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!

Quick Cards using the Oh Hello Stamp Set

This past weekend I was in desperate need of some thank you cards.  Of course I thought I had plenty on hand, but when I went to check my stash, I was completely out!  Well, I also didn't have a lot of time to create something fancy with a lot of bling, so here's what I came up with:

This card went so quickly and I ended up making about 20 of them in one sitting!  How did I do it?  I had an assembly line going:

• First, I cut my card base to 8.5" X 5.5".
• I then began to stamp on white card stock - 20 oval shapes from Oh Hello stamp set stamped in Pool Party and then 20 banners from the Hearts a Flutter stamp set stamped in Soft Suede
• I ran this paper through my Big Shot Die Cutting Machine and cut both shapes out at the same time:  the oval shape using the Ovals Collection of Framelits and the banner shape from the Hearts a Flutter Framelits
• I then tied a knot in the ribbon, cut it off the spool and then tied another until I had 20 done.
• The last part of the assembly line was to just adhere everything together.  I used Stampin' Dimensionals behind the images and a glue dot under the ribbon.
• That's it! 

I even had time to create a video tutorial for this card:

How to Water Color Images for Cards

Have you done any water coloring on a card before?  It's been awhile for me but on this past Friday's blog post I gave several suggestions on how to water color.  Now, I'm no expert by any means when it comes to water coloring but I can tell you that if I can do it, so can you!  It just takes some time to sit down and play!

That's exactly what I did this weekend.  I brushed off my blender pens, aqua painters and paint brushes and decided it was time to water color again!

There are several great stamp sets in the Spring catalog that work well for water coloring.  These are called line art stamp sets because it's just that - the outline of the image.  It's up to you to add the color.  Here's what I came up with using the Secret Garden stamp set from the Spring Catalog.  What do you think?

I thought it turned out pretty well for not having water colored in awhile.

I think I also chose this stamp set because it has the matching Framelits (I'm a sucker for stamp sets that have coordinating Framelits dies - so easy to cut out!).

Three Videos to Help You Get Started with Water Coloring:

Basics with Blender Pens

Basics with Aqua Painters

Basics with Paint Brushes and Water

Happy Stamping and Water Coloring!

Little Bit of Spring Card Idea

I recently purchased this stamp set called Little Bit of Spring from the Spring Catalog and I can't wait to use it!  Isn't it the cutest?

Outline sets like this one lend themselves to water coloring.  It doesn't take much color to make the image come to life.  Look at this sample below from Stampin' Up! Can you see how adding just a hint of color to the bunny and his shirt really add dimension to this little guy? 

Today's the day I'm going to get out all my water coloring tools and play!  Have you ever done any water coloring with stamped images?  There are several different ways to water color and it's something you just have play with and decide which way you like best.

Get out some scratch paper and give these different water color techniques a try:

• The quickest and easiest way for me to water color is to use blender pens and ink pads.  All you do is lightly touch the blender pen to the ink pad to pick up the color.  Then color the image.  You'll notice the color starts as an intense color and then gets lighter and lighter.  To switch colors, wipe the blender pen until it goes clear and you're ready for the next color.
• If the color with blender pens is too harsh for you, try using a paint brush with water and the ink pads. My friend and fellow demonstrator, Marilyn, is the queen of water coloring.  I'm just amazed at the beautiful images she creates.  Basically, you do the same thing with the paint brush as you did with the blender pen.  Get the brush damp and lightly touch the brush to the corner of the ink pad and then "paint" the image.  I also recommend that any time you use water for water coloring, use heavy weight water color paper.
• Aqua painters are another great option because instead of dipping a brush in the water, the water is stored in the barrel of the painter.  Simply pick up the color from the ink pad and "paint".  Aqua painters work best on the water color paper.

Well, I'm off to go give some of these ideas of try with my new spring stamp set!  I'll be sharing my creations soon!

Happy Stamping!

Stampin' Up! Demonstrator Swaps - Part 1

Do you enjoy crafting with your friends?  I do too!  Being a demonstrator with Stampin' Up! has opened up a whole new group to me and over the past 6 years, these ladies have become some of my closest friends!

This past Friday night was one of those crafting times!  We gather together once a month to share ideas, swap cards, and keep each other informed on all things Stampin' Up! related.  This is one talented group of ladies!  Here are some of the swap cards I received:

This first card was made by Cindy Peterson.  It uses the new Designer Builder Brads.  The blue on the brad was created by punching a small circle (the small circle in the Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack) and adhering it the brad before putting the clear, epoxy bubble on top..

This next card was created by Kim Judice.
What an adorable card showcasing the new stamp set Oh, Hello.

The card below was created by Janet Holmes.  The new More Amore Specialty Designer Paper is just gorgeous!  This pack of paper not only contains 2 each of 5 double-sided designs, it also includes 2 sheets of single-sided laser cut hearts!

