FF0006: Cinco de Mayo and/or Glitter-Glimmer Paper

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Comments: 7

Sparkly Friend Card

It’s time for the Festive Friday Challenge, where every challenge is a party! FF0006 celebrates Cinco de Mayo, with a glitter-glimmer paper twist.  Don’t you just love these twists?  You can create a Cinco de Mayo project OR a project featuring glitter or glimmer paper OR a glittery, glimmery Cinco de Mayo project.  Any way you decide to mix it up is fine with us.  As for me, I opted for a sparkly friend card.  We would love to have you play along with us, so don’t forget to link up with us.

But before you run off to grab your Cinco de Mayo stamps, glimmer papers and glitter, let’s take a look at what I created.

Sparkly Friend Card

sparkly friend card

I went with the glitter-glimmer paper option, as you can tell!  As for the stamp set, you are getting a peek at a new set from the 2018 – 2019 Annual Catalog.  This cutie set is called Sea of Textures, and is complete with coordinating framelits. I hope you enjoy today’s card.

Colors of the Day
The Stampin’ Schach Design Tips

The Big Shot is your friend on this card. Other than the sentiment, everything uses thinlits to cut them out. Easy peasy, right?  Myths & Magic Glimmer Paper puts the sparkle in this sparkly friend card.

And how about this adorable Fresh Fig Octopus, complete with pearls for eyes?  I love how his tentacles are curled around.

sparkly friend card

The sentiment is actually from the Wood Words set.  It was stamped in Fresh Fig.  Seaweed in a glorious light green, which reminds me somewhat of Lemon Lime Twist, adds a fun accent.

sparkly friend card

I wish I would have been able to capture all of the sparkle on this card!  This is such gorgeous glimmer paper.

sparkly friend card

I would love to see what you create.  Won’t you play along with us at Festive Friday? It’s easy to link up your card.  Even if you do not have a blog, you can use Instagram or Pinterest.

The Challenge Twists

As mentioned earlier, Festive Friday is a challenge with twists.  First, if you do not wish to create a Cinco de Mayo project, you could create a project featuring glitter/glimmer paper.  We offer alternatives for each challenge.  Secondly, if you play along with us, you will be earning Fest Points which can be redeemed for items such as tutorials (including the tutorial for today’s card), retired Stampin’ Up! products, design team cards, and even a spot as a Guest Designer! But remember:  To earn Fest Points, you need an account on the challenge site. Just click on login/register on the challenge site to get started.

To see all of the inspiration our Design Team has created for you, head on over to Festive Friday Challenges!

Would you like to create your own card?  If you enjoyed today’s card, and would like to create your own,  the supply list is located below.  Clicking on a product takes you right to my store.  Be sure to use this month’s Host Code.  Online orders over $50 (before tax and shipping) will receive a little gift from me IF you use the Host Code.  If your order is $150 or more, please do not use the Host Code.  You will automatically receive the gift from me, as well as your own Host Rewards.

April’s Code: A2EQSE7Z

As always, if you have any questions about the cards I create or the techniques I use, I am only an email away.  Until next time…

Note: If you need to access information about the Color Revamp or the Retiring Products lists, check out this post.

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Stamp Review Crew: Magical Day

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Comments: 8

Stamp Review Crew: Magical Day

It’s time for the Stamp Review Crew: Magical Day Edition! If this is your very first visit to one of our hops, the Stamp Review Crew is a group of international Stampin’ Up! demonstrators whose mission is to do a blog hop on the first, third and fifth Mondays of each month. Our hops are unique because each of us features the same stamp set used in a variety of ways, giving you loads of inspiration for that set. The hops are archived at the Stamp Review Crew blog. You will be able to click through each hop at any time, going directly to the posts for that hop whenever you want. This week we are featuring the Magical Day stamp set. If you are following along in order, you have just arrived from Yapha Mason.  She is such a sweetie, and I love her work. After visiting me, you will continue to the next stop, the incomparable Bronwyn Eastley. She has never made a card that I haven’t absolutely loved.  Enjoy this week’s hop!

The Stamp Review Crew: Magical Day Edition

Stamp Review Crew: Magical Day

Magical Day is a whimsical set, complete with knights and dragons; mermaids and wizards; and my favorite…the unicorn!  I used the coordinating papers to bring my sparkly creation to life.  Sadly, Magical Day is retiring at the end of May.  If you don’t already own this set, be sure to order yours today.  As for me, this is one of those sets which will be residing on my shelf for a few more years.  I hope you enjoy today’s card!

Colors of the Day
The Stampin’ Schach Design Tips

Today’s design is a gatefold card.  I began with a cardstock base measuring 8-1/2″ long by 5-1/2″ wide, scored at 2-1/8″ and 6-3/8″.  The outer flaps were decorated with unicorn paper, while a Blushing Bride unicorn frolics among glimmer paper clouds on a water colored background.  (Up & Away and Umbrella Weather Thinlits were used to create the various cloud shapes.)

