You can shake the world with retired products from Stampin’ Up!  You can do that by creating a Birthday card using the new Confetti Punch and a few other products.

Yes, this card uses a bit of the new and a bit of the old.  Can you see the new products that I have used?

First, I am sorry that the ribbon is crooked.  I didn’t notice that until I uploaded the picture and it was too late to fix the mistake.  The card was already flying across the Pacific to Japan.

One of the new 2016/18 In Colors, Emerald Envy is used on this card.  It was used to stamp the world and the Happy Birthday and it also in the Playful Palette DSP Stack.  On the inside of the card, I had fun coming up with a greeting from the new Thoughtful Banners stamp set.  The stamp set contains individual words so that you can mix and match and come up with your own sentiments.

The Sprinkle Punch and the Duet Banner punch were also used to create fun elements.

I added the N, S, E, W letters at the end of the globe so that the birthday boy can find his way home after celebrating his wild and crazy birthday.

Recipe

Stamps: Going Global, Thoughtful Banners.

Ink/Markers: Emerald Envy, Basic Black, Smoky Slate.

Paper: Whisper White Thick, Basic Black, Very Vanilla, Playful Palette DSP Stack, Window Sheets, Gold Glimmer.

Accessories: Big Shot, World Traveller Embossing Folder, Circles Collection Framelits, Duet Banner Punch, Sprinkles Punch, Basic Black Striped Ribbon.

It’s fun to mix the old with the new.  Try to Shake the world with your choice of old and new.

Don’t forget that the retiring list end on May 31st.  Visit my store to order before the products are gone.

Product List

Going Global Clear-Mount Stamp Set [140748]	Basic Black Archival Stampin’ Ink Refill [140928]	Basic Black 8-1/2″ X 11″ Card Stock [121045]	Very Vanilla 8-1/2″ X 11″ Card Stock [101650]	Window Sheets Base Material [114323]	Gold Glimmer Paper [133719]
World Traveler Textured Impressions Embossing Folder [138289]	Circles Collection Framelits Die [130911]

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For this card, the Pop-Up Die was used differently.  Usually pop-ups go on the inside of the card. However, I decided that it needed to be a focal point for a 7th birthday.

The Party Pop-up Thinlit “Happy Birthday” was die cut from Whisper White and trimmed so that only the words remained.  The candles were sponged using Crushed Curry, the word “Happy” sponged using Melon Mambo, the line above “Birthday ” and the top of the letters were sponged with Crushed Curry and finally the bottom of the letters were sponged with Mint Macaron.  This gives the illusion of variegated colors.

Front

Inside

Recipe

Stamps: Number of Years.

Ink/Markers: Crushed Curry, Melon Mambo, Mint Macaron.

Paper: Whisper White Thick, Mint Macaron, Melon Mambo, Whisper White, Dazzling Diamonds Glimmer, It’s My Party DSP.

Accessories: Big Shot, Party Pop-up Thinlits, Circles Collection  Framelits, Large Numbers Framelits, Basic Black/Melon Mambo Baker’s Twine.

Using the Circle Collection Framelits, a circle was die cut from the confetti pattern paper in the It’s My Party DSP.  A piece of black and white arrows from the same DSP was used to fill the circle.  Finally, the die cut was placed across the circle creating the main part of the front of the card.

On the inside, the “Look Who’s Turning…” saying was stamped with Melon Mambo ink in the shape  of an oval. This really show the versatility of the Photopolymer stamps because of the flexibility of the material used to make the stamps. The number “7” was die cut using the Large Numbers Framelits and Dazzling Diamonds Glimmer paper.  Finally, the number was sponged with Melon Mambo ink to make it stand out.

Have you used the Pop-Up die in a different way?  Leave me a comment and let me know.

Product List

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Today I have three great Mother Day card messages that you can choose from to put in your cards. Sometimes we have difficulty putting our feelings into words and this post will help you out.

I am very grateful that my Mother is still with us to celebrate another Mother’s Day.  After last year and her health issues we just did know if we would get another chance to honor her. There are so many that will not get the opportunity to say “Happy Mother’s Day”.

Here are three great Mother Day card messages that you can share with your Mother on her special day.

1. “To the best mother in the world – Happy Mother’s Day.  You deserve all the love, care and support that you have given me everyday of my life.  I love you!”
2. “You’re my one and only mom, and I’ll always have a special place in my heart for you.”
3. “Wishing you a very special Mother’s Day. Thank you for always being there for me!

Here is the card that I will giving to my DIL for her special day.  She is a great mother to my grandson.

