The Stamp Workshop

Three Wise Men

I'm happy to finally a post a new card!

I am currently working on projects for a craft fair. Most of the stuff I am working on is for the Christmas season. Here is one that I produced for a swap.

I tried something a bit different (for me anyway) with this card.  I do a lot of water coloring, but this time I colored using rubbing alcohol.  I tried Copic Markers and really liked the way the ink looked on the paper.  Well, at $6 a marker and over 300 colors, I decided that I just shouldn't go down that road quite yet.  I read on various message boards that you could use alcohol and ink refills to get a similar result.

I filled an Aqua-painter with rubbing alcohol and proceeded to color by picking up ink that I smooshed onto the inkpad's cover.  To smoosh the color, take your Stampin' Up! classic ink pad and while the inkpad is closed smoosh the top cover into the ink pad.  This transfers a bit of color onto the inside of the cover.  Then open you pad and dip the aquapainter into the transferred ink.

I used versamark and black embossing powder to emboss the image, then I colored it in.  the embossing helped to keep the color were it was supposed to be.   It also gave it a bit of a more polished look.

It's hard to see in this picture (okay it's really non-existant in the picture), but there are glitter accents on each headpiece and on the lids of the jars.  I cut out the image and raised it with pop-dots.  I also stamped the image onto the base and adhered the image right over it.

Here's the recipe for this card:
Stamps: Holy Triptych, Season of Simple Grace, Baroque Motifs
Cardstock: Pale Plum, Perfect Plum, Always Artichoke, Whisper White
Ink: Pale Plum, Perfect Plum, Always Artichoke, Ballet Blue, Bashful Blue, Really Rust, Barely Banana, Basic Black, Versamark
Ribbon: Always Artichoke Grosgrain
Accessories: Pop-Dots
Tools: Aquapainter, Distresser Tool

When this set first came out about a year ago, I made a Triptych with it.  Check out this post to see the details.

I hope you enjoyed my two samples! If you have any questions about this card or the triptych, feel free to contact me at Michelle@stampworkshop.com

Enjoy!

It's October 1st! See What's New!

October officially marks Stampin' Up!'s 20th year in business!  Congrats Stampin' Up!  You can bet that we're celebrating the 20th anniversary all year!  You've already seen some great promotions in September.  Now, take a look at all the fun offers that are in place for October:

	2008 Holiday Mini Catalog - Filled with holiday stamps, you will be amazed at the wonderful artwork and accessories available in this year's mini catalog.  You'll find the entire Big Shot product line, including exclusive dies and machines.  To view the Holiday Mini, click here or on the Holiday Mini cover on the right hand side.
	Decor Elements Phase 2 - A brand new phase of decor elements include new colors and images.  You'll find some great multi-layered elements.  Decorate your home for the holidays, your special occasions or just to suit your fancy!  To view the new phase 2 decor elements, click here or on the Decor Elements cover on the right hand side.
	Birthday Promotion - Get select birthday themed stamp sets at 20% off with a qualifying purchase of $20.  Check out my Birthday Promotion page for full details.  Click here.
	Aqua Painters - Purchase the large-tip Aqua Painter (item 114617) for $7.25. No minimum purchase, no limits, while supplies last.  Offer good through October 31.
	Hostess Incentive - Host a workshop of $350 and receive any stamp set from the Fall-Winter Sampler for free!  To see the sampler, click here or click on the Fall-Winter Preview cover on the right hand side.  This offer is good through November 30.  Host a workshop in the Stamp Workshop, your home or simply host a catalog workshop.

Don't forget!  You have until October 11 to sign up to become a Demonstrator for only $99!  A great price to join a great company!

Looks like a great promo month, doesn't it?!?

As always, if you'd like to take advantage of any of these promotions, please contact me at Michelle@stampworkshop.com.  Don't forget, you can now order online.  Click the Order Now button to the right.

Go stamp!

Shadowed Daisies

In the Fall Winter 08 Idea Book & Catalog, there are a lot of "silhouette" stamps.  This stamp here is from the set Upsy Daisy.  I won this set at Convention.  Here's a picture of Missi and me during that happy moment!  (Click)

I made this card for, yeah, you guessed it, a swap.  I did up 16 of these.

