Designer Typeset Photopolymer Set

Like I've said before, I love change especially when it is taking something I love and making it even better.  I was excited to have my club try out our new photopolymer stamp set.  Everyone has their opinion about clear stamps.  Many say they've been using them for years and they're ok.  Well, as I've told you before, SU! doesn't do things like everyone else does.  Sometimes that means coming out with a product several years after another company b/c the quality doesn't stand up to SU!'s standards.  I appreciate that about them.  I'm happy to say that everyone in club seemed to love the photopolymer stamps.  Here is the card I had them make using these stamps.

Supplies:
Stamp Set: Designer Typeset
Paper: White, Island Indigo, Crumb Cake
Ink: Crumb Cake, Island Indigo
Accessories: dimensionals, indigo island baker's twine, silver buttons

I didn't want to make a fancy shmancy card.  I wanted them to focus on how these stamps felt to them.  Here are a few reasons I love this type better than wood or our current clear stamps.

1.  It sticks to the block better than anything.  You can put the smallest stamp on a clear block and rub it hard on a cleaning cloth and it won't pop off.  You literally have to peel it off the block.

2.  You barely have to tap the stamp on our ink pads.  You can see the ink filling the spaces.  You don't have to question whether your image is fully inked or not.

3.  When you use our current clear stamps, if you ink too hard or stamp too hard, you will get that ring around the stamp ink mark on your paper.  Nothing more frustrating for the new stamper who hasn't figured out the right pressure to use on the ink and the paper.  These stamps are so strong that you can rock them back and forth and not get that ring.  The image is the crispest yet.

4.  No need for the stamp-a-majig.  Because the material is clear, you can see exactly where you are stamping.

I am sad to say there aren't any photopolymer sets in the new catalog.  I called concern b/c I am so in love with them.  Because SU! is just getting the feel for how people are reacting to them, they are being careful.  The Designer Typeset and the Bombs Away Birthday sets are the only ones available right now, but I got the impression they will release a few at a time while they feel everyone out!

So, DO take my word for it....try these out!!





Bombs Away Birthday $13.95 #133411

Designer Typeset Photopolymer.  $12.95 #132956

New Bloomin' Bouquet Kit

Do you get frustrated with all the 3D flowers you see online and just wish someone would hold your hand and help you make some?  Well, check out this video about another new product SU! is offering.  We will do a class on this for sure!!

$12.95  #134542...13 3D flowers!!

MDS iron ons

Because I had 2 MDS demos this week, I had to really do my homework so that I could sound smart about the software and make it appealing to people other than scrapbookers.  This is the perfect example.  My son is in a club at school with 2 other friends.  The name of the group is VIS...Very Important Spies.  I had been wanting to try MDS with printing on iron ons, so Drew and I decided to create a logo for their club.  This is what I came up with.

Have you seen those bumper stickers that advertise Hilton Head Island (HH) or Martha's Vinyard (MV)?  I wanted to try it with VIS.  It was a huge success!  Depending on the kind of printable iron on sheets you buy, you can print as is or you can click the mirror image and create your iron on that way.  Here is the final product.

It was a HUGE hit at school and several boys wanted to be in the group just so they could have a shirt too.  Just think how many things you can do with MDS at the spur of the moment for very little money.  I have always felt like I needed to have all the products in our catalog just in case I saw that perfect project and wanted to do it right away.  Now, with MDS....I do have more than enough to do most everything I want!

Think about it!!  Only $19.95 :)

Lattice Fold Card and mosaic technique

We had another awesome Stamp Club Thursday night.  I spent the majority of the time telling them all about My Digital Studio.  I am so hooked.  I've been doing more of that than paper lately.  There's room for both in my life :)  But, the coolest thing we did tonight was a lattice fold card.  Other than the lattice fold itself, I am proud to say I made this one all by my little self :)  They were very intimidated by the card and then after I walked them through it, they all said, "that was easy."  I wish I had the staples easy button with me.  Here's what we made.

