The Stamp Workshop

Hello from Convention!

Whew!  So, I arrived in Salt Lake City on Tuesday afternoon.  But, if you check out my last post, I have been crazy busy since the day before I let.  I finally finished all my swaps and went to bed at 5:30am on Tuesday.  I napped until 7am then packed.  Headed to the airport at around 9:30am and arrived just after 2:30pm in Salt Lake City.

My thoughts go all my fellow SoCal residents.  There was a large earthquake about and hour and a half north of San Diego, but it was felt all they way down in San Diego.  As a matter of fact, my plane was taxi-ing downing the runway when the quake struck.  Although we didn't feel it on the plane (my husband felt it at his office), all planes were grounded until they could check the runway for cracks.  After about 20 minutes, they determined all was okay and off we went.  It was a good flight.  I bumped up to First Class.  A nice start to Convention!

So today is Wednesday and I have been busy busy all day.  I went to a US Hispanic market class.  Then I went to a swap and hosted a swap.  Then I went to a meeting for make and take helpers and then I went to the Splitcoast dinner.  I've been going nonstop wince 7 this morning.  And oh, I went to be just about 1am last night.  So since Monday morning, I've had approx 9 hours sleep.  It's now 1:00am SLC time and I am wide awake.  You know when you are so tired and you can't sleep?  I think that's what's going on right now.  I am awake from all the excitement going on.

Anyway, here are a few pictures for you.  Tomorrow night, I will *try* to get some pictures up of the display boards showing some of the new products.  Can you belive with all that has been going on, I HAVE NOT had a chance to go through the catalog yet!  Instead I am up in the wee hours posting to my blog.

To tide you over a bit, here are some pictures for you to peek at.

These logos are on the doors to the Convention center.  Of course I had to take a picture of them!

Here is a picture of four of the new punches (there are more than four new punches).  There is a label punch, a wide oval punch, the circle punch is 1 3/4" and then check out that scalloped square punch!  Oh I gotta have them all!

New buttons! So pretty!

THis is not a very good picture, but check out a few things.  That's some new DSP in the background.  Check out the middle tin on the top.  Felt Flowers in new colors.  The bottom left shouws some new embellishments.  Library clips and paper clips.  Oh My!

Oh!  For those of you wondering, Holy Triptych DID make it into the catalog, as did Big on Christmas (? - the one with the big words, kinda outline font).  Tart and Tangy is in there and the matching DSP!  I didn't study the catalog, but I did manage to flip through the pages.

Cure containers (we don;t sell these).  But look at the WIDE stitched ribbon.  COOL!  Also, I noted that there is Vanilla Hodgepodge, ROSE RED grosgrain, CHOCOLATE CHIP Grosgrain is back!  The picture also shows a bit more DSP.  Sorry this post is so scatter brained.  lol  I am just typing things as I remember them!

Check out me and my COOL roomies.  Like the catalog cover?  From let to right, is Sheri (ilovem&ms), Sarah (sarahbe492), vil (vilmaldonado) and me (SDiegoGal).  lol

We were standing in the monstrous line to get into the memento mall.  I never did make it in with them because I had to get to the swap I was in and to the one I hosted.  BTW, if you were in my ATC swap, THANK YOU!  You girls were awesome!  We manages to swap out 6 groups in under 15 minutes.  You all rocked!

Isn't this great?  The SPANISH catalog.  It is for use in the US and the sets are offered in Spanish and the language used throughout the Celebrando Creatividad is Spanish.  Being in San Diego, I am totally excited about this new venture.  So, if you are Spanish speaking and would like to know more about this new Catalog, please contact me!  I am looking to build a bilingual team and I would LOVE to have my blog readers be a part of it.  Please, please consider contacting me!  This step that SU is taking is going to be HUGE and I can't wait to be a part of it!

So this is the last picture of my post.  This is at the Splitcoast dinner.  These were all the moderators present.  Kim B. (s1itcher46), Kim W. (craftdoc) and me.  The dinner was fun and the swapping was awesome.  I got to meet some of my Great Swaps Girls.  Too fun!  I also got to see some of my "old" friends.  Ones that I see at events like Convention, Regionals and SoCal Stamp Mania.

Well, sorry I couldn't give you a "meatier" post.  Since I've been so busy with swaps and meeting and classes, I haven't had a chance to just cruise around and look at the display boards and catalog and things.  Hopefully Thursday I'll have more to post for you!

Good night!

Off to Convention I Go!

So here are my swaps.  It's past 1:30am and I still have a couple more things to do before I leave for Convention.

Even though I don't have much time, I couldn't resist posting to the blog.  So, here is a picture of all the swaps I am doing (I have two album swaps that are not on the table here.).

When I get back, I will post these cards in detail, with close up pictures and directions.

I have decided to bring my laptop with me, but I can't promise that I'll be posting much.  There is so much to do at Convention and my free time "social calendar" is booked!

Well, I'm off to box up these swaps.

See you later!

Okay, So I Do Have Something to Post

Well, I joined a mini album swap.  I decided to do something that I called a pocket tag album, but I have seen it called a flip flop album and a table top album.  Anyway, here it is.  It measures 4" X 4".

I used the new Bella Rose paper.  In case you were wondering, the coordinating colors for the Bella Rose Designer Series Paper are Chocolate Chip, Pink Pirouette, Riding Hood Red and Kiwi Kiss.  The paper is just gorgeous!

It doesn't look like much from just the front cover, but when you open it up, you are in for a treat!

Each page has a space where you can add a picture or add another layer and add journaling.  There is a pocket to hold a little 3" X 3" insert.  This insert can be used for a picture or journaling also.  It makes a great little brag book.

I think it would also make a great gift for a teacher, neighbor, friend.  When the album is in the open position, you can tie the ribbon to hold it open.  The "floor" of the album folds flat and then it can be used on a table to display pictures.

