Monday, April 28, 2014

SMILE

Happy Day, Everyone!


A card like this just makes me smile.  Bright colors, straight cuts, a touch of whimsy. Done.
Both Happy Day stamp set and Gingham Garden Designer Series Paper are retiring.  Visit my WEBSITE to see all our current and retiring products.  While you  are there be sure to check out the CLEARANCE RACK.

Until the next time, keep smiling!
Trish

Friday, April 25, 2014

HELLO, GOOD-BYE

Hi Everyone!
The last month of the Stampin' Up! catalog year is always bittersweet for me, as we are saying good-bye to some of my favorite stamp sets and paper crafting tools and supplies; but looking forward to the reveal of great new products to play with.

Today's card  features some retiring and some carrying-over products (yay!):


stamp:  Oh, Hello*
ink:  Basic Black
card stock:  Whisper White
designer series paper:  Retro Fresh (Occasions catalog)
tools:  Hexagon (Occasions catalog) and Oval framelits, Big Shot
extras:  3/8" Coastal Cabana Ruffle Stretch trim*, Rhinestone jewels, Retro Fresh Washi Tape
*Retiring: available until June 4, while supplies last


REMINDER:  Today, April 25 is the last day to get free shipping.
Order today and save!

Hope you have a day that sparkles,
Trish


Thursday, April 24, 2014

SECRET GARDEN

Happy Thursday, Everyone! Today's card uses a color combination I never get tired of:

stamps:  Secret Garden*, Sassy Salutations
inks:  Basic Black, Daffodil Delight
card  stock:  Whisper White, Basic Black
designer series paper:  Polka Dot Parade
tools:  Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, Secret Garden framelits*, Itty Bitty Punch pack*, Squares framelits, Big Shot
extras:  Pearls jewels, stampin' dimensionals

I love how easily this goes together.  Change up the colors, stamps, dsp, for a whole new look.

*Retiring, available only while supplies last

Save $$$.  No shipping charges through April 25.
That's tomorrow!

Thanks for taking a look. May all your days be bright.
Trish

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

TAG IT!


Graduation is just around the corner.  Here's a fun card that just might make the grade for that grad in your life.

stamp:  Tag It!*
paper:  Very Vanilla, So Saffron, Tangerine
            Tango, Coastal Cabana card stock;
            Retro Fresh designer series paper
tools:  Chalk Talk framelits, Big Shot,
             1/2" Circle punch
extras: Gold Baker's Twine, Champagne
            Glimmer Paper, Watercolor Wonder
             Designer Washi Tape (inside card),
             stampin' dimensionals

*This stamp set is on the list of Retiring Products.  For each Tag It! set purchased this catalog year, Stampin' Up! will donate $3 to the Ronald McDonald House Charities, which help families of children with serious illnesses.

Order today through Friday, April 25 and get free shipping!

See you next time,
Trish

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

HAPPY DAY

Welcome back, Everyone!
Today's card is such and easy one to do.

Cut 3 banners of the length and width you desire.  Do a little stamping, a little embellishing, a little adhering.  Done!

Here's what you need to make this card:

stamp set: Happy Day*
paper:  Basic Black, Smoky Slate, Whisper White card stock;
            Polka Dot Parade designer series paper*
ink: Basic Black, Whisper White, Daffodil Delight, Smoky Slate
extras:  Gingham Garden Washi tape*, Neutrals Candy Dots, stampin' dimensionals

Hint:  take things up a notch by heat embossing the "smile" in White Embossing Powder.

Final note:  did you see the *s in my menu?  Those products have been placed on the Retiring Lists and are now available only until June 4 or as long as supplies last.  Some products on the lists have already sold out.

Reminder:  there is FREE SHIPPING through Friday, April 25.  It's a great time to get those products ordered that you been wanting.

Have a HAPPY DAY!
Trish

Saturday, April 19, 2014

FREE SHIPPING

Free Shipping!!!


Get FREE shipping on everything (excluding expedited orders) April 21-25!

The lists of retiring products will able available on April 21, so you can take advantage of free shipping by ordering all your favorites right away!

We know from years past that the most popular consumable products on the Retiring Lists sell out super fast.


Just in from Stampin' Up!
The Retired Products promotion starts April 21, but one retiring product is already sold out! The Raspberry Ripple Classic Stampin' Ink Refill (item 126852) is no longer available. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Happy weekend!
Trish

Thursday, April 17, 2014

THINKING OF YOU


Happy Wednesday!

“Thinking of You” cards are very versatile (good for all sorts of occasions) and great for having a ready supply on hand.  This simple 2-color card gets stepped up a notch when we heat emboss twice.
 
