Hot temps, card clubs from a distance, and just the single markers you need

 

Summer means temps of 95 (today!), garage sales, hitting the beach with family, and hanging out with friends, when I'm not in front of the air conditioner. You can see some of the treasures I found while going out and about with a friend recently - an old scale, typewriter in a zippered case, big red hat/wig box and vintage radio (it works!), as well as a kitchen island I got for $3.

 

Beating the heat

 

I'm truly enjoying 2013, and hope you are too. It's hard to believe we're already halfway through the year. And today also marks the end of the Stampin' Up! year. I haven't yet set my goals for the 2013-2014 SU! year, but like to take stock of where I'm at. And I'm happy! I'm also grateful for all of my recruits near and far, including the most recent additions to my American Ink group from Illinois, Bonney Lake (WA), and Florida. I've got some really great mojo in my group and enjoy the creativity shared by my downline. Life is good. Very good.

 

With SU!'s addition of a Hostess Code, anybody anywhere in the U.S. may be a member of my card clubs. I've got members in Montana and Texas. Would you like to join? In addition to receiving free catalogs, you commit to ordering $30 each month and receive the cards (showing new products, tips and techniques), your order and hostess benefits. I'm starting a new round of my clubs in August. Let me know if you're interested and I'll be sure to get you started with a Hostess Code. It's easy! And your order is shipped directly to you!

 

Have you noticed there's not alot of holiday items in the new catalog? Well, if you're impatient and want to get started NOW on Christmas cards, there are many carryover items from the last Holiday Catalog. Just click on the link below:

 

http://su-media.s3.amazonaws.com/media/catalogs/NA/20130201_Holiday_en-US/20130201_Holiday-Carryover_US.pdf

 

New digital downloads are available every week. Here's the latest summer and travel offerings: http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ItemList.aspx?categoryID=1568

 

You may order any of these items - including the single markers below - anytime via my Online Store at http://TheRubberRoom.stampinup.net.

 

New Color Markers

 

In the 2013-2014 annual catalog, we offer the Stampin' Write Marker New Color Kit (item 130034, page 163) to help you update your Many Marvelous Marker pack. Now, we've sweetened the deal. For a limited time, from June 26 until October 31, you can buy any of the new colors in the pack or on their own! Go ahead, fill in the missing pieces in your collection or buy the whole lot.

ITEM	PRICE	DESCRIPTION
130034	$28.95	Stampin' Write Marker New Color Kit Bermuda Bay, Blushing Bride, Calypso Coral, Crushed Curry, Island Indigo, Pear Pizzazz, Pool Party, Smoky Slate, Soft Sky, Wisteria Wonder
131899	$3.50	Bermuda Bay Stampin' Write Marker
131265	$3.50	Blushing Bride Stampin' Write Marker
131902	$3.50	Calypso Coral Stampin' Write Marker
131901	$3.50	Crushed Curry Stampin' Write Marker
131905	$3.50	Island Indigo Stampin' Write Marker
131266	$3.50	Pear Pizzazz Stampin' Write Marker
131904	$3.50	Pool Party Stampin' Write Marker
131898	$3.50	Smoky Slate Stampin' Write Marker
131900	$3.50	Soft Sky Stampin' Write Marker
131903	$3.50	Wisteria Wonder Stampin' Write Marker

Penguin thank-you note

 

I recently spent a day out and about making Stampin' Up! deliveries, so I needed to come up with some quick thank-you cards to put in each order. This is a 3" x 3" Whisper White card with a strip of Gingham Garden dsp, a bow out of 1/8" Basic Black taffeta, and a sentiment from Perfect Pairs. The penguin is from the Zoo Review stamp set. I punched him out with the 1-3/4" Circle punch.

 

All of these products are available 24/7 through my Online Store at http://TheRubberRoom.stampinup.net. There are new items on the Clearance Rack, as well, that you may add to your order.

