Northwest Stamper

Tag: stampin’ up

  • A Quick Thank You Card with a Beautiful Butterfly

    A Quick Thank You Card with a Beautiful Butterfly

    I’ve been making a concerted effort to actually use up my scraps.  You know, instead of having bags and boxes stuffed full of scraps…. because I’m a hoarder, I’ll admit it.  I have a good system for managing my scraps but even that can only take so much and so when I have extra punch out or die cuts, I have a new “Use it or Lose it” policy.   And thus, this card was born –

    Yup!  Totally a scrap card!  Smile

    I started with the extra lattice that I had created when I was trying to figure out the technique for a recent class card.  All it takes is the Chevron border punch and some weaving and you are done!  (I have a full tutorial here if you want to try it at home.)

    So, I stamped the Hardwood image on the back of my card and layered on the white cardstock lattice.  Then I needed something to go over my lattice, and that is when my eye caught the butterfly scraps!  The butterflies were left over for a different ombre butterfly card I created (see that card here) and I ended up having an extra of each of the colors, so I stacked them up only this time making sure to stagger them a bit so you could easily see each color.

    Then I added my sentiment for the fabulous So Very Grateful (I’m shedding a tear that this stamp isn’t carrying over into the new catalog!) and it needed something else to ground it, so I added the scrap strip of Crumb Cake cardstock. 

    Psst- if you look closely, you can see that I put it on as an afterthought because I had to tuck it into each side of the lattice… see the empty space in the middle. Smile 

    Quick Reminder:  The butterfly I used here is from the Beautiful Butterflies Bigz die, which is retiring at the end of the month.  I loved it because for my classes, I was cutting up to 6 pieces of cardstock at a time!  Which makes cards like this much easier because you can do one run through the Big Shot to cut out all of your butterflies!  Gotta love things that make your life easier.  See the remaining retiring stamps and accessories online here.

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    May Online Stamp Club Hostess Code – ZUBHUEK6
    Use this code to get free exclusive tutorials & project kit!Learn more

    Stampin’ Up! Supplies Used
    Stamps – So Very Grateful, Hardwood
    Ink – Soft Suede, Early Espresso
    Paper – Whisper White, Sahara Sand, Crumb Cake, Blushing Bride, Crisp Canteloupe, Calypso Coral
    Accessories – Big Shot, Beautiful Butterflies Bigz die, Chevron Border Punch, Pearls

  • Weekly Deals and In Color Cardstock is Back for a Limited Time!

    Weekly Deals and In Color Cardstock is Back for a Limited Time!

    If you were watching when the Retirement List came out, you may have seen that the In Color cardstock that is retiring sold out within the first few hours of being up.  But I learned yesterday that Stampin’ Up was able to get a few more packages of each color and they have put them back up as available for purchase.  They told us that once these are gone, they are gone!  So, if you missed a favorite or just want to stock up a little bit more, now is your chance!

    2012-2014 In Color Cardstock – Limited Quantities Available while supplies last!

    And while you are there, don’t forget to check out the weekly deals!  I’ll be posting a card tomorrow using those Retro Fresh Designer Tags.  Smile 

    Weekly Deals 5/13 – 5/19/2014

    image

    Ok, now I’m off to finish editing some pictures… I have some great projects to share over the next couple weeks along with my reorganized and rearranged craft room and more!  So, I hope you stop back by soon!

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    May Online Stamp Club Hostess Code – ZUBHUEK6
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  • A Card Sketch Thank You Card for SSInkspiration

    A Card Sketch Thank You Card for SSInkspiration

    Today I’m getting back in the saddle with the girls over at Stylin Stampin’ Inkspiration and made a card for today’s card sketch. I actually got some time to do a little crafting yesterday and I thought It would be fun to show some of the retiring 2012-2014 In Colors some love.  So, with a Primrose Petals card base and some Summer Starfruit cardstock, I ended up with this:

    Who knew starbursts could be so pretty!  This is the sketch we are all using, so you can see what I started from….

    I started out knowing I was going to use my framelits for the two bigger pieces, but when it came to the smallest shape, I really wanted to use the wood chip accent from the Occasion Catalog.  I didn’t want it to be plain but I couldn’t figure out what to put on it… then suddenly I realized some punched flowers were the perfect size!  (In this case the Petite Petals punch and the Itty Bitty Punch Pack flower that is retiring at the end of the month!)

