Northwest Stamper

Tag: stampin’ up

  • Sweet Spring Card with the Drapery Fold (VIDEO TUTORIAL)

    Sweet Spring Card with the Drapery Fold (VIDEO TUTORIAL)

    So, this was a card that I did at one of my monthly card classes and I LOVED playing with the Drapery Fold technique.  This was a new technique for many of my stampers and I promised to put together a video tutorial to help share the dimensions and remind them how to make the card.  Well, it may have taken me a while but I got the tutorial done and now I wanted to share it with everyone since you really have to try this card technique!

    I just love how soft and pretty this card turned out, and I had lots of fun adding lots of little touches here and there.  The drapery fold gives it a delicate touch and best of all, it lets you enjoy BOTH sides of those designer papers you love so much.  Because I KNOW I can’t be the only person who find that their two favorite patterns in a package happen to fall on the front and back side of the same sheet of paper. Smile   Check out below some of the extra little touches I added and then check out the video tutorial and let me know what you think!

    Sadly, some of my favorite items on this card are retiring, but at least I can still stock up (I’m talking to you Candy Dots and Burlap Ribbon!) for a few more days.

    Retiring Products

    It may be a little hard to see, but one of the most subtle accents to this card is the addition of little rhinestones to the centers of the flowers in the pattern paper.  I totally forgot about them when filming the video, but I didn’t want to forget it here when I was telling you about things!

    I also have fun playing with layering at the top of the card too.  The drapery fold really calls for a strip of paper or ribbon to cover up the top of where you’ve folded your patterned paper, so the Burlap Ribbon with just a bit of Glimmer Ribbon peeking out is perfect!  Add some stamped elements (both are from the Enjoy the Little Things stamp set in the Occasions catalog) and candy dots and you have a whole lot of fun going on!

    How To – Drapery Fold Technique Tutorial

    Check out this Video Tutorial to see how to make this card and the drapery fold!

    (note – If you are reading this in email, click here to view the video on my YouTube channel)

    So give it a try and let me know how it goes!  I’d love to hear what you think and even see what you created!  Share a link or post a photo over on my Facebook page – http://facebook.com/nwstamper!  I can’t wait to hear from you. Smile

    While I'm Cruisin' Special ad

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    Enjoy The Little Things Photopolymer Stamp Set

    $17.00

    Birthday Bouquet Designer Series Paper

    $11.00

    1-1/4" Burlap Ribbon

    $8.00

    Pool Party 3/8" (1 Cm) Glitter Ribbon

    $5.50

    Subtles Candy Dots

    $6.00

    Simply Scored

    $30.00

    2-3/8" Circle Scallop Punch

    $18.00

    2" Circle Punch

    $18.00

    Mossy Meadow Classic Stampin' Pad

    $6.50

    Blushing Bride Classic Stampin' Pad

    $6.50

    Pool Party Classic Stampin' Pad

    $6.50

    Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

    $8.50

    Mossy Meadow 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

    $7.00

    SNAIL Permanent Adhesive

    $7.00

    Stampin' Dimensionals

    $4.00

    Sponge Daubers

    $5.00

  • Congratulations Card for my Fun n’ Crafty Stampers!

    Congratulations Card for my Fun n’ Crafty Stampers!

    So, I’m off with my hubby on an amazing adventure to the Mediterranean – the Stampin’ Up grand vacation cruise!  The grandparents are staying at our house to watch over kitties and kiddos, and I’m so excited to be headed off on this adventure! 

    PS – I don’t expect to have much access to the internet so I probably won’t be on email much for the next week and a half.  But when I can, I’ll try to post pictures of our adventure over on my Facebook page – so I’d love to have you come join me over there!  Visit my Northwest Stamper Facebook page.

    Ok, but back to where I was going with all this – aside from being really stinkin’ excited to get to see cities I’ve only read about AND get to stamp with some amazing folks ON A BOAT!  For reals!  Yep, they will have a hospitality room on the cruise ship and we’ll get to see project ideas and even stamp a little I’m hearing!  Ok, bring it back…. Smile 

    You see, I wouldn’t be on this trip if it wasn’t for my AMAZING Fun n’ Crafty Stamper team.  They are the coolest, most supportive group… and I’m so lucky that I get to share the fun demonstrator experience with them.  So, today’s card is one that I created for them!

    You see, at the beginning of the year, I posed a challenge to them.  I had them set a resolution and goal for something they were going to do to improve their business or their enjoyment of this fun hobby.  They had to track it and report back how they were doing.  And they could earn prizes along the way.  So, this card was for all the folks that completed the challenge – because WOW they rocked it!

    I used scraps to pull it together and some fun collage-y pieces from the Butterfly Basics stamp set to create the background elements.  I love how you can get lots of fun different layouts and look from these stamp pieces.

