Best of Butterflies

Stampin' Up! has introduced their latest "Best of" stamp set, and it's all about butterflies! Every month this year, Stampin' Up! is putting together a set by combining some favorite stamps with a new one. Look here for more information about April's offering.

Item #133345/$14.95.

This and That

Here is Stampin' Up's version of a smash book. I just love how they took it to the next level and have coordinating designer series paper and stickers. This and That will debut in the 2013-2014 annual catalog, but they are giving us the chance to get it now. Plus, from today through April 30, you can get all five This and That products in a bundle for 15 percent off! Watch the video below to see more.

Epic Day This and That Journal-#131268-$10.95

Epic Day This and That Designer Series Paper-#130814-$10.95

Remember This and That Rotary Stamp-#130133-$5.95

Epic Day This and That Designer Stickers-#131271-$4.95

Epic Day This and That Designer Washi Tape-#131269-$4.95

OR

Epic Day This and That Bundle-#133350
Includes the five This and That products listed above. Only available in a bundle until April 30.

$32.08
15% Off Retail Value!

All items can be viewed here.

Easter Bunny

This is a quick punch art bunny to put together, and he's adorable! You just need the large oval punch, 1 1/4" circle punch, and the 1/2" circle punch to make the bunny. The colors are Naturals Ivory, Early Espresso, and Pink Pirouette. The stamped images are from Flowering Flourishes, Tiny Tags, Teeny Tiny Wishes, and Love & Laughter (heart). Thank you for hopping by.

Elegant Sycamore Street

When you compare the other cards made with the Sycamore Street DSP, you would never imagine that this piece came from the same group, but it did! This Summer Starfruit design just screamed elegance to me, so I had to do it proud. I think I was pretty successful.

Pretty in Pink Birthday

When the girls go looking for a card to give to one of their friends, I just know they will head for this one. The Scallop Square Punch was first embossed using the the Square Lattice Folder. I didn't realize until I started putting this card together that I used the wrong square punch. I should have used the 1" square punch rather than the 1 1/4" one.  By using dimensionals to attach the square punch, it helped to show the scallop a bit more. Problem solved! I love when that happens.

2013-2014 Products Available NOW!

For a short time, Stampin' Up! is giving us the opportunity to order a great stamp set shown below. The images coordinate with the 7/8" Scallop Circle Punch, which was introduced in the spring catalog. They have bundled both products at a discount, or you may purchase them separately. See the details below. This offer expires May 31.

Stamp set and Punch:

$23.95	Spring Surprise Bundle* (English; clear)	133899
	Spring Surprise Bundle (Spanish; clear)	133897
	Spring Surprise Bundle (French; clear)	133898

If you would like to order the stamp set only:

Price	Description	Item #
$14.95	A Round Array Stamp Set* (English; clear)	129090
	Variedades Stamp Set (Spanish; clear)	131682
	Médallions séduction Stamp Set (French; clear)	131616

Sycamore Street Telescoping Card

Sale-a-Bration ends in several days (March 22), and, along with it, is the chance to earn free Sycamore Street DSP, among other things. I love the Island Indigo color in this paper. The base scallop circle was stamped using Flowering Flourishes, and the top layer has a Sycamore Street Button in the middle of the Pinwheel. But the fun doesn't stop here. Take a look at it when it is completely opened...

A little Rich Razzleberry helped to break up all of that Island Indigo.  The 5x5 card has been framed by scoring on all sides with the Simply Scored Tool. The Telescoping cards are always a lot of fun to create.

Headed Into Spring

I don't know about you, but I'm ready for some bike riding, sunny and warm weather. So, even though it is cold, damp, and dreary outside, I'm making it springtime inside. I think this turned out to be a sweet card. The bicycle image from the Summer Afternoon stamp set coordinates well with the sentiment from Wishes Your Way. I used the Stampin' Write Markers to color in the picture. The Simply Scored Scoring Tool made it easy to make a frame around the base card stock and the stamped image layer.

Paper Pumpkin Try-It Kit

Stampin' Up! is offering this try-it kit for those who are not yet ready to join Paper Pumpkin, but would like to see what it is all about. You receive all of the needed supplies for the project, including the stamps, ink and clear block. What a great way to build up your stampin' supplies. Click on the image below to learn more about Paper Pumpkin, and let me know if you would like to give it a try.

