h{art} Strings

It's the most wonderful time of the year . . .

No, it's not Christmas.  But it is Happy New Year for Stampin' Up!  The new 2010/2011 Idea Book & Catalog has now been released (click on link on left sidebar to view it) and there are so many exciting new products and stamps!  I've got new catalogs on hand and if you would like a new catalog, just give me a shout out (or if you have another demonstrator you use, be sure to contact them). 

I've been having fun making samples and thought I'd share a couple of my recent swaps with you.

Isn't this just gojus?  How do you like the embossed background?  That's the new Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder (item 120175, $7.95).  It turns every project into a masterpiece.  The beautiful hydrangea stamp comes from Because I Care, a new Level 1 hostess set.  If you love it, then just contact me and let me help you earn this set for FREE!  It's very easy!

The scallop rectangle was created using the Scallop Rectangle Clearlit (item #118872, $7.50).  Because this die is clear, you can stamp first and then see through the clearlit to properly position your image. 
 

Because I Care Card: 

Stamps:  Because I Care (Level 1 Hostess Set)

Ink:  Marina Mist

Cardstock:  Whisper White, Marina Mist

Accessories:  Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder, Scallop Rectangle Clearlit, Big Shot, Stampin' Dimensionals 

I was so excited when we were told that some of the old In Colors would be returning, especially Pink Pirouette which was one of my favs!  

This card uses Artistic Etchings which has several really cool images besides those seen here - a crown, an Eiffel Tower, and  more!   

Amour Card: 

Stamps:  Artistic Etchings, Medallion

Ink:  Sahara Sand, Always Artichoke

Cardstock:  Whisper White, Pink Pirouette, Sahara Sand, Always Artichoke

Accessories:  Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder, Piercing Tool, Mat Pack, Curly Label Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals 

I've got a quiet stamping weekend planned and am looking forward to making swaps for convention and getting ready for my stamp camp next Friday.  I've expedited my first order from the new catalog so that we'll be able to use some of the really cool new stuff right away! 

Summer Mini Catalog is Here!

The Summer Mini Catalog is here and I've been having great fun with some of the cool new products!  I can't wait to show them at my upcoming workshops . . . but in the meantime here is a quick peek at a few things.

In our house we have graduation on the brain.  Keith will be graduating in June, plus we have lots of family and friends that are graduating as well.  So I was really excited to see some new graduation stamps in this mini catalog.  Lookee here:

This "Happy Grad" stamp is only $8.95 and is perfect for cards or scrapbook pages.  But take a little closer at two new accessories:

See the shimmer?  This is the Silver Foil Smooch Spritz - it is SO cool and easy to use!  Smooch Spritz is available in 4 colors:  Gold Glow, Silver Foil, Vanilla Shimmer and Log Cabin.  At only $4.95, it's an inexpensive and easy way to add a little pizzazz to your projects!  They are acid free and terrific for scrapbook pages!

Another very fun product is the Presto Patterns Specialty Designer Series Paper.  These are vintage patterns in a glossy finish - white on white.  You can brayer, sponge, or Smooch and - just like magic - a beautiful pattern is revealed!  I brayered Bravo Burgundy ink on this crosshatch pattern.  The photo (sorry it's blurry!) doesn't do it justice - it really shimmers and dresses up the card.

Here's my second creation:

I love this "Go, Graduate" stamp set.  I was tempted to watercolor these feet, but I liked the clean look of black and white so just decided to leave it alone.  Take a closer look at the texture:

This is the new Square Lattice Textured Impressions Folder.  It's a very deep impression and I love the way it adds interest to this card!

You can click on the picture of the Summer Mini Catalog above or on the left sidebar to see more cool new things or to order on line.  If you'd like a copy of the mini catalog to hold in your hands then e-mail me and I'm happy to oblige!

Happy Grad Card: 

Stamps:  Happy Grad

Inks:  Bravo Burgundy

Cardstock:  Bravo Burgundy, Whisper White, Presto Patterns Specialty DSP

Accessories:  Brayer, Large Star Punch, Star Punch, Piercing Tool, Silver Brads, Brayer, Stampin' Dimensionals

Go, Grad Card:

Stamps:  Go, Grad

Inks:  Basic Black, Whisper White Craft

Cardstock:  Basic Black, Naturals White, Brushed Gold

Accessories:  5/8" Basic Black Satin Ribbon, Scallop Edge Punch; Stampin' Dimensionals; Square Lattice Textured Impressions Folder; Big Shot

Leadership Conference - Day 2

Wow!  It's been a full day . . . we started early with Opening Session by Shelli Gardner (her Royal Rubberness) and Dale Filmore (company President and all-around great guy), along with FABULOUS product demonstrations by Shannon West and Pam Morgan.  My wish list just grew by leaps and bounds!  More on that later.  First, I promised a look at our make-and-take projects from yesterday.  All products copyright Stampin' Up.  The primary stamp set used was With All My Heart from the Occasions Mini Catalog (this is the FREE stamp set that we received as part of our Leadership Conference registration).