 

 

I love this cool retro Miss America clock I bought at a garage sale for cheap. I'm re-decorating my dining room to display some of my fun vintage finds. I'll post photos after I get everything in place. My kids are going to help me move some of the bigger items today.

 

 

 

A rainbow of butterflies

 

I'd like to start this post by saying "Bonjour" to my friends in France and "Dzień dobry" to my friends in Poland. I'm thrilled to have so many people from around the world visiting my blog - especially those people who don't speak English as their native tongue. Welcome!

 

 

I've been rearranging items on my stamp table and came across this beautiful card from my friend and club member, Dani. This card is too cute to not share! Dani diecut a butterfly out of cork, layered an embossed butterfly on top and added a cute tag and bow out of baker's twine. I love the crimping on the paper strip under the colorful little butterflies held together with mini silver brads. Dani is one of those people I've known for years and I'm proud to call her a friend. She's very considerate and thoughtful. Thanks for the terrific card, Dani!

Floral Frames Collection framelits card with fold at top

 

How sweet is this vintage button with a baker's twine bow?

 

 

One of my club members asked about using framelits to create differently-shaped cards. I went with the Floral Frames Collection.

 

 



Here's a look at the side of the card. What's cool is that when you add a framelit-cut flower out of Quattrefancy dsp it doesn't look like a fold on top at all. I layered Pool Party and Melon Mambo flowers along with a different patterns of the Quattrefancy paper and finished it off with a vintage button with white baker's twine. The sentiment is from the Blooming with Kindness stamp set, stamped in Smoky Slate. This card fits in a regular medium-sized envelope.

To order any of the products used above, please visit my Online Store at http://TheRubberRoom.stampinup.net. Thanks!

Kind & Cozy card with washi tape envelope

 

Members of one of my clubs got to make this Kind & Cozy card. It's a sweet stamp set I received free as a pillow gift for earning Stampin' Up!'s grand vacation to Fiji . I used Pear Pizzazz, Island Indigo and Melon Mambo markers to ink up this sentiment.

 

 

I used a sketch from a sketch challenge I found online, along with Gingham Garden dsp and a little knot of 1/8-inch Whisper White taffeta ribbon. I love that gingham circle (a stamp). It fits perfectly inside our 2-1/2" Circle punch.

 

 

There were many more pillow gifts I received, including this Gingham Garden Designer Washi Tape (all three designs shown), which coordinates perfectly with the designer paper and looks wonderful on an envelope!

 

All of these terrific products are available to purchase via my Online Store at http://TheRubberRoom.stampinup.net. Have a wonderful day!

Creating a coffee cup card with Label Love

 

Wow! I can't believe it's been more than a week since I last posted. Time is flyin' at my house. I'm keeping busy doing all kinds of things, including making some custom cards for a neighbor. This coffee card is for her adult son, who loves coffee. I eyeballed a 4-1/2" x 11" piece of Whisper White card stock in my paper trimmer to make the side angles.

 

 

Once I had the angles, I added a piece of Crumb Cake card stock that I ran through the Woodgrain embossing folder in the Big Shot and sponged around it with Early Espresso ink for the wussy ring (I need that so my sensitive hand doesn't get burned). The sentiment is from Label Love, punched with the Artisan Label Punch, and inked in Garden Green. I cut a couple of strips of Whisper White to mimic the top of a to-go coffee cup, and added some linen thread with some Tiny Tags images stamped in Real Red and Early Espresso, punched with the Medium Jewelry Punch, and sponged.

To order any of the items used, please visit my Online Store at http://TheRubberRoom.stampinup.net. Thanks!

Mosaic Madness with Strawberry Slush

I love the look of Smoky Slate and Strawberry Slush together. This was another quick card at a 10-card class last week. I embossed the 5" x 3-3/4" Whisper White layer with the Modern Mosaic folder before adding punched and inked images from the Mosaic Madness stamp set with dimensionals. I added rhinestones for a little sparkle, and a banner with a sentiment from Sweet Essentials.

