Fruity Friday

Hey there stampers!

Another week has just flown by.... don't know how that keeps happening, but here we are at Friday again!

Today I want to show you some cards made with the Fruit Stand Suite, which includes stamps, DSP, ribbon, and twine.  The colors in the DSP are Cucumber Crush, Daffodil Delight, Flirty Flamingo, Pear Pizzazz, Peekaboo Peach, Tangerine Tango, and Watermelon Wonder.  What a bright and happy collection of colors!  The images are flowers, strawberries, peaches, pears, and apples.

Check out the great cards made with this set that I photographed at OnStage. 

I don't own this set yet, but I can see lots of possibilities for fun cards that are a snap to make. 

I'm sorry this is going to be such a short post, but with the sympathy card class coming up on Saturday, Friday is my day to clean and cook,  So I'd better get my other apron on and get busy!

Have a relaxing weekend!

Susan 

Festive Birthday Suite

Hey there stampers!  
Happy Hump Day!

Today I've got another card from OnStage that shows off more new goodies from the new catalog. The stamp set is called Birthday Fiesta and it's part of the Festive Birthday Suite.  In the suite there's DSP, framelits, an embossing folder, and Mini Pompom Trim.

Here's the fun card...

The colors in the DSP are Crushed Curry, Emerald Envy, Melon Mambo, Pumpkin Pie, Tempting Turquoise, and Whisper White.  These bright and energetic colors really do say "fiesta."  I love the saying in this set "Fiesta like there's no manana."  And how do you like that cute smiling llama?  Isn't he (she?) adorable? 

Well, it's time for me to get back to work.  I'm currently pricing stuff for my dish and décor garage sale.  There's a LOT to price and

it's going to take days... maybe even a week... to get it all ready.  I'll be sure to let you know the dates of the sale well in advance, because I want you to come.

Be sure to come back on Friday for more peeks at the new products that are coming up on June 1st.

Hugs and happy stamping,

Susan

Un-Bearably Cute!

Hello and happy Monday to all!

I've got a fun card to show you today from OnStage, which is what Stampin'Up! is calling the annual convention now.   I think this card was made as part of a "main stage" presentation... one that I missed due to my delayed flight.  So I'm sorry I can't tell you who the presenter was, but I'm pretty sure you don't care about that, you just want to see the card.  So here it is...

Isn't this the cutest wedding card?  The bride bear has some lace behind her head to resemble a veil, as well as a sweet little flower while the groom looks quite dapper in his blue bow tie.  I just love how the bear looks like a real stuffed animal.  This is a three-step set.  The first layer is stamped in the lightest ink, the second layer is stamped in a mid-tone ink, and then the last layer is added in the darkest ink.  Since this is a photopolymer set, the layers are easy to line up.

And here's the best part... I won this set during "prize patrol" at convention!  I haven't had time to play with it yet, though.  There's too much work going on around here with the monumental task of down-sizing.  One thing is for sure... I'm going to think twice before I bring anything else into this house.  Going through all of this "stuff" from almost 46 years of marriage, then sorting it into "keep," "donate," and  "trash" piles is very time-consuming

I hope you had a good weekend and that the week ahead will prove to be smooth sailing for you, all the way to Friday!

Hugs and happiness,

Susan

In-Color Inspiration

Hello and happy Friday!

What fun it is going to be to have a new set of In-colors to inspire our creativity!  These new colors are great individually, but are downright amazing when mixed with some of our existing colors.

Check out these bright and happy cards made with the new Playful Palette Designer Series paper stack.  The colors in this collection are the new Emerald Envy, Peekaboo Peach and Sweet Sugarplum mixed with Blushing Bride, Basic Black, and Very Vanilla.  The result is a mix of patterns and colors that give this collection a sweet look with a bit of an "edge."

I'll have more new goodies to show you over the next week, so please come back to The Classic Card for more peeks into the new catalog.  Have a relaxing weekend!

Hugs and happiness,

Susan

Pretty Foxy

Hello stamping peeps!

I've got more new catalog goodies to show you today.  The minute I saw these little guys, I fell in love.  The stamp set is called Foxy Friends and there's a matching punch.  You can create more than foxes with this set, though.  Check out this photo and you'll see what I mean...

As you can see, there's the possibility of making a tiger, a cat, a raccoon and a silly-looking reindeer. 

Here are some super cute cards that show this set off...

I'm can't wait to order this set and start playing with it!  Oh, and there's matching DSP as well, making it even more fun!  You are going to absolutely LOVE this new catalog! 

