Bright Birthday Trifold Shutter Card

This is the trifold shutter card that we made in the Fancy Folds class yesterday morning and Tuesday evening.  I love trifold shutter cards!  It takes me a while to design them because there are so many panels and sometimes it's hard to find small enough stamps, but the assembly is easier than it looks and the end results are well worth the time.

The main image on the front consists of 4 stamps from the Make A Cake stamp set.  The center image is from Delightful Dozen and the other two are from the hostess set, Happy You.

The Big Shot was used to emboss the Daffodil Delight pieces with the Fancy Fan embossing folder and to cut the front image and its background layer with the Labels Collection Framelits.  The flowers were punched with the Boho Blossoms punch and the centers with one of the punches from the Itty Bitty Shapes punch pack.

A great thing about Stampin' Up's Designer Series Paper (DSP) is how the sheets in a package coordinate with each other.  Often they coordinate with stamps and embellishments, too.  Another great thing is that the catalog lists all of the colors in the DSP so it's easy to choose colors for a project.

This is a view of the card when it's closed:

If you are part of my stamp club, you got to take this class for FREE.  If not, you were able to attend by paying a class fee.  Everyone there had a great time and enjoyed all three projects we made.  Don't miss the next one -- either Thursday, July 19th at 6:30pm or Wednesday, July 25th at 10:00am.  See the Classes/Events page or contact me for more details.  We'd love to have you join us!

Quick and Cute card

Hi Stampers!  Today's card goes together in no time, but still is a cute card worthy of sending to someone you love.  There's very little stamping, but a lot of Big Shot usage.

I stamped LOVE YOU with Itty Bitty Banners and then cut it out and layered it with the Bitty Banners Framelits.

The Raspberry Ripple flower was punched with the Blossom Punch and then embossed with the Finial Press Embossing Folder (which is retired, but you could use the Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder).  I finished the flower by putting a little Basic Pearl in the center.  The Gumball Green curvy strip was cut using the Tasteful Trim die.

This layout is very versatile.  You may remember that I shared it with you before in this post.  I really like today's card because it seems so vibrant (much more so in person).  Plus it's a great way to use up some of those scraps we all seem to collect.

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!  Happy Stampin', Sue

Betsy's Blossoms Open House Card

Thanks to those of who came out to the New Catalog Open House earlier this month.  We had a good time.  If you didn't make it to this one, maybe you can come to the next event.

Here's the card we made.  It uses two new stamp sets:  Betsy's Blossoms and Itty Bitty Banners, plus the new Bitty Banners Framelits.  The colors are new In Colors:  Midnight Muse, Gumball Green and Primrose Petals.  The strip along the bottom was cut with my Big Shot using the Tasteful Trim die.

Happy Father's Day - Punch Art Tractor w/Tutorial

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to all of the wonderful father's out there!

Today I am sharing one of the Father's Day cards I made.  This tractor punch art was inspired by one done by a fellow demonstrator named Shelly Godby.   Hers was green, so I had to change it to red for International Harvester.   Also, hers was larger to fit a calendar page, so I just shrunk everything down and ended up with this:

I tried to show everything so that you wouldn't have to figure it out for yourself, but the writing under the pictures doesn't appear to be clear enough to read. 

 

The tractor base is 1.5" x 2" - snip one corner and round the other.

Big Wheel is made with the Circle Scallop Punch (punch twice - rotating after first punch), 1" Circle Punch and 1/2" Circle Punch.

Small Wheel is made with 1" Circle Punch, 1/2" Circle Punch and the Crop-O-Dile (but could use a standard office punch).

Steering Wheel uses two punches from the retired Slot Punch.  The third one is for the pipe.

Seat uses two 1/4" x 3/4" pieces - round one end of each piece (I used the Word Window Punch).  The other end of each piece is hidden so doesn't need punched.

Hope that makes sense.  If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment and I will reply to it.

The sentiment is from Delightful Dozen.

If you make your own tractor, add a link to it so my readers and I can check it out.

Happy Stampin' and Happy Father's Day!

