One of the Few

As I patiently wait for my order of new catalog sneak peak products to arrive, how about a sample for one of the sets that will be carrying over into the new catalog.  Since this was a swap for a demo meeting, all items on it had to be product that would be in the new catalog.

Well, it was a little hard for me to find a stamp set that I could still use.  Out of the several hundred (yes, you read that right) SU sets that I own, I only have 26 sets that will be in the new catty.  Granted, that is still a good number of sets to work with.  But, 4 are Holidays, 3 are sentiments with no images, 2 are alphabets, and 3 were sets I earned free that weren't necessarily my style.  Now I am down to 14.  Still a decent number, but I had challenged myself to use a set that I had either never used or had only been used once or twice.  That didn't leave me a lot.  To top it off, almost all of the embellishments and ribbons that I own are retiring.

I do want to say though, that having the limitations actually made me think more creatively.

The color combo is Baja Breeze, Pink Pirouette and Certainly Celery with Early Espresso thrown in as an accent or "grounding" color.  The stamp set is Fabulous Florets.  I stamped the leaf/stem in Certainly Celery and then stamped the small flower in Early Espresso on Pink Pirouette.  I cut it out and popped it up on dimensionals.

The celery piece was embossed with the Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder.  To give a little feminine charm to the card I punched the Early Espresso mat with the Scallop Trim Border Punch.  All of the pieces were sponged with their respective inks.  The focal piece was lightly sponged with Early Espresso and then I re-sponged it with Pink Pirouette. 

I wanted to use the Happy Birthday from Bring on the Cake, but the stamp was too big for the Modern Label punch.  So, I used MDS to create the sentiment in the size I needed, printed it on Baja Breeze and then punched it out.  That was then popped up on dimensionals also.  To add just a touch of bling, I placed two small pearls on the sentiment.

ETA:  How about some Blog Candy!!

I thought I would celebrate my birthday today and Mother's Day tomorrow-crafter's style-with some blog candy. :)

 

It's kind of a weird mix of items, but I have been cleaning out my craft room and of course finding multiples of some items.  Plus it's FREE stuff. :)  Included in the package are: 4 gift card holders, Red Riding Hood wide striped ribbon, Chocolate Chip 1/4" grosgrain ribbon, a package of Carousel Notes, Pumpkin Pie Corduroy buttons, Blooming With Happiness stamp set, Deck the Halls Fabric, a covered notebook, and Butterflies and Rings Sizzix Die.

But that's not all...

What's a celebration without a few surprises!  The winner of this Blog Candy will also receive a few surprise goodies in the package. Party!!!

For a chance to win, just leave a comment below telling me what your favorite birthday or Mother's Day present has been.  Leave the comment by midnight Sunday, May 13th.  The winner will be selected by Random.org on May14th and posted that evening.  If there is no contact info with your comment, I will have to move on the next person.

Good Luck and Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms out there!!


Make it a great day!

A Charming Farewell

This adorable little set is on the retiring list and will no longer be available after May 31st.  Charming was originally marketed to coordinate with Stanpin' Up!'s Simply Adorned jewelry line.  However, it is a great set for adding little details to a scrapbook page or even being center stage on a card.

The patterned paper for the focal point is from the Beau Chateau DSP.  I stamped the script image from Charming in Early Espresso.  I didn't want it to be to dark or bold so I just barely touched it to the page.  The flower was colored with Blushing Bride and Pear Pizzazz markers.  The Pear Pizzazz mat behind the flower is from the 2010-2012 In-Color Patterns Designer Paper Hostess Pack, which is currently on the Clearance Rack (while supplies last).

All of the cardstock/paper pieces' edges were sponged with their respective ink colors.  The focal point was first sponged with Blushing Bride and then lightly sponged with Early Espresso.

I didn't want to use just a plain rectangle for the word Create, but I didn't have a punch that would make the right size decorative piece needed.  So I created my own...

Cut a strip of paper just a hair less than 5/8" of an inch wide.   Stamp the word or phrase of your choice.  Turn the Modern Label Punch upside down and place the strip of paper through the punch from the "top"

Like this...

Line up the paper, and then punch.

For the other side, place the strip of paper through the punch from the side making sure that the image is pointing up out of the punch.

Again, line up your paper and then punch.

Viola!

I added some small pearls and then popped it up on dimensionals.  You can use this same punching technique to make a longer label too.

Stamps: Charming (retiring)
Paper: Blushing Bride (retiring), Early Espresso Textured (textured cardstock is retiring), Pear Pizzazz Belle Chateau DSP (retiring), 2010-2012 In-Color Patterns Designer Paper Hostess Pack (retired, but currently in Clearance Rack) (retiring),
Ink: Blushing Bride Pad and Marker (retiring), Early Espresso, Pear Pizzazz Pad and Marker (retiring)
Misc.: Modern Label Punch, Basic Pearls, Pear Pizzazz Pleated Ribbon (retiring), Dimensionals, Sponges

Have a great day!

