Patterned Occasions Sampler

The other day I posted a card using the elephant stamp from the stamp set Patterned Occasions, which you can get for free during Sale-a-Bration.   I have taken that idea and created a coordinating 4 pack set.  You can make these at the Stamp-a-Stack on Friday and Saturday.  Details are here.

Here are the other 3 cards.

 There is one stamp in the set that I didn't include.  It's a birthday stamp with a cupcake.  Since it fits in the same oval as the one on the jeans card, you can use all the same supplies.  If using the cupcake stamp, turn the designer series paper over to the polka dotted side.

 Stamps:  Patterned Occasions
Card Stock:  Whisper White, Early Espresso, Midnight Muse, Chocolate Chip
Designer Series Paper: Designer Series Paper Patterns Stack - Brights Collection (Real Red) and Subtles Collection (Pretty in Pink)
Ink:  Early Espresso, Midnight Muse, Regal Rose
Tools:  Dotted Scallop Ribbon border punch, Ovals die, Big Shot

Monday Lunchtime Sketch Challenge 248

I am very excited to announce that I was invited to be on the Techno Stamper Monday Lunchtime Sketch Challenge Team.  I'm quite honored because Mary Jo Price-Williams saw my work and liked it enough to invite me.  The members of the team are listed at the bottom of this post.  They are a talented group of stampers.

Here's this week's sketch:

I was pretty literal with my card and followed the sketch closely.  The color combination reminded me of summer and 4th of July, which made me think of the fair and Ferris Wheels.  Here's what I came up with:

The stamps are from the Sale-A-Bration set Feeling Sentimental, which can be yours free with a $50 order.  Colors:  Midnight Muse and Raspberry Ripple. 

The sketch is merely a starting point to jog your creativity.  This week's sketch also inspired the next card.  It is not nearly as literal as the other.  I turned it on its side and replaced the two same colored layers with a ribbon at one end and flowers at the other.  The stamps are from Amazing Family, which is in the new Spring Catalog.

I love how one sketch can inspire so many different ideas.  Why don't you let the sketch inspire you?  Create a card using the sketch and link to it so we can all see your creation.  Never done this before and not sure how?  Just ask and I'll walk you through it.

Sketch Team Members:

Sue Root 
Nicole Tugrul
Robbie Rubala
Ellen LeFevre
Tanya Bell
Carolyn Bennett
Jonia Smith
Mary Brown
Mary Jo Price-Williams

Patterned Occasions Thanks

Today I have two cards I made with the stamp set, Patterned Occasions, which you can get for free with a $50 purchase during Sale-A-Bration.  The first one is one of the cards you can make at the Create Your Own Stamp-a-Stack on Friday (2/1) and Saturday (2/2).

 This next card is a quarter card - it doesn't open, you just write your message above the elephant.  I got the idea from Sandy Hancock, a member of Stampin Up LNS Stampers (LNS = Late Night Stampers), a Yahoo group we both belong to.  She put her elephant at the top to write the note under it and her design is different, but her card inspired this one.  And this one inspired the one above.  I love how one thing can trigger the creative process and one idea flows into another.   You'll see this in action again tomorrow.

Thanks for stopping by my blog!

Valentine's Treat (Discover the Stampin' Up blog)

Many of you may have noticed that Stampin' Up recently re-did its customer webpage (www.stampinup.com).  One of the additions was a blog.  Check out this awesome project I found there today:

Personalized Valentine’s Day Treats

Surprise your friends and co-workers on Valentine’s Day with this fun, personalized popcorn treat box. I love the chalkboard look that is so popular right now, so to personalize each one, I added the cute heart pick and wrote the names with chalk. To achieve the chalked look, just lightly rub a piece of chalk over our Basic Black Cardstock and now your heart looks like a blackboard. It’s that easy!




