Try This Fun Fold!

Monday, August 20, 2018

Are you like me... always looking for a different way to fold a card?  I get excited about cards that open in a different way, other than the traditional "fold on the left" format. So when I ran across several cards on the internet with a diagonal cut across the front, I just had to try making one.  For lack of a better term, I'm calling this a diagonal cut card.

I'm not sure who originated this idea.  I'm not even sure it's that new.  It has probably been around for a while and someone posted a card like this and others jumped on the diagonal cut bandwagon.  

To make the base of this card, take a piece of 8.5 x 11 card stock
and place it on your scoring board in the vertical position.  Score it in half the long way at 4 1/4.  Then turn the paper in the horizontal position and score it in half again at 5 1/2.  Then you'll cut the paper in half diagonally, from point to point.  This will give you two card bases.  

Note:  If you have a Stampin'Up! paper trimmer, you'll be able to use it to make the diagonal cut, as it can make a cut longer than 12 inches.  I use a guillotine cutter, which isn't long enough for me to make this diagonal cut, so I used a yardstick to draw a very light diagonal line, then made the diagonal cut with scissors.

For the DSP panels on the front of the card, cut a piece of DSP that measures 5 1/4 by 4 inches.  Then cut this piece diagonally from corner to corner.  

Here's what the card looks like opened...

The colors I chose for this card come from the Nature's Poem Designer Series Paper on page 144 of the annual catalog.  The leaves are Blackberry Bliss and Grapefruit Grove.  The stamps are from the Rooted in Nature stamp set on page 143 of the annual catalog.  I inked the tree stamp in Grapefruit Grove, and then used a sponge dauber to add some Blackberry Bliss ink around the edges before I stamped the image on white card stock.  The sentiment is also part of the Rooted in Nature stamp set, which is one of the largest stamp sets that Stampin'Up! has offered.  Of course there are matching Framelits to go with this gorgeous stamp set.  

Because I used a dark color for the card base (Blackberry Bliss), I cut a piece of white card stock for the inside to provide a place to write a message.  I used Blackberry Bliss and Grapefruit Grove ink and stamped some leaves to echo the DSP on the front of the card.

This is one stamp set that won't find its way into next year's garage sale.  Even if this set is discontinued after one year (which I highly doubt), I will be keeping this for many years to come.  Stampin'Up has devoted three full pages to this amazing Nature's Poem Suite.
Check it out on pages 142-144 of the annual catalog.  I'm pretty sure that you'll agree that this is one of the best stamp sets that Stampin'Up! has offered.

Should you wish to place an order, here's the August Host Code:
ANCPVQYF.  You could win the host stamp set of your choice! The last day to enter the Host Code drawing is August 30th.

Now I hope you'll get out some card stock and some DSP and try making a Diagonal Cut Card of your own.  It is super simple and so much fun to have a new fold!

Happy stamping, everyone!  Make the week ahead a good one!
Hugs to all,
Susan

I Love Pop of Petals!

Monday, August 13, 2018

Pop of Petals is one of the most versatile stamp sets in the annual catalog!  And along with its matching punch, it is also one of the most economical bundles in the annual catalog at just $36.00 for the Clear Mount version (red rubber that you adhere to a clear acrylic block).  You get 12 rubber stamps, plus the punch.

Right now I'm offering a Class-in-the-Mail when you purchase this bundle.  You can see the stamp set and the punch on page 47 of the catalog.  You can also see tons of cards made with this set simply by typing "Pop of Petals Stampin'Up" into the Google search box.  

When I see that you have placed an online order for this bundle using the August Host code of ANCPVQYF, I will send you all the cut and scored card stock and accessories you need to make three cards, envelopes included, along with complete written instructions.  The three cards are FREE with your purchase!  I'll also email you the photos of the cards so stamping and assembling will be a breeze!

Here's another card I made with this fun set...

The card base is Whisper White, the next layer is Highland Heather (a new color that's part of the Subtles family).  The foliage in the background is stamped in several colors of green... Mint Macaron, Pear Pizzazz, and Lemon Lime twist.  Some of the leaves were "stamped off" on a piece of scratch paper and then stamped again to give a lighter shade.

Two flowers were stamped in Gorgeous Grape, full strength and the middle (lighter) flower was stamped off first.  The sentiment is from the Love What You Do stamp set, stamped in Tuxedo Black Memento Ink.   I'm in love with the new 1/4 inch Mini Striped ribbon in Gorgeous Grape.  Three Basic Pearls add a nice touch to the center of the flowers.  However, if you are mailing this card, it might be a good idea to skip the pearls... or use a bubble mailer.  Those pearls do not work well in a regular envelope!!

Here's a list of all the supplies, with item numbers to make ordering easier for you:

Pop of Petals Bundle  p. 47
#148385, Clear Mount $36
#148384, Wood Mount $43

Love What You Do stamp set, p. 177 #148042, $21

Highland Heather Card stock p. 186 #146986 $8.50
Whisper White Thick Card stock p. 192 #140272 $7.75

Gorgeous Grape Stamp Pad  p. 185 # 147099 $7.50
Mint Macaron Stamp Pad p. 186 #147106 $7.50
Pear Pizzazz Stamp Pad p. 186 #147104 $7.50
Lemon Lime Twist Stamp Pad p. 183 #147145 $7.50
Tuxedo Black Memento Stamp Pad p.203 #132708 $6 

1/4 inch Mini Striped Ribbon in Gorgeous Grape p. 
200 #146940 $8
Basic Pearls p. 197#144219 $5.