Stamp Review Crew: Magical Day

The inside of the card is a sparkling confection of glimmer paper from the retiring Myths & Magic Glimmer Paper pack.

Stamp Review Crew: Magical Day

The sentiment is a hybrid created from both of the sentiments in the set.  Instead of “Hope Your Day Is Magical” or “You Are One of a Kind”,  we have “Hope Your Day Is One of a Kind”.

Stamp Review Crew: Magical Day

Branded with a single rhinestone, this unicorn shimmers, especially with her Clear Wink of Stella Mane, Tail and horn.  Although the “Bubbly” background paper was undoubtedly meant for the Mermaid in this set, I liked how it complemented the large circle on both the front and inside of the card.

Speaking of mermaids, here is the Mermaid card which I CASED earlier from the catalog.

Stamp Review Crew: Magical Day

You can read more about this mermaid card and the step-by-step tutorial at On the CASE: A CASE of a Magical Day.

I hope you enjoyed today’s card.  If would like to try your hand at creating your own Magical Day card,  the supply list is located below.  Clicking on a product takes you right to my store.   You will receive a little somethin’-somethin’ from me IF you use the Host Code.   If your order is $150 or more, please do not use the Host Code.  You will automatically receive the gift from me, as well as your own Host Rewards.

April: A2EQSE7Z

Of course, if you ever have a question about the cards I create or the techniques I use, I am only an email away.  Now hop along to Bronwyn Eastley to see what she has in store for you!  If you get lost along the way, you can find a list of all the hoppers at The Stamp Review Crew.  Until next time…

Stamp Review Crew: High Tide Edition

Stamp Review Crew: High Tide Edition

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Price: $110.00

Stampin’ Up!’s 2018 Color Revamp

Comments: 4

Color Revamp

The Colors – They Are A-Changin’

As Stampin’ Up! has mentioned, variety is the spice of life.  And no where is that more evident than in the world of color.  As part of their mission, Stampin’ Up! keeps an eye on color trends. When they see changes happening, they review their offerings to ensure they remain on top of the trends. Enter the 2018 Color Revamp!

Here Are the Details

There are still four color collections, each with ten colors. There is also a new color group called Basics.

In order to keep the color collections to exclusive Stampin’ Up! colors, Basic Black, Very Vanilla, and Whisper White have been moved out of the Neutrals collection. Stampin’ Up! also moved a few colors (Merry Merlot, Mossy Meadow and Night of Navy) into the Neutrals collection, making it more exciting and colorful!

Some additional colors have changed collections as well—you’ll notice this as you look through the new collections below. You can refer to the old and new color charts in the 2018-2019 catalog when it’s released on June 1.

Check out these Color Revamp Charts (pdf)

 

color revamp

The Ink Pads They Are A-Changin’

In addition to new colors, Stampin’ Up! redesigned their ink pads. The case is a new design. And you know what else is new?  They improved the formula of the ink!

Why change the case?

The case’s manufacturing mold was about to expire.  A mold can only be used a limited number of times before it needs to be replaced.  Stampin’ Up! had to decide if they wanted to order more of the same molds or try to improve the design.   They chose to change, and in the process, improve it.

In a strategic move, Stampin’ Up! aligned the updated case with the color revamp and improvements to the ink. In addition, they chose to time these changes with Stampin’ Up!’s rebranding and packaging updates. This way, when you invest in the new colors, you are also getting the new and improved ink pads at the same time!

What’s better about the case?

  • Less confusing to open – this one opens like a compact
  • Tighter fit between the lid and the base – the lid will not become disconnected
  • Stackable
  • Improved labels and stickers

How is the ink different?

Because of a defoamer added to the formulation, the new ink:

  • Reduces ink bubbles
  • Gives a smoother coating of ink on the stamp
  • Improves the ink coverage

In case you are wondering, you can use your old ink refills on the new pads, but you won’t get the benefit of the defoamer which has been added to the new ink refills.  The only exception to this is the Archival Basic Gray Re-inker.  Using the old reinker on the new pads will ruin them.

Say Hello to the New Line-up

THE NEW CORE COLLECTION COLORS

Color Revamp

NEW IN COLORS
color revampNEW CORE COLOR ORGANIZATION

color revamp

RETURNING IN COLORS from the PAST

Color revamp

BASICS

color revamp

Be sure to take advantage of these FREE Online Color Coach tools!!!
RETIRING PRODUCTS & COLORS

The Stampin’ Up! retiring product lists have been released!  It’s your last chance to purchase retiring products!