Would you like directions on how to make this album?  Well, you're in luck!  I just so happen to have typed them out! 

Within the directions, you can see a top view picture and you can see the detail of each page. I also included a cutting guide and listed the materials I used.

Here's a thought!  Take a look at the directions.  Make one of these cute albums and then leave me a comment with a link to your picture.  It can be uploaded to your blog or in your gallery on SCS.  From all the entries, I will randomly pick one.  The winner will receive the upcoming Fall Winter 08 Catalog and a little something (a keychain, charm or something) that I'll pick up from the Memento Mall at Convention.  If you load to the SCS gallery, used the keyword SWFFA (Stamp Workshop Flip Flop Album).

I will pick a winner the Wednesday get back from Convention (August 6th).  That gives you a week and a half to create your album.

Here are the directions for this album: Flip Flop Album (283.2K PDF File)

Feel free to tweak and embellish this album however you want - size, shape, whatever. I can't wait to see what you come up with!

Go create!

Come and Meet This Week's Featured Stamper!

I had the pleasure of "meeting" this week's featured stamper in a Sisterhood that we both joined - the Sisterhood of the Stamping Bloggers.  We've been visiting each other's blogs now for a few months, and I have grown to really admire the stamping she has done.

Please welcome this week's featured stamper:

Louise Forsyth

Louise Forsyth (aka loulou31) is a New Zealand Stampin' Up! Demo.  She is the author of the blog - Louise? Yeah that's me!

Here's what Louise says about herself...

My name is Louise Forsyth and I am a Stampin'Up demo here in New Zealand. I am also a Stay at home mum to three boys.  Stampin'Up is relatively new here, it arrived in April last year and I signed up in September.  I stamp because I love having a quick and easy outlet for  my need to sometimes embrace the girly things in life as I am surrounded by boys, even my cat is a male!  I love being able to make my family and friends gifts and cards that are one of a kind, and the bonus is I made them.  I am also a  bit of a fanatical scrapbooker, which I have been doing since I was pregnant with my first son in 05, I LOVE IT! I think it is so fantastic to be able to add a personal touch to photos and also tell a story which may be appreciated years from now.

I take classes and do workshops locally which keeps me busy. I love learning new techniques and adore playing with new products.

Michelle: How long have you been a stamper?

Louise: I have only been stamping since becoming an SU demo last year.

Michelle: What was the first Stampin' Up! stamp set your purchased and what drew you to it?

Louise: Seeing Spots, I saw it used by Ali Edwards on a layout in "Creating Keepsakes" back in 05, I was so stoked when I saw that Stampin' Up was in NZ as I had been hanging out for this set, I rang the toll free number, got my nearest demos phone number and rang her and ordered it! BTW that demo is now my wonderful upline!

Michelle: Which color family do you find you use most often?

Louise: I would say Soft Subtles, although I am loving our in-colours at the moment.. We are a little behind you and have only just got groovy guava, wild wasabi etc

Michelle: What Stampin' Up! tool do you find the most useful?

Louise: My edge distresser, I use it all the time.  So much it has become a bit of a joke with some of my class ladies.

Did you enjoy Louise's interview?  I finally decided to change up the interview questions!

And now for you viewing pleasure, take a look at some of Louise's Stampin Up! creations...

Don't you just LOVE that dragonfly?  It is the cutest!

Thank you to Louise for sharing her wonderful creations with us!  Don't forget to leave Louise a comment.  Let her know what you think!

Don't forget to check out her blog - Louise? Yeah that's me!

Thanks for reading!!

If I Could Save Time in a Bottle...

The first thing that I'd like to do
Is to save every day
Till eternity passes away
Just to spend them with you

I was just a little girl when this song came out, but I really like this song (for those of you youngens out there it's by Jim Croce, 1974).  It's so melodic and so easy going.  When you are listening to it, you just feel like sitting back and enjoying the music.

Oh, I wish my hectic life was easy going right now!

For those of you that haven't picked up on it yet, I am such a terrible procrastinator.  Not that I'm terrible at procrastinating, I rather good at it!  I'm terrible in that I procrastinate.  BIG TIME.

You may have noticed there was no Ten Minute Tuesday or WOW It Wednesday.  Nothing for the past few days except info (good info though!).

Anyway, yes, I am STILL working on Convention swaps.  Not only am I a procrastinator, but I am an over-extender.  How many swaps do I have to do?  I won't even go into that, I can drone on and on.  lol

So, what does this mean?  Well, I do have a Featured stamper ready to post this Friday!  I am leaving for Convention on Tuesday, which means that it's crunch time.  My blog posts will have to be put on the back burner for now.  Until after I come back from Convention.

It's going to be a bit quiet here until August 4th.  But, there is a chance that I will be taking my laptop with me to Convention.  But like I said, over-extender.  I am signed up for all kinds of dinners and swaps and meet-ups, and well, I just wanna go and have some fun!  Maybe a massage at the hotel spa, a dip in the pool, some shopping.  I'm thinking about seeing the Mormon Tabernacle Organ performance.  See the sights.

Okay, I'm rambling now.  Anyway, check back after the 4th.  I'll actually have more interesting posts by then!  *wink*

See ya!

Liking Decor Elements? You Can Win!

I was recently selected to be on the design team for Utah Divas International.  We are a group of Stampin'  Up! demonstrators from around the world.

My very first feature, a recap of my Decor Elements tutorial, was posted this past Monday.

Take a peek at UDI's blog.  They are holding a prize giveaway.

Check out UDI's blog for more details on the giveaway!  Click here.

Check it out!

Complete Retired Accessories List

If you've been to this blog the past couple of days, you have seen the Complete Retired Accessories list in this spot.  Please note that I have moved the information to a less public page (per my demonstrator agreement with Stampin' Up!).  I apologize for any inconvenience the posting/removal has caused.

If you would like access to the most current retired accessories list, please feel free to contact me at Michelle@stampworkshop.com

Thanks!