Delightful Dozen Mother's Day Card

One of the reasons I haven't posted in a while is because I was away on our annual Mother's Day trip that my mom, sister and I do.  It was our 7th one this year and every one has been great!

Here's the card I made for my mom for Mother's Day this year.  Even though the trip wasn't until June she did get the card on the right day.

I made the rosette using the Designer Rosette die.  The sentiment is from Delightful Dozen.  The background was embossed with the Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder.  The flower and leaves in the center of the rosette were made with the retired 5 Petal Flower punch.  The center of the flower was done with the Boho Blossoms punch, the Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack and a designer pearl.

Thanks for reading my blog today.  Come back soon.  I'm not planning on such a long break until I post again.

New Catalog is LIVE! June Stamp Set of the Month

Hi Stampers!  I know it's been awhile since I posted.  Sorry about that.  Been busy with the end of the school year, birthdays, SU events, and life.  I'm sure you know how it is :)

Big excitement!  You can now shop from the new catalog.  You can see it here:

http://204.228.150.61/catalogs/flash/en-US/2012_2013_ibc_agb30v/index.html

Or shop online here:

http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/sueroot/ (choose Shop Now in the upper right hand corner)

You can always find these links by looking in my sidebars.  The catalog is on the left.  Choose from the flip book version or pdf.  You can also find the link to download the Stampin' Supplies there.  The Shop Online button is on the right.  Thanks for choosing to shop through my site!  I truly appreciate it!

Here is the info for the June Stamp Set of the Month.  Remember that if you purchase the Stamp Set of the Month and the Accessory of the Month, you get the card kit for FREE.  Card kit contains supplies to make 6 cards of one design plus a pdf with instructions.  The pdf also includes 3 other cards designs and supply lists.

June Stamp Set of the Month:  “Aviary”

Accessory of the Month: Designer Printed Brads

When you order the June “Stamp Set of the Month” Bundle, you’ll get a kit containing all of the precut pieces needed to make 6 of the cards shown above for FREE! Additionally, you’ll be e-mailed a PDF File that contains step-by-step instructions on how to make the card shown above along with 3 BONUS designs for creative inspiration on other things that can be done with the featured stamp set so you can see its versatility and get the most bang for the buck! Supply Lists are included for the bonus designs. 

Want more precut pieces? No problem! When you order the Stamp Set of the Month Bundle, you can order additional quantities of precut cardstock pieces in increments of 6 so that you can make as many as you want to have on hand!

June Stamp Set of the Month WOOD Bundle: $32.90 + Shipping and Tax

(Includes your order for the “Aviary” stamp set in wood mount and 1 pack of Designer Printed Brads plus the FREE kit)

 June Stamp Set of the Month CLEAR Bundle: $25.90+ Shipping and Tax

(Includes your order for the “Aviary” stamp set in clear mount and 1 pack of Designer Printed Brads plus the FREE kit

Additional Quantities of the June Kit: $6 + Shipping for every set of 6 cards

Other supplies you’ll want to order: Elegant Eggplant and Lucky Limeade Classic Ink Pads, Pierce Mat, Paper Piercer, 2 3/8” Scallop Circle and 2 ½” Circle Punches, Big Shot, Elegant Lines Embossing Folder, Whisper White Envelopes, SNAIL Adhesive and Stampin’ Dimensionals.

Contact Sue Root to Order Today!



Uses for 12 x 12 cardstock

With so much 12 x 12 cardstock on the retiring list, some of it at a reduced price, I decided to re-post one of my posts from a couple of years ago.  Hope you find this helpful!  One extra idea:  I find it easier (and more economical) to use 12 x 12 cardstock with some of my Bigz XL dies (and some, like the Matchbook die -- which is retiring -- need 12 x 12).

I use 12 x 12 cardstock for scrapbooking.  What else would I use for my 12 x 12 album?  But until recently, that was pretty much all I used my 12 x 12 cardstock for.  Oh!  And as a backup for when I ran out of 8 1/2 x 11.  But you know what?  12 x 12 is great to have on hand for several reasons:

*  If you put layers on your cards, you know how many little 1/2" strips you end up with.  But, if you use a 12 x 12 sheet, you can get 6 pieces of 4 x 5 1/4.  The bonus:  your leftover piece is 1 1/2" x 12.  A very useful size!

