stems and sentiment with Stampin' Write Markers, Wild Wasabi, Regal Rose and Concord Crush and then embellished with Basic Pearls (119247).
Only two more days and the Occasions Mini will be history... BUT, the Summer Mini will begin on May 1st!
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Happy Easter!
I hope you all had a wonderful Easter celebration with your families. Hubby ended up with a bad sore throat here so we told the kids it was best to stay clear so none of them get sick. Mother's Day will be here soon, so hopefully we can have them all over then.
So, I took advantage of some quiet time and made some cards with supplies from the upcoming Summer Mini. Did I mention how much I absolutely LOVE the beautiful and colorful embossing powders that will be available beginning May 1st?
I really like how this one turned out. I began by stamping the flowers from Fabulous Florets (123025 w /123027 c) with Versa Mark (102283) and then using the Melon Mambo Stampin' Emboss Powder (123223) then embossing with the heat gun. I took one of our Sponge Daubers (102892) and colored the flower with ink from the Melon Mambo ink pad. The stems are stamped with Garden Green with the lighter stems being stamped without re-inking the stamp after the first one on the right. The "vase" is the ornament punch and trimmed off the point. The "just for you" is from A Word for You (117032 w / 120528 c) from the Idea Book and Catalog.
This one is using the same Fabulous Florets, Daffodil Delight cardstock and Beyond the Garden DSP (122342) from the Summer Mini. I love that DSP, it's so full of springtime colors and happiness.
I stamped the flowers onto Whisper White paper after I used the Daffodil Delight ink pad to "paint" the paper to make a yellow background without it being a solid color. The saying is also from A Word for You from above.
So, who says you have to have small children in order to color Easter Eggs?? Not us, that's for sure. We color them every year, even if the human kids aren't here to help. We always have helpers though and Miss Boots here is the best one (and the most interested in the process) of our six cats - yes, I said six... what can I say, we have a soft heart for animals that need homes. AND NO, WE DON'T NEED ANY MORE... LOL! Boots is always fascinated by the eggs. I think it must be the vinegar in the dye though as she's always licking the shells after we color them. Silly cat, but we love her!
Hope you had a great Easter weekend and if you get around to making anything fun, please feel free to post your pictures as well. I'd love to see them.
Hugs ~ Donna
So, I took advantage of some quiet time and made some cards with supplies from the upcoming Summer Mini. Did I mention how much I absolutely LOVE the beautiful and colorful embossing powders that will be available beginning May 1st?
I really like how this one turned out. I began by stamping the flowers from Fabulous Florets (123025 w /123027 c) with Versa Mark (102283) and then using the Melon Mambo Stampin' Emboss Powder (123223) then embossing with the heat gun. I took one of our Sponge Daubers (102892) and colored the flower with ink from the Melon Mambo ink pad. The stems are stamped with Garden Green with the lighter stems being stamped without re-inking the stamp after the first one on the right. The "vase" is the ornament punch and trimmed off the point. The "just for you" is from A Word for You (117032 w / 120528 c) from the Idea Book and Catalog.
This one is using the same Fabulous Florets, Daffodil Delight cardstock and Beyond the Garden DSP (122342) from the Summer Mini. I love that DSP, it's so full of springtime colors and happiness.
I stamped the flowers onto Whisper White paper after I used the Daffodil Delight ink pad to "paint" the paper to make a yellow background without it being a solid color. The saying is also from A Word for You from above.
So, who says you have to have small children in order to color Easter Eggs?? Not us, that's for sure. We color them every year, even if the human kids aren't here to help. We always have helpers though and Miss Boots here is the best one (and the most interested in the process) of our six cats - yes, I said six... what can I say, we have a soft heart for animals that need homes. AND NO, WE DON'T NEED ANY MORE... LOL! Boots is always fascinated by the eggs. I think it must be the vinegar in the dye though as she's always licking the shells after we color them. Silly cat, but we love her!
Hugs ~ Donna
Friday, April 22, 2011
Another Successful Stamp a Stack
Today's Stamp a Stack was a lot of fun... even if the girls did have to figure out which colors they wanted to go where! I think their cards turned out beautifully!
Even Nike wanted in on the action! Here he is trying to convince Kristi to let him help!