    I wanted to experiment too with my Wink of Stella and getting cool glitter drops on my page.  I think they turned out really cool – and they are easy to do, the only thing you run into is that if they are extra big or juicy, you get a little bit of staining on the inside flap of the card where it soaks through a little.  But I didn’t mind, and hopefully they didn’t either. Smile

    Making the Glitter Drops with Wink of Stella

    • Start by unscrewing the brush tip from your Wink of Stella brush.  This should expose a black flat circle with a small hole in the middle
    • Make sure you have shaken up you pen too before you start!
    • Hold the pen upside down over your paper (I held mine pretty much vertically) and then squeeze the barrel
    • You can tap the barrel (kind of like you might with a ketchup bottle) to get more of a splatter effect, or just squeeze to get different sized droplets.


    I love finding ways to use up scraps and I especially love getting the chance to cheer and celebrate folks on my team.  Something I plan to do more of going forward!  Because really, they all deserve way more happy mail hand stamped cards coming their way, don’t you think?

    Ever thought of getting the perks of being a Demonstrator?

    There are so many great perks and fun reasons to be a demonstrator, from 20-25% off all your purchases to the amazing community and stamping friends you make – especially on our Fun n’ Crafty team facebook page.  Plus the opportunity to start earning money or even trips when you share your love of creating with others! 

    If you’ve been thinking about it, we’d love to have you join us on the Fun n’ Crafty Stampers team.  Smile  Check out some of the fun and perks here.

    So you know… just sayin’ Winking smile  Only $99 to pick out your starter kit of $125 worth of products, PLUS right now you’ll even be able to pick out new catalog Sneak Peek items!  Yahoo.  Oh, and did I mention shipping is free too?  I can’t wait to welcome you to the fun side.

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    Product List

    Bravo Photopolymer Stamp Set

    $26.00
    Butterfly Basics Wood Stamp Set

    $48.00
    Butterfly Basics Clear Stamp Set

    $36.00
    Butterfly Basics Photopolymer Stamp Set

    $24.00
    Clear Wink Of Stella Glitter Brush

    $8.00
    3/4" Circle Punch

    $13.00
    Blackberry Bliss Classic Stampin' Pad

    $6.50
    Hello Honey Classic Stampin' Pad

    $6.50
    Soft Suede Classic Stampin' Pad

    $6.50
    Sahara Sand 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

    $7.00
    Soft Suede 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

    $7.00
    Mint Macaron 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

    $7.00
    Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

    $8.50
    Stampin' Dimensionals

    $4.00

  • Bloomin Heart Love Note

    As I’m racing to finish up final packing and blog post scheduling (plus new video tutorials too!) I wanted to quickly hop on to share a card that I totally thought I had shared a while ago, but apparently didn’t! 

    It is an easy card that takes advantage of some of the fun stuff you get in the Love Blossoms Embellishment kit – specifically the GORGEOUS Blushing Bride ribbon and the cute pink sequins!

    This whole card started out with a sample we made at OnStage in November – a Stampin’ Up event for Demonstrators where we get to play with the upcoming catalog products.  Well the Bloomin’ Heart thinlit die was coming out and so we used it to cut out a piece of the Love Blossoms designer paper, and then stamped the flowers over the top – yes, they are directly on the heart – using the flowers from the Bloomin’ Love stamp set.  Quick and easy.  Well, easy if you have the Stampin’ Up die brush to pop everything out!  (Check out my video tutorial on the die brush to see what I mean!)

    But then I needed to do something with it – so I started to look at other things in the suite and loved the Embellishment kit.  I layered the ribbon behind a strip of pattern paper from the same paper pack and added a few sequins at the bottom.  Then I just created the sentiment with a scrap of Whisper White cardstock that I stamped the vines from the same stamp set in Crumb Cake and the sentiment in Memento Black.  Trim the ends and you are done!

    And yes… I know that “Be Mine” makes you think of Valentine’s Day, but this is great as an anniversary card or anytime you just need to send someone some love. Smile  Your spouse, I’m sure, never gets tired of hearing that you love them!

    While I’m Cruisin’ – Duty Free Shopping Special


    Use the hostess code ETHE2KQ4 when you shop in my online store and get a gift certificate for the new catalog!

    When you shop, your taxes and shipping costs will be returned to you in the form of a gift certificate that you can spend starting June 1st after I’m back!
    So, you can get those last few favorites – or stock up on cardstock before the price goes up on June 1st – and then have free money to spend when the new catalog releases!

    If your order is $150 or more, don’t worry about putting in the hostess code, use the free Stampin’ Reward dollars your earn for yourself and I’ll make sure you still get your gift certificate!

