Stamping and Paper Crafting Questions Answered Here

Have you ever had a stamping or paper crafting question but wasn't sure who to ask?  I'm happy to answer your questions for you!  More than likely, there are others who just might have the same question, so what better way to answer them than in a blog post.  Email me your questions to: christi@stampintx.com.

To start us off, my friend and fellow stamper, Melissa, emailed me this question:  "How do you choose color combinations?  Please give examples that do not involve the Color Coach."


Although the Color Coach is a handy little tool for different color combinations, it's not the only place you can look!
 
The first place I look are the colors used in the designer series papers.  If there's a particular designer series paper I just love (which is pretty much all of them), then I pull all the card stock colors used in that particular paper and go from there.

 

For example, I keep finding myself using the Gingham Garden Designer Series Paper over and over, so the other day I pulled the coordinating colors - Daffodil Delight, Island Indigo, Melon Mambo, Night of Navy, Pear Pizazz and Whisper White.  Talk about wonderful coordinating colors!  Sometimes I may just use two colors, sometimes I use more.  Either way, I know they look great together!

The other place I look is in the catalog since the background colors used (where the samples are located) now have color combinations.  One in particular I was looking at is on page 67 (Sahara Sand, Crisp Cantaloupe, Summer Starfruit).  Interesting combination and one that I wouldn't have put together myself and it looks great!

Did you know you can view the catalog online in a Flipbook format?  Check out all the different background color combinations.  If you'd like a copy of the catalog, be sure to email me and I'll send you one!

I look forward to answering more questions, so keep 'em coming!  Thanks again Melissa for yours!

Open Top Candy Treat Box

Aren't these the cutest little treat boxes?  They go together rather quickly and make cute little gifts.

I've created an exclusive video tutorial on how to make these for my Facebook Fans.  On Monday, July 1st at 1 pm, I will be posting the link for this exclusive tutorial on my business Facebook page.  All you do is 'like' my page before the 1st and you'll receive this tutorial too!

You can 'like' my Facebook page from this blog - just look to the right and under "Find us on Facebook" you'll see the 'like' button.  That's it!  

Get your card stock and stamp set ready and join me as we create these adorable Open Top Candy Treat Boxes Monday, July 1st!

Washi Tape Meets Kind and Cozy Stamp Set

Yet again, my project today includes Gingham Garden Washi Tape.  This stuff is just to easy and quick to use.  On this card, I simply placed different lengths of the Washi Tape and cut the ends in a banner shape.

I've also used the Epic Day Washi Tape on this Father's Day card and the Gingham Garden Washi Tape on the Birthday banner card from the blog post on June 21st.

I think the butterflies just add a cute touch!  For the butterflies, I used two different butterfly punches - Bitty Butterfly (the small one) and Elegant Butterfly.

Along with the Washi Tape, I also used the Kind and Cozy stamp set.  Isn't it the cutest set?

Stamps:  Kind and Cozy (comes in wood mount 129123 or clear mount 129126)

Paper:  Island Indigo (quickly becoming one of my favorite blues!), Daffodil Delight, White

Ink:  Island Indigo, Daffodil Delight

Accessories:  2 1/2" Circle Punch (120906), Elegant Butterfly Punch (127526), Bitty Butterfly Punch (129406), Gingham Garden Washi Tape (129314), Rhinestones (129246)

Just a reminder:  if you like the clear mount version (which I use almost exclusively), you'll need a clear acrylic block.  Stampin' Up! has a great selection of sizes and shapes of clear blocks but a great starter set is this bundle.  You'll get three clear blocks in different sizes for $19.95.  If you have any questions, let me know.

So, have you given the Washi Tape a try yet?  What do you think?  I'd love to hear your feedback and comments!  

New Catalog - Christmas Carryover Stamp Sets

The new 2013 - 2014 Stampin' Up! Annual Catalog has launched!

Have you had a chance to check out the new catalog yet?  What do you think?  I am loving it!  A couple of interesting things to note about the new catalog:

• When you look at the samples throughout the book, take a look at the background color.  Stampin' Up! has very creatively used the background colors to show you different color combinations that work well together!  Genius!
• As you have been looking through the catalog (online or in the actual book), you may have noticed that there aren't any Christmas stamp sets.  "Where are the Christmas sets?" you may be asking.  Well, have no fear!  

The following stamp sets will be carried over and will still be available for purchase even though they are not pictured in the annual catalog.  These sets will be available during the 2013-2014 catalog year.  Yippee!