Note: Items marked with ‘*’ are expiring on May 31, 2016.

This card was created using the Bleach Technique.  Yes, bleach can add another element to your card although you need to be careful so you don’t have a disaster.

Here are the steps I used:

1. Put a small amount of fresh bleach in a small container. If possible the container should have a lid so that there are no spills when you are not using the bleach.  What could be worse that spilling on you or on any other projects you have sitting around your work area.  The fresh bleach will prevent colour transfer from another project.
2. Stamp your images with VersaMark and heat emboss with White Embossing Powder.  This will help to make the petals stand out and prevent bleach bleed.
3. Using a small paint brush, paint the areas that you want to take the colour from.  In this case, I wanted to tone down the Delightful Dijon colour.
4. Once you have finished painting with the bleach, let the images dry naturally or use a heat tool.
5. Now that it dry, start painting the petals with markers, shading where necessary. Remember that the card stock with be somewhat fragile, so don’t color to hard with the markers.

Recipe

Stamps: Beautiful Bunch *, Rose Wonder.

Ink/Markers: Soft Suede, So Saffron Marker, Wild Wasabi Marker, VersaMark.

Paper: Whisper White Thick, Delightful Dijon, English Garden DSP *, Going Places DSP *.

Accessories: Big Shot, Boho Chic Embossing Folder, Rose Garden Thinlit Dies,  Fun Flower Punch *, Hello Honey Ribbon, White Tea Lace Doily *, Botanical Gardens Jewels *, White Embossing Powder, Bleach.

To finish up the card, the stamped and colored leaves were glued to the leaves die cut using the Rose Garden Thinlits.  The flower and the leaves were attached to a crumpled White Tea Lace Doily.  The crumpling gives some texture and dimension to the card.

I hope that I have been helpful in providing you with three great Mothers Day messages to express your feelings.

Do you require any products to make this card?  Shop my ONLINE STORE.

Product List

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2016 Paper Designs and Themes

What will be the trends for 2016 paper designs and themes?  Where do the trends come from?We eagerly await the 2016 Stampin’ Up! Annual Catalogue to have those questions answered.

Let’s explore some trends in papers that bring out the beauty of the 2016-18 In Colors. There is many hours spent in marketing research to determine which colors, patterns and motifs will be for the next year.  This research starts long before the consumer even know what is on the horizon. In fashion we see what the fabrics, designs and colors will be about a year before we even see them in the stores.  This is true also for home decor and even paper crafts.

These are the trends in paper crafting 2016 and you will also see these in home decor and fashion.  Some we saw in the 2016 Occasions catalogue and they will flow through to the 2016 Annual Catalogue.

• Florals along with retro tropical themes – we have seen this with the Botanical Blooms and the Botanical Gardens DSP.
• Tribal influences with Mexican and Moroccan showing their colours and motifs.
• Wild life influence with the Bear Hugs and In the Meadow stamp sets.
• Vintage retro from the 60 with the Beautiful Ride stamp set – remember the love bug?
• Tropicana retro with the pineapples and flamingos, bright pinks and wild patterns.
• Rough textures continue to play out with jute and burlap ribbons.
• Marble that we saw in the DSP from Sale-a-bration and the Going Places DSP from the Occasions catalogue.

Watch for your 2016 Annual Catalogue and you will see some of these 2016 paper designs and themes.

If you don’t know what the 2016/18 In Colors will be, then read this blog post.

Recipe

Stamps: Serene Silhouettes, Teeny Tiny Wishes, Bloomin’ Love.

Ink/Markers: Tuxedo Black, Pool Party.

Paper: Whisper White Thick, Whisper White, Pool Party, Going Places DSP.

Accessories: Big Shot, Circles Collection Framelits, Large Numbers Framelits, 5/8” Organza Ribbon, Pool Party Glitter Ribbon.

This Get Well card is tapping into the marble trend with the use of the Going Place DSP.  I also used a stamp set that is retiring, Serene Silhouettes.  I am very sorry to see this set retire as it was a go to set for so many occasions.  You could use a variety of techniques and treatments with this card and come away with something distinctly different.

What are you thoughts on the 2016 paper designs and themes?  Leave me a comment and let me know.

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What are the 2016 color trends for paper crafts?  In every aspect of our life there are trends – trends in fashion, home decor, food and fitness to name a few.

As we look forward to the 2016 Stampin’ Up! Annual Catalogue, we will notice some of these trends in many areas of the catalogue.

Here are my thoughts on the colors the will be used in the world of paper craft.