Annual Catalog Last Chance Products PDF

Occasions Catalog Last Chance Products PDF

Here’s the bottom line…

On May 31, 2018, a lucky thirteen core colors are retiring:  Always Artichoke, Chocolate Chip, Elegant Eggplant, Island Indigo, Marina Mist, Perfect Plum, Pink Pirouette, Rose Red, Soft Sky, Tangerine Tango, Tempting Turquoise, Wild Wasabi, Wisteria Wonder

The 2016-2018 In Colors are retiring: Dapper Denim, Emerald Envy, Peekaboo Peach, Sweet Sugar Plum (Flirty Flamingo will return as a core color.)

Please be sure to stock up on these favorites today before they are sold out.

As always, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to email me! Until next time…

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On the CASE: The Beautiful Butterfly Birthday Card

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Comments: 7

Weather Together

Nicole and I are back On the CASE.  Our mission: To work through current Stampin’ Up! catalogs, and break down gorgeous samples step-by-step, just for you! CASE means to Copy and Share with Everyone, and that is exactly what we will be doing. We hope you enjoy the cards we CASE and the free tutorials included in our posts. I am CASEing one of my favorite cards from the Annual Catalog today, which happens to be retiring at the end of May.  Are you ready for a beautiful butterfly birthday card? Let’s get stampin’!

On the CASE: Beautiful Butterfly Birthday Card
Butterfly Basics – Annual Catalog – Page 149

beautiful butterfly birthday card

The  collage background on this card is right up my alley. I have been wanting to create this card since the first time I saw it.  Gold embossing and white stamping combine to make this card a beauty.  The only thing which is missing is pearls! Of course, I’ll add a few before I send this one out in the mail. I hope you enjoy the CASE of the Beautiful Butterfly Birthday Card.

beautiful butterfly birthday card

Colors of the Day
Stamps and Papers and Inks … Oh, My!

Stamps: Butterfly Basics
Paper:  Basic Black Cardstock (3-3/4″ x 3″), Crumb Cake Cardstock (6-1/4″ x 5-1/2″), Whisper White Cardstock (3-1/8″ x 1-1/16″)
Ink: Basic Black Archival, Crumb Cake, Night of Navy, VersaMark, Whisper White Craft Stampin’ Ink
Other:  Big Shot,  Butterflies Thinlits, Heat Tool, Gold Stampin’ Emboss Powder, Paper Snips, Linen Thread, SNAIL Adhesive

“On the CASE” Notes
Your Step-by-Step Guide

1.  Score the cardstock at 3-1/8″ to form the card base.

2.  Ink the border stamp in Basic Black and stamp the border.

beautiful butterfly birthday card

3.  Stamp the fern image in VersaMark twice, and heat emboss using Gold Stampin’ Emboss powder.

beautiful butterfly birthday card

4.  Ink the netting image in Crumb Cake. Stamp off once before stamping the image. Repeat, stamping in the positions noted in the photo.

beautiful butterfly birthday card

5.  Ink the flower image with Whisper White Craft Stampin’ Ink. Stamp onto the card as shown. Repeat to stamp a second image.  Be sure to allow the ink to dry thoroughly.

beautiful butterfly birthday card

6.  Stamp the sentiment in Night of  Navy. Snip the ends into a large “V”.  Adhere to the card base with SNAIL adhesive.

beautiful butterfly birthday card

7.  Die cut the butterfly from Basic Black cardstock.

beautiful butterfly birthday cardAdd a snippet of linen thread …

beautiful butterfly birthday card

and adhere to the card base using glue dots.

beautiful butterfly birthday card

How Hard Was It to Crack This CASE

As far as difficulty is concerned, there is nothing tricky about this card. However, it does take time. Remember to heat emboss the gold first, then stamp the white.  Techniques/ Skills:  Heat Embossing, Stamping Off Difficulty Level:  3 out of 5

 #SUontheCASE

Nicole and I hope our projects today inspire you to try CASEing the catalog, too! We’ll be “on the case”, looking for the hashtag #SUontheCASE on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+ & Pinterest). If we find one of your projects, we’ll share it, like it, repost it – we’ll do it all!

On the CASE: Picnic with YouNow head on over to Nicole at  Pixel Maven’s Retreat to see the CASE file she has been working on.  Nicole always writes the BEST tutorials!  What she has CASED is a cutie patootie card for sure!

Would you like to check out the most recent Cold CASE Files?  Try these:

On the CASE: Picnic with You
On the CASE: The CASE of Friendship’s Sweetest Thoughts
On the CASE: The CASE of Daisy Delight
On the CASE: The CASE of a Magical Day
On the CASE:  A Case of Petal Palette
On the CASE:  Beautiful Bouquet Sentiment
On the CASE: Lovely As a Tree
On the CASE: A Season to Sparkle
The CASE of A Brightly Lit Christmas
A CASE of Good Tidings
A CASE of Nature Sings
A CASE of Snowflake Sentiments
A CASE of Gourd Goodness
The CASE of the Sheltering Tree
The CASE of the Beautiful Bouquet
The CASE of the Birthday Blooms

Ready to get On this CASE?  If you enjoyed On the CASE: The CASE of the Beautiful Butterfly Birthday Card, and would like to try your hand at creating your own CASE,  the supply list is located below.  Clicking on a product takes you right to my store.  Be sure to use this month’s Host Code.  Online orders over $50 (before tax and shipping) will receive a special little somethin’-somethin’ from me IF you use the Host Code.  Don’t forget, a $50 order will also qualify you for a FREE Sale-A-Bration item!  If your order is $150 or more, please do not use the Host Code.  You will automatically receive the gift from me, as well as your own Host Rewards and Sale-A-Bration items.

