Not Just for the Holidays: Winter Woods

by

I had so much fun with this theme last week that I thought I should continue on!

Winter Woods.bundleWinter Woods is definitely one of those stamp sets/bundles that doesn’t have to be just for the holidays even though it was in the Holiday Catalog.  The only thing that says “Holidays” about it is the sentiment of “Thinking of you this season”.  Even that doesn’t really say “holidays.  You could send it to any one that you were thinking about who was going through some kind of difficult time or who you missed.

 

WInter Woods.blog.1218This is an easy card that we’ll be making in classes this week.  I used the Itty Bitty Greetings stamp set so you could use it pretty much for any occasion.  I’ve seen so many wonderful cards made using this stamp set and framelits that are for any time of the Winter Woods.blog.campyear!  The holiday cards made using this bundle of products are amazing!

Have you seen how the pine tree die can made to look almost three dimensional?  Check out this card that my friend Laura designed for our Stamp Camp last October.  Isn’t is gorgeous?  Gold, gold and more gold!  Don’t forget the shimmery on the tree!

The Winter Woods bundle is definitely for use all year long.  Have you ordered it yet?  If you want to save 10% when ordering the bundle be sure to order it before January 2nd and the end of the Holiday Catalog.  These items will be carrying over so you’ll be able to purchase them separately (no 10% off bundle price) at least through May.

Have a great day!  Take care and Happy Stamping!

Not Just for the Holidays: Alpine Adventures

by

Alpine Adventures.Camp1018The Alpine Adventures Bundle was one of the first items from the Holiday Catalog that I had to have.  That, along with the Buffalo Check Background Stamp.  The two of them together….how can you go wrong?

Finishing designing this card was another Woo Hoo! moment.  I was in love with my design.  I usually like my designs a lot but every so often you get to say “I love it when a plan comes together!”.  😀

This card does give off the “holiday” vibe even thought the only thing remotely holiday about it is the red bow.  I guess it’s just the red that says Christmas to most of us.  You can definitely use this stamp set for other occasions though….especially something like a birthday!

Alpine Adventures Birthday.blog.1218My husband’s birthday is right after Christmas and he loves to ski so this next card is perfect for him.

It doesn’t have a wreath or holly on it and it doesn’t say anything about the holidays.  The inside does say “Let it snow” but the outside says “Happy Birthday”.

I would even use the first card as a birthday card, especially for someone who likes winter.

You just need to think outside the box sometimes.  Have you been looking at your Holiday Catalog with a new eye?  Have you discovered any holiday products that don’t have to be used just for the holidays?  I would love to hear what you’ve discovered!  Leave me a comment and let me know what you’ve found!  Have a great day!  Take care and Happy Stamping!

 

Not Just for the Holidays: Halloween Paper

by

What?  Halloween Paper for anything other than Halloween?  You read the blog title correctly.  Halloween Paper.  Anytime of the year.  Hmmm…..

One of the perks of being a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator is being able to order products before the public.  Because I attended Stampin’ Up!’s On Stage event last month I was able to order a select number of products from the 2019 Occasions Catalog at that time.  I was also able to get some of the upcoming Sale-a-bration items.

So Hoppy Together.blog.1218One of the cutest items in the upcoming Sale-a-bration Brochure is a stamp set called So Hoppy Together.  It features the most adorable frogs!  And frogs is how we are going to be able to use the Toil & Trouble Designer Series Paper for occasions other than Halloween.  There are two sheets of the designer paper that are covered with frogs that coordinate perfectly with this new stamp set.  I wish I could take credit for combining these two products but alas, the credit goes to a fellow demonstrator.

The frog paper isn’t the only design in the package that could be used for occasions other than Halloween.  There is a striped pattern and a dotted pattern that you could easily use for other occasions too.  Versatile.  I love it!

Have you been looking through your Holiday Catalog and finding products that aren’t just for the holidays?  Be sure to leave me a comment and let me know what you’ve found!

