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)

Pleasant Pheasant

Sneak Peek Alert! Today, I'm previewing a NEW stamp set that will debut July 1st - Autumn Days. When I first lay eyes on this fab. find one thought came to mind, "versatile!". This pleasant pheasant and his partnering stamps are going to be on your 'must have it' list for fall projects.

We're going to wrap up several days of masculine motifs with this Father's Day card... made especially for my own, dear old dad.

• It all starts with a layout is from Splitcoast Sketch Challenge SC233.
• My card base is an Always Artichoke stripe from To The Nines Specialty Designer Series Paper collection. Talk about a manly mix!
• Are you loving the rich gold I'm featuring? It's the NEW In Color, Crushed Curry. I zipped a piece thru. the Big Shot using a Birds and Swirls Cuttlebug folder.
  
• The main panel was stamped using Crushed Curry and Always Artichoke. My golden sheaves of wheat were arranged with the help of my trusty Stamp-a-ma-jig, and my pheasant was added in Chocolate Chip. TIP: I re-stamped my pheasant on a separate sheet and trimmed just his body out so that I could pop him with Stampin' Dimensionals.
• To personalize the card I whipped out my Jumbo Outline Alphabet and created 'dad'... quick and special.
• For a few extra sassy somethings, I punched a coordinating border using the Scallop Edge Punch and added a few Vintage Brads... because men always like hardware... even if it is the crafty kind.

Shop Stampin' Up Online
You'll always find something sassy!

Stamps: Autumn Days (available July 1st), Jumbo Outline Alphabet (114998)
Paper: To The Nines Specialty Designer Series (114038), Always Artichoke (105119), Chocolate Chip (102128), Very Vanilla (108693), Crushed Curry (available July 1st)
Ink: Always Artichoke (105219), Chocolate Chip (10908), Crushed Curry (available July 1st)
Tools: Stamp-a-ma-jig (101049), Scallop Edge Punch (112091), Big Shot Machine (113439)
Sassy Somethings: Vintage Brads (109109), Soho Hardware (114350)

Manly Mojo

Do you have a craft comfort zone? Today I decided to step out of my comfort zone... into the 'man zone'. With Father's Day right around the corner, it's the perfect opportunity to set aside my beloved Pretty in Pink cardstock and collection of floral stamps for a more masculine motif.

• My layout is inspired by Mojo Monday #91. The Kraft card base measures 4" x 9.25".

• A few patterns from Sweet Slumber Specialty Paper (available on the Last Chance Accessories List) create a background. TIP: Using the bolder Baja gingham paired with the subtle Riding Hood Red polka dots is a good way to balance your project.

• The Verve Father Figure set helped me create my 'Husband' margin. Layering my (2.25" x 4.5") piece of Kraft onto Chocolate Chip emphasizes the sentiment and makes the panel stand out.

• A second panel of Baja (2.5" x 2.75") is topped with leaves from Central Park. These are 2-step stamps and therefore allow the stamp be used alone as an outline or with the plaid 'filler'. To create dimension, some of the leaves are popped using Stampin' Dimensionals.

• Using the Define Your Life set I picked the 'You' definition: "The one and only; the one I value as my friend and love each day. The person in my thoughts." Seriously, how sweet is that?!

• The bottom corner is home to my sassy something... Happy Father's Day fit perfectly when punched with the Wide Oval. My scalloped border is courtesy of Marvy. Two quick leaves and a ribbon tab accent are the perfect finishing touches.

Are you ready for the NEW 2009-10 Catalog? Only $8!

(includes Priority shipping)

You'll be WOWed by all the HOT new products! Reserve your copy now!

CLICK HERE to send me an e-mail with your name and mailing address.

Order Stampin' Up Online 24/7.

Stamps: Central Park (113732), Define Your Life (114950), Verve - Father Figure
Paper: Kraft (102125), Chocolate Chip (102128), Baja Breeze (111352), Riding Hood Red (111348), Sweet Slumber Specialty Designer Series Paper (114037)
Ink: Chocolate Chip (100908)
Tools: Wide Oval Punch (112082), Marvy scalloped oval (pink)
Sassy Somethings: Baja Breeze Striped Grosgrain (111375)

Vintage Vibe

One of the most popular trends in home decor, fashion, and crafts is to create a 'Vintage Vibe'. Vintage is not my typical style, but I absolutely love the results for todays' project - a card that uses two neutrals and only one pop of color.

My color scheme was inspired by Dawn McVey: Cream, Black, and 'Grass Green'. (Old Olive) My first thought was, "TWO neutrals??!" Let me tell you, I debated adding another color over and over. I managed to 'stick it out' and adhere to the 'rules'. Speaking of specifications, I used this week's CPS sketch for a simple layout.