First I stamped the Daisy image in Pacific point then inked the image with Bashful Blue and stamped again just to the right.  I didn't use a Stamp-a-ma-jig, but it came out pretty good!  This technique is called Shadowing.  So basically what you do with Shadowing is take your image and stamp in a darker color first.  Then take a lighter color and stamp the same image off to the side just a bit.  It makes a "shadow".  Very easy!  This technique works best with solid images as opposed to line art images.

Notice the big oval in the corner.  That's the new Wide Oval punch.  It doesn't have a "mate" so, I just punched the same oval, but in a different color and then layered it offset.  I think it does the job.  lol

I stamped on Glossy White.  I think it's the best cardstock for bold images.  The image doesn't come out with white splotches.  It's a nice even image.

Here's the recipe for this card:
Stamps: Upsy Daisy, Sanded
Cardstock: Pacific Point, Bashful Blue, Glossy White
Ink: Pacific Point, Bashful Blue
Ribbon: Light Blue Gingham
Accessories: Dimensionals
Tools: Wide Oval Punch, paper piercer

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

Go Stamp!

Lots of Great Sample Cards!

This is a card done by Sharon (TexasStampin) on Splitcoaststampers. I hosted a Fall Winter 08 New stamp Set swap and this was one of the cards. There was a pretty good turn out. I had 5 groups with 10 people in each group. The level of the cards that were submitted were amazing!

I wanted to share these wonderful cards, so I created an album to showcase them. You can check out the entire album here.

Have a look at these wonderful cards! I have indicated the creator's SCS user name next to the name of the stamp set they used. When you are done looking, come back here and post a few comments about your favorites!

Enjoy!

Two Cool in Ten

It's Ten Minute Tuesday!  But first off, yes, I know it should be "Too" Cool in Ten and not "Two".  But, I titled this post as it is because the stamp set I used is called Two Cool Dudes.

This set is one that I came home from Convention with.  I got it as a Thank You for some work I did at Convention.  It's really a cute set.  There are two snowmen in this set.  This is the bigger of the two.   Don't you think he's cute?

Anyway, this card took me all of about 5 minutes to do.   Sweet, simple, no embellishments.

Here's a hint when stamping images that are bolder/solid.  Use glossy paper!  Solid images just seem to be more crisp on glossy paper.  The ink evens out more so than on regular cardstock.

Here's the recipe for this card:
Stamps: Two Cool Dudes
Cardstock: Night of Navy, Baja Breeze, Glossy White
Ink: Night of Navy

If you have any questions about this card, feel free to contact me at Michelle@stampworkshop.com. Leave me a comment and let me know what you think. And don't forget to come back on Wednesday for WOW-It Wednesday.

Stay cool!

Thank You Card

I've finally gotten back into the groove of making cards.  I thought with the kids back in school, that I'd have more time to create.  Boy, was I totally wrong!  I am busier than ever.  I hate to admit it, but I may have volunteered for one too many programs at the school, scouts and all the other things we have going on.

Anyway, here's a card a made for a swap (of course).  It was supposed to be a multi-layered WOW swap.  I hope this is WOW enough for the swap.  What I might think is WOW, might be ho hum to others.

I used the paper from the Level 3 hostess bundle, Holiday Happenings.

Here's the recipe for this card:
Stamps: Say it with Scallops
Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Glossy White, Pink Pirouette, Kiwi Kiss
Ink: Chocolate Chip
Designer Series Paper: Holiday Happenings
Ribbon: 5/8" Chocolate Chip Gorsgrain
Accessories: White Gel Pen, Silver Brads
Tools: Scallop Border Punch, Paper Piercer, Scallop Square Punch

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

Be sure to come back tomorrow for Ten Minute Tuesday.

Enjoy!

Stampin' Up! Partners with Sizzix- Order Your Big Shot Today!

