Spring Inspired With Summer Smooches?

Today's card is one that I made for my Card Buffet this month.  I had the Hand Stamped Sentiments (#115 - Spring) Challenge in mind when I created it.

When I think of spring I think green. It's beautiful living in the North Georgia Mountains and I love to watch all the trees and plants sprout green in the spring.  And then of course all this greenery comes alive with beautiful flowers.   I had to laugh though when I realized I used the Summer Smooches Designer Paper for "Spring Inspired".

• Using a bold pattern like this one can be a bit of a challenge.  I met the challenge by using only two colors, and breaking the pattern up with the solid colored strip across the center of the card.

• I also wanted to keep the focal point simple but then I love clean and simple designs.

• The 5 Petal Flower Punch is one of my favorites.  It's retiring and will only be available until supplies last.  If if you've been thinking about adding this punch to your tool box order it now!

• The Summer Smooches Fabric Brad is gorgeous.  Oh please Stampin' Up! let big fabric brads be in our future this year. :) 

Stamp Set:  Short and Sweet (115060) Wood Only

Ink: Basic Black (101179)

Paper: Summer Smooches DSP (125409), Lucky Limeade (122926), Whisper White (100730)

Tools: 5-Petal Flower (119880), Scallop Trim Border (118402)

Accessories:  Summer Smooches Fabric Brads (No Longer Available)

Tomorrow is the last day to place an order for the Summer Smooches Designer Series Paper and the other products in this suite. If you haven't ordered them by the end of the day you will need to wait until June 1. The Petite Purse is so cute for little gifts and candy. Don't wait...order now. :)  

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Summer Smooches and More About the Retired Lists

Busy, busy, busy this week.  Here it is Friday and I'm finally getting around to posting the card I created for the Mojo Monday Sketch Challenge.  What a fun card!  When I first saw the Summer Smooches DSP I thought wow this may be too bright and colorful for me.  But I have to tell you I have fallen in love with this paper!  Remember there are only 4 days left to order this Summer Smooches DSP.  After that you will need to wait until you can order from the new catty in June.

• The squares are 1-1/4 inch.  Using a 1-1/4 inch square punch is the fastest way to cut them.  Of course if you don't own that punch you can always cut them with your paper cutter.
• You will notice the sketch shows the squares with space between them.  It made me crazy trying to line them all up so I chose to butt them against each other.  (Remember, you don't have to follow the sketches exactly.)
• The fabric brads are gorgeous and I am so going to miss them.  If you haven't heard yet they are gone and no longer available!  I hope you ordered yours before they ran out.      
• I only had a small piece of the baker's twine left and thought it made the perfect antenna.

Stamp Set:  Fabulous Phrases

Paper : Summer Smooches DSP (125409), Daffodil Delight (119683), Tangerine Tango (111349), Very Vanilla (101650)

Accessories:  Summer Smooches Fabric Brads (No Longer Available), Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, Calypso Coral Bakers Twine (125573)

I changed the card some and made it part of my I Love Cards Buffet last night.  I wasn't sure everyone would have the patience to glue on all the squares. :)  Same big beautiful butterfly and brad.  I'm not sure which one I like better.  How about you?  Which is your favorite?  

Additional information about the Accessories Retired List

• You will notice that all the ink pads are on the retired list.  Like I said the day the list came out...not to worry...the colors are not changing.  The ink pads are getting a make over and it's exciting.  New firm foam pads will offer better ink coverage and therefore better stamped images.

• The Craft Ink Pads and Refills will be discontinued except for black and white.

• The Stampin' Write Markers are on the list because in the new catty only select markers will be available individually.  They will still be available in color collections

• 12" x 12" Textured Card Stock will no longer be offered

• 12" x 12" Smooth Card Stock will only be available in select individual colors and color collections.
• Two items were put on the retired list in error.  They were the Craft Scissors and Paper Snips.  Because they were included in error they will not be offered at a discounted price

I hope this clears up some questions you have about the retired lists.  If you have further questions please feel free to contact me by email or phone.

