Stamped Sophisticates

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Saying Goodbye...to more Stampin' Up! Last Chance products

For today's card, I stamped the flower images three times and hand cut the layers and added dimensionals between each layer. This is where you need a good pair of scissors. I use the Stampin' Up! Paper Snips whenever I'm cutting intricate paper images. This card uses the Fabulous Florets stamp set from the Summer Mini Catalog, and one of the sentiments from the Fabulous Phrases stamp set.

This card shows one of my favorite styles. Simple layers. It goes together quickly, yet it is a card you can be proud to give a family member or a professional acquaintance. I'm including it in the Signature Style Pals Paper Arts Challenge PPA97 weekly contest.

Here is a closer look at the flower layers. I added a layer of Dimensionals between each of the three layers.

Here's what I used.

Stamps: Fabulous Florets (Summer Mini), Fabulous Phrases
Paper: Whisper White
Ink: Black Staz-on
Accessories: Large Oval punch, Oval punch, Mat pack, paper-piercing tool, dimensionals, Paper Snips

One of the things I love about Stampin' Up! products are the variety of punches offered. I'm a fan of layers. I love to layer sentiments and images. Stampin' Up! makes it easy because of the many different size punches that layer together. However, to make room for "new", sometimes you need to push out the old.

One punch on the Last Chance list retiring at the end of June, is the 1-3/8 X 5/8" Oval Punch -- the smallest of the Oval Punches. I've used it for the sentiment on this card. However, supplies are already depleted for this accessory on the Last Chance list. The good news is that a new, more elongated oval punch was introduced in last year's Stampin' Up Idea book and catalog and is available for purchase now.
Here's where you can see the new small oval punch; available now.

120908 - 3/4 X 15/16 in Oval Punch - US $10.95

Check out all of the Last Chance Accessories and Last Chance stamp sets, some up to 40% off! But check it today. Items on the accessories list are going fast. when they are gone, they are gone.

Earn a free catalog with a US$50.00 order placed on my Shopping Site. My new 2011-2012 Idea Books and Catalogs are also on order. Want a free catalog? Place an order for $50 or more on my Stampin' Up! shopping site between now and June 24 and I will send you a free ($9.95 value) Stampin' Up! catalog on July 1. Sorry, this offer good for U.S. addresses only.

A last reminder, Say Goodbye -- to 5/8" grosgrain ribbonsIf you love our 5/8" grosgrain ribbons, you'll want to stock up before they are gone. You won't find them in the new catalog. Although there will be plenty of existing ribbons and several exciting, new ribbon styles in the new catalog, I'll miss these ribbons. Check the Last-Chance Accessories list for all ribbons.

You can access the Last-Chance Lists Here.
Lists included:Last-chance Wood-Mount Stamps
Last-chance Clear-Mount Stamps
Last-chance stamps .pdf list
Last-chance Accessories
Last-chace Definitely Decorative
Last-Chance Definitely Decorative .pdf list

Donna Ross, Sr. Supervisor

Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator

Current Promotions
Start You Own Business
Host a workshop
24/7 Shopping at my Stampin' Up! Website
Download Free Stampin' Up! Catalogs

Sunday, June 05, 2011

More Stampin' Up! sneak peeks - Delicate Doilies and dots

I'm having fun with new sneak peek stamps that wll be available in the July 1 Stampin' Up! Idea Book and Catalog. Here a quick card using Delicate Doilies. Scroll down to see another version with a bit more bling. Also, take a look at the new In Colors in a post from earlier today.

This new set will be available in the new 2011-2011 Stampin' Up! Idea Book and catalog available July 1.

I used:

Stamps: Delicate Doilies
Papers: Crumb Cake, Neutrals Pattern Designer Series Paper Stack (love these 40-sheet, 12 X 12 paper stacks)
Ink: Soft Suede
Accessories: Crumb Cake Seam Binding

This is a stepped up version with just a little bling added. So little adds a lot, in my opinion. Looks better in real life.

For this stepped-up version I used:

Stamps: Delicate Doilies
Papers: Crumb Cake, Neutrals Pattern Designer Series Paper Stack (love this 40-sheet, 12 X 12 paper stacks)
Ink: Soft Suede
Accessories: Crumb Cake Seam Binding, Basic Pearls

Here are the two versions together. I think either make an outstanding card. Which is your favorite?

Earn a free catalog with a US$50.00 order placed on my Shopping Site. My new 2011-2012 Idea Books and Catalogs are on order. Want a free catalog? Place an order for $50 or more on my Stampin' Up! shopping site between now and June 24 and I will send you a free ($9.95 value) Stampin' Up! catalog on July 1. Sorry, this offer good for U.S. addresses only. You'll want to take a look at the last-chance lists to grab your favorites before they are gone. The Accessories list has lots of ribbons--including 5/8" grosgrain ribbons, which I use on everything! The Accessories list is updated daily, so be sure to check it before you place your order.

