Here’s a little peek at Sunday’s Paper Players inspiration card. I know that you will love the challenge the Design Team has planned for you! Please check back tomorrow for the full reveal.

Upcoming Blog Candy

Two years ago I was introduced to the world of stamping and Stampin’ Up! I had seen a Stampin’ Up! set at a garage sale, and I liked what I saw. It was a set which contained stylized African animals. Being an animal lover, I bought it. That very day, when I returned home, I googled Stampin’ Up! in order to learn more about the company and the product. Mary Fish’s blog was the first one that I encountered. I liked the fact that Mary educated people about stamping. As someone who had never stamped before, I needed all the help I could get. That very day, I ordered a complete set of inks…the Earth Elements…and a stamp set. As I searched her website, the idea of becoming a demonstrator and getting the Starter Kit appealed to me more and more. After receiving Mary’s assurance that I did not have to hold workshops and that I could quit at anytime, I signed up to become an independent Stampin’ Up! demonstrator. The date was February 1st.

I knew nothing about card making or stamping, but I experimented and practiced. I began holding workshops and classes. I am now mentoring my own group of demonstrators who have joined the Schach Pack as members of my downline. And I also began this endeavor known as The Stampin’ Schach. Since then I have met the most wonderful group of people…all of you! You have shared both my glad times and my sad times, and I truly enjoy the conversations that I have with you.

In celebration of both my Stampin’ Up! and blog anniversary, I will be offering Blog Candy beginning Monday and running through Wednesday. It is my way of thanking you for two glorious years.

Blog Award

The talented Nikki Bond is one of my favorite stampers. Her cards are absolutely fabulous! I love her style! Therefore it meant so much to me when Nikki honored me with the Liebster Blog Award.

The Liebster Blog Award is given to bring new blogs to light. It’s a great way to share blogs that might not otherwise be seen or ones you want to share with others.

As a recipient of this award I must share the love and pay it forward by:
1-Creating a post where I blog about the Liebster award & reveal my 3-5 blog picks
2-Let the honorees know that I selected them
3-Copy & paste the blog award on my blog

I have so many blogs that I love to visit, so narrowing down my list was quite difficult. I tried to select a couple which may be new to you.

Denise Willerton of Chez Moi Creations

Marlene Peters of Hands On

Miriam of Miriam’s Delirium

I hope you will stop by their blogs and say “Hi!” Until next time…

It’s Thursday and time to play at Pals Paper Arts! This week’s challenge is one of my favorites…Vintage! And in today’s post I will share some of my tips for creating the vintage look, using the Friends 24-7 stamp set! I am so excited! Let’s get straight to the design tips!

The Stampin’ Schach Design Tips:

• Soft and subtle! Truly vintage paper items have often faded over the years. To create this look, think in terms of soft colors for your images. Keeping this in mind, look at the difference in the Flourish from Friends 24-7 when stamped in softer Crumb Cake ink versus Soft Suede. The Crumb Cake Flourish will enhance the bird, rather than compete with it. (Note: I apologize for the “yellow” appearance of the photograph. The card stock which I used was Naturals Ivory…but alas, I did not shoot these pictures in my light tent with daylight bulbs!)

• Get rough! One of my favorite tools for distressing the edges of card stock is the Seven Sided Tool from the Cutter Kit. Look at the difference between these two samples:

• Brayer! In the above photo, you can clearly see the difference brayering a light layer of Crumb Cake ink over the embossed surface makes. In addition, Stampin’ Sponges were used to darken the edges. Always use a circular motion and work from the edges in toward the center.
• Pearls and lace and trinkets, oh my! Basic Pearls and Victoria Crochet Trim are perfect for adding a vintage touch to any project. And don’t forget the impact that a simple little safety pin, from the Vintage Trinkets collection can add. Of course, a little Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz never hurts either! (Hint: To apply pearls, even the smallest ones, simply use Paper Snips! Slide the blades right under the pearl, lift it off the backing paper, and position!)

• Vintage flower! First Edition Designer Series Paper was used to make this Scallop Circle flower. A little “aging” around the edges with Soft Suede ink and a Sponge Dauber adds character. And who can resist a little bling, especially when it is vintage-style Glass Glitter in beautiful Baja Breeze blue! A liberal dose of speckles, achieved by using the Color Spritzer Tool and Crumb Cake and Soft Suede Stampin’ Write Markers, are always a quick and easy way to age a project.

Elin, please email me your address and I will send out the buttons right away! Until next time…
Stamp Set: Friends 24-7 (113218), Watermark from French Foliage (retired); Ink: Crumb Cake (121030), Soft Suede (115657), Cajun Craze (119671), Wild Wasabi (109014), More Mustard (103162); Stampin’ Write Markers: Crumb Cake (120967), Soft Suede (120973); Card Stock: Naturals Ivory (101849), Cajun Craze (119684), More Mustard (100946), Baja Breeze (111352); Designer Series Paper: First Edition (121878—Occasions Mini), Elegant Soiree (117163); Tools: Big Shot (113439), Finial Post Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (115963), Scallop Circle Punch (119854), Modern Label Punch (119849), Cutter Kit (106958), Brayer (102395), Sponge Daubers (102892), Stampin’ Sponges (101610), Blender Pens (102845), Color Spritzer Tool (107066); Glitz and Glam: Baja Breeze Glass Glitter (121883), Basic Pearls (119247), Vintage Trinkets (118764), Victoria Crochet Trim (118481), Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz (118772)

Can you believe it is Wednesday already and time for my Pals Paper Arts sneak peek? I think we have a fabulous challenge lined up for you this week. So please, make plans to join me Thursday for the full reveal of this card. And in the meantime, be sure to check out this week’s PPA Winners!

Buttons to Give Away

And remember, the Starter Kit Special is going on all during Sale-A-Bration! Not only will you receive 15% off the price of the kit…you will also get a Bonus Bundle worth $50 for FREE! I would love to discuss this promotion with you personally. Email me today for your personal consultation as to whether the time is right for you to join the Stampin’ Up! family. Until next time…