Supplies:
Stamp Set: Amazing Family, Family Reunion
Paper: Very Vanilla, Baja Breeze, Natural Composition DSP
Ink: Early Espresso, Verasmark
Tools: Big Shot, Dressed Up Framelits, simply scored tool, diagonal plate, cross stitch embossing folder, heat tool, brayer, color spritzer
Accessories: early espresso embossing powder, rosette ribbon, dimensionals, glue dots

Click here to watch the video on this technique.

The next technique I used on this card is a mosaic technique.  Can you see the different patterns in the dress form?  I tore several small pieces to create the fun pattern.  The fun part about this is the embossed paper.  After I brayered it, I was able to use a cloth to wipe off the ink from the embossed image and it stuck out very well.  You can tear your pieces or if you like a cleaner look, use scissors to cut different shapes.  Click here to see the blog where I found this.  One more tips.  For this collage technique, use your silicone sheet.  You can get adhesive all the way around the edges of the torn paper and the adhesive won't stick to the silicone.  No more adhesive leftovers on your grid sheets :)

If you like this card, The Family Reunion Stamp set and the color spritzer are retiring...get em while they last :)

Thanks DS!

I was so touched by something I got in one of my Stampin' Up! orders recently.   Like I've said before, as a demo, I send out lots of handmade cards.  It's pretty rare for me to get one.  I love it when my friends send them to me.  But, this time, someone at Stampin' Up! took the time to make a bunch of these sweet cards to add to the packages they packed up.  It brought a smile to my face and isn't that why we are in this biz?  Thank you to that kind lady who thought of someone else that day!

Spring Break Kids' Class

I enjoyed hanging out with 5 crafty girls at my kids' craft club a few weeks ago during spring break.  Their ages ranged from 6-12.  There's a big difference b/t those ages.  Lucky for me, my sweet stampin friend, Jinnie, came to help crown control :)  Here are some really proud girls.

We made a cute frame for mom for mother's day, a silver sparkle journal, a father's day card for dad and we had to top it off with a silver bling purse.  They had so much fun!  Here's a closeup.

And here's the frame.  Simple for the little ones :)  They got to chose their own colors.

Supplies:
Stamp Set: Itty Bitty Banners
Paper: Poetry Prints DSP, Lucky Limeade, Not Quite Navy, Crumb Cake, Vanilla
Ink: Lucky Limeade
Tools: Big Shot, All dressed up framelits, elegant lines embossing folder, banner framelits
Accessories: basic pearls, dimensionals

Moe's Candy Box

At club a few months ago, Moe made these adorable candy boxes.  I enjoyed all the leftovers :) These were made using the 2 tags die and SAB products.

Retired List Released

I know this time of year conjures up all kinds of emotions for SU! lovers.  Some demonstrators get frustrated b/c they just bought that set that will be retiring in 6 weeks.  Some customers are really attached to certain colors and this year is one of those when SU! has decided to refresh.  Some honestly have a physical reaction to these changes.  I, however, LOVE this time of year.  I love change.  I love new ideas.  I love a fresh new start!  So, sit down with your catalog, print out these 6 sheets and put the box of tissues nearby.  Grieve for those items that are gone for good and then get ready for one of the best catalog releases I've ever been a part of!  The new catalog is INCREDIBLE!!!  Here are a few teasers...

1.  Tired of cutting out the honeycombs from the embossing folder???? :)
2.  Tired of your framelits not staying put when you use them in your big shot?  This new product has a great, magnetic personality :)
3.  Do you sometimes want your paper trimmer to do something other than cut straight?

ok...hope that gets your pumped!  Here's the retiring list.  Check out the prices. 

Many of the items are 25, 40 or 60% off! 

 As we have learned in the past, these items go fast....so don't miss out!

 

Retiring Stamp List 

(available til the end of the catalog period so no rush)

Retiring Accessory List 

(available til supplies run out....maybe a little rush on these)

 

 

Don't forget our recruiting promotion.  Join before the catalog ends and you get $30 more to spend!