In a strange twist, I see that the forecast for Portland on Tuesday is 100 degrees, while our forecast in Woodland calls for 91.  That sure doesn't happen very often! Whatever the weather in your little corner of the world, I hope that this week will be a good one for you!  

Looking forward to seeing all my Portland peeps at my Holiday Catalog Open House on Saturday, Sept 8th!  You'll get your new Holiday Catalog!!! Have you signed up yet?  My email address is sjrstamps@gmail.com.  I'd love to hear that you can attend!

Hugs and Happy Stamping!
Susan

Oh So Eclectic

Monday, August 6, 2018

Wow!  How did August arrive so quickly?  The summer, like usual, is just flying by!  When we lived in Oregon, I used to feel sad that summer was so fleeting, but since moving to the hot Central Valley, we are looking forward to fall with great anticipation.  What we wouldn't give for a cooling rain about now that would help put out these terrible fires! It has been smoky here for the past couple of weeks and we've had several days of falling ash.  

More and more I find myself gravitating towards cards with a lot of white space.  There's just something so clean about a white card.  Here's the first card I've made with a set that carried over to this year's annual catalog... Oh So Eclectic
(#143940, $23, p. 156).

It is a bit difficult to see, but I used the new Subtle embossing folder to add texture to the focal panel of the card (#143706, $10, p. 223).  In the past, Stampin'Up! carried textured card stock like this in a variety of colors.  Then it was discontinued and there was no option for textured card stock with a linen-like finish.  Now, thanks to this new embossing folder, we can have textured card stock in any color we want, because we can make it ourselves!  

I stamped the flowers in Powder Pink and So Saffron.  The flowers, leaves and the lacy pattern were cut with the coordinating thinlits , Eclectic Layers (#143774, $30, p. 217).
I used Pear Pizzazz for the leaves.

The sentiment is from the new Itty Bitty Greetings (#146667, $36, p. 46).  I used the 1 3/8 inch Scallop Circle Punch (146139, $16, p. 210) to punch out the greeting.  Adding a bit of sparkle is the 3/8 inch Shimmer Ribbon in Pear Pizzazz (#144153, $7 for 10 yards, p. 200).

With a change of sentiment, this card would be great for so many occasions.  Why not whip a few of these, leaving the sentiment off until you know what kind of card you need?  You can quickly stamp the desired sentiment, punch it out and adhere it with a dimensional or two and you're all set!

Summer heat got you down??  Escape the heat with a tall glass of iced tea or lemonade and your stamps, ink, and paper.  Your body will be refreshed by the cold liquid and your spirit will be refreshed by the time you spend being creative.  When you're finished, share your work of art with a friend in need of a lift and it will be a win-win-win!  

Happy stamping to all!
Susan

  

Are you a "last-minute-Louise?"

Monday, July 30th, 2018

Before I get started, I just want to ask a favor of all of my readers.  Please say a prayer for the safety of the firefighters and the people of Redding, which is about 100 miles north of Woodland.  The wildfire that is burning there is out of control, has burned into neighborhoods, and so far 5 people have died.  It is truly heartbreaking, and much the same scenario as the devastating fire that burned into Santa Rosa last October.    

Just a reminder... July 31st is the last day to take advantage of Stampin'Up!'s annual sale of DSP.  The "Buy Three, Get One Free" event ends at 10:59 our time (11:59pm Mountain Time).  If you haven't placed your online order for some of the gorgeous new paper, today would be the last minute, because I'm closing out the July Host Code tonight at 8 pm.  That July code is KRAZHKTN.

One of the biggest sellers in the new catalog, and one of my favorites, is the Garden Impressions DSP at the top of page 191 (#146289) 48 sheets for 11.00.  This is a 6 x 6 stack and it's full of gorgeous designs.  Today's card features some of this bright and pretty paper...

If you're someone who often finds herself making a card at the last minute, this is the layout is for you!  You simply cut a 3 x 3 inch piece of the DSP, and mat it with a coordinating color of cardstock that measures 3 1/4 by 3 1/4.  Add it to a contrasting panel that measures 5 3 3/4, then adhere that to a 5 1/4 by 4 inch panel and glue the finished card front to a white folded card.  There's plenty of room below to add a sentiment of almost any size.  You can add ribbon, twine, or other fiber to give your card that nice finishing touch.  Here I used the cute 1/2 inch gingham ribbon on page 201 (#144232), 10 yards for 7.50.

Let me give those measurements again, very quickly:

White card base, 5 1/2 by 8 1/2, scored at 4 1/4
Night of Navy panel, 5 1/4 by 4
So Saffron panel, 5 by 3 3/4
Calypso Coral mat 3 1/4 by 3 1/4
DSP 3 by 3
The best thing about this layout is that you can get FOUR cards out of every 6 by 6 inch sheet of DSP, which really stretches your dollar!