You can access the Last-Chance Lists Here.
Lists included:
Last-chance Wood-Mount Stamps
Last-chance Clear-Mount Stamps
Last-chance stamps .pdf list
Last-chance Accessories
Last-chance Definitely Decorative
Last-chance Definitely Decorative .pdf list
Well, off to play with more of the sneak peek items available July 1.

Hope you enjoyed this sneak peek.

Donna Ross

Donna Ross, Sr. Supervisor

Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator

Current Promotions
Start You Own Business
Host a workshop
24/7 Shopping at my Stampin' Up! Website
Download Free Stampin' Up! Catalogs

New 2011-2013 Stampin' Up! In Colors

Mr. Brown made his stop at my home Friday, late afternoon, so I've had a chance to play with my Sneak Peek items all day Saturday! Such a joyful time of the year to be a Stampin' Up! demonstrator...and another reason to think about joining Stampin' up! -- an early look at all the new merchandise in the 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog scheduled for release July 1.

Stampin' Up! is introducing 5 fresh, new In Colors -- annual colors which keep the 48 permanent colors up to date. Here are the 5 new, In Colors this year. I used them on these cute fancy favor boxes. In addition, I also use the new Delicate Doilies stamp set, the Lace Ribbon punch, and the Sizzix Perfect Pennants Bigz XL Die. I have been wishing and hoping for a round version of the Scallop Trim Border punch and matching corner punch introduced last year. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw this new die. It was first package I opened in my Sneak Peek order. The new die includes 3 pennant sizes and two doily sizes. I layered both doily sizes together with double layers of Dimensions in between. I ran three colors through my Big Shot at a time -- which worked just fine. I did have a couple of "chads" that stuck in the doily shapes, but they came right out when I poked them with a stylus.

I used some of our existing colors so you could see how well the new colors work with what you probably already have.

Here's what I used:

Stamps: Delicate Doilies (available July 1)
Papers: Available July 1 - Calypso Coral, Island Indigo, Lucky Limeade, Pool Party, Wisteria Wonder. Available now - Poppy Parade, Pear Pizzaz, Concord Crush
Ink: Calypso Coral, Island Indigo, Lucky Limeade, Pool Party, Wisteria Wonder.
Accessories: Sizzix Fancy Favors Die, Perfect Pennants Bigz L Die, Big Shot, Lace Ribbon punch, Dimensionals, 1-3/4" Circle Punch, Big Shot Die Cutting Machine, Red Sticky Strip.

Calypso Coral

This favor basket uses the new Calypso Coral and the accent color is Poppy Parade.

Island Indigo

This favor basket uses the new Island Indigo, and the accent color is the new Pool Party.

Lucky Limeade

This favor basket uses the new Lucky Limeade, and the accent color is Pear Pizzaz. The new In Color cards suggested Always Artichoke. Looking at the photos on line, I think a darker shade, like Always Artichoke, would have been better than Pear Pizzaz.

Pool Party

This favor basket uses the new Pool Party, and the accent color is Island Indigo, another new In Color.

Wisteria Wonder

This favor basket uses the new Wisteria Wonder, and the accent color is Concord Crush.

Earn a free catalog with a US$50.00 order placed on my Shopping Site. My new 2011-2012 Idea Books and Catalogs are also on order. Want a free catalog? Place an order for $50 or more on my Stampin' Up! shopping site between now and June 24 and I will send you a free ($9.95 value) Stampin' Up! catalog on July 1. Sorry, this offer good for U.S. addresses only.

Say Goodbye -- to 5/8" grosgrain ribbons
If you love our 5/8" grosgrain ribbons, you'll want to stock up before they are gone. You won't find them in the new catalog. Although there will be plenty of existing ribbons and several exciting, new ribbon styles in the new catalog, I'll miss these ribbons. Check the Last-Chance Accessories list for all ribbons.

You can access the Last-Chance Lists Here.
Lists included:
Last-chance Wood-Mount Stamps
Last-chance Clear-Mount Stamps
Last-chance stamps .pdf list
Last-chance Accessories
Last-chace Definitely Decorative
Last-Chance Definitely Decorative .pdf list

Hope you enjoyed this sneak peek.

Donna Ross, Sr. Supervisor

Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator

Current Promotions
Start You Own Business
Host a workshop
24/7 Shopping at my Stampin' Up! Website
Download Free Stampin' Up! Catalogs

Wednesday, June 01, 2011

It is time to say goodbye to the Stampin' Up! 2010-2011 catalog at the end of June and say hello to the new 2011-2012 Idea Book and Catalog July 1.