Not just for the Holidays: First Frost

by

Don’t you love it when life throws you a curve ball…..during the holidays!  Sheesh!  When else would be a better time for one’s computer to crash?  Sheesh!  Luckily all is well now.  It did cause me to miss posting yesterday.  Sorry about that!

First Frost bundle.blogThe Frosted Floral Suite will definitely  work anytime of the year.  It’s a gorgeous floral suite of products that probably needs to get added to your wish list before it goes away.

As you can see from the photo to the left is there is only one sentiment in the stamp set that is for the holidays.  The other sentiments and images are perfect for many other occasions:  Birthdays, thinking of you, thank you and even sympathy.

FIrst Frost!.1118.blogThis is the birthday card that I made my mom for her birthday last month.  This is another one of those cards that made me smile after I had designed and made it.  Sometimes you just can’t help yourself when a plan comes together!  🙂

First Frost.1118.blogHave you checked out the Frosted Floral Specialty Designer Series Paper?  OMG!  It’s GORGEOUS!  I can’t get enough of it!  I will definitely be making sure that I have stocked up on this paper before it’s gone.  It’s hard to tell from the photo but the paper is printed on shimmery paper.  Have I told you yet that it’s GORGEOUS?  🙂

I hope you can tell how versatile that this whole suite of products is…..not just for the holidays!

Have a great day!  Take care and Happy Stamping!

Not Just for Christmas!

by

Wow!  Can you believe that it’s already December?  Christmas and other holidays are sneaking up on us fast!  There’s only another month left to order from the Holiday Catalog!  Oh, no!

Ah, you’re not worried because you’ve got your holiday cards and tags and gifts already made (this is just wishful thinking for me!).  You don’t need holiday stamp sets and accessories any more.  You’re ready to move on.

Wishing You Well.blog.1218Well, SLOW DOWN!  I want you take another hard look at the Holiday Catalog.  There are plenty of products that can be used for other occasions!  Yes, some of them are specifically made to be versatile like the absolutely MUST HAVE stamp set Wishing You Well (W-#147867 $27 C-#147864 $19) on page 35 of the Holiday Catalog.  With the different sentiments included in the set (or without them) you can use it all year long.

What I really want you to do is look at the products in the Holiday Catalog with an open mind.  Try to think outside the holiday box and come up with some ideas/designs for other occasions.  Follow along on my blog this week as I share some of these non-holiday ideas with you.

Wishing You Well.1018Here are a few more samples showing you just how versatile the Wishing You Well stamp set is.  The first sample is one I made (copied idea from fellow demonstrator) and the second was made by my sister-demo Glenda Timkovich for our holiday stamp camp.  You can see how this set can be used for different seasons and occasions.

Have a great day! Take Wishing You Well.Glenda.blogcare and Happy Stamping!

Cling Stamps: They’re Coming!

by

Woo Hoo!  Stampin’ Up! is getting Cling Stamps!  Look for them in the 2019 Occasions catalog that comes out in January!  Here’s how Stampin’ Up! describes them:

“Our die-cut, cling stamps are made of high-quality red rubber. They come with a strong image label that clings like crazy to our clear blocks or Stamparatus plates for easy stamping. Stamp, then remove the stamp for space-saving storage. (Clear blocks and Stamparatus are sold separately.)”

These amazing stamps were demonstrated at the recent On Stage event that I attended earlier this month and we got to play with them a bit.  They really stick!

There are some important tips to remember when using Cling Stamps.  First of all, when cleaning your Cling Stamps don’t use alcohol based cleaners (StazOn Cleaner) or wipes of any type.  The fibers from the wipes can stick to the sticky label and then it won’t stick to your block.  When removing the stamp from your block don’t just yank it off.  You’ll tear the foam.  You need to grasp the stamp near the label, maybe even get your fingernail under the label a little to pull the stamp off.