    But got to love those starbursts!  And of course, using punches to fill in the centers with some Watercolor Wonder designer paper.  (If you are curious, that is the 2-1/2″ circle punch and the 1-3/4″ circle punch)

    I hope you enjoyed this idea!  It was quick and fun to make. Smile  And lets hear it for those hard working 2012-2014 In Colors as they get ready to ride off into the sunset in a few weeks!

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    May Online Stamp Club Hostess Code – ZUBHUEK6
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    Stampin’ Up! Supplies Used
    Stamps – Hip Notes
    Ink – Island Indigo
    Paper –Watercolor Wonder designer paper, Primrose Petals, Summer Starfruit, Crumb Cake
    Accessories – Big Shot, Starburst Framelits, Retro Fresh wood accents, Summer Starfruit stitched satin ribbon, Petite Petals punch, Itty Bitty Punch Pack, Pearls

  • More Watercolor Wonder Fun!

    More Watercolor Wonder Fun!

    Last night was my Watercolor Wonder Fun class… and aside from the major OOPS of forgetting my Stazon Ink at home (thank goodness I lived really close to where I held the class and could get it fast), it was another great night with lots of good conversation and creating!

    Yesterday I shared a few of the cards we made and I thought today I’d share a few more ideas with you.

    Because these notecards come pre-printed and are made with watercolor paper, it makes it really easy to focus on adding a few little touches to make a great card!

    Oh, and if I had been smart, I would have taken a picture of the cards the ladies made yesterday, because one of them had the BRILLIANT IDEA to use the Watercolor Wonder washi tape on the card above instead of stamping the dots and it looked fabulous.  So, instead look at that card and then imagine this washi tape instead. Smile

    image

    Watercolor Wonder Washi Tape

    Seriously, one of the best things for me about going to class is seeing the fabulous ways people change up the cards into different and often better designs!

    Or just keep it simple and let the design of the notecards do most of the work and do a little stamping and coloring and you are done!

    Did I mention it is 20 notecards and envelopes for only $12.95?  Um, talk about a deal!!

    Watercolor Wonder Note Cards

    Just make sure you grab them before they retire at the end of the month!

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    May Online Stamp Club Hostess Code – ZUBHUEK6
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  • Watercoloring fun with Happy Watercolor and the Wondercolor Notecards

    Watercoloring fun with Happy Watercolor and the Wondercolor Notecards

    Tonight I’m holding a class that I call Watercolor Wonder Fun.  I wanted to challenge myself to have fun creating with some of the items in the Watercolor Wonder suite…. I love challenges like this where I have limited supplies and have to come up with something different and fun. 

    So I started out with the Watercolor Wonder Notecards… did you know they are made out of watercolor paper so you can do your watercoloring directly on them?

    Then I added some glitz like the Gold Baker’s twine…. I can’t believe I’ve almost used up a complete spool already!

    Then I thought I’d try out the Gold washi tape (called Watercolor Wonder washi tape) and some of the Gold Sequins…. not too back when you make them a subtle trim under your sentiment huh?

    But most of all, they all use the Happy Watercolor stamp set.  I’m so terribly sad that it WILL NOT be in the new catalog in June.  So if you love it like I do, make sure to get it before the end of May. 

    image

    And yes, these Watercolor Wonder notecards come with a lot of the color and flower images pre-printed on them.  So they can be super fast and easy cards to start with and create with!

    Check out the entire Watercolor Wonder Suite online here.

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    May Online Stamp Club Hostess Code – ZUBHUEK6
    Use this code to get free exclusive tutorials & project kit!Learn more

    Stampin’ Up! Supplies Used (all cards pictures)
    Stamps – Happy Watercolor
    Ink – Chocolate Chip, Basic Grey, Coastal Cabana, Real Red, Crushed Curry, Stazon
    Paper –Watercolor Wonder notecards, watercolor paper, Whisper White, Calypso Coral
    Accessories – Aqua Pen, Gold Sequins, Gold Baker’s Twine, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Watercolor Wonder washi tape

  • New 2014 Stampin’ Up! Catalog

    New 2014 Stampin’ Up! Catalog

    You know I’m excited about the new catalog, especially after getting a chance to see it in person at the New Catalog Premiere for demonstrators last week!  Yes!  This is the catalog that launches June 2nd:

    2014 Stampin' Up catalog cover

    I’ve shared a few details and photos on my Facebook page recently and now that I’ve gotten some preorder items, I’ll be sharing some new samples as well.  In the meantime, though, I’ve started having folks ask – when can I get a catalog?

    I have my catalogs ordered and so, I thought I’d take a minute to share how YOU can get a copy of the catalog.  You can get yours in one of 3 different ways!

