Ready, Set, Rub-On

Sometimes a Rub-On is just the thing I need to get myself going. The NEW Idea Book and Catalog is full of new Rub-On sets - perfect for quick cards and embellishments.

• Today's sassy little number starts with a Chocolate Chip card base cut to 4" x 8" and scored. I used my 3/16" Corner Rounder for the corners at the fold.
  

• Scallops are a hot trend these days. I opted for a sassy twist: Using my 1.25" Circle Punch I popped 4 Ruby Red circles out and adhered them to my card - allowing half of the circle to hang off the edge.

• A 3" x 3.25" piece of Chocolate Chip pattern was cut and matted using Ruby Red. Both layers received the Corner Rounder 'treatment'.
  

• Adhering a strip of Double-Stitch Grosgrain across the bottom turns my circles into darling scallops. TIP: Before adding the ribbon I used my paper trimmer to make sure my sides were even and trim down the 'hang-over'. I layered a piece of Pretty in Pink Grosgrain on top of the wide Chocolate Chip. TIP: Mini Glue Dots are the perfect solution for keeping ribbon in place.

• A floral rub-on from the Dots and Designs pack looks perfect on Kraft Cardstock. I used my Marvy scallop square punch (pink) to crop the image. Stampin' Dimensionals make the flower pop when added to a Pretty in Pink base with rounded edges. (2" square)

• A skinny strip of Kraft cardstock was cut to 4.5" and trimmed to a 'v' at one end. The sweet sentiment is also a rub-on, this time courtesy of the Chit-Chat pack. I selected Antique Brass brads from the Vintage Brads collection and used them to adhere the strip. TIP: Instead of laying the strip down flat with adhesive I opted to lightly curve the strip using my fingers and rounding it. Pretend your fingers are scissors and use them in the same way you would use scissors to curl ribbon for a package.

• A few more Stampin' Dimensionals make the floral image catch your eye. The image is adhered slightly off-center to make room for the sweet sentiment to be noticed.

• Last, my favorite embellishment, buttons, dress up the bottom border. TIP: I use Linen Thread to tie through my button holes. It's got a thickness that is 'just right' and is very easy to work with. Plus, I love the way it coordinates with the Kraft cardstock in this project.

Rub-Ons: Dots and Designs (115728), Chit-Chat (111804)
Paper: Chocolate Chip (102128), Ruby Red (102030), Pretty in Pink (100459), Kraft (102125), Chocolate Chip Patterns Pack (112164)
Tools: 1.25" Circle Punch (104403), 3/16" Corner Rounder (109047), Scallop Square Punch - Marvy (pink)
Must-Haves: Mini Glue Dots (103683), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)
Sassy Somethings: Button Latte (114333), Chocolate Chip Double-Stitch Grosgrain (111849), Pretty in Pink 1/4" Grosgrain (109032), Linen Thread (104199), Vintage Brads (109109)

Farewell Doodle

A set that I have loved for several years is Doodle This. Its whimsical style is right up my stampin' alley. But in just a few short days, Doodle This, will be 'retired', along with lots of other stamps from the Last Chance List. Don't miss out!

• I love today's simple layout, inspired by Card Positioning Sketch #121. Instead of a standard greeting card, I opted for a 6.5" square, flat note. (I found some new vellum envelopes at the local craft store to accomodate this size.)
• I created my background using two 6" square pieces of Designer Series paper. The Basic Gray floral is from the current Level 1 hostess Patterns Paper Pack II... the More Mustard is from retired Autumn Vine.
• I cut 1.5" strips and wove them together.
• A 1" strip of Vanilla is topped with .75" Basic Gray. The sentiment, 'forever your friend', is from Hidden Garden rub-ons. (available on the Last Chance Accessories List)
• My Doodle This flowers were stamped onto Really Rust and More Mustard in StazOn and heat embossed using clear embossing powder. I adhered them using Stampin' Dimensionals and added a silver Vintage Brad for my sassy something.
• Do you love this color combo? I was inspired by Kristina Werner... she hosts fab. color challenges with original and fresh combinations.

Despite bidding some of our current favorites farewell, the NEW 2009-10 Idea Book and Catalog is INCREDIBLE! You will be WOWed... get ready... only 8 more days!

Purchase your favorites before they're gone for good.

Order Stampin' Up Online.