As you may have heard, the biggest news at this year's Stampin' Up! Convention was the introduction of the Big Shot.  Stampin' Up! is thrilled to be in partnership with Sizzix to provide its customers with the Stampin' Up! edition of the Big Shot.  Starting today, September 2nd, you can order your Big Shot and dies!

What is the Big Shot?
The Big Shot is a manual die-cutting system that you can use for a number of projects and crafts. The simplicity of the Big Shot makes it a great addition to any one’s crafting hobby.

How does the Big Shot work?
Using steel-ruled and chemically-etched dies, the Big Shot cuts out images by passing card stock and other materials through rollers that utilize pressure to cut through the materials. With just a couple turns of the handle, you’ll be able to cut through a wide variety of materials. The Big Shot also comes with special cutting pads and a cutting platform that not only make the Big Shot safer and easier to use, but also lengthen the life of the product.

To read all about the Big Shot Product Line and to learn more about the system itself, check out my "All About the Big Shot" Page.  Click here.

To order your Big Shot, please contact me directly at Michelle@stampworkshop.com or phone me at (858) 538-6037.  All orders place through me will receive a BONUS sizzlits die!  Choose one of the following sizzlits dies (a $4.95 value) with your order for free!

• 113440 Buttons #5
• 113442 Daisy Flower
• 113443 Pumpkin #4
• 113445 Pumpkin Faces
• 113441 Swirls Scribbles
• 113444 Sparkle

Order today and you can start creating with your new Big Shot!

Update to Movin' On!

I was able to link you to the NEW catalog.  Please note that it is a PDF file and it is HUGE!  I am definitely on the road now.  I am not sure if Stampin' Up! will be posting a catalog online other than this PDF file.

The links to the Spanish catalog were not working when I had a chance to update, but I am sure it can be found on the SU website shortly.  Just click in the top right corner and pick United States - Espanol.  This is at www.stampinup.com.

I have to go now!  I will try to update links and such when I can.

Until then...

BYE!

Movin' On!

So as you may know, we are traveling.  Well, I was hoping that the links to the new catalog were going to be posted so that I could provide you with shiny new links.

Alas, Stampin' Up! has been true to it's word.  Looks like it won't be posted until noon (MST).  And we are just about to leave the comfort of our hotel to go camping.  I shall not have internet connection *gasp*!  - unless I steal the SUV and head to a Starbucks...  Hmmm.  That's an idea!

Anyway, in case I can't get back to a computer, you will be able to find a link to the new catalog, both the Fall Winter 08-09 IB&C and Celebrando Creatividad, directly on my "official" Stampin' Up! website.  You can get there by clicking on the Stampin' Up Logo in the top right hand corner of this blog.

Or , if you want to bookmark it, here is the URL: http://TheCreativeStamper.stampinup.net

Enjoy the new catalog!  Hope to "talk" to you soon!

Today's the Day We've All Been Waiting For!

Today is a BIG day in the Stampin' Up! world!  Starting at noon (MST) the Fall Winter 2008-09 Idea Book and Catalog goes live!  You can start placing orders at noon (MST).

BUT, not only is it the first day of the new catalog, there are several GREAT promos and events that start today too! I have created separate pages for each promo or event.  Here's a listing and links to all the info you need!

• My personal favorite is the debut of Celebrando Creatividad - Our New Hispanic Supplement.  Click here for more information.
• From today through October 11, become a Stampin' Up! demonstrator with my team for only $99!  Details here!
•  Join my team with the standard start kit ($199) and receive a FREE stamp set from Stampin' Up (up to a $47.95 value)!  Find out more about being a demo and how to sign up online - here!  This promotion ends October 11.
• From today through September 30, order select NEW stamp sets at 15% off!  Click here to see which sets are available!

And now, here are some promotions that I am offering (not offered by Stampin' Up!):

• Get a free catalog!  Click here.
• Join my team and receive a free stamp set valued up to $27.95.

If you have any questions on any of these promotions or events, please contact me via email at Michelle@stampworkshop.com or by phone at (858) 538-6037.

Place your order with me via email 24/7 or by phone during normal business hours (9am-6pm).

Talk to you soon!

