Stamped Sophisticates

Thursday, May 26, 2016

Look how well your stamp sets coordinate

Look how well your Stampin' Up! stamp sets coordinate
New demonstrators get two free stamps and a free Paper Pumpkin kit June 1-30
$350 Workshop orders from the June 1 catalog get $35 additional stamping rewards

Stamp sets coordinate beautifully

I typically like to mix a few stamp sets rather than use just a single stamp set for my projects. Today, I used 7 different stamp sets to make this card. Probably a record in the productive use of products that previously hadn't been used! (I had to laugh at myself because my last post didn't use any stamps at all...guess I felt the need to make it up to my lonely, neglected stamp sets). It reinforced to me how nice it is to open yourself to your own creativity when you have such a range of options with Stampin' Up! stamp designs.

Five of these stamps sets are available right now and will carry over to the new catalog. All of them will be in the new catalog coming June 1.

Click for larger image and check out the 7 stamps used on the card above.
Love the way Stampin' Up! stamps work together and coordinate so well.

Recipe

Stamps: Thoughtful Banners (new, available June 1), Papillon Potpourri, Love & Affection (new, available June 1), Butterfly Basics, Timeless Textures, Awesomely Artistic, Remarkably You
Paper: Whisper White, Smoky Slate, Tempting Turquoise
Ink: Smoky Slate, Pear Pizzazz, Tempting Turquoise
Accessories: Basic Pearls, Duet Banner Punch (new, available June 1), Bitty Butterfly punch, Sponge Daubers, Dimensionals.

Instructions:

1. Begin stamping you flowers from Love & Affection onto sticky notes to use as masks. Cut two small and one large.
2. Stamp the large flower and then mask it before stamping the small flowers.
3. Then, with the mask still on the large flower, mask the small flowers before stamping the leaves. I stamped off the Pear Pizzaz leaves once before stamping so that the flowers popped and the other objects on the page were more muted.
4. Leave the large flower and small flowers masked as you stamp the Smokey Slate images from various stamp sets. Again, I stamped off the Smokey Slate images before adding them to my card.
5. Continue adding images to different parts of your card until most of the background is covered with stamped off texture images
6. Stamp and punch out three butterflies using one of the Butterfly Basics image. Attach them using dimensionals
7. Stamp one of the Thoughtful Banner images, again, stamping off the Smokey Slate before stamping it onto Whisper White. Punch out using the new Duet Banner punch(new, available June 1). Select the Thank you sentiment from the Thoughtful Banners set (or any of the other 30 sentiments -- yes 30!!) in Tempting Turquoise. Attach using Stampin' Up! dimensionals.
8. Sponge dauber flower centers lightly with Tempting Turquoise. Then stamp flower center images in Tempting Turquoise. Add small basic pearls to flower centers.
9, Mount stamped 4 X 5-1/4" Whisper White to a base card of Tempting Turquoise and Smoky Slate.

While finishing this card, I got to thinking about the whole topic of creativity and productivity. How many of you, like me, spend hours looking for card ideas from other stampers' blogs and Pinterest boards instead of productively creating your own ideas. Working on this card made me realize that it isn't the long hours of searching and seeing what others are doing that makes me creative. In fact, web surfing inhibits my creativity because I'm not being productive! It isn't about having nearly every stamp in the catalog that makes me creative. In fact, sometimes it just adds clutter! Its not that I'm a truly creative person; its more about the process of just doing it! I have to admit that while I had these seven stamp sets open and spread across my stamping table, along with three open ink pads and nine different stamping blocks with images ready to stamp that I felt a lot of tension and anxiety. But I realized that the tension was a symptom of success. The anxiety meant I was on to something good.

Although I've been stamping for many years, this isn't the typical kind of card I create. But it felt good because I was leveraging what I already have and what I already know about stamping techniques. I just did it.

I know that Stampin' Up! works hard to ensure its products work together. It really shows in my ability to use so many different images from so many different sets yet it looks like they could have all come from the same set. Stamp sets, ink colors, designer papers, card stock and accessories that all work together... that is the main reason I joined Stampin' Up! in the first place. When I first began paper crafting, --more years than I care to admit --after six months as a new paper craftier who spent way too much money on product lines that offered some coordinated products, but nothing near the range of products and quality offered by Stampin' Up!, I finally found and was immediately drawn to Stampin' Up! The coordinating product lines added to my productivity because so much of the coordinating was already done. I could just enjoy my time stamping instead of running from store to store looking for blues or greens that matched what I already had!

