The Stamp Workshop

Baby It's Cold Outside - Not!

So here is the snowman that I have fallen in love with!  I feel kind of funny posting this today though.   It's what, Oct 1st.  It's supposed to be nice and cool out. Well, not in SoCal!  Can you believe it's 96 degrees right now???  96!  We are having a scorcher today.  Luckily it's supposed to be about 15 degrees cooler tomorrow.

Here is a card that uses some of the new Alpine Ribbon Originals.  You can find this ribbon in the 2008 Holiday Mini that debuted today.  It's really neat ribbon!  It's felt and a bit thick.  It's stitched with white.  It comes in two 4 yard spools, for a total of 8 yards.  It also comes with another roll of ribbon with another design.

Here's the recipe for this card:
Stamps: Two Cool Dudes
Cardstock: Night of Navy, Bashful Blue, Close to Cocoa, Glossy White
Ink: Night of Navy, Tangerine Tango
Ribbon: Alpine Ribbon Originals
Accessories: Silver Brads
Tools: Blender pen (to apply Tangerine Tango to nose and dots), Ticket Punch, Paper Piercer, Paper Distresser

Trying to stay cool!

Fairytale

Here's one of the six swaps that I have been working on in the last couple of weeks.  I made this card for a Occasions Mini swap that Britta hosted on SCS.  (HI Britta!)

The swaps I've been in have ranged from 8 cards to 18 cards.  For this swap, I needed to make 10 cards.  Check out those hearts.  First I stamped it on Whisper White with Basic Black.  Then I stamped it on Real Red also with Basic Black.  Then I cut them out.  I cut out 40 hearts!  I would buy a punch that fit this in a heartbeat.  *chuckle*  Get it?  Heartbeat?  tee hee

The products in the Occasions Mini are available from March 1 - May 31.  Be sure to come back on March 1.  I'll post a link to the Occasions Mini at that time.

For this swap, I made a card featuring the stamp set "Full of Life".  It is a 7 stamp set.  It is a sayings set, meaning there are only sayings and no images.  I like this set.  The fonts in each saying are different for certain words with bold, italics, etc.  Here are the sayings in this set:

• Thanks ... not just for the BIG things you do, but all the wonderful little things too!
• A BEST FRIEND is someone who brings out the BEST in YOU.
• If at FIRST you do succeed, try not to look ASTONISHED.
• Once in a while, RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE of ORDINARY life, Love gives us a FAIRYTALE.
• Life is what HAPPENS to you while you're BUSY making other plans. ~John Lennon
• May every part of your BIRTHDAY have happy in it!
• a new HAND to hold, a new heart to LOVE, a new LIFE to lead.

Here's the recipe for this card:
Stamps: Full of Life, Always (hearts), Baroque Motifs
Cardstock: Real Red, Basic Black, Whisper White
Ink: Basic Black
 Ribbon: Basic Black Grosgrain
Accessories: Vellum
Tools: Distresser Tool, Paper Snips

Don't forget to visit this blog on March 1 to see the online Occasions Mini.  You can send an order directly from this website!  To do so, just click on the "Order Now" icon on the left hand side.

If you have any questions about this card or if you'd like to place an order, feel free to contact me at Michelle@stampworkshop.com.

A Few Months Old

As you may know, I am an avid swapper.  I'm an avid swapper that tends to over do it sometimes!

Stampin' Up! is releasing a new mini catalog - the Occasions Mini - on March 1.  Usually when a new mini is debuted, demos can preorder a month before the release to the general public.  This is so demos can make samples for their customers to ohhh and ahhh over.

Well, if you remember back when SAB was announced, I joined a TON of swaps.  Well, with this new mini, I joined a TON of swaps.  As a result, my poor blog has been totally neglected.  I am *still* working on a couple of more swaps.  When I'm completely done, I'll post what I came up with.

In the meantime, here is a card I did a few months back.  It was done for a Show Us What You Can Do Swap for a invite only demo swap group that I host.  (Yes, I sign up for swaps AND I host them!  Not to mention that I  help moderate the swap forums on SCS.  But, I am going off on a tangent aren't I?)  Anyway... here's a card for you to take a look at until I have something more recent to post.

Here's the recipe for this card:
Stamps: En Francais, True Friend, Baroque Motifs
Cardstock: Bravo Burgundy, Old Olive, Whisper White, Pale Plum
Ink: pale Plum, Purely Pomegranate, Old Olive
 Ribbon: 5/8" Old Olive Grosgrain, Whisper White Grosgrain, Bravo Burgundy Grosgrain
Accessories: Bravo burgundy Marker, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Rhinestone Brad, Foam Tape
Tools: Oval Punches, Paper Piercer, Mat Pack, Ticket Punch

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

A Kiss and Some Love

In honor of Valentine's day, this week's technique is an oldie, but goodie.  The kissing technique.

This is a great and easy technique to give your bold images a little bit of design to them.  Notice on this card, each of the letters has a different design on it.  This was done by "kissing" the stamps together.

This is what you do...
First, find a bold image stamp.  Here I used the retired set Headline Alphabet.

Then, to give the bold stamp a design, pick a stamp or two with intricate designs.  In this example I used all SU background stamps.  The "L" uses Paisley, the "O" uses Weathered, the "V" uses Canvas and the "E" uses En Francais.

Place your background stamp rubber side up.  Ink it liberally.  Then, take your bold stamp and stamp it onto the background stamp.  Basically you are using the background stamp as an ink pad.  This is the "kiss".  The pattern will now be "kissed" onto your bold stamp.

To moisten the ink on the bold stamp, huff on it.  Now, stamp your image onto your paper.  There you go!

Here's the recipe for this card:
Stamps: Headline Alphabet, Always, Paisley, Weathered, Canvas, En Francais
Cardstock: Pretty in Pink, Close to Cocoa, Purely Pomegranate
Ink: Close to Cocoa, Purely Pomegranate
Designer Series Paper: Berry Bliss
Ribbon: Pretty in Pink Grosgrain, Purely Pomegranate Double Stitched Ribbon
 Tools: Ticket Punch, Circle Punches

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

Peony Thanks

So I have been a swappin' fool lately!  I guess that's what happens when a new catalog debuts, a new mini appears, Sale-A-Bration comes along and Regionals take place.  I can't seem to resist joining swaps to get samples for my customers.