I haven’t really had a chance to play with the cling stamps at home yet but I’m looking forward to it!  I just counted and there are 27 Cling Stamp sets in the upcoming 2019 Occasions Catalog and 5 in the 2019 Sale-a-bration Brochure!  Woo Hoo!

I’ll give you more info and my “expert” opinion of these once I really start playing with them.  Have a great day!  Take care and Happy Stamping!

 

Photopolymer Stamps

by

photopolymer-stampsWhoever invented clear stamps is BRILLIANT!  I love stamping with Stampin’ Up!’s photopolymer stamps.  Put the stamp on your clear block, ink it up and stamp your image straight every time!

Here’s how Stampin’ Up! describes their photopolymer stamps:                         “Our top-quality photopolymer stamps are entirely transparent for perfect image placement, and they adhere well to our clear blocks. They’re flexible and easy to line up, giving you even more creative possibilities with each set. You can mix and match, bend, and layer images easily. You’ll only need one set of blocks for all your photopolymer stamps (blocks sold separately). ”

Pick a Pennant.0618It’s great to be able to bend the stamp so that you can curve a straight line.  On this card that I made using the Pick a Pennant stamp set my banners are fairly straight which works on this card.  But the beauty of the stamp set is that I could have easily curved the banners if I had wanted to.  Talk about versatile!  🙂

In this stamp set, the little banner pieces are separate from the “string” and the decorations for the banner are separate pieces too.  With my photopolymer stamp set though it was SO easy to line everything up because I could see right through the stamp, even when it was inked up.

Photopolymer stamps are jumping to the top of my favorites list.  They stick to the blocks, you can see through them to line things up and the work perfectly with the Stamparatus!

So, after reading about all three types of Stampin’ Up! stamps, which are your favorite?  Leave me a comment and let me know.

Have a great day!  Take care and Happy Stamping!

 

Clear Block & DistINKtive Stamps

by

Healing Hugs.0718Yesterday was all about wood block stamps and today we’re moving on to clear block stamps.  If you watched the video I posted on Monday you know that wood block stamps and clear blocks stamps are exactly the same except for the fact that you don’t permanently mount a clear block  stamp to the block.

Clear block stamps are easy to store since they come in a smaller, DVD-like case.  One of the best things about clear block stamps is that you can use them with your Stamparatus.  You can’t use a Stamparatus with wood block stamps.

I LOVE my Stamparatus.  It makes it so easy to line things up and to make multiple projects.  I won’t go into details about the Stamparatus today.  It deserves it’s own post that I may go into at later date (maybe check back next week….).  Needless to say though….YOU NEED A STAMPARATUS!

But back to clear block stamps….

They do stamp just as well as wood block stamps but I do sometimes have problems with them staying stuck to my block.  This mostly happens if the block isn’t clean or if I’m using a really small stamp.  If I can’t get my stamp to stick to the block I may get out my SNAIL adhesive and put just a bit on the block.  The problem with this is that then your block is all sticky.  I haven’t tried this, but other stampers have said that they spread a small amount of Tombow Liquid Glue on the label of the stamp and let it dry.  It dries a little tacky and therefore sticks better to the block.  If you’ve tried this leave me a comment and let me know what you think.

Stampin’ Up! has recently come out with a new type of red rubber stamp called DistINKtive.  The images stamped with these type of stamps are AMAZING!  Check out this short video about this type of stamp.

The card I posted at the beginning of this post is made using the Healing Hugs stamp set.  It’s a DistINKtive stamp set.  I posted this card a month or so ago and you can read about it here.  Isn’t the image amazing?  I’ll be designing another card using this stamp set for my December class.  I can’t wait!  I love this flower image.

Don’t forget that today is the last day of the Online Extravaganza.  It’s your last chance to get a 10% discount on Tools & Inks from the Annual Catalog.  Have a great day!  Take care and Happy Stamping!