This card was created by Judi Martin.
The bicycle on the front is from one of the Sale-a-Bration sets called Feeling Sentimental.  

What is Sale-a-Bration?  It's Stampin' Up!'s biggest promotion of the year!  For every $50 purchase, you'll receive 1 free Sale-a-Bration item.
Sale-a-Bration beings tomorrow, January 22nd, and you'll  be able to see all the exclusive stamp sets online!

See what I mean?  These ladies are talented and I'm so blessed to call them my friends!

Would you like to meet monthly with us and make new friends too?

That's just one of the many perks of being a Cowtown Crafter!

Happy Stamping!

Stampin' Up! Valetines Cards & Projects

Are you ready for Valentines Day this year?  I've had Valentine's Day on my brain lately!  

It seems like every other card or project I make right now is Valentine's themed.  It's kind of funny because I don't usually give Valentine's cards to my friends (I usually make little gifties for my daughter's teacher and class) but when I created this Sweet Friend card, I realized I can give it any time!  It's simple and elegant and with the help of the new 1 1/4" Two-Tone Ribbon, it really dresses it up nicely.

This two-tone ribbon doesn't necessarily have one side Pink Pirouette and one side Rose Red.  The ribbon has both of these colors blended together!

Stamps:  You Are Loved

Ink:  Rose Red, Pink Pirouette

Paper: Rose Red card stock, Whisper White card stock

Accessories:  Honeycomb embossing folder, Two-Tone Ribbon, Hearts Collection Framelits, Big Shot

Valentine Treat Box

I just love these little Kraft Gift Boxes.  They're so versatile and easy to decorate.  I thought I'd use this one for my daughter's teacher (just not sure what to put in it yet).

Stamps:  Ciao Baby

Ink:  Real Red 

Paper: More Amore Designer Series Paper, Real Red card stock, Pool Party card stock

Accessories:  Pool Party Ruffled Ribbon, Creped Filter Paper

Square Valentine's Card

When I saw this card on Mary Fish's website, I knew I just had to give it a try!

What projects do you plan on making for Valentine's this year?

Be sure to order your supplies online soon so you'll have time to make fun Valentine's gifts and cards!

Stampin' Up! Leadership 2013 - Sample Boards

One thing is for sure at any Stampin' Up! event - there is NO shortage of ideas!

In the Demonstrator Resource Center, the display boards went on and on and on!  There were so many great ideas, it was hard to get pictures of them all!

Below are just a few of the display boards (you may have to save the pic to your computer and then zoom in for a closer look).  View all the thumbnails pictures I took from the Demonstrator Resource Center here.

Want to see some of these display boards for yourself?  Join me on Saturday, February 16th in Dallas for the Stampin' Up! Regional event.  All are welcome to come and enjoy a day of learning new techniques, seeing new samples and having fun with your friends!  Contact me today to join the fun!

Happy Stamping!

Stampin' Up! Leadership 2013 - Swaps & Ideas

In just two days at Leadership, I came home with 34 different card ideas!  How did I do it?  Swaps!

During any Stampin' Up! event (Leadership, Convention, or Regional events), swapping is a highlight.  Basically, I made 34 of the same card front and swapped (or traded) them with others so we can all come home with new ideas!

Some ladies swap way more than 34 (I only had time to make 34 this year).  Some ladies make 100 or 150 to swap!

Since there are so many swaps I'd like to share, I've decided to post some here on my blog  (to whet your appetite!), but to see the majority of my swaps, be sure to check out my Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/stampintexas  (And while you're there, "Like" my page) 



Want to attend a Stampin' Up! event?  Each year Stampin' Up! holds Regional events around the US and next month, they'll be in Dallas!  Mark your calendars for Saturday, February 16th.  If you'd like to join the fun and attend the Dallas Regional, let me know and we'll get you signed up!  I'll post more details when they become available.

A sampling of some of the swaps I received:

Adorable dress card created by Barbara Dykhouse

This card uses the new All Dressed Up stamp set and Framelits die - too cute!

A variety of Valentine's 3D items - love it!

These would make great little gifts for teachers, neighbors and friends!

Get Whale Soon card created by Cindy Peterson

Coordinates with the Happy Whale Clearlits Die

I just love the design and layout of this card!

I wish I could give credit to someone but there isn't a name on the back.

The sunshine card was created by Sharon Cheng.  I love the bright colors and the use the Summer Smooches Designer Series Paper.

These are just a few of the many amazing swaps I received at Leadership this year.  Don't forget to head on over to my Facebook page to view the majority of the cards.

https://www.facebook.com/stampintexas  

(And while you're there, "Like" my page) 

Happy Stamping!
#leadership2013

Scrapbook Paper Gift Bag

I love using Stampin' Up!'s Designer papers not only because they are 12 X 12 in size, they are double-sided.  Many times with paper crafting, however, I only get to enjoy seeing one side of the paper but not when it came to making this bag.  Don't you just love the spring colors of this Sunshine and Sprinkles Designer paper?  (Even the name is fun!)