Here's one that I did for Kim's new SS08 swap.  I made three cards for this swap.  Here is one of them.  I was to make a card using Pretty Peony.  Some people think there are way too many flower sets in the catalog.  Well, my feeling is that you can't have too many flower stamps!  They are so useful.  They are appropriate for birthday cards, Mother's day, Valentine's day, sympathy, thank you, get well, thinking of you, miss you, love you, and on and on!

I love these two step stamps.  They look complicated, but it is really easy.  I "eyeballed" these, but if you use a Stamp-a-ma-jig, you get flawless flowers.  I would've used my SAMJ, but  couldn't find the imaging sheets!  Here's s tip: store the SAMJ and the imaging sheets together!  lol

To do two step stamping, you want to use two colors that go well together.  One dark and one light.  Stamp the bold image first using the lighter color.  Then stamp the detailed stamp over the bold image using the darker color.

I kept this card simple because I thought the flower was great without all the bells and whistles!

Here's the recipe for this card:
Stamps: Pretty Peony, Sincere Salutations
Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Regal Rose, Certainly Celery Textured Cardstock
Ink: Rose Red, Regal Rose, Old Olive, Certainly Celery
 Ribbon: Old Olive
Tools: Paper Piercer, Distresser Tool, Stipple Brush

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

Occasions Mini Sneak Peek

This week's technique is adding dimension to your creations.

Here is a sneak peek of one of the sets from the upcoming Occasions Mini.  The set used is called Friendly Flowers.  It is a four stamp set and retails for $22.95.  It will be available beginning March 1.

Notice the different layers of the main image.  Layering the image and raising them a bit gives your creations just a bit of dimension.  Here's what I did for this card...

I stamped this main image a total of four times.  First it is on the white layer.  It is hard to see, but I stippled Pretty in Pink ink with a stipple brush all around the flower.

Next, it is stamped on the main layer of the medallion.  I stamped it on Whisper White and cut around the first dotted outline (the main image has a double dotted outline).  Then the Pretty in Pink layer of the medallion was punched out using the Scalloped Circle punch, then rotating it slightly and punching again.  The last piece is the center.  It is the very center of the image punched with a 3/4" circle punch.  There is a pink brad in the center covered with Crystal Effects and Dazzling Diamond Glitter.

The Dazzling Diamond Glitter is adhered using Crystal Effects.  It is quite sparkly, although you can't quite see it in the picture.

Here's the recipe for this card:
Stamps: Friendly Flowers, Embrace Life
Cardstock: Purely Pomegranate, Pretty in Pink, Close to Cocoa, Whisper White
Ink: Purely Pomegranate, Pretty in Pink
Designer Series Paper: Berry Bliss
Ribbon: Purely Pomegranate Double Stitched Grosgrain
Accessories: Distresser Tool, Paper Piercer, Mat Pack, 3/4" Circle Punch, Scalloped Circle Punch, Dazzling Diamond Glitter, Glue Dots, Brad, Crystal Effects

Anaheim SU Regionals Swap Card #2

Here is another swap card I made for the organized swap I hosted at Regionals.

I love using designer series paper on my cards.  I have tons of background stamps, but I find that DSP is so much easier!

Here's the recipe for this card:
Stamps: Big Flowers, Warm Words
Cardstock: Whisper White, Old Olive
Ink: Old Olive, Soft Sky
Accessories: Fall Flowers DSP, Soft Sky DSP, Soft Sky Double Stitched Grosgrain, Scalloped Circle Punch, Circle Punch, Brad, Distresser Tool

Feel free to contact me at Michelle@stampworkshop.com with any questions about this card.

Don't forget to look at my blog candy post!

Anaheim SU Regionals Swap Card #1

Friday February 1 was Stampin' Up! Regionals held in Anaheim, CA.  It was the first time they held Regionals in California.  I was very excited to be able to go.  I am going to Convention in the summer time, but I needed a SU event fix!  lol

I hosted an SCS swap in which there were 3 groups of 10.  I got some wonderful swaps and had a chance to chat with and meet some wonderful SCSers!  I wish I had thought to snap a picture of us all!

I do have a whole album of photos that I took including pictures of some of the demos the demo group I am part of, pictures of hundreds of fabulous sample cards and pictures of some of the projects and techniques they showcased at Regionals.  I will post a link to the album once I have it all done.

So, this is one of the swap cards I did.  You might notice that there are certain elements that I almost always use.  They are Designer Series Paper, Distresser Tool, Ribbon, Paper Piercer and of course a stamp SU image.

Here's the recipe for this card:
Stamps: Always
Cardstock: Pumpkin Pie, Taken with Teal, Old Olive
Ink: Taken with Teal, Old Olive
Accessories: Pumpkin Pie Grosgrain, Circle Punches, Distresser tool, Paper Piercer, Bali Breeze Designer Series Paper.

Feel free to contact me at Michelle@stampworkshop.com with any questions about this card.

Jami's Swap

Here is that card that I showed you a sneak peek of the other day.

My portion of the swap was to make a card using the new Western Sky Designer Series Paper.

To see all the cards that were in Jami's swap, you can click here: JSWAP108

Here's the recipe for this card:
Stamps: Always
Cardstock: Ruby Red, River Rock, Blue Bayou, Soft Sky
Ink: Blue Bayou
Accessories: Western Sky Designer Series Paper, Circle Punches, Soft Sky Double Stitched Grosgrain, Distresser Tool, Paper Piercer, Pop Dots

SALE-A-BRATION!!!

Today's feature is a none other than SALE-A-BRATION!  I've been talking about it for a few weeks now and have posted a bunch of swaps I made for it.  It is finally here!

If you'd like a PDF copy, click the link below.

Sale-A-Bration Brochure (1.6MB PDF file)

Enjoy!

Click here to use our easy online order form!

Call me at 858.538.6037, email me at Michelle@stampworkshop.com or order directly from this blog.   Click here.

Look What You Can Get for UNDER $160!