    Ok, back to packing!  Eek! It is almost time. Smile

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    Product List

    Bloomin' Love Photopolymer Bundle

    $35.50

    Love Blossoms Designer Series Paper Stack

    $8.00

    Love Blossoms Embellishment Kit

    $12.00

    Blushing Bride Classic Stampin' Pad

    $6.50

    Crumb Cake Classic Stampin' Pad

    $6.50

    Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad

    $6.00

    Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

    $8.50

    Glue Dots

    $5.25

    Stampin' Dimensionals

    $4.00

    Fine-Tip Glue Pen

    $7.00

  • Bright and Cheery Thinking of You Card with Kind Koala

    Eek the countdown is racing towards when I head out on the trip at the end of the week!  But I have so many projects to share with you that I’m working furiously to get them written up into blog posts so you will continue to have lots of fun ideas and inspiration (and sneak peeks!) while I’m away.

    I do want to give you the heads up that it is looking like I’ll have infrequent to no internet access while I’m away, so if you need something from me or have questions, please try to get them to me in the next day or two.  Otherwise, I’ll catch up with you when I’m back in town.  I’ll post updates when I can over on my Facebook page, so if you are interested in the fun of a Stampin’ Up Grand Vacation, follow me over there and see what is happening. Smile

    Fond Farewell to Kind Koala… and candy dots… and piercing templates…

    This was another card I put together to get in a big hurrah with more of my retiring favorites.  How can you not smile when that cutie patootie Koala is giving you a flower?

    When you mix the bright colors in the Have a Cuppa designer paper with Bermuda Bay cardstock and ribbon, you get such a fun cheery card that would brighten anyone’s day.  Plus it is so easy to put together that you can whip together a bunch for anytime you need to send a smile in the mail.  It does contain a number of items that will be discontinued at the end of the month though, including the stamp set!  So, if you love any of the following make sure to grab them now before they sell out.

    Retiring Products on this Card

    I started by picking out a couple of my favorite patterns from the paper stack and cut a 5 1/4” x 2 3/4” piece in one color and a 5 1/4” x 1” piece in a contrasting pattern.  Then just glue them down to your card front so there is even spacing along all the outside edges.  See, that was easy enough!

    Then stamp your Koala and color him in with complementary colors (I use the following markers – Crushed Curry, Pink Pirouette, and Cucumber Crush for the stem).  I sponged around the outside of the cardstock before adhering to the Bermuda bay cardstock mat.  Oh, and you can’t forget that candy dot that is the perfect center for your flower!

    I used my retiring Updated Essentials piercing template to poke straight line holes around the stamped Koala to make a frame and then added just a touch of the Bermuda Bay ribbon.  Pop those up on Stampin’ Dimensionals and you have yourself a card!

    So you can mix and match this idea with all kinds of great stamps and patterned papers, but I wanted to give some of my retiring products some love. Smile  You can see them and all the rest that are saying farewell here… including items that are up to 50% off!  Sweet!

     

    Retiring Stamps

    Retiring Accessories

    While I’m Away Special – Special Offer!

    I’m going to be sending out all the details with my newsletter later this afternoon, but I thought I’d give you a heads up about a special promotion I’m doing while I’m away on the Stampin’ Up Grand Vacation cruising the Mediterranean!  I’m so excited to be heading out with my hubby and the kids are excited to have Grandma and Grandpa here staying with them.  It’s a win for everyone!

    But I also wanted to do a thank you for my customers too!  I loved the idea that while I was duty free shopping on the boat, I could have you join in the fun by doing a little duty free shopping at home. Smile

    Duty Free Shopping Special
    So, between now and May 31st, shop online using the hostess code ETHE2KQ4 when you shop in my online store and your taxes and shipping costs will be returned to you in the form of a gift certificate that you can spend starting June 1st after I’m back!
    So, you can get those last few favorites – or stock up on cardstock before the price goes up on June 1st – and then have free money to spend when the new catalog releases!

    If your order is $150 or more, don’t worry about putting in the hostess code, use the free Stampin’ Reward dollars your earn for yourself and I’ll make sure you still get your gift certificate!

    Have fun shopping!  I know I will! Smile

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    Kind Koala Wood-Mount Stamp Set

    $10.00
    Have A Cuppa Designer Series Paper Stack

    $8.00
    Brights Candy Dots

    $6.00
    Updated Essentials Paper-Piercing Pack

    $8.00
    Bermuda Bay 1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon

    $9.00
    Paper-Piercing Tool

    $4.00
    Stampin' Pierce Mat

    $5.00
    Many Marvelous Markers

    $110.00
    Bermuda Bay Classic Stampin' Pad

    $6.50
    Basic Gray Archival Stampin’ Pad

    $7.00
    Sponge Daubers

    $5.00
    Bermuda Bay 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

    $7.00
    Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

    $8.50
    Stampin' Dimensionals

    $4.00

  • Fun with the Sunburst Die & NEW Class by MAIL!

    While I was at my Northwest Crafty Escape Weekend a few weeks ago, I ran a fun class that was all about the Sunburst thinlit die and 5 different techniques you could use with that die!  It was super fun and everyone loved seeing some new ideas for how to create with this die!  So, I’ve been working on putting together this class as a Class by Mail and I’m happy to report that I’m putting the finishing touches and so I ready to start opening up registration for this by mail event!