Do YOU Facebook?

Do you use Facebook?

Do you enjoy my blog?

Well then, I need your help!  I have just listed my blog in the new Facebook Blog network.  I need my readers to "validate" me as the author of this blog.  If you have a moment, pop on over to Facebook and validate me.  Pretty please?

Click here to get to my Facebook Blog Profile.

While you are there become one of my Blog Fans and if you aren't already listed as one of my "friends", be sure to add me!

If you aren't a member of Facebook, you should join!  Be forwarned - it's addicting!

Thanks so much!

More Retiring Accessories at 25% Off!

So the much anticipated retiring accessories list does not come out until July 21st, but Stampin' Up! has released a list of select accessories available at a discounted price.  Please note that not ALL retiring accessories will be discounted, but the following items will be discounted 25%:

Item #	Pg. #	Description	Regular Price	25% Off Price
109117	167	Pocket Notes assortment	$9.95	$7.46
110479	168	Jersey Shore Designer Series paper	$9.95	$7.46
110699	168	East Coast Prep Designer Series paper	$9.95	$7.46
109159	169	Flowers For You  Designer Series paper	$9.95	$7.46
110273	169	Spring Fling Designer Series paper	$9.95	$7.46
110748	170	Notebook Designer Series paper	$9.95	$7.46
109153	170	Porcelain Prints Designer Series paper	$9.95	$7.46
110751	171	Azure Designer Series paper	$9.95	$7.46
109164	171	River Rock Prints Designer Series paper	$9.95	$7.46
109175	171	Almost Amethyst Prints Designer Series paper	$9.95	$7.46
109168	171	Groovy Guava Prints Designer Series paper	$9.95	$7.46
109169	171	Close to Cocoa Prints Designer Series paper	$9.95	$7.46
110284	182	Eastern Elegance Rub-Ons	$10.95	$8.21
110285	182	Urban West Rub-Ons	$10.95	$8.21
110281	182	Cherished Memories Rub-Ons	$10.95	$8.21
109185	190	Jersey Ribbon Originals	$12.95	$9.71
109187	190	District Ribbon Originals	$12.95	$9.71
109189	190	Beachfront Ribbon Originals	$12.95	$9.71
110716	191	Wild Wasabi striped grosgrain ribbon	$7.95	$5.96
109062	191	River Rock double-stitched grosgrain ribbon	$8.95	$6.71

This promotion is in addition to the one already in progress with the Hodgepodge Hardware promotion:

Item #	Page #	Item Description	Regular Price	Limited Time 25% off Discount
105532	188	Aged Copper Hodgepodge Hardware	$27.95	$20.96
105531	188	Antique Brass Hodgepodge Hardware	$27.95	$20.96
105515	188	Pewter Hodgepodge Hardware	$27.95	$20.96

The complete retired accessory list will be released on Monday, July 21st. Be sure to check back then and place your orders ASAP!   Once it's gone, it's gone!  You don't want to miss out!

As always, if you have any questions or want to place an order, feel free to contact me at Michelle@stampworkshop.com

Sad to see so many neat things retire!

Meet This Week's Featured Stamper - Nicole!

If you are a Stampin' Up Demo, you can find this week's featured stamper on Splitcoast hosting the Friday Demo Challenge - Demonstratable 3-D projects.  As a former host of the Demo Challenges, I was able to work behind the scenes with our featured stamper.  Her talent as a hostess and as a stamper is amazing.

Please join me in welcoming this week's featured stamper:

Nicole Cooke

Nicole Cooke aka Stampin' Library Girl is a Stampin' Up! Demo and like last week's featured stamper, contributes to a couple of design teams.  Check out her blog - The Stampin' Librarian

Read on for more about Nicole...

My name is Nicole Cooke, otherwise known as Stampin' Library Girl / The Stampin' Librarian.  I am indeed a librarian (I have had many ask me, "Are you a really a librarian?")  :D   I am a Jersey girl, and I currently work in an academic library in northern New Jersey, not too far from New York City.  And soon, I will also be a full time Ph.D. student.  Hopefully, that won't cut into my stamping / crafting / therapy time too much!

I love to make cards, and I have recently gotten into digital scrap booking, but my passion really lies with altering projects, making 3D items and stamping on non-traditional surfaces (i.e., fabric, tile, glass, etc.).  I am a hobby demo for Stampin' Up! and have taught some classes at my local stamp store.  I am also a design team member for Kitchen Sink Stamps and Scrapmagasinet Stamps. 

I'm constantly taking stamping and project classes - I love getting new ideas and learning new techniques.  I'm looking forward to this year's Stampin' Up! convention (my third).  There's nothing like a live SU! event!  :D

Michelle: When were you first introduced to Stampin' Up!?

Nicole: I've always been into crafts (jewelry and needle crafts), since I was a little kid.  I didn't get into stamping until 2003 when I bought some used SU! sets off eBay (I know, gasp! : ) because I wanted to make a wedding card, and I dabbled off and on until 2005 when I became a demo - that's when the obsession set in, LOL!  In late 2006, I decided to become serious about my art.  When I made that conscious decision, I started my blog and I really started growing in my work, working outside of my comfort zone, and thinking "outside of the box" when it comes to stamping and artwork.

Michelle: What's your favorite all time SU stamp set?

Nicole: Ask a hard question, why don't you?  :D  I can never have to many floral or sentiment sets.  But I'd have to say that my all time favorite SU! set is Bodacious Bouquet.

Michelle: What's your favorite SU color?

Nicole: I love all things, pink!  Pink Passion is my favorite SU! color.

Michelle: What's your favorite SU embellishment?

Nicole: My favorite accessory is ribbon, hands down!  The more ribbon, the better  :D  I especially love the wider ribbons, and some of the striped and patterned ribbons we've seen in some of the mini catalogs.