 

Oh, Baby

I will have to say that I love our offering of single stamps.  The one I chose is called Oh, Baby.  I will be honest.  I am one of the first to get rid of stamps when they retire b/c I can't wait to get my hands on the new stuff.  But sometimes, there is 1 set or 1 stamp in this case that is just my style and I can see using it a lot!  That is this stamp here.

Supplies:
Stamp Set: Oh, Baby
Paper: Vanilla, Calypso Coral, Tea for Two DSP
Ink: versamark
Tools: Big Shot, chevron embossing folder, apothecary accent framelits, fun flowers die, heat tool
Accessories: espresso embossing powder, brown button, calypso coral baker's twine, dimensionals, glue dots

Doily Butterfly

Here is one of the cards we made at my Spring Card Class a few weeks ago.

Supplies:
Stamp Set: Hello, Doily, (that amazing family one :)
Ink: versamark, midnight muse
Paper: Baja Breeze, Midnight Muse
Tools: Big Shot, Beautiful Butterflies die, heat tool
Accessories: white embossing powder, dimensionals, sponge dauber, basic pearls, jumbo pearls

Tip: If you look closely, you can see that I matched the design of the butterfly up perfectly with the doily image on the card.  The butterfly was too far over the side.  I forgot to tell my peeps to watch out for that.  They were just layering the butterfly in the middle of the doily and it looked great!  So, no need to line up the designs :)

More downline CAS cards

Here are the cards from my downline's CAS (clean and simple) swap.

Have you gone Hybrid yet?

Well, I'm not sure what happened, but I am all about My Digital Studio right now.  One of my favorite nights of the year was last Thursday.  My downline meeting!!  I love my girls!  We eat at the local Mexican restaurant, I talk too much, we share a project and then we try to help each other with our businesses.  It's awesome.  It helps that I genuinely love each one of these ladies.  For our swap this month, I picked CAS (Clean and Simple).  I said only 1 layer in addition to the main cardstock.  Those are very difficult for me.  Because I am so hung up on MDS, I wanted to share a hybrid project with my downline to get them jazzed about it as much as I am.  A hybrid project uses both MDS and paper elements.  Here is what I came up with.

I used our Spec-tacular stamp set which is one of our single stamp selections.  I love it!  MDS made wrapping the saying around the card very easy.  Can't do that in WORD.  If you can't see it, the words say, "Have a Spec-tacular Day."  Then I just put, "You're one in a million!" mixed in.  The glasses are embossed and there is crystal effects on the popped up pair.

Supplies:
Stamp Set: Spec-tacular, MDS font (juice)
Paper: Pool Party, White
Ink: versamark
Tools: MDS, dotted scallop ribbon punch, heat tool,
Accessories: dimensionals, pool party and early espresso embossing powder, crystal effects, basic pearls

Have you flattened the soda pop top yet?

 
 

Supplies:
Stamp Set: Dapper Dad, Sweet Essentials
Ink: midnight muse, black stazon ink
Paper: Cajun Craze, Crumb Cake, Midnight Muse, White, brushed silver, Comfort Café DSP
Tools: Big Shot, honeycomb embossing folder, label framelits, 1" circle punch
Accessories: soda bottle caps, crystal effects, dimensionals

Tips: Stamp the watch with stazon and then use the circle punch to punch out the face.  No need to stamp the watch twice since you will cover the hole.  Open your big shot accessory pad all the way.  Put down one cutting pad and put a bottle camp UPSIDE DOWN and top it with the other cutting pad and run through.  Adhere the watch face to the bottle cap and then cover it with a generous amount of crystal effects.

soda pop tops #129388 $3.95

I fell in love with this card the second I saw it.  What an ingenious idea to flatten the large bottle cap and use on the watch from the Dapper Dad set.  We did this at my spring class last week.  You can't see it in the picture, but there is crystal effects on top of the face of the watch to make it look like glass.

New Dolled-Up Birthday Kit + more...

