Tomorrow is your last chance to order many of the stamp sets and products in the Occasions Mini Catalogue.

This catalogue expires tomorrow although some items will carryover. Check the list below for those items.

Take a last look at the mini catalogue and make sure the items on your wish list have been purchased. If not, contact me to place your order today.

My card today is very simple. I stamped the greeting from Fundamental Phrases in Chocolate Chip ink and then added buttons. I layered a corduroy button onto a large clear button and adhered them to the card with dimensionals. Talk about easy cardmaking! 

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Inks: Chocolate Chip

Paper: Pretty in Pink, Kraft, Chocolate Chip

Other: Clear Buttons, Corduroy Buttons – Pretty in Pink, Kraft, Real Red, Chocolate Chip, Stampin’ Dimensionals

The chart below lists the items that will be available after the Occasions Mini catalogue expires on April 30, 2010:

Don’t think it, ink it! 

Isn’t this purse card adorable? Whether you make them as birthday cards, party favours, bachelorette party gifts or as a gift card holder, everyone will go crazy for this little purse!

I went girly for this purse card and choose Pretty in Pink satin ribbon and Pretty in Pink papers from the Sweet Pea designer series paper stack – 48 double sided sheets for $32.95 – page 33 of the Occasions Mini catalogue.

Cut the cardstock to 5” x 11”. Score at 3-1/2”, 4-1/2”, 5”, 8-1/2” and 9”.

The large white grommet will be inserted through a 1/2" circle on the front flap. Since the 1/2" circle punch won’t go through three layers at once, I punched the circle into the middle of the black cardstock first. Next, I lined up the piece of 1-3/4" x 4-3/4" Whisper White cardstock and punched again. Finally, I lined up a piece of designer series paper 1-1/2" x 4-1/2" and punched a final time. Insert the grommet and bend back the prongs.

The pieces of paper on the bottom of the purse measure 4-3/4" x 3-1/4" for the Whisper white cardstock and 4-1/2" x 3" for the Sweet Pea paper. Carefully close the purse aligning the top and bottom flaps. Make a mark through the grommet showing where to insert the ribbon. Punch holes for the ribbon and tie it in a knot. To close the purse, you will pull the ribbon through the grommet.

With sticky strip at the ends, add a handle of cardstock measuring ½” x 6”. The Pretty in Pink cardstock inside the purse card is 4-3/4" x 3-1/4" and the Whisper White is 4-1/2" x 3". Stamp to finish.

Have fun making these little purses and remember there are only 10 days left to shop from the Occasions Mini catalogue!
 

Don’t think it, ink it!

I needed a quick card today and this was it.

I inked the Fine Flourish stamp with Melon Mambo ink and then inked the edges of the stamp a second time with Rich Razzlebery ink. After huffing on the stamp to remoisten, I stamped onto Whisper White cardstock. Next, I added some layers of textured cardstock and also a small white grommet. After cutting out the center of cardstock from the middle of the grommet, I inserted a length of Rich Razzleberry ribbon and knotted it to finsh. Now, that really is quick and easy, isn’t it? 

Stampin’ Up! has just announced a Color Renovation starting with the 2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalogue in July. Some colours will be retiring, some In Colors are returning and 5 new colours will be added. 

Good news! If you are a fan of Melon Mambo and Rich Razzleberry, they have been added to the new color collections. This means that you do not have to say goodbye to these great colours in June because they will be sticking around. And you if have held off ordering them because you didn’t want to fall in love and have them retire, go ahead. Now you can purchase these colours knowing they will be around for a long time. 
 

To Order Stampin’ Up! Products in Canada, Click Here
 

Stamps:  Fine Flourish – $12.95, #115709, page 42 of the Occasions Mini catalogue 

Ink:  Rich Razzleberry, Melon Mambo

Paper: In Color Textured Cardstock – $14.50, #115719, 36 sheets, Whisper White

Other: Basic Small Grommets, Rich Razzleberry 1/2" Polka-Dot Ribbon, Stampin’ Dimensionals

Don’t think it, ink it! 