Check out the Last Chance Lists, for stamp sets, accessories, and Definitely Decorative vinyl products to retire June 30. That means it is your last chance to purchase those stamps, accessories and definitively decorative products on the Last Chance lists that you've been thinking about purchasing, but never got around to ordering.

Shop on line or download a pdf file to print so you can mark your current catalog with sets soon to be retired. If you're like me, you'll want to save your catalog for the creative ideas you'll continue to use, long after the catalog merchandise is no longer available. TIP: If you're a digital scrap booker, you'll find many of the stamp sets, designer series papers, and accessories Stampin' Up! will retire next month are available as digital downloads. That means you can purchase a download of your favorites and you'll have them forever without the need to build an extra room to store your retired, favorite Stampin' Up! images. They can be used in your favorite graphics software or with MyDigitalStudio scrapbooking software.

Last chance accessories will only be available while supplies last and sell out quickly. I often hear from one of my customers a few days after the re-inker and paper they planned to use for an upcoming invitation has sold out, and we go on a hunt to find other demonstrators or customers who are willing to give up their retired stash. Save precious time by looking for what you need, today! Be sure to check the accessories list at the time you purchase to ensure your items are still available.

Note 1. This is a great time to stock up on cardstock on the last chance list. Cardstock colors are not being retired, they are simply being reconfigured into different assortment packs for the new catalog. Grab those matching ribbons now, as well.
Note 2. Stampin' Up! is adding 5 new Incolors this year to keep the colors up-to-date, but all existing colors remain. Last year's Incolors will remain current for a 2nd year, making your investment in current Incolors stretch over 2 years.

Be among the first to see the new catalog July 1: Sign up on my blog to receive email notification when I send updates so you'll be among the first to see the new catalog link when it goes live July 1.

One of the benefits of being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator is that we were able to place orders for new catalog preview stamp sets, and new colors at 1:00 AM Houston time, June 1. Yes, I admit I was one of the many crazed demonstrators who was on-line to get an early look at the 5 new Incolors, new stamps and other new merchandise coming July 1. It looks like Stampin' Up is doing a fantastic job in their busy warehouse today. My catalog preview order was picked this morning and looks like it will ship out today! Looks like I’ll be playing with new merchandise this week end!

Earn a free catalog with a US$50.00 order placed on my Shopping Site. My new 2011-2012 Idea Books and Catalogs are also on order. Want a free catalog? Place an order for $50 or more on my Stampin' Up! shopping site between now and June 24 and I will send you a free ($9.95 value) Stampin' Up! catalog on July 1. Sorry, this offer good for U.S. addresses only.

If you plan to buy four or more Last Chance Stamp sets, please consider the savings you'll enjoy as a Stampin' Up! hobby or business demonstrator. The demo starter kit is $175 for $310 worth of merchandise and you can customize your kit with stamp sets you want!! I would love to tell you about the programs SU has for both kinds of demonstrators. Both enjoy discounts on all merchandise you purchase. Contact me today or check out details on the site above.

Enjoy!

Donna Ross

Donna Ross, Sr. Supervisor

Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator

Current Promotions
Start You Own Business
Host a workshop
24/7 Shopping at my Stampin' Up! Website
Download Free Stampin' Up! Catalogs

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Pink Bow Birthday

I seem to be on a roll with Pals Paper Arts Challenges. This week's theme caught my eye, again. The challenge was to use brads. I love brads and I tend to get carried away when I get the chance to use them.

I made two versions of the card for my entry. Here they are together. The first card used rhinestone brads and plain brads in different colors. After I studied it a while, I redid the card with one more layer and using brads all the same color. Which do you think I entered in the Pals Paper Arts Challenge, PPA95, this week?

Here's a closer look at each of the cards.The first version...

And the second version.

This is the one I entered. It seemed to need the extra layer, and it wasn't quiet as jarring as the sample that used multiple kinds of brads. I also sponged the edges of the Decorative Label with Soft Suede to give it dimension

Here's the card recipe:

Stamps: Well Scripted
Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Soft Suede
Paper: Pink Pirouette, Botanical Gazette, Subtles Patterns Designer Series Paper Stack (Love these stacks!)
Accessories: 1-1/4" Pretty in Pink Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Brads - Pretty in Pink and Rose Red from the Subtles collection, Dimentionals, Spong, Pink Rhinestone brad from the Circle Fire collection, Glue dots, Beautiful wings embosslit die, Big Shot die cut machine, and Decorative Label Punch.

Final few days to save 30% on the Digital starter kit, select stamps, select My Digital Studio download packages, and / or Digital Download products during National Scrapbooking month (May 2011). See current promotion link below.

Current Promotion Details
Start You Own Business
Host a workshop
24/7 Shopping at my Stampin' Up! Website
Download Free Stampin' Up! Catalogs

Enjoy!