I hope you enjoyed Nicole's interview. Now take a look at some of her Stampin' Up! artwork!

Take a minute and leave a comment for Nicole!  She is a wonderful artist, and I thank her for letting me feature her on my blog!

Don't forget to check out her blog - The Stampin' Librarian

Thanks for reading!!

The New In Colors are Finally Here!

I am so excited that my demonstrator preorder is finally here!  I didn't have to wait all that long though.  I ordered it early Monday morning and it arrived this afternoon!  Without further ado...

Each year, Stampin' Up! releases six new colors to enhance their fabulous core 48 colors. This year is no exception!  Take a look at your 08-09 In Colors...

To give you a feel for what the colors look like, I stamped each color using the bird from Always.  It is stamped on Glossy White cardstock and mounted on the color's cardstock.  There is also a color comparison showing each new In Color paired with two colors from the core 48 colors.  The new In Color is placed in the middle of each comparison.

Pink Pirouette

Top: Blush Blossom; Middle: Pink Pirouette; Bottom: Pretty in Pink

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Riding Hood Red

Top: Ruby Red; Middle: Riding Hood Red; Bottom: Real Red

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Tangerine Tango

Top: Only Orange; Middle: Tangerine Tango; Bottom: Pumpkin Pie

______________________________________________________

Kiwi Kiss

Top: Certainly Celery; Middle: Kiwi Kiss; Bottom: Old Olive

______________________________________________________

Baja Breeze

Top: Bashful Blue; Middle: Baja Breeze; Bottom: Bordering Blue

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Pacific Point

Top: Ballet Blue; Middle: Pacific Point; Bottom: Brilliant Blue

I hope you enjoyed this look at the 08-09 In Colors!  You can start ordering the In Colors the same day you can order from the new Fall Winter 08 Catalog.

Leave me a comment and tell me what you think will be your favorite In Color for 08-09.

If you have any questions about In Colors, feel free to contact me at Michelle@stampworkshop.com

Are you In?

Sold Out!

The retired accessories list for the Spring Summer 08 catalog will not be released until Monday, July 21st.

Although we don't know what is on the list yet, we do know that anything that contains an 07-08 In Color will retire.  This includes Designer Series Paper, ribbon, inkpads, refill ink, cardstock, etc.

Please note that as of today, Blue Bayou Double Stitched Grosgrain and Purely Pomegranate Double Stitched Grosgrain is SOLD OUT.

Quantities of all retiring accessories are limited.  So, if there is something you absolutely must have, be sure to place your order ASAP.

Be sure to visit Monday, July 21st for the list of retiring accessories.

If you have any questions or want to place an order, feel free to contact me at Michelle@stampworkshop.com

Don't miss out!

Celebrate Pocket Card

Here is a pocket card I made.  I like the bright colors on this one.  The hint of pumpkin is just right to break down the monotone blue.

To make a pocket card, start off with a standard A2 size card ( 4 1/4" X 5 1/2").  Score about 1 1/2" down along the open, long side.  Fold over.  Then cut about 1" off of the flap.  Use brads to secure the folded piece to the back piece.  This step forms your pocket.  Cut a piece of cardstock to the desired size to use at the insert.  Decorate as needed.  Done!

These quick cards are great for party invitations and birthday cards.  Maybe even attach a gift card to the insert - a gift card holder!

Here's the recipe for this card:

Stamps: Party Hearty
Cardstock: Brilliant Blue, Bashful Blue, Pumpkin Pie, Very Vanilla
Ink: Brilliant Blue, Bashful Blue, Pumpkin Pie
Designer Series Paper: Azure
Ribbon: Pumpkin Pie Grosgrain, Very Vanilla Grosgrain
Accessories: Pumpkin Pie Brads, Dimensionals
Tools: Paper Piercer, Corner Rounder Punch, Scalloped Circle Punch, 3/4" Circle Punch, 1 1/4" Circle Punch,  Distresser Tool, Pumpkin Pie Marker

Leave me a comment and let me know what you think!

If you need help with the directions on how to make a pocket card, feel free to contact me at Michelle@stampworkshop.com

Enjoy!

WOW Embrace

This is my Wow It Wednesday card for this week.  I will be swapping this little Love Note at Convention.  All I did was add five little things to yesterday's Love Note and it looks so different!

Here's the recipe for this card:
Stamps: Embrace Life
Cardstock: Gable Green, Pretty in Pink, Very Vanilla, Basic Black
Ink: Stazon Jet Black, Pretty in Pink
Accessories: Gable Green Brads
Tools: Distresser Tool, Paper Piercer, Paper Piercing Template

Here's what was added to this card:

• A Basic Black layer under the main image
• Distressed edges on the pink and vanilla layers
• Paper piercing in the corners of the pink and vanilla layers
• A Gable Green brad in the bottom right corner of the main image.

And that was it!  Please feel free to contact me with questions at Michelle@stampworkshop.com. I'd love to hear from you!

Happy Stampin'!

Ten Minute Embrace

This week's Ten Minute card is a being posted a bit late in the day.  I am working on swaps as Convention is two weeks away!  I really have to get on the ball and crank out these swaps!

Today's card took about five minutes to make.  It is the "base" design of one of my Convention swaps.  This is a cute little Love Note sized 3" X 3" card.  Most of the time was spent on using an aquapainter to color in the cherry blossoms.

Don't forget to check back tomorrow.  I've WOWed this little love note up.  It'll be one of the cards I use in a hosted Convention swap.

Here's the recipe for this card:
Stamps: Embrace Life
Cardstock: Gable Green, Pretty in Pink, Very Vanilla
Ink: Stazon Jet Black, Pretty in Pink

Here's how to make this card:

• Cut the card base 3" X 6" and fold in half.
• Measure out a Pretty in Pink piece that is 1/8" smaller than the face of the card
• Stamp the Cherry Blossom image on a 2" X 2.25" piece of Very Vanilla
• Adhere the vanilla layer in the top middle of the pink square
• Adhere the pink square to the green base
• Stamp Embrace Live sentiment in the bottom right hand corner

Don't forget!  If you have a suggestion for a 10 minute card, or if you want to design one for me to "WOW" on Wednesday, feel free to contact me at Michelle@stampworkshop.com. Guest designers are always welcome!