    Sunburst Sayings Class by Mail!

    5 different technique ideas using the Sunburst die that you can make from the comfort of your home!
    Get the scoop here – www.nwstamper.com/sunburstclass
    but I will have the tutorial option as well as kits in the mail options for you!
    RSVP this week and I’ll ship out your class kit next week before I leave on my Stampin’ Up cruise!  Otherwise, final kits will be mailed out the first week of June when I’m back from my trip.

    In the meantime, check out another fun idea IN ADDITION to the 5 class cards using the Sunburst die

    I loved the idea of cutting out a Sunburst as your main focal point on your card, but then cutting out another sunburst using a complimentary color (in this case- I used Hello Honey for the darker yellow, and So Saffron for the lighter yellow).  Once you have your second color, you just cut down the rays to make a fun highlight to your sunburst!

    You can use a punch – like the retiring 2 1/2” circle punch – or just trim it down by hand for a more funky look.

    Then just add in some fun accents to brighten up your sentiment.  I love layering Gold Glimmer paper behind my sentiment… just make sure to use a strong adhesive to hold your paper down like glue dots or fast fuse are great options!  Then I just added a few rhinestones for a little more bling without adding too much color.  Turns out pretty, right? Smile

    Play with your colors and how much you trim down for fun accents and designs!

    And then consider signing up for my class by mail and get even more ideas of what you can create with this die and get step by step instructions and even some videos to make sure you have it down totally right!

    Sunburst Sayings class by mail ad light

    And don’t forget! The Sunburst Sayings bundle (get the stamp set and die together at a discount) gets unbundled – so no more discounted price – starting in June!  So, grab the bundle while you can at a discount. Smile

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     Product List

    Sunburst Sayings Wood-Mount Bundle

    $45.75
    Sunburst Sayings Clear-Mount Bundle

    $39.75
    Big Shot

    $110.00
    Precision Base Plate

    $25.00
    Gold Glimmer Paper

    $5.00
    Sahara Sand 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

    $7.00
    Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

    $8.50
    So Saffron 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

    $7.00
    Hello Honey 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

    $7.00
    So Saffron Classic Stampin' Pad

    $6.50
    Basic Black Archival Stampin’ Pad

    $7.00
    Rhinestone Basic Jewels Embellishments

    $5.00
    Fast Fuse Adhesive

    $10.00
    Stampin' Dimensionals

    $4.00
    2-1/2" Circle Punch

    $18.00

  • Quick Congrats Notecard with Balloon Celebrations and Gold Wink of Stella

    Sometimes you need a quick card for some event and you want it to be cute but not take a lot of prep of supplies.  Well, check out this card that I have for you today that is PERFECT for using up some scraps and can easily be turned into a congrats, thank you, OR birthday card!

    This uses one of my favorite stamp sets right now, the Balloon Celebrations set.  And the better bonus is that between the speckled fill stamp from the set and the technique of stamping off, you can get a variety of shading looks with ONE ink pad!

    1. Stamp the small balloon in Crushed Curry onto the card front
    2. Stamp the speckled shading image in Crushed Curry on top of the stamped balloon
    3. Ink up the solid balloon stamp again in Crushed Curry and then stamp first onto a piece of scrap paper, then before inking again, stamp onto the card front.  PS – it looks really cool if you slightly overlap the balloons, but I apparently forgot that in this version of the card. Smile
    4. Stamp the speckled shading image in Crushed Curry over the lighter stamped balloon.

    You could have stamped off the shaded image first before stamping to get a more subtle shading but I liked it being a little darker to match the other balloon.

    I did the same thing with the outline of the balloons.  I stamped the outline on the darker balloon in full strength Tip Top Taupe, but on the lighter balloon, I stamped off on to scrap paper first before stamping on my card.

    Playing with Gold Wink of Stella

    I also used this card as a fun way to try out a few different options for the Gold Wink of Stella.  We all love our Wink of Stella, but sometimes the gold is a bit harder to figure out where to use. 

    So, first I used it to color my sentiment – the Expressions natural elements.  I wanted a subtle shimmer and it made it a bit more yellow to go with my Crushed Curry balloons.  You can see from the product picture how light the wood is normally:

    Plus aren’t these words great?  You can use them to turn this card into one for just about any occasion by changing out the word you add to the front! 

    Pro tip – when adhering your words, lightly dot the back with the adhesive from the Fine-Tip glue pen!  It holds great and by dotting it, the glue won’t squish out the sides!

    The other way I used my Gold Wink of Stella was to add some fun shading to the balloons from the It’s My Party designer paper stack.  It is subtle but really makes a fun difference in the final effect of the card.