• Evergreen Stamp Set (available in French)
• Greetings of the Season Stamp Set (available in French)
• Jewish Celebrations Stamp Set
• More Merry Messages Stamp Set (available in French)
• Ornament Keepsakes Stamp Set
• Snowflake Soiree Stamp Set (available in French and Spanish)

The Holiday Catalog will be coming out later this year (more than likely in August, but I'll keep you posted on that) and it will feature the majority of the Christmas stamp sets.  More great Christmas sets are coming!

Did you know we start making Christmas cards in July?  That's right!  We kick things off in July with the annual Christmas in July event and we just keep on making Christmas cards each month through December.  Each month we'll create 12 cards with coordinating envelopes (4 each of 3 designs) - that's a total of 72 Christmas cards!  So, mark your calendars for Saturday, July 27th for our Christmas card making class!

I've also done a quick tour of the new catalog for you.


I'd love to hear your thoughts about the new 2013 - 2014 Stampin' Up! Annual Catalog.

New 2013 - 2014 Stampin' Up! Catalog is Almost Here!

Today's the day to view the NEW 2013 - 2014
Stampin' Up! Annual Catalog!

View it Here

Things to consider:

• The new catalog is live!  View it online and ordering is now available.
• Place an online order of $20 or more and you'll receive the same amount in retired products for free!  It's a grab bag of free stamping products!  During the check out process, be sure to use the following hostess code:  7JNVTSRU
• This is the one day when all 3 catalogs will be open for business:
  Spring Catalog (today is the last day for this catalog)
  2012 - 2013 Annual Catalog
  2013 - 2014 Annual Catalog (noon MDT; 1 pm Central time)
• Retiring products will still be available through Monday, June 3rd.
• The Open House and BOGO Sale begins tomorrow!  If you're local to me (in the Dallas Fort Worth area), this is one event you don't want to miss!

Check out these great sets while they're 25% off!

Sale Price	Retail Price	Description	Item
$17.96	$23.95	Sassy Salutations Wood-Mount Stamp Set	132070
$13.46	$17.95	Sassy Salutations Clear-Mount Stamp Set	126707
$14.96	$19.95	Sweet Essentials Wood-Mount Stamp Set	132085
$11.21	$14.95	Sweet Essentials Clear-Mount Stamp Set	126457
$21.71	$28.95	Petite Pairs Wood-Mount Stamp Set	128706
$15.71	$20.95	Petite Pairs Clear-Mount Stamp Set	122497

Happy Stamping!

Graduation Card with Chalkboard Technique

Thank you to Melissa W. from Azle, Texas for sharing her fantastic graduation cards!  Each month I pose a challenge to my customers to use a specific product or technique and when they share their projects, they have an opportunity to become my Featured Stamper on either my blog or my Facebook page.

The challenge for this month was to create a card using the Chalkboard Technique and I think Melissa did a fantastic job!

Tips & Tricks:

• To create this chalkboard effect, Melisssa stamped the images on black card stock and heat embossed with white embossing powder.
  
• Next, using a sponge and Whisper White Craft Ink, she rubbed on the ink to create an 'erased' look behind the images.  Check out the Chalkboard Technique tutorial and give it a try!
  
• Just a reminder to all my readers.  The NEW 2013 - 2014 Annual Catalog goes live this Friday, May 31st and you can begin placing your orders at 12 noon (Mountain time).
  
• Even though Melissa used different retired stamps, this card can easily be created using the Pure Gumption set.  It is not retiring (yea!) and will be in the new catalog!  Be sure to take a look at the retiring products because once they're gone, they're gone!  You have until June 3rd to order from the retiring list.

Stamp Sets:  Pure Gumption  Inks:  Versamark Ink Pad  Paper:  Whisper White card stock, Black card stock, various other colors

Congratulations to Melissa for becoming the
Featured Stamper today!

Happy Stamping!

Stampin' Up! New Catalog, Spring Catalog and Retiring Products

There's a lot going on right now in the Stampin' Up! world and I just want to make sure to keep all my readers up-to-date with the most important information regarding the new annual catalog (yea!), the Spring Catalog, and the Retiring Products (aaahhh).  (This is all happening THIS week!)

Friday, May 31st - Last day to order from the Spring Catalog

Friday, May 31st - First day to order form the 2013-2014 Annual Catalog

Monday, June 3rd - Last day to order from the 2012 - 2013 Annual Catalog and the last day to order any retiring products.