Colour

Colour invades our lives all the time.  Pantone’s colour of the year is Rose Quartz and Serenity.   It’s not often that we get two colours of the year.  Each year Stampin’ Up! unveils the new In Colors that will be current for 2 years.  This year is no exception. While the In Colors may not directly be the same as the Pantone colours, they do reflect the spirit of the colours.

Two of the 2016-18 In Colors that reflect the pantone’s colors are Dapper Denim and Flirty Flamingo. The rest of the In Colors are also shown.  You can see how they all fit together to offer many different combinations.

Metallic trends continue to flourish.  We have the silver and gold embellishments and embossing powder, and now we will have to ability to include copper embellishments and embossing powders. The addition of this metal will enhance many paper craft projects

As this image shows, the copper metal goes beautiful with Mint Macaron. Adding copper enhancements to Fall, Autumn and Christmas cards will likely be a must this year.

Crafters who are also famiiar with Stampin’ Up! also look forward to seeing how the colors are used in relation to the color families.  The combination of colors are found in the Designer Series Papers.  These papers also reflect the trends in design.  In my next post, I will further explore the design trends.

What are your thoughts on the 2016 color trends? Leave me a comment on your thoughts about the 2016 In Colors.

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By changing colors that we use for stamping images, we will get more from our stamps. How often do you see a sample of the card and you are immediately drawn to the stamps that are used?  Now, you know you have to have the stamp set and the papers and embellishments that were used to create the card.  This is why you fell in love with the stamp set.

So,now what happens?  You run out of ideas to create cards with the stamp set.  Let’s look at some ways that by changing the colours, papers and embellishments, you can create cards using the same stamp set.

I knew I had to have the Botanical Gardens Suite when it came out in the 2016 Occasions Catalogue.  What I loved was how the Stampin’ Up! creative department used the stamps, thinlits, papers and embellishments.  So, after making several cards using the Botanical Gardens Suite, I knew I had to branch out if I was going to get the full use of the stamp set and matching thinlits.

While I still love the papers and embellishments that go with the stamp set, I made this sympathy card and changed up the colours.

Recipe

Stamps: Awesomely Artistic, Thanks For Caring.

Ink/Markers: Rich Razzleberry, Delightful Dijon.

Paper: Whisper White Thick, Whisper White, Blackberry Bliss, Delightful Dijon, Mint Macaron, Tip Top Taupe, Rich Razzleberry and Botanical Vellum.

Accessories: Big Shot, Decorative Dots Embossing Folder, Botanical Builder Framelit Dies, Big Shot Die Brush, White Gel Pen, Pearl Jewels, Vintage Lace.

Here are some of the steps I took to create this card:

1. The Smackdown Technique was used to create the background on Whisper White.  The fern stamp from the Awesomely Artistic was inked in Blackberry Bliss and randomly smacked,  One area was left blank and the Delightful Dijon was used on the fern stamp along with the smackdown technique,
2. Because I thought the background was too bright for a sympathy card, it was toned down with a piece of the Botanical Vellum (2016 Saleabration).
3. The large flower was die cut from Delightful Dijon and sponged in the middle.  The center was sponged to add highlights.  One stamen was die cut in Rich Razzleberry and the smaller one in Delightful Dijon.  The stamens were tipped using the White Gel Pen and a pearl jewel added.

If you have a favourite stamp and you tend to use the same colors all the time, stretch yourself and try a new color combination.  By changing colors, you get more ways to use your stamp sets.  Leave me a comment and let me know how you revive a much loved stamp.

Product List

Awesomely Artistic Clear-Mount Stamp Set [139950]	Rich Razzleberry 8-1/2″ X 11″ Card Stock [115316]	Rich Razzlebberry Classic Stampin’ Pad [126950]	Blackberry Bliss 8-1/2″ X 11″ Cardstock [133675]	Blackberry Bliss Classic Stampin’ Pad [133642]	Delightful Dijon 8-1/2″ X 11″ Cardstock [138338]
Delightful Dijon Classic Stampin’ Pad [138327]	Decorative Dots Textured Impressions Embossing Folder [133520]	Botanical Builder Framelits Dies [140625]	White Signo Uni-Ball Gel Pen [105021]

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Catalogue retiring products usually signify the start of a new Annual Catalogue.  Yes, and we crafters get very excited.

If you have a passion for Stampin’ Up! products, the retiring list is usually welcomed with mixed feelings. Whatever you call this time of year, it is exciting.

