Stampin' Pastels are now available to order...

Stampin' Up! now has the updated Stampin' Pastels for sale (item 120962) and the Stampin' Pastels New Color Kit (item 120963).

You may order these through my online store here.

Long Fellows on Play Date paper...

This was our last card of the stamp-a-stack a few days ago. It uses the Level 2 hostess set Long Fellows, along with Play Date dsp.

We started with a 3" x 6" So Saffron card base, with a 1-1/2" x 6" strip of Play Date paper (this pattern is my fave!). We punched a strip of Real Red card stock with the Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border and adhered half of the strip behind the dsp.

Everyone had their choice of animal and saying. I stamped these in Basic Brown, used markers to color them in, and then rounded the corners the animals faces.

I added a Tempting Turquoise layer and rounded the same corners and adhered those layers to the card front with dimensionals.

The Real Red embellishment is a clear Bitty Button stuck onto the same shape punched card stock with linen thread knotted through it. You get three shapes to choose from in the Itty Bitty Punch Pack.

Morning Cup and Lap of Luxury card...

Yet another stamp-a-stack card, this Very Vanilla card has some Lap of Luxury dsp on it, with a Eyelet border punched strip of Pretty in Pink.

There's the knot of Pretty in Pink satin ribbon on the left too.

The stacked cups, from the Morning Cup stamp set, were stamped in Basic Gray and colored with Concord Crush and Pretty in Pink markers. My daughter asked me to add the heart to the second cup because she thought it would look cute. I agree.

It also has Dazzling Diamonds glitter all over the cups, adhered with a 2-way glue pen.

Just Believe in Concord Crush (revised)...

Doesn't this card look much better with the flowers stamped and then punched?

In the original card below, I just used the Boho Blossoms Punch on Concord Crush card stock.

For this revised card, I stamped the flowers from the Level 1 hostess set Punch Potpourri in Concord Crush and then punched them out. There's lots more details, and I think it's so much better looking.

Fun trivia from SU! Convention 2010...

The Top Sellers for Stampin' Up! are:

1. Beautiful Wings embosslit (47,000 sold)
2. Elegant Bouquet embossing folder (37,000 sold)
3. Top Note die (30,000 sold)

Because of Stampin' Up!'s relationship with Sizzix (the maker of the Big Shot and the dies/embosslits/sizzlits/embossing folders/etc.), Sizzix has had to increase its staff by 20 percent.

Top Ribbon Sales - 1/2" Pear Pizzazz poly stitch ribbon

Top Ink Pad Color - Pear Pizzazz (In Color for 2010-2012)

Top Card Stock Color - Cherry Cobbler

Most Searched Item in Online Ordering - Punches

Just Believe in Concord Crush...

Here's my first take on a card that features the Just Believe stamp set, as well as In Colors Concord Crush and Pear Pizzazz.

You'll find my revised version later today. That's the one we made at my stamp-a-stack last night.

This card is Whisper White, with a 5-1/4" x 4" layer of Concord Crush on top. The Concord Crush poly stitch ribbon is knotted around the top two layers.

The large foliage stamp was stamped in Pear Pizzazz, then I used the Boho Blossoms Punch to add those flowers to the plant, adding different sized rhinestones in each center.

Friends Never Fade meets Vintage Wallpaper...

This is one of the five cards we're making tonight at my All-Occasion Stamp-a-Stack.

I started with a Crumb Cake card base, run through the Big Shot in the Vintage Wallpaper folder.

I used Always Artichoke and Bashful Blue markers to ink up the floral image from Friends Never Fade - same with the sentiment, which is from Sincere Salutations - on a 2" x 4-3/4" Whisper White piece.

I used the Scallop Trim Border Punch on a 3/4" x 4-3/4" piece of Bashful Blue card stock, and a scrap piece for the Photo Corner Punch pieces, which are adhered with Stampin' Dimensionals.

Using Stampin' Up! products in your home decor...

Look how beautifully stencils can complement your antique furnishings.

It doesn't take much stenciling to achieve a "look." Below, notice the satin ribbon and antique brads on the lampshade.

Decor elements displayed at convention...

Every year at Stampin' Up!'s convention, there are display rooms and walls showing how to use our decor elements and stencils and more for home decor.

This picture shows three Decor Elements Simple Signs (item 118246, 12" x 12", $15.95 each) with two other decor elements on top of them. The signs are chalkboard.

Though smooth walls are recommended, I placed a chalkboard decor element on the side of my studio fridge (similar to an orange peel finish) and it looks and "works" just fine.