Here's the girls putting together their cards. Barbie, Mary, Linda and Berta.
Brittney, Barbie, Mary, Linda
Linda, Kristi and Berta
A quick view of the cards I made for samples.
Even Nike wanted in on the action! Here he is trying to convince Kristi to let him help!
Here's the girls putting together their cards. Barbie, Mary, Linda and Berta.
Thanks for peeking in! Have a great weekend and Happy Easter to all.
~ Donna
Monday, April 18, 2011
Stamp a Stack Preview
This coming Friday is our 3rd Stamp a Stack. I'm really looking forward to it, so much so that I'm ahead of the game on getting ready! Yay Me. haha! Here's a sneak peek of the cards for this month's SAS.
We'll be using one of my favorite retired Razzleberry Lemonade DSP, Crushed Curry (also retired) and Rich Razzleberry cardstock. These color combinations look awesome together. You'll be able to pick from a variety of sayings to go on the front of your cards.
Thanks for peeking in at this week's sneak peek. (<< that's hard to type!)
~ Donna
We'll be using one of my favorite retired Razzleberry Lemonade DSP, Crushed Curry (also retired) and Rich Razzleberry cardstock. These color combinations look awesome together. You'll be able to pick from a variety of sayings to go on the front of your cards.
~ Donna
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Workshop Projects
We had a great time yesterday at Christina's Workshop. Yummy food and fun with friends topped off with three fun projects.
Mother's Day is quickly approaching so our first project was this beautiful card. Stamps used were Messages for Mom (117016 wood) (118580 clear) and Vintage Vogue (117690 wood) (118598 clear). Papers and Inks used were So Saffron, Pear Pizzazz and Perfect Plum. Love the way to colors came out on this one.
Not long after Mother's Day comes Father's Day. Since the masculine cards are so hard to make, I knew Plane and Simple was the perfect set to use from the Occasions Mini (which ends April 30th - so don't miss anything from there you might want). Ink used was Pacific Point and paper was Crumb Cake, Bashful Blue and Pacific Point.
Then... the best part was this adorable little bunny! I found this bunny on Stamp and Scrap With Frenchie. She has some adorable ideas!
Our bunny is made with Chocolate Chip cardstock and several punches. Bunny even holds a piece of chocolate inside for an added treat.
Thank you for stopping by. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.
Hugs ~ Donna
Mother's Day is quickly approaching so our first project was this beautiful card. Stamps used were Messages for Mom (117016 wood) (118580 clear) and Vintage Vogue (117690 wood) (118598 clear). Papers and Inks used were So Saffron, Pear Pizzazz and Perfect Plum. Love the way to colors came out on this one.
Not long after Mother's Day comes Father's Day. Since the masculine cards are so hard to make, I knew Plane and Simple was the perfect set to use from the Occasions Mini (which ends April 30th - so don't miss anything from there you might want). Ink used was Pacific Point and paper was Crumb Cake, Bashful Blue and Pacific Point.
Then... the best part was this adorable little bunny! I found this bunny on Stamp and Scrap With Frenchie. She has some adorable ideas!
Our bunny is made with Chocolate Chip cardstock and several punches. Bunny even holds a piece of chocolate inside for an added treat.
Thank you for stopping by. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.
Hugs ~ Donna
Friday, April 15, 2011
Cards by Friends
I've been meaning to post these sooner but have been so busy each evening I've barely even sat down at the computer.
This first card was made for me by one of my dear friends from work. I found it on my desk one morning when arriving at work. I have to say, it really made my day. I have it hanging on my cubicle at work to remind me every day just how sweet it was for her to make it for me. Thank you Berta, I love it!!
This card was made by Brittney. I love the colors she chose for this and how beautiful it turned out. She made this card for a friend. I'm sure the recipient will love it!
This first card was made for me by one of my dear friends from work. I found it on my desk one morning when arriving at work. I have to say, it really made my day. I have it hanging on my cubicle at work to remind me every day just how sweet it was for her to make it for me. Thank you Berta, I love it!!
This card was made by Brittney. I love the colors she chose for this and how beautiful it turned out. She made this card for a friend. I'm sure the recipient will love it!
