Elements of Style Faux Tile Card & Workshop Wow Demo

I had the pleasure of helping at the Stampin' Up! Regional Seminar in Louisville on Saturday. I presented a Workshop Wow" demonstration featuring the Faux Tile technique and the new Simply Scored Tool. Here's one of the cards I made for the display board.

This demonstration was different than the one I did in 2009 (read about it here). Instead of a 5 minute presentation on stage in front of 500 demonstrators, I was at a booth with a mirror above me and had smaller groups of people come through to watch me do the same demonstration over and over for 2-1/2 hours straight. I enjoyed the more casual setting and smaller audience and was surprised at how quickly I found a rhythm given the fact that I didn't practice at all. There was much less stress than last time, but my voice was pretty hoarse by the time I finished!

Thanks to Mary Ellen Stites for providing this photo. I'm pointing to the small end of the Simply Scored stylus. This is the best end to use for the Faux Tile technique. Score a grid and then use a sponge to apply ink over it. (I used Crumb Cake ink.) Click here for a printable tutorial on the Faux Tile Technique.

Stampin' Up! Supplies: Elements of Style, Marina Mist ink & cardstock, Crumb Cake ink& cardstock, Whisper White cardstock, Large Oval Punch, Scalloped Oval Punch, Decorative Label Punch, Pearls, Simply Scored Tool, Crochet Ribbon, Linen Thread, Stampin' Sponge, Stampin' Dimensionals

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

Occasions Mini Sneak Peek! + Sign-Up Bonus!

I had a great time at the Louisville Regional Seminar yesterday. The best part was being there with my downline and stamping friends! It was a fun road trip (about a 4 hour trip from where I live). We got so many great ideas from the presentations and display board. And I promise to share share more about my Workshop Wow demo later, but I wanted to make sure I tell you about this special offer ASAP!

As part of the seminar training, Stampin' Up! encouraged attendees to "share what we love" by giving others the opportunity to join our happy family. And as an extra reward for recruiting right after the seminar, I get to offer YOU a brand new stamp set for FREE when you sign up under me in the next two weeks.

And if you sign up online by 11:50 MT on Monday, October 31st you'll get this free stamp set AND a Free Big Shot (or $100 in product of your choice)!!! As if that offer couldn't get any better...now you get a bonus!

So, want to see the stamp set!?! Unfortunately, I can't post the stamp set images, but I can show you these samples created by Stampin' Up! using this stamp set. It's called Sweet Cakes and will be in the new Occasions Mini Catalog (which starts in January for Customers, but Demonstrators can pre-order in December -- and if you sign up now, that will be you!)

Aren't these cute!? EVERY person who signs up under me in the next two weeks will receive the Sweet Cakes stamp set for free! It's not just limited to the first person who signs up -- it's for everyone! But don't wait, because the Free Big Shot Offer ends tomorrow!

Click here to learn more about being a demonstrator -- including how you can customize your own Starter Kit and pick up the products YOU want. Or call or email for a personal consultation and I'll help you figure out how this opportunity can meet YOUR needs and goals -- whether it's to get a discount on your favorite stamping products or to make extra money for holiday shopping! I can't wait to hear from you!

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

Pennant Punch Candy Corn

How cute is this!? I saw several people make candy corn using the Petite Pennant Punch and I just couldn't resist making my own. Here's my take on it with some real candy corn in the new 1" x 8" Cello Bags.

Stampin' Up! Supplies: Teeny Tiny Wishes, Jet Black Staz-On Ink, Whisper White cardstock, Daffodil Delight cardstock, Pumpkin Pie Patterns DSP, Pumpkin Pie cardstock, Petitie Pennants Punch, 1-3/4" Circle Punch, 2-3/8" Scallop Circle Punch, 1x8 Cello Bags, Stampin' Dimensionals, Glue Stick

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

Faith in Nature Flower Card

Here's the same thing as the other Faith in Nature card, just different colors and a different stamp. I used some Wisteria Wonder and So Saffron with the Blushing Bride in the inside of the flower and added Dazzling Diamonds to the center. Which one do you like better: flower or pear?