    1.  Be a Current Customer

    If you have ordered $50 in Stampin’ Up product from me in the last 6 months, your catalog will be in the first batch I mail out this month!  I will be sending them out free of charge as a thank you for working with me.

    2.  Place an Order with Me in my Online Store 

    Haven’t ordered with me before?  Purchase $50 or more from me in May (or anytime after that really Smile) and I will mail you a catalog right away.  If your order is placed before May 15th, your catalog will be included in the first batch I mail out!  Shop now and don’t forget to check out the new Project Life products, Weekly Deals, the Retiring items, and the Clearance Rack!  Plus you’ll start earning punches on my Northwest Stamper Rewards punch card towards a free stamp set of your choice once you collect 10 punches!  (details here)

    3.  Fill Out My Catalog Request Form

    Fill out the following form and I will send you a copy on a first come first serve basis  (so if I’m down to my last couple catalogs before I order a new box, they will go out to customers, then first come first serve to folks who have filled out this form).  I will start mailing out these catalogs the last week of May so you should get yours for when the new catalog goes live on June 2nd!

    Fill out the Catalog Request Form Here

    Sure, you can shop online and click through pages of product pictures – but isn’t it more fun to look at a physical catalog?  Curl up with your favorite blanket or comfy clothes and get inspired by some great products and project ideas!

    2014-04-28 17.27.23

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    May Online Stamp Club Hostess Code – ZUBHUEK6
    Use this code to get free exclusive tutorials & project kit!Learn more

  • Last Hurrah for Wheel Stamps

    Last Hurrah for Wheel Stamps

    Wheel stamps are one of those things that have been around for YEARS!  Like, as long as I’ve been stamping, there have been wheel stamps.  In fact, when I signed up as a demonstrator with Stampin’ Up, you got a wheel handle and wheel stamp by default in your kit!  Over time, I’ve collected a few but like many people, didn’t use them very often for one reason or another.  But they are handy and definitely have their unique purposes. 

    For example, when my mom was decorating for a winter event, she bought white paper tablecloths and when walked up and down the table running a snowflake wheel with blue ink in the handle to create a customized and inexpensive festive spread!  Isn’t she clever?

    But now all things wheel are on the retirement list and going away at the end of the month, so I had to share a couple recent cards I made with my birthday Builder Wheels.

    I loved the idea of builder wheels because you could mix and match designs, or in the case above, leave the center part blank and have exactly enough room to tie a ribbon!  One run of the wheel and my stamping is done and perfectly spaced. Smile 

    It was also handy for mixing and matching designs for diagonal stamping.  In this case, the Happy Birthday, the candles, and the blue stripes were all in the wheel handle at the same time.  Then I just added a little washi tape to the top and bottom for some extra lines but I didn’t have to worry about stamping again and keeping things lined up. 

    You know I love the easy way out!

    I enjoy my wheel stamps, even though I forget to pull them out because they aren’t on the shelf next to my stamps.  The new catalog has new background builder stamps which will be photopolymer stamps that are like if you took a wheel stamp and unmounted them.  (So a long, skinny clear stamp).  I’m excited for these new styles of stamps, but I think I will miss wheels as well.  It is MUCH easier to stamp as 12×12 scrapbook page or photo mat for a picture frame when you don’t have to worry about lining up your stamped ends.  But for cards, I think these new stamps will be easy and fun.

    What do you think?  Will you miss the wheels?

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    May Online Stamp Club Hostess Code – ZUBHUEK6
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  • Have I mentioned I Love Happy Watercolor?

    Have I mentioned I Love Happy Watercolor?

    Last September when I was at Stampin’ Up’s Founder’s Circle retreat (seriously, I was so blessed with amazing downline and customers to help get me there!), they gave us the Happy Watercolor stamp set.  When I saw it, I wasn’t quite convinced, but after looking at samples and then playing with it, I was hooked!

    The thing that is awesome is that you can use each little piece in different ways to suit your style and then mix it up for a new-to-you look. 

    In this case, I was playing around with a few ideas including sponging the flower head using a sponge dauber!

    I also busted out my surprise favorite from the catalog, the Gold Baker’s twine to hold down my folded lace doily.

    I’ll be honest, this gold baker’s twine seems to be something people either love or don’t…. mainly because the gold foil bits like to unwind from your cut end of the twine.  But since I usually tack down my ends or only have a little bit of tail for my knots, it doesn’t bother me and it adds just the right amount of glitz.