April:  A2EQSE7Z

Remember, if you have any questions about the cards I create or the techniques I use, I am only an email away. Until next time – CASE away!

siggy-1

FF0005 Earth Day and/or Green

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Comments: 4

Green

It’s time for the Festive Friday Challenge, where every challenge is a party! For FF0005, we are honoring Earth Day, which is celebrated on April 22nd. The twist this challenge is  “And/Or Green”.  You can create an Earth Day card, or a card featuring the color green, or a green Earth Day card!  Don’t you just love these twists?  Any way you decide to create is fine with us! We would love to have you play along with us, so don’t forget to link up with us.

But before you run off to grab your stamps, green papers and inks, let’s take a look at what I created.

A Multi-layered Green Card

Green

I went with the Green option for today’s card, with Calypso Coral for an accent color. Textures and layers add to the elegance.

Colors of the Day
Stampin’ Schach Design Tips

Can you believe there is no stamping on today’s card? This gorgeous sentiment can be found in the Petal Garden Memories & More Card Pack.  Have you taken advantage of all these packs have to offer?  They are not just for memory keeping. They are tailor made for card emergencies.

Green

I adore matchy-matchy things.  Don’t you love how the Garden Trellis Textured Impression Embossing Folder matches the background designer series paper?

green

Old Olive Sheer Ribbon was used to make a skinny double bow.  Coupled with Old Olive Glitter Enamel Dots, it makes the perfect accent.

Green

I hope you enjoyed today’s card as much as I enjoyed creating it! And please…won’t you play along with us at Festive Friday? It’s easy to link up your card.  Even if you do not have a blog, you can use Instagram or Pinterest.

The Challenge Twists

As mentioned earlier, Festive Friday is a challenge with twists.  First, if you do not wish to create an Earth Day project, you could create a project featuring the color green.  We offer alternatives for each challenge.  Secondly, if you play along with us, you will be earning Fest Points which can be redeemed for items such as tutorials (including the tutorial for today’s card), retired Stampin’ Up! products, design team cards, and even a spot as a Guest Designer! But remember:  To earn Fest Points, you need an account on the challenge site. Just click on login/register on the challenge site to get started.

To see all of the inspiration our Design Team has created for you, head on over to Festive Friday Challenges!

Would you like to create your own card?  If you enjoyed today’s card, and would like to create your own,  the supply list is located below.  Clicking on a product takes you right to my store.  Be sure to use this month’s Host Code.  Online orders over $50 (before tax and shipping) will receive a little gift from me IF you use the Host Code.  If your order is $150 or more, please do not use the Host Code.  You will automatically receive the gift from me, as well as your own Host Rewards.

April’s Code: A2EQSE7Z

As always, if you have any questions about the cards I create or the techniques I use, I am only an email away.  Until next time…

siggy-1

On the CASE: Weather Together

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Comments: 5

Weather Together

Nicole and I are back On the CASE this week continuing our quest: To work through current Stampin’ Up! catalogs breaking down gorgeous samples, step-by-step, just for you!  Here is the scoop: Every other Wednesday, we will be CASEing a card from one of Stampin’ Up!’s current catalogs. CASE means to Copy and Share with Everyone, and that is exactly what we will be doing. We hope you enjoy the cards we CASE and the free tutorials included in our posts. Can you believe that between the two of us we have currently solved 32 CASEs!   I’m back in the Annual Catalog today with a CASE of a card that is perfect for showing your support of someone. Are you ready for On the CASE: Weather Together? Let’s get stampin’!

On the CASE: Weather Together
Annual Catalog Page 93

weather together

Isn’t this card perfect for showing support to someone who may be experiencing a bit of stormy weather in their life? What better way to let them know you’ve got “them covered”?

Weather Together

Colors of the Day
Stamps and Papers and Inks … Oh, My!

