Retired Accessories List

Well, the Retired Accessories List has been released. There are some things I will be very sad to see go, but my anticipation for the new accessories in the new Catalog is has really grown...only 20 more days....

SU! will be updating the Accessories List every day as to what is no longer available. They are already completely sold out of some of the In Color ribbons and re-inkers. Obviously, when items from this list are gone...they're really gone. E-mail me for a updated list.

Also, SU! is doing an awesome first-time promotion with the Retired Accessories....certain items are being offered at 25% off! WOW! Here is a list of those items...

You might have noticed at the bottom of the flyer, SU! is offering their empty punch boxes for $3.95 each. They can be used for a number of things....card storage, markers, you could decorate one with DSP to give as a gift, or even keep projects you are currently making for easy transport.

Contact me if you have any questions or would like to place an order. Act soon....once these items are sold out, they're gone forever! 

Emily

Computer Problems

I'm currently having some problems with one of our computers. Of course it had to be the one I use for blogging...figures. 

Since all of my pictures and watermarks are on the other computer, I will not be blogging until I get it fixed. Hopefully things will be back up and running soon.

Sorry...

~Emily

(I can't even use my blog signature.) =(

Embrace Life Card

Here is a card we made a couple months ago at my Thurs AM club. I used the Embrace Life stamp set and Ginger Blossom DSP...they coordinate perfectly!


I made the circles using my Coluzzle Cutting System....when I got the Coluzzle, I didn't think I would use it as much as I do! I guess that's how most unexpected favorites are...

I used the Stained-Glass Window technique....it's very easy, but looks beautiful! You start by taking Vellum CS and stamping your image in Black Craft Ink. Then cover it with Black Embossing Powder and set with the Heat Tool. Once the image cools, turn it over and color in the image with markers, so you are coloring on the opposite side than the embossing. Then flip it back over to attach to your background CS...in this case I used Very Vanilla CS. The technique creates a very soft-color look...it's gorgeous on larger images as well.

*I have an Instruction Sheet available for this card with directions and exact CS measurements. Let me know if you are interested.*

Stamp Sets: Embrace Life
Card Stock: Ruby Red, River Rock, Very Vanilla, Vellum CS,
Ginger Blossom DSP
Inks: Black Craft Ink, Whisper White Craft Ink, Ruby Red marker,
Regal Rose marker
Accesssories: River Rock Double-Stitched ribbon, Coluzzle Cutting System, Corner Rounder Punch, Black Embossing Powder, Heal Tool, Dimentionals

I hope everyone had a safe and happy 4th of July!

Cards for Troops

Last month, my Thursday AM stamping club ladies all brought 5 or more Cards for Troops. Julie had read about it in a magazine, and suggested the idea. We all thought it was a great opportunity to show our graditude.

Since it is the day before 4th of July, I thought I would share a few of the cards they all made!

Here is one of Jo's cards...I love the Mulberry paper!

Here's one of Julie's cards....I think it's neat the back of the card is longer than the front.

Here's one of Su's cards...you can't tell from the picture, but the Cats are pearlized and covered in Crystal Effects, very pretty!

*UPDATE: It was brought to my attention that Carolyn actually made the card above. It was Su's stamp that Carolyn borrowed...oops! My mistake. So, here is a card Su did make....it's a summery "lemon" popsicle!

Here's one of Carolyn's cards...I just love the pun!

I will continue to accept Cards for Troops for the next few months...so if anyone is interested in donating their own cards, let me know.

Take a moment today to think of those who are fighting for us...

Organizing Your Card Stock Scraps

We all have the problem of not wanting to throw-away scrap pieces of CS....but what can you do with them? ...other than throw them in a box or envelope to go through later...

Well, yesterday I came up with my solution...and I hope it can help you as well.

I recently bought a photo storage box at Target that was on clearance..I got it for only $2! To brighten it up a bit, I took some leftover Afternoon Tea DSP and covered the box and lid using Modge Podge. I then put Chocolate Chip 5/8" Grosgrain and Wild Wasabi Double-Stitched ribbon around the box with Sticky Strip. The "SCRAPS" label was made using my Dymo Label Maker...love that thing..

Here's the finished box...

Here is the inside of the box...

I made the dividers using 5" x 8" Index Cards...unfortunately, my local office supply store only had colored Index Cards. I cut the Index Cards down to 3 7/8" x 7 5/8" so they would fit inside the box and still leave room for the tabs to clear the lid.

To make the tabs, I used my Rounded Tab Punch. I punched out each tab using that particualar color, to make for easy filing. That way when I have a scrap of Pixie Pink, for example, I will be able to check the color to the name before filing it. I attached the tabs to the Index Cards using snail adhesive.

I hand-wrote the color name on each tab and put them in order of color families....starting with Neutrals, 07-08 In Colors, Bold Brights, Earth Elements, Rich Regals, and Soft Subtles. I will of course make new tabs for the 08-09 In Colors once I receive the CS.