Stampin' Up! Supplies: Faith in Nature, Clear Block C, Blushing Bride ink & cardstock, Wisteria Wonder ink & cardstock, So Saffron ink, Whisper White cardstock, Basic Gray ink, Two Way Glue, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Blender Pen, Stampin' Dimensionals

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

Faith in Nature Pear Card

Oops! I fell asleep before I posted last night, so you get two cards today! This is very clean and simple, but I really love the way it turned out. I used Clear Block C (yes, as in the ones you put your clear mount stamps on) and put Lucky Limeade ink on it and then stamped it on the cardstock. Then I stamped the pear in Soft Suede over it. I used a Blender Pen and the ink pad lid (squeeze the lid on to the pad when it's closed to pool the ink on the lid) to add some colors to the pear. I used Lucky Limeade and So Saffron. It's hard to tell in the big picture, but I added some two way glue and Dazzling Diamonds to one side to make it sparkle!

Stampin' Up! Supplies: Faith in Nature (hostess), Lucky Limeade ink & cardstock, Soft Suede ink & cardstock, Very Vanilla cardstock, So Saffron ink, Blender Pens, Two Way Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Clear Block

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

Gently Falling Sunflower Card

I CASEd a CASE! Here's another card from my card class in Springfield. I CASEd a swap card I received from Sue Scheets. And Sue said she CASEd it from Connie Babbert. It's too cute not to copy, don't you agree?

I used the Fun Flowers die and cut two medium flowers with More Mustard cardstock, then attached them to each other using Stampin' Dimensionals between them. The center is done with the Lattice Square Flower and then punched with the 1-3/8" Circle Punch.

Stampin' Up! Supplies: Gently Falling stamp set, Sincere Salutations stamp set, Pear Pizzazz ink, Soft Suede ink & cardstock, More Mustard cardstock, Pool Party cardstock, Spice Cake DSP, Fun Flowers die (Big Shot), Square Lattice Embossing Folder, 1-3/8" Circle Punch, Stampin' Dimesionals

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

Pines & Poinsettias Thank You Card

I finally got a chance to photograph some more projects to share! Here's one from my Holiday Mini card class in Springfield a few weeks ago. I wanted to use all Holiday Mini products, but I also wanted to keep the cards as occasion-neutral as I could so they could add their own greeting. Here's my take on Pines & Poinsettias. I tried not to make it too Christmas-y. Did I succeed?

Stampin' Up! Supplies: Pines & Poinsettias, Sincere Salutations, Real Red ink/marker & cardstock, Wild Wasabi marker, Whisper White cardstock, Crumb Cake cardstock, Holly Berry Bouquet Designer Paper, Neutral Buttons, Mini Glue Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

Top 5 of October 2010

It's time to rewind! I looked over my posts from last fall and choose my top 5 favorite projects to share with you again. Click on each photo for more details about the project. Click here to see all my October 2010 blog posts.

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The Sky's the Limit

I've been eyeing the Up, Up, & Away stamp set in the catalog, but haven't gotten it yet. I was happy to try it out at the demonstrator retreat a few weeks ago. I made up these cards to send to my downline who were the top sales achievers in our group last month.

I CASEd this card by Jenn Dierchs. I used the same colors and elements as her card, but I tweaked the layout and used the FTL158 sketch from Clean & Simple Stamping.

I love the sentiment: The Sky's the Limit. One of my favorite aspects of my Stampin' Up! business is that it can fluctuate just as my life does. I can take a break when I need to (like to have a baby or make a big move). And when I'm ready, I can focus and work hard. That's me this year. I have some big goals and I'm working hard to meet them. I'm thrilled to be on track so far and excited about the opportunities to come. And in true "Sky's the Limit" moment, I got a call from Stampin' Up! today. They asked me to be a Workshop Wow presenter at the Louisville Regional Seminar in two weeks (Saturday session)!! I can't wait to present in front of my fellow demonstrators and share what I love!


