Simply Sketched Sympathy

I wanted a sympathy card that was simple and not as flowery as the ones I usually make.  This is what I came up with.  The sentiment is from the Hostess Set, Simply Sketched, and the Designer Series Paper (DSP) is Venetian Romance.

Thanks for stopping by my blog!

TSSC 277 - Serene Silhouettes

Here's my entry for this week's Techno Stamper Sketch Challenge.  It uses the stamp set, Serene Silhouettes.

Here's the TSSC sketch for this week:

You can see the rest of the design team samples and link your entry here.  Go ahead.  Challenge yourself.  You never know what you might come up with.

Six Sided Sampler (LNS 229)

I decided to play along with the Late Night Stampers Challenge this week.  The challenge is to use any type of specialty paper.  I used Epic Day Designer Series Paper.

The stamp is from Petite Pairs and punched out with the Hexagon Punch.  I have the set Six-Sided Sampler, which I got in a bundle with the Hexagon Punch (saved 15% by buying the bundle!), but decided not to use it with this card.  The smaller DSP hexagon is punched and the larger one was cut out from a sheet of Epic Day (it had hexagons on it, so I just had to cut on the lines).  I used my Big Shot and the Honeycomb Embossing Folder for the background.  I lightly sponged it to bring out the pattern and also to tie it in with the DSP.

The Stampin' Up catalog has many wonderful Designer Series Papers this year.  You can see them all here.  When you decide which ones you'd like, you can order online or you can contact me and I'll place the order for you.

You can enter the LNS challenge and see other entries here. 

TSSC 276 Oh, Hello

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

 

Designer Series Paper (DSP) is from the Brights Patterns Paper Stack.  The Daffodil Delight card stock was embossed with the Big Shot and the Alphabet Press Textured Impressions Embossing Folder.  The stamp is from Oh, Hello.

Here's this week's TSSC sketch:

 

Head on over to the TSSC blog to see the samples from the rest of the design team.  Then, create your own project based on the sketch and link it to the site.

Product Shares

At the most recent Stamp Club I was asked to offer some product shares.  So, here is what I'm offering - 5 ribbon shares and 1 embellishment share.  Let me know by Saturday at noon to be included in the first batch ordered.  Be sure to be specific about which share(s) you want.

Blogger and I were not communicating well, so I've included a few pictures as samples, but to see all of the items, either go here and choose Ribbon and Trim and Embellishments or else look in your catalogs.

  It's a way to get more variety for less cost.  It takes 5 people per share, so the sooner you reply, the sooner you can get your share (and the more likely there will be enough people to have a share).  After the first five, I'll start taking names for another round (which would be stampers 6 through 10).  You can order more than one share (i.e. pay for two rolls of ribbon and get 4 yards of each color).  I will be placing the first order on Saturday. Here's what I'm offering.  If you'd like to do a product share with something else (or if you really, really want a different color option in one of the offered shares), let me know and I'll see if there is interest.   Prices include shipping and tax.  You can see ribbon on page 173.

3/8" Ruffle Stretch Trim Ribbon: $10.51 All new In Colors

3/4" Chevron Ribbon:  $10.51  Calypso Coral, Cherry Cobler, Crushed Curry, Island Indigo, Wisteria Wonder

1/2" Seam Binding Ribbon:  $8.17  Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake, Daffodil Delight, Pool Party, Very Vanilla

1/8" Taffeta Ribbon:  $6.99  Bermuda Bay, Melon Mambo, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Real Red (You may substitute Silver - p. 28 of Holiday Catalog - for one of the colors, but there will be no price adjustment.  If you wish to do this, let me know when you place your order.)

MIXED STYLES (note, this share is a little different - yardages will vary based on yards on the spool):  $10.50   7/8" Cotton Ribbon (2 yds), 5/8" Organza Ribbon (3 yds.), 5/8" Crochet Trim (1 yd.), 7/16" Trim (1 yd.), 1 1/4" Burlap Ribbon (1 yd.) - p. 18 of Holiday Catalog.

