New XL Scallop Circle Punch

There is a new extra large scallop circle punch in the new catalog.  It's 2 3/8" and opens up a whole bunch of possibilities.  You can layer the large circle scallop punch or the 1 3/4" circle punch on it.  You can make different styles of flowers or about anything else you can do with the smaller (but still large) scallop circle punch.  It will just be bigger.  I used both scallop circle punches on the card below, so I ended up with two different size flowers.

We made this card in the July club meeting.  It also uses the oval scallop punch, two different size circle punches, the small polka dot texture plate and Certainly Celery designer series paper.  The sentiment is from Teeny Tiny Wishes.  The flowers are made with the new colors Delightful Daffodil and Poppy Parade, both of which are much prettier in person.

As usual, the card really does have straight edges and the designer series paper is centered and straight on the card.  I just can't seem to photograph it so it looks that way :)

Friends Never Fade

This is another card we made in the July club meeting.  It uses the new stamp set, Friends Never Fade and the new colors Cherry Cobbler and Marina Mist.  The sentiment is from the set Because I Care.

Because I Care

Sorry it's been awhile since I posted.  I've been quite busy since my last post  -- most good, some not so much.  But, that's how life is, isn't it?

Now, on to some cards.  The two cards today were made using the Level 1 Hostess Set "Because I Care."  We made the first one in the July club meeting.  I love the new Concord Crush color.  It's such a rich purple color.  The green is Pear Pizzazz, another new color.  I used the Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder for the background.

This second card is just a variation of the first, using Daffodil Delight and Old Olive.

Thanks for looking.  I'll post more tomorrow.

Sue Root, Independent Stampin' Up Demonstrator

Petal Card Die

I've posted pictures of these two projects before, but now I've decided to add a few more details.  This die retires June 30, so don't miss out if you decide you want it. 

The bookmark uses the set A Rose is a Rose and the petal card uses Razzleberry Lemonade Designer Series Paper (save 25%) and Crushed Curry card stock (50% off).  All of these items retire June 30.

In addition to these projects, this die can be used to make large hearts -- either to put on cards or as a little pocket (great for favors, or add a ribbon and hang on the door at Valentine's Day -- don't forget to fill it!).  Or, fold up three sides to make an open mini envelope and then attach it to a card with a pull out tag.  I  also have seen 3 sides folded with the top left open and used as a tea bag holder (you can give to someone this way or attach to a card).  There are lots of ideas to use with that, including a set from the new catalog with tea cups and the saying "tea"rific.  Don't have pictures to post, but if you're interested, ask me for details.

Left:  Bookmark;  Right:  Petal Card

Petal card open: outside of card.

Petal card open: inside of card.

This is the backside of the petal card when it is folded.  Since it folds in on itself (kind of like closing up a box), no adhesive is necessary.

Backside of bookmark:  attach the bottom two flaps to the backside of the bookmark.  Attach the top two flaps to each other, but don't glue them down on the bookmark.  This leaves the opening to put the bookmark over the corner of your page.

Graduation Cards

Here are a couple of graduation cards I made using the Happy Grad stamp:

I made the cards in each of the graduate's school colors.  The red and black one was inspired by a card posted on Splitcoast by berlycece.  It was for a girl.  The blue and gold one was for a boy, so I used the first card as inspiration for the second.

Inside, I put some more embossed butterflies (red and black card) and stamped some star images (blue and gold card).  I think the star stamp came from Sporting (which is retiring).  I also combined sentiments from three sets to get the message I wanted to say (Congratulations, You did it!, and Happy Graduation).

The background textures are not SU, but everything else is.  The black twine is retired (but I can get you a pack if you want one) and some of the colors (Brilliant Blue and Summer Sun) are retiring.  Everything else, including the Basic Black 1/4" grosgrain ribbon, is staying.

Thanks for stopping by my blog.  Hope you enjoyed it!  Sue Root

See the New Catalog

I am having a class on July 1, 2010 (Thursday) at 10:00am and 7:00pm.  We will make projects featuring new colors and items from the new catalog.

Also, the new catalog will be available to peruse or purchase. Cost: $7. Please contact me by 6/28 to register and for location info. This class (and a new catalog) is free for Stamp Club Members. Ask me for details.

I can't post pictures because my new stamps aren't here yet (hopefully tomorrow!).  I'm sure you'll like them, though, because I really like the stamp sets and colors we'll be using.

JULY 1st IS THE FIRST DAY THAT YOU CAN ORDER FROM THE NEW CATALOG!!  Lots of great new stuff!!

Hope you can come to the class!