Zipper and lace birthday card

 

Friday was a fun day, sharing a mutual birthday celebration with my friend, Kim. We exchanged gifts, had lunch, and enjoyed a few hours of shopping around at vintage and garage sales, finding new treasures. Fun! I want to show you the cool square card Kim made.

The embossed tag is hanging from a working zipper (she sewed alot on this card!) that opens to reveal a little surprise stamped image, I love the punched flower out of sewing pattern paper, and the lace is gorgeous. She even decorated the inside with more heat embossing and beautiful designer paper. Kim has such a knack for creating beautiful things. Her home is filled with them. Thanks so much, my friend!

Latest digital downloads are fun, fresh and varied

Hash It Out Greeting Card Templates - Digital Download             134696

 

Preferred Price: $9.95

Download includes:
* 10 greeting card designer templates (5-1/2" x 4-1/4")
* 21-piece SVG stamp brush set
* 10 embellishments

Features:
* Digital exclusive
* Hilarious greeting cards packed perfectly to give as a gift set or to send individually

Colors:
Always Artichoke, Bermuda Bay, Cajun Craze, Crumb Cake, Marina Mist, Melon Mambo, Pumpkin Pie, Tempting Turquoise, Wild Wasabi, Wisteria Wonder

 

 

Label It Stamp Brush Set - Digital Download                   134736

 

Preferred Price: $9.95

Download includes:
* 70-piece SVG stamp brush set

Features:
* Coordinates with the Eastern Elegance traditional Designer Series Paper
* Coordinates with the labels featured in a Stampin’ Success magazine article
* Great little labels to organize all the small stuff in your craft room

 

Summer Possibilities Kit - Digital Download              134705

 

Preferred Price: $7.95

Download includes:
* 11-piece SVG stamp brush set
*12 Designer Series Papers
* 22 embellishments
* 4 punches

Features:
* Digital exclusive
* Perfect for summer picnics and parties

Colors:
Going Gray, Night of Navy, Real Red

 

Venetian Romance Designer Series Paper - Digital Download                   134735

 

Preferred Price: $4.95

Download includes:
* 12 Designer Series Papers

Features:
* Digital version of the traditional Designer Series Paper
* European-inspired color scheme
* Coordinates with the Venetian Romance traditional product suite

Colors:
Crisp Cantaloupe, Island Indigo, Pistachip Pudding, Soft Suede, Tangerine Tango, Very Vanilla

 

To order these digital downloads, or anything else in the catalog or online, please visit my Online Store at http://TheRubberRoom.stampinup.net. *You get the preferred price simply by choosing a demonstrator! Thanks.

 

Yippee! It's the last goody of the school year

 

Yippee! School is almost over and summer is almost here. Yippee! That's what students and staff alike are thinking, I'm sure. I chose to use the dog and coordinating sentiment from Storybook Friends for the last staff appreciation goody of the school year, which I delivered this morning.

 

I used what watercolor paper I had, as well as Very Vanilla card stock, and diecut pieces with a Window Collection framelit. The image was stamped in Jet Black StazOn, and my niece was kind of enough to power through hand cramps while watercoloring all 85 of these. I punched a hole and used some retired ribbons (taffeta, dotted scallop and seam binding) to add more color, then used mini glue dots to hold a milk chocolate Hershey's nugget. Yum!

 

The best part of being on the PTA Staff Appreciation Committee was making a new friend of my counterpart, Jennifer. We're meeting up tomorrow for a Coke and a smile. Hope you have a great week!

 

Wildflower Meadow for Wonderful You!



I'm enjoying the new In Colors. This Wildflower Meadow card uses Baked Brown Sugar card stock and ink, and Coastal Cabana card stock and ink, with a bow of white organdy ribbon. I used an Itty Bitty punch for the tiny flowers in the bigger, stamped ones, and added pearls. The sentiment is from Loving Thoughts. This was the second quick-card design from yesterday's 10-card class. I CASE'd the card from fellow SU! demo Chat here.

