Chalkboard Graduation Card (LNS Challenge 221)

The Late Night Stampers Challenge this week is to create a celebration card: 

This week we want you to create a card, scrapbook page, 3D item, or anything else you can think.  For instance: Graduation is coming up so make a graduation card/ gift card holder/ scrapbook page.

I chose graduation since I have a daughter graduating this year.

I've been wanting to try the Chalkboard technique for a while and decided graduating from school, where they use chalkboards, was a good start.  Most of the stamps are from Pure Gumption.  The banner and numbers for the year are from Designer Typeset.  It's the first time I've used the new photopolymer stamps from Stampin' Up!   Turns out I like them.  They are much better than the acrylic stamps I tried years ago.  You can see some cute samples that I re-posted from the Stampin' Up! blog here.  The stamp inside the banner (congrats GRAD) is from Blue Ribbon.

I made the chalkboard frame by dry embossing the card front with my Big Shot and the Woodgrain Embossing Folder.  Then I used my SU! Paper Trimmer* to cut out the inside rectangle.  That way the chalkboard is actually framed (as opposed to just taping it on top).  I love using the Paper Trimmer for tasks like this because I can use the built in ruler to see exactly where to put down and lift up my blade.  Plus, it gives me much more control than a craft knife (with which I can never cut straight).

Thanks for stopping by my blog to check out my take on this week's challenge.  You can see the rest of the design team samples and link your own entry at the Late Night Stampers Challenge site.  Hope you'll play along.

*Features of the SU! Paper Trimmer:

A cutting and scoring tool made with crafters in mind!

· Cutting and scoring.  Cut anywhere, in any direction.  Full 12" cut or score.
Keep scoring and cutting blades on the track at the same time.

Includes:
1 cutting blade and 1 scoring blade.
· Measuring. Extended 6-1/4" base. Extend ruler to 15-1/2".
· Storing. Compartment under base to store blades, scoring stylus, more!

TSSC 261 (Circle Circus)

For this week's Techno Stamper Sketch Challenge I used a set on the retirement list, Circle Circus.  There are so many fun things to do with this set.

Here's the sketch:

Here's my card.  The background and the design in the circle were stamped using Circle Circus.  Colors are Tempting Turquoise and the retiring In Color, Lucky Limeade.

The rounded corners have a bigger circumference than those done with the corner rounder punch.  I used one of my circle punches (I can't remember which - either 1 1/4" or 1 3/8").  Basically, go in from the top (as opposed to from the bottom, which would just punch out a whole circle) and stick the corner of the card in the punch as far as it will go.

I stamped the inside of the card, too.

Now that you've seen my card, head on over to the TSSC blog to see the other design team samples and to link your own take on the sketch.

Retirement List is Here!

Stampin' Up! has announced its annual retirement list.  Every year I'm surprised by the items on the list.    A big shocker - Elements of Style.  I love that set and it's just so perfect for so many things.  I'm not entirely surprised by the Petal Cone die, but it's a shame to see it go (it's 40% off, by the way).  Once I really started using it and looking around on the Internet, I found it was way more versatile than I originally thought looking at it in the catalog.  I know there are more surprises and things I'll be sad to see go, but on the bright side, that means more room in the catalog for exciting, new products!

Here are the links so you can see the lists yourself:

See retiring items in my Online Store:  this is the most current place to see which items are still available.

Retiring Stamps - pdf

Retiring Accessories - pdf

 Remember that accessories are only available while supplies last!  I will try to keep this list updated, but if you want something, your best bet is to go to my Online Store and see if it's still there.

After you check out the retiring lists, post a comment to share which items surprised you or that you'll be sad to see go.

If you have any questions about the retiring lists, stamping, or Stampin' Up!, please feel free to contact me.  As a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, I'm here to help you with all your stamping needs.

TSSC 260 and LNS 220 (My Digital Studio Card and Scrapbook Layout)

The Late Night Stampers Challenge (LNS) this week is:  Switcheroo -- take a scrapbook layout you've seen and turn it into a card, or vice versa! 3D projects still welcome using a card OR scrapbook
                  page as your inspiration.