Here are a few things that you need to know about the retiring list:

• Some products are reduced as much as 50%.
• The retiring list promotion will end May 31st, at which time the products will no longer be available for order.
• Stampin’ Up! will continue to manufacture the stamps until May 22nd, so retiring stamps will be available at least until then.
• All other products will only be available as inventory lasts.
• The 2014/16 In Colors are retiring (Blackberry Bliss, Lost Lagoon, Mossy Meadow, Hello Honey and Tangelo Twist).  Last year, the cardstock, ink pads, reinkers and markers sold out very fast.  So, if you want these items, I suggest that you order them as soon as possible.

As in every business these days, costs continue to increase.  Price increases will start with the 2016/17 Annual Catalogue.  So if you want to beat the prices increases and there are items that you really want, I suggest that you place your order sooner rather than later.

I can’t tell you what is in the new catalogue, but it’s a safe bet that if the products are not on the retiring list, they are being carried over to the new catalogue.

Here’s a teaser for you…the cover of the new catalogue.

So if you don’t have the Retiring Products lists you can find them at the links below.  Stampin’ Up! will update the list as products sell out.

2016 Retiring List – PDF

2016 Retiring List – EXCEL – this is a sortable file

There are several ways to order:

Online Store

Email Me

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Beautiful roses will usually make any woman happy. To create this birthday card, I used the Rose Wonder stamp set and the matching framelits.  There are  many different techniques that you can use with this stamp set.

On this card, the techniques that were used are:

1. Watercoloring
2. Heat embossing
3. Dry embossing
4. Adding a touch of glimmer

This stamp set and the matching framelits are in the 2016 Occasions Catalogue.  The catalogue is active until May 31, 2016.  Will it be in the 2016/17 Annual Catalogue?  We always have to assume that products in the occasions catalogue will not be carried over to the next catalogue.  Sometimes we are pleasantly surprised sometimes there are no surprises. So if you want this set, purchase it before it’s too late.  You can purchase the stamp and Thinlit dies as a bundle at 15%.

Recipe

Stamps: Rose Wonder.

Ink/Markers: VersaMark, Blushing Bride, So Saffron, Wild Wasabi (combination of ink pads and reinkers).

Paper: Whisper White Thick, Blushing Bride, Whisper White,  Wild Wasabi, Watercolor, and Vellum.

Accessories: Big Shot, Lovely Lace Embossing Folder, Rose Garden Thinlit Dies, Big Shot Die Brush, Aqua Paint Brush, White Tea Lace Paper Doily, Blushing Bride 1/4” Cotton Ribbon, White Jute Ribbon, Blushing Bride Sequin Trim, Metal Rimmed Pearls, Clear Wink of Stella, White Embossing Powder.

So how did I use and where did I use the various techniques?

Watercoloring was done with the Aqua Brush and reinkers mixed with a few drops of water. First, though I stamped the image on the Watercolor paper using VersaMark ink and heat embossed using White Embossing Powder. The image was spritzed with water.  Don’t make the paper too wet.

Squirt a couple of drops of the reinkers on an Acrylic Block (use this as a palette). Mix with a couple of drops of water.  Take your Aqua Brush and pick up a bit of the Blushing Bride ink and drop the ink on the petals of the rose.  The ink will flow to fill in the areas that are not heat embossed.  Do the same with the So Saffron reinker.  Don’t put too much ink on your paper as you will want to see the variations in color and prevent the 2 colors of ink from merging.  This will muddy the inks.  Do the same with leaves using Wild Wasabi.

The Vellum paper was dry embossed using the Lovely Lace Embossing Folder and then placed over the Blushing Bride cardstock.  Vellum will tone down the cardstock and make the colour subtle.

To add the glimmer, I used the Wink of Stella in clear to add some sparkle to the rose.  I did not cover the rose entirely.  I brushed on a bit for highlights.

Finally, I die cut the rose from Whisper White cardstock using the matching thinlit and applied it the watercolored rose.

The Rose Garden thinlits dies are on special this week and are part of the final week of Weekly Deals.  Yes, the Weekly Deals that we have been enjoying over the past year are going away. If you want to create beautiful roses, then make sure that you purchase the Rose Wonder Set and matching thinlits.  You won’t be disappointed.

To purchase any of the products, click on the images below or go to my Online Store
Product List

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Weekly deals came out every Tuesday for the past year.  However they are ending April 18th.

Click on image to purchase Weekly Deals

The Weekly Deals by Stampin Up have provided you with the opportunity to get your hands on current product at reduced prices.  The last week for the deals is  Tuesday, April 12th – Monday, April 18, 2016.  Don’t delay if you are looking at something you really want because the amount of stock on these items are limited.