Stamps:  Happy Day, Four You
 
Card stock:  Whisper White, Crisp Canteloupe
Ink:  Crisp Canteloupe, Calypso Coral
Extra touches:  Iridescent Ice and Clear embossing powders, Calypso Coral Candy Dots, stampin’ dimensionals
 
Tools:  Heat tool

 
Tips to accomplish the look: 

Stamp the greeting in Calypso Coral, immediately apply Clear EB, then melt using heat tool.
Follow the same procedure for flourishes, using Crisp Canteloupe and Iridescent Ice EB.
This works because our firm foam pad inks are formulated to stay wet longer than traditional felt pad inks.

Final thoughts: 1. I think I would prefer to see more of that Crisp Canteloupe band.  Next time it will make the mat piece a bit smaller.  2. The card looks ever so much prettier than my pictures show.

Thanks for stopping by,
Trish

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

GLITTERED GREETINGS, part 3

Hi, Everyone!
Here's the final installment of my March Paper Pumpkin 'Glittered Greetings" cards.  Each one starts with the kit card base, adding a little of this and a little of that.


This one features the wood cut 'congrats' inked up with Daffodil Delight, as is the tag in the lower right. Don't forget to sponge around the edges.   Background design was created using Off the Grid (annual catalog) with Smoky Slate and the random spots stamp from the Paper Pumpkin Welcome kit inked in both Smoky Slate and Calypso Coral.


I think this one is fun, Gather up a variety of texture/background/fill-in stamps (these all came from Paper Pumpkin kits); stamp in complimentary colors. Punch out with various sizes of circle punches.  Create a Whisper White mat using your Big Shot and favorite embossing folder (here I used Decorative Dots, which will be available in the 2014-2015 Annual Catalog).  Mount circles using your favorite adhesive .  Add a strip or two of Washi tape, like this one from the Retro Fresh line in our Occasions catalog (available through June 1).  Notice how the colors of the tape match the circle and card base?  That is one of the big reasons I love Stampin' Up! products.


I saved my favorite for last.  So simple, yet so lovely. Fresh but at the same time vintage-y.   Ink 'So Very Grateful ' flowers in Basic Black.  Watercolor flowers and leaves using markers and Blender Pens.  Here I chose Wisteria Wonder, Wild Wasabi, and Calypso Coral.  The  tag and flower centers are done in Pumpkin Pie.

We thoroughly enjoyed this kit.  Already have word my next is on its way.  Can hardly wait to see the fun that awaits.

Until the next time,  may all your days be colorful ones.
Trish

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

GLITTERED GREETINGS, part 2

Back again with further designs using the March Paper Pumpkin kit.  Today, let's take a look at some of the creations that came out of our monthly Paper Pumpkin Pals Play Date  -- getting together with other stampers somehow stimulates even sluggish creativity.  Plus it is just plain fun!




Each kit includes both consumable and non-consumable products.  I love taking stamps from previous kits and using them in new ways, like this bike, the random dots, and the 'hello'.  The sun was made using Daffodil Delight card stock and a 7/8" Scallop Circle punch.  Word Bubbles framelits and my trusty Big Shot helped me make the clouds and greeting. A little sponging around the edges really gives each piece just the right finishing touch.




April Showers were on Lou's mind when he created this  delightful card!  Look at all the details.  From the sun peeking out from behind the black cloud to the rain drops (negative elements from the retired Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer punch) falling down on the handcrafted umbrella, each element adds to the story.  Did you notice the woodcut people?  They are left over from a previous kit.  The hand-painted umbrella and clothing add just the right pop of color.



Ashley needed a sympathy card and quickly fashioned this simply lovely card, using the Love and Sympathy set inked with Calypso Coral.  Stamping the flower element on the wider white stripe makes for perfect framing.   Progressive layers of Whisper White, Coastal Cabana and Calypso Coral cardstock give the card front balance and draw attention to its tender message of comfort.

Want yet a few more card ideas?  Be sure to check out my next post.

Until then,  may the Lord bless and keep you.
Trish

Monday, April 14, 2014

GLITTERED GREETINGS

Hello, Everyone!  Welcome back.  Hope you had a wonderful weekend.  We spent Saturday morning doing Spring yard clean-up as the weather was beautiful, reaching a high of 80.  Sunday brought temps down to the low 40's with severe thunderstorms turning to snow in the overnight.  Driving early this morning was a bit dicey at times; but by God's grace, we both made it to work safely.

Lou and I always look forward to the arrival of My Paper Pumpkin.  We each have a subscription to this terrific kit of the month offered by Stampin' Up!  The March kit was exceptional in quality and value. 

In each box, we received:




1 photopolymer stamp set, 8 printed designer paper cards, 8 A-2 envelopes, 8 gold foil envelope liners, 2 sheets of glitter self-adhesive dots, 8 woodcut accent greetings, 1 sheet of mini glue dots.

Today, a couple of cards using just the elements of the kit:



Fold the card stock, stamp the Calypso Coral band, adhere the glittered dots, adhere the wood 'thank you' accent, and you are done! Wasn't that easy?   I am crazy about those gold foil envelope liners.