That's it for today, stampers!  I don't want to show you the new stuff all at once.  Be sure to come back on Friday for more peeks into the new catalog!

Hugs and happiness,

Susan

2016-2017 In-Colors

Hello again!

If you read my early morning post, you know that I'm able to show you the new In-colors starting at noon, Pacific Daylight Time, which is 1 pm Mountain Time.

So without further ado, here they are...

From left to right they are: 

Peek-a-boo Peach

Flirty Flamingo

Sweet Sugarplum

Dapper Denim

Emerald Envy

Isn't this Ruched Ribbon pretty?  It has a puckery texture that will add a lot of interest to a card.

Here's another shot of the colors.

I hope you like them as much as I do!  Can you guess my favorite new In-color? 

Please come back on Wednesday for more fun sneak peeks from the new catalog!

Hugs and happiness,

Susan

Sneak Peeks comI ing later today!

Hello Stamping Friends!
I had such a wonderful time at OnStage in Salt Lake City!  Seeing a brand-new catalog, meeting up with old friends, making new friends, and being immersed in "stampy goodness" makes me a very happy camper indeed!

I hope your Monday is off to a great start!  I'll be able to show you a sneak peek of the new In-colors today, but Stampin'Up! has asked us to wait until 1 pm to post any photos of new products.  This is to give all demonstrators, including those who did not attend OnStage in Salt Lake City, the opportunity to be the first to see the new catalog, which will be posted online today for their viewing pleasure.

So if you're interested in seeing the new In-Colors, please check back with me after noon today (which will be 1 pm Mountain Time). 

I think you're going to love them!  They are mid-tone colors... not pastels, yet not super dark.  I already have a favorite and I think you'll quickly decide which is your favorite as well.

I'll see you right back here at The Classic Card at noon!

Happy Monday!

Susan

OnStage in Salt Lake!

Hello Stampers!

I'm here in Salt Lake City and ready for a fun day at OnStage!  Yesterday was a bit of a challenge, as the flight I was supposed to take at 10:30 was delayed, delayed, and delayed again.  First there was a mechanical problem, then the weather was a problem.  The flight that was to have departed at 10:30 am finally left Portland at 4:30 pm. Luckily, I was able to change to a different flight that left at 1:30, so I finally arrived about 4 pm.  I missed the opening session, but at least I got here for the amazing evening event at the Grand America Hotel.  What a beautiful venue it was!  We were greeted with fancy hors d'oeuvres and mocktails, then were served a beautiful 4 course meal.  I didn't take my camera (I should have!) as the plates were definitely photo-worthy.  The after-dinner entertainment was so much fun... dueling pianos played by a super-talented duo Jeff and Rhiannon.  It was an "all-request" format and they knew every song requested!  It was pretty hilarious when they played a song by Metallica and did a fabulous job of it.

OK, enough about that.  Let's get on to the important stuff.  The new catalog will blow your socks off... so much to love!  The new In-Colors are something that you will love as well.  I can tell you more about them on Monday, but we are supposed to keep things under wraps until then when the demonstrators who aren't here will be able to see the new goodies on line.

I'm up very early to do this post.  Sorry there are no photos! I will try to take some today and upload them tonight. Have a great Friday!

Hugs and happiness,

Susan

Clean and Simple

Hello Stampers!

Tomorrow I'll be on my way to Salt Lake City for the Stampin'Up! convention.  It's now called OnStage, but who cares what it's called?  It's still three days of stamping magic!  I'll get a copy of the new annual catalog (sorry, but I'm not allowed to share it with you) and play with the new In-Colors.  Can you tell that I'm excited?

But before I go, I've got a card to share with you because it's Wednesday and that's what I do on Wednesdays.

This photo is a little washed out.... sorry about that.  "Up close and personal," the flower stands out quite nicely from the white background.  Here, not so much.  This card can do double-duty, depending on the greeting you stamp inside.  You could add a sympathy sentiment for someone who is grieving the loss of a loved one or you could add a get well message for someone who's recovering from an illness.  

I used the stamp set Best Thoughts, which is one of the host sets in this year's annual catalog.  I stamped the flower all over the Soft Sky panel in the slightly darker color Pool Party.  Then I stamped the flower again on a 3 by 3 inch panel of Whisper White.  The Early Espresso mat behind it is 3 1/8 inches square, which leaves just a very narrow border of the Early Espresso showing. I added some of the 1/4 inch Cotton ribbon in Early Espresso as well as an Early Espresso panel to complete the front of the card.  I stamped the sentiment in Early Espresso as well, which gives the card a very cohesive look.  