Now, as Stampin' Up! announces its new catalog for 2016-2017, I am extremely excited about the Stampin' Up! recruiting bonus for returning demonstrators or new demonstrators at the same time you can begin ordering from the new, June 1, annual Stampin' Up! catalog.

New Catalogs coming June 1...

- New demonstrators get two free stamps ...

- $35 more rewards with a $350 workshop order

From June 1-30, if you sign up for the $99 demonstrator kit, you will get $125 worth of product that you select from the catalog AND you can pick an additional two free stamp sets from the catalog, PLUS you receive a free Paper Pumpkin kit (worth $20)! That's approximately $245 in merchandise for $99, plus free shipping. Only available June 1-30.

Combine that with the extra stamping rewards Stampin' Up! is also running in June and you can get your starter kit for $22. Here how these two specials work together to get you more.
- Place a workshop order for $350 from the new catalog June 1
- Get 12% rewards for your purchase ($42 in free catalog merchandise)
- Get an additional $35 in rewards during the new catalog promotion ($42 + $35 = $77 rewards)
- Use the code you receive from your $350 workshop rewards to order your starter kit. Your $77 rewards code will reduce the $99 starter kit to $22 and you'll also get $125 in catalog merchandise that you select from the new catalog, plus two free stamp sets, plus a free Paper Pumpkin kit!

So that means that your $350 workshop + $22 for the starter kit ($372) buys you $350 new catalog products + $125 starter kit merchandise from the new catalog + ~$100 (two free stamp set) + a $20 free Paper Pumpkin kit = approx $600+ in new catalog products!!!

Spend $372 and get over $600 in products? Sounds like a no-brainier. And that's a great reason to contact me today if you don't already have your new catalog and want one before June 1. Place a $25 order now and your catalog is free, or $5 for a copy without an order. Either way, I'll pay for catalog shipping (US only). Or wait until June 1 and download a free copy of the catalog on-line.

Customers who placed orders with me earlier this year already received their new catalogs from me. If you want a copy sent to you, place a $25 order with me as your demonstrator, and I'll send you a catalog. Why place an order now -- besides getting the new catalog asap? A couple of very good reasons: Bundle prices (stamps and coordinating punches or stamps and coordinating thinlit dies) and cardstock prices are going up June 1. With many bundles carrying over from the old to the new catalog, purchasing them now will save you money. Same with your 8-1/2 X 11 cardstock purchases. Buy your existing cardstock colors before June 1 and pay only $7.00 . After June 1 a package of your favorite 8-1/2 X 11 cardstock will cost $8.00. Check out the bundles available at the retiring prices. Many, but not all, will carry over another year and will be available at higher prices in the new catalog.

What's better than getting one fabulous product? Combining two fabulous products for a 15% discount.
Buy select stamps and coordinating accessories (punches or thinlet dies) together and pay less.

One additional note: If you missed out on getting the retiring stamp set, Designer Series Paper, retiring ribbons, buttons, etc. before stocks ran out, let me know. Demonstrators have access to demonstrator forums on the Stampin' Up! discussions boards and we'll often be able to find a demonstrator who will have the set or product from their personal stash of retired products after June 1.

2016 Retiring Items

The retiring list was announced and many retiring products have sold out, including some of my favorites. However, its a great time to pick up some bargains. Some retiring products are discounted up to 50%.

Demonstrators have already gotten a peek at the new catalog, and its great. However, prices on 8-1/2 X 11 paper packs and bundles are going up, as I mentioned earlier. If you need any of the existing papers, you'll want to order before May 31. You'll be able to purchase the new In-Colors on June 1 when the new catalog goes live.

Click here to access the retiring items:

Quick Links

Want to purchase at a discount? Sign up for $99 and get $125 worth of product in your starter kit. Then enjoy your purchases at demonstrator discount prices.

Download a 2015-2016 Annual catalog. Place an order for $25 and I'll send you a new 2016-2017 annual catalog (US only).