Stamps: Weather Together
Paper:  Daffodil Delight (4-1/4″ x 11″ scored at 5-1/2″ for the card base; 3″ x 2″ for umbrella), Whisper White Cardstock (2 pieces 3″ x 2″ for umbrellas; 3-1/2″ x 3″ for backing; scraps for clouds and sentiment, ), Watercolor Paper (4″ x 5-1/4″)
Ink: Basic Black Archival, Daffodil Delight, Melon Mambo, Soft Sky (or Pool Party), Basic Black Stampin’ Write Marker
Other:  Big Shot, Umbrella Weather Framelits, Classic Label Punch, Aqua Painter, Fine-Tip Glue Pen or Multipurpose Liquid Glue, SNAIL Adhesive,  Mini Stampin’ Dimensionals, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Whisper White Baker’s Twine, Pearl Basic Jewels

“On the CASE” Notes
Your Step-by-Step Guide

1. Score the Daffodil Delight cardstock at 5-1/2″ to form the card base.

2.  Watercolor the background using an Aqua Painter and Soft Sky or Pool Party ink.  Follow this by “flicking” a few spatters. (I used the brush end of an empty Aqua Painter to make the spatters.)  Use the Raindrop framelit to create raindrops in the areas shown in the photo. Adhere white cardstock behind the droplets.  Adhere to the card base. (Note: I used Soft Sky for my background.  My Pool Party was looking a little too greenish for my liking.  It really has not looked the same since I reinked it. Hmm…)

Weather Together

3.  Die cut two clouds from Whisper White cardstock.  Adhere to the card base in the location shown in the photo.  Use SNAIL to adhere the larger one, then “pop” the second one up on a dimensional.

Weather Together

4. Stamp the striped umbrella in Melon Mambo.

Weather Together

5.  Stamp the umbrella outline in Melon Mambo.  Stamp the dots next.  To achieve the dots in the middle section of the umbrella, mask the two outer sections, and once again use the dots stamp to add the dots to the middle.

6.  Use the umbrella framelit to die cut out the umbrellas.

Weather Together

7.  Ink the umbrella outline in Daffodil Delight and stamp onto Daffodil Delight cardstock. Die cut with the umbrella framelit.

Weather Together

8.  Stamp the shaft three times in Basic Black Archival ink.  Color in the tips and handles using a Stampin’ Write Marker.

Weather Together

9.  Adhere the shafts to the back of the umbrella canopies. Using dimensionals, “pop” them onto the card base.

10.  Ink the sentiment in Basic Black.

Weather Together

Punch out using the Classic Label punch.  Adhere to the card with mini-dimensionals.

11.  Color a piece of Whisper White Solid Baker’s Twine using a method of your choice.  I simply ran it over the surface of the ink pad.  But, you can also use a Stampin’ Blend or a Stampin’ Write Marker.

12.  Accent with three pearls.

How Hard Was It to Crack This CASE

There were several steps involved in creating today’s card:  die cutting, watercoloring, masking, dying twine.  Although not a single one was difficult on its own merit, they did take time. Difficulty Level:  3 out of 5, because of the time investment.

 #SUontheCASE

Nicole and I hope our projects today inspire you to try CASEing the catalog, too! We’ll be “on the case”, looking for the hashtag #SUontheCASE on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+ & Pinterest). If we find one of your projects, we’ll share it, like it, repost it – we’ll do it all!

On the CASE: Picnic with YouNow head on over to Nicole at  Pixel Maven’s Retreat to see the CASE file she has been working on.  She is back in the annual catalog, too. Nicole always writes the BEST tutorials!

Would you like to check out the most recent Cold CASE Files?  Try these:

On the CASE: Picnic with You
On the CASE: The CASE of Friendship’s Sweetest Thoughts
On the CASE: The CASE of Daisy Delight
On the CASE: The CASE of a Magical Day
On the CASE:  A Case of Petal Palette
On the CASE:  Beautiful Bouquet Sentiment
On the CASE: Lovely As a Tree
On the CASE: A Season to Sparkle
The CASE of A Brightly Lit Christmas
A CASE of Good Tidings
A CASE of Nature Sings
A CASE of Snowflake Sentiments
A CASE of Gourd Goodness
The CASE of the Sheltering Tree
The CASE of the Beautiful Bouquet
The CASE of the Birthday Blooms

Ready to get On this CASE?  If you enjoyed On the CASE: Weather Together, and would like to try your hand at creating your own CASE,  the supply list is located below.  Clicking on a product takes you right to my store.  Be sure to use this month’s Host Code.  Online orders over $50 (before tax and shipping) will receive a special little somethin’-somethin’ from me IF you use the Host Code.  Don’t forget, a $50 order will also qualify you for a FREE Sale-A-Bration item!  If your order is $150 or more, please do not use the Host Code.  You will automatically receive the gift from me, as well as your own Host Rewards and Sale-A-Bration items.