    So, hopefully that gives you some fun ideas for using some of the supplies in your stash!  And if you don’t have the Wooden words, I would grab some now before they sell out!  They and a few other items on this card are on the retiring list and so grab them while you can… including:

    See the full list of everything that is being discountinued and what is sold out in a PDF list

    or see what is left in the Online Store


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    Product List

    Balloon Celebration Photopolymer Bundle

    $37.25

    It's My Party Designer Series Paper Stack

    $26.00

    Expressions Natural Elements

    $5.00

    Gold Wink Of Stella Glitter Brush

    $8.00

    Fine-Tip Glue Pen

    $7.00

    Whisper White Note Cards & Envelopes

    $6.00

    Stacked With Love Designer Washi Tape

    $4.95

    Tip Top Taupe Classic Stampin' Pad

    $6.50

    Crushed Curry Classic Stampin' Pad

    $6.50

  • Another Northwest Crafty Escape Weekend is in the Books!

    So, you see… back in October of last year, I thought it was a BRILLIANT idea to run my next Northwest Crafty Escape Weekend (the twice-a-year retreats I hold in Bellevue, WA) in April, the weekend IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING the Stampin’ Up OnStage event in Salt Lake City.  It will be fun, I said!  I’ll have lots of new displays and samples, I said.  I’ll have the scoop to share on the upcoming annual catalog…

    and all of those things were true. Smile  And we had a TON of fun!

    But I also neglected to think of how little sleep I get when I’m at OnStage… plus how little sleep I get when I’m at the retreat weekends.  And so, let me just say, back to back amazing crafting weekends are fun, but not nearly enough sleep is involved. Smile  But in the end, it was totally worth it and it has been great (though the fall retreat will be a bit more spaced out from OnStage than this time!)  So, I thought I’d share some of the photos from the event so you can see what I’ve been up to!

    NW Crafty Escape Weekend spring 2016

    So the weekends always start with me clearing out much of my craft room so I can take all my tools with me for people to use

    2016-04-24 16.48.02

    And then I cart everything over to the hotel we run the Crafty Escape Weekend at!  This time was great because our group size grew enough that we needed 2 banquet rooms, which made it fun having more space and room to craft, spread out, and goof off!

    We had displays, a crop store, a swap my stuff table (which was seeing some amazing items being gifted on that table this weekend!), and of course, everyone got their own large space.

    2016-04-22 19.40.11

    2016-04-22 19.40.21

    And I think for all of about 3 hours total of the event, I even had my table clean so I could craft on it. Smile

    2016-04-23 00.04.30

    It was like my mobile command center for all things retreat plus some personal crafting at the end of each day.

    I always start out the weekend with a goodie bag full of fun crafty stuff plus a make & take packet with details for projects they can make with the items in their goodie bag.  In this case, I designed 6 cards for them to create using their goodie bag and the tools over on the tools buffet.2016-04-22 18.43.01

    I love how the name placecards and other elements really make the tables cheery each time!  This was my table with my completed Enjoy the Little Things project kit all done and set up.  Isn’t it cute!?

    2016-04-23 09.35.12

    Oh, and you see the water bottles that were decorated with some designer paper and the Flower Fair stamped flowers?  Check out what one of the gals at the retreat did with hers!

    2016-04-23 13.27.06

    She took it off the water bottle and then picked off some of the extra flowers from her namecard and made them into cute cards!  I LOVE it!

    We had crafty challenges, like this one to use at least 3 products from the goodie bag in one project

    2016-04-23 18.23.10-1

    I ran some classes (3 total over the course of the weekend)

    2016-04-23 10.51.01

    Ate some yummy food

    2016-04-23 11.56.35

    And folks got a lot of crafting done… and not just paper crafts!

    2016-04-23 13.29.26

    I also love our Pajama Party we run on Saturday night.

    2016-04-23 22.26.03

    I usually give out challenges for the evening and my favorite was to show us your Crafty Super Hero costume.  I think this was Lady Crafts a Lot and Sir Inky Fingers… or I may have the names a little wrong, but I LOVED the creative costumes!

    2016-04-23 20.10.53

    2016-04-23 20.12.55

    Professor Paper

    IMG_1574

    And the super villian – OOPS, who knocks their drink all over your almost completed project Smile

    IMG_1571

    And we learned what happens when you try to run an embossing folder through the big shot with the magnetic platform (PSA – either your BigShot cutting plate or your embossing folder will not make it out alive!)

    2016-04-24 13.28.46

    But I still managed to get some creating done while I was there, which if you know how much I talk at retreats, you know that is an impressive feat!

    2016-04-24 11.43.16

    So, all in all, another fun weekend full of friends, crafts, and lots of laughs!

    Next up… Northwest Crafty Escape Weekend – Fall Fun!
    September 2016

    I’m trying to finalize the dates of our next Northwest Crafty Escape Weekend… it should be Sept 16-18, but I’ll be able to confirm that by the end of the week.  Consider joining us next time and be a part of the fun!