- Distressed Dots Background Stamp
- Basic Black Cardstock
- Kraft Gift Box (with the lid and sides cut off)
- Tea Lace Paper Doilies
- Basic Black Classic Stampin’ Pad
- Basic Black 1/8” Taffeta Ribbon
- Primrose Petals 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon
- Big Shot
- Hearts Collection Framelits Dies

Robyn P.
Senior Concept Artist

There was a comment that suggested using the White Gel Pen to write the name so that it didn't smudge. Also, for those of you that have the retired Stampin' Pastels, I'll bet you could use the Whisper White if you don't have a piece of chalk.

You can order any of the products needed to make this project in my Online Store.  Please feel free to contact me if you have questions about this project or anything else stamping related.  And don't forget to check out the Stampin' Up blog for more great ideas.

You Are Loved Valentines

Here are a few Valentine's I made using the stamp set, You Are Loved.

With this first card I was pleased to discover that I could use the Hearts Framelits to cut out the heart.  It's a little smaller than the original stamped image, but it still looks great.   I really love the 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon.  I have it in every color available.  Colors on this card are Basic Gray, Whisper White, and Primrose Petals.

 This card is from the Note Cards and Envelopes pack (107311) and is 3 1/2" x 5".  It's the perfect size for a quick note.  The pack has 20 scored cards and envelopes for only 5.95.  Card colors are Real Red, Chocolate Chip, and Whisper White.

 For the background on this card I used Core'dinations card stock embossed with the Fancy Fan embossing folder and then sanded.  I wanted it to look distressed, so I sanded off extra and then sponged it with Chocolate Chip ink.  Card colors are Cherry Cobbler, Chocolate Chip and Whisper White.

You Are Loved Party Card

My friend Karen had a party yesterday and we made this Valentine.  We had lots fun and I was able to see friends I hadn't seen in a while and meet some new people, as well.

Sale-a-bration has started, with extra gifts for hostesses!  Why not schedule a party and get your friends together for some fun?  Contact me today to reserve your spot.

This card was made with the stamp set, You Are Loved.   The background was embossed with the Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder and my Big Shot.  The hearts were punched with the Heart Punch.  The hearts are paper pierced, which I made an optional step at the party.  Some chose to try it and others didn't.  Some of the stampers just did one heart as an accent.  They all turned out cute.

The Essentials Paper Piercing Pack is one of the items you can get for free with a $50 purchase during Sale-a-bration.

Valentine's Banner

Don't you love how sometimes a mistake turns into something you love?  I've seen lots of banners that people have made and have thought about getting the pennant die, but I wondered how much I'd really use it.  Well, the other day when I went to make the Hanging Heart (that I posted here), I forgot that when you use a die with score lines you need to only cut one at a time.  I cut 4 and was left with two petal cones that were falling apart.  That's when it hit me that I could use the separate triangle pieces for a banner.  Here's the result: 

Big hearts were cut with the Hearts Framelits.  Letters were punched with the Heart Punch and framed with a heart from the retired Movers and Shapers (some parts of which are still on the Clearance Rack).

 Close up of the heart on the left.  It was stamped with the You Are Loved Stamp Set.

 Close up of the heart on the right.  The arrow is from the retired Game Spinner Hands, which are still available on Clearance Rack.  The smallest heart was punched with the Heart to Heart punch and the Chocolate Chip one behind it was cut out with my Paper Snips. 

Close up of an individual letter.   The letters were stamped with the Morning Post Alphabet stamp set.  The Designer Series Paper is First Edition.  The brads are retired (but you guessed it - still on the Clearance Rack).  The pennant piece was embossed with the Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder.

 

I was very excited about how the whole banner came together.  I hope you've enjoyed it.

Thanks for stopping by my blog today.

Valentine's Card

We'll be making this Valentine in the classes next week.  Hope you can join us!

Stamps:You Are Loved

Big Shot:  Hearts Framelits, Fancy Fan embossing folder, Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder

Card Stock: Basic Gray, Raspberry Ripple,  Whisper White, Sahara Sand

DSP: Patterns Pack - In Colors

Embellishment:  Raspberry Ripple Ribbon

Ink:  Raspberry Ripple

Petal Cone Die Hanging Heart

I used the Petal Cone Die to make a hanging pocket as a Valentine's decoration.  It could also be filled with candy or a love note and given away on  Valentine's day.   We will be making this next week in the Valentine's classes.