Item #132600/$16.95

Sycamore Street Gift Cards

Today I made an ensemble of four note cards using the Sycamore Street DSP, which is a free item through Sale-a-Bration. Since it is a set of cards that I will most likely give to a special someone, I needed a card holder. I decided to make the cards 3x3, so the Fancy Favor bag works perfectly.

To make the handle, I used Sticky Strip to put together two colors of the Sycamore Street Ribbon (Island Indigo and Tangerine Tango). This makes a stiffer handle that can stand up, which I like.

For this 3X3 card, I stamped the Four Seasons image twice so that I would have two colors because two is better than one. The Soda Pop Top breaks up the images nicely. I flattened the top by running it through the Big Shot.

I just had to use the Sycamore Street Buttons for one of the cards. 

And more Soda Pop tops from the spring catalog.

Here is the last card of the group. It is hard to tell in the pictures, but the colors coordinate so well making it a cohesive look.

Springtime

I can't seem to move on from the oval collections framelits. I just love how they frame the images. The Easter Blossom set is one of my all-time favorites, and this little girl needed to be framed. I used Elegant Eggplant, Wisteria Wonder, and Whisper White card stock and inks. 

Easter Blossoms Stamp Brush Set - Digital Download/#124436/$3.95

Classy Lady

I am having fun playing paper dress up. I wanted to make a card for my Mom because the dresses remind me of her. The brushed gold was a perfect choice.

I used the Stripes Embossing Folder to make the belt and buckle. The sentiment was embossed with gold powder. The antique brad is an exact match. The card seemed to be lacking, so I decided to bind the card together using black ribbon. Now it's a perfect card for a classy lady.

Time for Dress Up

Caroline and I played with the Dress-Up Framelits today. Here was her first creation. I just love how she knew a way to make that dress form 3D. I believe she's got some craftin' genes.

And here was my first creation with the dress form. I can't wait to play with the dresses!

The colors are very vanilla, crumb cake, and basic black. The Seam Binding Ribbon is crumb cake, and the roses are Flower Trim from the spring catalog.

Dress Up Framelits Dies#130101/$24.94

Snow in March

Yesterday was such a nice diversion for all of us as we enjoyed a mid-week snow day. Clearly, I was inspired by all of that snow.  For this card, I used the Circle Treat Cups, but filled it with "snowflakes" instead of treats. The stamped images are from the Tags til Christmas and Four Seasons stamp sets. The colors are Night of Navy, Real Red, and Whisper White. By leaving off the sentiment, I can now use it for whatever the occasion may be when it arises.

Sweet Treat Cups/#116802/$2.95

Winter Wonderland

I was all set for spring when ol' man winter decided to blast us with a late season storm. It has been snowing here in southeastern, PA all day. It's a snow day for all of us, and we're having a wonderful time. So, the snow inspired me to unpack the Christmas and winter stamps and here are my first creations for the day. I'm sure there will be more.

This is the first time I used the winter bird and snowflake from the Four Seasons stamp set. I love the snowflakes on this stamp. They are both stamped with Night of Navy and are embellished with Rhinestone Jewels and Dazzling Details. It was nice to bring out the Northern Flurry Embossing Folder, too. 

I couldn't wait to frame the tree from the Christmas Lodge stamp set with the Oval Collections Framelits. I stamped the tree using Old Olive and then embossed it with white powder and added Dazzling Details.

Best of Flowers

Stampin' Up! is celebrating its 25th anniversary by offering one "best of" stamp set per month for the entire year. All stamp sets are available to purchase until March, 2014. Here is March's best of stamp set. Of course it would be flowers. Spring is right around the corner. There are three old favorites in this set. The hydrangea is a personal favorite of mine. The fourth stamp is a new stamp, which happens to coordinate with the scallop punch. Learn more about the "best of" stamps here.

Item # 133342/$14.95

Double Layer of Flowering Flourishes

Some great friends visited on Friday and this is one of the cards we created. We used the double layer technique and Calypso Coral card stock between the stamped Flowering Flourishes layers. For the center of the card, we stamped an image from the Itty Bitty Banners Stamp Set, which is free through Sale-a-Bration. The pearl jewels were used to give it some added interest. Check back for another card creation from Friday's get-together.