Visit tomorrow!

Top 10 Tools

There was a recent poll of sorts on Splitcoaststampers where it was asked, "What are the top 10 tools you use when making a card?"  There were a variety of answers from many experienced crafters.  I tallied up the responses and here are the results (in order of recommendations):

1. Paper trimmer - Most responses recommended a guillotine type cutter (106959, $45.95) and following close behind was a personal paper cutter (104152, $24.95) that could handle paper up to 12" X 12".
2. Paper Snips (103579, $9.95)- The most recommended type of scissors were paper snips.  Paper snips are small, thin bladed scissors with a sharp pointed tip.  They are great for cutting even in the tiniest of areas.
3. Bone Folder (102300, $6.95)- Bone folders are used to score paper and make crisp folds.
4. Paper Piercer (found in the Crafter's Tool Kit 104310, $39.95) - This tool is a long narrow shaft with a needle-type tip.  It is used to pierce holes in your paper to make borders and decorative shapes.  It can also be used to poke holes for brads and to help poke ribbon through holes.
5. Ruler (103158, $9.95) - A clear ruler was highly recommended.  It could be used to center images, as well as, to ummm measure!
6. Mat Pack (105826, $9.95) - Used in conjunction with the Paper Piercer.  There is a template to guide you in perfect paper piercing.  Also included are a foam mat and a self healing cutting mat.
7. Crop-A-Dile (108362, $29.95) - A very easy to use tool that punches through chipboard, tin and multiple paper layers with great ease!  It is used to set eyelets in all sizes.
8. Punches (pg 180-181 of the Spring Summer 08 Catalog) - Punches are used to punch out shapes.  The most popular types of punches mentioned were circle punches in various sizes and corner punches including the corner rounder and ticker punch.  Punches add just the right amount of layering and dimension to any paper craft project.
9. Heat Tool (100005, $26.95) - Used with embossing powders, Heat & Stick Powder and to heat-set pigment inks.
10. Stampin' Scrub (102642, $14.95) & Stampin' Mist (102394, $3.95) - A total must have!  Used to clean and condition your stamps.  Helps to have nice crisp clear stamped images and also conditions the rubber for long stamp life.  You can't have one without the other.

So there are the top ten tools!  The must haves for any paper crafter.  Here are a few honorable mentions (following close behind the top ten):

• Stamp-a-ma-jig (101049, $11.95) - A stamp positioner used for precise stamp alignment every time!
• Hobby Blade (102449, $4.50) & Cutting Mat (101087, $15.95) - The hobby blade is an extra sharp knife used for precise cutting where scissors just won't work.  The cutting mat is a self healing mat used to protect your work surface when using a hobby blade.
• Stamping Sponges (101610, $3.50) - A great way to apply ink to larger areas.  Used for a softer, more subtle application.
• Edge Distresser (found in the Cutter Kit 106958, $16.95) - A great tool used to distress the edges for your paper for a but more texture to your project.

If you have any questions about any of these tools, please to contact me at Michelle@stampworkshop.com.

Add a comment and let me know what you think about any of these tools. Like 'em? Let us know!

Go stamp something!

Lori Tecler - This Week's Featured Stamper!

This week's featured stamper is someone who I have had the chance to swap with on a few occasions.  She has a distinctive style.  I could always pick her cards out of a pile of swap cards.  I was just drawn to them!

I am very pleased to introduce this week's Featured Stamper:

Lori Tecler

Lori Tecler aka ltecler is a Stampin' up! Demo and contributes to a couple of design teams.  You can see some of her work on her blog Inking Aloud.

Here's Lori's bio...

I never considered myself a "crafty" kind of person. In fact, as a kindergarten teacher, I always had kids criticizing my drawings ("That doesn't look like a dog at all . . ."). So, it's somewhat surprising to me that I've become such an avid stamper.

Like I said, I'm a teacher by profession, and currently work in the early childhood office in a large school district in the DC suburbs. I just (this week!) finished work on a masters degree in instructional technology, so we'll see where I end up next.

When I'm not at my day job, I'm an SU! demo and work on design teams for Kitchen Sink Stamps and Clear & Simple Stamps.

I live in Maryland with my adorable but crazy German shepherd/golden retriever mix, Cosmo. He is always getting into some kind of trouble and really keeps me on my toes!

Michelle: When were you first introduced to Stampin' Up!?

Lori: My best friend Michele introduced me to stamping at an Stampin' Up! party at her house about 5 years ago. She signed up to become a demo and I became her best customer. Eventually, I decided to sign up as a demo myself and I'm thrilled that I did. I've enjoyed all the training opportunities (regional seminars and conventions) and meeting lots of great people in the stamping community.

Michelle: What's your favorite all time SU stamp set?

Lori: That's such a hard question! My favorites seem to change all the time depending on the season and who I'm creating for. I think my all-time favorite might be Stem Silhouettes from one of the recent mini catalogs. It is a great all-purpose set and is so easy to use.

Michelle: What's your favorite SU color?

Lori: I love blue! Right now, my favorite color is Soft Sky. I hope to fall in love with one of the new blue In Colors once my preview order arrives next week.

Michelle: What's your favorite SU embellishment?

Lori: I love SU!'s ribbons. The wide grosgrains have really grown on me--I hated them at first and couldn't figure out how to use them, but now I reach for them all the time. I love the taffeta ribbons, too. They're so elegant.

I am happy to be able to share with you, some of Lori's artwork.  Take a look!

Thanks to Lori for being my featured stamper this week.  And thank you for reading!