Have a wonderful Friday!

Stampin' Up! Retiring Accessories List 2012 & Big Discounts

Grab yourself a cup of coffee and a pad and pencil...the list is long!

Don't panic when you see the list of stamp pads and markers.  The Stampin' Up! colors are not changing. 

I know you can't wait to check it out.  Besides the actual list make sure you check out the amazing discounts on many of the products.  If you have questions please leave a comment or send an email.  I'll get right back to you.

Click HERE to view the Stampin' Up! Retiring Accessories List.  Retiring accessories are only available while supplies last.  Order your favorite items before they are gone.

Check out the Retiring Definitively Decorative List HERE.  These are also only available while supplies last.

Click HERE to view the Stampin' Up! Retiring Stamp List by Catalog Page Number.  Or view an Alphabetical Listing of the Stampin' UP! Retiring Stamp List HERE.  They will be available for purchase through May 31, 2012.

If there are still some items you would like to order from the Stampin' Up! Summer Smooches Collection remember to do so by April 30th.  The gorgeous fabric brads and the Decor Stencil will not be in the new 2012-2013 Catalog so get them now before they run  out!  Don't forget the Occasions Mini Catalog also expires on April 30th.

Item

125495

 Bright Blossoms Wood-Mount Set

$16.95

 125497

 Bright Blossoms Clear-Mount Set

$12.95

 125409

 Summer Smooches Designer Series Paper

$10.95

 125583

 Daffodil Delight 1/2" Seam Binding Ribbon

$6.95

 125411

 Summer Smooches Designer Fabric

$9.95

 125589

 Summer Smooches Fabric Designer Brads*

$6.95

 125626

 Summer Smooches Décor Stencil*

$7.95

 125606

 Petite Purse Bigz L Die

$32.95

 129919

 Summer Smooches Photobook Template

$17.95

 129601

 Summer Smooches Digital Kit

$9.95

Inspired By Nature

Hey Stampers!

Wow it's freezing in the North Georgia mountains today!  I didn't mind when it got a little cooler and breezy the other day but this feels too much like winter again for me.  Looks like the temps will be going back up later this week...yes!

Today's card is one I created for one of our make and takes at yesterday's downline meeting.  It uses a stamp set that I am sad to say is on the retired list and will only be available until 5/31/2012.  Click Here to view all the stamp sets that are heading for retirement on that date.  View Inspired By Nature has two great large images.  These gorgeous flowers and then the grasses that can be used in so many ways.

• The image was colored with Stampin' Write Markers.  I find that it is much easier when I am coloring on a stamp this size to put the stamp on the table, rubber side up, ink with markers and lay the paper on top of the stamp.  Then press down.
• The Early Espresso layer was run thought the Square Lattice Embossing Folder before tearing.  It gives great texture to that layer.  To get a controlled tear hold the paper with your thumb and index finger (I use my left) and tear forward with your dominant hand (my right) keeping it very close to the paper.
• The word "beautiful" is from the Fabulous Phrases stamp set.  On the inside I stamped the word "you" (also from the set) on Very Vanilla and then punched it with a 1" Circle Punch.  I layered a 1-1/4" Daffodil Delight Circle behind it and mounted it on the bottom right.

Recipe:

Stamp Sets:  Inspired by Nature (W111656), Fabulous Phrases inside of card (not shown) (C 120501) 

(W 117002)

Ink:  Early Espresso (119670)

Markers:  Daffodil Delight (119677), Old Olive (100079), More Mustard (100076)

Card Stock:  Daffodil Delight (119683), Olive Olive (100702), Early Espresso (119686) Very Vanilla (101650)

Tools & Accessories:  1/8" Early Espresso Ribbon (119959) 

SHOP FOR 2012 RETIRED STAMP SETS IN MY ONLINE STORE 

Events - Stamp Club & Girls Scouts

So much has kept me from my blog and my stamp room the past couple of days.  Now all I want and need to do today is create!  But I did want to stop in with a quick share.