Stamps: Doodle This (114954); Rub-Ons: Hidden Garden (111414)

Paper: Really Rust (100661), More Mustard (100946), Basic Gray (108692), Very Vanilla (101650), Patterns Pack Designer Series Paper II - Hostess Level 1 (114325), Autumn Vine (retired)

Ink: StazOn (101406), Clear Embossing Powder (109130)

Sassy Something: Vintage Brads (109109)

Hoot - Hello!

Hello friends! I apologize for my absence, but am thrilled to return to blog world and Sassy Stampin'! I hope you will jump back in with me. This month is going to be filled with fond farewells and sneak peeks. Today's project features several items from the Last Chance Accessories List. Get your favorite items and supplies before they're gone for good - supplies are limited! Check out all the fabulous promotions this month at the bottom of this post.

• My card base is a 5"x7" piece* of Kraft layered with Pumpkin Pie, Chocolate Chip, and a Kiwi Kiss print from the Walk in the Park Designer Series Paper collection featured in the Occasions Mini.
• Note: Stamps and Accessories from the Occasions Mini are available thru. June 30th.
• Two strips of ribbon are wrapped around the center - Chocolate Chip double stitched and Pumpkin Pie grosgrain.
• Rub-ons are a quick go-to for projects in a snap. I rubbed the owl from Bright Delights (currently 25% off) onto Kiwi Kiss card stock and popped him out using the scalloped square Marvy punches.
• My sentiment, also a Bright Delight rub-on, was added to Kraft and made to look like a tab by using my handy Corner Rounder. To make everything pop, I used Stampin' Dimensionals.
• Last, but never least, my Sassy Somethings: 3 Vintage Brads and a Riding Hood Red Scalloped Border.

* measurements given for card fronts

Important (and Exciting) Stampin' Up! News
June 2009

• Last Chance Stamps List - Add these sets to your collection before they're gone for good!
• Last Chance Accessories List - Stock up on your favorite supplies and accessories - only while supplies last! Be sure to ORDER NOW - some of these fab faves are being offered at discounted prices.
• Last month to order items from the Occasions Mini catalog.
  
• Hostess BONUS! Earn an additional $20 in FREE merchandise when your order reaches $250 -- $40 for a $400 order.
  

Bright Delights Rub-Ons (113887)
Paper: Kraft, Riding Hood Red (111348), Pumpkin Pie (105117), Chocolate Chip (102128), Walk in the Park Designer Series (115123)
Ribbon: Chocolate Chip Double Stitched (111849), Pumpkin Pie Grosgrain (109030)
Tools: Marvy Scallop Square Punches, Scallop Edge Punch (112091), Corner Rounder (109047)
Must Haves: Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)
Sassy Somethings: Vintage Brads (109109)

Order Stampin' Up online anytime - it's convenient and quick - not to mention, sassy!

Inspire Spring

Are the birds starting to chirp outside your window? We're in the midst of an April cold front... a rarity for Texas. Of course, 'cold' is a relative term for a Texan... there's no snow, or ice, or even scarves and mittens... you just have to put your flip-flops aside for a day or two. Regardless, I'm ready for full fledged spring and for playing outdoors. However, I had to settle for a different kind of Walk in the Park today... the designer series paper kind.

I based the layout of my card on Taylored Expressions Cupcake Sketch Challenge #61. My textured Basic Gray card base is 6" square with rounded corners. I used a sampling of Walk in the Park patterned paper for the background and various layers. My birdie friend, from Friends 24-7, was stamped in Basic Gray onto textured Whisper White card stock. The 'Inspire' sentiment is courtesy of the NEW Summer Love Rub-ons. In the corner, two layered Scallop Circles create a bloom... a NEW Basic Gray Corduroy Brad adds detail and texture to the center.

Ever wonder what goes on the inside of cards?? I chose to play off the 'Inspire' sentiment and use a few more Summer Love Rub-ons. The amount of projects you will be able to create with a few of these new coordinating products is going to astound you.... and these days it's sassy to maximize your budget.

Order online now. You can pick sassy new stamps and supplies from the Occasions Mini - it's fun to shop in your (flannel) pajamies. ;) And don't forget: with every $40 purchase from the new mini catalog you get to choose one of these FREE stamps. Have a long wish list? Take advantage of Hostess Rewards starting with purchases of $150. You'll get all the regular benefits, plus an extra free stamp from the $10 and Under selection on page 208.