Do you have a LONG Stampin' Up wish list?  Do you want to get SU product at an over 52% discount and get future Stampin' Up products at 20% off?  Read on...

Starting February 1 through March 17, Stampin Up is running a great promotion!  Look what you can get for just under $160...

• Any stamp set up to a $47.95 value
• Any TWO stamp sets up to a $30.95 value
• Any stamp set up to a $20.95 value
• Any stamp set up to a $13.95 value
• Any stamp set up to a $12.95 value
• Any Standard sized wheel - a $6.50 value
• One Stampin' Around Self Inking Handle (Regular)  - a $3.95 value
• Any Ink Cartridge (used with Handle) - a value $5.25
• Stampin' Pastels - a $24.95 value
• Any two (2) packages of assorted color cardstock (8 1/2" X 11") - a $15.90 value
• Any one (1) package of Neutral cardstock (8 1/2" X 11") - a $7.50 value
• Snail adhesive - a $6.95 value
• Craft & Rubber Scissors - a $19.95 value
• Stampin' Scrub - a $14.95 value
• Stampin' Mist - a $3.95 value
• Blender Pens - a $9.95 value
• Any SIX (6) Classic Stampin' Pads - a $31.50 value

The total retail value of all the items listed above is $309!  All these items can be yours for less than $160!

As an added bonus, I will personally include any stamp set up to $27.95.  That's a total retail value of $336.95!  All for $160! This is more than a 52% discount!

Let's recap, that's SEVEN (7) stamp sets, Stampin' Pastels, a Standard Wheel including its handle and ink cartridge, THREE (3) packages of cardstock, Stampin' Scrub and Stampin' Mist, Snail adhesive, Craft & Rubber scissors, Blender pens and SIX (6) Classic Stampin' Pads.

In additional to the substantial savings, you will receive 20% off all future purchases!

Please note this bundled package is a customized demo starter kit.  The customized products include the stamp sets, wheel, ink cartridge, cardstock and classic Stampin' pads.  All other products listed are "no substitutions".

This special promotion is not valid with any other promotion.  Offer good only in the US.

To take advantage of this wonderful promotion, please contact me at Michelle@stampworkshop.com or call me at (858) 538-6037.

 

One More!

Okay, here is the last of my SAB swaps.  This one was for swapper's club that I host.

You may have noticed that all my cards are "boxy".  I don't know what it is with the rectangles.  I have tried to do circles, squares, odd shapes, but I seem to always go back to the rectangles.  I think they come out okay.  lol

Here's the recipe for this card:
Stamps:Merci, Paisley
Cardstock: Close to Cocoa, Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose, Whisper White
Ink: Close to Cocoa, Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose, Certainly Celery
Accessories: Vintage Brads, Pretty in Pink Grosgrain, Aquapainter, Distresser tool, Certainly Celery Designer Series Paper, Dimensionals

Don't forget - SAB starts THIS Friday, Feb 1st!  Here's a recap of the SAB rewards:

• Customers - FREE SAB set with every $50 purchase!
• Hostesses - FREE SAB set with every $300 sold!
• Recruits - ANY FREE set up to a $47.95 value!

Call or email me to place an order or to schedule your workshop or catalog party!

In the Background

Background stamps are something that I recommend to stampers that ask, "What are some of the essentials I need to make cards?"  Stampin' Up! currently offers 23 background stamps.  These stamps measure 4 1/2" X 5 3/4".

Backgrounds stamps can be used to fill the blank spaces on your card.  They can give your card that little something it needs.

Here's a tip: Backgrounds also make for quick and easy cards!

Here is a simple, but elegant card.  The background stamp sets the tone of the card.

There is a lot going on with this card, but if you look at it closely, it is two pieces of cardstock, two colors of ink, ribbon and two stamps.  This card took all of five minutes to make.

First, cut your base piece the size of a standard card (4 1/4" X 5 1/2").  Here I used Chocolate Chip.

Next cut your second piece of cardstock (Cameo Coral) as a layer piece.  That is, cut it to 4" X 5 1/4".  This will give just enough space around so that when you center this piece on the base, you get a nice layer.

Next, punch the corners of the layer piece.

Ink your background stamp.  Lay the stamp on a nice hard, even surface with the rubber side up.

Place the layer piece directly on the rubber.  Lay a large piece of scrap paper over that and gently rub evenly and smoothly to distribute the ink onto the layer piece.  Be careful not to move the layer piece as you smooth over.

Once inked, tie the Chocolate Chip Grosgrain around the base of the layered piece.  Adhere entire piece to the base piece so that the space around the card is even on all four sides.

Stamp the sentiment in the bottom right corner.  Now the card is done!  Simple as that!

Here is the recipe for this card:
Stamps: En Francais, Baroque Motifs
Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Cameo Coral
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Cameo Coral
Accessories: 5/8" Chocolate Chip Grosgrain, Ticket Corner Punch

Background stamps are $17.95.  To order background stamps or for questions, please contact me at Michelle@stampworkshop.com.

Sale-A-Bration Starts February 1st!

This Friday, February 1st is the first day of Sale-A-Bration!  I have been talking about SAB for the past few weeks, and it is almost here!  Before I became a Stampin Up Demo, SAB was my favorite promotion!  I would put off buying anything for a few months and get my wishlist ready.  As soon as SAB began, I would place my order.  I would earn so many free sets that I could get at least one of each set offered!  See why I became a demo???

Here is a recap of what Sale-A-Bration is all about: FREE Stamps!  You earn one SAB stamp set free with every $50 purchase.  If you host a workshop or a catalog party, you earn a free stamp set for every $300 in sales.  This year, there are five stamp sets and one package of rub-ons offered.  I will post a PDF file of the SAB brochure on February 1.  If you would like a hard copy of the SAB brochure, email me at Michelle@stampworkshop.com with your name and address and I will get one out to you.  I have a limited number of these brochures on hand, so if you want one, let me know asap!

In conjunction with the SAB promotion, I am offering a special promotion to help you get to $50 so you can earn your free stamp set!  I have twelve product bundles retailing from just over $50-53 that I will be offering for a discounted price of $50 (not including S&H and tax).  I have to thank the brilliant ladies on splitcoaststampers for sharing these bundle ideas!  Here are the bundles that I am offering for $50 each...