I don’t think it is possible to create a bad looking card with the Vintage Vogue stamp set.

I am having a lot of fun stamping flowers, both little and big, cutting them out and positioning them on the card. Add a greeting, embellish and you are good to go. Remember this card from earlier this month? Same idea, new colours, different card. Woo Hoo!

I stamped the little flower from Vintage Vogue in Real Red and Basic Black ink and cut them out. With a mini glue dot, I added the smallest white pearl from the Pretties Kit to the center or each flower.

Next, I stamped the greeting and the vine image onto Whisper White cardstock with Basic Black ink. Between the two stamped images, I adhered a 1-1/2" strip of the Bride Specialty paper. Love this paper! Lastly, I added a length of the Whisper White Organza ribbon with the Basic Black Grosgrain ribbon on top. Can you see the knot in the grosgrain? Sometimes a bow is just too much and a knot is a great alternative. Assemble the card by adhering the card front to the Basic Black card and the card is finished. It really didn’t take long at all.

Even though Spring started only a few days ago, the new Summer Mini Catalogue from Stampin’ Up! will be released on May 1st.  If you would like to receive a mini catalogue in your mailbox at the end of April, please click here and complete the form.

And this is the last week of Sale-A-Bration. Have you earned all the free stamp sets and product you want? Check out the Sale-A-Bration brochure and place your order today. For each $65 spent pre-tax and shipping, you can choose a free item of your choice from the brochure. Don’t miss out!

To Order Stampin’ Up! Products in Canada, Click Here
 

Stamps:  Vintage Vogue – $31.95 Wood, $23.95 Clear, Set of 8, page 26 of the Occasions Mini Catalogue

Ink:  Basic Black, Real Red

Paper: Bride Specialty Paper, Basic Black, Whisper White

Other: Pretties Kit, Basic Black 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Whisper White Organza Ribbon, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Mini Glue Dots

Don’t think it, ink it!  

The Sweet Pea Designer Series Paper Stack is definitely my new favourite.  I love the colours included in it: Chocolate Chip, Sahara Sand, Old Olive, Taken with Teal, Pumpkin Pie , So Saffron, Pretty in Pink and Rose Red.  Not colours I would have put together myself but they work so well.

And when you have so many colours and patterns to choose from, making cards get a little easier.

Today, I made two cards from one piece of patterned paper using the same basic layout and switching it up a bit. I choose a paper that featured a diagonal stripe in Pretty in Pink with a little bit of Old Olive, Chocolate Chip and So Saffron. I also knew I wanted to use my Sweet Pea Stitched Felt so I decided not to use So Saffron on these cards.

For the first card, I used Certainly Celery cardstock with Pretty in Pink satin ribbon and placed the paper at the bottom. For the second card, I used Pretty in Pink cardstock with Old Olive satin ribbon and placed the paper at the top. Both pieces of cardstock were embossed with the Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folder for the Big Shot.   

The "Happy Birthday" greeting from Vintage Labels was stamped in either Certainly Celery or Old Olive ink and punched with the 1-1/4" Circle. I layered the smaller circle onto a 1-3/8" Circle and then a Scallop Circle of coordinating cardstock. 

Last, I added the focal point on each card. The first card has a bird made using the Extra Large Two-Step Brid Punch. The second card uses the Sweet Pea Stitched Felt to make the main part of the card. These are both must have products to make creating cards almost effortless.

Below you can see close up photos of the cards that show more detail.

I hope I have inspired you to try making simply changes to the cards you design to create a whole new look. Happy stamping!