I knew this challenge was perfect for My Digital Studio because of its option to change the project type.  After seeing the sketch for Techno Stamper Sketch Challenge (TSSC), I decided to make a card first.  I could have used a card or scrapbook page I already had for the LNS Challenge and then switch it to the other, but I thought the TSSC sketch would convert well to a scrapbook layout.

Here's the TSSC 260 card:

 I added the sentiment in the bottom left because my card seemed a little plain.

Here's the sketch for this week:

I used the option under Edit in MDS that says "Change Project Size/Type..." to change the card to an 8 1/2" by 11" scrapbook page.  I narrowed the dsp strip and made the flower (and the card stock it's mounted on) smaller.  Then I decided to make a two page layout, so under Insert, I chose "Insert Duplicate Page Mirrored".  If I had been planning ahead, I would have added the photo boxes before doing this step.  I flipped around the dsp square and the box with the flower.  Then I changed the flower to a title for the page.  After that, I just added pictures.

My Digital Studio is so versatile, which is why Stampin' Up! calls it a digital paper crafting program, not just digital scrapbooking.  Today I showed you how easy it is to take one project you've made and change it to another.  To see all of the great My Digital Studio products, including the program itself, digital downloads and how to get a free trial, see here.

I hope you'll give one or both challenges a try this week.  You can enter and see the design team samples at the respective locations:

Techno Stamper Sketch Challenge 260

Late Night Stampers 220

"B" Happy

This was one of the first cards I made with the adorable set, Spring Sampler.  When I saw the Honeycomb Textured Impressions Embossing Folder in the Spring Catalog, I immediately thought of a beehive.  I know I'm not the only one.  It just seems to be a natural connection, though the folder is certainly not limited to that.  A friend of mine used it as chicken wire.  And, of course, it's great as a geometric background.

Once I saw the bee in Spring Sampler, I knew the card I wanted to make.  The B is from the aptly named, Lovely Letters, and the Happy is from More Merry Messages (the stamp says, Happy Christmas - I just inked up the Happy with my Basic Black Stampin' Write Marker).

 

Supplies Used:

Stamps: Spring Sampler, Lovely Letters, More Merry Messages

Ink:  Basic Black (pad and marker), Daffodil Delight (marker)

Card stock:  Basic Black, Daffodil Delight, Whisper White

Punches:  3/4" Circle, 1" Circle, Tag Corner (retired)

Big Shot:   Honeycomb Embossing Folder

Dolled Up Birthday Card Kit

NEW!!  How cute is this?

 

I just love that Stampin' Up has started offering these card kits.  They are great for newer stampers because everything you need, except adhesive (and for this kit, the clear mount block - D or H recommended), is included.  The kits are also great for experienced stampers who sometimes need a quick card.  You can just pull out the kit and have several cards in no time.

The following is straight off the Stampin' Up Website:

*****

In February, we posted three projects on our Facebook page and asked you to vote on your favorite . The winner? The Dolled-Up Birthday Kit created by Chris G. of Ohio! Now you can order the Dolled-Up Birthday Kit and get enough supplies (excluding adhesive) to create six gorgeous birthday cards perfect for the girly girls in your life. The Dolled-Up Birthday kit includes the following:

• Dolled Up Birthday Clear-Mount Stamp (1)
• 8-1/2" x 5-1/2" Crumb Cake Cardstock (6 pieces)
• 2" x 4-1/4" Very Vanilla Cardstock (6 pieces)
• Very Vanilla Medium Envelopes (6)
• Tea Lace Paper Doilies (6)
• Dress Up die-cuts (6)
• Soft Suede Classic Stampin’ Spot (1)
• Vanilla 5/8" Flower Trim (6 pieces)
• Sponge Dauber (1)

That’s everything you need to make six cards for only $15.95 US! Contact your demonstrator to order yours today. Or get it now in our Online Store, where you’ll also find instructions for creating these quick and easy birthday cards.

 *****

If you don't have adhesive or clear blocks, please add them to your order.   SNAIL Adhesive (item 104332),  either Clear Mount Block D or Clear Mount Block H.  Thank you!

