Goodbye, 2009-10 IB&C!

Well, it has finally arrived - the last day to order from the current Idea Book & Catalog! We have only until midnight, so you might want to check one last time to be sure you have everything you need off the retirement list (see icons in the left margin).

The first sample features some retiring card stock colors and the small star punch which is not being reconfigured, and the second sample (designed by fellow demo Deb) uses the stamp set Game Night and Jackpot DSP. All categories in the catalog are affected, so give your stock a quick last-minute check.

Then, get ready for some great NEW goodies!! -Kathy

Retirement Party Photos

Cherry Cobbler Blossom

Hi there! Isn't this a scrumptious color of red? It's in our new color collection, called Cherry Cobbler. But there are retiring items on this card, too- the gingham ribbon that adds just the right touch of whimsey, and the "happiness" stamp (from the set Warm Words) will be retiring June 30.

I used the polka dot plate from the Backgrounds 1 set to emboss the front of the Whisper White card base with the Big Shot. Then I used about a quarter sheet of red, first cutting a narrow frame for the card front (which I adhered with Stampin' Dimensionals so that it would cast an interesting shadow). With the remainder I punched six ovals using the large oval punch. Actually, it's easiest if you use the 1" punch to make the hole in the petal first, then work from the opening on the back to center the circle at one end of the oval opening to create the petals. To curve the petals, I put them on the silicone rubber mat for the Big Shot, and rubbed gently with the wide end of a bone folder. There was enough left to make a scallop oval mat for the sentiment.

The "leaves" are made from scraps of Old Olive using the large oval punch. You punch out a shape, then punch again in almost the same place, just overlapping the edge of the paper a bit to make a narrow punched sliver. I glued the petals down in opposite pairs to get a uniform look.

Give this flower a try when it's too hot to be outside watering your other ones!! -Kathy

Stamps: Warm Words
Ink: Riding Hood Red classic
Paper: Whisper White, Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive scrap
Accessories: Texturz Plates Backgrounds 1; 1" and 1/4" circle, large and scallop oval, Boho Blossoms punches; 1/4" black gingham ribbon; Playground Designer button

Ordinary Day Bouquet

My daughter Ginny has a gift for seeing beauty. She was quite young when she began to bring me fistfuls of dandylions or clover, and it is usually she who discovers the first crocus in spring. We often marvel together at the clouds and the sunsets in this region where the horizon extends forever. And now that she is older and learning her way around the digital SLR that has come to live with us, she often stops to record moments of glory, both large and small.

She picked this grouping of blossoms (lavender, bachelor's button, cone flower) in our yard earlier this week and tucked it into a tiny vase. Each time I pass it, I smile. Such a small thing, but so full of the vivid color of summer, the amazing detail in all created things, and memories both old and new.

I have learned so much from my girls. Taking just a moment to stop and capture the beauty that is all around us in an "ordinary day" is one of these things. -Kathy

Pool Pearl

Hello again,
Don't you just love her! I saw her on the Stampin' Connection by Pippen and knew I was going to have to make her. A friend of mine just celebrated his 25th birthday and I knew she'd be a hit ...and she was! He has her displayed accordingly smack dab in the middle of his fridge for all to see! Thanks Ryan and Happy Birthday!
Monique

Materials: All materials are Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted.
Paper: Whisper White, Bashful Blue, Pretty in Pink, So Saffron, Melon Mambo, Blush Blossom and Basic Black.
Ink: VersaMark, Basic Black, and Pretty in Pink; So Saffron, Rose Red, Certainly Celery, Basic Black (Stamp n' Write Markers).
Stamps: Cheers to You, Occasional Quotes and So Swirly Wheel.
Punches: Scallop Edge, Photo Corners, Scallop Circle, 1 3/8" Circle, Scallop Oval, Corner Rounder and Round Tab.
Ribbon: Melon Mambo.
Misc.: Silver Ink Pen*, Pink Rhinestones*, White Twist Tie*.
* Non-Stampin' Up! products.

Goodbye, Chef Pierre!