Accessorize Bundle - $50 (retail $50.80)
Two Grosgrain Ribbons 15.90 (pg. 191)
Button Set 6.95 (pg. 192)
Hodgepodge Hardware 27.95 (pg. 188)

Bling Bundle - $50 (retail $50.80)
Fire/Ice Rhinestone brads 10.95 (pg. 189)
Chunky Essentials Glitter 15.95 (pg. pg. 186)
Fine Cosmo Glitter 13.95 (pg. 186)
Bead Duos 9.95 (pg. 192)

Bunch of Basics Bundle - $50 (retail $52.65)
Stampin’ Mist 3.95 (pg. 184)
Stampin’ Scrub 14.95 (pg. 184)
Paper Snips 9.95 (pg. 184)
Stamp-a-ma-jig 11.95 (pg. 184)
Tombow Multi Purpose Adhesive 3.95 (pg. 186)
Anywhere Glue Stick 3.95 (pg. 186)
Stampin’ Dimensionals 3.95 (pg. 186)

Embossing Basics Bundle - $50 (retail $53.45)
Heat Gun 26.95 (pg. 187)
Versamark 7.50 (pg. 183)
Silver Embossing Powder 4.75 (all on pg. 187)
Gold Embossing Powder 4.75
Clear Embossing Powder 4.75
Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder 4.75

On Board Journal Bundle - $50 (retail $51.85)
On Board Art Journal 9.50 (pg. 179)
Spiral Punch 10.95 (pg. 180)
Very Vanilla Cardstock 7.50 (pg 163)
Simply Scrappin’ Kit (your choice) 19.95 (pgs. 172-5)
Tombow Multi Purpose Adhesive 3.95 (pg. 186)

Organizational Bundle - $50 (retail $50.75) (all on pg. 193)
Jumbo or Standard Wheel Storage 6.95
Forget Me Not Keepers 7.95
12x12 Kraft Keepers 7.95
12x12 Paper Holder 7.95
Medium Ribbon Keepers 15.95

Paper Party - $50 (retail $51.75)
12x12 (any color) Textured CS $11.95 (pg. 163-5)
Any 4 Designer Series Paper Set $ 9.95 ea. (pg. 168-171)

Pretties-Fusion Bundle - $50 (retail $51.85)
Pretties Kit 29.95 (pg. 188)
Flower Fusion Felt Flowers 14.95 (pg. 177)
Gold or Silver Brads 6.95 (pg. 189)

Scrapbooker's Special - $50 (retail $53.80)
Any Simply Scrappin' kit $19.95 (pg. 172-5)
Any Rub-Ons set $10.95 (pg. 182)
Any Ribbon Originals $12.95 (pg. 190)
Any Bead Duo $9.95 (pg. 192)

Simply Scrappin’ Bundle - $50 (retail $52.65)
Simply Scrappin’ Kit (any) 19.95 (pgs. 172-175)
Stampin’ Spots set (any color) 22.50 (pgs.162,164-5)
Stampin’ Write Marker (any color) 3.25 (pgs. 162-5, 185)
Snail Adhesive 6.95 (pg. 186)

Sticky Glitter Bundle - $50 (retail $50.30) (all on pg. 186)
Sticky Cuts Letters $8.95
Sticky Strip 6.95
Dazzling Diamonds 4.50
Chunky Essentials 15.95
Fine Cosmo 13.95

"Wade" Into Watercoloring Bundle - $50 (retail $50.80)
Aqua Painter - 16.95 (pg. 185)
Watercolor Paper - 6.95 (pg. 166)
Choice of WW Crayons - 19.95 (pg. 183)
Stipple Brushes - 6.95 (pg. 185)

To order any one (or more) of these bundles and to earn one or more FREE SAB stamp sets, please email me at Michelle@stampworkshop.com, phone me at 858.538.6037 or use my convenient online order form located here.

Can't find a bundle that you like?  Make your own!  Make your own bundles will be priced at $50.  Make your own bundles must have an original retail value between $50 - $53 to qualify.

Do you have friends that might be interested in ordering?  If so, host a catalog party!  With the current Stampin Up catalog available online, your catalog party "attendees" could be anywhere in the US.  If you have a qualifying catalog party of $150 or more, you will be entitled to hostess benefits.  Those benefits are in addition to all the SAB benefits you can receive.  So set up a catalog party, or if you are in the San Diego area and want to set up a workshop, please email me at Michelle@stampworkshop.com or phone me at 858.538.6037

Merci Me!

Here's another card I made for an SAB swap.  Why do I do this?  As soon as a new mini, catalog, SAB promo comes out, I preorder the sets (demos can preorder certain sets to prepare for promos).  Then I sign up for every swap under the sun!  Sure, I have some wonderful samples, in this case for Sale-A-Bration, but I am overtaxing myself!

So I only preordered one set, since typically at SAB I have free sets coming out my ears!  lol  (I use these free sets for gifts to my best customers!)  All the swaps I have been working on have been using this set.  Now, don't get me wrong, this set is wonderful!  But, SAB doesn't start until February 1, and I am already sick of this set!  lol

I do hope you enjoy this card!

Here's the recipe for this card:
Stamps: Merci
Cardstock: Sahara Sand, Soft Sky, Old Olive, Whisper White
Ink: StazOn Jet Black, Soft Sky, Sahara Sand
Accessories: Aquapainter, Distresser Tool, 5/8" Old Olive Grosgrain, Double Stitched Soft Sky Grosgrain, Circle Punches, Scalloped Circle Punch, White Signo Gel Pen, Fall Flowers Designer Series Paper, Old Olive Designer Series Paper

Sale-A-Bration Sneak Peek

I haven't posted in a few days, but I have been busy stampin!  I am in a TON of swaps and they are all coming due at the same time.  I am a swap addict and I took a short break.  But, now I'm swapping again and I may have over done it!  Yikes!

I had fun making this card.  It was very easy.  I'm not the best watercolorer (is that a word?) out there, but I think these came out okay.