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Stamps:  Vintage Labels – free with a $65 purchase during Sale-A-Bration

Ink:  Certainly Celery

Paper: Sweet Pea Designer Series Paper Pack. Pretty in Pink, Certainly Celery, Whisper White

Punches:  Extra Large Two-Step Bird Punch, Scallop Circle, 1-3/8" Circle, 1-1/4" Circle  

Other: Pretty in Pink Satin Ribbon, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder 

Stamps:  Vintage Labels – free with a $65 purchase during Sale-A-Bration

Ink:  Old Olive

Paper: Sweet Pea Designer Series Paper Pack. Pretty in Pink, Old Olive, Whisper White

Punches:  Scallop Circle, 1-3/8" Circle, 1-1/4" Circle  

Other: Sweet Pea Stitched Felt, Old Olive Satin Ribbon, Mini Glue Dots, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder 

Sweet Pea Designer Series Paper Stack

  $32.95, #117161, 48 Sheets: 2 each of 24 double-sided designs

Page 33 of the Occasions Mini Catalogue

Don’t think it, ink it! 

It’s Technique Tuesday!  Today I want to share a tutorial for Swirled Metallics.  This one is really easy but you do need an Encore Metallic refill. If you own either the gold or silver encore pad, you will definitely want the refill to keep the pads looking their best.

But even if you don’t own the pads, there are so many ways to use the refills on their own. Add some to your collection today.

 Here is a close view of the Swirled Metallic technique.  Doesn’t the Bermuda Bay ink look great with the gold?

  Place a drop of the Encore Gold refill onto a non-absorbent material, Here I used wax paper.Next, I added a couple of drops of Bermuda Bay ink refill. You will need more of the Classic ink than the Encore.

With a toothpick, I gently swirled the two inks together.

  Finally, I used a sponge dauber to apply the ink to the stamp. You should be able to see both of the inks on the stamp. If needed, add a few more drops of the Bermuda Bay refill ink and sponge onto the stamp again.

 To Order Stampin’ Up! Products in Canada, Click Here

Stamps:   With All My Heart ($23.95W, $18.95C – page 12 of the Occasions Mini)

Ink:   Bermuda Bay Classic, Gold Encore 

Paper:   Bermuda Bay, Brushed Gold, Whisper White

Punches:   Modern Label, Word Window 

Other:   Bermuda Bay Polka-Dot Ribbon, Gold Brads, Perfect Polka Dot Embossing Folder, Sponge Dauber 

 Encore Gold Refill $5.95, #101242

Encore Silver Refill $5.95, #102124

Page 190 of the Stampin’ Up! Catalogue

Don’t think it, ink it!

This card is not my normal card. Can you guess why?

Just one layer. You know I love lots of layers on cards but this one didn’t need any more than the Very Vanilla card itself.

The Vintage Vogue stamp set I used just cried out for Very Vanilla cardstock and rich inks colours like Rich Razzleberry and Old Olive.  I also added some Pale Plum to contrast with the Rich Razzleberry. I cut out a few of the smaller flowers and added them to the card with stampin’ dimensionals for height. If you are doing detailed paper cutting, the paper snips make the job so much easier.

To finish, I added a knotted length of Very Vanilla satin ribbon and a Very Vanilla jumbo brad. As I didn’t want the brad prongs to show inside the card, I cut them off with scissors and placed a dimensional on the bottom of the brad to hold it in place. 

And the best part? I received this stamp set at the Regionals in Calgary on Saturday as part of my registration fee. Woo Hoo! It was a great day of training, stamping, chatting and fun. Stampin’ Up! demonstrators have the best jobs. 

Don’t forget to enter to win blog candy on this post by answering my question about why you think it would be great to be a demo and own your own business. 

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Stamps:  Vintage Vogue

Ink:  Rich Razzleberry, Pale Plum, Old Olive

Paper: Very Vanilla  

Other: Very Vanilla Satin Ribbon, 5/16" Jumbo Brad in Vanilla, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Paper Snips 

Vintage Vogue Stamp Set – Set of 8

Clear $23.95, #118598 – Wood $31.95, #117690

Page 26 of the Occasions Mini

Don’t think it, ink it!    

I always need some All Occasion cards – thank you, thinking of you, sending prayers and more. And this card works for all of those sentiments.