The Dolled-Up Birthday kit includes the following:

• Dolled-Up Birthday Photopolymer Stamp (1)
• 8-1/2" x 5-1/2" Crumb Cake Cardstock (6 pieces)
• 2" x 4-1/4" Very Vanilla Cardstock (6 pieces)
• Very Vanilla Medium Envelopes (6)
• Tea Lace Paper Doilies (6)
• Dress Up die-cuts (6)
• Soft Suede Classic Stampin' Spot (1)
• Vanilla 5/8" Flower Trim (6 pieces)
• Sponge Dauber (1)

Get everything you need to make six cards for only $15.95 (item 133913)!

 

Check out the newest Photopolymer Set

Bombs Away Birthday Stamp Set #133411
Price: $13.95
Use this exclusive photopolymer birthday set for catchy and unique greetings that will make your special someone smile. We recommend clear block sizes C & H

April 25th anniversary set (Moe, Butterflies!!!)

Best of Butterflies #133345

$14.95

Host or Join? & Product Sneak Peek.

We are approaching the end of the Stampin' Up!'s  catalog year.  This is always a fun, surprising time of year.  I just got our monthly magazine and BOY, you guys are in for some awesome new products.  The In Colors they have chosen are so cool and calming with fruity names.  So excited!

So, leave it to SU! to go out with a bang.  If you are interested in hosting a party, you have the chance to get $30 more in hostess benefits.

But, here is the kicker!!  Thought about joining?  Now's the time!  You will get an extra $30 with your kit that you get to fully customize for only $99!  You have til Halloween to decide if you want to continue on with our awesome family!

Worried about what is retiring?  Get it all and join at the same time!

In the meantime, here is a fun video showing you one new product you'll see starting June 1st.

Daddy's Day Bleach Technique

I always have a very hard time making a good Father's Day card for my Daddy. 
Can you see the bleach?

Supplies:
Stamp Set: Dapper Dad, Oh Hello, that word set :)
Paper: Vanilla, Basic Gray, Riding Hood Red
Ink: black stazon, basic gray, Bleach
Tools: Big Shot, oval framelits, square lattice embossing folder, occasions paper piercing template, paper piercing tool and mat, small heart punch, aquapainter
Accessories: dimensionals, cute clips

Bleach Technique: This is not a new technique by any stretch.  It's just one I rarely use.  Probably b/c I am lazy when I am stamping.  The bleach will lose it's effectiveness after a few days so test it first and you might need to refresh.  For the gray strip, I took a small stamp box and folded a paper towel down in it.  Then I poured bleach right on it to make my own ink pad.  Then, I filled up an aquapainter halfway (don't even need that much) and painted the argyle part of the shoe.  After you use the aquapainter (#103954), use the heat tool to watch it turn cream so fast.  Kinda fun. 



Try the bleach on all your favorite colors.  I'm dying to stamp the swallowtail in stazon and then color the inside with bleach.

I hope my daddy likes this card :)

On another note, I was right the other day about seeing a new photopolymer stamp set and here it is!  I will be getting this one.  I love these sassy sayings!  It's called Bombs Away Birthday.  #133411

Photopolymer Stamps Demo Video

**Smartphone followers:  Please click on the post name to see the videos.  Can't see in an email.**
A few weeks ago, I shared with you the announcement about the photopolymer stamps release.  The video was entertaining and a great tease for what was to come.  Now we actually have an  information video.  When I first started stamping (even before I knew about SU!), I bought some clear stamps at the local craft store.  I don't remember loving them and there are other companies like ours who have been selling them for years.  But, one of the wonderful things I love about SU! is they aren't the type of company who just want to be first.  They are so quality-minded and that is why they win the awards.  Anyway, every product we release is of the highest quality which is how I know I am going to love this new type of stamp.  I'm sure the wood and the cling stamps will stick around so those of you who loathe change, rest assured.  I will admit, I'm not a huge fan of this actual set, but that's only b/c I haven't seen the smarter artists really get their hands dirty with it.  Check out this video and at the end, I saw an image I had not seen before.  That gets me excited for what is coming out in just a few short weeks!  Smartphone followers, please click on the post name b/c you won't be able to see this video in your email.

Free My Digital Studio Demonstration

OK!  I'm hooked!  With the new drop in software price and print product price, you have no excuse for not trying My Digital Studio.  It's not just for scrapbooking.  If you are in town and didn't get the eventbrite invite, please let me know so I can add you to my address book.