Retirement Showcase

I don't know about you, but I tend to keep many of my stamp sets and supplies even after they retire.  Sometimes though, they do get shoved to the back of the shelves and not used very often.  So I thought I would show some love to the retiring sets and products this month for a little inspiration.

I am kicking myself  a bit over not purchasing this set sooner; I just purchased it from the retiring list. Although Awash with Flowers is not my typical style, I really like how this card turned out. This is a two-step stamping set and was really easy to use with the cling mount stamps.  You can use the Stamp-a-ma-jig if you have the wood mount to help with alignment.


All the stems and flower outlines were stamped in Basic Black.  I first stamped the stems for the larger flowers and the stem with the buds.  Next came the three large flowers.  I then filled in the space with the two smaller flowers along the bottom.  I drew in the stems for the flowers along the bottom with the Black Stampin' Write Marker.  Once the outlines were done, I simply went back in with the solid stamps and color.


"Hello" is stamped in Poppy Parade and is from Elementary Elegance (SAB set).  I used the small oval punch on it and also punched an oval in Daffodil Delight to mat it.  I raised the sentiment on dimensionals to give the card a little depth.

Stamps: Awash with Flowers (retiring), Elementary Elegance (SAB)
Paper: Poppy Parade (retiring), Basic Black, Daffodil Delight, Whisper White
Ink: Basic Black, Daffodil Delight, Pear Pizzazz (retiring), Poppy Parade (retiring)
Misc.: Small Oval Punch, Dimensionals

Wisteria is such a pretty color and it goes wonderfully with Concord Crush.  I love purples so I am sad that Concord Crush is retiring.  This was a very quick and easy card and could be given to either a female or male.  

I colored an image from Pocket Silhouettes (retiring) with Stampin' Write Markers in Wisteria Wonder and Pear Pizzazz and then matted that on Pear Pizzazz.  After attaching a tab with the sentiment, created using the Round Tab Punch (retiring), I mounted the entire piece on Concord Crush and used dimensionals to place it on the card.  The sentiment is also from Pocket Silhouettes; I used the Concord Crush marker to color just the word friend.


Only a few select colors of Stampin' Write Markers will be available for individual purchase in the new catalog June 1st. [We don't know which ones yet. :)]  However, all current SU colors of the markers will be available for purchase in color assortment packs.


Stamps: Pocket Silhouettes (retiring)
Paper: Concord Crush (retiring), Pear Pizzazz (retiring), Wisteria Wonder, Whisper White
Ink: Stampin' Write Markers in Concord Crush (retiring), Pear Pizzazz (retiring) and Wisteria Wonder.
Misc.: Round Tab Punch (retiring), Concord Crush 1/2" Stitched-Poly Ribbon (retiring), Dimensionals

This wasn't where I was going with this card when I started and I am not sure that I totally love the layout;   but, I do like the flocal point of the pear from Faith in Nature.  It is a Hostess set that will be retiring at the end of this month.  You can earn it for free with a qualifying workshop or purchase.


I stamped the pear in Versamark on Crumb Cake and then heat embossed with white embossing powder.  Once that was cool I used a sponge to "rub in" the Pear Pizzazz ink around the image.  Once I had the coverage I wanted, I took a paper towel to wipe off any ink on the embossing.  I attached a Mini Library Clip (retiring) tied with Hemp Twine (retiring) and then mounted the image on alternating pieces of Crumb Cake and Not Quite Navy Textured card stock.  The 12 x 12 textured card stock is retiring, so if you like it as much as I do, stock up while it is still available.


Each of the mat pieces was torn at the bottom and then inked for some depth.  I used Pear Pizzazz on the Crumb Cake pieces to coordinate with the focal point.

Stamps: Faith in Nature
Paper: Crumb Cake, Not Quite Navy Textured (textured is retiring)
Ink: Pear Pizzazz (retiring), Not Quite Navy Craft (Craft inks are retiring), Versamark
Misc.: Mini Library Clips (retiring), Natural Hemp Twine (retiring), White Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Sponges

You can see all the retiring stamp sets and accessories HERE.  Stamp sets are available to purchase through May 31st.  Retiring accessories are only available while supplies last, some are even discounted, so don't miss out!

Make it a great day!

Carryovers from the Occasions Mini

Some of the great products in the Occasions Mini catalog, that just ended on April 30th, are still available for purchase!

Carryover Items

There is no guarantee that these items will be included in the new catalog available June 1st.  So, order now before they are gone.

Kym

See Ya Later Alligator....

The retiring lists are out. Don't panic!! Stampin' Up! is making room for fabulous new products.

Yes, there are a LOT of items on these lists, but here are a few things to note:

• Classic Ink Pads are on the Accessories retiring list-They are just being reconfigured and will still be available in the new catalog (Available June 1st), however, they will be replaced with a new "firm foam pad" for a better stamping experience.

• Craft Ink Pads and refills are retiring-We will only carry the craft pads in Black and White now, so get your favorites while they last.

• There is a lot of 12 x 12 cardstock on the list. Colors that are not selling as well are being retired, we will still have 15 colors that will be sold in individual color packs. All other 12 x 12 will be sold in assorted packs.