What does this mean?  This means that Friday, May 31st is the day all three catalogs will be open and available for business.  On Saturday, Sunday and Monday you can order from the two annual catalogs but not the Spring Catalog.

FREE Annual Catalog - If you are a customer of mine (or you want to be) and you haven't received your 2013 - 2014 Annual catalog, please contact me and I'll get one to you.  beckc@rocketmail.com

If you are new to me, all I ask is that you either 'Like' my Facebook Page (see box on the right) or subscribe to my newsletter.  You can even do both!

One other thing to keep in mind:  Thursday, May 30th is the last day to take advantage of the additional $30 hostess dollars on a $350 order and the last day for an additional $30 in your Starter Kit when you join my group.  You spend $99 (plus tax) and receive $155 worth of products!  Wow!  Stampin' Up! even picks up the cost of shipping.  There's no risk and no obligation to sell or hold workshops or purchase anything further and no penalty to drop.  It's just an amazing offer and there's lots of fun to be had in our social group!  So many benefits and discounts for joining this amazing company!

Contact me if you have any questions.  Just be sure to mark your calendars so you don't miss out!

Happy Stamping!

Operation Write Home Blog Hop Goodies

Are you as excited about the Operation Write Home Memorial Weekend Blog Hop as I am?  It's going to be a creative weekend!

Recently, I created an exclusive video tutorial for my newsletter subscribers on how to create these adorable Dress Up treat holders and I would love to send the video to you, too!

Here's what you do:

• Subscribe to my newsletter (left hand side of my blog)
• 'Like' my Facebook Page (right hand side of my blog)
• That's it!  I'll send the link for this video straight to your inbox!

If you do both (subscribe and like my page) and would like a FREE copy of the new 2013 - 2014 Annual Catalog, contact me at beckc@rocketmail.com and I'll send one to you!

Have a fun time on the blog hop and happy stamping!

P.S.  The colors used for the Dress Up treat holders are the new In Colors for 2013 - 2015: 

Coastal Cabana

Strawberry Slush

Baked Brown Sugar

Crisp Cantaloupe

Pistachio Pudding

New Stampin' Up! Products from New Catalog - Sneak Peek

Today's cards us the new Banner Greetings stamp (129714;  $8 hostess) set and Modern Mosaic Embossing Folder (129984;  $7.95).  It is also showcases two new adorable embellishments - Very Vintage Designer Buttons (129327; $5.95) and the 3/4" Pear Pizazz Chevron Ribbon (130011;  $8.95).

I just love this new ribbon and it comes in 12 different colors!  

You can check out all the new stamp sets and embellishments when the catalog goes live online on May 31st OR if you place an online order through my online store of $20 or more, you'll receive a FREE catalog in the mail from me!  Order now and you'll receive your catalog before the 31st!

The Banner Greetings stamp set is a hostess only set.  I'd love for you to host your own party and you can choose this as one of your FREE gifts!  Contact me today to book your party!

Here is another version of this card using the Calypso Coral Chevron Ribbon and coordinating card stock.  I received this card as a swap from Fiji from a very talented demonstrator, Sara Wills.

I hope you've been enjoying these sneak peeks!  It's not too much longer until the catalog goes live!

What is a 'must-have' on your wish list?

Happy Stamping!

Exclusive Dress Form Video Tutorial

Today at 1 pm (Central time), I will be sending all my newsletter subscribers an exclusive video on how to create these adorable Dress Form Treat Holders.

Would you like to receive the video in your inbox, too?

Become a StampinTx Newsletter Subscriber!

Signing up is easy and just takes a few minutes.

You'll be glad you did!

Did you notice the colors I used in creating these treat holders?  Check out this post from last week for a hint.  You're right!  They are the new, In Colors for 2013 - 2015:

• Coastal Cabana
• Crisp Cantaloupe
• Strawberry Slush
• Pistachio Pudding
• Baked Brown Sugar

Which one of these colors is your favorite?

I don't think I've been able to pick just one quite yet - I like them all!

Be watching your inbox today for that exclusive video.

Happy Stamping!

Sneak Peek Butterfly and Flower Cards

And the Stampin' Up! Sneak Peek cards continue!

I couldn't resist sharing these adorable cards that my fellow demonstrators created and shared earlier this months at our monthly demonstrator meeting.  Both cards feature items from the new catalog!  Did you know that you can order from the new catalog starting on Friday, May 31st AND you can order retiring products through Monday, June 3rd.  WOW!  The stars don't align like this very often, so grab your wish list and be sure to place your order for both the old and the new!