It takes two die-cuts to make the heart shape.  The Whisper White scallops behind the back of the heart and the Whisper White banner are also both cut with the Petal Cone Die.  The stamped heart comes from You Are Loved.

 Shown with a few candies in the pocket:

 Angled close-up so you can see how the banner pops up in the middle:

In the past I've made heart pockets using the same idea, including one using the Petal Card Double Punch (it's very small; you can see it here) and the retired Petal Card Die (apparently I never posted it).  They are all cute, but this one is my favorite - probably because of the larger size.

Paper Pumpkin -- A fantastic new Stampin' Up program!

New Stampin' Up Program!

Perfect if you love to craft but are sometimes strapped for time or in need of a little creative boost.

 Stampin' Up has just announced a fantastic new subscription craft program called Paper Pumpkin.  Every month a new, surprise project kit arrives at your doorstep. Just think of the anticipation of creating a fun project to pin, showoff, and share with your friends and family-every month!  It's so easy to get started. Simply sign up for the program starting Monday, January 14 by visiting mypaperpumpkin.com and click Get It (near the bottom) or Join (at the top).

The kit includes everything you need (except adhesive) to complete your projects.

Subscribe to Paper Pumpkin and you will receive the monthly stampin' kit delivered right to your door for only $19.95 -- and this INCLUDES shipping!  Your first kit will arrive in March!

If you are my customer, remember to select me as as your demonstrator.

If you don't have a demonstrator yet, please choose me (Sue Root, Raleigh, NC).

A few details:

• Each month we send you a unique, surprise kit with a project-cards, journals, décor, and more! (We've even color-coordinated, measured, and cut everything for you!)
• Each kit includes stamps, ink, paper, and accessories-everything but adhesive.
• Each kit gives you a 30-minute creativity escape.
• We will ship your Paper Pumpkin on or around the 15th of the month.  
• You need to sign up for a kit by the 10th of the month to get that month's kit. If you sign up on the 11th of the month, your first kit will come the next month. (Let's say you sign up on May 10th, we'll send your kit around May 15th. If you sign up on May 11th, we'll send your first kit around June 15th.)
• A Paper Pumpkin membership is $19.95 per month (and shipping is included!) 
• There's no commitment, you can cancel your monthly Paper Pumpkin at anytime. You can also skip a month if you want.
• Starting in early March, we'll offer a Try-It kit if you'd like to try Paper Pumpkin for one month. 

 Thanks for stopping by my blog and reading about this great new program.  If you still have questions, feel free to contact me.

EDIT 1/16/13:  Apparently there have been some problems signing up for Paper Pumpkin.  If you experience any problems, please let me know and I will do what I can to help.  Also, it appears that I will not receive a confirmation of your subscription until the first kit ships in March.  If you sign up for Paper Pumpkin and select me as your demonstrator, please let me know.  I want to be able to thank you!  Plus, I feel like it will be a good double check that everything is working as it should.

Snow Much Fun, Too

The whole Snow Much Fun set really is "snow much fun!"  The snowmen both seem to have their own fun personality.  I chose the tall one for this card.  The little birds add a cute touch and the sayings are just right.  It's kind of hard to see, but this card says, "snowbuddy likes you as much as me."

I chose the Designer Series Paper to mimic the coloring and the polka dots on the snowman's scarf.  I don't usually think of Cherry Cobbler with snowmen, but it carried on the color theme and I think it gave the card a rich feel.

This is my entry for the Late Night Stampers Weekly Challenge 205 -- Snowmen.  If you'd like to see more snowmen projects, you can see all of the entries here.  Edit 1/16/13:  I just saw that I won the LNS challenge.  Woo Hoo!  How exciting!

Valentine Specials

Stampin' Up has two great Valentine's promotions going on right now.  But don't wait!  These items are only available until Jan. 21

These treats here were posted on the blog of Stampin' Up co-founder, Shelli Gardner.  So quick and easy!

Shelli also was on a local show in Utah to talk about the promotion and show these items.  You can see it here.