Tools & Inks On Sale Now!

by

OnlineEx3a.1118The last of this year’s Online Extravaganza’s mini sales is on!  It’s time to purchase your favorite tools and inks.  Don’t miss out!  Order early!  This is a great way to get some more of the new ink pads and the new colors.  I need to figure out which ones I’m going to purchase.

This week is “All About the Stamps” and today we’ll talk about the one and only, original, Wood Block stamps.  If you watched the video I shared yesterday you heard that the wood blocks themselves are made of solid maple.  These blocks are sturdy and easy to hold on to.

Wood Block stamps have always been a favorite of mine because once you mount the stamp on the block you are good to go….always.  Once you stick that stamp on the block it’s there for good.  I like this when I’m designing because I can just open the stamp case, grab my stamp, ink it and stamp!  No messing around with finding the correct block size for the stamp.  I also like the fact that my stamp doesn’t fall off the block when I’m inking it up or stamping an image.  Yes, Wood Block stamps have always been a favorite of mine.

Ok…the joke’s on me right now.  I was all set to tell you that if you’re concerned about lining your image up straight when stamping with the wood blocks you should grab your Stamp-a-ma-jig found on page xxx in the Annual Catalog but it’s not in the current Annual Catalog.  Sheesh!  You’d think I could keep on top of these things!  Luckily you can still find them on Amazon.com if you don’t have one.

What I can tell you for a fact though is that when the new 2019 Annual Catalog comes out in June you won’t be able to purchase Wood Block stamps (except for Background Stamps).  So, if you really like Wood Block stamps you may want to purchase them before June.  We were a little shocked at On Stage in Orlando when they announced this because our CEO and Founder, Shelli Gardner,  always said we’d never get rid of them.  Well, times do change.

Are you wondering if something is replacing Wood Block stamps?  Well….tune back in on Friday…..  🙂

Have a great day!  Take care and Happy Stamping!

It’s All About the Stamps

by

OnlineEx2a.1118Today is the last day that you can get Stamps & Kits from the Annual Catalog at 10% off during the Online Extravaganza.  Have you ordered yet?  Do you at least have your Wish List made out?  Get those orders in before your favorite items are gone!

This week on my blog it’s going to be All About the Stamps!  Stampin’ Up! wouldn’t be the company they are without stamps now, would they?  They have some of the best stamps on the market and this week we are going to talk about them.

Check out this short video that you gives you great descriptions of the three different types of stamps that Stampin’ Up! offers and a few of the benefits of the different types.

I love all of the types of Stampin’ Up! stamps and my favorite will depend on the situation.  Be sure to follow along on my blog this week as we go into a little more detail on stamps.  Do you have a favorite type of Stampin’ Up! stamp?  Leave a comment and let me know which type is your favorite.

Have a great day!  Take care and Happy Stamping!

Stamps & Kits On Sale Now!

by

OnlineEx2a.1118The second mini sale of the Online Extravaganza has begun!  Don’t miss out.  ORDER EARLY!  Things are selling out quickly so don’t wait!

Have you had your eye on a favorite stamp set or kit?  Now is the time to grab them while they’re on sale!  You can order online or through me.

Have a great day!  Take care and Happy Stamping!

Stampin’ Up!’s Paper & Embellishments On Sale!

by

OnlineEx1a.1118Woo Hoo!  The sale has begun!  Did you get your wish list written down for Paper & Embellishments?  Our dinner guests didn’t leave until late last night so I need to get my list done ASAP.

I know I need to get some envelopes as someone we know hasn’t even begun to make their Christmas cards….Ssh! don’t tell!  I’ll probably add on some card stock colors that I’m low on as well as some of my favorite ribbons and designer papers.  What are you going to purchase in this first little mini sale?

Have a great day!  Take care and Happy Stamping!

Online Extravaganza

by

On this busy day of family, friends and giving thanks I want to remind you of Stampin’ Up!’s Online Extravaganza that begins tomorrow.

First, I need to apologize for not posting for almost a week.  My little ‘ole computer wasn’t cooperating and then, you know, life happened.  I’m ready to get back on track though so be sure and join my next week as I get back into the swing of things.