March:  MYHCT9X2

Remember, if you have any questions about the cards I create or the techniques I use, I am only an email away. Until next time – CASE away!

siggy-1

Price: $110.00

Quick and Easy Cutie Patootie Tutti Frutti Cards

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Comments: 5

Who doesn’t love a card which is quick and easy? And what about when that card is cute to boot?  It’s a slam dunk for sure.  I think you’ll agree these are cutie patootie Tutti Frutti cards.  This is a great little layout that really shows off any designer paper you may have.  From cute Pear and Apple paper…

to Strawberries and Blueberries…

to pretty Pineapples.

quick and easy

The sky’s the limit! Just add a sentiment, accent it with a “fruit punch”, add a snippet of ribbon and you are good to go.

If you are ready to create your own quick and easy cutie patootie Tutti Frutti cards, here are the dimensions:

  • Card Base – 4-1/4″ x 11″, scored at 5-1/2″
  • Designer Paper – 3″ x 4″
  • Colored Cardstock Mat – 3-1/4″ x 4-1/4″
  • White Cardstock Mat (first two cards) – 4″ x 4-1/4″
Sale-A-Bration Time is Running Out

Can you believe there are only 4 more days of Sale-A-Bration? Don’t miss out on these Sale-A-Bration offers!

SAB #3SAB #2

View the First Release Sale-A-Bration Items
View the Second Release Sale-A-Bration Items (Feb. 16)
View the Third Release Sale-A-Bration Items (March 15)

There Is Still Time to Join the Team

Join the Team

In addition, the Starter Kit bonus of TWO FREE stamp sets of your choice when you purchase the kit will also be ending. In addition to the 10% you save on shipping when you order the kit, you can choose TWO additional FREE stamp sets from either the Annual Catalog or the Occasions Catalog with a value of up to $101.  I can’t stress to you what a great deal this is.  $125 worth of product, TWO  additional FREE stamp sets (up to $101 value), and FREE shipping (10% savings), all for $99 plus tax.

Join the Team

With this investment, you will receive perks like 20% off your purchases AND you will be able to participate in the NEW ANNUAL CATALOG PREORDER and the new catalog release.  I can’t tell you how much fun that is.  This is a great time to test drive being a demonstrator.  And remember, there is never a penalty to drop and no obligation to ever buy another thing.

You know you will have a large Wish List when the new Annual Catalogs is released, and I truly want you to save on your purchases.  I would love to have you join under me.  Here’s is the link to join: http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/annschach/jointhefun

Puppy Picture

Can you believe little GQ turned 5 months old on March 20th.  His favorite pastimes are sitting in the chair and watching for people, running in and out of the back yard, and playing, playing, playing.  He’s all puppy for sure!

As always, if you ever have a question about the cards I create or the techniques I use, I am only an email away! Until next time…

siggy-1

Price: $110.00

FF0004 Easter and/or Flowers

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Comments: 9

#FF0004 Easter

It’s time for the Festive Friday Challenge, where every challenge is a party! This week for FF0004, we are honoring Easter, which is celebrated on April 1st. The twist this challenge is “Flowers”.  You can create an Easter card, or a card featuring flowers, or an Easter card with flowers!  Don’t you just love these twists?  Any way you decide to create is fine with us! We would love to have you play along with us, so get started creating and don’t forget to  link up with us.

But before you run off to grab your stamps, that cute designer paper with the flowers and inks, let’s take a look at what I created!

FF0004: Easter and/or Flowers

Easter

Sometimes it’s fun to pull out a stamp set you have not used for awhile, and so it was with Butterfly Basics.  This set was my “go-to” set when it first came out, and it was well-loved for sure! I used it for one of my Stamp of the Month Club sets back in the day.  But like a kid with new toys, as new sets came out, this one was placed on the shelf – until this week when I pulled it out for this card.  I sat down with a cup of tea and reminisced with my “old friend”.  I hope you enjoy today’s card.

Colors of the Day
The Stampin’ Schach Design Tips

I used both parts of this week’s challenge, creating both an Easter card AND using flowers.  I started with a collage background…

Easter

added fussy cut flowers which were water colored with Blender Pens and inks…

Easter

and added a butterfly created from fairy wings.

Easter

If you love this Easter card, you can earn the PDF tutorial for it over on Festive Friday Challenge.  Just play along to earn Fest Points when you register an account on the site. This tutorial is only 5 points! The card itself is also available, for 10 Fest Points.  SO what are you waiting for? Register to earn Fest Points, and link your project up!

Easter

The Challenge Twists

As mentioned earlier, Festive Friday is a challenge with twists.  First, if you do not wish to create an Easter project, you could create a project featuring flowers.  We are offer alternatives for each challenge.  Secondly, if you play along with us, you will be earning Fest Points which can be redeemed for items such as tutorials, Stampin’ Up! products, design team cards, and even a spot as a Guest Designer! But remember:  To earn Fest Points, you need an account on the challenge site. Just click on login/register on the challenge site to get started. 