This card was made for a Sale-A-Bration swap.  I hope to post a few more in the next day or two.

Here's the recipe for this card:
Stamps: Merci, Paisley
Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Wild Wasabi, Purely Pomegranate, Whisper White
Ink: StazOn Jet Black, So Saffron, Wild Wasabi, Purely Pomegranate, Close to Cocoa
Accessories: Brads, Photo Corner Punch, Distresser tool, AquaPainter, Purely Pomegranate Double Stitched Grograin, PopDots

Artist Trading Cards

Today's technique is how to make an artist trading card, or ATC for short.

Although artists have been trading artist cards for years, trading modern ATCs was popularized in 1997 in Zurich, Switzerland when M. Vänçi Stirnemann started trading among other artists within their circle.  What is different about the ATC is its unique size.  ATCs always measure 2.5" X 3.5".

Many stampers and scrapbookers find the ATC to be a great way to show off their talent in a little space.  They are quick and easy to make.  Also, because of its size, 10 ATCs can be made from one standard 8.5" X 11" piece of cardstock.

Making an ATC is easy, it really is simply make a card front on a 2.5" X 3.5" piece of cardstock!

The first step is to prepare the base of your ATC.  The base is cardstock cut to a size of 2.5" X 3.5".   A template for cutting ATCs can be found here.

Next, use your creativity to create your ATC.  Then you're done!  Easy as that!  *wink*

Here's the recipe for this ATC:
Stamps: True Friend, Short & Sweet
Cardstock: Naturals Ivory, Wild Wasabi, Blue Bayou
Ink: Wild Wasabi, Blue Bayou
Accessories: Scallop Punch, Circle Punches, Blue Bayou Double Stitched Ribbon, Wild Wasabi Double Stitched Ribbon, Word Punch, Silver Brad, Porcelain Prints Designer Series Paper

Many people ask what to do with ATCs once they've collected them.  You can mount an ATC on to a standard sized card and use it as the focal point.  Also, you can use it as an embellishment on a scrapbook page.  You can use it as the cover of a mini album.  You can display them much the same way people display baseball cards, in a binder in protective sleeves.  Whatever you decide to do with your ATCs, just make sure you enjoy them!

Spring Summer 08 Collection Designer Series Paper

Of all the fabulous accessories that Stampin' Up! carries, many crafters agree that the Designer Series Paper line is their favorite.

I use Designer Series Paper all the time.  It makes for a quick project, and it is very versatile!  With each new Collection, we see fresh, new designs.  There is a style for everyone.

To help coordinate all your paper craft projects, here is a list of the new Spring Summer 08 Collection Designer Series Paper and their coordinating colors:

Azure: Brilliant Blue, Very Vanilla

Bali Breeze: Old Olive, Taken with Teal, Rose Red, Pumpkin Pie

Berry Bliss: Purely Pomegranate, Pretty in Pink, Close to Cocoa

Cutie Pie: Bashful Blue, Basic Black, Certainly Celery, Rose Red, So Saffron

East Coast Prep: Real Red, Wild Wasabi, Tempting Turquoise, More Mustard

Flowers for You: Certainly Celery, Lovely Lilac, Regal Rose, Tempting Turquoise

Fall Flowers: Old Olive, Really Rust, Soft Sky, Sahara Sand

Ginger Blossom: Ruby Red, River Rock, Cameo Coral, Groovy Guava

Jersey Shore: Wild Wasabi, Pumpkin Pie, Brilliant Blue, Bashful Blue

Le Jardin: River Rock, So Saffron, Very Vanilla, Always Artichoke, Bashful Blue

Notebook: Soft Sky, Kraft, Vanilla

Olive Press: Old Olive, Very Vanilla

Porcelain Prints: Blue Bayou, River Rock, Wild Wasabi

Spring Break: Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Blue Bayou, Soft Sky

Spring Fling: Certainly Celery, Sage Shadow, Pretty in Pink, So Saffron

Spring Silhouettes: Wild Wasabi, Certainly Celery, Soft Sky, Very Vanilla

Western Sky: Ruby Red, River Rock, Blue Bayou, Soft Sky

Each package of Designer Series Paper comes with 2 sheets each of 6 different double sided papers.  Each package has a total of 12 different designs.  The packages retail for $9.95.

To order Designer Series Paper, email me at Michelle@stampworkshop.com

Stampin' Up Ideas & Techniques

Today's feature is a great resource for some fabulous Stampin' Up! Projects: Click here

Each month Stampin' Up! posts three wonderful paper craft projects.  Each project includes a picture, a listing materials and step-by-step instructions on how to complete the projects.

The projects pictured here are from January 2008.

Check out each month for some great inspiration!

If you see a project you like, but need help recreating it, just contact me!  I'll be happy to help out.

You can order all the materials listed in the projects directly from me at Michelle@stampworkshop.com.

Easy Scallops

I saw the neatest thing on Mary Jo Albright's blog the other day.  An easy way to make scallops!  Scallops are everywhere in the Spring Summer 08 Collection.  There is even a stamp set available for Sale-A-Bration called So Many Scallops.

Here is the card I made with some decorative scallops.  See them in the Old Olive?

This card features the stamp set Merci from the upcoming Sale-A-Bration Brochure.  Also featured are the Love & Happiness Rub-Ons that are available during Sale-A-Bration.  You can earn the stamp set and the rub-ons free during Sale-A-Bration (runs Feb. 1 - March 17).

After the recipe I will include instructions on how to make the scallop border.

The layout for this card was from Joani's sketch challenge at Cards Made By Hand.

Here is the recipe for this card:
Stamps: Merci
Cardstock: Taken with Teal, Old Olive, Rose Red, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White
Ink: Jet Black StazOn, Old Olive, Rose Red, Pumpkin Pie
Accessories: Circle Punches, Scallop Circle Punch, Love & Happiness Rub-Ons, Bali Breeze Designer Series Paper, Aqua Painter, Crystal Effects, Dazzling Diamond Glitter, Pumpkin Pie Grosgrain. Distresser Tool

To make the scallop border:

Step 1: Using the 1 3/8" circle punch, punch a circle in the paper you want to use for the scallop.