Here is a close-up of the dividers with my scraps filed...


As you can see I don't have enough scraps to fill the entire box. That is mainly because I only keep CS scraps that I could punch a 1" circle out of. Any smaller, I find it doesn't get used. *Although, when it comes to DSP, I do keep small strips....you can always add a strip to a card in place of ribbon.*

Card Stock: Afternoon Tes DSP, Scraps of every CS color for Tabs
Accessories: Chocolate Chip 5/8" Grosgrain ribbon, Wild Wasabi Double-Stitched ribbon, Sticky Strip, Rounded Tab Punch
Non-Su! Accesssories: 5" x 8" Index Cards, Modge Podge, Dymo Label Maker

I hope you can now make your CS scraps more easily acessible. They really come in handy!
I can't believe tomorrow is already the 4th of July!
...2008 is really flying by....

Decor Elements

Stampin' Up! has introduced a new product line today....Decor Elements!


SU! has been offering Definitely Decorative products for many years....these are specific stamping products created with home decor in mind. (These products are identified with the "D" icon next to the item's name in your catalog.)

Decor Elements is another way SU! is helping you personalize your home. Decor Elements are self-adhesive vinyl wall art pieces, which are easy to apply and remove.

Currently there are 15 different vinyl pieces available...from phrases, to letters, to flowers...just to name a few. Most of the pieces are available in two different sizes, and either in White or Chocolate Chip...a couple even come in the choice of Kraft (beige).

Here are a couple examples of the different types of Decor Elements:



Decor Elements also go farther than just walls....you can use them on many surfaces! Here is the small-sized Long-Stem Silhouette in a frame:


As of today, Decor Elements are now available for purchase! Here is a link to the new online Decor Elements Brochure. It shows every item available at this time, as well as prices.

SU! plans on adding more items to the Decor Elements product line in the future...so this is just a sample of what's to come. Contact me if you have any questions or to place your order.

Small Fresh Cuts Swap

As you all know, today is the last day to order from the Occasions Mini Catalog. Today is also the last day to buy the Fall-Winter Sneak Peek stamp set, Fresh Cuts and get the coordinating Fresh Cuts Notes for only $5! (Click on the flyer below to see it bigger...)

Also, there is one more promotion that ends today....the eScape Bundle. This bundle includes the very soon to retire, Circle of Friendship stamp set...a very versitle and simple set. (Click on the flyer below to see it bigger...)

So, today there are a lot of good-byes....

...but on August 11th there will be one BIG hello....The NEW Fall-Winter Catalog! So exciting!! I can't wait!

Back to the swap...I'm not sure who made this one, but it's a very cute idea if you didn't get the Fresh Cut Notes...or if you run out before you can order more in August. This Demo made her own....

It's a 3" x 6" piece of CS, folded in half to make a 3" x 3" card. She punched the center out with the 5-Petal Flower Punch. Then on a 2 3/4" x 2 3/4" piece of Whisper White CS, she stamped the background image from the Fresh Notes set, and adhered it on the inside to show through the punch-out. Very similar to the Fresh Cuts Notes laser-cut flower.

A small Pumpkin Pie Flower Fusion with a Gold brad and some Wild Wasabi Double-Stitched ribbon really finished the card off.

Stamp Sets: Fresh Cuts (Fall-Winter Catalog Sneak Peek)
Card Stock: Apricot Appeal, Whisper White
Inks: Apricot Appeal, Wild Wasabi
Accessories: 5-Petal Flower Punch, Flower Fusions, Wild Wasabi Double-Stitched ribbon, Gold brad, Dimentionals

Contact Me before the end of the day if you want to jump on any of the promos before they're gone!

Have a nice Monday!

...and try to find a place to keep cool!!!

Occasions Mini Catalog

Just a quick reminder that there are only 3 days left to order from the Occasions Mini Catalog!

Don't miss out on the stamp set or accessory that you have been eyeing from the Occasions Mini. Contact me now to place you order.

Lemonade Swap

This was a swap Linda Jensen showed us how to make at this month's Demo meeting. So adorable!!!

It's a glass of Lemonade made from Vellum CS! Wow...what will they think of next?!

*A little note on the Vellum CS...Stampin' Up! offers two types of Vellum, Paper and Card Stock. There is a big difference between the two. Vellum Paper will give you that "cloudy" look with a thin paper, where the Card Stock is much thicker and durable. Projects like these work much better with the Vellum Card Stock.*

To make the lemonade glass, start with a 3 1/2" x 3 1/4" piece of Vellum CS. Cut 3/8" from both sides at an angle, then score 1/4" in on each side. Sponge the inside of the vellum with Yo Yo Yellow ink, to look like lemonade. Then place Sticky Strip along both scored edges (wings) and adhere to mat, making sure to "round" the glass up before attaching. If you want a "sugared" rim...before adhering to the mat, apply Dazzling Diamonds glitter to the rim with the Glue Pen.