Love that set and want more?  Check out the Fancy Friends Kit (Item Number 132319):

Techno Stamper Sketch Challenge 259 and Late Night Stampers 219 (Four Frames)

Good Morning!  I combined challenges again this week.  Last week when I saw the challenges, nothing came to mind and I just had to start creating to come up with something.  Well, this week was just the opposite.  As soon as I saw the challenges, an idea popped into my head right away.  The only thing I had to do was decide on the colors.  Isn't that funny how my reaction to seeing the challenges was so totally opposite?  Just goes to show - you can't control the creative process.

So, here's my card:

 

Edit 4/16/13 - You may notice this card is slightly different than the one on the challenge sites.  Something about it just didn't seem quite right.  I looked at the sketch again and moved the Decorative Label punched element to the left. 

 

Did you notice I used one of the returning colors?  I paired Blushing Bride, which will be available in the new catalog, with Pool Party.  The 2010 In Color Designer Series Paper Patterns Pack, which I used on this card, is available on the Clearance Rack now.  I used a card from the Note Card and Envelope pack  to match the shape of the TSSC sketch.

The sentiment is from Teeny Tiny Wishes and was stamped inside a stamp from Four Frames, which was punched out with the Decorative Label Punch.  The vertical strip was punched with the Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch.  The flowers were punched with one of the punches in the Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack.  I used my stylus (that came with my Simply Scored) and my Stampin' Pierce Mat to give the flowers some dimension*.  Because they weren't flat, I used glue dots to adhere them.  I put a Basic Pearl in the center of each.

Here's the Techno Stamper sketch:

The Late Night Stamper Challenge this week is Paired with a Punch.  This week we are creating samples using stamp sets that have a matching punch!  What a fun one this is going to be.

I hope you'll play along this week.  You can see the other design team challenges and link your entries here:

Techno Stamper Sketch Challenge

Late Night Stampers Sketch Challenge

Thanks for stopping by my blog and checking out this week's challenges!

*See more flowers that I've given dimension using a stylus here (gave texture and dimension all over) and here (scroll down in post to second card - gave texture to center, which raised the outside petals).  The flowers on today's card were done in a similar manner.  I pressed my stylus in a small circle around the center of the flower, which raised the outside edges.

Relay for Life Fundraiser Projects

Here are the projects we'll make at the Relay for Life fundraiser on April 20th.  I sure hope you can join us to benefit this cause that's so important.  You can see more details about the fundraiser here.

We will make four projects - 2 cards, a treat pouch and a corner bookmark.  Two of the projects can be customized.

 Participants will be able to select the sentiment for the Wild Wasabi card.  Any stamp from Teeny Tiny Wishes will fit in the Word Window punch.  As you can see, there are lots of options:

There are three option for the treat pouch "FRIEND" (shown in top picture), "congrats grad" or "Happy Birthday".  The bottom treat pouch is shown with candy to give you an idea of how to fill it.

 Here's the bookmark in a book.  It goes over the corner of your page so that it doesn't fall out.

You can register for the class by e-mailing me or choosing RSVP on my Stampin' Up! website.  Sure hope you can come!

TSSC258 And LNS 218 - Amazing Family

Here's my card for this week's Techno Stamper Sketch Challenge and Late Night Stampers Challenge:

 

I guess I'm in a Floral Frames Framelits mood.  I didn't even think about/remember that I used them for last week's TSSChallenge.  But, as I started putting this card together, they just seemed right for it.  I started with no ideas - except the colors (for LNS) and the sketch (for TSSC).  Then I just started adding elements.  I am pretty sure I never would have come up with this card on my own, which as I've said before, is the fun of challenges.

 Edit 4/9/13 - If you are wondering about the stamp, I used Stampin' Write markers to color the words.  The stamp itself, which is from Amazing Family, says YOU'RE SUCH AN AMAZING.  The set has several stamps with family words - Mother, Father, Sister, Brother, and Friend - which you can put after the Amazing stamp (so you get YOU'RE SUCH AN AMAZING MOTHER).  But by using the markers I could just color the two words and get YOU'RE AMAZING.

The Late Night Stampers Challenge this week is a color challenge.  Use Summer Starfruit, Raspberry Ripple, and Old Olive on a project.