The 2nd share for today takes it up a notch:


This time, we stamped with Island Indigo,  and colored the 'congrats' by tapping the Calypso Coral ink pad directly only the woodcut accent. Finish as above.

All 8 cards in the kit can be completed just as easily and quickly as that.  Or you can use your kit as a launch pad for creating you own unique take.  Come back next time to see some of the designs fashioned at our monthly Paper Pumpkin Pals Play Date for the Glittered Greetings kit.

If you would like more information about My Paper Pumpkin or to subscribe, visit MY PAPER PUMPKIN website;  when asked, be sure to name me as your demonstrator.   If you live locally email me at HERE for details about our free monthly Paper Pumpkin Pals Play Date.

Happy Monday!  Happy Stampin'!
Trish

Saturday, April 12, 2014

OH, HELLO

Saturday is a perfect time to spend a little time in the craft room.  But who wants to spend the whole day indoors when the weather is beautiful.  The solution is a quick and easy card, perhaps like this one:



To make this card, you will need:  Oh, Hello stamp set; Soft Suede and Whisper White card stock; Smoky Slate, Whisper White and Cherry Cobbler ink pads; Daffodil Delight and Gumball Green markers; Simply Scored and Simply Scored Borders Plate; Ovals framelits and Big Shot; Linen Thread; Sponge Dauber; Two-Way Glue; Stampin' Dimensionals
Hints: 
*Dry emboss the zigzags using the Simply Scored and Borders Plate;  rub white ink over the embossed area using the sponge dauber.

*Stamp in this order:  chevron oval, then greeting; then flower inked using markers.  Then cut out oval using the framelit.

* When using markers on the stamp itself, remoisten before stamping onto card stock by breathing (huffing) onto the stamp.

Here's what I did with the inside using some Retro Fresh This and That washi tape:


Greeting is from the Sassy Salutations set.

That's it for today.  Have a great weekend!  See you next time,
Trish

Friday, April 11, 2014

BRING ON THE CAKE

Friday Fun!
Let's make a guy card today:



stamps:  Bring On the Cake
paper:  Basic Black, Very Vanilla card stock; Modern Medley designer series paper
tools:  Arrows embossing folder, Big Shot, Paper Piercer & piercing mat,
more: Stampin' Dimensionals,  Gold baker's twine, Gold mini brad (retired/optional),

Tonight is my club night.  So looking forward to creative time with "Cheaper than Therapy".

Happy stampin'!
Trish

Thursday, April 10, 2014

REGARDING DAHLIAS

Thankful for Thursday!

What a gorgeous spring day we experienced here yesterday!  Hope your wasLo equally enjoyable.
The warmer weather always gets me thinking about flowers of all kinds. Such as the dahlia featured on today's tag card.

 
 
Lots of layers and techniques but not too busy. Very quick and easy.

stamps:  Regarding Dahlias set, Very Vintage wheel
paper:  Summer Starfruit, Very Vanilla card stock
inks:  Coastal Cabana, Midnight Muse, Versamark ink pads
tools:  Angled Tag Topper punch, 1/2" Circle punch, Paper Piercer and mat, Heat Tool, Jumbo Wheel Handle,  Aqua Painter,
accessories:  Black embossing powder, Linen Thread, White Tea Lace Paper Doily, Calypso Coral Chevron Ribbon, stampin' dimensionals

Time to go out and check on my tulips.

Happy day to all!
Trish

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

BOLD BIRTHDAY

 It's throwback Thursday!

 With just 2 stamps (sorry, one is retired -- but I will suggest some others currently available that will work as well)  and a few markers, you can quickly create visual treats in just a matter of minutes.



Choose a chunky or bold font for the greeting.  This one is from A Little Birthday Cheer set (2001, yes - vintage is good!), but you could also do this with stamps from Big Wish (Occasions, 2014);
Make a Wish set and You're Amazing set (2013-2014 Annual Catalog) or any number of stamps you have from years gone by in your tool kit.  Ink up the greeting with a single color - here Melon Mambo.

The candle is from Create a Cupcake (current).  Ink up using a rainbow of colors, using either ink pads or markers.  Here I used Pumpkin Pie, Daffodil Delight, Melon Mambo, Marina Mist, Wisteria Wonder, Gumball Green.

Just a tiny bit of bling -- a Rhinestone Jewel to dot the "i" and you are all done.

Hope your day is as happy as happy gets!

Trish



Tuesday, April 8, 2014

BLESSED EASTER #2

Happy Tuesday!

For us, it looks like spring is taking a definite stand.  Warmer temps today with occasional light rain make it just about ideal, in my humble opinion.  My tulips have emerged and the leaves are growing stronger each day.  Soon we will see those beautiful buds develop; can the blooms be far behind.  Robins are everywhere, and the skies are filled with the glorious voices of the songbirds.  I do so love spring.

