The Stamp Workshop

Holiday Place Settings by Shelli Gardner, CEO Stampin' Up!

Shelli Gardner, Stampin' Up!'s CEO, appears on Studio 5 and shows us how to make some wonderful Holiday Place Settings.  Take a look at this video to learn how!

Here are the supplies needed to complete this project:

Stamp Sets:Cute & Curly Punch Label bundle , Everyday Flexible Phrases , Holiday Blitz , Simple Serif Mini Alphabet & Numbers, Wild West Alphabet

Stampin' Pads: Baja Breeze Classic, Chocolate Chip Classic, Old Olive Classic, Real Red Classic

Card Stock/Paper : Ski Slope Designer Series paper, Baja Breeze, Chocolate Chip, Naturals White, Old Olive, Real Red

Accessories

• Dies: Big Shot die cutting machine , Pillow Box die, Scallop Circle #2 die, Top Note Bigz die
• Accents: Pretties Kit , Styled Silver Hodgepodge Hardware
• Adhesives: Anywhere Glue Stick , Stampin' Dimensionals, Two-Way Glue Pen
• Punches: 1/16" Circle punch , 3/4" Circle punch , Horizontal Slot punch
• Ribbon/Cord/Thread: Alpine Ribbon Originals, Baja Breeze 5/8" striped grosgrain ribbon, Linen thread, Silver elastic cord
• Miscellaneous: Acetate (from office supply store; thick), Bone folder, Dazzling Diamonds Stampin' Glitter

Instructions

Napkin ring
Make card stock note using Top Note Bigz die. Adhere Designer Series paper on card stock, stamp (on New Year's napkin ring), fold, and smooth folds using bone folder. Stamp label image, punch out and/or cut, and adhere to napkin ring. Punch out slots and tie together with ribbon (Note: New Year's napkin ring is tied together with Silver elastic cord). Accent as seen on video.

Name plate
Make card stock note using Top Note Bigz die; stamp (on New Year's name plate), fold in half, and smooth fold with bone folder. Adhere Designer Series paper on card stock (Note: layer paper on Old Olive card stock first for Christmas name plate). Accent as seen on video.

Favor
Make favor box using Pillow Box die, and fill with treats. Create belly band out of Designer Series paper (Note: layer paper for New Year's favor), and adhere to favor. Stamp label image, and punch out. Accent as seen on video.

Confetti
Make several large and small scallop circles out of Designer Series paper. Stamp and cut out/punch smaller images (acorns for Thanksgiving, trees for Christmas, and snowflakes for New Year's) as seen on video. Glue glitter on snowflakes.

Video and written instructions courtesy of Studio 5.

If you have any questions about this project or would like to order the products needed to make the Holiday Place Settings, feel free to contact me at Michelle@stampworkshop.com.

Enjoy!

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!

Owl-lways for You

I know it isn't even Halloween yet, but here is a Valentine's card for you!  This Owl is from a set in the new Holiday Mini called Love Owl-lways.  There are six stamps in this set.

I watercolored this Owl using an aquapainter (which by the way are on sale for $7.95).  With your stamp pad closed, smoosh the top in a few times.  This will transfer some ink onto the inside cover.  Open your stamp pad.  Use your aquapainter to lift some ink and then apply it to your paper.  Then, paint away!  Be sure to use a permanent ink like StazOn for your stamp.  This will keep the image from running.

Here's the recipe for this card:
Stamps: Love Owl-lways
Cardstock: CLose to Cocoa, Riding Hood Red, Whisper White
Ink: Riding Hood Red, Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, Basic Black, StazOn Jet Black
Designer Series Paper: Holiday Happenings
Ribbon: Caramel Gingham Ribbon

I have another card using a stamp in this same set that I will post tomorrow, so be sure to come back to visit.  *smile*

If you have any questions about this card, 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!

Wow! Two Cool!

Here's yesterday's card jazzed up just a bit.  And yes, I know it should be "Too" Cool in Ten and not "Two".  *wink*

So do you think it's a bit WOWed?  I made 7 additions to the card and it completely changed it.  The changes weren't all that difficult either!

Here's what I did:

• Added a Riding Hood Red layer
• Stamped Baja Breeze layer with Canvas background stamp inked with VersaMark
• Used a blender pen to pick up Riding Hood Red ink to color in the snowman's nose and the dots in the word background
• Distressed the edges of the Night of Navy cardstock framing the image
• Used dimensionals to pop up the main image
• Added a Riding Hood Red Felt Snowflake
• Added three silver brads to the corner

I like how the Riding Hood red gives the card a little but of pop.  That small accent helps to break up the monotone of the card.

Here's the recipe for this card:
Stamps: Two Cool Dudes, Canvas
Cardstock: Night of Navy, Baja Breeze, Glossy White, Riding Hood Red
Ink: Night of Navy, Versamark
Accessories: Riding Hood Red Felt Snowflake, Silver Brads, Dimensionals
Tools: Paper Piercer, Distresser Tool

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.  Hope you like it!

Happy Stampin'!

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!

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!

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!!

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!

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

______________________________________________________

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?

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