Would you like to create your own Butterfly Basics card?  If you enjoyed today’s card, and would like to create your own,  the supply list is located below.  Clicking on a product takes you right to my store.  Be sure to use this month’s Host Code.  Online orders over $50 (before tax and shipping) will receive a little gift from me IF you use the Host Code.  Don’t forget, a $50 order will also qualify for a FREE Sale-A-Bration item!  If your order is $150 or more, please do not use the Host Code.  You will automatically receive the gift from me, as well as your own Host Rewards and Sale-A-Bration items.

March:  MYHCT9X2

Remember, if you have any questions about the cards I create or the techniques I use, I am only an email away. Now hustle on over to the Festive Friday blog to see what my team mates have created. Until next time…

siggy-1

Price: $110.00

The Stamp Review Crew: Bubble Over Edition

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Comments: 11

SRC: Bubble Over Edition

It’s time for the Stamp Review Crew: Bubble Over Edition! If this is your very first visit to one of our hops, the Stamp Review Crew is a group of international Stampin’ Up! demonstrators whose mission is to do a blog hop on the first, third and fifth Mondays of each month. Our hops are unique because each of us features the same stamp set used in a variety of ways, giving you loads of inspiration for that set. The hops are archived at the Stamp Review Crew blog. You will be able to click through each hop at any time, going directly to the posts for that hop whenever you want. This week we are featuring the Bubble Over stamp set.  If you are following along in order, you have just arrived from Charlet Mallett.  She is SO talented. After visiting me, you will continue to the next stop, the incomparable Linda Callahan. She has never made a card that I haven’t absolutely loved.  She has such a creative eye.  Enjoy this week’s hop!

The Stamp Review Crew: Bubble Over Edition

Stamp Review Crew: Bubble Over Edition

Bubble over is such a cute set.  While many of the cards created with it are designed using bright colors, I decided to use a more subtle palette. It’s an easy card to create, and one which could be used not only for birthdays, but weddings and anniversaries, too!  I hope you enjoy today’s card!

Colors of the Day
The Stampin’ Schach Design Tips

The Ruffled Dynamic Textured Impressions Embossing Folder creates such a soft look, especially when created from Soft Sky card stock.  It’s the perfect backdrop for the heart, which was watercolored in Soft Sky and Sweet Sugarplum.

Stamp Review Crew: Bubble Over Edition

Myths & Magic Iridescent Glimmer Paper, silver metallic thread, and a single rhinestone add the perfect amount of bling.  A vellum bottle was die cut, and placed over the Sweet Sugarplum to add to the softness.

Stamp Review Crew: Bubble Over Edition

The sentiment was stamped in Basic Gray and then cut apart in order to stagger its placement on the card.

Stamp Review Crew: Bubble Over Edition

This card will be sent to one of my Boxer buddies who is celebrating her birthday in a few days. She adores soft colors, so I think this will be a perfect card for her.

I hope you enjoyed today’s card.  If would like to try your hand at creating your own Bubble Over card,  the supply list is located below.  Clicking on a product takes you right to my store.  Not only will online orders over $50 (before tax and shipping) earn you a FREE Sale-A-Bration item, you will also receive a special little somethin’-somethin’ from me IF you use the Host Code.   If your order is $150 or more, please do not use the Host Code.  You will automatically receive the gift from me, as well as your own Host Rewards.

March: EZ6394WF

Of course, if you ever have a question about the cards I create or the techniques I use, I am only an email away.  Now hop along to Linda Callahan to see what she has in store for you!  If you get lost along the way, you can find a list of all the hoppers at The Stamp Review Crew.

Stamp Review Crew: High Tide Edition

Stamp Review Crew: High Tide Edition

siggy-1

Price: $110.00

On the CASE: Picnic with You

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Comments: 4

On the CASE: Picnic with You

It’s time for On the CASE with Ann & Nicole!  Your favorite stamping sleuths are back at work continuing our quest: To work through current Stampin’ Up! catalogs breaking down gorgeous samples, step-by-step, just for you! In “case” this is your first “On the CASE” visit, here is the scoop: Twice a month, on the second and fourth Wednesdays, we will be CASEing a card from one of Stampin’ Up!’s current catalogs. CASE means to Copy and Share with Everyone, and that is exactly what we will be doing. We hope you enjoy the cards we CASE and the free tutorials included in our posts. This week I selected a set from the Occasions Catalog. Are you ready for On the CASE: Picnic with You? Let’s get ready to stamp!

On the CASE: Picnic with You
Occasions Catalog – Page 6

On the CASE: Picnic with You

Have you ever purchased a set just because of a single card?  Well, that is what happened to me with this set.  I absolutely adore the picnic basket card, and I wanted it to make an anniversary card for my husband.  Yes…I had other sets I could have used, but I just could not resist the “Every day with you is a picnic” sentiment.

On the CASE: Picnic with You

Shall we get this CASE solved?

Colors of the Day
Stamps and Papers and Inks … Oh, My!