EMBELLISHMENT SHARE:  Same idea as the ribbon shares, but we only need 4 people per share.  Pages 169-70.  $7.58   In Color Boutique Details (1 ea. of 5 colors), Very Vintage Designer Buttons (2 ea. of 3 designs), Hardware Clips (2 ea. of 3 designs), Hung Up Cute Clips (2 ea. of 3 designs).  (NOTE:  I was trying to pick embellishments that we haven't done a share with before.  If you'd like others, please let me know)
RIBBON SHARES:  Here's how they work:  Pay for one roll of ribbon and get two yards in each of 5 colors (basically you and four other stampers are sharing 5 rolls of ribbon).

Simply Sketched Gingham Garden

Here's another card we made in last month's Stamp Club.

The flower is from the Hostess Set, Simply Sketched.  It was stamped with StazOn ink and then colored with ink and Aqua Painters.  The butterfly is from Papillon Potpourri.  We used the direct to rubber technique, which is done by coloring directly on the stamp with Stampin' Write markers.  Then we punched it out with the Bitty Butterfly punch.

Some of the corners were rounded with the Corner Rounder Punch.  Sometimes I like to only do some corners and leave others squared to add to the visual interest.  The Designer Series Paper (DSP) is Gingham Garden.

Baby Prints Hand Prints

Here are a couple of cards using the Baby Prints stamp set.  Today's cards use the hand prints from the set.  The Designer Series Paper is Gingham Garden DSP. 

 Colors:  Melon Mambo, Whisper White

Sentiment is from Baby Prints

We made this card in stamp club last month.  Since the card wasn't being made for a specific baby, we used yellow and green so the card could be used for a boy or a girl.

 

Colors:  So Saffron, Certainly Celery

Sentiment is from One in a Million

P.S.  If you're looking for the TSSC challenge, remember that it's going for two weeks this time.  This is a great one to participate in because Mary Jo is giving out blog candy!

Paper Pumpkin for $10!!! -- What a deal!!

Shown above is a completed card from the Welcome Kit (as shown on front of kit)

 

MY PAPER PUMPKIN WELCOME KIT: 

 

Just a reminder about the current My Paper Pumpkin promotion from Stampin' Up!  You can try this fun craft program that is delivered straight to your door for only $10 per month (includes shipping!) for the first two months!

 

Join by August 10th to receive a kit in August.

To put this deal in perspective - the welcome kit includes a size D clear mount block, which sells for $8.50 ($9.35 with shipping).  So, for less than a dollar more than the block alone would cost, you can get the entire My Paper Pumpkin Welcome Kit.  Also includes stamps, ink spot, and card supplies as shown above.

Then, for the same low price of $10, you can try one more month so you can see what the regular monthly kits are like.  You can skip a month or cancel at any time (even after the first month, but if you start up again, the next kit will be the regular price of $19.95).

Follow the link to sign up today!  Enter the Promo Code PUMPKINDEAL under where you enter the quantity (click the red "Add Promo Code" line and a box will appear).  The promo price will then show.  If you are given a chance to select a demonstrator, please choose me, Sue Root, Raleigh, NC.  (I think this link does it automatically, but just in case...)

Deadline to sign up for promo is August 31 (if you sign up after 8/10, you won't get a kit until September).  Limit 1 promo per person. New subscriptions only.

Perfect for long distance customers who can't make it to classes.

Also great for those who like everything prepared for them so they can just sit down and craft!
 

Give it a try!  See what all the excitement is about!

Thanks for choosing me as your Stampin' Up! Demonstrator!

TSSC 275 Oh, Hello

The Techno Stamper Sketch Challenge that starts today will last for two weeks.  Not only that, Mary Jo has announced that there will be blog candy for one lucky participant.  So, put that thinking cap on and get designing!