First, I wanted to share a couple of cards made by members of my technique/product club.  I encourage the gals to stamp during the month and they are beginning to amaze me.  Many of them were new to stamping beginning in November and others had a little experience. It just tickles me to death that they are using their products and they are creating such wonderful projects .  They do know it's ok for show and tell to use what products they have at home so you may not recognize some products because they are not Stampin' Up!

They are gradually building their collection of Stampin' Up! products and have a difficult time not wanting it all!   But that's what joining the club is all about.  You place a minimum order each month and class is free. It's a way to fill your wish list and not break the bank.  If you are local (Jasper, Ellijay, Cumming, Canton or even further...it's a beautiful ride) we would love for you to join us.  Click Here to check dates and times.

The first two cards were made by Cristin Bell. The first uses the Tea Shoppe stamp set from the Occasions mini.  How cute is that cup with the real tea bag.

Cristin's second card uses items from both the Occasions and Sale-a-bration catalogs.  Sometimes it is difficult to use the busy patterned paper but she did a great job by using a subdued neutral color on the focal point and sentiment.  I like the way she used the brads.

Brenda's show and tell is a tag she made for a tag swap.  It brought a lot of ohhhs and ahhhs.  It is a vintage tag that is absolutely gorgeous in real life. Can you recognize the Stampin' Up! products she used?  I think there are five.

Kim's card is a wonderful mix of pattern papers and a beautiful hummingbird image.

Today I would also like to share some pics from my last Tuesday night event.  I was invited to teach a mini album class (shared in my last post ) to a group of girls scouts in Ellijay.  What fun!  The girls and their leaders were warm and welcoming.  I loved how many of them decided to take what I was showing them and then just get creative with it.  They were a great bunch of girls and I hope we can do another project in the future.  

The entire group with me in the back.

 GREAT JOB GIRLS!

Best of Everything Mini Album

One of my downline cancelled our morning get together because it was supposed to rain today.  But guess what...it is gorgeous here in the North Georgia Mountains.    Several of my club members come north to my classes because it is the opposite direction of all the traffic.  Jasper is such a pretty place to live.  A quiet little town with Christmas tree lights on all the trees on Main Street all year long.  :)

Today I would like to share a Mini Album that I will be making with 15 Girl Scouts this evening in Ellijay, which is another small town about 30 minutes north of me.  It is one that I have shared in the past as a vintage album.  I reworked it for the girls to make it more fun and youthful.

The album is made with Lucky Limeade card stock and some of the Everyday Enchantment Designer Series Paper that I stocked up on during sale-a-bration.  I used the Blossom punch, which is still available in the Occasions Mini Catalog, to make the flower.  On every indentation in the flower I made a cut about 1/2" long.  This gives the flower a lot of dimension and texture.  The Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch makes a nice center for the flower.  And of course we can't forget the bling!

Normally I would have sponged the very vanilla card stock but decided to skip that step with so many girls.

The inside folds out accordion style where the girls will be placing four pictures.  To see how the album looks when it is open CLICK HERE to view the vintage and best friends albums I have done in the past.

I used the fun bird in the Best of Everything stamp set.  I think the girls are going to love this little guy.  They will be able to use the sentiment Memories from Loving Thoughts (in the Occasions Mini) or BBF from Best Friends Forever that is now on the retirement list. :)  Here you can also see how much dimension you get in the flower by making the cuts.

Just a Reminder

You have until April 30 to make purchases from the Occasions Mini.  There will be a few items that will make it into the new catalog in June but most you will not see again.  What's been your favorite stamp set in this mini?  I think mine is the Mixed Bunch.  Or better yet what has been on you're wish list that you still haven't purchased yet.  Order it now while your thinking of it. :)

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PS: Remember to check out the Clearance Rack and the Retiring List!