There's a Chore Chart Large Decor Element, only available in white, that is at the top of each sign. This costs $7.95 and measures 11" x 4-1/8" (item 121675).

At the bottom of each sign is a Remember/To Do... Large Decor Element ($7.95, item 121677), also only available in white.

Decor Elements Botanical Flower (set of 3) in Crumb Cake and White colors also grace this wall. You can view the sizes and colors on page 224 of the Idea Book & Catalog.

As with everything you see on this blog, if you'd like to place an order, please click here.

Just Believe thank-you card...

Just Believe is a new and gorgeous stamp set in the 2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalog.


One of my downline, Cheryl, won our American Ink 3d contest a couple of months ago and could select whatever she wanted from the catalog. I sent off her prize last week. In return, she sent me this beautiful card, made of Pear Pizzazz and Poppy Parade card stocks, 1/2" poly stitch Poppy Parade ribbon, and "bling" - Irridescent Ice embossing powder.

Being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator means you get to play!

After the morning's general session, Kim and I would grab our boxed lunches and head to our hotel, the Hilton. We'd eat some of our lunch and then get into swimsuits for a dip in this wonderfully warm pool before stepping out into the sun to lay out on some lounges. It was a nice break. We had the pool to ourselves every day but Saturday!

More goodies from convention...

I love how these hostess stamps from Cute by the Inch look like candies.

Last day of Stampin' Up! Convention 2010...

We've had an incredible time at convention. At the last general session today, Shelli gave us this amazing packet filled with upcoming Holiday Mini items: Deck the Halls dsp, the Level 2 hostess set Peaceful Season, a Cherry Cobbler ink pad, and Champagne Glass Glitter (Kim's holding the packet).

We've enjoyed chatting with old friends (our friend Jennifer Cotton of Texas earned #8 Demo of the Year!) and making new ones. The classes, Memento Mall, make & takes, and displays were all terrific. If you sign up as a demonstrator for no other reason that you want to attend convention, I wouldn't blame you! As it is, we had four of our downline here. That was awesome in itself.

We saw so many samples and ways to use items from the catalog and upcoming Holiday Mini Catalog that I can't wait to share them with you (but I will!). ha ha ha All I can say is that you're in for a treat!

A yummy paper cake...

A paper cake at convention 2010 with Newsprint dsp, paper flowers and more!

Stamping IS yummy...

Sweet stampin'

The Candy Shoppe at SU! Convention 2010

FREE Product for Promising to Recruit!

We got to spin the wheel at convention for these excellent prizes because Terry and I promised to recruit at least 1 person by August 31st.  If you'd like to be that person please contact us and we'll give you FREE product!

Terry got the Flower Brights Collection brads and I got the Play Date DSP! WooHoo!!!

We're learning so much and having so much fun. If you'd like to join us next year, sign up now and start saving for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The Nicest Things card

The Nicest Things is an adorable new stamp set you may color to your heart's content.

I made this card for a friend. It uses ink pads, markers and watercolor crayons on the girls.


Behind them is a strip of Greenhouse Gala dsp layered on Daffodil Delight. I used the Ticket Corner punch so I could add four rhinestones (boy, do they shine!).


Hope you have one of the nicest days ever!

Memento Mall goodies...

There were so many luscious items to select from in the Memento Mall at the Salt Palace Convention Center... so we had to have it all!

There was a Sneak Peek for us on the demo website of the Greenhouse Gala tote that holds 12" paper and trimmer. But did you know there's a matching laptop bag? It's NICE.

The cylindrical thing on the right is a collapsable scrap bag to set on tables while stamping (very cool!). And there were two designs of the reusable shopping bags with cute owl tags. This floral one and another with Play Date numbers.

See the Love What You Do single wood stamp? And the pens? How about the Stampin' Up! ruler? And all those things are sitting on a Share What You Love apron!

Oh, there are also keychains (a Greenhouse Gala flower), and a Christmas ornament.

Reusable shopping bag (left) and the bag we received at Check-In

The fun orange and pink bag was what we received at check-in, with a new catalog, Holiday Mini, and wristband (for doorprizes). This photo shows the inside (with a matching pink pen). It snaps closed and has an adjustable shoulder strap.

Kim relaxing in our room; Play Date reusable bag

It's hot here - like 92 degrees. So Kim put her hair up and cranked the air conditioning in our room.

Here's a photo of the Play Date shopping bag. There was a limit of 4 of each style of bag at $2.95 each.

A closer look at the pens, ruler, and single stamp...