The Valentine Treat Bundle comes with the clear mount heart stamp and the skinny (1 x 8) cello bags used in the projects shown for only $5.95.  Yes, that's both items for that price!

With the My Little Valentine promotion, you get the Sealed With Love Simply Sent kit for FREE when you purchase the My Little Valentine Stamp set for only $9.95.

This exclusive four-piece stamp set—only available through January 21, 2013—has every valentine sentiment you need to share your love with your significant other, best friend, favorite child, or coworker you only tolerate.

 Sealed With Love Simply Sent kit:  Send your love. Makes 10 love notes. Acid-free.  5 ea. of 2 designs; 3-3/8" x 4-9/16". 10 double-sided envelopes: 4-3/4" x 3-7/16". 20 printed paper buttons. 10 pieces Whisper White/Real Red Baker's Twine: ea. 10" (color exclusive to this kit). 24 Stampin' Dimensionals. Note: US Postal Service cannot process or deliver. Calypso Coral, Pool Party, Real Red, Very Vanilla, and Whisper White.

 You can order these great promotions and more 24/7 through my Online Store.

(For local customers:  Let me know by Thursday (1/10) night if you'd like to be part of a group order, which can help you save on shipping.)

 

Snow Much Fun

The snowflakes on this card were made with the Northern Flurry embossing folder and my Big Shot.  They are falling down on one of the snowmen from Snow Much Fun. I think both of the snowmen in that set are adorable.  I colored the snowman with Stampin' Write markers and then used a sponge dauber and Frost White Shimmer Paint to add a little sparkle.

This is a CASE of some cards that I made back in 2010.  You can see them here and here.  I made several of them that year and then kind of forgot about them.  Isn't is funny how the brain works sometimes?

Have a wonderful day and thanks for stopping by my blog.

Designer Cuts cards

The two cards in today's post were made with the Designer Cuts Cards and Envelopes set.  This set is retired, but the samples show how easy it is to make beautiful cards when you start with a card kit.  Both of these cards went together quickly and easily.  The sentiment on the card on the left is from Feeling Sentimental which is one of the many great products you can get for free during Sale-A-Bration (beginning Jan. 22).  The sentiment on the heart card came from Word Play.

We'll make these two cards, plus three others at the Retired Products class on Jan. 9 and 10.  There's still time to register, so contact me today if you're able to come.  Some of you may wonder why I'm offering a class that uses retired products.  It's because several of my customers have asked for it and as their Stampin' Up demonstrator I want to meet their stamping needs.  If you don't have a demonstrator yet, choose me and I'll give you the kind of attention you deserve.

By The Tide

This card is made with one of the stamp sets in the new Stampin' Up Spring Catalog called By The Tide.

The background was made by lightly spritzing an acrylic block with water then rubbing it with assorted blue ink pads.  Remember that with any technique that uses multiple colors to always start with the lightest color and end with the darkest so you don't mess up your ink pads (or markers, as the case may be).  I gave the block another light spritz and then set it down on a piece of Whisper White card stock.

Edit 4/3/13:  The key to getting the background like this is to lightly spritz.  If you spritz heavily the colors run together more, which is also very pretty, but different.  I made a card last Summer with the colors more blended, but apparently I never posted it (since a search on Lovely as a Tree doesn't show it).  I'll photograph it and post it so you can see the difference.  We also found out at my class that it helps to have well inked ink pads (which is why you should always get the re-inker when you buy an ink pad).

After drying the card stock with my heat tool, I stamped and embossed the plant.  The fish was stamped with River Rock ink, cut out, and added to the card with Stampin' Dimensionals.  I added three rhinestones for bubbles and then put the card layers together -- card base of Whisper White, River Rock, Not Quite Navy, and then the stamped piece.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!  I hope that 2013 is a wonderful year for you!

The main image on this card is a single stamp called New Years.  It is only available until tomorrow (Jan. 2nd).  The glass is from the stamp set Happy Hour and the background bubbles were made with Circle Circus and the Illuminate Glimmer Watermark Stampin' Pad.