Stampin' Up! Supplies: Up, Up, & Away; Lucky Limeade ink & cardstock, Calypso Coral ink & cardstock, Island Indigo ink & cardstock, Pool Party cardstock, Jet Black Staz-On ink, Whisper White cardstock, Cupcake Punch (clouds), Houndstooth Embossing Folder (Big Shot), Corner Rounder, Stampin' Dimensionals

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

Gently Falling Faux Tile Card

Here's a card that is the definition of my style. Clean and simple with just the right mix of accessories/tools! Definitely a "Julie Card"! This was one of the cards we made last month in Stamp Club.

The background behind the leaf is done with the Faux Tile technique. It's so easy with the Simply Scored tool! I have to admit that I do own another scoring tool, but the new Simply Scored from Stampin' Up! is FAR superior! I love the exclusive markers, grooves every 1/8", and stylus tool. Click here to check out the Simply Scored tool in my Online Store.

Stampin' Up! Supplies: Gently Falling, Teeny Tiny Wishes, Texture Jumbo Wheel, Soft Suede ink & cardstock, Old Olive nink & cardstock, Crumb Cake ink & cardstock, Very Vanilla cardstock, Simply Scored Tool, Lace Border Punch, Stampin' Sponges, Stampin' Dimesionals

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

Stampin' Up! Owl Punch Penguin Card Tutorial

Have you noticed the relatively new feature on my blog called "Popular Posts"? It's on the left side and shows a thumbnail of the top 5 most popular posts from the past month. These are not necessarily things POSTED in the last month, but these are the projects VIEWED most in the last month. I've noticed that the Owl Punch Penguin card I posted last year (almost a year ago exactly) has been among the most popular recently. I'm not sure where the traffic is coming from, but I thought it warranted re-posting the project.

This card was originally part of the Outstanding Owl Punch Class that I held last October, so I did not originally post the tutorial. However, since it's been so popular and the instructions are already written...here you go! :) A bonus tutorial! Thanks for visiting and coming back again and again!

Click here to download the FREE Owl Punch Penguin Card Tutorial (.pdf)

Sweet Pressed Pumpkin Cookie Sleeve & Video

I absolutely love this little treat project created by Stampin' Up! If I had more time, I'd make these up myself, but...yeah, not gonna happen! I've had my Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamp for over a month now and still have not used it! D'oh! The kids actually got a hold of it and have been playing with it. I have to search the playroom and get it back in the kitchen first. Make sure to check out the video below from Stampin' Up!; I am thinking I may just have to perform my search and rescue mission this afternoon! This cookie stamp looks so easy!

Stampin' Up! Supplies: Teeny Tiny Wishes Set, Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamp, Pumpkin Pie cardstock, Lucky Limeade Textured cardstock, Note Cards envelope (as a template for the sleeve), Soft Suede marker, Lucky Limeade 3/8" Ruffled Ribbon, Soft Suede 1-3/8" Striped Grosgrain ribbon, Stampin Dimensionals, Circle Scissor® Plus, Blossom Petals Punch, Big Shot,
Stripes Embossing Folder

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

New Project Kit: Christmas Keepsake Box

Who knew you could capture the spirit of Christmas in a box? That's just what you can do with the exclusive Christmas Keepsake Box kit from Stampin’ Up! The completed box is perfect packaging for a gift that will never be forgotten, and the kit itself can be the perfect gift for your favorite crafter! The kit comes with almost everything you need precut for just $19.95, and includes instructions to help you make it.

Christmas Keepsake Box, #129024, $19.95

As a special offer related to a recent advertisement in Women’s Day Magazine, the Christmas Keepsake Box--left over from a recruiting promotion incentive in July--is now available for customers to order from now until December 31, 2011 (or while supplies last).

Please note, unlike the original offer in July, this Christmas Keepsake Box does NOT include the Pines & Poinsettias stamp set. You will need the following supplies to complete the project:

• Pines & Poinsettias stamp set
• Early Espresso Stampin’ Write Marker
  
• Real Red Stampin’ Write Marker
• Wild Wasabi Stampin’ Write Marker
  
• Adhesives
  
• 3/16" Corner Punch
• Paper Cutter
  
• Paper Snips
  
• Needle
  
• Glue gun

Click here to order the Christmas Keepsake Box Project Kit.