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  • Enjoy the Little Things Card with Botanical Gardens

    So, by now you’ve heard (and probably seen) the retiring list from Stampin’ Up of which things are going to be discontinued at the end of May.  If you can believe it, some of the items have already started selling out!  Just so you know – you SU fans like me – here is what has sold out as of this morning:

    RETIRED ITEMS SOLD OUT ALREADY:
    Washi Label punch
    Trimmer replacement mat
    Cottage Greetings Kit
    Stack & Store Caddy
    In Color 12×12 cardstock (2014-16)
    Smoky Slate marker

    But there are still lots of great items available and some are even discounted up to 50% off!  Score!  So, today I thought I’d share a card I made recently using a few of the items that will be saying goodbye at the end of next month.  It is a fun card using the Botanical Garden suite products and the fabulous Enjoy the Little Things stamp set.

    This was my variation on a card I saw online by Darlene Boardman.  I loved the idea of die cutting out the fern-y leaves from the Botanical Builders thinlits and then using that negative space for the fern image.  So, I cut a strip of Mossy Meadow cardstock just a little bit wider than the die and 5 1/2” tall and cut out the 4 ferns.  (Save them for another project now that you’ve gone through the work to cut them out!)  And then I started by adhering a piece of Whisper White cardstock beneath the cut outs so you could see them clearly!

    Pick your favorite pattern papers… I liked this yellow linen pattern and the colorful florals from the Botanical Gardens designer paper… and layer them together – all are the full 5 1/2” tall.  Depending on which papers you use, you get a totally different look!

    Then we stamped the sentiment from the Enjoy the Little Things stamp set in Mossy Meadow and punched out with the 2” circle punch and gave it a Mossy Meadow mat using the 2 1/2” circle punch (SOB!  I can’t believe they are retiring my 2 1/2” circle punch!!)

    Add a little bit of linen thread looping out behind the sentiment and pop-up on dimensionals and you are good to go!  Like I said, fun card… but sadly full of goodies that will be going away.  Here is the run down of what I used that is now found on the retiring list.

    Retiring Products:

    How about a few Display Board ideas using Botanical Builder dies?

    Well, on the plus side, the Botanical Builder thinlits will be carrying over into the new catalog.  So, yay for that!  Up on the display boards were a few projects using them.  Here are a couple I found in my pictures that I could grab quickly.

    This first is an AMAZING scrapbook layout that Stacey Lane from my Fun n’ Crafty stampers created.  She made a TON of flowers and used some of the new In Colors – Flirty Flamingo and Peekaboo Peach to create them.  The end result is just stunning!

    Or you can keep it sweet and simple!  Here is another fun card that uses the Work of Art stamp set and the “stamping off” technique to create a cool paint chip strip look.  You stamp the darkest color and then just keep stamping without re-inking your stamp to get a slightly lighter image each time.  Then they added one of the simple flowers from the Botanical Builders dies in white as a cute accent next to each sentiment (psst… new stamp sneak peek!)

    So, I hope this gave you some fun ideas with the Botanical Builders die and a few of the retiring products headed for hills soon!  You can check out all of the retiring items and see which are on sale and which you might want to grab while supplies last!  And if your wishlist is $100 or more, consider upgrading your purchase to the Demonstator Starter Kit!  You’ll get to pick out $125 in product, while only paying $100.  Plus your have access right away to check out the upcoming annual catalog, purchase from it in May, and even better – you’ll become a part of my Fun n’ Crafty Stampers group.  A fun community of stampers who love to stamp, learn, create, and share!

    Check out which of your favorites are going here:

    Retiring Stamps

    Retiring Accessories

    View a PDF copy of all the items including indicators of which items are sold out

    PDF Retirement List

    And if your wishlist is $100 or more, consider upgrading your purchase to the Demonstator Starter Kit!  You’ll get to pick out $125 in product, while only paying $100.  Plus your have access right away to check out the upcoming annual catalog, purchase from it in May, and even better – you’ll become a part of my Fun n’ Crafty Stampers group.  A fun community of stampers who love to stamp, learn, create, and share!

    Let me know if I can be of any help for you!


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    Enjoy The Little Things Photopolymer Stamp Set

    $17.00
    Botanical Builder Framelits Dies

    $33.00
    Botanical Gardens Designer Series Paper

    $11.00
    2-1/2" Circle Punch

    $18.00
    2" Circle Punch

    $18.00
    Linen Thread

    $4.50
    Mossy Meadow 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

    $7.00
    Mossy Meadow Classic Stampin' Pad

    $6.50
    Stampin' Dimensionals

    $4.00
    SNAIL Permanent Adhesive

    $7.00

  • A Few New Stampin’ Up Catalog Sneak Peeks

    As of yesterday afternoon, the ban has been lifted on me not being able to share new product details and pictures from OnStage and the upcoming catalog.  So, if you are following me on Facebook, make sure to watch my Northwest Stamper page there as I’ll be uploading a TON of display board pictures there later today.  So you’ll get to see A LOT!  I have a few more things to share here though as well-