Stampin’ Up!’s Annual Online Extravaganza begins tomorrow.  This year they are actually running three different 48-Hour Sales!  By the end of the three sales ALMOST everything in the Annual Catalog will have been on sale at 10% off.  Yes, there are some items that will NOT be on sale.  You can view those exceptions here.

Here’s what’s on sale when:

Friday November 23rd & Saturday November 24th:  Paper & Embellishments

Sunday November 25th & Monday November 26th:  Stamps & Kits

Tuesday November 27th & Wednesday November 28th:  Tools & Inks

OnlineEx1a.1118Sale #1 begins tomorrow, Friday November 23rd and ends at 11:59 pm on Saturday November 24th.  This sale includes paper and embellishments from the Annual Catalog.  Woo Hoo!  Time to stock up!

There are a couple of things to remember during this sale.  First, only a predetermine amount of product will be available at sale prices.  If there is something you want, order it early!  Secondly, you must remember that sale prices for any specific item are only good during it’s 2-day period.  If you want that package of Basic Black cardstock at 10% off you need to order it Friday or Saturday.  It won’t be available at the sale price on Sunday.  This means that you may need to place three different orders over the course of the Online Extravaganza.

Orders can be placed online or through me.

I will be placing an order early during each mini sale.  If you would like to me to place your order please have it to me by noon the first day of each sale.

Paper & Embellishments:  Noon on Friday, November 23rd

Stamps & Kits:  Noon on Sunday, November 25th

Tools & Inks:  Noon on Tuesday November 27th

Enjoy these great deals and Happy Stamping!

 

 

On Stage Fun

by

OnStage Fun.1aStampin’ Up! events are a lot of fun and sometimes we get a little crazy….even our CEO Sara Douglass gets in on the action!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OnStage Fun.3aIt’s always fun watching this Mother/Daughter duo together.  Founder Shelli Gardner and CEO Sara Douglass.

 

 

 

 

 

OnStage Fun.2a

 

The entire Gardner clan celebrates 30 years of Stampin’ Up!.  Mom, Dad, their five daughters along with their families.  Only two members were missing.  Such a beautiful family.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my recap of Stampin’ Up!’s 30th Anniversary Celebration.  Does it make you want to join me at the next event in April?  Think about…..Sale-a-bration is a great time to join the Stampin’ Up! family!

Have a great day!  Take care and Happy Stamping!

Coming Soon: Needle & Thread Bundle

by

When we demonstrators go to Stampin’ Up! events there is always some Stamping involved.  Woo Hoo!  The best part is that we always get to stamp with new products!

Needle & ThreadaThis is one of the Make-n-Take projects we got to make.  It is made with the lovely new Needle & Thread Stamp set and the Needlepoint Elements Framelits.

It’s one of Stampin’ Up!’s DisINKtive stamp sets.  This means that images are very real looking.  In this stamp set it actually looks like you made the flowers with your needle & thread!  It’s really amazing.  The artist actually took a photo of the image and made it into a stamp.  Amazing.

It’s Tip of the Day Thursday so here’s your tip on working with  DistINKtive stamps:  You don’t want too much ink on your stamp so that the life-like image really pops.  Use your bone folder to “scrape” off a little ink on the top of your ink pad before inking up the stamp.  You could also just pick up some of the ink from your ink pad with a Sponge Dauber and dab it on the stamp before stamping the image on your paper.  It really works!

Needle & Thread1aDid you notice the big solid looking die on the framelit sheet?  It creates this lovely background image with all the poked holes.  (OK…I know there is a name for this but I can’t think of it this morning….if you know what word I’m looking for, please let me know!)  I just love it!  I can’t wait to play some more with this bundle.

You don’t get a very good view of the Needlepoint Nook Designer Series Paper but it is amazing too!  Be sure to put this bundle and the coordinating products on your wish list for January!

Have a great day!  Take care and Happy Stamping!