Here's the sketch for the Techno Stamper (aka Monday Lunchtime) Sketch Challenge:

You might have seen the challenges and had an idea -- or two, because they are separate challenges.  You don't have to incorporate both into one project.  But, if you're like I was and draw a blank, don't let that stop you from playing along.  Just start designing with the colors and/or the sketch in mind.  You never know what you might come up with!

You can see the other design team samples and link your entries at the following locations.  I'm looking forward to seeing what you make.

Late Night Stampers Challenge 218

Techno Stamper Sketch Challenge 258

Recipe:

Stamps:  Amazing Family

Big Shot:  Floral Frames Framelits, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, Square Lattice Embossing Folder

Card stock:  Summer Starfruit, Raspberry Ripple, Old Olive, Whisper White

Ink:  Raspberry Ripple, Old Olive

Accessories:  Brights Buttons, White Baker's Twine

Pizza Card (guest stamper Nancy Baker)

Today I am sharing a punch art card made by my friend and customer, Nancy Baker.  I've shared her work before.

Nancy made a pizza shop, complete with chef and a pizza slice.  Nancy's maiden name is Neno in case you're wondering about the name of the pizzeria.  Isn't this just cute as can be?

 Here's a better look at the pizza slices.  If they were a little bigger, they'd be cute as a pizza shaped card.

Hope you enjoyed seeing Nancy's work as much as I did.  She's very talented, isn't she?

Edit 4/10/13 - While Nancy designed the card herself, she got the idea for the pizza from Pinterest.  I tried to follow the source, but when I clicked on the picture (which usually takes me there) it kept sending me to Google reader (that had nothing about the card in question).  So, it says this at the top of the Pinterest picture:  Sue Quebedeaux via Kris Boydstun

I went to Kris Boydstun's Pinterest (a Google search did not turn up a blog).  I went through pages and pages of cards and did not see it.  But, there are over 3,000 so I could have missed it.  It looks like the watermark on the card says Kristine Boydstun.  So, that's the best I can do to give credit to the original designer.  It does look like Nancy made an improvement on the crust.

Later on the same Pinterest page there was a card with a chef by Lynn Pratt, which may have been the inspiration for Nancy's chef.  Just wanted to give credit where it's due.

Color Refresh and Free Shipping

Oh my goodness!  Stampin' Up! has just announced a Color Refresh!  Time to update those colors!

See below for info about FREE SHIPPING April 6 - 8, 2013.  You'll want it when you stock up on retiring colors!

Announcing Stampin' Up!'s upcoming Color Refresh! We love color and we know that you do too. Color is fundamental to who we are and what we offer. We are thrilled to share our updated line of colors, and hope you will be as excited as we are by the new possibilities!

 NEW COLOR COLLECTIONS:

The upcoming 2013-2014 annual catalog will include  total of 10 "new colors".  Most are returning In Colors...yay!

• NEW Smoky Slate
• FOUR returning current In-Colors include:
  • Calypso Coral, Pool Party, Island Indigo, Wisteria Wonder
• FIVE returning past In Colors include:
  • Bermuda Bay, Crushed Curry 
  • Pear Pizzazz, Blushing Bride 
  • Soft Sky 

Time to say Goodbye to :

• Regal Rose
• Pretty in Pink
• Bashful Blue
• Certainly Celery
• Baja Breeze
• Riding Hood Red
• Bravo Burgundy
• Not Quite Navy
• More Mustard
• River Rock
• Lucky Limeade (2011/2013 In-Color)

IMPORTANT: Starting today (April 4th)

• All retiring/discontinued color products (i.e. ink, paper, ribbon, accessories, etc.) will be available only while supplies last.  Ink refills often sell out quickly, so don't forget to get them while they are still available.
• Some products may not be available to the end of the current catalog period (ending May 31st). 

FYI (while we're talking about "while supplies last"):  Watercolor Pencils and Watercolor Wonder Crayons are also being discontinued.  Watercolor Pencils and Watercolor Wonder Crayons Brights are no longer available.  The Subtles (item 119802), Neutrals (item 119805), and Regals (item 119803) Collections are only available while supplies last. Get 'em before they're gone!