If you really are a "last-minute" type of person, here's what I'd do.  I'd cut some 3" by 3" squares of DSP, then cut the coordinating card stock and assemble the cards.  Then when you need a card quickly, you can stamp whatever sentiment you need for a birthday, a get well, a thinking of you, a thank you, or a sympathy card.  Having some cards ready to go is almost better than money in the bank.  Almost.

Be on the lookout for Susan's August Stampin'Up!date which I'll send out on Wednesday August 1st.  Meanwhile, enjoy the last two days of July!

Stamp on!
Susan

Pop of Petals with Poppy Parade

Monday, July 23, 2018

Don't you just love playing with new stamps and accessories, not to mention new colors?  I thought I would see just how many new products I could use on one card.  I've just counted and I will reveal the number at the end of this post.  See if you can count all the new products/colors I've used.

I apologize that this appears to be "washed out" by my flash.  I really need to get a new camera!  Or take a photography class... or maybe both!

I used the new Pop of Petals stamp set (page 47) for the flowers and leaves.  I stamped them in Poppy Parade, Daffodil Delight, and Lemon Lime Twist. I punched them out with the coordinating Four Petal Flower Punch (page 210).  I embossed the Poppy Parade panel with the Subtle Embossing Folder (page 223). This fabulous folder produces a wonderful textured look to the paper, which closely resembles the textured cardstock that Stampin'Up! once sold.  

The DSP is from the Brights collection of DSP at the bottom of page 191.  These are 6 x 6 paper stacks which come in a cello bag without that adhesive on the side to hold it into a pad.  I'm so glad they did away with that format, as this paper doesn't need to be torn off the pad, which makes for a smoother edge and no tears or ragged edges.

The ribbon is the lovely 1/2 inch Textured Weave in Granny Apple Green (page 200).  The sentiment is from the Stitched All Around
stamp set on page 17.  I stamped it in Tuxedo Black Memento Ink 
(top of page 203).  I also used the same ink to stamp the centers of the flowers, using a pen with a rubber stylus on the end.  The oval panel was cut with the Stitched Shapes Framelits (page 220).

How many new products did you count?  I counted eight:
new Poppy Parade ink, card stock, and DSP, new embossing folder, ribbon, punch, and two new stamp sets.... for a total of 8 new products!  

I hope you'll agree with me that this bright and happy card would be perfect for a friend's summer birthday... a female friend, that is. It's just a bit too flowery for a guy, but I think you already knew that.

May the week ahead be a good one for each of you, filled with some summery delights like lemonade, sunshine, watermelon, a cool morning walk, swimming, grilling on the deck or patio, a trip to the mountains or beach, and whatever other summery things you can cram into each day.  Summer, like all good things, won't last forever, so enjoy!  Our forecast:  Monday 102, Tuesday 103, Wednesday 104.  Thankfully the temps go down after that to the high 90's.  

I sure would love it if you would place an order, using the July Host Code, KRAZHKTN.  You could be the winner of a host set of your choice!  Right now there are only a couple of names in the drawing, so your chances of winning are very good!

Hugs to all!
Susan

Fun Fold with the new Varied Vases stamp set

Monday, July 16th, 2018

Do you find yourself getting bored with the traditional card with the fold at the left or the top?  Most of the time I'm fine with that type of card, but every once in a while it's fun to try something different.  For those of you who've been my customers for a long time, the card I'm showing you today is not new.  We've made cards like this in classes in the past, but it has been a long time since I've made one of these.  For want of a better name, I call this a squash card, because you "squash" it closed.  It is tied shut with a ribbon.

I used the new Varied Vases stamp set and matching punch to create this card.  Call me lazy, but I love having a coordinating punch to quickly cut out a shape.  It's so much easier than using a framelit and the Big Shot! 

This card measures 4 1/4 by 4 1/4 but no worries.... it will fit in a standard envelope and you won't have to pay more to mail it.
The base of the card is Coastal Cabana card stock which measures 8 1/2 by 8 1/2.  It is scored into 4 equal squares measuring 4 1/4 by 4 1/4.  The Daffodil Delight panel on the front is 3 1/2 by 3 1/2 and the white panel for the flowers/vases is 3 1/4 by 3 1/4.  The ribbon to tie it closed in 14 inches long.  It is simply glued under the front panel, but not glued down on the back because then the card wouldn't open!

Here is the inside of the card...

See how the 8 1/2 inch square was scored into 4 equal squares?  Then I turned the paper and scored diagonally across two of the squares.  The score lines forming the 4 squares are valley folds, while the diagonal line is a mountain fold. Use your bone folder to make each fold crisp and well-creased.  

The white panels for the inside of the card are 4 inch squares.  The flowers on the card are colored with Blends in Light Calypso Coral, Light Daffodil Delight, and Light Old Olive.  Don't forget to use a Memento Ink pad when coloring with the Blends.  You can find the Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad (# 132708) at the top of page 203.

You can see this fun Varied Vases set (#146664) on page 45 of the new catalog.  If you'd like to have the matching punch, then use this number for the bundle (#148381) and save 10%.  The cost for the bundle is $39.50, which is a great bargain for a stamp set that has 34 stamps, including some nice sentiments PLUS the matching punch.  