Today, my share is a Thank You card using the Smackdown Technique.  This technique is so fun that I had to create another card using it.  I decided to do a Thank You card because it is nice to have these on hand.  It seems that art of sending mail is going away as we use Social Media to keep in touch.

Recipe

Stamps: Bloom With Hope, Another Thank You.

Ink/Markers: Tuxedo Black, Perfect Plum, Crushed Curry, Old Olive.

Paper: Whisper White Thick, Whisper White, Perfect Plum, Old Olive.

Accessories: Big Shot, Lovely Lace Embossing Folder, 1” Circle Punch, Hello Honey 3/8” Stitched Ribbon, White Gel Pen, Aqua Brush, Sponge Daubers.

I used the Bloom for Hope stamp set which is a retired host set.  I was really sad to see this stamp retire, however, I did hang on to mine.  It has wonderful sayings for birthdays and sympathy cards.  The images are also great for watercoloring.

I followed the same layout and technique as the card in this post and changed up the colours and stamp sets.  In the post I explained how you can do the Smackdown technique.

The flower was watercoloured using the Aqua Paint Brush and Perfect Plum ink. The leaves were punched using the 1″Circle Punch.  Again, you can see a more detailed explanation of how to use the circle punches to create leaves.

Don’t forget to check out the final week of the Weekly Deals.

Product List

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When you add texture to your greeting cards, you add interest.  Texture  can turn any plain piece of cardstock into a thing of beauty and something very special.

Here are 5 ways that you can make your greeting cards special when you add texture:

1. Embossing: Embossing folders are very simple to use and come in many different designs. You insert the plain cardstock into the folder, run through a die cutting machine such as a Big Shot and remove the card stock.  What you will have is a raised design on one side of your card stock and a recessed design on the other.  You decide what effect you want to achieve. You can use heat embossing to your card.  Heat embossing makes use of your stamps.  Ink a stamp with Versamark and stamp the image on your cardstock.  The image will look like a watermark and can be used on many different types of paper. Sprinkle embossing powder on the image and heat it with a Heat Tool.  The heat melts the embossing powder and raises the images on your paper.
2. Embellish: Add different embellishments to your card.  There are so many interesting items out there.  How about buttons, rhinestones, enamel dots.  Anything that draws the eye up from the flatness of the card will add texture.
3. Framelits/Thinlits:  Framelits and thinlits add texture by again raising the element off your card giving it texture.  Framelits and thinlits die cut shapes and stamped images.  To fool the eye even more, add dimensions to attach them your card.
4. Stamping Ink: You are probably thinking why adding stamping ink will create texture.  Again this fools the eye.  What you are doing is creating a background with ink and a stamp.  Stamp a single stamp over the card until the stamp has no more ink.
5. Texture Paste:  If you have ever done mixed media art, you are likely familiar with texture paste. By using a spatula and spreading the texture paste on card stock, you will have texture. The trick here is to not smooth out the paste but leave bumps and flat spots.  An easy way to do this is by using a stencil.

Here is a Sympathy card I created for a friend and yes, there is texture.

Recipe

Stamps: Choose Happiness, Sheltering Tree.

Ink/Markers: Lost Lagoon, Hello Honey, Old Olive.

Paper: Whisper White Thick, Lost Lagoon, Whisper White, Hello Honey, Old Olive, Going Places DSP.

Accessories: Big Shot, Softly Falling Embossing Folder, Hello Honey 3/8” Stitched Ribbon, 1” Circle Punch, Paper Snips, Whisper White Baker’s Twine, Neutrals Designer Buttons.

To create texture on this card, I used:

• Stamps and ink using the SMACKDOWN Technique.  This is a really fun technique and you will want to use it over and over.  Ink up a stamp in a colour that coordinates with the other colours on your card.  I used Lost Lagoon and Hello Honey and the flower stamp from the Choose Happiness stamp set. Ink the stamp with your chosen colour and start stamping in small movements until there is no ink left on the stamp.  Fill in the card stock to that there is very little of the cardstock showing.  The key is to use a stamp that is not solid and has a design that will show even after stamping multiple times.

• The Softly Falling embossing folder on Lost Lagoon card stock.
• The Hello Honey 3/8″ Stitched Ribbon
• The button with the Baker’s Twine strung through and button, tied in a bow and mounted in the center of the flowers.

I would love to see how you add texture to your cards.  Leave me a comment.

Product List

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