My First PDCC Challenge

I have discovered a wonderful challenge blog, The Play Date Cafe. Don’t you just love the name? This week was a color challenge to use gold, silver, black and white. Participants are encouraged to “dig out those metallics, silver and gold, and make it shine. Add some black and white for basics and go wild!” Since I love the metallics, I just had to play along! Plus, I got a chance to use my Groom Designer Series Paper and two of the Occasion Mini stamp sets, I {Heart} Hearts and Fine Flourish. Black and Silver Stampin’ Emboss Powders add extra shine and sparkle to this card, which is surprisingly quick and easy to make!

The Stampin’ Schach Tips:

  • Emboss with gloss! Since this challenge was specifically asking for glitz and shine, I pulled out the Glossy White card stock, inked up the new Fine Flourishes stamp with VersaMark, and heat embossed with Silver Stampin’ Emboss Powder. It’s “shinetastic”!
  • Back in Black! The shine returns with Black Stampin’ Emboss Powder on the “Flourish” heart from I {Heart} Hearts.
  • Finish it off with a “Bow-dacious” bow! Whisper White Organza ribbon does the trick for this challenge. Although there are many templates available for making the perfect bow and dozens of video tutorials on how to use them, I just wrap mine around a piece of cardboard that has a slit in it. It is a little trick that I learned from my mother many years ago. It isn’t pretty but it gets the job done! And it was the perfect use for the cardboard that came with my Stampin’ Rewards certificate! A tutorial is in the works.

It’s time for Another Pals Holiday Hop!

A group of talented Stampin’ Up! Demonstrators are ready to show off their paper crafting skills with inspirational ideas for Valentine’s Day using Stampin’ Up! products! Join us on Tuesday, January 12, 2010 at 5:00 AM CST for a Holiday Hop as we showcase all that Stampin’ Up! has to offer—from rubber stamps, designer paper, embellishments and more! Mark your calendar now. You don’t want to miss out! Watch for the list of participants in Sunday’s post.

Remember that your comments are important to me. So please, won’t you leave me a comment before you go? And if you have any questions about the techniques that I use or the cards that I make, do not hesitate to email me. Until next time…
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Stamp Set: I {Heart} Hearts (W 117010; C 118571—Occasions Mini), Fine Flourish (115709—Occasions Mini); Inks: VersaMark (102283); Designer Series Paper: Groom Specialty Paper (116478); Paper: Brushed Gold (102935), Glossy White (102599); Tools: Heat Tool (100005); Glitz and Glam: Black Stampin’ Emboss Powder (109133), Silver Stampin’ Emboss Powder (109131), Whisper White Organza Ribbon (114319)

Peace Within for PPA 24

It has been a long time since I have inked up A Peace Within. Fall and Christmas stamp sets have occupied my stamping time for the past few months. So when I saw Pal Margaret Moody’s classic sketch for this week’s Pals Paper Arts challenge, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to use the “Basket” image from this set. The Pinking Hearts Border Punch from the Occasions Mini catalog adds interest, as does the Perfect Polka Dots textured image mat. I opted to go without a sentiment, adding an elegant Chocolate Chip satin bow!

The Stampin‘ Schach Tips:

  • Let your creativity shine! This lovely Designer Series Paper, from the Thoroughly Modern collection has a subtle sheen that pairs perfectly with Brushed Gold card stock and the new Chocolate Chip Satin Ribbon. What did I ever do before I discovered Brushed Gold card stock? It’s not just for Christmas!

  • Highlight design elements with a shot of color! Rose Red accentuates the adorable Pinking Hearts Border Punch.

  • Depth and dimension! Sahara Sand is the perfect color choice to shadow your water-colored images. Of course, even more depth is achieved by elevating the image mat with Stampin‘ Dimensionals, thus making the basket image the focal point of this card.
Great cards begin with great sketches, so I encourage you to head on over to the Pals Paper Arts site and check out the wonderful cards created by my colleagues on the Design Team. You will not be disappointed! Remember, I love your comments, so let me know what you think about today’s card. As always, if you have any questions about any of the techniques or products that I have used in creating today’s card, don’t hesitate to email me. Until next time…

Please Click Here to Order Stampin’ Up! 24/2!

Stamp Set: Peace Within (114312); Inks: Basic Brown (104315), Sahara Sand (105208), Close to Cocoa (103139), Creamy Caramel (103220), Always Artichoke (105219), Old Olive (102227), Summer Sun (100537), Pretty in Pink (101301), Lovely Lilac (102874); Designer Series Paper: Thoroughly Modern (115673); Paper: Chocolate Chip (102128), Brushed Gold (102935), Very Vanilla (101650); Tools: Big Shot (113439), Stampin’ Up! Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folder (117335—Occasions Mini), Pinking Hearts Border Punch (117649—Occasions Mini), Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430), Blender Pens (102845); Glitz and Glam: Chocolate Chip 5/8″ Satin Ribbon (117287)

A PPA Peek

What a wonderful week this is! The Occasions Mini and Sale-A-Bration brochures are now live! This is my favorite time of the Stampin‘ Up! year because I LOVE earning free stamp sets. Here’s the scoop:

  • Earn one free Sale-A-Bration gift for every $50 you spend. If you spend $100 in product, you would receive two free items. AND if you spend $150, you would get three free gifts PLUS earn Stampin‘ Up! Hostess Rewards! And it goes on and one! Wow!

  • And NEW this year, in addition to the limited edition Sale-A-Bration sets, choose from over 75 select stamp sets from the Stampin‘ Up! Idea Book and Catalog (listed on page 11 of the Sale-A-Bration catalog).

  • Even on-line orders are eligible for Sale-A-Bration sets!

  • Both catalogs are available to view on-line on my right side bar. But if you would prefer your own copy, please email me, and I will send one out to you for FREE. (I am currently waiting on my new shipment from SU! so please be patient!)

Just in Time for Valentine’s Day!

Stampin‘ Up! has released these NEW Heart-shaped Sweet Treat (120435) cups just in time for Valentine’s Day! Created to coordinate with the Full Heart Punch (113693) and the new Sweetheart (120415) stamp set, order today! Think of all of the possibilities…birthdays, Easter, Mother’s Day and even graduation!

Click Here to download the Sweetheart stamp set flyer.

Of course, Sale-A-Bration is the perfect time to join my team! It was during Sale-A-Bration that I became a demonstrator, and I have never regretted the decision that I made to become a member of the Stampin‘ Up! family. There are so many benefits to be gained, and I am not talking about only the discounts. As a member of the Schach Pack, you will become a member of a supportive and creative group of stampers who will mentor you in all facets of your demonstratorship. Both hobby and business demos are welcome in my group! For more information, please Click Here.

And now, what about that PPA Sneak Peek? It is a pretty big peek this week showcasing one of my favorite stamping techniques…watercoloring with Blender Pens and inks. Remember, the Pals Paper Arts Challenge Number 24 will be revealed on Thursday.

If you have any questions about Sale-A-Bration or becoming a member of The Schach Pack, don’t hesitate to email me. And remember, I am always available for any technique or product questions that you may have. I love your emails! Until next time…