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

Everyday Elegance Card Kit

I love the Simply Sent Card Kits. They are perfect for a quick card. You can dress them up a little with some extra stamping or embellishments, or you can just leave it clean and simple. And this month, when you purchase two Simply Sent Card Kits, you'll get a coordinating stamp set for free! Click here to view this special in my Online Store.

This card was made with the Everyday Elegance Simply Sent Kit. It includes Cherry Cobbler and Baja Breeze printed cards and laser cute borders. There are self-adhesive labels for your greeting.

Stampin' Up! Supplies: Just Believe stamp set, Thoughts & Prayers stamp set, Baja Breeze ink, Basic Gray ink, Everyday Elegance Simply Sent Kit

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

Ornate Blossom Spice Cake Card

I had the base of the this card ready for another design, but then I decided not to use the designer paper strip on the other card, so I turned the card base into this instead. It's not my favorite, but who throws away perfectly good card bases, right!? (wink!)

Stampin' Up! Supplies: Ornate Blossom, Petite Pairs, Pear Pizzazz ink & cardstock, Soft Suede ink & cardstock, Very Vanilla cardstock, Spice Cake DSP, 1-3/4" Circle Punch, 2-3/8" Scallop Circle Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

Just for Fun Pennant Card

I recently found this card on my desk and realized that I never posted it. This is the card that I designed as a make and take for my new catalog open house back in July. I just love the way that it turned out. I wanted to use the Perfect Pennants die for the Big Shot for something other than making a banner.

The pinwheel comes from the Sweets for the Sweet stamp set that I got for free on the Alaska Cruise. Click here to see more samples using this stamp set.

Stampin' Up! Supplies: Sweets for the Sweet stamp set, Melon Mambo ink & cardstock, Pumpkin Pie ink & cardstock, Basic Black ink, Whisper White cardstock, Flirtatious Specialty Designer Paper, Perfect Pennants die (Big Shot), 1/4" Basic Black grosgrain ribbon, 1-3/4" Circle Punch, Stampin' Dimesionals, Neutral Brads, 1/16" Hole Punch

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

Free Stamp Set of the Month: Warmest of Wishes

Thanks to everyone who placed a Stampin' Up! order with me in September! I drew one winner from all of the online and email orders and Sarah L. from Elizabethtown is the lucky stamper to win the Happiness Shared stamp set! Congratulations, Sarah!

It's a new month, and time for a new free stamp set giveaway! Each month, I will give away a free stamp set. To be eligible for the drawing, all you have to do it place an online order (email orders count too!) that is not part of a club or workshop. You'll get one entry for each order that you place with me between October 1-31. I'll draw a winner on November 1st. This month's stamp set is Warmest of Wishes, the hostess stamp set from the Holiday Mini Catalog. You can also get this stamp set for free by hosting a workshop or placing an order over $150 during the mini catalog period.

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

Pulled Pastels Tutorial

Last week, my friend Lisa hosted a workshop with me. I always feel challenged to show this group of veteran stampers something that they haven't seen before. And I was thrilled when I succeeded! Ironically, the card that we made was based off a swap card from my upline Kim Peck...from January 2004!! So this technique is nothing NEW, but it's stunning nonetheless. I love bringing new life to old techniques and old projects!

The card uses the Lovely As a Tree stamp set. Do you own this one? I think it's the oldest set in the catalog. I got it in my Demonstrator Starter Kit way back in 2002. I love that you can customize the Starter Kit with the stamp sets and colors of your choice. And when you sign up to be a demonstrator in October 2011, you'll not only get the customize your Starter Kit, you'll also get a FREE BIG SHOT!! (Or $100 in free product) Will you choose Lovely As a Tree in your kit?

The technique I used on this card is called Pulled Pastels. It's a great one to demonstrate at a workshop because you don't need a lot of "stuff" to make it. All you need is Stampin' Pastels and a Versamark pad. First, use cotton balls to spread different color chalks from the Stampin' Pastels (I used Perfect Plum, Always Artichoke, and More Mustard) all over dark cardstock. (I used Night of Navy cardstock.)