Here's a close-up...sorry the pic is a little blurry, my camera wasn't focusing properly.

Add a straw and a stamped lemon....and your lemonade glass in complete! This is the perfect card to use the Scratch 'n Sniff technique...*I offer Scratch 'n Sniff directions on my instruction sheet for this card.*

Stamp Sets: Tart & Tangy
Card Stock: Wild Wasabi, Basic Black, Whisper White, Vellum CS
Inks: Yo Yo Yellow
Accessories: 1 1/4" Circle Punch, Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds, Sticky Strip
Non-Su! Accessories: Striped Straw
Now go grab yourself a glass of lemonade and relax!

Tart & Tangy Basket

I got the pattern for this cute little basket from Dawn Griffin. Isn't it cute?


It was really simple to make and holds little odds & ends on my desk.... I really like the Rose Red/Certainly Celery color combo for the strawberry. It's so sweet looking.

Stamp Sets: Tart & Tangy
Card Stock: Certainly Celery, Rose Red, Whisper White
Inks: Certainly Celery marker, Rose Red marker
Accessories: 1 3/8" Circle Punch, Scallop Punch, Sticky Strip, Dimentionals
Have a sweet day!

Hip-Hippo-Ray Card

Here is a card I did with my Thurs AM Club ladies. The inspiration for this card came from the Berry Bliss DSP Color Combo....Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, Pretty in Pink, and Rose Red.


The hippo image is colored in with a Going Grey marker and a blender pen. The bow and balloon are both colored in with Rose Red....looks like it's actually two different colors, huh. That's because the bow was covered with Dazzling Diamonds glitter using the glue pen, and the balloon has Crystal Effects over it.

I used Versamark ink for the Sweet Stars Jumbo Wheel. If you don't know how to do that, I explained how in this post. I highlighted a few of the stars by using the glue pen and then covering it with Dazzling Diamonds glitter. When using the Glue Pen, you want to make sure to be quick...you want the glue to be blue when you adhere your embellishment, not clear. If it does turn clear before you are ready, just add more fresh glue.

The Light Pink Gingham ribbon is wrapped around the just the front of the card. I did that by punching the Rectangle Handheld Punch in the card seam about 1" from the bottom....the ribbon was just fed through the punched hole and tied in front.

Stamp Sets: Pun Fun, Sweet Stars Jumbo Wheel
Card Stock: Chocolate Chip, Pretty in Pink, Close to Cocoa, Rose Red, Whisper White
Inks: Black Stazon, Going Grey marker, Rose Red marker, Versamark ink Jumbo Cartridge
Accessories: Blender Pen, Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds glitter, Jumbo Wheel Handle, Wheel Guide, Crystal Effects, Rectangle Punch, Light Pink Gingham ribbon, Dimentionals
I stink you're sweet! (...one of the Pun Fun sayings...)

Groovy Guava Dress Swap

I think this is a VERY cute idea! It was a swap from last month's Demo meeting, but I don't know who created it...


It's a dress! It was created by using the Coluzzle Cutting System. You would cut the largest circle from the Coluzzle and then cut it in half, and then half again...ending up with a quater piece. Then you make 5 folds, meeting in the middle...The sides of the dress are adhered to the mat, leaving the rest of the dress 3-D.

From what I can tell the bodice of the dress was cut by hand, without a real pattern. The Groovy Guava Double-Stitched ribbon hides the dress top. This is so clever and can be done with any DSP. Couldn't you see is as a wonderful Bridal Shower Invitation?

Stamp Sets: Wonderful Words
Card Stock: Groovy Guava, Basic Black, Whisper White, Groovy Guava Prints DSP
Inks: Basic Black
Accessories: Groovy Guava Double-Stitched ribbon, Coluzzle Cutting System,Ticket Corner Punch
Have a fabulous day!

Ginger Blossom Geisha Swap

This was a swap I received at last month's Demo meeting. It was made by Alisha Garcia. Isn't it so clever? She took Ginger Blossom DSP and small pieces of CS and turned it into a geisha girl!


I don't know exactly how she did all the folding, but I just thought it was so original that I had to share it with you. She even put "chopsticks" in her hair! The flower is cut out from the DSP. Here is a close-up of the folding:

The details....that I can tell....

Stamp Sets: Embrace Life
Card Stock: Certainly Celery, Ruby Red, Very Vanilla, Whisper White, Basic Black, Ginger Blossom DSP
Inks: Rose Red, Certainly Celery
Accessories: Very Vanilla Taffeta ribbon, Corner Rounder Punch, 3/4" Circle Punch, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, Ticket Corner Punch, Dimentionals
I hope this inspires to you be creative....