Check out Lori's blog, Inking Aloud.

Go Stamp!

Turquoise Wowed!

This is my Wow It Wednesday card for this week.  I took the card from yesterday (Turquoise in Ten) and wowed it up just a bit.  Five little additions and the card looks so different.  I didn't change anything about the layout, just added some layers and brads!  It's a lot easier than you'd think!

Here's the recipe for this card:
Stamps: Always, Paisley
Cardstock: Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White, Close to Cocoa
Ink: Tempting Turquoise
Designer Series Paper: Old Olive Prints
Ribbon: Tempting Turquoise Grosgrain
Accessories: Old Olive and tempting Turquoise Brads
Tools: Distresser Tool, Paper Piercer, Paper Piercing Template

Here's what was added to this card:

• A Close to Cocoa layer was stamped with Paisley using Versamark ink
• A Whisper White layer was added behind the Old Olive Prints.  The edges were distressed,
• The bird image on Whisper White was layered with Tempting Turquoise
• The strip element was adhered using dimensional tape.  The bird layer was attached to that also using dimensional.
• Brads were added to the two layers as shown

If you have a suggestion for a 10 minute card, or if you want to design one for me to "WOW" on Wednesday, feel free to contact me at Michelle@stampworkshop.com. I'd love to see what you can come up with!

See you tomorrow!

Need Help Applying Decor Elements?

Have you received your new Decor Elements yet?  Orders placed on the 1st of July are slowly trickling in and people are starting to use Decor Elements in and around their homes.

I typed up a great tutorial (well, I think it's great *smile*) on how to apply your decor elements.

How to Apply Decor Elements

In case you can't quite visualize what I was trying to say, here is a great video that Stampin' Up! has provided to help you along.  Just click on the screen, sit back and enjoy the video!

If you haven't ordered Decor Elements yet and would like to, click on the brochure cover on the right hand side of my blog.  You will be able to see the entire line in a PDF file.  I am offering a 10% discount on *any* one Decor Elements image in your order.  Please note that this offer is only offered to US customers directly by me.

If you have any questions about Decor Elements, feel free to contact me at Michelle@stampworkshop.com

Turquoise in Ten

Here's my quick card for Ten Minute Tuesday.  I just love this bird from the Always set.  The flourishes and flowers on the bottom of this little guy are such a neat touch.  I like that this stamp works with so many different sentiments.  Depending on the color you use for the bird, it can be a bright springy card, or if you go with a darker color, it would make a great fall card.

Don't forget to check back tomorrow.  At that time, I'll simply WOW up the card a bit to give you a whole new card.

Here's the recipe for this card:
Stamps: Always
Cardstock: Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White
Ink: Tempting Turquoise
Designer Series Paper: Old Olive Prints
Ribbon: Tempting Turquoise Grosgrain
Tools: Distresser Tool

Here's how to make this card:

• Cut your card base from Tempting Turquoise
• Measure out a 3.25" X 2.25" piece of Whisper White cardstock
• Stamp the bird image and the sentiment directly below it in Tempting Turquoise
• Distress the edges of the Whisper White Piece
• Cut a 1.75" X 5.5" strip of Old Olive Print DSP
• Tie some Tempting Turquoise Ribbon around the Old Olive strip.
• Adhere the Old Olive strip to the center of the card.
• Adhere the Whisper White Piece directly onto the Old Olive strip, place it to the right of center

If you have a suggestion for a 10 minute card, or if you want to design one for me to "WOW" on Wednesday, feel free to contact me at Michelle@stampworkshop.com. I'd love to see what you can come up with!

See you tomorrow!

Finally Some Swaps to Show You!

As I keep saying, I have signed up for a ton of swaps for Convention.  Admittedly, my progress is slow going, but I finally have all my swaps designed and now I am putting them all together.

Here's one of the three ATC swaps that I signed up for.  ATCs are "Artist Trading Cards" and measure 2.5" X 3.5".

This picture is to show the dimension in this ATC.  The main flower is popped up and then the middle flower is popped up on that.  The edges are distressed (of course!).

I'm normally a "lazy"swapper and wouldn't cut the flowers out like that so many times. But, this is a smaller ATC swap and I only had to make 10.  Plus at Convention, swappers are kind of expected to go above and beyond.  I hope this is up to par!

Here's the recipe for this ATC:
Stamps: One of a Kind, Canvas
Cardstock: Creamy Caramel, So Saffron, Certainly Celery, Bashful Blue, Whisper White
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, So Saffron, Certainly Celery, Bashful Blue
Accessories: Dimensionals, Silver Brad
Tools: Distresser Tool

If you have any questions about this ATC, feel free to contact me at Michelle@stampworkshop.com

Enjoy!

Fresh Cuts ATC

My second ATC.  This one is a bit different from any other that I've done.  The white layer is adhered to the Rose Red layer and then that is raised off the black layer.  But that's not why it's different.

This was made using the largest image in the new Fresh Cut stamp set.  It is a block measuring about 3.25" square.  It is a collage type stamp.  I used a portion of it here in this ATC.  I used Stampin' Write markers to color in the various parts of the image.  I thought there was too much white space, so I used the leaf flourish from the set to stamp in the middle with Rose Red.  I'm not sure how much I like this ATC, but I thought I'd try something different (for me anyway).  My cards and ATCs usually focus on one image and then "fancied" up around it.

You can see that I've distressed the edges on this ATC too.  I can't help it.  Ever feel like your card is naked if you don't have something particular on it?  Well, for me it's distressing.  lol

Here's the recipe for this ATC:

Stamps: Fresh Cut
Cardstock: Basic Black, Rose Red, Whisper White
Ink: Basic Black
Accessories: Stampin' Write Makers: Rose Red, Orchid Opulence, Mellow Moss; Rhinestone Brad, Dimensionals
Ribbon: Mellow Moss Grosgrain
Tools: Distresser Tool

If you have any questions about this ATC, feel free to contact me at Michelle@stampworkshop.com

Enjoy!