This card is clean, classic, and there are no bits of glitter or gleam.  The last thing a sick or grief-stricken person needs is a card all dolled up with sequins, pearls, lace, or other extras.  Let's leave those fun things for happier times and keep our thoughts focused on the recipient of the card, not on how many embellishments were used.

I will try to blog from Salt Lake City on Friday, but I may not have time. I'll make an effort, but remember I can't show you anything new anyway.  Perhaps I'll share one of the swap cards I've received or maybe a goofy photo of me.  We'll see.  Meanwhile, I hope the rest of your week is super and that you'll have a great weekend too!
Hugs and happiness,
Susan  

You're the best!

Hello stampers and thanks for coming to visit my blog on this April Monday!  Yes, you are the best!  I appreciate each and every one of my fun and friendly customers.  You always make me smile!

I'm getting just a bit excited, because on Thursday I'm hopping on a plane and going to Salt Lake City for OnStage Live, which is the new name for Stampin'Up!'s annual convention.  In the past, this event was always held in July.  I'm thinking April in Salt Lake City might be a bit more to my liking, as mid-summer was always hot, hot, hot!

I'll be getting a copy of the new annual catalog and seeing the new In-Colors!  I can't wait!   We got a little sneak peek of the new colors on our canvas totes and they look like pastels this year.  That will be a nice change, since we've had some pretty dark (think Blackberry Bliss) and vibrant (think Watermelon Wonder) colors for the past couple of years.  So it will be nice to have a change!

I hadn't planned to make any swaps this time, but couldn't face convention without a few cards to swap, so yesterday morning I designed a quick card that uses stamp sets that will be carried over into the new catalog.  Stampin'Up! was kind enough to give us a list of about 10 stamp sets that will still be around when the new catalog comes out on June 1st.

Here's my card...

The card stock colors are Daffodil Delight, Old Olive, Whisper White and Watermelon Wonder. The DSP is Watermelon Wonder, and I used Watermelon Wonder ink to stamp the sentiment, which is from the Friendly Wishes stamp set on page 122 of the annual catalog.  I wanted my card to have a summery look and I think these colors captured that mood.  The flowers are stamped in Daffodil Delight ink on Daffodil Delight card stock using the Flower Shop stamp set that is also being carried over into the new catalog.  I layered two flowers together, then added a small flower I punched with the Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack.  A White Perfect Accent repeats the dots on the Old Olive panel and the DSP.   

I've got a lot to do before I leave on Thursday, so I need to run!  Thanks for being one of my readers!  

Hugs and happy stamping!
Susan

A card for deer dad

Whoa!  The week just flew right by us, didn't it?  

My One-sheet-wonder class is tomorrow and so today I'll be cooking up a storm, making some yummy snacks for the 12 stampers who'll be here for the class.  On my list are the Seven-Layer dip (with refried beans, guacamole, sour cream, tomatoes, olives.... I'm sure you know what I'm talking about), along with some veggies and dill dip.  And for the sweets, some brownies and some chocolate-dipped strawberries.  

Today's card is one that I made a few weeks ago... just never got around to showing it to you.  It's a masculine-looking card, so I added a "Happy Father's Day" sentiment to it.  

Then I realized that the fawn is accompanied by a doe, not a buck.
So that's not her dad, that's her mom.  Duh!  Maybe I should have drawn some antlers on the larger deer???   Or maybe I shouldn't worry about the technicalities.  It's a couple of deer and it is a masculine card, so it's probably OK for Father's Day.

The stamp set is In the Meadow (page 28 of the Occasions catalog) and the saying is from the best sentiment set ever, Teeny Tiny Wishes ( page 95 of the annual catalog).  The DSP is from the Go Wild Designer Series Paper Stack on page 144 of the annual catalog. I stamped the deer in Archival Black ink on Very Vanilla card stock and sponged the edge with Crumb Cake ink. The base of the card is Crumb Cake.  I used Crumb Cake ink and my aqua painter to color the deer.  I added a strip of Chevron Ribbon in Natural, but turned it over to the solid side.  

Now I've got to go down to the kitchen, tie on my apron, heat up the oven, and get cooking!  I'm hoping the weekend ahead will hold something fun, something creative, and something relaxing for you!  If you were coming to my class, you could do all three things at once, because stamping is definitely fun, creative, and relaxing! 

Happy weekending!
Susan

A Fun Fold

It's Wednesday, so that means I'd better be posting another card for my stampin' peeps.  I'm sure there are a few of you out there who check in with me on Mondays, Wednesday, and Fridays.  At least I hope so!