Here's my design team sample for this challenge:

 The stamp is from Oh, Hello.  I used my Island Indigo Stampin' Write marker and just inked the word Hello.  The Designer Series Paper (DSP) is Gingham Garden.  Cardstock colors are Island Indigo and Whisper White.

Here is the challenge sketch:

 

You can see the rest of the design team samples and link your entry here.  If you have any questions about participating in the challenge (or anything stamping related), please feel free to contact me.

Thanks for stopping by my blog.  Have a great day!!

NC Tax Free Holiday and Holiday Catalog

Today is the start of the North Carolina tax free holiday for school supplies.  Here are the details:

The state of North Carolina is having a sales tax holiday for school supplies up to $100 per item from August 2-4, 2013.  Please note that you must place your order with Stampin’ Up!^® during the tax holiday period in order to receive these items tax-free. Also, keep in mind that this is a state sales tax holiday and may not apply to additional city, jurisdiction, or county taxes.

The following items are tax-exempt during the North Carolina sales tax holiday:  

• 2-Way Glue Pen (item 100425) $4.50
• Snail Adhesive (item 104332) $6.95
• Snail Adhesive Refill (item 104331) $4.50
• Sticky Strip (item 104294) $6.95
• Stampin’ Dimensionals (item 104430) $3.95
• Mini Glue Dots (item 103683) $4.95
• Paper Snips (item 103579) $9.95
• Craft & Paper Scissors (item 108360) $29.95
• Uni-Ball Signo Gel Pen (item 105021) $3.95
• Blender Pens (item 102845) $9.95
• Stampin’ Write Markers (various item numbers) $3.50
• Subtles Stampin’ Write Markers (item 131263) $28.95
• Regals Stampin’ Write Markers (item 131262) $28.95
• Brights Stampin’ Write Markers (item 131259) $28.95
• Neutrals Stampin’ Write Markers (item 131261) $22.95
• Tombow Multipurpose Adhesive (item 110755) $3.95
• Anywhere Glue Sticks (item 104045) $3.95
• 2012-2014 In Color Stampin’ Write Markers (item 126856) $14.95
• 2013-2015 In Color Stampin’ Write Markers (item 131260) $14.95
• Stampin’ Write Marker New Color Kit (item 130034) $28.95

Also, remember that you can now order from the new Holiday Catalog.  You can shop online or download a pdf of the catalog here.

If you have any questions about the Tax Holiday or Stampin' Up!, please feel free to contact me.

Thank you!

Footprints in the Sand

Stamp club met yesterday and the evening before.  We had such a great time!  We always do!  Here's one of the cards we made:

I used the Stampin' Up! stamp set, Baby Prints, for this card.  The bottom of the card is Crumb Cake that has been lightly sponged (with a stampin' sponge) with Soft Suede ink (so it will look like sand).  The base of the card is Pool Party.  I used sponge daubers and Pacific Point ink to sponge in the ocean.  Then I sponged over it with Illuminate ink.  That's what makes it look sparkly.

I got the idea for this card here.   I mostly changed how I did the ocean and sky.

I like this card because it's a non-traditional use for this set (I also love it, 'cause I think it's a great card).  I love to use this set for baby cards, and it would be great for scrapbook pages, too.  But it's good to be able to use it for other things.  I feel like I get more bang for my buck that way.

TSSC 274 - Love and Laughter

Sorry for the lapse in posting last week.  I was on vacation and didn't get any blog posts set up before we left.  We had a great trip to Topsail Island.  I hated for the week to end, but now that it has, it's right back into the swing of things.

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

 

I used the Stampin' Up! set Love and Laughter.  Colors are Tangerine Tango, Wild Wasabi, and Very Vanilla.  The Designer Series Paper (DSP) is Venetian Romance.  It is such a beautiful pack of paper!  And, now through July 31, buy 3 packs of DSP and get 1 pack FREE!!

Here is this week's sketch:

 

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

Check out these offers...