• All 12 x 12 Textured cardstock is being retired.

• Retiring stamp sets will be available to order until May 31st.

• Retiring Accessories and Decor Elements will only be available while supplies last and they do go quick, so order early!!

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me. I will be happy to help with any clarification needed or offer suggestions.

Kym

Crafty Red Stilettos

I love using my craft items for non-traditional projects. These are something I whipped up over the weekend. They are a gag gift for a friend. The gag is that they are for a guy. I won't bore you with the story, it wouldn't be as funny in translation. Just picture someone similar to Michael Chiklis wearing these and you should at least giggle. :)

BEFORE

AFTER

And here is a close-up:


The ribbons are Stamin' Up! Cherry Cobbler seam binding and Striped Riding Hood Red Grosgrain. The dangling crystals are Tim Holtz and the metal filigree piece and large rhinestone I believe are BoBunny. I was doing some cleaning of the craft room and going through a huge box of embellishments. These pieces were perfect for this project.

I attached the bows with glue dots, as I am assuming they are not actually going to be worn...

I'd break my other ankle if I tried walking around in these babies. Anyway, if you really wanted to bling out some plain shoes, even nice safe flats or wedges, I would recommend using a stronger adhesive or a clip of some kind that you can take on and off without damaging the shoe.

Just remember those craft supplies can be used for just about anything! Have fun creating!!!

Kym

Blooms

The effects of the psycho weather patterns this year are starting to show in the plant life around here. Many of the early Spring flowers are already dying off, so I thought I would create some blooms that are a little more permanent.

The Blossom punch and Mixed Bunch stamp set from the Occasions Mini have been sitting in a box, unused, for over a month now. {Not for lack of wanting to use them though. :)} My niece's birthday card was a great way to break them in.

She's a girly girl and loves pink, so the soft but cheery colors in the Beau Chateau DSP made a great background for the single bloom. The card base and flower are Pink Pirouette. The sentiment is stamped in Lucky Limeade.

I used the Large Tag Punch to create the "v" in the end of the banner. Any square punch will do.

I don't know about you, but this card just makes me happy when I look at it. It reminds me of warm sunny days working in the flower garden or sipping lemonade by the pool.

Stamps: Mixed Bunch, Curly Cute
Paper: Pink Pirouette, Whisper White, Beau Chateau DSP
Ink: Pink Pirouette, Lucky Limeade
Misc.: Blossom Punch, Large Tag Punch, Designer Buttons, 1/8" Lucky Limeade Organdy Ribbon (SAB 2012), Mini Glue Dots

One of the patterns in the Beau Chateau paper has this ornate vintage frame which I thought would work as a great background to showcase the focal bloom.

To create the bloom I stamped the more ornate flower in the Mixed Bunch set three times on First Edition Specialty DSP in Pink Pirouette. After I punched them out with the Blossom Punch, I sponged the edges with Pretty in Pink and crumpled them up. Be careful when doing this, you don't want to rip your blooms.

The center is a half inch circle of Daffodil Delight. The flower is kept together with an Ice Rhinestone Brad. To add a little more texture, I used Chantilly Crochet Trim to make the "leaves". The sentiment is from the Because I Care stamp set (retired) and stamped in Marina Mist.

Stamps: Mixed Bunch, Because I Care (retired)
Paper: Daffodil Delight, Marina Mist, Pink Pirouette, Beau Chateau DSP, First Edition Specialty DSP
Ink: Marina Mist, Pinnk Pirouette, Pretty in Pink
Misc.: Blossom Punch, Ice Rhinestone Brads, Chantilly Crochet Trim, 1/2" Circle Punch, Mini Glue Dots, Sponge

For this last bloom I wanted to go a little more dramatic, so I decided to use black. I also wanted to create a 3-D project.

The little Kraft boxes are currently in the Occasions Mini catalog and are the perfect size for small gifts or little treats. A 3" x 3" gift card is the perfect compliment to the gift box.

A stylish label made with the Decorative Label Punch and Four Frames stamp set creates the perfect place to add a sentiment.

In the Mocha Morning Specialty DSP there are two designs with flocking and they give some elegance to this simple little box. Since the flocked papers are not double sided and I wanted the flower to be dimensional, I needed a way to make the white back of the paper more interesting. What I decided to do was glue two flowers back to back and create my own double sided paper.

I ran both sheets of the paper through the Big Shot using the Fun Flowers Bigz Die.


Then I glued them together and sponged the edges with black ink to cover any white.



I layered all the flowers along with Raven Lace Trim (retired) to create this elegant bloom.

Stamps:Four Frames, You're a Gem
Paper: Basic Black, Sahara Sand, Mocha Morning Specialty DSP
Ink: Basic Black, Sahara Sand
Misc.: Kraft Gift Box, Blossom Punch, Fun Flowers Bigz Die, Big Shot, Ribbon Originals (retired), Raven Lace Trim (retired), Mini Glue Dots, Multipurpose Liquid Glue, Sponge

Make it a Great day!!