Memento Mall items!

Newsprint bag tags...

Today is check-in day at Stampin' Up!'s annual convention, held in Salt Lake City.


Kim and I are going, along with four of our downline. We always get a nice bag or backpack, so I decided to make unique bag tags for all of us.


These tags are Soft Suede and Basic Black, with Newsprint dsp that's been torn and sponged. I used the Big Shot to die cut the letters, then did a cheap lamination job ala packing tape. I added a jumbo eyelet with two of the 1/8" taffeta ribbons (Vanilla and Early Espresso). Then added Antique Brads.


Kim is "special," so she got 5 safety pins from the Trinket pack with ribbons knotted around them.


I can't wait to share many more photos and ideas with you when we return!

Long Fellows greeting...

If you like looong animals, you've love the new Level 2 hostess set called Long Fellows.


My friend and downline Jules created this card while camping with her family. It's a Tangerine Tango card with some Sweet Pea paper (from the last mini), and a 5/8" strip of Chocolate Chip grosgrain.


Thanks, Jules! I love receiving cards in the mail.

Elegant Lines and Butterfly Prints...

This Very Vanilla card was run through the Big Shot in the Elegant Lines embossing folder, before adding a piece of Elegant Soiree paper with Marina Mist punched strips from the Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border.


I stamped antennae in Sahara Sand on the designer paper , then added a butterfly from Butterfly Prints which was stamped in Marina Mist and punched out. I added three pearls to the body for some bling.


The sentiment is from the Summer Mini stamp set, Favorite Thoughts.

Just Believe vintage card...

I love the softness of the Chantilly lace and the vintage look that and the antique brad give this card.


I CASE'd this card from the catalog. This card is Crumb Cake with a layer of Always Artichoke. The large floral image from Just Believe was stamped in Crumb Cake, while the sentiment was inked with markers and then punched using the 1-3/4" Circle Punch. It's adhered with dimensionals over the lace.

Polka-dotted owl punch card with Afterthoughts...

These Whisper White cards use new In Color ribbon (Peach Parfait and Poppy Parade), card stock and patterned paper.


I ran a 3-1/2" x 4-1/4" piece of Whisper White through the Polka Dot embossing folder in the Big Shot, then layered it on strips of In Color card stock that's been punched using the Scallop Border Punch.


The Old Olive branch is from the Two-Step Bird Extra Large Punch, while the owl is from the new Two-Step Owl Extra Large Punch.


The greetings are from the new Level 1 hostess set Afterthoughts. They were stamped, then punched out with the Wide Oval, then pierced for the safety pin (new Trinkets embellishments) and a knot of 1/8" Early Espresso taffeta.

Sherry's swap using My Digital Studio...

My Digital Studio is a wonderful way to design a card.


You can see there are punches, terrific papers and stamp sets available.


Sherry created this swap for our last American Ink gathering. In a photo, it's hard to tell this isn't real layers of card stock.

Butterfly punch art with Greenhouse Gala paper...

This Marina Mist swap is so bright and cheery - and it has the "wings" (2 punched hearts) and a big layer of my favorite designer paper, Greenhouse Gala.


Other butterfly parts are punched ovals, and the antennae were hand cut.


The Tangerine Tango layer was punched with the Scallop Trim Border Punch.


The "Hello" came from Pendant Park. It was punched with the small oval, layered on the large oval, and then an oval scallop. All those layers were attached with dimensionals over a strip of Pear Pizzazz 1/2" double-stitched poly-ribbon.

Pearl's Trendy Trees make & take...

I love the clean lines of Pearl's make & take.


It starts with a Whisper White card that's been punched on the right with the Scallop Border Punch. A strip of Old Olive was then adhered to the inside of the card.


The Tangerine Tango layer was run through the Elegant Bouquet embossing folder for the Big Shot, then stamped with the sentiment using a marker and Stamp-a-ma-jig. We added three chocolate chip jumbo brads.


We used the Stamp-a-ma-jig again to line up the trees, then layered them on Not Quite Navy and adhered that to the Tangerine Tango layer. The finishing touch was a short piece of Old Olive grosgrain tied with linen thread and stuck on with a mini glue dot.

Cheryl's For You Flower with all the trimmings...

Cheryl puts a lot of time and effort into her swaps. There are so many details, they are works of art!

This card uses two new stamps - the single For You Flower, as well as Perfect Punches.

She punched out the stamp with the Fancy Flower Extra Large punch, as well as two additional flowers, with glittered spots.