Try My Paper Pumpkin at a discount!

Use the promotion code PUMPKINDEAL to join Paper Pumpkin before August 31, 2013, and pay only $10 a month* for the first two months.
*plus tax, where applicable. Shipping included!

The Fine Print:

• For new subscribers only.
• Promotion applies only to the first two months of a new subscription. After receiving two month's worth, the price for each month's kit will go to the regular price: $19.95.
• Visit mypaperpumpkin.com to join.
• You must click "Add Promo Code" and then enter the promo code PUMPKINDEAL in the "Promo Code" field when you sign up on the mypaperpumpkin.com website to take advantage of this promotion. 
• If it asks you to select a demonstrator, please select Sue Root, Raleigh, NC (the link may do it automatically, but I'm not sure, so if you get the option....please select me).
• You must join by Saturday, August 31, 2013; 11:50 PM (MT).

 Designer Series Paper - Buy 3, Get 1 Free

 

Buy three packs of select Designer Series Paper and get one for free!

 

 The Fine Print:

• These items don't qualify for the offer:
  • Designer Series Paper Stacks
  • Specialty Designer Series Paper
  • Designer Series Paper ordered through hostess benefits
• To get your free DSP, enter it in your order separately from the three packs you're paying for. For example, if you want four packs of the same type of paper, put in the three you're paying for and enter the fourth as a separate item.
• Orders may be placed on any type of order (workshop, customer, or online).
• No limits. Order six? You'll get two for free. Nine? You'll get three for free.
• Check out our Designer Series Papers in the annual catalog pages 151, 153, and 154.
• Order deadlines:
  • Phone: Wednesday, July 31, 2013; 6:50 PM (MT)
  • OEX or online: Wednesday, July 31, 2013; 11:50 PM (MT)
  •  
  •  
   I will be placing a group order on July 31.  Contact me if you want to be a part of it.
  
  Thank you for reading my blog and thanks to those of you who are my customers.  I appreciate your business!

 

TSSC 273 - MDS Again

I have once again turned to My Digital Studio (MDS) to create my design team sample for the Techno Stamper Sketch Challenge (TSSC).  I love sitting down with my computer and creating.  It's especially nice when I don't have access to my stamping supplies.  It gives me a chance to create when I otherwise might not be able to.

Here is this week's sample card:

One thing I found out this week is that although you can use the re-color feature to change the color of an embellishment, the color you start with affects the final color.  I started with a light colored brad (Bashful Blue, I think) and when I re-colored the brads, they were much lighter than the colors I was trying to match.  So, I chose a darker color (Always Artichoke) and ended up with this nice, rich color which I really like with this card.

So, here's this week's sketch that was my inspiration:

 

 

 Now that you've seen the sketch and my sample, head on over to the TSSC blog to see the rest of the design team samples.  Then, play along by creating your own card inspired by this sketch and linking it to the challenge page.  Don't have your own blog but would like to join the fun?  Contact me and I'll share some options.

Have a great week!

Wildflower Meadow Watercolor

This card uses the new Wildflower Meadow Background Stamp.  I bought the Wildflower Meadow bundle (clear 132985)  (wood 132735) so I could save 15%.   Of course, you can buy the items (Wildflower Meadow Background Stamp - Clear or Woodmount - and Wildflower Meadow Textured Impressions Embossing Folder) separately, but since both items are so great why not get them together and save?

I used my Stampin' Write Markers to color directly on the stamp.  Then I lightly spritzed the stamp with water and stamped the image onto Whisper White card stock.  I used my Sponge Dauber to add some blue (Pool Party) for the sky.

Stamp:  Wildflower Meadow (clear - so needed Clear Block F)

Card Stock:  Gumball Green, Whisper White

Stampin' Write Markers:  Gumball Green, Raspberry Ripple, Summer Starfruit

Classic Stampin' Pad:  Pool Party

Tools:  Stampin' Spritzer, Sponge Daubers

All of these items can be ordered in my Online Store.  And don't forget the envelopes so that you can mail all of the beautiful cards that you make.