The July Host Code is KRAZHKTN.  Please use the code when placing an online order of less than $150.00.  You will be entered into a drawing to win a host stamp set of your choice!  
If your order is $150 or over, please don't use the code.  You will get to pick freebies, depending on the dollar amount of your order, before shipping and tax.

It seems like it is hot, HOT, HOT all over!  The forecast for our area is 102 on Monday and 104 on Tuesday, so if you are in Portland, you'll at least be a bit cooler!  Here's my advice for these hot days:  stay inside with a fan or a/c, pour yourself a tall glass of something cold, then pull out some stamps, ink, and paper and spend an afternoon of creativity! 

Hugs to all,
Susan

Summer Birthdays

July 9, 2018

In our family of 11, summer is for birthdays!  In June, July, and August we celebrate a total of 7 birthdays.  The remainder fall in October (3) and December (1).  So since it is summer, I'm focused on birthday cards and I've got a pretty one for you today.

I was inspired by a card that my upline showed on our team website, so I used the same basic layout, but changed the colors to give the card a warm, bright, summery vibe.  

The base of the card is Flirty Flamingo card stock.  The white panel on the front is 5 by 3 3/4.  I cut a large piece of Post-It paper into a strip 1 1/2 inches wide and placed it across the panel as a mask.  Then I used stamps from the Perennial Birthday stamp set (page 71) to stamp flowers in Flirty Flamingo, Blushing Bride, and Mango Melody.  The leaves are stamped in Granny Apple Green and Lemon Lime Twist.  I made sure that I stamped flowers and leaves overlapping the Post-It mask, so that when the mask is removed, you are left with a nice white space to add the sentiment, which is also part of the Perennial Birthday stamp set.  

I used the Stamparatus (page 207 of the annual catalog) to perfectly stamp the sentiment in exactly the spot I had chosen.  I didn't have to worry about getting it crooked and ruining my card.  If you haven't seen how the Stamparatus works, here is a video from Stampin'Up that tells you everything you need to know. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3teCr7Xo4G8

   It really is an amazing tool.  You'll wonder how you ever stamped without it!  

I hope your summer is off to an amazing start!  Here are some of my favorite things about summer: traveling, getting outside, swimming, watermelon, ice cream cones, barbecues, taking the grandchildren to the splash park, reading on the lounge chair in the back yard, and stamping cards for summer birthdays.  All of these things say "summer" to me.  What are your favorite things about summer?  I hope that stamping is on your list of favorite things to do in every season of the year!  Being creative and making beautiful things lifts the spirit in ways that are hard to describe.  

Here's to a great summer of creativity!
Susan

Fire and Smoke

Here we are in July already!  And what a July it has started off to be!  We've had triple digit temps over the weekend, and a big wildfire (the Yolo County fire)is making the air very unhealthy to breathe.  On Sunday night the setting sun first looked bright orange, then turned to a bright magenta as it got lower in the sky and it was entirely blotted out by a huge bank of smoke before it set.  

On a happier note, I do have a new card for you today, inspired by one by Jacque Williams that I saw on the internet.  

The stamp set is the new Pressed Flowers host set on page 227 of the annual catalog.  I have to tell you that the colors I used on this card are much prettier in real life.  The base of the card is Basic Gray with a layer of Pineapple Punch card stock, topped with the Whisper White stamped panel.  Ink colors are Pineapple Punch, Mango Melody, Mint Macaron, Calypso Coral, and Smoky Slate.  The sentiment is from the new Varied Vases stamp set on page 45.  The ribbon is the new 1/8th inch grosgrain ribbon in Pineapple Punch. Pineapple Punch is a clear, bright yellow and I apologize that it looks like chartreuse in this photo.  

This stamp set, Pressed Flowers, is one you could choose if you are the winner of the July Host Code drawing.  To have your name added to the drawing, simply place an order of $50 or more, using the July Host Code of KRAZHKTN.  I will also add your name to the 50-50 Board for a chance to win a $50 gift certificate from me.

May the week ahead be a good one for each of you!
I hope you'll enjoy some relaxing time with family and friends over the Fourth of July Holiday.  We are keeping our fingers crossed that more fires won't be started by people being careless with fireworks!

Stamp something pretty!
Susan

Life at the Beach

Hello from the Oregon coast!

I apologize for not having a card to show you today, but we've been having fun at the beach with our Seattle daughter Amy and her family.  As most of you already know, her husband Eli will be teaching at the University of Cincinnati in the fall and they are moving mid -July.  This trip to meet up with them at Olivia Beach is our last chance to see them before the big move.

Here's a photo of this very cute neighborhood...

We soaked up some sun at the pool

and spent some time at the beach.

And of course no trip to the Oregon coast is complete without clam chowder at Mo's

Today we'll be heading back to California and they'll be on their way home to Seattle for a couple of weeks of organizing, sorting, donating, and packing before the moving van arrives.  We are sorry to see them go, but happy for the new opportunities that await them in Cincinnati.

May the week ahead be a good one for all of you!
Hugs to all,
Susan

Lovely Lilypad Lake

Hello stampers!