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!

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

______________________________________________________

Riding Hood Red

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

______________________________________________________

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

______________________________________________________

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?

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!

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

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!

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!

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!

It's the End of the Month - Don't Miss Out!

Today is June 30th and we have some great promos ending today.  Don't miss out on your chance to get these promos and products.

Last day to get the discounted eScape bundle.  For only $30, you will receive a Love Notes assortment, Circle of Friendship stamp set, Rose Red classic Stampin' Pad and Very Vanilla 5/8" grosgrain.  Click here or on the link to your right for the promo details.

Last chance to get the Fresh Cut stamp set and Fresh Cut Notes before the new catalog comes out!  Click here or see the link on the right for details.

Last day to order from the Occasions Mini.  You can see a PDF file of the mini by clicking the link on the right.  These sets may or may not be available in future Stampin' Up! catalogs, so if you see a set or accessory you want, be sure to order them today!

Don't miss out!  Please contact me at Michelle@stampworkshop.com. Orders must be placed (and payment remitted) no later than 9pm Pacific time to insure your order gets in on time.

Waiting for your order,

Making Room for the New Stuff!

The new catalog debut is fast approaching.  So what does that mean?  The retirement list!  Say goodbye to some of your favorite (and not so favorite) sets!

To find out what stamp sets are retiring check out the following PDF files:

Retired Stamps - Alphabetical List (203k PDF file)

Retired Stamps - List by Page (201k PDF file)

Order your retiring stamp sets today! These sets are available from now until August 10, 2008. Click the "Order Now" icon to your left, or send me an email at Michelle@stampworkshop.com.

Don't miss out!

Fresh Cut - An Upcoming New Set!

Here's a glimpse of the upcoming set Fresh Cut.  It will appear in the Fall Winter 2008 Catalog.

Notice the cute note card!  It is 4" X 4".  The large flower in the middle is laser cut.  They are called Fresh Cut Notes and will also be in the upcoming catalog.

Would you like to have this set before the catalog comes out?  Well, you can!  You can order this set from June 1 - 30.

To see the details of this promotion, check out the right hand side of this blog under Current Specials.  Then click on Fresh Cut Sneak Peek Promotion.  You'll find all the details there.  While you're at it, click on the eScape link and see what that's all about.  Two great promotions for June!

Here's the recipe for this card:
Stamps: Fresh Cut
Cardstock: Bashful Blue
Ink: Bashful Blue, Basic Black
Designer Series Paper: Le Jardin
Ribbon: Bashful Blue Grosgrain
Accessories: Fresh Cut Notes, Ice Rhinestone Brad
Tools: 5-Petal Flower Punch, Paper Piercing Tool, paper Piercing Template

As always, contact me if you have any questions on how to make this card.  Email me at Michelle@stampworkshop.com

Have a FRESH day!

Preppy Birthday

If you are one of my regular viewers, you know how much I love using Stampin' Up! Designer Series Paper.  No matter which DSP you use, it always makes for an easy card that doesn't necessarily look easy.

This was another swap card I made for SoCal Stamp Mania.  The East Coast Prep DSP makes for some very festive birthday cards and scrapbook pages.  How could I not pair up this paper with the upcoming set Party Hearty?

You can't really tell in this picture, but the present in the center of the "b" is raised to give the card some dimension.

Here's the recipe for this card:
Stamps: Party Hearty (from the upcoming Fall Winter 08 Collection)
Cardstock: Whisper White, Tempting Turquoise
Ink: Tempting Turquoise, Wild Wasabi
Designer Series Paper: East Coast Prep
Ribbon: Real Red Striped Grosgrain
Accessories: Pop Dots
Tools: Distresser Tool

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

Have a Preppy Day!

New In Colors!

Some of Stampin' Up's top demos are currently sailing in the Bahamas.  The cruise is an incentive trip and all the demonstrators on board worked very hard to earn their free cruises!

One of the perks of being on the Cruise is being among the first to hear about the latest products that Stampin' Up! will offer in the upcoming catalog.