Add a few embellishments with the new Soda Pop Tops and Collage Curious stamp set, and you've got a cute gift bag ready to go!  I also happened to have sparkly pink tissue paper that matched it perfectly.

So much fun to create!

Spring Card and Gift Bag Ideas

I've been having lots of fun with the new products from the Spring catalog!  The kits in the Spring catalog are so easy to use and add a little pizazz to any project!

The first kit I started playing with is the Pop-Up Poses Designer Kit (includes the Just for You stamp - exclusive stamp to this kit).  It has everything you need to create 9 pre-cut & embossed tags with different flowers for layering.  Too cute and lots of spring fun!

Flower Card:

Stamps:  Just For You exclusive in the Pop-Up Posies Designer Kit

Ink:  Early Espresso for sentiment, Crumb Cake for shading the embossed background

Paper:  Very Vanilla card stock

Accessories:  Lacy Brocade Embossing folder

Just for You Treat Bag:
Stamps:  Just For You exclusive in the Pop-Up Posies Designer Kit
Ink:  Early Espresso
Paper: 12 X 12 Very Vanilla card stock
Accessories:  Fancy Favor Die, Big Shot Die Cutting Machine, Pool Party Ruffled Ribbon

Ready to shop for your spring products?
Shop safely and securely through my online store 24/7!

Happy Stamping!

Spring is Here! (The Spring catalog that is!)

Do you see any similarities in the two cards below? 

Could you tell that both cards use the same pieces?  It's amazing to me that using the same base materials can produce such different looking cards - from a Christmas card to a spring card! 

I made lots of the Christmas version to send to family and friends that past Christmas.  Well, after all the cutting and preparing, I had several sets of the card stock pieces left over (and I wasn't about to make any more Christmas cards - I think I burned myself out on that one).  So, when my new products from the Spring catalog arrived, I decided to use the pieces to create a totally different card.  And that's how the friend card was born!

I just love it when the same card pieces can be used for more than one card and the look for each is totally different!

Friend Card Supplies:

Stamps:  Feel Goods Set, Oh Hello Set

Paper:  Very Vanilla card stock, Soft Suede card stock

Ink:  Rose Red marker, Wild Wasabi marker, Versaamark ink pad

Accessories:  Lacey Rose Red Ribbon from the Artisan Embellishments Kit, Embossing Buddy, Gold Embossing Powder, Heat tool, Lacy Brocade Embossing Folder

Another version:

We'll be creating this Friend card at my upcoming monthly stamp class.  Check my online calendar for all my upcoming events.

Stay tuned for more Spring samples!

Happy Stamping and creating!

Valentine's Sneak Peak

Have you started making your wish list from the Spring catalog?  My list was a mile long!  The wait to order your products is almost over - the catalog goes live tomorrow (Jan. 3rd)!!  You can view all the new products tomorrow on my online store if you don't have a hard copy.  If you'd like one, just let me know and I'll mail one to you.

I just had to start playing around with some of the new designer paper for Valentine's.  This paper from the More Amore Designer Paper series is gorgeous and two of the included sheets are laser cut hearts (1 in Real Red and 1 in Primrose Petals).

Stamps:  Wacky Wishes (hostess only set), Love Heart

Inks:  Real Red

Paper:  Pool Party card stock, Whisper White card stock, Real Red card stock, More Amore Specialty Designer Paper (new)

Accessories:  Hearts a Flutter Framelits (new), Small Heart Punch

Happy Stamping!

Happy New Year!

Out with the old and in with the new!

I wish you much happiness and health in the new year!

The Holiday catalog ends tomorrow, January 2nd, and the new Spring catalog begins January 3rd!  You'll be able to see all the new products on my online store starting January 3rd.  Be sure to check it out!

It's sad to see some of the stamp sets and products from the Holiday catalog go, but the spring catalog sure makes up for it!  I finally have had a chance to play with some of the new products, so I have a few sneak peaks for you!  (The Spring catalog will be online on the 3rd.  If you'd like for me to mail you a copy, all you have to do is ask!  They're free!)

Sneak Peak #1

Stamps:  Oh, Hello (New)

Paper:  Soft Suede card stock, So Saffron card stock, Whisper White card stock

Inks:  Early Espresso, Rose Red, Wild Wasabi, Baja Breeze

Accessories:  Ovals Collection Framelits (New), Honeycomb Textured Embossing Folder (New)

What a fun stamp set!
Once I got started stamping with it, I couldn't stop!

Both these cards use the Needlepoint Embossing Folder (New) along the bottom.  I love the way it adds just a little extra detail that really finishes it off!

Be sure to check my online store on January 3rd to check out all the new products in the Spring catalog.

More sneak peaks to come...

Happy Stamping!