How was your weekend?  I hope it was relaxing , even if it was less than ideal weather.  I was a bit jealous when I heard that you had some thunderstorms on Sunday.  We don't get too many of those down here in California and I've always enjoyed the flashes of lightening and the boom of thunder. 

I've got a really beautiful card to show you today, thanks to my downline Janet Jones.  She used the new Lilypad Lake stamp set on page 133 to make this lovely card.  

Isn't this a great card?  Now I think I need to order this set, as well as the matching framelits.  Janet used the matching framelits to create the water, as well as to cut out the egret and the lily pad.  The base of the card is Mint Macaron. The white panel that forms the front of the card was die-cut to create the illusion of water, then layered over the card base.  The bird and flowers were stamped on watercolor paper with Memento ink, then colored with the new Stampin' Blends alcohol markers. The sentiment comes with the set.  That's the new 1/4 inch Velvet Ribbon in Rich Razzleberry (p. 201 of the new catalog). I love sets that have both images and sentiments!  That way you've got coordinating images and words, which makes a stamper's life so much easier! Thanks again, Janet, for letting me show off this gorgeous card.

I'm going to cut this short as I have a to-do list as long as both arms!  We are only supposed to reach the upper 80's today. I checked the Portland forecast and it looks like you've got a nice warm and sunny week ahead, which I'm sure you'll welcome.  Break out the popsicles and lemonade and soak up some sun!  May the week ahead be a good one for all!
Hugs and happy stamping!
Susan

Half Way Home

Hello Stamping Friends!

We are in Medford OR tonight (Sunday night) and on Monday we'll make the final leg of the trip home to Woodland.  Monday's forecast for Woodland shows a high of 95, with 102 on Tuesday and 101 on Wednesday.  I guess summer has really hit!  We are very thankful for a well-insulated home, ceiling fans, and air-conditioning!  

Thank you to all who attended my annual garage sale yesterday and picked up their new catalog!  It sure was fun to see so many friendly faces!  I wish we'd had more time to reconnect and chat!

I'm so happy to report that the sale was a tremendous success.  I'm going home with just a few stamp sets, and that's a very good thing.  I felt sad about selling some of those sets, but they have to go to make room for new things.  I think I have about ten sheets of DSP left.  All of the other paper is long gone!  The ribbon and all of the stamp sets and refills are gone as well.  Our car is considerably lighter!

When the weather is hot, hot, hot, nothing is more refreshing than a cold bubbly drink!  In the spirit of summer, I've got some cards for you that will quench your thirst.  This set is perfect for men who enjoy a cold brew or for kids who love soda.  It is a carry-over set called Bubble Over and you can find it on page 57 of the new catalog.  The matching Framelit dies are on page 216.

I hope the following photos, taken at the November OnStage event in Salt Lake City, will inspire you to add this versatile set to your stamp collection.

  

Why not pour yourself a bubbly soda and sit down, put your feet up, and enjoy looking at your new catalog?  
Hugs to all,
Susan

Love What you Do!

Howdy, stampers!

I'm busy getting all my ducks in a row for our trip north to Oregon for my annual garage sale and new catalog kick-off.  I'm so looking forward to reconnecting with many of you at my sale!

I've got a pretty card for you today, inspired by a card posted by my upline, Barbara Brimhall.  I used the new Love What You Do stamp set, # 148042, page 177 of the new catalog.  This new favorite of mine is just about equally divided between images and sentiments.  I love the font used for the sentiments.  It is both bold and curvy and some sentiments are a nice mix of print and script.  

The card base is Whisper White, topped with a panel of Powder Pink that has been embossed with the Layered Leaves embossing folder, #143704, $9.00.  I stamped the flowers and sentiment in Tuxedo Black Memento Ink, #132708, $6.00.  Then I colored the flowers with the Blends alcohol markers in Light and Dark Pink Pirouette and Light Rich Razzleberry. (see page 205 of the new catalog for all of the ordering info for the Stampin' Blends markers).  The leaves are stamped in Old Olive. The stamped panel is set off with a mat of Rich Razzleberry card stock.

The new Rich Razzleberry 1/4 inch Velvet Ribbon, (#147016, $8.00) adds just the right finishing touch to this quick, easy and beautiful card. Thank you, Barbara, for the inspiration!

Thanks for taking time out of your busy week to read my blog.  I do appreciate you!  May the week ahead be a good one for you with only happy surprises along the way.  If you have a minute, get out a card you've made and send it along to a friend.  I guarantee that you will improve someone's day, week, or month when you reach out with a hand-stamped card!  

Hugs to all,
Susan

Sneak peek... New colors! New Stamps!

Hi there!

Happy Monday and Happy Memorial Day!  I know that my customers are smart people, so I'm sure I don't need to remind any of you about Memorial Day.  As we all know, Memorial Day is not just a day for shopping some good sales, or having a barbecue with friends, but a day to remember those who died in service to our country.  I hope each of us will take some time out today to contemplate the sacrifices that were made to keep our country free.  

Today I've got a fun sneak peek for you. With just a few days left before the new Stampin'Up! catalog goes live at noon on June 1st, I thought I would show you a card I made with two of my favorite new colors, Granny Apple Green and Mango Melody.  In addition, I used a wonderful new stamp set called Abstract Impressions (page 129 of the new catalog).  I know you cannot look this up in your new catalog just yet, but be assured that you will be getting your catalog on June 9th when you attend my big garage sale at Kelly Bauman's house in Sherwood.