• My card base is Old Olive - 5" x 7".
  
• Using one of my favorite sets, Friends 24-7, I created my own background using a Stamp-a-ma-jig and the damask image dipped in Old Olive. I love that when stamped onto textured Very Vanilla, the paper starts to resemble fabric.
  
• I trimmed my damask print to 4.75" x 6.75" and added a black matte. Using Linen Thread and some sassy buttons, I 'dressed up' my background. TIP: I string the buttons onto the thread and then slide them into position. When I feel they are 'spot-on', I use a Mini Glue Dot to 'put them in their place' (and keep them there).
• I cut a 3" square of Vanilla and used black StazOn to make floral silhouettes. I matted my 'scene' with Black and Old Olive. Using Stampin' Dimensionals I adhered the framed image to my card base.
  
• Gallery, a fresh set of frames, is an awesome addition to your stamp collection. I stamped the round frame in StazOn twice - onto Very Vanilla and Old Olive. The 1.75" Circle Punch perfectly pops the olive.
  
• The sentiment, 'Here for You', is stamped onto Vanilla and punched using the 1.25" Circle Punch. Bonus: it fits perfectly into the center of the Gallery frame.
  

This card seems well suited for sympathy or for everyday encouragement... with its 'Vintage Vibe' I'm sure it will be treasured.

Create your own vintage treasure.

Order Stampin' Up Online 24-7.

Stamps: Friends 24-7 (113218), Gallery (113776)
Paper: Very Vanilla and Basic Black - Textured - 12x12 astd. Neutrals, (108693) Old Olive (100702)
Ink: StazOn (101406), Old Olive (102277)
Must-Haves: Stamp-a-ma-jig (101049), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Mini Glue Dots (103683)
Tools: 1.75" Circle Punch (112004), 1.25" Circle Punch (104403)
Sassy Somethings: Button Bouquet (112092), Button Latte (114333), Linen Thread (104199)

Sneak Peek - Circle Circus

I want to give you a Sneak Peek at a new set - Circle Circus - a versatile combination of whimsical circles that are sure to make your head 'spin'. Have you ever heard the song that goes, "Make new friends, but keep the old..."? (I just know there are some fellow Girl Scouts out there!) With everyone tightening their budgets I think it's important to maximize the supplies and stamps that you purchase. Combining a few new stamp sets and accessories with your existing supplies will rejuvenate your creativity and give your projects a fresh feel.

I inked up three circles in Kiwi Kiss and stamped onto Whisper White. Don't you love the fun patterns? For a twist, I decided to create a topiary flat note.

• The card base is a 4" x 9.25" piece of textured Kiwi Kiss cardstock layered with a Baja Breeze matte and a modern Baja print from Walk in the Park Designer Series Paper collection.

• Using a Corner Rounder, I rounded 2 opposing corners of the Baja layers. I love the subtle shape this gives.
• Striped Baja Breeze Grosgrain runs across the bottom and creates a simple loop on the right side. I emphasized the loop by adding a sassy button - complete with Linen Thread accent.
  
  
  
• I zipped a piece of (2.75" x 6.25") Cameo Coral thru. my Big Shot Machine using the Swiss Dot embossing folder from Cuttlebug. TIP: The Big Shot Starter Kit (116314), as featured on page 193 in the current Idea Book, will NO LONGER BE AVAILABLE AFTER JUNE 30th. If you are interested in purchasing this awesome kit filled with everything you need to get you started with die cutting, be sure to order NOW. And don't forget: All orders over $250 automatically earn additional HOSTESS BONUS rewards - that's $45++ in FREE merchandise!
• My polka-dotted Cameo Coral was layered atop a Kiwi Kiss matte, corner rounded, and embellished with a Round Tab Punch. The 'Life' sentiment was isolated from a John Lennon quote included in the Full of Life set. I simply colored on the stamp with a Chocolate Chip marker, stamped, and punched - voila!
  
• My flower pot was created in a few easy steps:
  

1. Cut a 2" square and score the top half inch.
2. Fold your flap down and adhere. Using a ruler or other straight edge, mark an angle for one side of your flowerpot. Trim along this line.
   
3. Use your trimmed corner and flip it over. (I shaded mine in Chocolate Chip so you could better see it.) Adhere and trim.
4. Tada! A perfect pot ready for 'planting' and embellishing.
   
   

I added a quick strip of Chocolate Chip for a 'trunk' and popped my circles using punches. (1.75", 1.25", and 1") They were adhered with Stampin' Dimensionals.