The card body was run through the Big Shot, as was the Whisper White layer (Polka Dots), which was also punched with the Eyelet Border Punch.

The bottom of the card was run through the paper crimper, along with other card stock pieces that was cut into strips, and the little buttons came from the Buttons #5 Sizzlit.

This card is bright and refreshing!

Crazy for Cupcakes Banana split card

This make and take at our American Ink demo meeting last weekend was CASE'd from an older issue of Stampin' Success, our SU! demo magazine.


We started with a Pear Pizzazz card, with a layer of Baja Breeze on top.


The white layer was first stamped with sayings from Crazy for Cupcakes then punched with a Crop-a-dile so the Baja Breeze shows through.


The ice cream bowl is a 1-3/4" circle out of Greenhouse Gala paper that's been cut at 1 inch. The banana is part of an oval punch, and the ice cream scoops are 3/4" circles with the same size circles punched from a strip of Chocolate Chip card stock that'd been punched first with the Scallop Trim Border Punch.

At the bottom of the card, we used the Scallop Trim Border Punch on a strip of Daffodil Delight before knotting some Poppy Parade 1/2" stitched poly-ribbon around it and attaching it.

Pearl's Friends Never Fade glittery swap...

Pearl created her swap using the Square Lattice Embossing Folder, All Holidays (for the sentiment), and taffeta ribbon.


She also used a strip of Greenhouse Gala designer paper, and cut out a flower from Friends Never Fade that was stamped in Daffodil Delight. The flower was adhered with dimensionals, then glitter was added in the center.

Sherry's Artistic Etchings make & take...

Sherry provided this sophisticated make & take with the En Francais background stamp and Artistic Etchings.


The card is Crumb Cake card stock, with a layer of Early Espresso. The light layers are actually Whisper White that's been stamped, distressed and sponged to achieve this glorious look.

Kim's So Saffron Cute by The Inch card...

Have you seen the new Level 2 hostess set called Cute by the Inch?


All of those adorable images punch out with circles, squares, and even fit inside of the new Petal Card Punch (shown here behind the Peach Parfait circle behind the "friends" image).


Kim made this card for our American Ink swap Saturday. She used some Greenhouse Gala designer paper, as well as Pear Pizzazz 1/2-inch stitched poly-ribbon.

Owl punch with Wicked Fun paper...

This Whisper White card features the new Two-Step Owl Extra Large Punch and Wicked Fun specialty paper.


I had to add the googly eyes to my owl, who is sitting on a Chocolate Chip branch from the Two-Step Bird Extra Large Punch.


In addition to die-cutting the Top Note from the Wicked Fun paper, I also cut half Top Notes out of Pear Pizzazz (coordinating ribbon knotted at the top).


There's a new Antique Brad on the bottom, as well as one of the phrases from Word Play.

Aviary catalog CASE...

I used this textured Pretty in Pink 3" x 6" card for my New Catalog Open House, as well as a make & take at my American Ink demo meeting yesterday.


I stamped the bird stand and cage from Aviary in Marina Mist, then inked up the owl from that stamp set with Peach Parfait and Chocolate Chip markers.


The "just for you" is from Teeny, Tiny Wishes.


Did you notice the new Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch on the Marina Mist strip to the right? I used it as a punch template for the white layer.


The heart was punched from Real Red card stock and adhered with half a dimensional.

Upsy Daisy glittering birthday card...

I haven't used Upsy Daisy for awhile, so when I saw this card on a blog, I decided  to do it for a recent workshop, as well as make it my swap for our American Ink demo gathering today.


This is a Daffodil Delight card with a 4" x 5-1/4" piece of Whisper White card stock. The daisies were stamped in Daffodil Delight, sponged over with the same color, then glitter was added with a 2-way glue pen.


The sponged Daffodil Delight strip near the bottom was punched with the Scallop Trim Border, then stamped with a saying from Upsy Daisy in Early Espresso ink. A knot of 1/8" Early Espresso taffeta finishes the card.

Artistic Etchings stamp-a-stack card...

Here are two more cards from my recent Birthday Card Stamp-a-Stack.


This one features the Artistic Etchings stamp set and Newsprint designer series paper with a knot of black satin ribbon.


We tore the left edge off a 4" x 4" piece of music, then sponged all the way around it with Basic Black ink. Then we used all of the stamps in the set for a collage look, capping it off with the Teeny, Tiny Wishes "happy birthday" at the bottom.


To add bling, we dabbed on some 2-way glue and added Dazzling Diamonds.


Have a wonderful weekend!