Check out this clean and simple card...

I just love the flowers on this card,  and these are just a few of the many flower images that you'll get in the Abstract Impressions set. I'm sorry it doesn't show up better, but the Granny Apple Green card stock is embossed with the Basket Weave embossing folder.  The leaves are stamped in Lemon Lime Twist and the flowers are stamped in So Saffron and Mango Melody.  Because this is a photopolymer set, it is easy to line up the two layers of the flowers.  Aside from all of the flower images, this set also has 5 sentiments, making it even more versatile.

I'm going to close out the May Host Code order on Wednesday, May 30th at 8pm, so if you'd like to be entered into the May Host Code drawing for a $25 gift certificate, please use this code YAAWUDKD.  An  online order of any amount gets your name in the drawing.  BUT WAIT... if you place an online order of $50 or more using the code, you'll get FREE SHIPPING.  I will mail you a check to reimburse you for your shipping, but you must use the code to qualify for free shipping.  

Enjoy the holiday today and may the week ahead bring only good things your way!
Susan

Sailing away with Swirly Bird

Hey there, stampers!  

Another week is beginning, bringing us closer to the launch of the new Stampin'Up! annual catalog, which will be coming our way on June 1st!  

Summer is definitely on the way, so I've been making some summery cards that will be great to send for summer birthdays.  In our family, there are tons of summer birthdays, so I need to be prepared!

Swirly Bird is a fun stamp set (#141749, $25, p. 171 of the current catalog).  The good news is that it is continuing in the new catalog that's coming out in June.  This set has images of flowers, a bird, and a cute little sailboat.  The matching framelits (Swirly Scribbles Framelits, #141497, $27, p. 216) has some "water" that makes a great surface for the sailboat to sail on.  Check out this card and you'll see what I mean.

I stamped the sun in Daffodil Delight ink.  The sailboat is stamped with 4 separate stamps.  The striped sail is Night of Navy, the smaller sail (sorry I don't know the technical names of these sails!) is stamped in Marina Mist, which is one of the colors that is being discontinued, and the boat is stamped in Crumb Cake.  The little flag at the top is Real Red.  

Let me tell you how to adhere a die cut like the water in this card.
It would be difficult to run a bead of glue along those skinny lines of card stock.  And then when you pressed it down on the white panel, glue would ooze out and make your card look messy.  There's a very simple way to avoid the stress and the mess!  

Check page 203 of your current annual catalog.  You'll see Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets (#144106, $10).  Simply peel the printed liner off the sheet, discard it, and adhere the sticky sheet to your card stock.  Run through the Big Shot with the die of your choice.  Once it is cut, peel the backing off and apply the die cut to your card.  Easy and there's no mess, no oozing glue!  These sheets make it so very easy to adhere detailed die cuts.  The glue is strong and once pressed into place, the die cut is there to stay!

The sentiment is from the Birthday Banners stamp set (#141506, $17, p. 85), another great set that will be carrying over into the new catalog.  

The week ahead here in Woodland is for sun and temperatures in the 80's.  I checked the Portland forecast and it looks like you'll have some sun, some clouds, and maybe thunderstorms later in the week.  One thing is for sure, though.  If you are a stamper, you can always create your own sunshine, just by getting out your stamps, ink, and paper.  Being creative is a way to bring happiness and a sunshine-y glow to your day, no matter what is happening outside.

Thank you for reading today and if you'd like to place an online order, the May host code is YAAWUDKD.  You will have your name placed in the May Host Code drawing for a $25 gift certificate when you place an order of any size using the host code.
To reach my shopping site, just click on the "shop now" button at the top of this blog.  

Have a great week!
Hugs and happy stamping!
Susan

There's something Fishy Going on Here!

Hi stamping friends!

Hope you all had a great Mother's Day yesterday!  Thankfully, the hot weather that was supposed to happen, didn't!  I think we only made it up to the mid-eighties this past weekend, and that's just fine with me!  I hear you Pacific Northwesterners had a sunny and warm weekend too. You certainly deserve some sunshine after all the rain you've had to endure!

There's something fishy going on here today. Take a look and you'll see what I mean...

This card is made with one of my favorite retiring stamp sets, Seaside Shore (#141625, $21.00, page 53 of the almost-gone 2017-2018 catalog).

The card stock colors are Calypso Coral, Mint Macaron, and Whisper White.  I'm so happy that Mint Macaron is back (or will be on June 1st when the new catalog goes "live").  

The ink colors are Dapper Denim (almost gone!) Calypso Coral, and Mint Macaron.  The Seaside embossing folder (#141481, $8.50) adds a sea-weedy look to the background.  The sentiment is from a 2016 Paper Pumpkin kit, so that's not available for purchase.

I used the new Tailored Tag Punch (#145667, $ 18.00, p. 45 of the Occasions Catalog) to punch out the sentiment.  I used a strip of drywall tape across the bottom of the card, under the sentiment.  I love using this on nautical cards, as it gives the feeling of fish netting.  You can pick up a roll for very little cash at Home Depot and it will last forever, unless you decide to make thousands of fishy cards.  The sparkly air bubbles are sequins from the Sequin Assortment (#144212, $5.00, p. 197).