Laurel made this beautiful card using the Big Shot Lattice Bigz Die (115958;  $21.95).  The paper behind the lattice is the new Gingham Garden Designer Series Paper (129310;  $10.95)  Is this item on your wish list yet?.  Layering the Bitty Butterfly Punch (129406;  $15.95) and the Elegant Butterfly punch (127526;  $15.95) is a quick way to make a colorful embellishment.

Cindy created this stunning card using, again, a little of that Gingham Garden Designer Series Paper (129310;  $10.95).  I told you you needed to add it to your wish list!  The sentiment comes from the new Really Good Greetings Stamp Set (130333; $14.95).

Now, look closely at that Melon Mambo rose in the center of the flower.  I know it's kind of hard to see in the picture, but that rose is actually made from new Simply Pressed Clay and it's AMAZING!  With this clay, you can make your own flower or button embellishments and color them any color you'd like with the re-inkers.  You can guarantee I will be making a "how to" video of this amazing stuff.

Are you enjoying these sneak peeks?

I sure hope so! 

 I'd love to hear your comments and feedback and let me know if you'd like to see more!  I'll try my best!

Happy Stamping!

New Stampin' Up! Catalog & Sneak Peeks

And the sneak peeks continue!  Wow!  This has been a fun week of posting a variety of cards all made from some of the new products!  Now, I can't guarantee how long this will go on but as long as I'm creating, I'm posting!

I hope you are enjoying the inspiration and ideas!  I'd love to hear your feedback and comments.

Do you know I'm also on Facebook and sometimes I post pictures there, but not here on my blog.  So, be sure to "like" my StampinTexas Facebook page and be even more inspired!

Doesn't this card feel like a summer picnic?  With the bright colors and the woven effect, it just reminds me of a fun, summer day!

Stamp set: Chalk Talk

Ink: Night of Navy

Paper: Melon Mambo, Gingham Garden Designer Series Paper

Accessories:  Daffodil Delight Seam Binding

Looking back at all the blog posts this week, which card so far is your favorite?  I'd love to hear your comments and feedback!

I can't wait for you to see the new catalog!
Did you know you can get one for FREE from me?

Simply place an order of $20 or more through my online store, and I will mail one to you.  It's that easy!

OR

Attend my Open House and BOGO Sale, and pick up your free catalog.  While you're there, take advantage of the amazing savings! Purchase any dollar amount from the new catalog and receive the same amount in product from my retired items.

Happy Stamping!

New Stampin' Up! Catalog Card Samples

It's a countdown to the new Stampin' Up! catalog!  This week has turned into showcasing card samples made from products from the new Stampin' Up! catalog (originally I thought it would be one sneak peak per week- but, I am having too much fun! What do you think so far? I'd love to get your comments and feedback) 

Did you know you could get the new Stampin' Up! catalog from me for FREE?  It's easy!  Simply place an order through my online store and I'll mail you a catalog (minimum purchase of $20).  The sooner you purchase, the sooner your catalog is in the mail!

I hope you have your wish list handy for these next couple of cards!  They bothl use the Gingham Garden Designer Series Paper (it's so cute!) along with the Gingham Garden Designer Washi tape (love this stuff!).  

Stamps:  Really Good Greetings (you'll be seeing this stamp set a lot!)

Paper:  Gingham Garden Designer Series Paper, Night of Navy card stock, Whisper White card stock

Ink:  Night of Navy marker, Melon Mambo marker

Accessories:  Ovals Collection of Framelits, Gingham Garden Washi Tape, Itty Bitty Shapes Pack (for the flowers below)

What cute cards! 

Are you ready to see the entire catalog!  Do a little shopping and it will be heading your way!  

There's only a couple weeks left to purchase any
of the retiring items.

Happy Stamping!

New Stampin' Up! Catalog - Quatrefancy Sneak Peek

A new line of paper, inks and stamps set await you in the new 2013 - 2014 Stampin' Up! Catalog!  Did you know you can receive your copy of the new catalog for FREE?  Simply place your online order through me (minimum of $20) and I will send you the catalog in the mail!  Easy peasy! 

I have been playing more with the Quatrefancy Specialty Designer Paper - that's the funny name for this adorable (and fun!) paper.  Don't you just love this paper?  So bright and cheery!