Hmmm, what should I show you today?  I've been so busy cleaning, tossing, and re-organizing that I haven't taken much time to stamp the last few days.  I've got a few things up my sleeve, but I'm trying to keep the cards for Saturday's class under wraps. 

Here's a card I made recently that I think you'll like.

These "drapery fold" cards have been showing up on many blogs lately, so I'm not sure who the originator of the design was.  I changed the measurements slightly, so I could put the printed "drapery" on a smaller size base... 5 1/4 by 4.  Then I added that panel to a regular 5 1/2 by 4 1/4 inch card.  I'm not sure why my photo is so yellow.  Here are the colors I used... Mossy Meadow for the card base, Crushed Curry for the second layer, and then the DSP is the Botanical Gardens Designer Series paper ( page 27 of the Occasions catalog).  The ribbon is the 1/4 inch Cotton in Pear Pizzazz. The "thanks" is from the set Another Thank You (page 15 of the annual catalog).  I stamped it in Mossy Meadow.  

If you haven't stocked up on Mossy Meadow card stock and ink, you might want to do that very soon.  Those retiring In-Colors won't be around for long.  I expect they will sell out before the end of the catalog year in May, so get 'em now!  

Thanks for being my readers!  You are the reason I sit down at my computer and send my thoughts out over the internet.  I'm here and you are "out there" somewhere, but through the magic of technology and our love of stamping, we are connected. It's really quite amazing when you think of it!  May your day and the rest of the week be stress-free!  
Hugs and happiness,
Susan

Bright and Happy Birthday

Hey there Stampers!
How was your weekend?  Wasn't the weather just the best?  How lovely it was to enjoy some sunshine and warmer temperatures!  I could become accustomed to weather like that very quickly, couldn't you?

Today's card uses a very versatile stamp set that could be used to make a card for anyone's birthday. It's called Party With Cake and you can see it on page 7 of the Occasions catalog.  It is a totally gender neutral stamp set.  It also works for any age, which is great!

Here's the card I made with it...

I guess the Melon Mambo makes this just a bit "girly," but if I had used Crushed Curry instead, the card would be more masculine.
The DSP is called "It's My Party" ( page 5 of the Occasions catalog).  I stamped the sentiment in Melon Mambo, then cut it out with one of the framelits from the Lots of Labels set.  I added some knotted thick baker's twine (p. 6 of the Occasions catalog) to give a little "pop" of color and texture

Now for the fun part.... check out the inside!

I'm so happy I finally got out my Party Pop-Up Thinlits Dies and tried making this pop-up card.  It was so easy to do,  I'm sorry I didn't try it earlier.  If you come to Coffee and Cards on April 13th at 10:30 am at my house, this is one of the cards we'll be making.  Then you can see for yourself just how easy it is to put a card like this together. 

How's your "to-do" list looking today?  Mine is calling me, so I'm off to start working on it!  May it be a sunny day in your world, even if we're getting a bit of rain!
Happy stamping!
Susan

Fresh as a Daisy

Hello and happy April Fool's Day!
Oh, and happy Friday too!

I don't know where the expression "fresh as a daisy" came from, but I could probably google it and find out. Why not "fresh as a daffodil" or "fresh as a tulip"? My card today is yellow and white and has a fresh springy look to it, so I think the expression fits this card perfectly.

When you want to create a card with a fresh, clean feeling, you cannot go wrong with white.  Add a pastel color or two and you are home free.  I used the Grateful Bunch stamp set, along with a couple of the images from Timeless Textures.  Both stamp sets are in the Occasions catalog.  For the collage background I used Soft Sky, Sahara Sand, So Saffron, and Crumb Cake.  I stamped the flowers in Crumb Cake on So Saffron card stock, then punched them out with the Blossom Bunch Punch, which you can get in a bundle with the stamp set for just $33.00 (item #  140801).
I stamped the sentiment in Early Espresso.  The Elegant Dots embossing folder adds a pretty touch of texture to the folded-back panel.  

If you would like the directions and measurements for this card, where the front of the card folds back on itself and the focal panel hangs over the fold, just email me.....  sjrstamps@gmail.com  and I'll send them along to you.  

Are you busy thinking up an April Fool's trick to play on someone?  Honestly, I wish I had time for such silliness, but I'm busy designing my One-Sheet Wonder class that's coming up on April 9th at 1 pm.  I still have four open spots, so let me know if you'd like to attend.   

I hope the weekend ahead is just what you need... quiet and relaxing or brimming with activity and fun.
Hugs and happiness!
Susan