Please know that I appreciate each and every order!  Use this month's hostess code (RHBWJKH4) and each $25 in your order will get you an entry in this month's prize drawing.  If your order is over $150, don't use the hostess code.  Instead, collect the hostess benefits (Stampin' Rewards) for yourself.  You'll still be entered in the drawing (at least 6 times).

Thanks for stopping by my blog today.  Be sure to check back on Monday when I share my design team sample for the Techno Stamper Sketch Challenge..

TSSC 272 - MDS

I used My Digital Studio (MDS) for this week's sample.  Here's the 5 x 7 card that I created.  The stamp set is Fantabulous You.  It's retired, but you can still get it as a digital download, which can be used in MDS or other applications.

Here's the sketch for this week:

 

This week's challenge was hard for me for several reasons.  But, as I've said before, that's one of the fun things about challenges.  I often end up designing things that I never would if I didn't have to follow the rules of the challenge.

There are all kinds of challenges - colors, sketches, stamps, etc.  The Techno Stamper Sketch Challenge, as the name implies, has a different sketch each week as the inspiration.  Study the sketch and come up with your own creation.  Then go to the TSSC site to see the other design team samples and to link your entry.  Go ahead:  challenge yourself and stretch your creativity!

Happy Stampin', Sue

Horse Frontier

Today's card was made with the Stampin' Up! set, Horse Frontier.

I stamped the horse with Basic Gray ink and then colored it using Aqua Painters.  The background was sponged using Sponge Daubers and several colors of ink (which coordinate with the DSP).  The Designer Series Paper (DSP) is Epic Day.  Many of the papers in this pack work great with this set.

Thanks for stopping  by my blog.  Happy Stampin'  Dur

TSSC 271 - Happy Hour

Happy Hour is such a cute set and I thought of it right away when I saw this week's Techno Stamper Sketch Challenge.

Colors are Tempting Turquoise, Gumball Green, Melon Mambo, Basic Black, and Whisper White.

The decorative edge was made with the Scallop Trim Border Punch.

I finished off the inside of the card, too, but apparently didn't take a picture.  It's not the first time that's happened, lol.

Here is this week's sketch:

Now that you've seen my sample, head on over to the TSSC site to see the samples made by the rest of the design team.  Then create your own project using the above sketch and link it at the same site.

Happy Stampin', Sue

Pacific Point Pansies (Flower Shop)

Here's one of the cards we made in stamp club last week.  It uses the new Stampin' Up! set Flower Shop and the coordinating Pansy Punch.  You can get both of the items in a bundle and save 15%.  The sentiment is from Petite Pairs.

The embossing was done with the Fancy Fan folder.  The flower centers on the Whisper White piece were punched with the circle from the Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack, but in class we used circles from the Owl Punch.  They are a little smaller and looked better because you can see the inner ring of white polka dots (like on the punched Pansy, which has a new Candy Dot for it's center).  I just haven't changed my sample card yet.  The Designer Series Paper is the Patterns Paper Stack - Brights.

Colors:  Pacific Point, Tangerine Tango, Whisper White.

Happy 4th of July!

Hope you all have a wonderful 4th of July!

This cute card was made by my friend and stamp club member, Karen Kline.

Some of the Stampin' Up! products I recognize - the Stripes embossing folder, the Square Lattice e.f., several punches (Scallop Circle, Circle, Word Window, the small circle for the nose is possibly from the Owl Punch), Designer Series Patterns Paper Stack, and brads - plus ink and card stock.  I don't recognize the stamp set (but I've only been involved with Stampin' Up for about 5 or 6 years and since SU! turned 25 this year, that leaves a lot of years worth of stamps that I might not know about).

Thank you, Karen, for letting me share your card on my blog.  I hope you and everyone reading this has a wonderful Independence Day!