Stamps: Friends 24-7 (113218)
Paper: Walk in the Park DSP (115123), Basic Gray & Whisper White - Textured neutrals 12x12 (108693), Cameo Coral (100475), Baja Breeze (111352)
Ink: Basic Gray (109120)
Tools: Corner Rounder (109047), Scallop Circle Punch (109043)
Sassy Somethings: Summer Love Rub-ons (114620), Basic Gray Corduroy Buttons (114345), Vintage Brads (109109)

Totally Textured

I have to touch things... to feel the texture of clothing and fabrics and even paper. It's special when something not only looks nice but feels nice too. With that in mind, I decided to incorporate texture into today's card -- a small, cute, quickie -- perfect for popping a sweet note in the mail.

My card base is 3.5" x 5" -- a small note card made from Kraft card stock. I love the way Kraft looks organic and earthy. To begin, I matted a strip of textured Baja Breeze onto Chocolate Chip. Textured card stock is a wonderful addition to your projects. In fact, I think it should officially be added to your wish list... or your shopping cart. ;)

Speaking of wish lists, get yours ready for the Occasions Mini. I'm so excited to share it with you next week. (SUBSCRIBE on my right sidebar to be sure you don't miss out on the FUN!) One of my fave new products are the Summer Love Rub-ons. I added a few to the main panel, as well as along the bottom border. Some 1" Double Stitched ribbon in Chocolate perfectly merges the gap between the two elements. For our Sassy Something today I wanted to use my Canvas Cuts. Have you seen these on page 177 in the Idea Book and Catalog? They are canvas, die cut shapes made to be used with the Fashion District Rub-ons. Stampin' Up! is so great about coordinating products!

My background for my canvas bloom is a Gallery frame stamped in Cameo Coral onto Very Vanilla textured card stock. A Baja Breeze corduroy brad provides the perfect middle - with perfect texture. Last, but never least, two Vintage Brads find a home in Ticket punched corners.

Want to add texture to your cards too? CLICK HERE to order Stampin' Up! 24/7.

Stamps: Gallery (113776)
Rub-Ons: Fashion District (113884), Summer Love (Available April 1st)
Paper: Kraft (107070), Chocolate Chip (102128), Baja Breeze Textured - 12 x 12 astd. In Color (111345), Very Vanilla Textured - 12 x 12 astd. Neutrals (108693)
Ink: Cameo Coral (103035)
Tools: Ticket Corner Punch (107214)
Sassy Somethings: Canvas Cuts (113979), Chocolate Chip 1" Double Stitched Ribbon (111849), Baja Breeze Corduroy Buttons (available April 1st), Vintage Brads (109109)

Brilliant in Black and White

Black and White -- it's not just for zebras anymore. This card was previously entered for KWerner Design Challenge #45, and it is a perfect fit for today's Splitcoast Limited Supply Challenge. (LSC213)

Honestly, I panicked a little. After several failed attempts to use stamps I remembered my delightful stash of Stampin' Up! rub-ons. I thought the fun blooms from Hidden Garden were a perfect pairing with the NEW Walk in the Park Designer Series paper. (available for purchase April 1st) You are going to be head over heels in love with this new paper printed in retro-dreamy shades of Cameo Coral, Baja Breeze, Kiwi Kiss, and of course, Basic Gray. And guess what!! There will also be coordinating Summer Love rub-ons. All the more reason to get some practice rubbing now! ;)

The large peony bloom on my card was rubbed onto textured Basic Gray card stock and punched using a Marvy extra-giga circle. My smaller bloom was also rubbed onto Basic Gray and punched using my 1" circle punch. A Basic Black matte was created using my 1.25" circle punch. TIP: Stampin' Up! punches are a great way to save time and get perfectly layered results. The sentiment, 'friends' was combined with a tiny flower rub-on. All my blooms got shiny silver brad middles. Some black and white polka dotted ribbon and gray buttons from my stock pile are the perfect finishing details. I love that I decided to extend the ribbon off the edge of the card -- something unexpected and sassy.

Be sure to continue checking back here for more Occasions Mini previews. In fact, go ahead and SUBSCRIBE (right sidebar) to be sure you don't miss a thing! HINT: Next week there will be CANDY and a CONTEST. Need I say more?

Supplies:
Hidden Garden Rub-Ons (111414)
Vintage Brads (109109)
Textured Neutrals card stock asstd. (108589), Walk in the Park DSP (available April 1st)
1" Circle Punch (109046), 1.25" Circle Punch (104403)