To make this card, I stamped the image from with All My Heart on Very Vanilla cardstock with the Pretty in Pink classic ink. Then, I stamped the same image a second time with the VersaMark pad using a Stamp-a-ma-jig to line up the two impressions.  While the ink is still wet, I covered the image with Iridescent Ice embossing powder and used the heat tool to melt the powder.

I punched the image out with the Extra Large Fancy Flower punch and punched another two pieces of Very Vanilla cardstock. The edges of the flowers were curled up using my fingers.  After layering these punches, I used my piercing tool to make a hole and inserted the Very Vanilla jumbo brad.

Using stampin’ dimensionals, I adhered the punched flower to the front of the card where I had already glued a piece of Sending Love DSP and some other cardstock layers. I embellished this piece with a knot of Pretty in Pink satin ribbon. To finish, I inserted three Very Vanilla brads.

Now, since I have a few of these cards on hand, I can stamp whatever greeting I need inside and be ready to send the card .

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Stamps: With All My Heart

Ink: Pretty in Pink, VersaMark

Paper: Sending Love Specialty Designer Series Paper, Very Vanilla, Pretty in Pink

Punches: Extra Large Fancy Flower ($22.95, #118073, page 13 of the Occasions Mini)

Other: Stampin’ Dimensionals, Pretty in Pink Satin Ribbon, Jumbo Neutrals Brads in Vanilla, Mat Pack and Piercing Tool, Heat Tool, Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder, Stamp-a-ma-jig

With All My Heart Stamp Set

Clear – $18.95, #118623   Wood – $23.95, #118134

Set of 6 – page 12 of the Occasions Mini

Sending Love Specialty Designer Series Paper

$15.95, #117153, Page 13 of the Occasions Mini

12 Sheets – 2 each of 6 designs.  Each sheet has a glittery design on one side.

Don’t think it, ink it!    

The new Sweet Pea Designer Series Paper Stack has lots of designs and patterns. And the same colours are used multiple times on different pieces. That makes it so easy to create fun and simple cards like this one.

I choose to highlight Taken with Teal, one of the many colours used in this paper stack. The other colours are: Old Olive, Rose Red, So Saffron, Pretty in Pink, Pumpkin Pie, Chocolate Chip and Sahara Sand.  And the Sweet Pea Paper matches wonderfully with the new Sweet Pea Stitched Felt.  If you haven’t ordered the Sweet Pea Stitched Felt yet, it is a must have!

To make this card, I punched 1/2" circles from various patterns in the Sweet Pea paper stack that had Taken with Teal in them. And I had alot of papers to choose from. Next, I punched a few larger circles with the 3/4" punch and adhered all of the circles to the page. On the larger circles, I used Stampin’ Dimensionals for a bit of height.

To finish, I stamped my "thanks" greeting from the Thank You Kindly stamp set with Basic Black ink and glued the layers of cardstock together. This card was so quick to make and I can easily see changing the greeting for birthdays and other occasions. Hope you like it!

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Stamps: Thank You Kindly ($18.95 or Free with a purchase of $65 during Sale-A-Bration, #111700)

Ink: Basic Black

Paper: Sweet Pea Designer Series Paper Pack, Taken with Teal, Basic Black, Whisper White

Punches: 1/2" Circle, 3/4" Circle

Other: Stampin’ Dimensionals

Sweet Pea Designer Series Paper Stack

$32.95, #117161, 48 Sheets, (that’s only 68 cents a sheet)

Page 33 of the Occasions Mini Catalogue

Don’t think it, ink it!

Stampin’ Up! and Jewelry?  Who’d have thought it?

But here it is. And I have received so many compliments on my chains and charms.