Note: I added my topiary to the gallery at Color Throwdown - a place for great color inspiration!

Did you notice that I said I made a simple flat note today? I quickly added a piece of Whisper White to the back - perfect for note writing, and tied everything together with the full sentiment placed at the top. A nice change, don't you think?

At the time of this post there are officially only 17 days until the NEW Stampin' Up! 2009-10 Idea Book and Catalog makes its grand debut. But who's counting, right? Need a catalog delivered straight to your hot little hands ASAP? They're a bargain for only $8 (including Priority Shipping) and should begin shipping late June/very early July.

To reserve your copy CLICK HERE to send me an e-mail with your name and mailing address. I will respond promptly and provide a PayPal link for secure payment. (PayPal or Credit Card accepted) Your copy will be reserved with completed payment.

Check out the Last Chance Accessories List. Items are selling out fast.

Place your Online Order before it's too late!

Stamps: Circle Circus (available July 1st), Full of Life (111500)

Paper: Kiwi Kiss Textured Cardstock - 12x12 astd. In Colors (111345), Baja Breeze (111352), Cameo Coral (100475), Kraft (107070), Chocolate Chip (102128), Whisper White (100730), Walk in the Park Designer Series Paper (115123)

Ink: Kiwi Kiss (111835), Chocolate Chip Stampin' Write Marker (100071)

Tools: Corner Rounder (109047), Circle Punches: 1-3/4" (112004), 1.25" (104403), 1" (109046), Round Tab Punch (108340), Big Shot Machine (1113439), Swiss Dots Cuttlebug embossing folder

Sassy Somethings: Button Bouquet (112092), Baja Breeze 5/8" Striped Grosgrain (111375), Linen Thread (104199)

Family Man

Father's Day is next weekend - it will be my husband's first time to celebrate being a daddy. Our daughter, Abigail, is definitely the apple of his eye. In fact, just this week she has started to say, "DaDa", her first words... music to Joel's ears. I think that this card perfectly captures the essence of Joel - a Family Man - and an all-around awesome dad.

I love Mojo Monday sketches - always fresh - sometimes funky. The main ingredients for today's project: my beloved (and 'retiring') Parisian Breeze Specialty Paper, All in the Family and 8 Great Greetings stamp sets, and a Stamp-a-ma-jig.

Quick Reminders:

1) Products featured in the Occasions Mini are only available for purchase thru. June 3oth.

2) Items on the Last Chance Accessories List are going fast - especially the Designer Series Paper and In Color products. Be sure to place your order SOONER rather than later.

• My Kraft card base measure 5" x 7" (an A7 sized card) and is topped with a layer of Baja Breeze and a plaid print. TIP: I typically work in quarter and eighth inch increments for layers. Here, the Baja layer measures 4.75" x 6.75" (a quarter inch less than the base) with the plaid print measuring an eighth inch less than the Baja. Make sense?
• My polka dotted diamond is a 3.25" square.
• For the central panel I opted for coordinating stripes(4" x 4.25").

To create our January Family, I grabbed a sheet of Watercolor Paper, Blender Pens, and a few In Color ink pads. TIP: I stamped more towards the center of the sheet to be sure I would have enough room and then trimmed down later.

Using my Stamp-a-ma-jig, I started with the dad. His last stamped body part was his left arm. Mom's first stamped body part was her right hand - so they would appear to be holding hands. She 'grew' from there. Baby Abigail was stamped separately, colored, trimmed, and popped with Stampin' Dimensionals. She's always the center of attention, so it seemed fitting. ;)

The Dad sentiment is from Eight Great Greetings. I stamped the image twice - once in Chocolate Chip onto Kraft, and a second time onto a subtle Baja print. I trimmed the 'd' from the Baja and added it atop my Kraft square - a little extra pizazzz for dad.

Eight Great Greetings and All in the Family

2 sets that are perfect for celebrating the ones we love.

Order Stampin' Up! Online 24/7.

Stamps: All in the Family (113488), Eight Great Greetings (113822)

Ink: StazOn (101406), Chocolate Chip (100908); For Watercoloring: Dad: Baja Breeze, Creamy Caramel; Mom: Riding Hood Red; Baby: Pink Pirouette, Rose Red; Dog: Chocolate Chip

Paper: Parisian Breeze Specialty Designer Series (113993), Kraft (107070), Chocolate Chip (102128), Baja Breeze (111352), Watercolor Paper (105019)

Tools: Stamp-a-ma-Jig (101049), Ticket Corner Punch (107214), Marvy scalloped square punch (purple)

Sassy Somethings: 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!