Top 5 of September 2012

As September draws to an end, it's time to rewind and look back at favorite projects from last fall! Here were my top five favorite projects from September 2012. Click on each photo to see the original blog post with project details and (in some cases) video tutorials. I hope you enjoy these projects, again.

 

 

 

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Stamp of the Month Club: Get a new Clear Mount stamp set each month plus three completely finished hand-stamped cards! Learn More
Featured Stamp Set for September: Wetlands

VIDEO: Watercolor Wash Technique Tutorial

The new Wetlands stamp set was at the top of my list when the new Annual Catalog was released this summer, so I was excited to feature it was my Stamp of the Month Club pick for September. Here is one of the three cards club members will get. (It's not too late to join and start with this series! Learn More.)

I used the Aquapainter to create the watercolor background. Watch my video tutorial to learn some tips on creating the focal point for this card:
Stampin' Up! Supplies: Wetlands stamp set, Jet Black Staz-On ink & cardstock, Marina Mist ink & cardstock, Very Vanilla cardstock, Crumb Cake cardstock & reinker, Watercolor Paper, Aquapainter, Linen Thread, Pretty Print Embossing Folder (Big Shot), Stampin' Distress Tool, Stampin' Dimensionals

 

 

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NEW! Hostess Code Club
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September Hostess Code: UA2HWWVE
 

Stamp of the Month Club: Get a new Clear Mount stamp set each month plus three completely finished hand-stamped cards! Learn More
Featured Stamp Set for September: Wetlands

NEW!! Everyday Occasions Card-Making Kit

Everyday Occasions Cardmaking Kit, #134797, $29.95

I am so excited about this brand new card-making kit from Stampin' Up! The new Everyday Occasions Cardmaking Kit includes everything you need (minus adhesive and scissors) to create 20 beautiful cards for almost any occasion. SEE THE CARDS HERE. It even includes envelopes!!

Check out the Clear Mount stamps that are included in the kit. This stamp set alone is a $14.95 value! The Everyday Occasions Card-Making Kit also includes a mini clear block, two mini ink pads, and pre-cut paper and embellishments to make TWENTY (20) cards!!! 

This kit was designed with brand new stampers in mind. It would be make an ideal gift for a new crafter, but with such an incredible value, you'll want to add this to your own collection, too!

Everyday Occasions Cardmaking Kit, #134797, $29.95

The kit includes:

* Cardstock and envelopes for 20 cards
* Twine, buttons & clips
* Pre-cut paper embellishments
* Mini ink pads (Stampin’ Spots)
* Seven-piece Occasions Stamp Set & clear stamp block
* Full color Tips & Tricks brochure for making the cards
* A cool, storable, giftable box

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

NEW! Hostess Code Club
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September Hostess Code: UA2HWWVE
 

Stamp of the Month Club: Get a new Clear Mount stamp set each month plus three completely finished hand-stamped cards! Learn More
Featured Stamp Set for September: Wetlands

Christmas Collectibles Founder's Circle Swap

Making 120 swaps is a daunting task. I don't usually make that many swaps, not even for Convention! I love swapping, but I just have SO many card samples already! But you can't go to Founder's and NOT swap, right!? Here is the card that I designed for my Founder's Circle swap. Notice I said designed. When it came to making the cards, I called in for back-up! Many thanks to my friend and stamping assistant, Wiko! You truly saved the day for me!

Stampin' Up! Supplies: Christmas Collectibles stamp set, Joy to the World stamp set, Pool Party ink & cardstock, Smoky Slate ink & cardstock, Whisper White cardstock, Winter Frost Designer Paper Stack, Christmas Ornament Punch, Silver Ribbon, Rhinestone Jewel Accents, Stampin' Dimensionals

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

NEW! Hostess Code Club
Free Make & Take Kits, Hostess Rewards, & Access to Exclusive Projects & Tutorials
Learn More | Order Online
September Hostess Code: UA2HWWVE
 

Stamp of the Month Club: Get a new Clear Mount stamp set each month plus three completely finished hand-stamped cards! Learn More
Featured Stamp Set for September: Wetlands

NEW! Photopolymer Stamp Sets for Halloween & Travel

Check out these new additions to Stampin' Up!'s line of Photopolymer stamps! Click each image for a closer view in my Online Store.