Clearance Rack - Products available while they last

Enjoy!

Donna Ross

Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator

Private Classes for 1 or a small group of friends: http://cardmaking.meetup.com/71/

To place an order: Place an on-line order through my Stampin' Up! store - 24/7 Shopping

Saturday, May 07, 2016

Gift Bag Scoreboard Punch Boxes

Gift Bag Scoreboard Punch Boxes
Are your favorite retiring products still available?

Mint Macaron Boxes made with Gift Bag Punch

I made a Mint Macaron card with the Botanical Builders Framelits Dies a few posts ago, because I fell in love with Mint Macaron when it was introduced last year. Today I made these cute boxes to match the card I made earlier. I used Mint Macaron for some of the box bases and some white DSP for 3 other boxes.

Gift Bag Punchboard Boxes

The lids are attached. They simply flip up and remain attached. The base boxes were covered with Designer Series Paper from the Birthday Bouquet Designer Series Paper -- retiring May 31-- and the stripes are from the 2014-2016 Designer Series Paper Stack (138433 )

Punchboard gift box with attached flip-up lid

I also made another set of boxes using some retiring Color Me Irresistible Specialty Designer Series 12 X 12 Paper as the base. I'm working hard to clear out some of my beloved old stash to make room for the new catalog items. I got up at 3 am on Tuesday morning, when demonstrators we able to begin placing pre-orders from the new catalog, to place my pre-order so I'll have samples to begin showing you soon!

White Gift Bag Punchboard boxes

Treat boxes made with Gift Bag Punchboard

These are the perfect size box for small treats and I plan to fill them with dried fruit and ship them to my mom, who loves dried fruit and nuts. I purposely didn't add a sentiment to the boxes to show you how versatile these little boxes can be. These beautiful little boxes couldn't be easier to make using the Gift Bag Punch board.

Recipe

Stamps: None; but any sentiment or stamped image can be added
Paper: Whisper White, Mint Macaron, Birthday Bouquet Designer Series Paper
Ink: Mint Macaron
Accessories: 1" Mint Macaron Dotted Lace trim (138424), Gift Bag Punch Board (135862), Banner Triple Punch (138292), Simply Scored Scoring Tool (122334), Tear & Tape Adhesive

Instructions:

Begin with an 11-3/8" X 6-3/8" piece of Mint Macaron card stock. Using the Simply Scored Scoring tool, score along the long side at 1-3/8, 3-3/8, 6-3/8 and 8-3/8. Turn the Mint Macaron card stock and score on the short side at 1-3/8 X 5".

Switching to the Gift Bag Punch Board, along the long edge, line up the score line with the score nozzle and punch.

Line up each scoreline with scoreline nozzle and punch

Move to the next score line (3-3/8) and align with the score nozzle and punch. Move to the third score line(6-3/8) and punch. Move to the 4th score line (8-3/8) and punch. On the longesr edge, line up with the nozzle and punch. Now, flip the Mint Macaroon piece over and align and punch on the four score lines again -- 1-3/8, 3-3/8, 6-3/8 and 8-3/8. Also align the longest edge and punch causing a rounded corner.

Beginning folding the box at the score lines and crease them with a bone folder. Using strong Tear & Tape Adhesive, overlap the box sides and glue the bottom of the box and then the lid portion of the box together.

The dimensions for the decorating pieces:
Birthday Bouquet Designer Series Paper
3-1/4" X 2-3/4"
3-1/4" X`1-3/4"

Then use the Banner Punch to create the striped banners.
I used one of the patterns (stripes) from the 2014-2016 Designer Series Paper Stack and it is mounted on a sightly larger piece of Whisper White cut one size larger using the Banner Punch.

Here's what the little gift boxes look like next to the matching card. Aren't they yummy?

2016 Retiring Items

The retiring list has been announced and retiring products are going fast, including some of my favorites. However, its a great time to pick up some bargains. Some retiring products are discounted up to 50%.

Demonstrators have already gotten a peek at the new catalog, and its great. However, prices on 8-1/2 X 11 paper packs are going up. If you need any of the existing papers, you'll want to order before May 31. You'll be able to purchase the new In-Colors on June 1 when the new catalog goes live. I'll have my preorder this week and I'll post samples as soon as I receive them.