Easter will be celebrated in just under 2 weeks.  Like yesterday's card, today's pick also features the Blessed Easter stamp set.
Strawberry Slush and Pear Pizzazz are the perfect color combination for this card (CASing Chiaki Haverstick).  To create the Z-fold, cut a Whisper White card base, 8-1/2" X 5-1/2". Score the long side at 2-1/8" and 4-1/4".



Image was stamped with Gold Encore Metallic ink, heat embossed using Gold powder - just the right touch of elegance.   Watercolor flowers and petals using a Blender Pen.  The mat was cut using the largest of the Oval framelits, then dry embossed using Decorative Dots embossing folder.  If you did not get this folder during Sale-a-Bration, you will find it available for sale in the Annual Catalog coming out on June 1.

Wishing you a day filled with beauty,
Trish

Monday, April 7, 2014

BLESSED EASTER

Happy Monday, Everyone!  I hope your weekend was filled with abundant blessings.

While I enjoy working alone in my stamp haven (AKA the basement craft room), it is a special joy to create with someone else.  Over the weekend, my supporting demonstrator and best friend (AKA as my hubby Lou) joined me for a few hours of crafting and getting ready for this week's club meeting.  I will be sharing our accomplishments in later posts.

For today's card, I want to show off one of Lou's previous creations - a window card for Easter:


To make this card, a So Saffron mat was layered onto a Very Vanilla card base.  The layers of the window were cut using Oval Framelits and the Big Shot.  The Blessed Easter stamp was inked up with Jet Black Stazon; then Lou water-colored the flowers using a blender pen and So Saffron and Always Artichoke inks.  Didn't he do a great job?  And like most of us do after we create something, we see "other things" we could have done.  Lou has decided that the next one he makes, he will emboss the So Saffron mat using the Framed Tulips embossing folder.  That should be lovely, too.

My next post will also feature this wonderful Easter stamp set.

Until then,

Saturday, April 5, 2014

HELLO THERE

Happy Saturday!  Hope your day has been filled with sunshine.

At our house, we have begun our annual spring decluttering.  Today's room was the laundry.  It's a good-sized, unfinished room with some great open storage shelves, but all that spaciousness can quickly become the "temporary" home for way too much stuff.  Things donated to the Goodwill are already out the door; another box for donations to our church, and some things reserved for our garage sale in June.  It's a start and I will be so glad when it is all done.

Now for today's card:  another clean and simple, easy-peasy but -oh-so-nice little card, suitable for all kinds of occasions.


Once again, used Note Cards & Envelopes.  In addition:  Happy Day and Hello, Lovely stamp sets;
 Midnight Muse, Baked Brown Sugar, Soft Suede, Coastal Cabana, Soft Sky, Raspberry Ripple, and Summer Starfruit.  Mix and match colors and patterns to your heart's content to create a wide variety of cards that reflect your personality.

Tomorrow is Sunday, our day of rest.  We will be worshipping the Lord Jesus with our church family.  Wishing you and yours a joyful weekend.

Stamping with love,
Trish

Friday, April 4, 2014

SASSY SALUTATIONS meets NEED FOR SPEED

With 9 grandsons and plenty of young boys at church who keep having birthdays, there is always a  need for quick and easy cards at our house.  Today's card uses both current and retired stamp sets; and like yesterday's, is single layer and water-colored. 

To make this card, I used Note Cards & Envelopes; Sassy Salutations, Gorgeous Grunge, Need for Speed (ret.) stamp sets; Island Indigo, Sahara Sand, Real Red classic ink pads; Stazon Jet Black ink pad; Blender Pens (to add layers of color on the car).

Thanks for taking a peek at my card; hope it inspires you to create a card or two for the guys in your life.

Happy weekend!
Trish

Thursday, April 3, 2014

Storybook Friends notecard

It has been a long and challenging few months that kept me from posting any of my cards.  But I am feeling better and am getting a better handle on my new computer.  Though I still am not skilled with the photo taking and editing, I want to get back to sharing with you some of the joy of stamping on a regular basis.

During my absence from blogging, I have really taken a liking to simple, quick and easy cards.  Stampin' Up! Note Cards  & Envelopes (131527) are ideal for this technique.   Such as in this card for today:


I love this little dog from the Storybook Friends set.  Stamped in black, and color-highlighted with ink color of your choosing and blender pens, you can whip out a whole set to have on hand for all sorts of occasions in a short amount of time.

Note Cards come 20 to a package, with 20 envelopes to boot.  Though somewhat smaller than an A2 card, they do not require additional postage, and are a real bargain at only  $5.95 a package.  I highly recommend them!

Thanks for spending part of your day with me.
Happy stampin'!

Trish