Step 2: Using the Scallop Circle Punch, punch directly over the circle made in Step 1.

Step 3: Take the hollowed out scallop circle and snip between one set of scallops.

Step 4: Unfurl scallops into a straight line and adhere to your card as desired.

Check out the card above to see what the scallops look like!

What are the Benefits?

Have you ever wondered what the benefits are of being a Stampin' Up Independent Demonstrator?

Here are the eight top benefits:

8.  Stampin' Success - Every month Demonstrators receive a new issue of Stampin' Success, a magazine filled with some of the best paper crafting artwork new techniques and great business tips.

7.  Demonstrator website - Demonstrators have access on the Stampin' Up! website to fabulous business support.  Everything needed run a successful business is found on the website.

6. Convention - Demonstrators have the chance to attend the Stampin' Up! Annual Convention - think fun and free stamps!

5. Friendships -Demonstrators develop long time friendships with fellow demonstrators, customers and hostesses.!

4. Sneak peeks - Demonstrators get first look at new Stampin' Up! products and get an opportunity to buy it first.

3. Rewards - Demonstrators can earn free product, cash and even a Cruise!

2. Ownership - Demonstrators are business owners.  They decide when they work and how hard.

1. Discounts - Never pay full price again!  Demonstrators get a 30% discount on their first order.  All following orders receive a 20% discount.

Want to know more about being a demonstrator?  Check out the Be a Demonstrator page!

Are you ready to sign up TODAY?  You can now sign up right from your own computer!

Click here to be a Demonstrator with the Stamp Workshop Team!

The link will direct you to the Independent Demonstrator Agreement (IDA).  Read through the agreement and check the "I Agree" box.  In the box, next to where it reads "Enter your Recruiter Authorization Password:" type in StampWorkshop - please note: there is *no* space between the words.

Once you agree to the IDA, you will be ask to supply your basic information.  After you submit this information, you will be given an opportunity to fully customize your starter kit. After selecting your starter kit contents, you're officially a member of the Stamp Workshop Team!  An email containing your new Demonstrator ID number and a temporary password will be sent to your inbox.  It's that easy!

Rub-On Tips

Have you seen the new Rub-Ons in the Spring Summer 08 Collection?  They are found on page 182.  The Rub-Ons come 2 sheets per package, one white sheet and one black sheet.  The retail for $10.95 a pack.

Here are the product names and a short description:
110283 Take Note - Office theme.  Traditional styling.
110282 Anchored- Coordinates with the Crew Classics Style (pg 9 SSo8)
110284 Eastern Elegance - Coordinates with the Eastern Eclectic Style (pg 10 SS08)
110281 Cherished Memories - Romance theme.  Elegant styling.
110285 Urban West - Coordinates with the Boho West Style (pg 13 SS08)

Here are some tips directly from Stampin' Up artists for making your Rub-Ons experience simply sublime.

• When applying bold images, rub your finger over the transfer sheet before using the wooden stick to transfer the image. This will help the image adhere to your project and keep the transfer sheet in place while you fully transfer the image.
• You’ll know that your Rub-Ons image has transferred to your surface when the image becomes lighter on the transfer sheet.
• Pull up slowly on the transfer sheet, being careful not to slide it.
• If you haven’t quite got all the image transferred, just lay the sheet back down and try again.
• Tape your image in place, especially on surfaces like glass and when applying larger or more
• detailed images.
• You can remove Rub-Ons with our adhesive remover if you make a mistake.
• Always store Rub-Ons with the paper backing or your images will come off where you don’t want them to!

To order Rub-Ons, contact me today Michelle@stampworkshop.com.

Suspension Card

Today's technique is the Suspension Card.  This is a fun an easy interactive card!  I made this card for a swap I was in.

Here are the directions to make a suspension card:

Step 1: Start with a card base.  In this case I used Certainly Celery.  I stamped the front of the card with the Flannel background stamp.

Step 2: Create a "cover up" layer.  Here I used Bashful Blue and layered a piece of Cutie Pie Designer Series Paper.

Step 3: Use temporary adhesive to adhere your "cover up" layer to the card base.  Make sure you place the layer where you want it to finally sit on the card base.

Step 4: Take a 1 3/8" circle punch and punch through the front of the card card and the "cover up" layer.  This hole will be where the suspended medallion will be.

Step 5: Remove the "cover up" layer and set it aside.

Step 6: On a scrap piece of cardstock, stamp two identical images small enough to fit a 1 1/4" circle.  .  Take your 1 1/4" punch and punch out those images.

Step 7:  To make the suspended medallion, take a piece of string approx 2" long (linen thread or even dental floss works for this) and adhere it to the backside of one of your 1 1/4" pieces.  It should be vertically right in the center.

Step 8: Adhere the remaining 1 1/4" circle to the backside of the first 1 1/4" circle.

Step 9: Lay your card flat.  Lay the medallion in the center of the punched 1 3/8" hole.  The excess string should be at the top of the circle and the bottom of the circle.

Step 10: Use sticky strip to keep the string in place.

Step 11: Adhere the "cover up" layer back in place.  This will cover up the string.  Now the suspension portion of the card is complete.

Step 12: Finish card as desired.  All done!

Here's the recipe for this card:
Stamps: Cause for Celebration, Wild About You

Cardstock: Certainly Celery, Rose Red, Bashful Blue, Whisper White

Ink: Certainly Celery, Bashful Blue, So Saffron

Accessories: Stampin' Write Markers, Linen Thread, circle punches, small corner rounder, distresser tool, white Signo gel pen, Certainly Celery Grosgrain ribbon, sticky strip, Cutie Pie Designer Series Paper

Technique: Suspension Card

Introducing the Spring Summer 08 Collection!

Have you wondered what the cover of the new Spring Summer 08 Collection looks like?  Well, wonder no more!  The new Spring Summer 08 Collection is here!

To view the new Collection, click here.

Would you like a new catalog of your own?  Catalogs are currently offered at $9.95.  I am offering a special promotion for the new catalog. Purchase a catalog at $9.95 and receive a $10 credit towards a future purchase!  The catalog will be mailed to you at a cost of $4.60 via priority mail, or local customers can make arrangements to pick it up.  Offer good only in the US.