Punch Art ATC

My last ATC.  This one actually took me the longest.  It wasn't all the difficult, but I changed my design and I had to do a few over.  Image this ATC without any stamping on it and hand drawn stems.  Yeah, not so pretty.

So this was for a punch art ATC swap.  I chose Tag Punch.  Can you tell that it's a flower pot?  Please say yes!  This swap was a little larger than my other ATC swaps.  This one had 20 spots.  Check out that cute little bow.  I tied 20 of those.  Not bad if I do say so myself!

I like the springy colors on this.  I think it actually works.

Here's the recipe for this ATC:

Stamps: Three for You, Embrace Life (stems)
Cardstock: Bashful Blue, Apricot Appeal, Gable Green, Pixie Pink, Pretty in Pink, Close to Cocoa
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Apricot Appeal, Gable Green
Accessories: Gable Green Stampin' Write Marker (leaves)
Ribbon: Caramel Gingham Ribbon
Tools: Distresser Tool,Ticket Punch, Small Oval Punch, Small Tag Punch, Three for You punch

Hope you like it!

If you have any questions about this ATC, feel free to contact me at Michelle@stampworkshop.com

Have a flowery day!

This Week's Featured Stamper - Vera!

I am so thrilled to feature one of my favorite stampers this week!  She has a constant presence on Splitcoaststampers, and you can find many of her creations gracing the challenge threads.

I am very pleased to introduce this week's Featured Stamper:

Vera Schoeters

Vera Schoeters aka Vera (on Splitcoaststampers) is a also a Stampin' Up! demonstrator and has a great eye for color.  You can find her artwork in her gallery on SCS and on her blog Vera Stamps.

Here's a little bit about Vera...

As a kid, I used to play with ink pads and a rubber stamp alphabet, pretending I was working at my uncle's print shop. Who would have thought I would be playing with rubber stamps again all these years later.

I became a Stampin' Up! demonstrator in January 2006 and since then I have enjoyed sharing the fun of rubber stamping at workshops and classes.

I'm originally from Antwerp, Belgium and came to the US after I graduated college with a degree in Dutch, English and German translation. My husband and I live in Columbia, Maryland and we love it here. We enjoy walking and bicycling on the many trails in the area. I work as a computer consultant in Baltimore.

Michelle: When were you first introduced to Stampin' Up!?

Vera: I was invited to my first SU party by a neighbor, shortly after moving here in 2000. I fell in love with rubber stamping right away, and ordered supplies to make my own Christmas cards that year.

Michelle: What's your favorite all time SU stamp set?

Vera: I would have to say Lovely as A Tree is my all-time favorite. You can make so many different types of cards (e.g. masculine birthday, Christmas, sympathy, Father's Day) and use so many different stamping techniques with this set.

Michelle: What's your favorite SU color?

Vera: Although I haven't seen the ink or paper for myself yet (only printed in Stampin' Up!'s magazine), I believe Riding Hood Red will be my favorite SU color this year.  I love making Christmas cards, and this color is just perfect for them!

Michelle: What's your favorite SU embellishment?

Vera: I love all the ribbons, but especially the taffeta ribbon - it's just so elegant, and very easy to use as well.

Here is some of Vera's wonderful artwork.  Vera made this Fourth of July card just for this feature!  I'm so excited to be able share it with you!  Also, check out the great Holiday card she made.  It uses Lovely as a Tree.  Just gorgeous!

If you want to check out another really wonderful project that Vera made, check out my December 13, 2007 post.  She sent me a great altered clipboard for the holidays!

Thanks for reading this little glimpse of Vera.  And a big THANK YOU to Vera for graciously allowing me to feature her on my blog!

Check out Vera's blog, Vera Stamps. Great blog!

Happy Fourth!

New Feature Part 2 - Wow It Wednesday

Here is the second part of the new feature on my blog.  Wow It Wednesday.  Every Wednesday, I will take the 10 minute card that was made on Tuesday and wow it up a bit.  This card will be just a little more time consuming (more than 10 minutes).  It'll show you that just adding a few elements here and there will give you a whole new card!

Here's the recipe for this card:
Stamps: En Francais, Fresh Cut
Cardstock: Basic Black, Whisper White, Certainly Celery
Ink: Basic Black, Certainly Celery
Designer Series Paper: None
Ribbon: Certainly Celery 5/8" Grosgrain
Accessories: Basic Brads, Vintage Brads, Certainly Celery Marker
Tools: Ticket Punch, Distresser Tool, Paper Piercing Tool, Paper Piercing template

Here's what was added:

• A Whisper White layer was cut just .125" shorter on one long side and one short side than the main Basic Black base and its edges were distressed.
• Paper pierced along the entire edge of the Certainly Celery layer.
• Brads were added to the corners.
• A new focal point was added by stamping an image on Whisper White.  Color was added with a Certainly Celery marker.  The edges were distressed and punched with a ticket corner punch.
• This was then mounted on a basic black layer and brads were added to match the main layering.

And that's it!  A wowed up card.

If you have any questions about this card, feel free to contact me at Michelle@stampworkshop.com

Check back tomorrow!

Another New Feature - Ten Minute Tuesday

I want to introduce to you another new feature on my blog.  Ten Minute Tuesday.  Every Tuesday, I will create and post a  card that can be done in 10 minutes.  These  cards will be ones that you can easily reproduce quickly and with limited supplies.

Check back tomorrow and every Wednesday for another new feature - Wow It Wednesday.  Tomorrow, I'll simply WOW up the card a bit!