 

Our photopolymer stamps offer a versatile all-clear stamping option. You’ll find that our photopolymer is top-quality and give a perfectly stamped image every time. The stamps stick amazingly well to our clear blocks and are easy to place just where you want them. And best of all, you get to enjoy tons of images for a great price!

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NEW! Hostess Code Club
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September Hostess Code: UA2HWWVE

VIDEO: Peek-a-Boo Message Card Tutorial

I designed this card to make with my Stamp Club this month to show off the Papillon Potpourri stamp set and Bitty Butterfly Punch bundle that is on sale this month. (Learn More) I was inspired by a card that Shelli demonstrated at Convention and was surprised to find that it was easier to make than it first appears!

Inside of Card

Watch my video tutorial below to learn how to turn a frame from the Peekaboo Frames die into a secret message card:

Stampin' Up! Supplies: Papillon Potpourri Stamp Set, Petite Pairs stamp set, Chocolate Chip ink pad & cardstock, Crushed Curry cardstock, Tangerine Tango cardstock, Very Vanilla cardstock, Sweater Weather Designer Paper, Top Note die (Big Shot), Peekaboo Frames die (Big Shot), Bitty Butterfly Punch, Envelope Punch Board, Mini Glue Dots

 

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

NEW! Hostess Code Club
Free Make & Take Kits, Hostess Rewards, and Access to Exclusive Projects & Tutorials
Learn More | Order Online
September Hostess Code: UA2HWWVE
 

Stamp of the Month Club: Get a new Clear Mount stamp set each month plus three completely finished hand-stamped cards! Learn More
Featured Stamp Set for September: Wetlands

Stampin' Up! Founder's Circle 2013: Day 4: R&R

After two early mornings, I enjoyed sleeping in without setting an alarm for my last day in St. George. In fact, I was so lazy, I didn't go down for breakfast until 10:30! I spent the rest of the morning and early afternoon chatting with friends and working on more make and takes.

Check out this awesome display in the Hospitality Room! All of the projects use the sneak peek products we got as a pillow gift on the first night. You can see close-ups of all of the projects on display on my Facebook Page here. (Be sure to "like" my page if you're not already a fan!)

Our surprise "Final Night Activity" started at 4:00 pm. They bussed us to a local family farm, where we played games with our candy-themed teams (from the first night) and won prizes.

Giant Pillow Jump

Trying to lasso

It was terribly windy, so they moved our outdoor dinner into the barn, which was decorated so nicely! The menu was pulled pork with potatoes and salad and homemade root beer. Then for dessert, we had apple cobbler with ice cream. I ate so much I felt sick!!

The night ended with a festive concert and more gifts! We each received the brand new Everyday Occasions Cardmaking Kit, which will be available later this week. (Watch for details!! I am so excited about this card kit!)

On the bus ride back to the hotel, I found the last two demonstrators I needed to sign my Founder's Circle Yearbook! One of the best parts of the Founder's Circle retreat has been getting to know everyone and visiting with old and new friends! I'm sad that our time in Utah is over, but I look forward our next stamping adventure and I know I'll see them again soon!


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NEW! Hostess Code Club
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September Hostess Code: UA2HWWVE

Stampin' Up! Founder's Circle 2013: Canyoneering Adventures

I made it a point to plan another excursion with Paragon Adventures while I was here in Utah. Last year, I went hiking, rappelling, and zip-lining with them and the experience was empowering and unforgettable! The guides are so knowledgeable and literally let us walk all over them! This year, we did their Intro to Canyoneering excursion, which included rappelling and hiking through a slot canyon, specifically Yankee Doodle Canyon in Southern Utah.

Here are some highlights from our trip on Thursday. Special thanks to our guides Matt and Bryan who took these great pictures!

My canyoneering companions: Brenda Keenan (front), Kay Kalthoff, Me, Rachel Tessman

Look closely and you can see Kay and Brenda on the ground below me (over my shoulder)!

 

 

There were a few places in the narrow canyon that had standing water and the only way around it was to go through it!

 

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

NEW! Hostess Code Club
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September Hostess Code: UA2HWWVE