As always, you can find a link to this Collection and any current catalog on the left hand side of this blog.  Just click the cover of the catalog you want to view.

You may notice that the Spring Summer Preview Brochure is still posted.  This brochure lists two great promotions going on right now.

The first promotion is the Valentine Bundle.  This promotion was featured in a previous post.  To see it, click here.

The other promotion is a way to earn any stamp set from the Preview Brochure FREE!  If you host a workshop or catalog party and sales reach $350, you will earn any one stamp set from the Preview Brochure.  Contact me today to set up a local workshop.

If you are a long distance customer, you can still benefit!  A catalog part is the way to go!  Simply show the catalog to friends and family.  They place their orders and you reap the benefits!  Contact me to set up your catalog party, or for more information.

Happy Stampin'!

Celebrate Baby

I made this card today to show off on the the new stamps in the new Hostess set, Cause for Celebration.

It was a very quick and easy card to make.  It can be adapted to several different occasions.  Change the colors to a spring palette and exchange the stamped baby rattle with a flower and you've got a great thinking of you or thank you card!

Here's the recipe for this card:
Stamps: Flannel Plaid, Cause for Celebration
Cardstock: Rose Red, Regal Rose, Whisper White
Ink: Rose Red, Regal Rose
Accessories: White Gel Pen, Small Corner Rounder, Scallop Punch, Circle Punches, Regal Rose 5/8" Wide Grosgrain

Current and Upcoming Promotions

Here's a recap of current and upcoming specials and promotions offered by Stampin' Up! and additional specials offered directly through me.

• Retired Stamps & Accessories
• Wrapping Up the Holidays Promotion
• Valentine's Day Bundle Promotion
• Sale-A-Bration

Retired Stamps and Accessories - Last Day to Order: December 31, 2007

Items on both the retired stamp set list and the retired accessories list are available while supplies last, or through December 31 - whichever comes first.

As a special to my customers, buy $75 or more of product by December 31 and receive a 10% discount on your entire purchase.

To see the retirement lists, follow these links:

• Retirement List - Alphabetical List (142 KB PDF)
• Retired Accessory List

Wrapping Up the Holidays Promotion - Ends December 31, 2007

Wrapping Up the Holidays promotion has been extended until the end of the year.  Your last day to purchase from this promotion will be December 31.  Download the official promotion flyer:

• Wrapping Up the Holidays (1.2 MB PDF File): Click here

Don't forget to take advantage of my 10% off discount on all purchases $75 or more!

Valentine's Day Bundle Promotion - January 2 - 31, 2008

The Valentine's Day Bundle Promotion consists of two parts:

Customers - Purchase the Valentine's Day Bundle (item #111903) for just $33.40 and get Regal Rose wide grosgrain ribbon-FREE!

Hostesses - Hold a workshop of $350 or more  and choose any one stamp set from the Spring-Summer Preview 2008 Brochure for FREE!

The Valentine's Bundle is priced at $33.40 and includes:

• Happy Heart Day stamp Set ($20.95 value)
• Real Red  wide grosgrain ribbon ($7.95 value)
• Medium cellophane bags ($4.50 value)
• Regal Rose wide grosgrain ribbon (included free!)

When hostesses can earn the free stamp set and take advantage of the specially priced Valentine's Bundle.  Also, hostesses may use the free hostess dollars to purchase the Bundle!

As a bonus, offered directly from me, hostesses qualifying for the free preview set will receive an additional spool of 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, any color!

Sale-A-Bration - Coming  Soon!

Our Sale-A-Bration promotion gives everyone a reason to celebrate!

• Customers: For every $50 purchase they make, customers will receive a free Sale-A-Bration product.
• Hostesses: In addition to our regular hostess benefits, hostesses will receive a free Sale-A-Bration stamp set for workshops that reach $300 or more.
• Recruits: Anyone who joins as a demonstrator during Sale-A-Bration can choose any stamp set, a value of up to $47.95, from the current catalog.

Sale-A-Bration runs from February 1 - March 17, 2008.

Book your Sale-A-Bration workshop or catalog party by January 31 and receive a special gift!  Sign up through me as a demonstrator and receive a BONUS free stamp set of your choice (up to $35).

 

Contact me today to book your workshop or catalog party!  Place an order.  Time is running out!

I've been Elfed!

I received this neat clipboard yesterday as part of an "Elf" package.  On the message board (splitcoaststampers.com) that I frequent, there was a thread that encouraged readers to "Elf" someone.  Readers sent all kinds of goodies to other members.

I received a package from Vera.  She is a lovely lady that posts frequently and is a great member of the forum.  She wanted to thank me for all the moderator work and the for the challenges that I help to host on splitcoast.

She made me this clipboard and beaded pen.  Both personalized!  I love when someone sends me something personalized.  It shows how much they care!

Along with these, she also sent a beautiful card stamped with an image of the Old Point Loma Lighthouse that is located at the Cabrillo National Monument.  I've been there several times as it is in San Diego.  The card was beautifully watercolored.  I also received a box of Trader Joe chocolates, a Christmas tree stamp and some pink puffy stickers what will go perfectly with the flowers from the Pretties Kit!

As far as I can tell, here is the recipe for this clipboard and the beaded pen:

Clipboard recipe:

• Stamps: Well-Worn Alphabet
• Ink: Sage Shadow
• Accessories: 4 1/2" X 9" On Board Clipboard, Soft Sky Double Stitched Ribbon,Wintergreen Designer Series Paper

Beaded Pen Recipe:

• Stamps: Rough Edges Mini Alphabets
• Ink: White Craft Ink
• Accessories: Wintergreen Designer Series Paper, Sticky Tape, Micro Beads

Thanks Vera!  It was a wonderful package!

Glitter Window

Today's technique is a very easy, yet wonderful way to add a little bit of sparkle to your project.

It is called Glitter Window.