Stamps:  Mosaic Madness (new!), Sweetly Framed (new hostess set)

Paper: Quatrefancy Specialty Designer Paper, Whisper White, Night of Navy (should have used Island Indigo, but I think it still works well)

Ink:  Strawberry Slush (one of the new In Colors!), Pool Party, Pumpkin Pie 

Accessories:  2 1/2" circle punch, 3" die cut, Daffodil Delight Seam Binding, Mosaic Punch

So, have you started your wish list yet?

Be sure to get your free catalog - the sooner you order, the sooner it will arrive in your mailbox. (minimum of $20 order for free catalog)

Happy Stamping!

More Sneak Peeks - New Stampin' Up! Catalog Products

Are you as excited about the new catalog as I am?

If you'd like a FREE copy of the new 2013 - 2014 catalog, simply place an online order of $20 or more by May 30th and
I'll mail you one!
The sooner you order, the sooner your catalog will arrive!

I do have a few new products that I've been using to create these sneak peeks, but I can't wait to get my hands on more of the new items.  Needless to say, my "Wish List" is a mile long!

Ordering from the new catalog will begin Friday, May 31st, but before we get to the new catalog, don't forget that are some GREAT products on the retiring list and they will only be around for a couple more weeks.  Don't miss out on these items - some are even discounted!

Ok, but you really came here for another sneak peek, right?  Well, let's get to it!  If you didn't see my Friday  Sneak Peek card, be sure to check it out!

Tuesday's Sneak Peek

Stamps:  Really Good Greetings (you're going to love this one - they really are 'really good greetings and they are great fonts)

Paper:  Whisper white card stock, Island Indigo card stock

Ink:  Daffodil Delight, Island Indigo

Accessories:  Ovals collection Framelits, Daffodil Delight Seam Binding ribbon, Wildflower Meadow Embossing Folder (New and very cute!), Simply Pressed clay (NEW!  Too cool!  Make your own embellishments with this clay.  See more information below.)

See the yellow rose on the left of the card?

That rose was made from the NEW white Simply Pressed Clay.

The Simply Pressed Clay is amazing and it's so easy to create your own embellishments.

Here's what you do:

1.  Pull off a small amount of clay and roll it into a small ball.

2.  If you want to add color, you'll need gloves and your choice of re-inker.  Wear your gloves and knead the ink into the clay.  

3.  Let it air dry for a few minutes and then press into the Simply Pressed Clay Molds.  There is a Buttons clay mold and a Blossoms clay mold.

I know you won't be able to get your hands on this clay for a little while, but don't worry!  I will be creating a video tutorial (with lots of tips and helpful hints) for you when it becomes available.

So, again I ask, are you ready for the new 2013 - 2014 Stampin' Up! catalog?  So many new products will be heading your way!

The sooner you place an online order, the sooner I mail you the new catalog for FREE!

Happy Stamping!

Sneak Peek - New Stampin' Up! Catalog is Coming!

Did you know that the new 2013 - 2014 Stampin' Up! catalog is

just around the corner?  

I always look forward to this time where I clear out the old (a.k.a. retired products) and make room for the new.  It's the best kind of spring cleaning there is!

In honor of the new catalog, each year I host an Open House and BOGO sale.  During this event, you'll receive a FREE copy of the new catalog, check out the new products as well as save a bundle!   Here's how you save:  Purchase any dollar amount from the new catalog and receive the same dollar amount in my retired products for FREE.  You'll take your free items home that day!

Saturday, June 1st - 10 am until 2 pm

OR

Sunday, June 2nd - 2 pm until 5 pm

Even if you're not local to me, you can get in on the fun and savings, too!  Simply place an online order using this hostess code - 7JNVTSRU - and I will send you the same dollar amount in retiring products for FREE (I'll even cover the shipping cost)!  It will be like a "grab bag" of fun, free products!

Sneak Peek

Let me introduce you to the NEW 2013 - 2015 In Colors:

2013 - 2015 In Colors:

(starting at top left)

Pistachio Pudding

Crisp Cantaloupe

Strawberry Slush

Baked Brown Sugar

Coastal Cabana

Aren't these colors yummy?
Do you see anything else new?

The punch is I used is the new Mosaic punch ($15.95; 131267) and the sentiment comes from a new stamp set called
Really Good Greetings (130333; $14.95).

Keep in mind, these new items are not available for purchase until Friday, May 31st.  But you sure can start your wish list now!

Stay tuned for more new samples!

Happy Stamping!