He's leaving me. I am heartbroken. You may know this set as "Voila", but are you acquainted with "Chef Pierre", the man who -in taking himself seriously - always makes me laugh?! You may have thought it was just kitchen-related, but this is such a versatile set: it works well for (to name a few) wedding, birthday, congratulations. Just one of many sets that will be leaving us in only six days... -Kathy

Greenhouse Gala

It's almost here: the 2010-2011 Stampin' Up! Idea Book & Catalog! I'm so glad I'm a demo so that I get to sneak a peek a whole month earlier than you do! Tee, hee.

One of the fabulous new designer paper sets is called Greenhouse Gala, and here's a project I've made using it together with new stamp offering Friends Never Fade. The base is 5x5" textured Pacific Point and smooth Wild Wasabi cardstocks, using Baja Breeze and Chocolate Chip classic inks.

You're already familiar with the 5/8" brads in our catalog, but perhaps you haven't used them in this way: I cut two lengths of ribbon, then opened the prongs of the brad to slip them behind the flat head. I then pierced a hole for the brad and inserted it into the sentiment base. Next, I took two lengths of natural linen thread and tied a bow on either side of the brad, working the knots just under the edge of the head of the brad. Finally, I snipped the ribbon ends into angles that fit onto the sentiment "unit".

Give it a try for a new and different look with ribbon! -Kathy

A Gracious Friend

I've told you about my friend and fellow demonstrator Lisa several times now, as well as showing you samples of her work. I wish each of you a friend like Lisa! She has the most amazing gift for recalling little details about the people she meets, and when she recently took a beading class, she remembered my admiration for dragonflies.

Did you know that more than 500 species are native to North America? They are more ancient than dinosaurs and fly in a zigzag pattern. Dragonflies have splendid names such as "Shadow Darner", "Flame Skimmer" and "Blue Dasher", as well as richly colored bodies and a tendency to eat those nasty mosquitoes that plague us these days. Although they may take up to 6 years to emerge from their larval stage, as adults they have short but effective lives and rarely sit still. These are a few of the reasons I admire them so.

Anyway, not too long ago she placed this stunning card in my hands for no particular reason. It's not the first time she's done that - in fact, when I conduct workshops, I often give the "Lisa Cool Award" to a participant to emphasize how much a simple gesture like sending a hand made card can mean. If you don't have a friend like Lisa - or even if you do - then become one! You have the power to change someone's day. -Kathy

Friends

Going... going.... gone! Time is running out and the deadline is fast approaching for the Stampin' Up! retirement list. Sad to see some great products retire, but sooo excited about the new! I've gotten a sneak peek and the new catalog is Fabulous! Can't wait to get my little fingers on the new stuff! If you haven't already heard, Idyllwilde Studios is hosting a Retirement Stamp-a-Stack on Saturday June 26th from 10 - 2. Swing by and join us in replenishing your card stash by making some cards (1.00 ea.) utilizing retiring products and get you order placed before it's too late. Hope to see you there!
M.

Materials: All materials are Stampin' Up!

Paper: Whisper White, Basic Grey, Rich Razzleberry and Razzleberry Lemonade DSP.

Ink: Staze On, VersaMark, Old Olive and Rich Razzleberry.

Stamp: Friends 24-7 and Friendly Words Wheel.

Punch: Eyelet Border.

Misc.: Silver Brads and Stampin' Dimensionals.

Wedding Congrats

Good morning,

I created this card for the Lawrence Area Demo swap. The challenge was wedding/anniversary. It's pretty basic and goes together in a flash. Worked out perfectly, because I have a cousin getting married on Sat.!

M.

Materials: All material are Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted.

Paper: Basic Grey, Pink Pirouette, and Whisper White.

Ink: Pink Pirouette and Basic Black.

Stamp: Wedding Suite.

Punch: Modern Label.

Ribbon: Basic Grey Taffeta.

Misc.: Sticky Brad.*

* Non Stampin' Up! product.