    Either way, I am so sad this stamp set doesn’t seem to be carrying over into the new catalog.  Guess I need to give it lots of love in the next few weeks! Smile 

     

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  • Happy National Scrapbooking Day! Ideas for Using Your Scraps

    Happy National Scrapbooking Day! Ideas for Using Your Scraps

    Once again, I had a totally different post to share with you today when I realized that it was National Scrapbooking Day today!  It is a day to take an extra excuse to sit down with your crafting supplies and create! Especially when you can do it with friends.

    Join me with in celebrating National Scrapbooking Day by creating something new today and posting it on my Facebook page by tomorrow night.  I’ll even have some giveaways for folks participating!  More details below.

    chevron punch scrapbooking page

    I lately have been getting back to the idea of scrapbooking as a great way to USE UP SCRAPS!  You know… emphasizing the scrap in scrapbooking. Smile  Like in the page above, I had been playing with the idea of using the Chevron Punch to create a lattice.  So I had A TON of extra chevron punch outs and thought I ought to try to use them.  Thus a custom border for my scrapbook layout. 

    Yes, I’m still in the middle of this page, so title and journaling still to come; but you get the idea!

    Or like I had this pile on my desk recently after getting ready for a card class. 

    scrap pile for scrapbooking

    I was getting ready to recycle a lot of the paper pieces and thought, there has to be a way to use them in a scrapbook layout.  So, using only what was on my table and two 12×12 pieces of designer paper, I set to pulling something together.

    No photo in mind, but this is what I came up with:

    scrap scrapbook page

    It was a lot of fun and a great way to use up what I had left from other projects.

    So, break out the paper and have a great time!  And if you do have a chance to create today, take the time to share it. 

    Create & Share for Fun & Prizes

    I’m so excited to see what you come up with, so I’d love to see what you create!  Share a picture on my Facebook page and I’ll pick at least one person at random to get some scrappy prize from me. Smile 

    Visit me on Facebook here

     

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  • Oh So Pretty Blendabilities & a Stamp Sneak Peek!

    Oh So Pretty Blendabilities & a Stamp Sneak Peek!

    I was so excited to be able to attend the Stampin’ Up! new catalog premiere this monday afternoon.  It was the first time Stampin’ Up had tried showing us the new catalog with a live presentation in California and live streaming to theaters across the US and Canada.  Turns out, it was a lot of fun, and almost as exciting as the main stage presentations at convention.

    Best of all, we got our very own copy of the upcoming catalog!

    2014-04-28 18.36.54

    Don’t mind my squinting…. we actually have sun here in the Northwest for the first time in ages it seems. Smile  So the weather was great but that wasn’t great for photos. 

    Anyway!

    There were lots of great reveals of new products (alphabet framelits!!!  new dies, new punches, the new in colors – which I think look a lot like the color scheme in the current Epic Day designer paper btw) and some fabulous samples.

    I thought I would share one of the things I can’t wait to get my hands on (thank you demonstrator preorder!) – Stampin’ Blendabilities!

    They showed us this cute sample using a new stamp called Blended Bloom using some of the different colors:

    cherry cobbler blendabilities blended bloom

    Cherry Cobblercoastal cabana blendabilities blended bloom

    Coastal Cabana

    daffodil delight blendabilities blended bloom

    Daffodil Delight

    old olive blendabilities blended bloom

    Old Olive

    pumpkin pie blendabilities blended bloom

    Pumpkin Pie

    wisteria wonder blendabilities blended bloom

    Wisteria Wonder

    So pretty, right?

    I may not be an artist, and I’m not sure how well I’ll do with coloring with markers.  But I can’t wait to get my sets and give it a go.  From the little I’ve played with at Leadership and seeing them demonstrate it, I think it isn’t nearly as hard as you might think!

    Ok, I’m off to start building my wishlist…. so many great things I need to make a plan. Smile  So, enjoy this little share of what is to come and I’ll have more for you soon!

     

    And don’t forget – if you want to get in on the early previews of the catalog and preorders – or just want to come to convention for FREE to get the experience!  Consider getting the Stampin’ Up starter kit and you’ll get all of that and more when you join now.