 

As a reminder, my All-You-Can-Stamp Event is this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The doors will open at 10:30 a.m. Bring your own adhesive! No need to let me know you're coming - just show up at my studio and bring a friend, 6287 NE Silver Springs Ln, Poulsbo (off of Miller Bay Road). Orders will earn FREE retired items for every $10 ordered.

Label Love and Artisan Label punch for quick and easy card

 

This is one of the quick and easy designs I made for a 10-card class this morning. I used the de-bossed side of the Island Indigo layer for variety, added a strip of Gingham Garden dsp and a sentiment from Label Love, punched with the new Artisan Label punch (love that one!). I added a little color by punched a bitty butterfly from a different pattern in the Gingham Garden pack.

 

 

How pretty are these two peacocks? I went to the studio a couple of days ago and these two were directly in front of the door. They didn't move as I drove up, looking quite comfy where they were. It wasn't until you got within 5 feet that they got up and slowly walked off. What a treat!

Pleasant Poppies birthday card

 

I want to share this beautiful birthday card made by my mother-in-law, Ginette, who's also a Stampin' Up! demonstrator. She used a Label framelit, Pleasant Poppies stamp, Fancy Fan embossing folder, itty bitty punch and pearls.

 

I was at Costco yesterday to pick up a fruit tray for my son's 8th grade celebration and saw the raspberries nearby. I picked up a couple containers - just enough to make a batch of jam. Yum! It's our favorite. All of the raspberry and blackberry jam I made last summer is gone.

One-of-a-kind birthday card

 

I've been enjoying my best birthday ever! And to share it with National Doughnut Day? Amazing! lol

 

I had to share a card made out of pine that my carpenter hubby made me. He drilled the holes and threaded 12-gauge wire through the two pieces to hold the "card" together. Then he added his own artwork, a special greeting,  and a few scratch tickets (one was a winner!). Heck, I even got a box of doughnuts. He loves me. :-)

 

 

The Dude Kit has nothing on this man-made card! Look how thick this is - 1-1/2". I love every bit of it.

 

And the day just got better and better! I spent the morning going to garage sales with my bestie, Kim. We have so much fun. She's the kind of friend you really don't need to say or do much to have a fantastic time. She treated me to lunch, too. I received so many warm wishes from friends and family throughout the day. I've been smiling all day long. Then I was treated to dinner at Azteca - my favorite Mexican restaurant because the staff (Jessica, Esther, Fernando and Maria) is the greatest! They treated me to a cucaracha for my birthday - a drink with tequila, kahlua and coke - a green balloon, a festive song and hugs. What can I say? Life is very good.

 

 

And for the cherry on top, my son donned a jacket and tie for his 8th grade celebratory party tonight, so we took some photos. Here he is goofing off with his sister. He's hanging out with a group of his friends. I hope he has a wonderful time. And I wish you a wonderful weekend.

Purple motorcycle and baby wipe background

 

My friend and downline Puddin' made this beautiful card for my birthday. She used a soda can for the butterfly, and Stampin' Up! inks and baby wipes for the plaid background. Puddin's grandson, Tavin, picked out the purple motorcycle. Cute! Thanks so much for the wonderful card!!!

Create a pretty little flower with scallop punch

 



It's amazing how different card stock can look when you moisten it and squish it. This Cherry Cobbler flower is made using five 7/8-inch scallop circles.

 

 

One of my club members saw a card very similar to this in the new catalog (page 178) and asked to make it, adding that she wanted to learn how to make the flower. I started with Baked Brown Sugar ink and card stock (new In Color) and the big French background stamp, En Francais. Using the Stampin' Trimmer, I made the rectangle in the card front, and added a 4" x 5-1/4" piece of Whisper White card stock inside the card.

 

The flower stem is a piece of Old Olive card stock. The "leaves" are made using a knot of 1/8" Old Olive taffeta ribbon, and the flower head is made by wetting and stacking five 7/8" scallop circle together. I used a mini silver brad to hold the layers together, then started by squishing the top scallop circle together as tightly as possible, then each layer up around the one before it. After doing this to all of the layers, you fluff the flower to look like you want it. Here's a free tutorial I made with a different punch (same concept): http://goinovertheedge.blogspot.com/2011/07/paper-rose-tutorial.html. The thank-you stamp is from the Perfectly Penned stamp set.