Click here to access the retiring items:

New Catalogs coming soon...

Customers who have placed an order this year are already on my mailing list for new catalogs. Shipping of new catalogs will begin direct from Stampin' Up! for my existing customer in the next week to 10 days. I also placed a bulk order for new catalogs, which will arrive shortly. If you want a copy sent to you, place a $50 order with me as your demonstrator, and I'll send you a catalog as soon as my bulk order arrives.

Quick Links

Want to purchase at a discount? Sign up for $99 and get $125 worth of product in your starter kit.

Download a 2015-2016 Annual catalog. Place an order for $50 and I'll send you a new 2016-2017 annual catalog in late May.

Clearance Rack - Products available while they last

Enjoy!

Donna Ross

Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator

Private Classes for 1 or a small group of friends: http://cardmaking.meetup.com/71/

To place an order: Place an on-line order through my Stampin' Up! store - 24/7 Shopping

Thursday, April 28, 2016

Mother's Day Gift She wouldn't Give Herself

Paper Pumpkin April Kit
Mother's Day Gift idea
Stampin' Up! Retired list means a new catalog arrives soon

April Paper Pumpkin

I finished my April Paper Pumpkin kit today. I loved working on this month's kit while watching my favorite TV show. Such a relaxing evening! The kit includes everything you see here except the Daffodil Delight ribbons for the tags. After I saw the cut flower buds I hunted through my ribbon collection and jumped for joy when I found a spool of 1/4" Daffodil Delight cotton ribbon hiding among my stash.

April 2016 Paper Pumpkin - Click for more info about Paper Pumpkin

As I was finishing my April Paper Pumpkin project I realized what a great gift idea this kit would be for Mother's day.

Give Her the gift she won't give herself

Wouldn't you like to give the special mother or mother-in-law in your life the gift of time to be creative, and maybe spend time with you. her friends or family members who also love to see her relaxing and enjoying herself doing what she loves? That's exactly what she'll get when you buy her a subscription to Paper Pumpkin. (Please feel free to pass this along to your husband or brothers who may be struggling with what to get their wife or Mom this year.)

There's still time to give the most thoughtful Mother's Day gift yet. Read more about Paper Pumpkin and then Order on - line today You can select a 1 month, 3 month, 6 month or 12 months subscription. Paper pumpkin is a great gift for someone without a lot of time or space, but enjoys being creative. Pick one up for yourself and stamp with the special mom in your life.

2016 Retiring Items

The Stampin' Up! retiring list was announced last week. Retiring products are going fast, including some of my favorite In-Colors accessories, papers and matching markers! Some retiring products are discounted up to 50%, so pick up some bargains, today.

A couple of surprises on the retired list are the Craft Scissors (AKA Ribbon Scissors) 108360, and the Candy Dots. Yes, the new catalog includes an assortment of acrylic shapes, but we old-school stampers will really miss our lovely brad and candy dot accents...sigh. Have I really been stamping for over 10 years? Why is it so hard to give up all the wonderful tools and accessories every time we receive a new catalog; yet I want everything in the new catalog as well?

Click here to access the retiring items:

New Catalogs coming soon...

Demonstrators already have the new catalog and you're beginning to see sneak peeks from the new catalog all over the web. I'm placing my bulk order for new catalogs this week. Customers who have placed an order this year are already on my mailing list for new catalogs. Place a $50 order this week and I'll place your name on my mailing list for a new catalog. New catalogs will arrive in May and orders from the new catalog can be placed beginning June 1, 2016.

Quick Links

Want to purchase at a discount? Sign up for $99 and get $125 worth of product in your starter kit.

Paper Pumpkin can be ordered month to month or as a 1 month, 3 month, 6 month or 12 month subscription. Order now!

Download a 2015-2016 Annual catalog. Place an order for $50 this week and I'll send you a new 2016-2017 annual catalog in May.

Clearance Rack - Products available while they last

Enjoy!

Donna Ross

Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator

Private Classes for 1 or a small group of friends: http://cardmaking.meetup.com/71/

To place an order: Place an on-line order through my Stampin' Up! store - 24/7 Shopping