FREE SHIPPING on ALL ORDERS from APRIL 6 - 8, 2013!  No minimum!  Everything is included!!
Starts Sat., 4/6 at midnight and ends Mon., 4/8 at 11:50pm (MT)

Order online and use hostess code ZX6G9X6W for a chance to be a "mystery hostess" (get free stuff!).  Hostess merchandise awarded will vary depending on combined size of order.  If your order is $150 or more, don't use the hostess code and collect all of the hostess benefits for yourself.  You also can send me your order and I'll place it for you.

This is a great chance to take advantage of the current specials and new products, including:

This and That Bundle, 133350
 Sent With Love, 132851
Paper Pumpkin Try It Kit, 132600
Photopolymer Stamps, 132956

Hint, go to my Online Store and click on Shop Now.  Then you can click on the links above and when the new page opens you just choose Add to Bag and it's added to your purchases.  How simple is that?  It opens a new page each time, but just close it out after you've added the item.  It will stay in your bag.  You can use this tip with any product link you see on my blog.

Not sure where to enter the hostess code?  It's at the bottom left of your Shopping Bag page and looks like this:

 Do you have a hostess code? Enter it here and click Apply: (?)


 I look forward to helping you with your Stampin' Up! needs.  Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or need assistance with your order. 

Best of Butterflies (April Best of... Set)

The April Best of... Set is Best of Butterflies (133345, $14.95).  How perfect for Spring!

These cards using the set were posted on the Stampin' Up! blog.  I absolutely LOVE the first one!  And the second one works for a quick, simple thank you.

 

 

by Jen C.
Concept Artist

Stamps
Best of Butterflies, Essentials, From My Heart, and Nature’s Pace Stamp Sets, Remember This and That Rotary Stamp
Ink
Basic Gray, Sahara Sand, and Summer Starfruit Classic Stampin’ Pads
VersaMark Pad
Gold Glow Smooch Spritz
Cardstock and Paper
Very Vanilla Cardstock
First Edition Specialty Designer Series Paper
Accessories and Tools

Gold Stampin’ Emboss Powder
Linen Thread
Vintage Faceted Designer Buttons
Epic Day This and That Designer Washi Tape
Big Shot
Finishing Touches Edgelits Die

LNS Challenge 217 (Blue Ribbon, Amazing Family)

The Late Night Stampers Challenge this week was to create something inspired by candy.  Here's my card:

 This is a close up of the ribbon:

I stamped the ribbon from the Stampin' Up! set, Blue Ribbon, on Silver Glimmer paper.  The stamped image didn't show up very well, so I colored it with Night of Navy.  Since I was coloring, I cheated and punched out the ribbon top with the XL Scallop Circle punch rather than cut it out by hand.  It's hard to tell, but it really makes a pretty, sparkly blue for the ribbon.  Next time, though, instead of stamping I think I'll just use the punch and leave it silver.  The ink did not dry quickly and so I ended up with Night of Navy all over my hands.  Even though I washed my hands frequently, I still kept getting it on me and eventually smudged my card.  It wasn't all bad.  I ended up sponging the card with Night of Navy and Silver which carries on the slightly grunge look of the Blue Ribbon set.  The silver doesn't show up much in the picture, but I like the way it mixes with the Night of Navy.  I colored the "1" with the Silver Stampin' Dazzle Marker.

Can you guess what candy inspired this card?  A York Peppermint Patty wrapper.  The blue seemed darker on the wrapper (empty of course, because I had to eat the candy for inspiration, lol) in my craft room.  But that could be because I only had the overhead light on and not the brighter one on my craft table.

You can see the rest of the design team samples and link your entry here.  Hope you'll play along this week!

TSSC257 (Floral Frames Framelits)

Here's my sample for this week's Techno Stamper Sketch Challenge:

 Here's the sketch for this week's challenge:

You can see the rest of the design team's samples and link your entry here.

Supplies I used on my card:

Stamps:  Teeny Tiny Wishes, Madison Avenue

Big Shot:  Floral Frames Framelits

Cardstock:  Rich Razzleberry, Melon Mambo, Daffodil Delight, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper (DSP):  Floral District

Ink:  Rich Razzleberry

Sketch Team Members:

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