Stampin' Up! Retired Stamp List 2012

We've all been waiting for the 2012 Retirement list and it's now available. Click HERE for the pdf list of items that will NO longer be available after May 31, 2012.  If you would like to view it from my online store with pictures Click HERE.

As Stampin' Up! transitions from our current catalog to the new one that will be available June 1, 2012 you will notice there are hundreds of stamps sets that are retiring.  If any of these sets are on your wish list order them asap while they are still available.

Though it's sad to see some of our favorites go...it's exciting to look forward to all the brand new stamps sets and accessories that will become available on June 1.  The retiring accessories list will be posted on April 25.

Contact me if you have questions or would like to place an order. Remember if you would like to include items from the clearance rack you will need to order online.  

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More Summer Smooches Designer Paper

Hi Stampers!

What do you do with some of the designer paper that is bright and busy? What was that you said...use the other side. :D  That's right... sometimes it's a real challenge.    
When I first saw the Summer Smooches DSP I really liked it but there were a few patterns that I thought might be a bit too busy for me.  So today I decided to challenge myself by making a fun colorful mother's day card with one of the cute busy flower papers in this collection.

My solution is to use it with one of the smaller patterns (which happens to be on the backside) and make sure I don't put a busy layer on top of it.  In fact today I decided on a simple layered flower.  To give the flower additional dimension I curled the bottom flower petals to the back the front petals forward.  Notice how the center of the flower mimics the small flowers in the DSP?  The rhinestones add some real pop that is difficult to see in the picture.  

I didn't have a current Mother's Day Stamp so I used the one from the retired set All Holidays.  Because it had flourishes and additional words that I didn't want to use I took my black marker and colored just the part I wanted.

I see that Hand Stamped Sentiments has a Mother's Day challenge this week so looks like I have the perfect card.  They would love for you to visit and join a challenge.  If not this one there will be a new one next week I'm sure.

Stamp Set:  All Holidays (Retired)

Paper: Summer Smooches DSP (125409), Tempting Turquoise (102067), Real Red (102482), Daffodil Delight (119683), Whisper White (100730)

Tools & Accessories:  Scallop Edge Border Punch (119882), Fancy Flower Punch (118073), Boho Blossoms Punch (119858), Basic Rhinestones (119246)

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Great customer service and a hand stamped thank you card for every order.

Mojo Monday - Summer Smooches

Today's card uses the sketch from this week's Mojo Monday Challenge and the new designer paper from the Summer Smooches Suite.  And because I just can't seem to get enough of the new Petite Purse Die I made one to match my card.  Well...to be honest...I made the card to match the purse. I can't seem to stop making purses. lol

The Summer Smooches Designer Paper is such fun bold paper.  It just makes you feel happy!  It includes the colors Daffodil Delight, Real Red, Island Indigo, Tempting Turquoise, Lucky Limeade, Tangerine Tango, and Rich Razzleberry.  It's available from Arpil 1 - 30 and then not again until the new catalog comes out June 1st.

For the sentiment circle I used the 1-3/4" Circle Punch (Whisper White) and the 2-3/8" Scallop Circle Punch in Daffodil Delight.  The sentiment is from the stamp set - Word Play. It's a great set especially when you need a large sentiment.

Here it is with the coordinating purse.  Isn't it a cute set?  The purse is a nice size.  Besides the normal candy I can see it as a gift box for a pair of earrings, necklace, or any other small gift.  My mother already told me she wants one filled with dark chocolate for Mother's Day. :)

If you are local, I would like to invite you to come to club this week.  We are meeting on Friday at 10:00am and Sunday 2:30pm.  There are spots at both times.  We are making a petite purse (of course) and two cards using the products from the Summer Smooches Set.  Click Here for details or to sign up.  Questions - call or email me.  

Or maybe you would like to schedule a private card class for you and your friends.  It's a lot of fun!  