    Learn more at http://nwstamper.stampinup.net/jointhefun

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  • Stampin’ Up Display Stamper 2014 Submission

    Stampin’ Up Display Stamper 2014 Submission

    So, every year I go to the Stampin’ Up convention… and every year I’m blown away by the amazing ideas and inspiration on all the different display boards.  (To see what I’m talking about, here are a few past posts I’ve done showing the display boards.)  Well, this year they are doing a call for display board stampers and to throw your hat in the ring, you need to pull together some of your best/favorite projects and put them together in one post to show your style and ability.  So, I thought it would be a fun way to flip through my past projects and put them together to share with you here.  And maybe they will love them too and I’ll get to share even more ideas on a display board at the Stampin’ Up Convention 2014!

    oh, and PS – if you love the idea of checking out all the display boards, don’t forget that anyone who joins Stampin’ Up as a demonstrator right now will get free registration to convention this summer!  So, you just get yourself to Salt Lake City, and you can be blown away by inspiration for FREE!  Yay!  Email me at jennifer@nwstamper.com for more details if you are interested or check out this page to learn more about the perks of being a demonstrator!

    So Here You Go!
    3 Cards

    so very grateful colored

    So Very Grateful Thank You

    Burlap and Gold Masculine Card (blog post here)

    Negative Heat Embossing with Pleasant Poppies (blog post here)

    1 Scrapbook Page

    This was so hard for me to narrow down and decide which scrapbook page to show.  I think my favorite layout may actually be this older one, but I figured the one I’d show here is this –

    Perfect Pennants with Watercolor Wonder Waves (blog post here)

    Or maybe it is just that these photos always make me smile!

    2 3D items

    Ok, this is where I don’t make and post nearly enough.  So here is what I decided was the nicest from things I actually designed myself – instead of flat out copies of what other people had created. Smile

    Card organizer for holding cards and envelopes (blog post here)

    Easter Treat Bag (blog post here)

    Awww.  So much fun to walk down memory lane.  I hope you enjoyed the ideas and inspiration. Smile

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  • A Summery Emboss Resist Card plus LAST DAY for Free Shipping!

    A Summery Emboss Resist Card plus LAST DAY for Free Shipping!

    Before I get to the card for today, I wanted to remind everyone that today is the LAST DAY for Free Shipping on any Stampin’ Up order.  So, if you were thinking of grabbing your favorites from the retirement lists before they sell out, or you’ve been eyeing that big purchase – don’t miss out on the extra savings with free shipping! 
    Shop Online Now  |  View the Retiring Stamps list  |  View the Retiring Accessories list

    Ok, now on to the card!

    Have I mentioned how much I love doing emboss resist cards?  Today I thought I would quickly share another sample I made for my embossing class using the Petal Parade stamp set from the Sale-a-Bration catalog from this year.  See.. it is possible for me to do this technique with a stamp set other than Lovely & Lacy!  ha ha.

    I love how it looks like citrus and lemonade to me with the pinks and the yellows.  That is actually Crisp Canteloupe and Summer Starfruit as the inks for this card; they actually go together really well don’t you think?

    To make it, I recommend stamping your sentiment in the middle FIRST! 

    And then randomly stamp your images using versamark. 

    Heat emboss with clear embossing powder to give you your shapes. 

    Then take your yellow sponges and starting from the MIDDLE of each embossed shape, sponge in a spiral pattern to get the saturation of color that you want

    Once you have all your colors added, uses a little extra of one of the colors to sponge the in-between spaces to fill in all the white gaps.  That is it!

    Oh, the other thing I wanted to show you from this card… embossing ribbon!  That is right, you heard me…. embossing RIBBON!  Smile 

    image

    It’s a little hard to tell the texture from the photo, but this is piece of the Crumb Cake seam binding ribbon that I placed over a piece of Crumb Cake cardstock to give it a bit of stiffness.  Once it is glued down – and I recommend glue stick for adhering the ribbon – then you can run it through the Big Shot in an embossing folder.  It gives you the texture and fabric look of ribbon, customized to any embossing folder pattern you have!  It’s actually really cool.

    And don’t forget to get in on the FREE SHIPPING that is ending TODAY.  So if you have been looking at some items and want to save a little bit of money. Visit my online store and take advantage of the free shipping – especially combined with clearance rack and weekly deals!

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    April Online Stamp Club Hostess Code – G4VQJ7VB
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    Stampin’ Up! Supplies Used
    Stamps – Petal Parade, Petite Pairs
    Ink – Early Espresso, Summer Starfruit, Crisp Cantaloupe, Crumb Cake, Versamark
    Paper –Pool Party, Whisper White, Crisp Cantaloupe, Crumb Cake, Sweet Sorbet designer paper
    Accessories – Big Shot, Argyle embossing folder, Heat gun, embossing buddy, clear embossing powder, Stampin’ Dimensionals