Brand New...SU! Photopolymer Stamps

Stampin' Up! has searched long and hard for just the right material to be able to introduce completely clear stamping. You now have the choice of wood-mount, clear-mount AND photopolymer stamps!

What makes them so great?

• They're entirely transparent for perfect placement every time! 
• They are durable. The photopolymer material is designed to last. 
• Can you say sticky? (Don't worry; in a good way.) These stamps stick amazingly well to our clear blocks.
• They're age tested. They won't yellow or cloud up over time. 
• They use FDA, food-safe material. How far can you stretch your stamping creativity? 
• We could go on, but we'll let you try them for yourself.

Check out the flyer to see the first  photopolymer stamp set, which is available now.

Item	Description	Price
132956	Designer Typeset Photopolymer Stamp Set Recommend clear blocks A, B, G, F, and I. Purchase separately. Includes 57 pieces. (Don't faint! This is a good overwhelming feeling.)	$13.95

Online Stamping Classes

ONLINE STAMPING CLASS  I hope you will join this class along with me. This class shares innovative ideas to get the most out of your supplies (from stamps to the Big Shot) with clever tips and techniques. Divided into six sections focused on a variety of topics, this class includes videos, step outs, and supply lists for 30+ projects. Check it out! At $14.95 (item 133385) it's a great value for anyone. PC Instructions The files will be downloaded as archive files that you can then extract and save on your computer. When you click on the download link, an extraction program will automatically launch. Choose the location where you would like to save the files (be sure to note where you save them). Follow the prompts on the extraction program, then navigate to the location where you saved the files. Click on the file and open. Mac Instructions When you click on the download link, the file will be mounted as a drive. Once it is mounted, open the drive and drag and drop the files to the location of your choice on your hard drive. The files can then be opened.

Talking Tag

My daughters are loving talking tag! It's a fun way of delivering a 60 second message on a card, a scrapbook page, a letter, etc. The possibilities are endless. Give it a try by downloading the free TalkingTagTM app and scanning the tag on this Talking Tag flyer.

Honeycomb Embossing

This is a new embossing folder that is in the spring catalog. It reminds me of spring and honey bees. Here is a way to use up some of those smaller DSP pieces. Simply run them through the Big Shot using the folder, and cut out the pieces. If you put several layers through at one time it makes the indentations easier to see and cut out. I have a feeling you will be seeing a lot of projects with this textured embossing.

Honeycomb Textured Impressions Embossing Folder

Check Out Paper Pumpkin

For those of you who love to craft and create, but don't have the time to plan, or don't have all of the supplies needed, this is the answer for you. It is called Paper Pumpkin, and it is a monthly project program that is sure to be a hit. Check out the details below.

I'm Paper Pumpkin . . .

I come to your door each month (a fully decked-out creativity carriage). I'll help you to escape your life with some paper fun.

I come in a sweet box, but you'll really love what you find on the inside:

All the stamps, ink, paper, and accessories to create pinable projects. Create stuff like cards, journals, décor, and more!

Paper Pumpkin by Stampin' Up! is a new monthly kit program that anyone (even you) can enjoy!

Get Started

It's so easy to get started. Simply sign up for the program by visiting www.mypaperpumpkin.com and click Get it. Every month a new, surprise project kit arrives at your doorstep. Just think of the anticipation of creating a fun project to pin, showoff, and share with your friends and family-every month!

The very first Paper Pumpkin will arrive on your doorstep starting in March-if you sign up before March 10.

Of course, you'll want to know more. So here's the nitty gritty:

• Each month we send you a unique, surprise kit with a project-cards, journals, décor, and more! (We've even color-coordinated, measured, and cut everything for you!)
• Each kit includes stamps, ink, paper, and accessories-everything but adhesive.
• Each kit gives you and your customer a 30-minute creativity escape.
• We will ship your Paper Pumpkin on or around the 15th of the month.  
• You need to sign up for a kit by the 10th of the month to get that month's kit. If you sign up on the 11th of the month, your first kit will come the next month. (Let's say you sign up on May 10th, we'll send your kit around May 15th. If you sign up on May 11th, we'll send your first kit around June 15th.)
• A Paper Pumpkin membership is $19.95 per month (and shipping is included!) 
• There's no commitment, you can cancel your monthly Paper Pumpkin at anytime. You can also skip a month if you want.
• Starting in early March, we'll offer a Try-It kit if you'd like to try Paper Pumpkin for one month.