Simply Adorned charms are lockets–they open up so you can insert your custom stamped image. The Charming stamp set, along with Rub-Ons, glitter, ribbons, and other embellishments, can help you create your unique charm insert. And don’t forget that you can embellish the chains with ribbon, felt flowers . . . the possibilities are endless! The frame surrounds tempered beveled glass on the front and flat glass on the back. Because there’s glass on both sides of the charm, you can display an image on one side or both. You can create a custom heirloom piece that you’ll never want to change, or you can swap artwork in and out, depending on your mood and your wardrobe.

And although we designed Simply Adorned charms to be jewelry, they also make delightful key chains or ornaments. Insert a stamped image or photo of your loved ones, tie a ribbon through the clasp, and you’re done!

To start, I recommend purchasing the 34" chain as it can be worn long or wrapped around the neck twice for a shorter necklace as I’m wearing it below.

Or maybe you prefer a bracelet. The bracelets are 8" long with a toggle close so they can be shortened if necessary. Also, for more options, you can tie some pretty ribbon to either end of the bracelet and wear it around you neck for a different look.

All of the Simply Adorned pieces come in a stylish chocolate chip box perfect for gift giving. Even if the gift is for you.

To Order Stampin’ Up! Products in Canada, Click Here

Click Here to see the full Simply Adorned product line on page 28 of the Occasions Mini catalogue and start creating your own fun to wear pieces.

Charming Stamp Set     $26.95, #116519

Don’t think it, ink it!  

I don’t know about you but I am so ready for Spring!

While it isn’t spring outside yet, this card is a little bit of spring indoors. Here, I used the Shades of Spring designer series paper and the Beautiful Wings embosslit die to create this pretty card. Can you see the textured impressions on the butterflies? They are sooo pretty!

And so easy to make with the new Beautiful Wings embosslit die. As you can see later in this post, this die creates multiple butteflies perfect for using on cards and pages. The butterflies can even be layered together for a different fun look.

I added Certainly Celery satin ribbon and a greeting from the Well Scripted stamp set to finish the card.

This stamp set is perfect for making lots of any occasion cards.  I recommend that when you sit down to stamp that you make cards in multiple of 4. And when you use a greeting set like Well Scripted, you can add the greeting only as you need a card. If you have a few of these cards all ready to go, you can stamp, punch and adhere the greeting just before you give the card to a friend.  I try to always have a few cards ready to give that can be adapted for any occasion. 

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Stamps: Well Scripted (W117072, C118601 – page 19 Occasions Mini)

Ink: Certainly Celery Classic. Orchid Opulence Marker

Paper: Shades of Spring DSP ($13.25, #117160), Orchid Opulence, Certainly Celery, Very Vanilla, So Saffron

Punches: Wide Oval

Other: Certainly Celery Satin Ribbon ($13.95, #117288), Stampin’ Up! Beautiful Wings Embosslit Die ($15.95, #118138) 

 Stampin’ Up! Beautiful Wings Embosslit Die

$15.95, #118138

Page 24 Occasions Mini Catalogue

Shades of Spring Designer Series Paper

$13.25, #117160, 12 sheets – 2 each of 6 designs

Page 25 Occasions Mini Catalogue

Don’t think it, ink it!

 Vintage Vogue. Doesn’t the name say it all?

This oh, so lovely set is just right for making "take it up a notch" cards quickly. I usually shy away from cards where alot of cutting out of images is required. These flowers were really forgiving though and although I did oops, I just covered it up with another flower. Shh! Don’t tell.

I love all of the stamps in this set and I love the matching wheel. See them both on page 26 – 27 of the Occasions Mini catalogue. You gotta get this set!

And if you want more ideas, Register today for my Vintage Vogue class on February 24th and make 5 projects using this elegant stamp set. 

To Order Stampin’ Up! Products in Canada, Click Here

Stamps: Vintage Vogue (W117690, C118598)

Ink: Basic Black Classic, Tempting Turquoise Classic

Paper: Basic Black, Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White 

Punches: Scallop Trim Border Punch

Other: Basic Black Satin Ribbon, Tempting Turquoise Grosgrain Ribbon, Circle Ice Brads, Stampin’ Dimensionals

Don’t think it, ink it