Don't forget we have a blog hop going on right now.  Click on the Hop image at the top of the right sidebar and make comments on each blog.  Some lucky commenter will win a Stampin' Up! crop-a-dile. 

Thanks for allowing me to share.  Have a great day!

Hoppers Blog Hop - Summer Smooches Suite

It's time for the Hoppers April blog hop!  We are sharing some fabulous projects featuring the new Summer Smooches Suite and it's color combo.  I hope you are ready for lots of inspiration and a fabulous prize.  This month some lucky person will win a crop-a-dile.  How exciting is that!

All you need to do is visit each blog and leave a comment.  You'll find the blog line up below.  Then on April 30th we will announce the randomly chosen winner.

Today I would like to share a cute clean and simple card using the Bright Blossoms stamp set and a matching Petite Purse. Both were made with products from the new Summer Smooches Suite.  The entire time I was creating I just kept saying - "How cute is this"!

The new Petite Purse BigZ Die makes creating this purse a breeze. I chose to emboss the flap with the Square Lattice Embossing Folder this time and use a button that coordinates with the card.  But I'm already picturing it with one of the new large fabric brads and some designer series paper from the Summer Smooches Suite. :)  So keep coming back.

Take this opportunity to purchase these items in April - months before they will make their depute in the new 2012-2013 catalog.  Actually, two items are only available in April and will not be in the catalog so don't wait to order the gorgeous fabric brads and the Decor Stencil.

So what sneak peek items do you "need" to have right now?  Remember the promotion ends April 30, 2012.

Stamp Sets: Bright Blossoms (C125497) (W125495), Short and Sweet (W115060)

Ink: Basic Black (101179),  Lucky Limeade (122935)

Paper:  Temping Turquoise (102067), Basic Black (121045), Whisper White (100730)

Accessories/Tools: Designer Buttons-Brights (119747), Basic Pearls (119247), (1/2" Circle Punch (119869), 3/4" Circle Punch (119873), Square Lattice Embossing Folder (119976), Big Shot (113439)

The winner of last month's blog hop was Margaret Stiles.  Margaret will receive a stamp set with coordinating DSP and Ribbon.  Congratulations!  Now who will be this month's winner?

BLOG LINE-UP

1. Elaine Uhl - createnstamp.blogspot.com/2012/03/bright-blossoms-summer-card.html

2. Tina Davis - http://tinadavisstamps.blogspot.com/p/stampin-hop.html

3. Deana Stiles - http://deanastiles.blogspot.com/2012/04/april-blog-hop.html

4. Sharon Jacobs-Fisher - www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/sharon/blog?  directBlogUrl=/blog/65314...

5. Michelle Clarke - http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/michelleclarke/blog?directBlog...

6. Diane Squires - http://joyfulstampin.blogspot.com/2012/04/hoppers-blog-hop-summer-s...

7. Susan Carlson - http://stampinmomoffour.blogspot.com/2012/04/april-blog-hop-summer-...

 

Hoppers April Blog Hop Begins Tomorrow

Hope everyone had a wonderful Easter!  I haven't had a minute to post the past couple of days or for that matter even make a new card. I finally finished the 75 post it note covers for a customer in PA and got the package shipped today...Yeah!

I'm so excited!   I was featured on My Crafty Picks and Hand Stamped Sentiments for my Tulip Peep Card last week.  Check out the other wonderful projects that were also chosen on both of those sites.  Some great ideas that I need to tuck away until next Easter.  Also...think about trying one of the challenge sites this week.  It's a lot of fun!

The Hoppers April Blog Hop begins tomorrow.  Here's just a little peek. :) Make sure you stop back tomorrow to see my project and participate in the hop.  Wait until you see what the prize is this month!

The winner for last months hop has been chosen and we will be announcing the results as soon as the winner has been contacted.  Hopefully that too will be tomorrow.  But just think you could be the next lucky winner.  I will be posting bright and early...hope to see you then.