More Animal Crackers

Here's another card using Animal Crackers, which retires at the end of the month.  The Designer Series Paper is Close to Cocoa Prints.  It's retired, but if you want a pack I can get one for you.  It's great for more masculine or, in this case, Autumn looking cards.  This DSP was also used on the trifold shutter card using the retired set Backwoods (see tags).

This card also uses the Trio Flower Punch (retiring), Boho Blossoms punch, several oval punches and brads from Vanilla Hodgepodge Hardware (love that stuff).

Baby Cards

I cannot believe that I have only posted one other card using the adorable stamp set Animal Crackers (which retires at the end of the month).  I use this set lots!  Here are two baby cards I made.  Perhaps I didn't post them because I used some retired supplies and the one card uses a non-SU alphabet set.  The other card uses Teeny Tiny Wishes.  I use that set so often that I don't usually bother to tag it.

Correction (added 1/13/11):  The sentiment on the first card comes from Fun and Fast Notes (not Teeny Tiny Wishes, which does have a baby stamp that says hello baby).  I used my marker to ink up only the words on the baby carriage stamp.

Thanks for stopping by my blog

Close as a Memory meets Kind and Caring Thoughts

This card was made with Close as a Memory -- another stamp set that will be retiring on June 30.  This set is wonderful for Sympathy cards, which is what the sentiments in the set are for.  However, I changed it up a bit by using Thanks So Much from Kind and Caring Thoughts.  The colors are Rich Razzleberry and Crushed Curry.  I know it's hard to tell.  I'm still working on the photography thing :)  Crushed Curry will also be gone at the end of the month.  And since Kind and Caring Thoughts is a hostess set, it will retire, too.

Sorry it's been a while since I posted.  Between the new camera and the new computer, I've had a big learning curve.

Hippo Happy Birthday

As promised, I am posting some older (but not previously put on my blog) projects using retiring stamps.  I made this card at the first class I held as demonstrator.  The class was a fundraiser for the wonderful preschool at my church.  Unfortunately, Zoofari (the hippo) retired last year.  But, it's not too late to get the versatile set Happy Everything.

I used Green Galore on this card.  The picture doesn't do it justice.  It is a wonderfully cheery color.  It too is going away, as are lots of other colors.  The retiring colors are only available while supplies last, so order yours today.

Wondering where Simply Said is?  It was used to make the background on the hippo.

Retired Stamp Set Samples

Well over 100 stamp sets are retiring this month.  They will be available until June 30 and then they'll be gone.  You can see samples made with some of these stamps by clicking on the stamp set name below.  I have made a lot more cards using the retiring sets.  I will post some over the next couple of weeks, so be sure to check back.  Also, there are many accessories and Decor Elements retiring.  See this post for details on all last chance (retiring) items.

A Rose is a Rose A bookmark made with the large rose.
Animal Crackers Chick breaking out of the egg.
Close as a Memory
Happy Everything
Itty Bitty Backgrounds
One of a Kind Sentiment from set with punch art flowers.
Sprinkles
Very Thankful  SU! will donate $2 to Ronald McDonald house for each set purchased.

If you'd like to order any of these sets, just let me know.

Last Chance Lists

Well, Stampin' Up has released the last chance lists.  The items on the accessories list are only available while supplies last (and some are already gone), but no later than June 30.  The stamps and Definitely Decorative items will be available until June 30.

Accessories List:

http://204.228.150.61/2010lastchancelist/Retiredaccessories-USENG.pdf

Stamp List:

http://204.228.150.61/2010lastchancelist/LastChanceStamps_0510_US.pdf


Definitely Decorative List:

http://204.228.150.61/2010lastchancelist/LastChanceDefinitelyDecorative_0510_US.pdf

The stamp and Definitely Decorative lists are available in a sortable Excel spreadsheet.  I can't figure out a way to link those, but if you are interested, I can try to e-mail them to you.

I will be happy to order any of these items, or any other Stampin' Up products, for you.  Feel free to contact me with any questions.

So, the list is posted.  What do you think?  Would love to hear your thoughts.  I'll start:  I'm really surprised by the number of Big Shot dies on the list.  Knew the items with retiring colors would have to go.  Was surprised by the number of punches until Tiffany (from the morning club) pointed out re-configured column.  Looks like they'll be back in a different form (most likely the new flat style).

I'm surprised by some of the stamps going, but not others.  And surprised by some that aren't going.  I need to spend more time with that list.

I'm very excited, though, because with all the products going that means more room in the catalog for new products!  Stampin' Up has announced that the catalog will be 16 pages bigger this time, too.  Lots of new stuff!!!

Please keep in mind that these are only my personal thoughts and do not represent Stampin' Up in any way.

Okay, your turn.  Leave a comment with your thoughts on the last chance lists.