Here is the invitation to my MDS demonstration Class.

Monday April 22nd at 6pm and Tuesday April 23rd at 9:30am

Thank you so much for the overwhelming response to my information about My Digital Studio.  You may choose between the Monday night 6pm class or the Tuesday 9:30am class.  I will try to keep the class to an hour with an opportunity to ask questions at the end.  It is recommended that you bring your laptop with the 30-day free trial already downloaded.  Please go here to download this free trial.  It is available for PC and MAC.  If you would rather just observe, that is fine too.

I will have several different samples of products you can make along with a drawing for a chance to get the software for free.

Please invite anyone you know who you think might be interested in this product.  I will have a surprise for you if you do :)  I would like to stress the fact that this is NOT a girly product.  This software is for anyone who enjoys being creative with all the digital pictures he/she has trapped onto the computer with nowhere to go.  My husband created one with all the pictures he took at the NCAA tournament last year and used the bulk option to make extras for the guys that went with him.

Feel like poking around?  Check out the website: www.mydigitalstudio.net to get a head start or click here to see the latest downloads just released.  Several are released weekly.

Think about the amount of time you sit in front of the TV each week.  You could have your laptop in your lap creating beautiful things at the same time.  BONUS: doesn't need to be connected to the internet.  Get it done on a plane, on a car trip, in a restaurant, or in the comfort of your own bed.

Today is the last day for Free Shipping and Tax

Just a reminder that today (Monday) is the last day to take me up on my 9th anniversary deal.  No tax/shipping on any order placed with me by Monday at 6pm.  You may always put in an order on my website  If you are attending my spring card class tonight, you may place an order with me and get this discount after the class.  Bring your wishlist.

Definitely don't forget my recruiting special too.  No tax/shipping on your completely customizable starter kit for $99 and I will throw in our new stampin' trimmer :)  No obligation until Sept 31st.

Colorful Swallowtail

I love this card.  We made this one at my swallowtail class a few months ago.  I used my color coach to help me choose the right color combination for this beautiful creature.  I started with Summer Starfruit and added the creative combination that was suggested.  Then I chose to use Night of Navy b/c it was the dynamic duo to Baja Breeze.  I am so happy to have this tool to help me pick great color combinations.

A quick note.  My class embossed in black and it didn't look nearly as good as the espresso.  My bad.  You are using markers to color in the blank areas, but keep in mind that you should take a tissue b/t colors and wipe the area.  The marker ink will still be wet sitting on the embossed edge so you need to rub it clean or the side of your hand will spread ink where you don't want it.  Just keep that in mind.

Supplies:
Stamp Set: Swallowtail, Vintage Verses?
Ink: Summer Starfruit, Baja Breeze, Night of Navy, Elegant Eggplant, versamark
Paper: Night of Navy, Black, White
Tools: Heat Tool
Accessories: jumbo rhinestones, dimensionals, early espresso embossing powder, sponge dauber

Using mutliple framelits

I made this card at Valentine's Day, but never got a chance to post it.  Today seemed like a good day to bring it back up b/c my father in law is getting married today and we adore his new wife.  I can't remember where I saw this, but I thought it was very smart.  Sorry, but don't have my catalog with me :(

Supplies:
Paper: Real Red, White
Ink: Real Red
Stamp Set: Hearts a Flutter
Tools: Big Shot, hearts a flutter framelits, banner framelits, cross stitch embossing folder (IDK real name)

So let me explain how I did this.  I ran the white piece through with the cross stitch embossing folder straight across.  Then put it in again lining the banner framelit up with the stitching.  Then put it through again with the heart framelit.  Then had to stamp the image on a separate piece and cut out with the same heart framelit.  Then put on with dimensional.  So, a few cuts for this one....but so cute!

Dressed up Stationery

Man...still can't get enough.  I made personalized stationery.  Who doesn't love that for a gift?

