Hello Stamping Friends!

There have been some changes in the rules regarding emailing from a personal email account, the way I have been communicating with you for the past several years. After February 1st, it is not legal to send a group email from a personal email account, so I'm planning to communicate with you via this blog that I haven't used in quite a while.  I will also occasionally post something on Facebook.  You can find me there by searching for The Classic Card on Facebook.

You will no longer be receiving an email from me that will remind you of what's new and exciting in the Stampin'Up! world.  You will have to seek me out by going to theclassiccard.blogspot.com if you want to see a new card or learn what the monthly host code is.

This change does make staying in touch a little more difficult, but I hope it won't cause a terrible drop in my business.  I will have to count on you and your love of stamping to take the time to go to my blog.

I apologize in advance for the very outdated header for my blog.  I will need to get some outside help to update that feature.

As an experiment, I'm going to post a photo of my latest card.  If you opened my email earlier this week, you've already seen this card.

Thank you all for your continued support of my business.  I hope to continue being a Stampin'Up! demonstrator for the foreseeable future.

Susan

Hello Stamping Friends!

It has been such a long time since I last blogged! 

The new 2020-2021 Stampin'Up! catalog is here and it's a doozy!

I have so many favorite "must-have" stamps and dies on my list that it's scary.

One of my very favorite favorites is the new Forever Fern stamps/dies and the amazing
designer paper that goes with it, called Forever Greenery.

You can see this gorgeous suite of products on pages 108 through 110 in the new annual catalog.

I'm currently offering a class-in-the-mail," based on this bundle.  When you purchase the Forever Fern Bundle (#154094, $54.00), I will send you the cut and scored card stock/envelopes to make the three cards shown.  The card kits will include the ribbon and the die-cut shapes for the sentiments.
You will stamp the leaves and cut them out with your dies.  The card kits are FREE with the purchase of the Bundle! 

If you want more info, please email me at sjrstamps@gmail.com

My current phone number is 530-402-1041  (home)

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