Birthday Cards

I have been busy since I last posted. I got sick (YUCK!) -- knocked me out for a couple of days, had a birthday (Yeah!), am in the middle of a visit from my in-laws (also Yeah!) and today we celebrated my daughter Catherine's birthday (she's 15 -- where does the time go?). Today I am posting 3 of the four hand crafted cards that I received for my birthday. I am not posting the fourth because it was a postcard (from the Card Ministry at my church) done on glossy cardstock. Think I have trouble photographing cards? Try getting a good picture of a glossy one!

Because I think somewhere I've written that all products are Stampin' Up unless otherwise noted, I'm noting that the card from my friend Doris and the one from my daughter aren't all Stampin' Up.  Also, I want to mention that all of these cards are much (MUCH) prettier in person.  I just can't seem to get good photos.  I'll keep at it, though, and one of these days...

This is the card my daughter Nicole made.  I taught a class on making hinge cards at Easter and she thought they were pretty cool.  Without me knowing it, she took one of the cards I had made and figured out how to make her own.  This is her birthday version of a hinge card.  She's a pretty talented little card maker (I know, spoken like a proud momma -- well, I am).

This pretty card came from my friend Doris.  We both enjoy all kinds of crafts and have enjoyed "talking crafts" for years.  She's also my UMW Prayer Partner.

This last card totally surprised me.  I belong to an online demo group called NCSU Demos (that's North Carolina Stampin' Up, not NC State University -- though I do like them, too).  We share tips, project ideas and business information.  Just another great resource available to demos.  Anyhow, this card was made by Jana Suthers and sent on behalf of the group.  How nice is that?

Thanks Nicole, Doris and Jana (and the NCSU Demos) for the beautiful cards.  I certainly appreciate each of them.

Color Renovation Update

Cardstock in retiring colors is now only available as supplies last.  Sage Shadow cardstock is gone and Only Orange is only available in 12 x 12.  Re-inkers, pads and markers are available through 5/31 and then as supplies last.

Full list of retiring items, called the Last Chance List, will be released on June 1st.  Everyone on my mailing list will receive the information as soon as I have it.  Contact me if you'd like to be added to my mailing list.

Happy Stamping!  Sue Root

Very Thankful in Bermuda Bay

Keeping on the simple card theme, here's a format I just love.  Quick, easy and uses up that darn half inch strip you get whenever you cut down 8 1/2 x 11 cardstock to layer on a card.  It uses the Stampin' Up sets Very Thankful and Sprinkles,  plus the current In Color Bermuday Bay.  Bermuda Bay will be retiring and is only available while supplies last, so order yours now.

If you don't already have a demo, I'd love to be yours. Leave a comment on this post or contact me at the e-mail address in my header.

Thanks for stopping by, Sue Root

Fifth Avenue Florals in Vase

This design is adaptable to many different sets.  This is a variation on the card we made at the new stamper class (May 12th post).  I also did the same type card with a kids' Sunday School class at church, but we used Awash with Flowers.  Change the set, change the vase, change the look.  Great for a beginner!  This card and the one from the class were done with no layers, but I've made them layered before.  I've also added ribbons and other embellishments.  So, this idea can be modified to suit your needs and your style.

Elements of Style

I created this card because I wanted something quick and easy made with this Stampin' Up set, Elements of Style.  This set is so beautiful that it doesn't take much to make a really nice card.  You can do more with it, you just don't have to.

Hope you enjoy it!  Sue

Elements of Style Butterfly Card

I saw this card by carddiva on Splitcoast and had to try it.  It uses the Stampin' Up set Elements of Style from the new mini catalog.  Buy this set, or one of several other select sets, during May and get a free package of designer brads.  It also uses the Bigz die Beautiful Butterflies.

Punch Flowers

This is one of the items we made at the May Stamp Club.  We also learned how to do the Embossed Reinker Spread technique and made a card using that technique.

The flowers on this card are made using the following Stampin Up punches:   five petal flower punch, the heart to heart punch and the trio flower punch.

Cards for the Troops a Big Success

Had a great night making cards to send to our military personnel.  We made over 200 cards to be sent overseas for our soldiers to use to send back home to their loved ones.  Here's one of the cards I designed, but it had a Ruby Red Background (like the flowers) instead of Not Quite Navy.

The top part is perfect to fit on one of the notecards sold by Stampin' Up.  Makes a quick, simple, nice card.

In real life, the card is not blurry.  I just couldn't seem to get it to photograph well.

Did you know that Vintage Vogue is still available?  It is.  Clear mount is $17.95; wood mount is $23.95.  Contact me to order this stamp set or any other Stampin' Up items.  I'd love to be your demonstrator.