Tomorrow we have a workshop and I'm really looking forward to it. It will be so much fun to have a day with the girls stamping and making beautiful things.
Have a great weekend!
~ Donna
Sunday, April 10, 2011
A Great Tip for New Stamps
Whenever I learn something new that makes stamping easier and more beautiful, I can hardly wait to try it and share it with you. I recently learned a great secret to making new stamps give crisp clear images the first time instead of being frustrated that the ink won't stick to the stamp.
This is particularly noticeable with the solid stamps. Below is a sample using the Tart and Tangy (111514) stamp set. When your stamps come from the manufacturer, they have a slight haze or film on them which keeps the ink from "soaking in" to the rubber. There are several ways to remove this haze, but my favorite one is the easiest one by far.
Take your StazOn All-Purpose Cleaner and coat the stamp. Use your Stampin Scrub to clean it off (no need to add any cleaner to the scrubber). Ink up your stamp and you're all set. Keep in mind, solid stamps need to be pressed into the ink pad a little longer than line art or greeting stamps so give them time to absorb some of the ink. It also helps to rub the stamp on the ink pad just once across to get it started.
See what a difference it makes?
This is particularly noticeable with the solid stamps. Below is a sample using the Tart and Tangy (111514) stamp set. When your stamps come from the manufacturer, they have a slight haze or film on them which keeps the ink from "soaking in" to the rubber. There are several ways to remove this haze, but my favorite one is the easiest one by far.
Take your StazOn All-Purpose Cleaner and coat the stamp. Use your Stampin Scrub to clean it off (no need to add any cleaner to the scrubber). Ink up your stamp and you're all set. Keep in mind, solid stamps need to be pressed into the ink pad a little longer than line art or greeting stamps so give them time to absorb some of the ink. It also helps to rub the stamp on the ink pad just once across to get it started.
See what a difference it makes?
Thanks for peeking in and I hope this little tip helps you enjoy your stamps even more.
Have a great day!
~ Donna
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Summer Mini - Sneak Peek
I'm totally in love with the new Summer Mini coming May 1st. One of the bet things of being a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator is being able to pre-order new products and play with them before anyone else. It's SOOO much fun!!
Inside you will find some beautiful colors in Stampin' Emboss Powders - Melon Mambo (123223), Tangerine Tango (123106) and Wild Wasabi (123224). These are so pretty and full of color - I just know you'll love them as much as I do. Below you will find two cards I made this morning using the Emboss Powders, the new Beyond the Garden DSP (122342) and Fabulous Florets stamp set (123025 w / 123027 c) all available beginning May 1st. The sentiment stamp is from A Word For You (117032 w / 120528 c).
Inside you will find some beautiful colors in Stampin' Emboss Powders - Melon Mambo (123223), Tangerine Tango (123106) and Wild Wasabi (123224). These are so pretty and full of color - I just know you'll love them as much as I do. Below you will find two cards I made this morning using the Emboss Powders, the new Beyond the Garden DSP (122342) and Fabulous Florets stamp set (123025 w / 123027 c) all available beginning May 1st. The sentiment stamp is from A Word For You (117032 w / 120528 c).
I can't wait for you all to get your copy of the Summer Mini. It should arrive in your mailboxes as soon as they are released!
Thanks for peeking in.
Happy Stampin'!
Donna
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Roses To Go With My Roses
Earlier today, I posted some of my beautiful roses from my garden and when I saw this card on Carroll's Corner - one of the blogs I follow - I just fell in love with it. So today, between non-stop laundry loads (I'm spring cleaning the linen closet) I made a couple of my own.
I used Very Vanilla for the base and layered it with Springtime Vintage DSP (121782) available through April 30th. The stamps are "Four Frames" that you can purchase with a $20.00 purchase this month before it hits the new catty in July and the "thank you" is from "Because I Care", a hostess set. The bow is made from Rose Red Seam Binding using the "fork method" of tying a bow. Also used was the Decorative Label (120907) punch that of course matches the "Four Frames" stamp set.