Here's How You Order

Sign up for your monthly Paper Pumpkin by visiting www.mypaperpumpkin.com and click Get it.

Starting in early March, you can try Paper Pumpkin for one month by visiting our online store.

A Free Gift in Your Very First Kit

The Welcome Kit is the very first Paper Pumpkin you will receive in your first month of membership. The Welcome Kit includes a free gift-a clear acrylic block!

Feeling Sentimental Water Wheel

Yes, another image from one of my favorite new sets. I have been having a lot of fun creating cards with this stamp set. I even pulled out my vintage trinkets because these two items were meant to be used together.

Here is a close-up. See the vintage button brad? How cute is that! Information about the Vintage Trinkets is below.

Vintage Trinkets Accent
$5.95/# 118764
Give a touch of vintage to your creativity. These tiny vintage safety pins and button-shaped brads look beautiful with vintage lace, distressed edges, and more. ■ 48 pieces per package: 8 each of 2 designs in 3 colors ■ Each package includes pieces in Antique Brass, Pewter, Antique Gold ■ Brad approximate size: 3/16" ■ Pin approximate length: 3/4"

Sanding Blocks and Embossing Folders

I'm sharing with you today two exact cards that I made with the exception of the embossing layer. I used Stampin' Up's Designer Sanding Block to sand over the chevron embossing on the card in the back. Look at how well the pattern pops. It's just another option when adding texture to your creations.

Other materials I used were the Sale-A-Bration's Sycamore Street paper, and the Soda Pop Tops and Paper Doilies from the spring catalog.

Twirly-Whirly Birthday

What a great card for youngsters and the young at heart. The Pinwheel Sizzlits Die and the Wishes Your Way stamp set make birthday card designing a cinch. Both items are available in the spring catalog. The Sycamore Street DSP can be yours FREE with a $50 purchase. See the Sale-A-Bration catalog for details.

Pinwheel Sizzlits S Die//#129411/$4.95

Wishes Your Way Clear-Mount/#129156/$13.95
Wishes Your Way Wood-Mount/#129153/$17.95

Making a Difference for 25 Years

This year is a milestone anniversary for Stampin" Up! and they have a special offer to help celebrate throughout the year. Each month during 2013, they’ll smash up some of their all-time-faves with a new never-before-seen stamp to create twelve “Best of” stamp sets. 

January's set is Best of Birthdays. The clear-mount stamp set is only $14.95/#132929

February's stamp set is Best of Love, of course! The cost is also $14.95. Let me know if you are interested in either of these sets, and check back soon to see the Best of in March.

Feeling Butterflies

It's a clean and simple card using an image from the Kindness Matters stamp set. I never have enough thank you cards for my students, their parents, colleagues, family, and friends, so I try to stay ahead by making them whenever I have the time. I used brads for the center of the butterflies on this card, but I made four of these and tried different embellishments for them all. Rhinestone jewels and Dazzling Details were two other good options.

Feeling Sentimental Birthday

It's Feeling Sentimental time again, but here is a different image. How fun is this old bicycle? And I'm liking it for a masculine easel card. The Tempting Turquoise and Early Espresso are looking good together, especially with some inking around the edges of the frames. 

You're Invited

This fun invitation is going to some lucky fourth grade students. The children are winners of an afternoon tea with their teacher.

There are some retired items on this card. For one, the DSP is a set which can be purchased from the Clearance Rack.

The Sweet Shop Specialty Designer Series Paper was originally $12.95, but it is now on sale for an incredible $2.59. Check out some other great deals by clicking the Clearance Rack button on the sidebar.

Sent With Love

The Sent with Love bundle is available now until April 30, 2013. This set is perfect for those who plan to travel, go on vacation, create unique invitations, plus more.

Item #132851/$25.50

The bundle includes the Sent with Love Stamp Set, Sent with Love Designer Series Paper, and Calypso Coral Baker's Twine at a 20 percent discount. You also have the option of buying the items separately.

Sent with Love Designer Series Paper-Item # 132182/$10.95

Sent with Love Clear Mount Stamp Set-Item # 131847/$17.95

Calypso Coral Baker's Twine-Item # 125573/$2.95