Here is a list of the new Fall Winter 08 Collection In Colors (debuting 08/11/08):

• Pink Pirouette
• Riding Hood Red
• Tangerine Tango
• Kiwi Kiss
• Baja Breeze
• Pacific Point

This information and the picture to the right were provided courtesy http://inkingaround.typepad.com.

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

Enjoy!

Fall Winter 08 Sneak Peek - Party Hearty!

Isn't this a cute set?  This is a  sneak peek of Party Hearty.  It is a stamp set that will appear with the Fall Winter 08 Collection that will be released in August 2008.

How did I get this set?  It was a special offering for all Stampin' Up! Regionals attendees who went to the Anaheim Regionals.   Any attendee who placed a certain amount workshop order within two weeks of Regionals received it.  It was an incentive to put into place some of the things we learned at Regionals.

I was pleasantly surprised that this set was die-cut!  What does that mean?  It means that I didn't have to trim the rubber around the image.  It was precut, or die-cut.  It's SO nice.  Just put the sticker on, then adhere the rubber tot he wood block, and you are good to go.  I just venturing a guess, so don't quote me...maybe the upcoming Fall Winter 08 Collection will be die-cut???

Here's kind of a side note and kind of a HAHA: When they were talking about this incentive, they briefly showed a picture of the set and the set name "Party Hearty".  Being an 80's girl, I was thinking that the phrase was "Party Hardy", like when Long Duk Dong calls Jake the "party hardy dude-person".  (Okay, yes, that's from Sixteen Candles).  Anyway, I didn't get a good glimpse of the picture, so I just assumed that there would be hearts in this set - "Hearty".  Imagine my surprise when there weren't *any* hearts!  So, all confused, I did a little research and here is what I found on althouse.blogpost.com:

"...'Party hardy'? Shouldn't it be 'party hearty'? Google shows a slight edge for 'party hearty' (31,800 hits) over "party hardy" (27,700), but let's check out the commentary:

Hardy/Hearty. These two words overlap somewhat, but usually the word you want is 'hearty.' The standard expressions are 'a hearty appetite,' 'a hearty meal,' a 'hearty handshake,' 'a hearty welcome,' and 'hearty applause.' 'Hardy' turns up in 'hale and hardy,' but should not be substituted for 'hearty' in the other expressions. 'Party hearty' and 'party hardy' are both common renderings of a common youth saying, but the first makes more sense.

I'll bet a lot of people haven't really noticed that these are two different words:

These two sound much alike and can easily be mistaken for each other in the spoken language. Hardy means 'strong, daring, able to withstand stress' and, of plants, 'able to live through the winter.'  She’s a hardy person, at eighty-two still caring for her own house and garden. Hearty means 'cordial, enthusiastic, unrestrained, vigorous,' as in She gave us a hearty welcome followed by an equally hearty dinner.

Well, what are you really trying to say to someone when you say 'party hardy/hearty'? If you're trying to wish the person well in holding up to all that drinking, it's 'hardy.' If you want them to have a lot of rollicking fun, it's 'hearty.' If you're trying to say both, stick to the spoken word...."

So there you have it.  There are no hearts in this set.  It *is* Party Hearty.  *wink*

Now, back to the set.  There is so much to like about it!  You can turn the birthday hats over and make a pennant banner (like in my card).  You can use your scallop punch and circle punches and make a bunch of cute things.    The scallop punch fits perfectly over the "Celebrate You" stamp!  It works with the tag punch.  That cupcake is too cute!  It'll make for some cute paper piecing techniques.  I'm sure all the creative minds out there can think of so much more.

So, here's the recipe for this card:

Stamps: Party Hearty
Cardstock: Real Red, Yoyo Yellow, Naturals White
Ink: Orchid Opulence, Pixie Pink, Tempting Turquoise, Yoyo Yellow, Real Red
 Accessories: Linen Thread, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter,
Tools: Stamp-a-ma-jig, Distresser Tool, Paper Snips, Stipple Brush

I used the candle stamp to make the poles.  I also stippled Tempting Turquoise onto the background to give it a little dimension.

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

Enjoy!