I used Very Vanilla for the base and layered it with Springtime Vintage DSP (121782) available through April 30th. The stamps are "Four Frames" that you can purchase with a $20.00 purchase this month before it hits the new catty in July and the "thank you" is from "Because I Care", a hostess set. The bow is made from Rose Red Seam Binding using the "fork method" of tying a bow. Also used was the Decorative Label (120907) punch that of course matches the "Four Frames" stamp set.
Thank you for looking in. I hope you had a great weekend!
~Donna
Back Yard is Blossoming
Spring is Blossoming in my back yard as well as at Stampin' Up! I've had my rose garden 2 years this May and my goodness, it looks like it's going to be a beautiful garden this year.
Here is the first blossom of the year. Isn't it beautiful? My Mom loved roses and especially the beautiful red ones, so when I picked this one out - I picked it out for her. It's only fitting it was the first to blossom. The name is "Black Cherry" and it is a rose tree. The 2nd picture shows how much it opened in just one day.
The pretty pink one before is called "Outta the Blue" - not sure why as it has no blue in it... lol. It was the first rose bush purchased by my youngest son Robert when he decided we would bring Grandma's rose garden back to life.
This is what the garden looks like this year. There are three missing from the original 10 that we had in there. I may replace one of them, but otherwise, I think it will be too crowded to walk around much since they've grown so full.
This shows how small the plants were when we first started out in 2009. I'm loving the results more this year than ever. I'll be sure to post when they are all blossomed and fragrant.
Here is the first blossom of the year. Isn't it beautiful? My Mom loved roses and especially the beautiful red ones, so when I picked this one out - I picked it out for her. It's only fitting it was the first to blossom. The name is "Black Cherry" and it is a rose tree. The 2nd picture shows how much it opened in just one day.
The pretty pink one before is called "Outta the Blue" - not sure why as it has no blue in it... lol. It was the first rose bush purchased by my youngest son Robert when he decided we would bring Grandma's rose garden back to life.
This shows how small the plants were when we first started out in 2009. I'm loving the results more this year than ever. I'll be sure to post when they are all blossomed and fragrant.
Thank you for peeking in. Now, off to make some cards and keep the washing machine and dryer going with another project I'm working on... the linen closet! Yikes!
Happy Sunday!
~Donna
Friday, April 1, 2011
Spring Is Blossoming
Spring is Blossoming with Sneak Peek products from the upcoming 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog. You can get these brand-new products in one of two ways:
•Spend $20* on any Stampin' Up! products and become eligible to purchase both the Four Frames Set and Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper.
•Host a $350* workshop and get the Four Frames Set and Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper for FREE!
*Net sales before tax and shipping
Be sure to check out the beautiful papers and colors for spring! I will have these available for you to see at our next workshop and be sure to scroll down to previous posts on the blog for Sneak Peeks of cards I made using these stamps and papers.
Have a Great Friday!
Grab Bag of Stampin' Up! Products!
April 1, 2011
Beginning today, April 1, and continuing while supplies last, you will be able to purchase special "grab bags" in the Online Store. These grab bags will come in three sizes: the $5, the $10, and the $15 grab bag. Each bag will contain a variety of discontinued products that could include a combination of any of the following: ribbons, Accents & Elements, chipboard, Designer Series Papers, and Simply Sent kit components. Grab bags will not contain stamp sets or tools. Click below to go to my website:
•There is no minimum purchase required to participate in the grab bag special offer.
•There is no limit to the number of grab bags a customer may purchase; however, grab bag items are only available while supplies last.
•All grab bag sales are final. There are no refunds or exchanges.
•Not all grab bags will be unique.
Happy Friday!!!
Beginning today, April 1, and continuing while supplies last, you will be able to purchase special "grab bags" in the Online Store. These grab bags will come in three sizes: the $5, the $10, and the $15 grab bag. Each bag will contain a variety of discontinued products that could include a combination of any of the following: ribbons, Accents & Elements, chipboard, Designer Series Papers, and Simply Sent kit components. Grab bags will not contain stamp sets or tools. Click below to go to my website:
•There is no minimum purchase required to participate in the grab bag special offer.
•There is no limit to the number of grab bags a customer may purchase; however, grab bag items are only available while supplies last.
•All grab bag sales are final. There are no refunds or exchanges.
•Not all grab bags will be unique.
Happy Friday!!!