*  You use 12 x 12 sheets to make the following cards:  trifold shutter, matchbook card, pocket card and more

*  Make a 3 3/4 x 3 3/4 nine page mini accordion album

*  You get four 6 x 6 scrapbook pages for your 6 x 6 album.

*  Get two 6 x 6 cards.

*  Get eight (yes, EIGHT) 3 x 3 cards or self-sealing cards like we made at the preschool fundraiser class.

I'm sure there are more ideas, but these will get you started.

So, next time you're stocking up on cardstock, keep the 12 x 12 in mind.

Farewell Cheerful Treat

Today I have a few cards made with the Designer Series Paper, Cheerful Treat.  It's not too late to get it, but because you have to buy it with hostess dollars it is getting a little harder.  If you want it though, I will do my best to get it for you.  Contact me today to see how.

 This card has several retiring products on it:  Funky Four stamp set, the Butterfly Punch, the Ticket Corner punch, Cheerful Treat DSP (hostess), Finial Press embossing folder and the Oval Scallop Frame die.  I also used the non-retiring Square Lattice embossing folder on the butterfly.

This card was inspired by one shared by Missy Shipman on our Stampers Express blog (if you join my team you can be part of this group, too -- it's full of great ideas and a wonderful resource).  She said she CASEd Heather Summers.

 Because I liked the idea, I had to play with it a bit.  Here's another version.  The 1/4" Whisper White Grosgrain Ribbon on this card is also retiring.  See details about my ribbon share here.

I have one more version, which is oriented the other direction.  When I find it I'll add it to this post.

Thanks for checking out my blog.  Please feel free to leave and comment and let me know what you think!

Lots of Retiring Products

This card uses several retiring products that I am going to miss:  Three Little Words, Sincere Salutations, the Ticket Corner punch and Whisper White 1/4" grosgrain ribbon. 

In fact, all the 1/4" grosgrain ribbon is being retired.  Can you believe it?  Me neither!!  I use it a lot!  So, I am offering a ribbon share.  That way we can build up lots of colors without having to buy a full roll of each -- though I'm sure I could go though a whole roll of each, that could get expensive.

The way it works is this:  you pay for one roll of ribbon (15 yards for $4.95 plus shipping and tax).  But instead of 15 yards of one color, you get 5 yards of 3 different colors.  Great way to build your ribbon selection on a budget!

Here are some color combinations to get you started:

Christmas Pack:  Real Red, Old Olive and Whisper White
Rich Razzleberry, Basic Black and Tempting Turquoise
Night of Navy, Very Vanilla and Rose Red
The Basics:  Whisper White, Very Vanilla and Basic Black

I am open to suggestions if there is a color you really want that is not on this list (or if you want to mix them up into different groups of 3).  Plus, since these ribbons are retiring, participating in this ribbon share (or any of the other specials on my promotions page) will get you entered in a prize drawing.

Contact me today to participate in the ribbon share or take advantage of any other promotions.  Thank you!

Happy Birthday Frances

Tomorrow is the birthday of my upline, Frances Wagner.  I made this card for her in My Digital Studio (MDS).  It was super easy because I started with a template that comes with the program.  But since it was a "Hello" card, I had to change the sentiment.

I love My Digital Studio for all kinds of paper crafting.  I use it mostly for making cards and scrapbook pages.  I also use it to edit my pictures and add the watermark to pictures I put on my blog.

As good as My Digital Studio is, it's getting even better!  Later in the year, Stampin' Up is coming out with MDS2.  It will have all kinds new features!!  Can't wait!  In the meantime, don't let that stop you from getting started with MDS.  If you buy it now, you'll get the upgrade to the new version for FREE!  Those of use who already have MDS will pay only $19.95.  It sounds like it will be well worth it.

Not sure whether you'd use MDS or not?  Try it free for 30 days.