Supplies:
Stamp Set: alphabet set (ah...can't remember)
Ink: Black
Paper: Black, white, special edition DSP
Tools: Big Shot, dressed up framelits, 1-1/4" and 1-3/8" circle punches
Accessories: basic pearls, dimensional

Hint...you can't tell from the picture, but the dress form was cut out of the black card and then the newspaper DSP pasted behind it.  Kinda looks like I cut it out of the DSP and put it on top of the card...not so much :)

Big News for Stampin' Up! and a bday present from me

 

 

I love when SU! does color changes!  They did it 3 years ago and are ready to do it again.  I know so many who get really upset that their favorite colors are going away, but we always fall in love with the new colors and we can say that SU! is on trend in the color world!  I am thrilled to share with you the new color palette!


I love what they have done!  All the colors coming back are the ones I was so sad to see let go.  I have been using so much pool party and Coral lately.  The DSPs usually dictate what colors I choose so I'm here to tell you the DSPs will be as beautiful as ever and we will LOVE these new combos!

But...just in case this news makes you a little teary, let me announce that this is my SU! Birthday month!  I joined SU! 9 years ago April 16th.  A perfect month to join and it has only gotten more fun each year.  So, I have a birthday present for you!

FREE Tax and shipping on EVERYTHING for Three Days starting Sat April 6th.

 

Stampin UP! is offering free shipping for these 3 days only...but since it's my bday, I'm going to pay your tax too!  I do this every year and love it!

 

If you are interested in taking advantage of this promotion, look around at all the retiring colors/ribbon/DSP and get it while it lasts.  Once we announce these things, the items go fast!  You can do this 2 ways.

1.  You can click here and go straight to my website and order anytime this weekend (I'll reimburse your tax) and click products<shop now.  Make sure you sign in.

2.  I will be out of town at my FIL's wedding this weekend, but I will be home by Sunday.  If you don't want to order directly from my website, you may shoot me an email and I will put all your orders in on Sunday when I get back.

 

AND....If you have been thinking about joining SU! and doing what I do at any level of your choosing, I am offering free shipping/free tax and our new paper trimmer to anyone who signs up this weekend!  Let me help you make the best decision I ever made!!  You have til August to reach any type of quota :)  Plenty of time to see if SU! works for you!!

A quick all dressed up

I can't get enough of these adorable dresses.  I really hope they do some purses or shoes next.  Here is a quick card when you just have a second :)

Supplies:
Paper: White, Black, print poetry dsp
Tools: Big Shot, dressed up framelits
Accessories: little roses, glue dots

spring bird silhouette

So, a little mommy bird created the most beautiful nest in our flower arrangement hanging from the front door.  Unfortunately, we go out that door all the time.  For the first few weeks, every time I opened the door, she would fly away and scare me to death!!  I tripped on myself a few times.  We love looking at the 4 beautiful blue eggs in the nest, but it's starting to become a problem.  Our biggest fear came to a reality this weekend.  When our babysitter left Friday night, we left the door open a little too long and she flew in.  Yikes!!  Poop, feathers...everywhere.  But that's not all.  She flew upstairs.  My brave husband finally got a towel over her and helped her outside.  The next morning we moved the basket to hang over the shutter.  She found it with no problem.  Anyway, I got this card from Brian King and it might be one of my favorites.  It's just so easy, but makes a beautiful, bold card!  Thanks Brian!!  I hope you are feeling better!!!  silhouette

Supplies:
Stamp Set: sweet essentials, I think :)
Paper: Black and Bashful Blue
Ink: black
Tools: Big Shot, window framelits, bird punch
accessories: dimensionals, 2-way glue pen

Need a Nametag?

I try to create new nametags for every club that I do.  This is the one we made at our first meeting.  I was very happy with it!

Supplies:
Paper: Mocha Morning DSP (retired), Black, vanilla
Ink: black brushed on roses...didn't really need
Tools: Big Shot, window framelits and coordinating paper piercing template, paper piercing tool, bird punch, retired alphabet die
Accessories: 2-way glue pen, basic pearls, rosettes, glue dots, pin clasp backing put on with hot glue

Great adhesive tips from Dawn.