Cute projects!  I love the fresh spring-like colors.  While we were doing make-and-take projects yesterday, there were a number of demonstrators who were showcasing different products and projects.  One I was particularly impressed by was a demonstration featuring quilts and other textile projects using the Big Shot.  Look at these beautiful samples created by Susan Adams, Janet Baker, and Jill Olsen!

 These were breathtaking, and are just a few of the many projects they had on display!  Almost makes me want to become a quilter.  (Not.  I have enough unfinished projects.)  I also met a couple of demonstrators who had used this same process to make rag quilt bags to carry their swaps.  They used the scallop square die with the Big Shot and embellished it with Stampin' Up! ribbon, buttons, and hardware:

Unfortunately, I didn't get the name of the demonstrators who made these, so I don't know who to give credit to.  If it was you, please leave a comment and let me know so I can post it!

So now, back to today's activities.  We attended great classes on supporting and training our demonstrator teams, growing our business, and using social networking to enhance our businesses.  So much good information!  And then it was time for Manager's Reception!

Attending Manager's Reception is a real highlight and it's an honor to attend.  Stampin' Up! really spoils us for the evening.  Tonight's plans were kept a surprise - we only knew it involved some sort of Mexican theme.  As we boarded the buses, we were each handed a brightly colored shawl wrapped in a tight roll.  We were then skirted off to Corona Ranch where we were greeted by a mariachi band.  We walked around the grounds and enjoyed beverages and appetizers. 

After a bit, they opened some doors on one side of the grounds, handed us brightly painted maracas, and escorted us into a rodeo arena.  The rodeo was great until one of the riders was pretty seriously injured in a risky stunt  . . . a bit of a downer as you can imagine.  We have been reassured that he'll be fine and we'll hopefully have an update tomorrow.  However, when it appeared they would be tending to him for awhile, they shuffled us off to a large banquet area where we were served fabulous food and were entertained by dancers.  At each place, there was another package - a stamp set ("Love Bandit" from the Occasions Mini Catalog) wrapped in a bright colored cloth with a paper flower.  It really was a marvelous evening, and one of my favorite Manager's Receptions that I've attended (even in spite of the rodeo mishap).

Here are the goodies we received.  I am not a Bold Brights person, but wow, I love these colors!

Julie, me, Debbie, and Heather at dinner. 

I know that I promised to post some of my favorite swaps tonight, but the internet connection at this hotel is painf u l l y   s  l   o  w.  I am catching a flight home tomorrow night and will finish posting great samples, swaps, and news from tomorrow's activities once I get back home.

It's Gonna Be a VERY Happy New Year!

 
I am so excited to share with you some new things coming from Stampin' Up! beginning January 5th!  Over the past few years, there has been enormous demand from demonstrators and customers alike for a line of repositionable clear-mount rubber stamps.  Well, now you have it!  Starting with stamps in the 2010 Occasions Mini Catalog and the 2010 Sale-A-Bration Brochure, Stampin' Up! now offers our exclusive stamp art in both traditional wood-mount, and the new clear-mount option.

Our new clear-mount rubber stamps are the result of extensive research with the intent to maintain the very best image quality in the stamping industry, while at the same time offering ease-of-use and storability inherent in repositionable clear-mount rubber stamps.  These clear-mount rubber stamps feature:

• Nine different sizes of clear blocks available individually or as a discounted bundle.
• Blocks have ergonomic grooves on all four sides for easy grip and traditional wood-mount feel.
• Stamps and blocks are durable and easy to clean with your Stampin' Scrub and Stampin' Mist.
• Optional image labels on stamp backs let you decide if you want to see the image through the block or not.
• Tight die-cutting for easy image positioning.
• Large clear blocks can be used to create collages or spell words with alphabet sets.
• Stamps store easily in standard, DVD-type cases with artwork on front and spine, making organization easy.

And if that isn't enough, starting with the new 2010 Occasions Mini Catalog and continuing with all new punch designs going forward, Stampin' Up! has adopted a new body style for our punches!  A few features of the new punch style:

• Low-profile, rectangular punch body allows for easier stacking and storing.
• Punches lock shut for easier storage and transport.
• Dual labels on top and end allow for easy identification and selection when stored.
• New punches allow for larger punched images and more intricate designs while providing greater ease of use.
• Extra-large punch images also allow for two-step designs like the Two-Step Bird Punch in the Occasions Mini Catalog.
• Corner punches allow you to punch a corner design along the inside edges of a page, not just corners.
• Larger, whole-hand handle design provides better leverage for easier use.

Note:  While new punch designs will be in the new body style, existing designs will remain in the existing body style for now.

I've been creating new things with some of these wonderful new stamps and punches - stay tuned for some samples!