Want more information about My Digital Studio?  Check out http://mydigitalstudio.net/  There is basic information about the program, videos to help you get started, an online forum and more.  I recommend starting with Getting To Know MDS under the Training tab (along the top).  Also, Beginner Techniques, also under Training, will show you just how easy MDS is to use.

As always, feel free to contact me directly with your questions.

Have a happy birthday tomorrow Frances!

Butterfly Pansies

I bought the Butterfly punch specifically to make these Pansies.  Turns out the punch is great for butterflies, too :)  I'll post some cards I made using the punch as intended on another day.

We will learn how to make these pansies at my upcoming class.  See details here.

The Butterfly punch, Inspired by Nature, and the Fire Circle Rhinestone Brads, which I used in the center of the pansies, are all retiring

Thanks for looking!  Have a wonderful day!

Posy Punch with Faux Suede

Happy Mother's Day to all of you mothers out there!  Hope your Mother's Day was as wonderful as mine was!!

This card is made with the retiring hostess set, Posy Punch.  It's not too late to get this cute set, but time is running out (May 31).  Contact me today to see how this set can be yours!

I stamped the image in Tangerine Tango and punched it out with the Fancy Flower punch.  I also punched two more Fancy Flowers in Tangerine Tango so that I could layer them behind the punched image.  I stamped the center Hello in Daffodil Delight and punched it out with a circle punch.  I sponged around the edges in Tangerine Tango and then sponged a little more lightly in the center.

The frame is from the retiring Oval Scallop Frame die.  It was cut with my Big Shot out of Daffodil Delight cardstock.  The flower in the lower right was punched from Tangerine Tango using the Fancy Flower punch.  I used the Faux Suede technique to get that cool soft look.  Some of you have seen this technique at my recent events.  The flower center is one of the Itty Bitty Shapes Punches and a retiring Fire Circle Rhinestone brad.  I finished the card with the Corner Rounder punch on each corner.

Triple Treat Cards

Hi!  I have three cards to share with you today -- all using the retiring Triple Treat stamp and the same color scheme.  I also used the corner rounder on the top and bottom cards.

This card uses two more retiring products:  the 5 Petal Flower punch and Sincere Salutations stamp set.

 Again, the retiring 5 Petal Flower punch.  Also, the stamp set Blessings From Heaven, the Fancy Flower punch, and a circle punch for the center of the flower.

 This card uses a ribbon that has already retired, but there is another Riding Hood Red taffeta ribbon available (I think the only difference is that the current ribbon doesn't have the white along the edges).  Thinking of You comes from the retiring Sincere Salutations.

Get these items and any other Stampin' Up supplies from my Online Store.  Thank you for you support!

Twitterpated Top Note Card

Here's another card I made using the beautiful Twitterpated fabric.  I cut it using my Big Shot and the Top Note die.  I also used the Big Shot to cut the flower using the Blossom Party die.

The sentiment is from the retiring set Sincere Salutations.  It's a great set full of differerent...well...salutations.  The stamps are all close to the same size so once you design a card using one you can easily interchange the others.  You don't want to miss out on this one!  The ribbon, too, is retiring.  I love these ribbons, available in all the 2010-12 in colors.  I will miss the ribbons and this group of in colors.  They are only available while supplies last (or until May 31)

Order the supplies used in these projects and any other Stampin' Up supplies at my Online Store.  Thanks!

May Team Meeting

Once again, we had a wonderful time at our team meeting!  It was held Sunday at the home of my upline, Frances Wagner.  Thanks Frances for providing a wonderful lunch and Deb Dodd for the delicious dessert!!

Here is the make and take we did.  Frances designed it using the new stamp set Everything Eleanor.  The sentiment is from Pursuit of Happiness.  I love how she also used the Tasteful Trims die and Baker's Twine, two of my favorites.

Here are the swap cards.  The first one is a double punch card from Karel Standish.  Isn't this just the coolest idea?  Karel has instructions on her blog.

This card was made by Debbie Green.  Looks like Mixed Bunch and the Blossom Punch were popular for this swap!  Of course, I think they are popular with everyone!!  The sentiment is from Elementary Elegance, which was one of this year's Sale-a-bration stamps.  With everything that's retiring, I'm glad to see this ribbon is staying!