    Retiring Products PDF is Up!  Sold Out items have been updated

    Retiring Products

    I love that some of the retiring products are on sale, because really I can’t pass up a good deal!  Plus, I’m sort of devestated by some of the items that are going away including:

    • Crystal Effects
    • Brayer
    • Word Window Punch
    • Dazzling Details glitter glue
    • Corrugated Cardstock
    • Scallop Circle punches
    • Wooden Expression Elements
    • Candy Dots

    But I’ve also seen the upcoming Annual Catalog and am excited about that too.  So, I guess I understand having to clear some space on the shelves for some new fabulous stuff.  Doesn’t mean I’m not going to still stock up on some of my favorites though. Winking smile

    Check out which of your favorites are going here:

    Retiring Stamps

    Retiring Accessories

    View a PDF copy of all the items including indicators of which items are sold out

    PDF Retirement List

    A few starter Sneak Peeks from OnStage 2016!

    So, while I sort through my photos and get them posted to my facebook page, I thought I’d share a few here for you to check out in the meantime.

    We got lots of goodies while we were there, including some fun make & takes, stamp sets, bags, and of course, the catalog!

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    I loved being a Display Board stamper, and especially seeing Caitlin’s fabulous face on the boards each time I walked by.  Isn’t she adorable? Smile 

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    I also loved this card that my friend Julie Davison created for the display boards… I totally need to get out my Bear Hugs stamp set and play some more!

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    Wanna see one of my favorite new items from the upcoming catalog? Eek! Isn’t this fox builder punch to die for?

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    Don’t worry, I’ll be back with more sneak peeks tomorrow!  Or see you over on Facebook for all the display board fun!


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  • The Stampin’ Up 2016 Retirement List is Up!

    I know everyone is eager to see what is going to be discontinued and what is DISCOUNTED as well…. well, the list is up!  So you can check it out and then let me know if you have questions or need anything!

    Annual15_Cover retirement list

    I’m still waiting on a PDF copy of the retirement list but you can see everything in the Online Store!

    See the Retiring Products and DISCOUNTS here

    Also, while you are there, don’t forget that TODAY IS THE LAST DAY for Weekly deals!

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  • Last Day of OnStage & the Retreat to Go!

    After an amazing time in Salt Lake City for OnStage 2016, I flew home the evening of Saturday and then spent Sunday with my family and letting all that I saw and learned percolating in my mind.  And so today, it is back in the saddle and getting ready for my Northwest Crafty Escape Weekend and starting to put into action all that I learned.

    The big news though is that – the Annual Catalog and Occasions Catalog retirement list are going to be announced today at 1pm MST!  Once it goes live, items on the list (except likely some stamps) will be while supplies last.  I’m expecting some of the retiring In Color reinkers are going to be sold out by late afternoon.   So, the sooner you can check it out the better.  They haven’t posted it for demonstrators yet either, so I don’t know for sure everything that is going to be on the list or discounted.

    Annual15_Cover retirement list

    To make sure you see the news you can either:

    1. Get it in email by making sure you are on my newsletter email list – I’ll be sending the link out as soon as it posts to that list!  Make sure you are signed up here.
      ~or~
    2. Visit the Online Store at 1pm MST – the retiring items will be posted in their own section in the online store at around 1pm today, so refresh the page and you can start shopping!
      ~or~
    3. Stop back by this blog after 1pm – After I get the retiring list out to the newsletter list, I’ll get it posted back up on here.  So you can stop back by this afternoon to check it out here.

    Don’t forget, this is also your last chance at the discounts on the weekly deals as well!

    Also, I know I have some folks who have been asking about my Retreat to Go.  I had planned to finalize pricing for this while I was at OnStage.  Silly me, I thought it would be no problem to stay up late at night and get it all sorted out.  Smile  Well, um… yeah… I forgot how non-stop everything is and how little sleep I already get when I’m away at these events.  So, I had to finish it up when I got back from the trip.

    But registration is open NOW!

    NW Crafty Escape Weekend retreat in a box

    Register NOW as I’ll only be offering this through April 30th! 

    What is the Retreat in a Box?

    This is my way of extending part of the experience of the retreat to those of you who are not able to join us live at the event!  So, if you can’t come to us, grab your pjs and some table space at home and settling in for your retreat experience there!  What is included with your registration is:

    • The event goodie bag ($40 value!)
    • Instructions and pictures for the Make & Take projects from your goodie bag supplies
    • door prize
    • table decoration so your table can be just as pretty as here
    • table gifts
    • Play along at home crafty scavenger hunt – be entered to win a prize!
    • Shopping coupon
    • Optional add-on classes  (Enjoy the Little Things project, Hello Sunshine Stamp-a-Stack, Sunburst Die Card Class)

    Reserve your Retreat in a Box here!

    OnStage 2016 – Day 3

    We started the day being able to finish up make & take classes and get to see AND MAKE part of the May Paper Pumpkin kit!  That was really cool and I’m looking forward to the kit now too.