I didn't photograph the inside of the card, but it says "Hope your day goes swimmingly."  This would be a perfect card for anyone with a summer birthday, male or female, young or old.  It's always good to have a stash of general birthday cards on hand, so why not get out some stamps, ink, and paper and stamp up a few?  You'll have fun and you'll be prepared when you need a card in a hurry.

Enjoy the sunny week ahead!  Oh, and if you'd like to order some of your favorite retiring stamps, the May Host Code is YAAWUDKD.  An order of any amount will enter you in the May Host Code drawing for a $25 gift certificate.  

Happy stamping, everyone!

Susan

More cards with the Share What You Love suite

Hello stampers!

Hope it is a sunny day where you are!  It is always wonderful to start the week with sunshine.  We have a warm week ahead of us here in the Sacramento area... the low 80s to start the week and then 96 by next Saturday!  Does this mean that summer weather is here early??  I hope we have a little more time before the heat hits!

If you read my blog last week, you know that Stampin'Up! has a pre-order special, where you can purchase things from the Share What You Love Suite in advance of the new catalog.  I hope the samples that follow will inspire you to do some stamping this week!

This pre-order opportunity goes until May 31st, so you still have time to get the bundles!  To order, just click on the "shop now" button at the top of this blog, then choose "share what you love suite."  

The cards in the foreground measure 2 1/2 by 4 3/4, so they are too small to mail.  But they are just right to slip under the ribbon of a gift as a gift enclosure.  The lining for the top of the envelope is just a circle of the DSP, punched with the 2 1/4 inch circle punch.

It's so easy to do, but adds a nice touch!  These Narrow Note Cards will be carried over to the new catalog from the Occasions catalog and I'm so happy about that.  This size card holds a gift card too, so you'll find them to be a "must-have" item.

The ordering number is 145583.  You get 20 cards and envelopes for $8.00.  

It is a bit hard to see, but the full-sized card in the background has an amazing embossed design.  This is the new Lovely Floral embossing folder that is part of the largest bundle.  You will be able to order this one separately once the new catalog goes live on June 1st, but right now it is only available in the Gotta Have it All bundle.

As promised, here is the winning name in the "Guess How Many Stamp Sets I'm Pulling from my Shelf" contest.  Eighteen people participated in my little guessing game and no one really came close to the number of retiring sets I had.  The astounding number this year is 63 sets!  Can you believe it?  That leaves me with just 59 sets remaining on my shelves!  The guess closest to the actual number was Nanci Stauffer's guess of 47 sets.  Congratulations, Nanci!  I will send you the list of retiring stamp sets by email. Choose one and if I have it, it will be yours!

Thank you to everyone who participated!  I'm sorry I can't send you each a free set!

May the week ahead be a great one!  

Sending happy thoughts your way!

Susan

May is Just Around the Corner!

Hey there, stamping friends!

May will be here in just one more day!  I'm excited for May first to arrive because that's the day that customers can pre-order from a nice array of beautiful products from the new catalog that goes live on June 1st.  

I think that this is the first time that customers have been able to place a pre-order.  I don't recall that this has ever happened before.

The suite of products is called Share What You Love.  I sent out an email on Saturday with a flyer and a video attached that show all of the goodies you can pre-order.

Today I've got two card that I made using products from the suite.

 

The base of this card is Mint Macaron, which is coming back!  I'm so happy that this favorite color of mine is re-joining the Subtles color family!

There are three different bundles of products that you can pre-order during this special promotion and each bundle includes one or more freebies.  The bundles are available to order beginning Tuesday, May 1st through May 31st.    Look for an email on May 1st for the new May Host Code.  Please refer to the flyer I emailed on Saturday for all of the ordering information.  

The designer paper in this suite is so much fun... great flowers and other designs in the double pack.  The stamp sets are great too! There is some gorgeous velvet ribbon, pearly doilies, and other accessories as well.  

Speaking of host codes.... it's time to announce the winner of the April Host Code drawing.  The winner is Judy Billings!  Congratulations Judy!  Please let me know what you'd like to have as your prize. You have $25 to spend.

May the week ahead be a sunny one!  If it turns out to be rainy, you know how to create your own sunshine with stamps, ink, and paper!

Hugs and happy stamping!

Susan

Farewell Times Five

Hey there, stampers!

Are you enjoying some spring-like weather?  It was 86 degrees yesterday and today the forecast is for 88.  We are hoping that it stays in the 80's for a while longer, because once we get up into the 100's, we are not happy campers!

Well, here we are at week 4 of April, which means we have about 5 weeks left on the 2017-2018 Stampin'Up! catalog.  So today I'm going to show you a pretty card that has FIVE retiring products.  

But first a little reminder.... Stamp sets will be available until the May 31st deadline, but accessories like card stock, ink, ink refills, designer paper, punches, ribbon, etc. are only available "while supplies last."  That is why it is best to concentrate on accessories now, while they are available, because Stampin'Up! doesn't guarantee their availability. I just checked the retiring list and all of the products I used to make this card are currently available.