Then, stamp your image in Versamark ink over the chalked cardstock. The Versamark ink will pull the chalks off the cardstock where you stamp.

Stampin Up! Supplies: Lovely as a Tree, Sweetly Said, Versamark ink pad, Night of Navy ink & cardstock, Perfect Plum cardtock, Crumb Cake cardstock, Stampin' Pastels

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

Summer Solstice Birthday Card

It's technically Autumn, but with temps in the 80's today, it sure felt like summer! Here's a card I created over the weekend using the Summer Solstice stamp set. One of the things I enjoy about going to the retreat is the opportunity to borrow and play with stamp sets that I don't own. This was one of them!

I was inspired by the FTL157 layout from Clean & Simple Stamping.

Stampin' Up! Supplies: Summer Solstice, Teeny Tiny Wishes, More Mustard ink, Pear Pizzazz ink & cardstock, Soft Suede ink & cardstock, Very Vanilla cardstock, Spice Cake DSP, Scallop Edge Punch, 1/2" Circle Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

Fancy Favor Owl Box

Oh my goodness! Can you believe how cute this owl is!? I was thrilled to receive this gift from Carol Walsh at our demonstrator retreat. She had four different variations and I should have taken a picture of all four of them, but I thought this guy was the cutest, so I was so happy he landed on my table!

Carol used several punches (notice the Petite Pennant Punch for his nose and feet!) to decorate the Fancy Favor Box that she cut with the Big Shot. Thank you for sharing your talent and creativity with us, Carol!!

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

Stamping at it's Sweetest: Cookie Stamps

I was so excited to find this little box on my bed at our demonstrator retreat this weekend! Kim used our new Sweet Press Cookie Stamps on this homemade treat for us. And the perfect way to package them? The Kraft Gift Boxes in the Holiday Mini Catalog! Look closely and you'll spot a brand new stamp set on the box!

Here's a close-up of the cookie! The Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamps includes 3 designs: a snowflakes, heart, and jack-o-lantern. You'll also get two cookie recipes: sugar cookie & shortbread. Click here to check out the Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamps in my Online Store and order yours today!

Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamps (#125152), $16.95

Take your love of stamping into the kitchen! Create fun and tasty stamped cookies for any occasion. Fit a silicone stamp over the bottom of wooden handle and press into dough—it’s that easy! Let the kids help! Food-safe, easy-to-clean (dishwasher safe). Suggested cookie recipes included. Each includes set of 3 silicone stamps and 1 handle.

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

Stamping the Day Away: Demonstrator Retreat Gifts

I have spent the entire day stamping! (Really, what would be more appropriate on World Card Making Day! I'm enjoying some time with my fellow demonstrators at a stamping retreat! Yummy food, good friends, and lots of stamping! I made 30 cards today and got a little caught up on some stamping projects.

As if all that isn't good enough, my upline Kim Peck, who organizes this annual retreat, spoils us with gifts! This adorable Spice Cake stocking was hanging on the door of my dorm room with a decorated roll of candy inside. I'm told I need to make sure it's hanging up there again tonight, so I can't wait to see what Kim will surprise us with next!

Stampin' Up! Supplies: Oval All stamp set, More Mustard ink & cardstock, Very Vanilla cardstock, Spice Cake DSP, Spice Cake Designer Fabric, Spice Cake Designer Buttons, More Mustard Polka Dot Ribbon, Very Vanilla Satin Ribbon, Soft Suede Taffeta Ribbon, Large Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Holiday Stocking Die (Big Shot)

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

10/1/11: New Clearance Rack Deals: Save up to 60%

Newly Updated on October 1, 2011: Get a Stampin' Up! discount up to 60% when you shop in the Clearance Rack section of my Online Store. Get great products at amazing prices -- but only while supplies last!


Shop early for the best selection of these great Stampin' Up! sale products. These discounts are only available online! Here is a sample of some of the brand new deals you'll find:

• Punches for $6.99
• Ribbon as low as $3.59
• Designer Paper for $3.99
• 8" x 8" Albums for $5.99
• HodgePodge Hardware for $12.99
• +rub-ons, Big Shot dies, Stampin' Around wheels and MORE!
  

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!