To make a glitter window you'll need:

- a piece of cardstock (cut to desired size)
- a tool to make your "window" (a punch, or paper cutting knife will do)
- clear packing tape
- Dazzling Diamonds glitter

For this card, Certainly Celery cardstock is the window base.  Then, using a Scallop Circle punch, punch directly in the center to make the window.  On the backside of the Certainly Celery cardstock, place a piece of clear packing tape over the window.  The sticky part of the tape should be placed so when holding the cardstock piece facing you, the stickiness is also facing towards you.

Now, place the cardstock on a flat surface with the sticky side up.  Take the Dazzling Diamonds glitter and sprinkle the glitter over the tape so that it covers the tape entirely.  Shake off excess glitter.  It would be a good idea to do this step over something that will contain the glitter.  Powder Pals would be perfect for this!

To complete this glitter window, take Whisper White cardstock cut just slightly larger than the Certainly Celery piece.  Here the butterfly from the Just Like You set was stamped directly in the middle.  Adhere the window directly over the stamped image.  The glitter side should be facing up.

Your glitter window is done!

For this card, the glitter window was then mounted on the front of the card as shown.

Here is the recipe for the card:

• Stamps: Just Like You
• Cardstock: Certainly Celery, Rose Red, Whisper White
• Ink: Regal Rose
• Accessories: Corner Rounder, Scallop Circle Punch, White Gel Pen, Certainly Celery grosgrain, Flowers for you Designer Series Paper

Clean Stamps are Happy Stamps!

Have you ever wondered how to properly clean your stamps?  Read on for some tips!

Why clean your stamps?

• Properly maintained rubber stamps should last a lifetime
• Ink from one project can bleed onto another project, ruining your artwork.
• Likewise, using a stamp with residual ink can ruin the color of your inkpad.

One of the easiest ways to clean your stamp is "stamping off".  On a scratch piece of paper, continually stamp your image until the image runs clear.  Once the image runs clear, the stamp is clean.

For a deep clean in which ink is removed from all the "nooks and crannies", a stamp cleaning pad and stamp cleaner is best.  A stamp cleaning pad has soft, tiny bristles that can reach all the intricate details of the stamp, brushing out excess ink.  The stamp cleaner helps to loosen the ink to be brushed off by the stamp cleaning pad.

The Stampin' Up version of the cleaning pad is called the Stampin' Scrub (102642 $14.95) and the stamp cleaner is called Stampin' Mist (102394 $3.95).  To clean your stamps, open the Stampin' Scrub and lay on a flat surface.  Spray the Stampin' Mist on one side of the scrub.  Gently rub your stamp, image side down on the side of the scrub with the cleaner.  On the dry side of the scrub, gently rub the stamp to remove the excess cleaner.  Using Stampin' Mist not only cleans the stamp, but conditions the rubber as well.

Some things to avoid when cleaning rubber stamps:

• Avoid soaking wood mounted stamps.  This may cause your rubber to come loose from the foam padding.
• If using cleaner other than Stampin' Mist, avoid cleaners with alcohol, including baby wipes.  Alcohol can contribute to the breakdown of the rubber.
• When cleaning stamps, avoid using a heavy hand.  Vigorously rubbing a stamp can cause it to peel away from the foam or even the wood.

Designer Series Paper

Need a card in a hurry?  Well, here's a tip.  Designer Series Paper.  Designer Series Paper (DSP) makes it easy to crank out a beautiful card in minutes!  By using DSP, your color scheme is already predetermined.  All you have to do is use some coordinating cardstock, one main image and a few embellishments and in no time you have a beautifully coordinated card!  Here's an example made with Ginger Blossom paper - brand new DSP that will be available in the upcoming catalog.

This card was very easy to put together.  The coordinating colors for Ginger Blossom DSP are Cameo Coral, Ruby Red, River Rock and Groovy Guava.  Take a look at the "recipe" for this card:

• Stamps: Embrace Life, Short & Sweet
• Cardstock: Cameo Coral, Ruby Red, River Rock
• Ink: Ruby Red, StazOn Jet Black
• Accessories: Paper Distresser, Ticket Punch, Groovy Guava Double Stitched Ribbon, Ginger Blossom Designer Series Paper

As you can see, by taking the Coordinating colors directly form the DSP, this card came out perfectly coordinated.

Here is a list of coordinating colors for all the current Designer Series Paper:

• Brocade Backgrounds: Always Artichoke, Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, River Rock
• Cerise: Real Red, Very Vanilla
• Charbon: Basic Gray, Very Vanilla
• Creepy Crawly: Basic Black, More Mustard, Pumpkin Pie, Really Rust
• Cutie Pie: Bashful Blue, Basic Black, Certainly Celery, Rose Red, So Saffron
• Darling Doodles: Brocade Blue, Groovy Guava, Rose Red, Wild Wasabi
• Dashing: Old Olive, Real Red, River Rock, Very Vanilla
• Fall Flowers: Old Olive, Really Rust, Sahara Sand, Soft Sky
• Flowers for You: Certainly Celery, Lovely Lilac, Regal Rose, Tempting Turquoise
• LeJardin: River Rock, Soft Sky, So Saffron, Very Vanilla
• Linen Prints: Apricot Appeal, Cameo Coral, Close to Cocoa, Old Olive, Pink Passion
• Notations No. 2: More Mustard, River Rock, Very Vanilla, Wild Wasabi
• Outlaw: Chocolate Chip, Creamy Caramel, Really Rust, Sage Shadow, Very Vanilla
• Petals & Paisleys: Certainly Celery, Cool Caribbean, Rose Red, Old Olive, Pretty in Pink, So Saffron, Taken with Teal
• Prints: Monochromatic papers available in Almost Amethyst, Always Artichoke, Blue Bayou, Brilliant Blue, Certainly Celery, Close to Cocoa, Groovy Guava,Lovely Lilac, More Mustard, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, River Rock, Rose Red, So Saffron, Soft Sky, Tempting Turquoise
• Porcelain Prints: Blue Bayou, River Rock, Wild Wasabi
• Uptown: Almost Amethyst, Basic Gray, So Saffron, Wild Wasabi
• Wintergreen: Always Artichoke, Certainly Celery, Sage Shadow, Soft Sky

Use this info.  Get out your favorite Designer Series Paper and make a card!