 This card was made by Deb Dodd.  She used the Bright Blossoms stamp set.  If you missed it during the Sneak Peak, you can get it when the new catalog begins on June 1st.  I just love the angled card stock layers.  Expect to see that soon on one of my cards.

 I showed some of the cards I've made with fabric and the keychain we made at my last class.  I hoped this would give everyone some ideas.  I also demonstrated the rock and roll technique.  I'll post more on that a different day.

Frances had door prizes and I won supplies (foam board and a decor element -- that's all that's needed) to make a chalkboard like the one below.  Thanks, Frances!  This decor element was from S-A-B, but there are lots more available (both chalkboard style and regular) but only until May 31 (sadly they are being retired).  There are even chalkboard sheets that you can cut with your Big Shot!  How fun to use them to make labels (just like in a recent article in Martha Stewart's magazine -- except you could cut yours in cute shapes, like the Top Note or a scallop).

Oops, I just realized that the watermark on the board should have had Frances's name since she made it.  Guess I was distracted because I thought it was clever to put the watermark on the board in white like it was written in chalk.  Sorry about that!

Want to come to great meetings like this and have fun, share ideas, and stamp?  Join my team and you can!  Not to mention all the other great benefits!  Stampin' Up has introduced a new $99 starter kit.  Check it out here and then sign up to take advantage of this fantastic offer.  I'd love to have you on my team!

May Stamp Set of the Month

May Stamp Set of the Month: 
 “Best Dad Ever”

Accessory of the Month: Neutral Brads

 When you order the May “Stamp Set of the Month” Bundle, you’ll get a kit containing all of the precut pieces needed to make 6 of the cards shown above for FREE!  Additionally, you’ll be e-mailed a PDF File that contains step-by-step instructions on how to make the card shown above along with 3 BONUS designs for creative inspiration on other things that can be done with the featured stamp set so you can see its versatility and get the most bang for the buck!  Supply Lists are included for the bonus designs.

Want more precut pieces?  No problem!  When you order the Stamp Set of the Month Bundle, you can order additional quantities of precut cardstock pieces in increments of 6 so that you can make as many as you want to have on hand!

May Stamp Set of the Month WOOD Bundle: $25.90 + Shipping and Tax

(Includes your order for the “”Best Dad Ever” stamp set in wood mount and 1 pack of Neutral Brads plus the FREE kit)

 May Stamp Set of the Month CLEAR Bundle: $21.90+ Shipping and Tax

(Includes your order for the “Best Dad Ever” stamp set in clear mount and 1 pack of Neutral Brads plus the FREE kit)

Additional Quantities of the May Kit: $6 + Shipping for every set of 6 cards

Already have the featured Stamp Set or Accessory?  No problem. You can order any stamp set and/or accessory of equal value to the featured items and still receive the FREE kit and PDF File!

Other supplies you’ll want to order: Basic Black, Basic Grey and Real Red Stampn’ Write Markers, Basic Black Classic Ink Pad, Mat Pack, Paper Piercer, Whisper White Envelopes, SNAIL Adhesive and Stampin’ Dimensionals.

****** Contact Sue Root to Order Today!  ******

Medallion with Jumbo Brad

Like so many of the stamps on the retiring list, I just can't believe this stamp will be gone at the end of the month.  On this card, I put a Jumbo Neutral Brad (also retiring) in the center of the Medallion background stamp.  The cardstock colors are Crumb Cake and Naturals Ivory.  The Naturals Ivory envelopes are retiring, too, so be sure to get them, the Medallion stamp, and the Jumbo Neutral Brads before they are gone!

See other cards made with the Medallion stamp here.

Flower Burst Embosslits

I've got three cards to share with you today, all of which contain the retiring embosslit Flower Burst.  The other embosslit, Simple Flower, was on the clearance list until just recently.  In fact, I was surprised to see that it was gone.  Make sure to get the Flower Burst embosslit before it, too, is gone.