 

New digital framables and inspired images available

Go Everywhere Framables - Digital Download

134695

Go Everywhere Framables - Digital Download

     134695

Preferred Price: $4.95

(To get the preferred price, simply select Terry Blais - me - as your demonstrator)

This download was added on 6/4/2013 Download includes: * 4-page décor designer template (8-1/2" x 11") * 6-piece SVG stamp brush set * 4 embellishments Features: * Digital exclusive * Update your décor with these fun framables * Use as-is or customize to match your colors or use them as overlays for your photos Colors: Calypso Coral, Crumb Cake, Gumball Green, Island Indigo, Midnight Muse, Pistachio Pudding, Pool Party, Pumpkin Pie, Real Red, So Saffron, Soft Suede, Summer Starfruit, Tangerine Tango, Tempting Turquoise, Very Vanilla   Inspired Elements Stamp Brush Set - Digital Download 134697   Preferred Price: $9.95 LEARN ABOUT PREFERRED PRICING This download was added on 6/4/2013 Download includes: * 68-piece SVG stamp brush set   Inspired Words Stamp Brush Set - Digital Download     134698 Inspired Words Stamp Brush Set - Digital Download     134698 Preferred Price: $5.95 LEARN ABOUT PREFERRED PRICING This download was added on 6/4/2013 Download includes: * 11-piece SVG stamp brush set   Muted Notes Kit - Digital Download 133495 Muted Notes Kit - Digital Download 133495   Preferred Price: $6.95 LEARN ABOUT PREFERRED PRICING This download was added on 6/4/2013 Download includes: • 12 Designer Series Papers • 12-piece overlay Stamp Brush Features: * Digital exclusive * Achieve a completely different look on your projects with the recolored Neon Notes Designer Series Paper * 12 color papers, 12 black and white overlay stamps Colors: Cajun Craze, Crumb Cake, Sage Shadow, Soft Suede, Summer Starfruit 25% Select Digital Downloads & Print Products thru June 15! Digital downloads on sale Print products on sale To order any digital download or print product, please use my Online Store at http://TheRubberRoom.stampinup.net. You may also add any other promotion or new catalog item! If you need help or more information, please contact me at ericandterry@comcast.net. Thanks! Terry 

June stamp set is all greetings for 25 Year Best of promotion

Best Of Greetings Clear-Mount Stamp Set

133485

Best Of Greetings Clear-Mount Stamp Set

133485

You never have to be at a loss for the right words with the Best of Greetings Stamp Set for $14.95. With this set, you have the perfect saying for almost any occasion!

Every month during 2013, we’re combining some of our all-time-favorite stamps with a new, never-before-seen stamp to create a monthly “Best of” stamp set. Best of Greetings is our June offering, but don’t forget to check out the sets from previous months as well. They’re available all year!

Note: Clear-Mount Blocks B, C, and G needed for this set.
To order this stamp set and any other promotional or catalog item, please visit my Online Store at http://TheRubberRoom.stampinup.net.  Thank you!

Seeing the Possibilities Online Class

 

Do you want to create but not leave your home? This Stampin' Up! online class - Seeing the Possibilities (item 134532) - provides all the basics you need to make the most of our newest photopolymer stamp offerings: Show & Tell 1 and 2 Stamp Sets. Take this class to discover how quickly and easily you can line up the stamped images for precision placement, achieve just the right ink coverage, combine images together exactly where you want them.well you get the idea. The possibilities are endless!  Divided into six PDF documents, this class includes written instructions, step-out photos, instructional videos, and supply lists for 15 projects.
The following topics are covered in the class:

• Backgrounds
• Building
• Layering
• Versatility
• Gift Giving
• Memory Keeping

PC InstructionsThe files will be downloaded as archive files that you can then extract and save on your computer. When you click on the download link, an extraction program will automatically launch. Choose the location where you would like to save the files (be sure to note where you save them). Follow the prompts on the extraction program, then navigate to the location where you saved the files. Click on the file and open.