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Wedding Heart

I decided to do another Pals Paper Arts Color Challenge this week since the theme was anything for a wedding and I needed to make a wedding card for my wonderful niece and her new husband-to-be in California.

Here's my card.

It was based on another card I did a few years back and also showcases a heart made out of grosgrain ribbon based on a ribbon wreath card by Marisa (or Whiterockmama if you visit Splitcoaststampers) of Rosemary Reflections. She has a link to a tutorial for how to make these wonderful ribbon fantasies. To form the heart I tied a piece of 1/4" Whisper White Grosgrain ribbon on the top to give it a heart shape.

Stamps: Occasional Quotes
Paper: Whisper White
Ink: Basic Black
Accessories: Vintage Wallpaper Texturewd impressions embossing folder, Basic Pearls, 5/8" Whisper White Grosgrain Ribbon, 1/4" Whisper White Grosgrain Ribbon

Here's my original card that I cased.

Don't forget, just two more weeks to take advantage of Scrapbooking Month Specials.

30% off Select Stamp Sets, including one of my all-time favorite butterfly sets called Simple Friendship.
30% off Select My Digital Studio(TM) professional print products,
30% off Digital Download Products--bundles-- for themed photobooks, and
30% off the Digital+ Starter Kit and/or Stampin' Memories Add on when you join the Stampin' Up! family as a demonstrator.

Enjoy

Monday, May 09, 2011

Gaga over Blossom Petals Punch

I couldn't resist doing another version of the Mother's Day card I made my mom and posted yesterday -- only this time I changed the sentiment so that I can use the card for other occasions as well.

My real incentive happened when I stumble across the Pals Paper Arts Color Challenge site this week and thought this card would look great in the PPA Color Challenge colors using Pear Pizzaz, Peach Parfait and Poppy Parade.

I'm still gaga over the Blossom Petals Punch. I'm thrilled it is a carry over items from the Stampin' Up! Occasions Mini catalog.

Here's my new version of the card I posted yesterday.

Stamps: Build a Blossom, Just Believe (Sentiment)
Ink: Poppy Parade, Pear Pizzaz
Paper: Sunnny Garden Designer Series Paper, Pear Pizzaz, Peach Parfait, Poppy Parade
Accessories: Blossom Petals Punch, Sweet Stitches Fabric Designer Brads (Occasions Mini), Eyelet Border Punch, Modern Label Exgtra Large Punch, Bone Folder.

To order any of the supplies above or either of these punches that are still available from the Stampin' Up! Occasions Mini catalog, visit my on-line Store.

Enjoy!

Saturday, May 07, 2011

Naturally Mother

It getting warmer outside and everything is fresh and new! Colorful flowers are popping out of the ground, and in Texas, the humidity is still low -- it is simply the best time of the year!

I had so much fun making this card. I used the same colors as the flowers my DH planted for me in the front flower bed. Who knew that even the garden store followed fashion colors! And I was surprised at how fast and easy it was to make this card. I am so pleased the punch for this stamp set is one of the carry-over items from the Stampin' Up! Occasions Mini catalog! There are a number of items you can purchase from the Holiday and Occasions Mini catalog and the Occasions catalog. You won't find these items posted in the Summer Mini, but you can add stamp and punch numbers below to your order.

I made this for my mom in Minnesota for Mother's Day. I love that with the Build A Blossom stamp set and Blossom Petals Punch I can create this easy-to-make flower so quickly.

After stamping the petals in Melon Mambo on Pink Pirouette, I punched them out with the matching Blossoms Petals Punch. Then I curled the petals slightly with my bone folder. A few leaves in Always Artichoke were added to the underside and I also used one of the Fabric Designer Brads in the center, although the stamp set comes with a wonderful center (actually, 2 circle centers; a 1/2" and a 1" center stamp) to give you more variety. This is a very versatile stamp and punch set and one you'll want to add to your collection as soon as possible! While the stamp set and punch aren't in the catalog, you can still add them to your order buy using the numbers below.

Stamps: Build A Blossom - 121994 (Clear); 121923 (wood), Home is where your mother is (retired)
Paper: Springtime Vintage Designer Series Paper (Occasions Mini), Very Vanilla, Always Artichoke, Pink Pirouette
Ink: Always Artichoke, Melon Mambo
Accessories: Fabric Designer Brads (121880- Occasions Mini), Blossom Petals Punch - 121808, Bone Folder, Eyelet Boarder Punch

On another note, I'm so excited to share with you the new Stampin' Up! Summer Mini Catalog. Download your free copy today! Good May 1 - August 31, 2011

Also, this is National Scrapbooking Month. Look at these great promotions for May and save today. If you're a mom, this is a great time to drop a hint that Stampin' Up! is what you really want. Or spend that gift card someone thoughtfully tucked inside your card.