The background on this card was made with the retiring stamp set Fifth Avenue Florals.  I am really going to miss this set!  If you don't have it, you ought to.  See other cards I've made with this set here.  There are only a few, which is surprising since I use this set A LOT.  The big rose is perfect for the re-inker watercolor technique.  I can't believe I don't have a picture of that.  Talk about beautiful!

The Flower Burst embosslit is the More Mustard flower.  Also used on this card are the Word Window and Modern label punches and the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set.

Besides the embosslits (the Bermuda Bay flowers are the Flower Burst ones), I also used the retiring set Three Little Words.  The set comes with several three words phrases that you can use to complete the thought.  I'll leave you guessing as to which three words I chose.  The colors are retired, but I could get you some of this card stock if you want.

Three Flower Burst flowers on this card!  Stamp set is Hope Happens, which retired previously (so it is not available).  DSP is also retired.

Remember, the Flower Burst embosslit is only available while supplies last, but no later than May 31.  Fifth Avenue Florals and Three Little Words are available until May 31.  To order these items or any other Stampin' Up goodies, visit my Online Store.  Thank you!

Brand New Starter Kit!

Stampin' Up has simplified the Starter Kit.

JOIN STAMPIN' UP FOR ONLY $99!!!

That's right, only $99 ($190 value) and it ships for free!!

When you sign up to become a demonstrator, you get to choose up to $125 worth of any current Stampin' Up products (traditional or digital).  Plus you'll get business supplies valued at $65.

As a demonstrator you can:

1) get a discount on all your purchases

2) earn extra money

3) share your love of stamping with others

4) earn free stamp sets and supplies

5) buy new items before your customers can

6) have access to demo only resources

7) receive a monthly, full-color magazine full of tips, ideas, projects and more

8) attend demo only events - convention, regionals, local team events, etc.

9) receive a free catalog and mini catalogs

10) learn about promotions, discounts, and new merchandise before your customers

11) enjoy support from Stampin' Up, others in my upline, and me

Sounds great, doesn't it?

Join my team and enjoy all of the benefits listed above.  I will support you no matter what your goals are!!

Click here to learn more!

Everyday Elegance Simply Sent Kit (several samples)

Edit 6/9/12:  I am offering a special on this kit:  get the Everyday Elegance Simply Sent Kit and felt style ink pad (choose from colors I have on hand) for only $15.95.  These items would have cost $22.19 to order.  Recommended colors for this kit:  Chocolate Chip or Soft Suede (both of which I have).

This kit is a great way to make elegant looking cards in a hurry because the base is already done for you.  It comes with 8 printed, embossed, die-cut cards, 16 self-adhesive tags, and 8 white envelopes.

 

 Here is an example of the Baja Breeze card with only one additional stamp (from the hostess set Perfect Words).  The ink is Chocolate Chip.

 This Cherry Cobbler card also has just one stamp added to the front (from the retiring set On Your Birthday).  The ink is Chocolate Chip.

 I added another stamp from On Your Birthday on the inside.  The inside of both color cards have a strip of color along the bottom (so it shows through the die cut).

 This card has only one stamp (from Teeny Tiny Wishes), but it is layered inside the Word Window and Modern Label punches.  Ink color is Baja Breeze.

 Here you can see what the stamp from Teeny Tiny Wishes looks like without being layered.  I also added a stamp from Mixed Bunch and punched it and the Pear Pizzazz behind it with the Blossom Punch.  Ink color is Baja Breeze.

 On this card I stamped the grass from the retiring set Inspired By Nature directly on the card.  Then I stamped a phrase from the same set on one of the self-adhesive tags.  I also tied Whisper White 1/4" grosgrain ribbon (retiring) around it.  Ink color is Always Artichoke.

 As you can see, stamps from many different sets will fit in the included self-adhesive tags.  So, if you are a beginning stamper, all you need is the Simply Sent kit, a stamp set and ink to make elegant looking cards.  If you are a more advanced stamper, you can kick them up a notch by adding ribbon, embellishments, more stamps, or punches.

See details about other specials on the Promotions page.