Mac Instructions
When you click on the download link, the file will be mounted as a drive. Once it is mounted, open the drive and drag and drop the files to the location of your choice on your hard drive. The files can then be opened.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Who is the target audience for this class?
A: Any stamper would love it! The projects range from simple to stepped up. A new stamper could learn a lot from the class, and there are more advanced techniques that even experienced stampers will be excited to learn.

Q: How long will the class be available?
A: This class will only be available while supplies of the Show & Tell 1 & 2 Photopolymer Stamp Sets last.

Q: How do I purchase the class?
A: This class, item 134532, can be purchased on a customer, workshop, demonstrator, or Starter Kit order.

Q: Why pay for an online class when there are so many technique videos available for free online?
A: This online class is much more than a card idea or a technique video. The projects are simple, creative, and cute! The material included is a great resource that gives comprehensive project details in one place. No searching all over the Internet for all of the different topics being covered. This class is being offered as a product (item 134532, bundle item 134533). It is an exceptional value and gives you an opportunity to be creative - and to participate at your own pace.

Q: Are supplies included or purchased separately?
A: Supplies are not included. Supply lists are included on the PDFs with each project. Since this class is a download, there are no shipping costs associated with this purchase. However, if other Stampin' Up! products are added to the order, shipping costs will be incurred.

Q: How do you get the class materials?
A: Once the class is purchased, a customer needs to log into their online account and access the download the same way they would when ordering a digital download for MDS. The difference is that the file will be a PDF and will open in their default PDF reader rather than MDS.

To order your online class, please visit http://TheRubberRoom.stampinup.net, my Online Store, at your leisure. Thanks!

New stamp set for those with Wanderlust

I'm excited to announce that a new photopolymer stamp set is now available. Wanderlust (item 133452) is a great set for travelers - and wannabe travelers too. You will want to make sure to get this for capturing your summer trip memories, or to send a hand-made postcard to a friend or family member. To learn more about Stampin' Up! photopolymer stamps, watch the video below.

 

SU! searched long and hard for just the right material to be able to introduce completely clear stamping. Here it is. Now we carry wood-mount, clear-mount AND photopolymer stamps! The new photopolymer will be an addition to our stamp line and will appeal to all types of stampers. Our top-quality photopolymer has just enough give to create a perfectly stamped image every time and with the introduction of our firm-foam pads, let's just say they're meant for each other! Photopolymer stamps will also be unique, fun designs that will inspire you and provide more versatile options you may not see in our traditional wood- and clear-mount stamp options. 
 
What makes them so great?

• They're entirely transparent for perfect placement every time!
• They are durable. The photopolymer material is designed to last.
• Can you say sticky? (Don't worry; in a good way.) These stamps stick amazingly well to our clear blocks.
• They're age tested. They won't yellow or cloud up over time.
• We could go on, but we'll let you try them for yourself.

They are clearly a great choice.

To order Wanderlust and any other SU! product, visit my Online Store at http://therubberroom.stampinup.net. Thanks!

Did you notice there's no digital stuff in the new catalog?

Happy Life Kit (item 134673)

It's an exciting day--the 2013-2014 annual catalog is live! (Insert pause for celebration.) With that, here's some digital news. Hostess and Catalog Content
You may have noticed that there aren't any My Digital Studio discs in the catalog. Stampin' Up! has found that the best way to feature digital content is through its digital venues. It will continue to offer exclusive hostess and catalog content in digital form (just not on discs).

In fact, there are two new hostess downloads for you today. (PDF)

You may order digital content, print products (there's still a 25% off promotion thru June 15) and anything in the 2013-2014 Stampin' Up! Catalog via my Online Store at http://therubberroom.stampinup.net.

Every Celebration Ensemble (item 134675)