Here's the recipe for this card:
Stamps: En Francais, Fresh Cut
Cardstock: Basic Black, Certainly Celery
Ink: Basic Black, Certainly Celery
Designer Series Paper: None
Ribbon: Certainly Celery 5/8" Grosgrain
Accessories: None
Tools: Ticket Punch

Here's how to make this card:

• Cut Basic Black base to standard card size.
• Cut Certainly Celery short by 1/4" on one long side and one short side.
• Stamp the background.
• Tie the ribbon around the bottom.
• Adhere the Celery layer to the base.
• Stamp the sentiment and you're done!

If you have any questions about this card, feel free to contact me at Michelle@stampworkshop.com

Check back tomorrow!

WOW! It's July 1st! BIG, BIG News!

July 1st is the first day of the new fiscal year for Stampin' Up!  WOW!  Have they rang in the new year!  Some great things announced today...

• The new Decor Elements Line is here!  Check out the next post for details.
• ALL NEW STAMP SETS WILL BE DIE-CUT!!!  Can you tell I am happy about this one???  All stamp sets that are new to the Fall-Winter 2008 catalog will be die-cut.  No more trimming, no more nicked rubber.  Just slap the sticker the wood block and then slap that rubber on the wood (okay, no snickering!  Get your mind out of the gutter!  lol).  Then you're done!
• Demos got to see a sneak peek at some new sets, including hostess sets, some fun new embellishments, Designer Series Paper and a new Scalloped Edge Punch!!!  Cool!
• Many of the new hostess sets are available in both English AND Spanish!
• Finally, a great Hodgepodge Hardware promo!  Here are the details on that:

The following Hodgepodge Hardware finishes are being offered at a special 25 percent discount from July 1 through August 10 (or while supplies last - so order now!):

Item #	Page #	Item Description	Regular Price	Limited Time 25% off Discount
105532	188	Aged Copper Hodgepodge Hardware	$27.95	$20.96
105531	188	Antique Brass Hodgepodge Hardware	$27.95	$20.96
105515	188	Pewter Hodgepodge Hardware	$27.95	$20.96

As always, if you have any questions or want to place an order, feel free to contact me at Michelle@stampworkshop.com

Giddy with Excitement!

Here's Your First Look at Decor Elements!

Here is your chance to see the entire Decor Elements Line!  Click below to download:

Decor Elements Brochure (1.12M PDF File)

I hope you enjoy this first look at the new product line.  I will be happy to answer any questions you have.

I have hard copies of the brochure in hand.  If you would like a hard copy, please email me at Michelle@stampworkshop.com to request one.  Included with your brochure will be a coupon for 10% off one Decor Elements product (Please note this offer is good only for purchases made through me to US customers only and not offered directly from Stampin' Up!).  Use this coupon to be one of the first to experience the new product.  Decor Elements products will be available for purchase starting July 1st!  If you'd like to place an order without receiving a hard copy, simply email me your order and mention the 10% off.  I'll still give it to ya!

Don't forget that you can order Decor Elements along with your retired stamp sets (sets can be ordered through August 10th) to get the best value in shipping!

Let's decorate!

Sneak Peek Commentary - Hostess Sets

Okay, so I can't post access to the PDF file of the new stuff Stampin' Up! provided, but I can describe them the best I can and give some commentary...

Hostess sets.  They showed us a few of the Level 2 and Level 3 hostess sets.  They didn't show us all of them.  Here's what we've seen...

FALL FLAIR - Level 2 set, 8 stamps - The flowers and leaves look sketched.  A seven petaled, pointed flower.  A Solid leaf, maple looking.  A carnation looking line art flower.  An arc of dots?  A solid seven petaled flower.  A line art maple looking leaf.  A dandelion looking flower.  Another line art leaf, oak maybe?  Can you tell I don't know flowers and leaves????

DEER FRIENDS/ADORABLES AMIGOS - Level 2, 8 stamps - Available in both English and Spanish.  Round stamps with and image and then words (lower case) that go around the image along the edge.  Cute set.  Looks like the Spanish set has the same wording.  Although I can't tell which size, I am sure these fit into one of the circle punches.  Here are the stamps:

• a cute Santa (head only) with the words "from the guy with the red suit"
• a snowman (head only) "season's greetings"
• a present "a little something"
• an angel (head only) "little angel"
• a Christmas tree "o christmas tree" (in lower case)
• a deer (head only) "deer friend"
• a swaddled baby with a shining star above "o holy night"
• a gingerbread man "sweet treat"

OCCASIONS COLLECTION/COLECCION DE MOTIVOS ESPECIALES - Level 2, 14 stamps - 12 word stamps, a small dotted cirle and a long stamp with 10 bold images each small enough to fit in the circle.  The images are a carved pumpkin, a turkey, a Christmas tree, champagne glasses clinking, a heart, a shamrock, an Easter egg, a engagement/wedding ring, a six petaled flower.  The words are (notice capitalization):

• HAPPY
• halloween
• valentine's
• christmas
• st. patrick's
• thanksgiving
• day
• to you
• wedding
• new year
• birthday
• easter

Hmmmmm.  I don't know that I like that some of the words don't have capital letters like Christmas and Easter.

SERENE SPRING/SERENA PRIMAVERA - Level 2, 4 stamps - A cute floppy eared bunny in a basket with a daisy planted next to it and a little bird on the handle.  It is realistic looking.  Would make for great water coloring.  A flower pot with a bird on it and a butterfly.  Two sentiment stamps "A friend is what the heart needs all the time - Henry VanDyke" and "A kind word is like a spring day."

HAPPINESS ALWAYS - Level 2, 14 stamps -

WINDOW DRESSING/ADORNOS PARA VENTANAS - Level 3, 10 stamps

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS BUNDLE - Level 3, Seasonal Sayings Rub-Ons, Seasonal Icons Stamp Artwork and Holiday Happenings Designer Series Paper

Well dear readers, I am getting tired as it is late!  I am too tired to type more.  But, before I log off, I wanted your opinion on these swaps I am making for Convention.  Tell me what you think...

Don't forget to leave me a comment on what you think about the swaps.

Enjoy!