This is known as a Bridge Fold Card.  The beauty of it is that it can stand up by itself and is wonderfully three-dimensional, but then it folds flat and fits inside a standard envelope for mailing.  If you would like the easy directions to make this card, please email me at sjrstamps@gmail.com and I'll email them to you!  

So let's get started on all of the retiring products I used.

First of all, the card base is Soft Sky card stock (#131203, $8.00, p. 186). I'm really sad that this color is being discontinued, as it is one of my "go-to" colors.  Of course the ink pad and refill are also going away.  You can find those on page 186 of the annual catalog.

The next element that is being discontinued is the Whole Lot of Lovely Designer Series Paper (#144110, $11.00, p. 188).  I thought this paper was one of the prettiest in the 2017-2018 catalog.  

The sentiment on the card is from the Birthday Blooms stamp set (#140658, $19.00, p. 70) 

The flower on the "bridge" of the card was stamped with the Flower Shop stamp set (#130942, $18.00, p. 28) and then punched out with the Pansy Punch (#130698, $16.00, p. 207).

The center of the flower is a Faceted Gem (#144141, $5.00, p. 197).  Thankfully, those are NOT being discontinued!

To shop online, please just click the "shop now" button at the top of this blog.  This will take you to my Stampin'Up! shopping site where you can create your account (if you are a first-time shopper) and then enter your order.

Please use the April host code 3KDV7CHN if you are placing an order less than $150.  I will enter your name into my April Host Code drawing for a $25 gift certificate.  If your order is $150 or over, please do not use the host code.  If your order is $50 or more I will enter your name on my 50-50 Board for a $50 gift certificate.  Your name will be added once for every $50 you spend!

I hope this springy card has inspired you to get out some stamps, ink and paper and make a pretty card that you can send to someone who's having a birthday, needs encouragement, or who would just love to get some real mail for a change.  Remember, we can make the world a happier place, one card at a time!

Have a great week!

Hugs to all,

Susan

Turquoise Water

Is there anything that says "vacation" more effectively than a photo of a gorgeous beach and turquoise water?  When I picture a tropical scene, the water is always a beautiful shade of turquoise... never steely blue, never a gray blue, never a dark green, but always a bright, clear turquoise. 

You might be wondering why I'm going on and on about turquoise, but I really have a very good reason.  That's because Tempting Turquoise is about to be discontinued.  At the end of May--- and maybe well before that--- Tempting Turquoise will join the ranks of retired colors.  

I've had this Waterfront stamp set for a couple of months, but this is the first time I've taken it out of the box to play with it.  You can find this stamp set on page 48 of the Occasions catalog. It has been one of the top sellers. Thankfully, it will be carried over into the new annual catalog that begins on June 1st.  

What a versatile set this is!  You can create a tropical beach scene as I have done with this card, or you can create a mountain lake ringed by evergreen trees.  I don't think I'll ever get tired of this set because of the many different ways the images can be combined.  Also, it is perfect for masculine and/or gender neutral cards and we all need those!

Here are the products I used to create this sunny, happy card:

Stamps, Waterfront, Paint Play (for the Happy Birthday sentiment)

DSP, Tempting Turquoise (this DSP is now discontinued)

Card Stock, So Saffron, Calypso Coral, and Whisper White card stock

Ink.  Tempting Turquoise, Sahara Sand, Lemon Lime Twist, So Saffron, Calypso Coral, Blushing Bride.

Big Shot Dies:  Stitched Shapes

The retiring colors are not guaranteed to be available until the end of this current catalog on May 31st.  Therefore, if you'd like to create some tropical cards featuring bright clear turquoise waters, please get your orders in quickly.  There are 13 colors that will be retiring... Always Artichoke, Chocolate Chip, Elegant Eggplant, Island Indigo, Perfect Plum, Rose Red, Marina Mist, Pink Pirouette, Soft Sky, Tangerine Tango, Tempting Turquoise, Wild Wasabi and Wisteria Wonder.  Please check your stamp pads, ink refills, and card stock supplies and fill any "holes" in your color collection before it is too late.

The April Host Code is 3KDV7CHN. Please use this host code when placing online orders of less than $150.  I will enter your name into the April Host Code drawing for a $25 gift certificate.

I've also got a new 50-50 Board going and you'll have your name added to it for each $50 you spend.  You could be the winner of a $50 gift certificate!  

Fun stuff on the horizon!  I have pre-ordered a new Suite of products from the NEW 2018-2019 catalog and it will be arriving on Tuesday.  I'll be posting some pretty new cards made with these products over the next couple of weeks.  The great news is that YOU will be able to pre-order these new goodies too, starting May 1st... a full month before the new catalog begins!  

Does your weather forecast look a bit gloomy?   We'll have clouds and showers for the next 3 days and I've got a plan to deal with the gloom.  I'm going to use my Waterfront stamp set to create a bunch of tropical beach cards, then I'm going to imagine myself stepping out of one of those colorful little cabanas with an umbrella drink in hand.  The sun will warm my face and I'll sink down into the soft, warm sand. Ahhhh!  Wouldn't you like to join me?

Have a great week!
Susan