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    Then it was time for a few more pictures with friends from around the event

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    then we were back in session for the final presentations of the day.

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    Shout out to two of my Fun n’ Crafty gals who got to stand and wave for their promotions – I was so excited to cheer for them!  LIz Mitchell for Bronze Elite and Carla Branton for Silver!  Woo hoo, girls!!

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    • I even won some Prize Patrol!  But I can’t show you the stamp until after this afternoon. Smile
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    • They also announced the Fall OnStage Local events!  I’ll be headed to Vancouver BC, but know some of my gals in the Fun n’ Crafty group will be headed to other locations.  You should totally join us!
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    • And with that, OnStage Live was done.  It was an amazing event and I LOVED seeing all the new stuff coming out soon.  It is going to be an awesome catalog this summer!
    • The rest of the group headed to lunch and I headed back to the Product Spotlight for some lunch before CentreStage Leadership – A leaders training session. We had some spaces to take notes and a LOT of presentations to get our brains thinking about how we can help support our teams and build better communities.
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    • I was close to the front, so we got a couple crazy visits by the camera on a crane as they tried to record people asking questions.  It was nuts but totally hilarious!
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    • Then I flew home late that night so I could be home the next day to spend time with my family.  Caitlin loved going through all the swaps and seeing all the cute cards.
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    • So all in all, an awesome trip!

    Check back later today to see the Retiring List and then stay tuned for sneak peeks, samples, and more about the new catalog coming in June!


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  • Stampin’ Up OnStage 2016–Day 2

    Stampin’ Up OnStage 2016–Day 2

    Alright, I was supposed to be asleep an hour ago but I thought I would upload a few more pictures (ok probably more than a few) for those of you playing along at home. Smile  Today was the second day of OnStage Live and it was GREAT!!  We have a wonderful mix of corporate presentations, demonstrator presentations, chances to see LOTS of displays, project ideas, and actually get our hands on tons of the new stuff and STAMP!  Plus I got to spend a bit more time with my Fun n’ Crafty Stamper gals who were here with me.  It’s been so whirlwind I am so grateful for our evenings when we hang out in my hotel room and chit chat, discuss the catalog, business ideas, and just hang out and have fun.

    So we started out bright and early… I was NOT bright eyed and busy tailed…but still excited to be there none the less!

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    We got to hear from Shelli and Sara and I loved the quotes Sara shared in her presentation!

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    After opening sessions, we got to go explore the Product Showcase… there were display boards, product up on display so you could see and touch it, make & takes, food, and fun photo ops.

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    I had to take my annual Andrea Withers selfie!  She is just the sweetest person you will find at the Home Office and I got to know her a few years back and just love working with her when I get to do Display Boards as well as seeing her at events.  Isn’t she just the cutest?!

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    But I had to spend lots of time checking out the new stuff and taking some classes. 

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    I wish we could show you what we were working on… so here is the best I can do right now!

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    In the afternoon, we were back for more recognition marches – including anniversary marches.  Pamela Wu was eligible to walk across the stage for her 5 year anniversary but she chose to stay in her seat.  I think she is so wonderful I had to give her a shout out anyway!  Fun fact – Pamela is my longest term demo, having been with me for not quite 5 1/2 years!  My how time flies!

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    Then it was time for more presentations ranging from uplifting, funny, and just plain creatively inspiring.  Brandy shared a little bit about finding your own way and being true to who you are to find your success.

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    I also have to give a shout out to Sean Douglass for being so gracious to let me talk his ear off for a ton of time about the new catalog (what is awesome about it), products we would love to see, products we will dearly miss, and why.  He helps run product development and they were at the event to listen to demonstrators tell them about they they think of the products and what we need/want.  Though I’m not sure he expected to have someone as full of thoughts and opinions as myself! Open-mouthed smile

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    So, since I can’t share product pictures… here are some more people pictures.

    I almost didn’t share this picture of me and Brandy just because I swear I was the most unphotogenic person today Smile but I am just so grateful to have connected with her and her amazing sweet and caring spirit.  So, I had to give her some love and take a moment to say thanks and that I can’t wait to cheer for her big successes to come!

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    And speaking of people to cheer about, I have to give a shout out to the gals with me here this week.  They are talented stampers, but more importantly great friends!  We all had the chance to go eat at Cheesecake Factory and have great discussions… but even better, we got CHEESECAKE!  Cheesecake party in my room!  No for real, we all got cheescake to go and took it back to the hotel and had a room party.

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    And they even humored me when I asked them to set aside their cheesecake and go back downstairs since we had not gotten a group photo with everyone together.  I told you, they are awesome! Smile 

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    So, in the morning, we are back for the final day of OnStage.  I don’t know what to expect, but I know it will be awesome.  So, until then, I am going to get some sleep and be back soon with more! 

    Don’t forget, you can follow along throughout the day on my Northwest Stamper Facebook page as I post regularly during the day at OnStage. 

    Until then….


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