A Simple "Thank You" Card

I wanted to create a very simple, clean "thank you" card featuring black and white with just a splash of color. I chose to use blue, and of course, this particular shade (Pacific Point) is one of the new "In Colors." The flower image is actually the bottom section of the large block stamp "Happiness," which I inked with Pacific Point. I used the new square scallop punch to frame the image to make it stand out and accented the layers with black ribbon. I wanted to add just a little something extra, so I used my paper piercing tool to make a row of dots in between layered paper and the sentiment. There is a small silver dot (made by a silver gel pen) on either side of the sentiment, the center of each flower is also accentuated with a silver sparkle. I think it took me longer to type this entry than it did to make the card! Sometimes easy is good!

"In Color" Sweet Treats

I thought that after a week of (very quick) hard work, the teachers at my church's new preschool could use a sweet treat on the first day of school. I used the new "In Color" card stock, designer series paper and ink to whip up these super easy boxes. The scallop punched circles are covering peppermint patties, and the box will fit three of them. If you'd like to learn how to make this, and other cute treat holders, keep an eye out for my upcoming "Party Favors" class.

New Decor Elements Unveiled!

For those of you already familiar with the new Decor Elements product line that Stampin' Up is offering, you may be excited to know that Phase 2 has just been released for demonstrator preorder! (For those who are hearing about Decor Elements for the first time, please visit http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/CategoryPage.aspx?categoryID=227 to see what the well deserved buzz is all about.) I am happy to report that the new phase is offering a wide variety of new color options and will coordinate with the following stamp sets: Bugs & Kisses, Nursery Necessities, Teacher's Pet, Just Sports, Always (the bird), Ginormous Flowers, Flight Of the Butterfly, Seeing Spots and Wonderful You. There are also really great Christmas elements, a few of which can stay up all year round. (I will be ordering the "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord" element for the dining room to put over some framed family photos...after the room is painted, of course.) The new phase will be available for order beginning October 1st! I can't wait to be able to share this exciting new line with you!

Happiness...

This stamp is actually part of a larger block stamp (page 134 of the current catalog) that my mother-in-law had big plans for. We have had it since the spring, and it is just now seeing ink. This is a card that I designed for her to inspire her to explore the options that a large block stamp has to offer. She is always there to help when I have a tough time with a design, so I thought I'd return the favor!

Once again, the Riding Hood Red and Pink Pirouette are part of the new "In Colors." I know, I am a bit fixated on the "In Color" color combinations right now! There is also a bit of the Riding Hood Red Designer Series Paper (stripes this time!) behind the Happiness stamp. I used a circular paper clip, adorned with a bit of pink ribbon to add a bit of flair, and I used the new scallop punch on the Pink Pirouette layer.

By the way, I showed this new creation to my mother-in-law. The verdict? She loved it!

Just a little note...

Confession: The "Just a little note..." stamp is not Stampin' Up! (GASP!!) I know, I know, how could I? I really love it, though, and I have been wanting to use it as a flower stem for quite some time. In terms of stamps, this is quite a hodge podge cards, as the leaves, stem and flower are all from different stamps sets. (Yes, the other two sets I used are Stampin' Up.) The colors I used are again from the new "In Colors." This time I selected Tangerine Tango and Kiwi Kiss to be paired with Whisper White. The polka dot Kiwi Kiss paper is part of the Designer Series pack, which I of course LOVE! You will see more of the Designer Series Paper in different "In Colors" in future posts. So, what do you think?

How time flies...

when you are incredibly busy! As some of you know, I have recently started a new teaching position at our church's brand new preschool. I am teaching the pre-k class, and it has been quite a bit of work to prepare for not only a new school year, but a new preschool program. Now that the school year is underway, I have returned to my beloved stamps and to the world of blogging with a renewed fervor. I am committed to posting several times a week at least (with every day being my ultimate goal). I am truly so excited about the Fall/Winter Idea Book and all of the new products being offered. This is, beyond a doubt, my favorite collection yet. I love the stamp designs, the colors, the papers, accessories, the new Big Shot Die Cutting System (though I've yet to order it, I am in awe of all that it can do)...in short, I LOVE the new catalog!! I have already placed my preorder from the upcoming Holiday Mini, and I am in anticipation of it arriving on my doorstep on Monday by the time I am home from school. The next few months will bring many exciting promotions from Stampin' Up and several new classes and workshops from me. Please be checking back to this blog often for the latest sales, items I've created and workshop dates and times. (There is a link on the side bar that will take you directly to the promotions section of my Stampin' Up website, as well as a link that will direct you to my events calendar.) As always, please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or if you would like to earn free Stampin' Up product by hosting a workshop. Also, if there is a specific technique or project that you would like to see offered in a class or workshop, please email those suggestions.

Okay, now for today's card. I am in love with the new "In Colors" from Stampin' Up. I have to admit, when I first saw the new colors unveiled, I was very concerned about color combinations. But, to my delight, I have found many, many ways to use the "In Colors" together and with other color families. This card is made with Pacific Point, Kiwi Kiss and Whisper White (with a bit of silver glitter pen added in for some pizazz). The dots around the flower are done with marker, and the holes lining the corners of the Pacific Point, Kiwi Kiss and Whisper White are made with the paper piercing tool. I'd love to see a picture if you've worked with the new In Colors, and comments are welcome!

I'll be back tomorrow with a new card...

Stampin' Up Now Offering Die-Cut System!!!

Big news from Stampin' Up! In partnership with Sizzix, Stampin' Up is now offering the Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine, with materials and dies created exclusively to coordinate with Stampin' Up stamp sets and products. (Note: This machine can also be used with other Sizzix dies.) A must-have for all crafting enthusiasts, this machine can cut through 50 different types of materials to add impressive embellishments to any project. The Big Shot is being offered as either a Special Edition Starter Kit or as individual pieces. You can check out this great new product line, including the kits and exclusive Stampin' Up dies and accessories at this link: http://www.stampinup.com/us/documents/BigShot_Cust_US.pdf. Above is a card created with the help of the Big Shot, and below is a book tote, shirt and shorts created with die-cut felt pieces. This system becomes available for order on September 2. Please contact me if you are interested in learning more about this exciting new opportunity!