Stamps: Picnic with You Bundle
Paper:  Soft Sky (4-1/4″ x 11″ scored at 5-1/2″ for the card base, 4″ x 5-1/4″), Whisper White Cardstock (3-3/16″ x 3-1/2″, 2″ x  4-5/8″, scraps), Old Olive (2-1/2″ x 4″)
Ink: Basic Gray Archival, Crumb Cake, Daffodil Delight, Old Olive, Real Red, Soft Sky, Soft Suede
Other:  Big Shot, Basket Builder Framelits (included in bundle), Simple Stripes Textured Impressions Embossing Folder,  Banner Triple Punch, Tuttie Frutti Washi Tape, Fine-Tip Glue Pen or Multipurpose Liquid Glue, SNAIL Adhesive,  Stampin’ Dimensionals

“On the CASE” Notes
Your Step-by-Step Guide

1. Score the Soft Sky cardstock at 5-1/2″ to form the card base. Emboss the 4″ x 5-1/4″ piece of Soft Sky cardstock with the Simple Stripes Textured Impressions Embossing Folder.

On the CASE: Picnic with You

Adhere to the card base.

On the CASE: Picnic with You

2.  Punch one end of the 2″ x  4-5/8″ piece of Whisper White cardstock with the Banner Triple Punch.

On the CASE: Picnic with You

3.  Add one strip of Daffodil Delight Tutti Frutti Washi Tape to the top of the banner.  Add two strips of Washi Tape to the bottom.

On the CASE: Picnic with You

Adhere to the card base.

On the CASE: Picnic with You

4.  Stamp the sentiment in Basic Gray.

On the CASE: Picnic with You

5.  Stamp the images in the colors listed.  Use the appropriate framelit to cut them out.

  • Basket and 2 handles – Crumb Cake
  • Table cloth – Real Red
  • Cheese – Daffodil Delight
  • Bottle – Real Red
  • Salt and Pepper Shakers – Basic Gray
  • Apple – Real Red
  • Bread – Soft Suede
  • Bowl – Basic Gray; Cherries inside – Real Red
  • Glasses – Basic Gray; Wine – Real Red

On the CASE: Picnic with You

6.  Die cut FIVE strips of grass from Old Olive.  Adhere to the bottom of the sentiment panel. (Note: Only 4 strips are shown in the picture, but it does take 5.)

7.  Adhere the handles to the picnic basket using either the Fine-Tip Glue Pen or Multipurpose Liquid Glue. Add the cloth next. Pack the basket with the apples and cheese, followed by the bottle, bowl of cherries, and finally the salt and pepper shaker and bread.  Add dimensionals to the back of the basket at the top and adhere to the sentiment panel. Tuck the bottom of the basket behind the third strip of grass. Add the wine glasses.

On the CASE: Picnic with You

      How Hard Was It to Crack This CASE

There is not a single thing on this card which is hard to do.  Difficulty Level:  2.5 out of 5, simply because there is a lot of die cutting.

 #SUontheCASE

Nicole and I hope our projects today inspire you to try CASEing the catalog, too! We’ll be “on the case”, looking for the hashtag #SUontheCASE on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+ & Pinterest). If we find one of your projects, we’ll share it, like it, repost it – we’ll do it all!

On the CASE: Picnic with YouNow head on over to Nicole at  Pixel Maven’s Retreat to see the CASE file she has been working on.  Nicole always writes the BEST tutorials!  What she has CASED is a cutie patootie card for sure!

Would you like to check out the most recent Cold CASE Files?  Try these:

On the CASE: The CASE of Friendship’s Sweetest Thoughts
On the CASE: The CASE of Daisy Delight
On the CASE: The CASE of a Magical Day
On the CASE:  A Case of Petal Palette
On the CASE:  Beautiful Bouquet Sentiment
On the CASE: Lovely As a Tree
On the CASE: A Season to Sparkle
The CASE of A Brightly Lit Christmas
A CASE of Good Tidings
A CASE of Nature Sings
A CASE of Snowflake Sentiments
A CASE of Gourd Goodness
The CASE of the Sheltering Tree
The CASE of the Beautiful Bouquet
The CASE of the Birthday Blooms

Ready to get On this CASE?  If you enjoyed On the CASE: Picnic with You, and would like to try your hand at creating your own CASE,  the supply list is located below.  Clicking on a product takes you right to my store.  Be sure to use this month’s Host Code.  Online orders over $50 (before tax and shipping) will receive a special little somethin’-somethin’ from me IF you use the Host Code.  Don’t forget, a $50 order will also qualify you for a FREE Sale-A-Bration item!  If your order is $150 or more, please do not use the Host Code.  You will automatically receive the gift from me, as well as your own Host Rewards and Sale-A-Bration items.

March:  MYHCT9X2

Remember, if you have any questions about the cards I create or the techniques I use, I am only an email away. Until next time – CASE away!

siggy-1

Price: $110.00