More New Colors

Don't these just look yummy summery like ice cream treats?! I've been having a great time working through some card ideas that utilize primarily color for their visual impact.

Here, I've cut 1" squares of Tempting Turquoise, Pacific Point and Wild Wasabi and lined them up on a standard 4.25 x 5.5" Naturals White base. I then punched 1" circles from the same colors, using Stampin' Dimensionals to pop up a circle here and there like the "pop art" effects of the '80s. You can add any sentiment on a banner strip, making short work of the v-cut by using your square punch. Another great way to use up scraps!! -Kathy

Retirement P'Arty!!

Whatever happened to the idea of "lazy summer days?! Mine are simply flying by, and June is half over!! Before we know it Independence Day will be here, and unwanted tomatoes will begin appearing mysteriously during the night on your back doorstep...

Meanwhile, we have just a couple more weeks before our current Stampin' Up! catalog retires and we lose many of our favorites for good. We say, let's send them off with a party! Monique, Lori and I will each be preparing card designs for a stamp-a-stack to be held Saturday, June 26 from 10:00am-2:00pm here at the studio. We'll also have some older stamp sets and assorted items for sale.

If you've never been to a stamp-a-stack, it's about time! We pamper you by having all the parts and pieces cut for you, and you can make as many of each design as you wish for just $1/card. Each card is designed to be completed in about 10 minutes, so they make great samples to have on hand for future reference, too!

Three retiring sets are featured in the photo above, on some great cards from a recent demonstrator swap (Hey, did you know YOU can become a demo for just $99 this month?! See the side bar or call one of us for details.). Of the Earth is a current hostess set, showcased in a design by Monique (also uses En Francais and the Very Vintage wheel); Embrace Life on a card by Lisa; and Becky put together the card using Bella's Bloom. Nice work, ladies! With a flower theme going here, you can see why I had to take these shots outdoors! Kathy

Note: The designs featured at the stamp-a-stack may not include those in the photo shown, due to the 10-minute limit.

Hello, New Color Collection!

Do you have a butterfly garden? I think it's a charming concept. They are drawn to bright colors in the sunlight and you should also have a shallow pan of water for them nearby.

Our new palette reminds me of a butterfly garden, with lots of luscious new colors! Here I'm featuring Rich Razzleberry, Melon Mambo, Wild Wasabi, Tangerine Tango and Pacific Point. You'll recognize these as current and/or recent "In Colors", and I'm happy to say they will be with us in the upcoming catalog, which goes live July 1st!

Don't have your catalog reserved yet? Just e-me or give a call and I'll put you on the list.

The card was constructed on a Whisper White base that measured 4.25 x 11", which I folded down to a standard 4.25 x 5.5". Using the Word Window Punch, I used a selection of scraps which I adhered in a repeating sequence across the face of the card. I then tied some of our current Razzleberry Polka Dot Grosgrain ribbon across the punched shapes (Note: Plain Razzleberry grosgrain will be available in the new catalog, but if you like yours with spots, order it now!). The butterfly and sentiment are from the Great Friend stamp set. Kathy

Awash in Razzleberry

This was my prepared swap for "Cool n' the Gang" using new products from the 2010-2011 IBC. Sooo glad SU decided to keep the Rich Razzleberry around! I didn't use a sentiment figuring it could fit into so many categories that I'd let the girls decide for themselves. Hope you like, I sure do! :)

Monique

Materials: All materials are Stampin' Up!

Paper: Whisper White, Rich Razzleberry and Old Olive DSP.

Ink: Rich Razzleberry and Old Olive.

Stamp: Awash with Flowers.

Punch: Eyelet Border.

Ribbon: Old Olive (Retired).

Misc.: Dazzling Diamonds Glitter.

Upsy Daisy Birthday

This is another birthday card for a co-worker. I love the Basic Black and Kiwi Kiss together, it looks so crisp!
ttys,
M.

Materials: All materials are Stampin' Up!
Paper: Whisper White, Basic Black and Urban Oasis DSP (Retired).
Ink: Kiwi Kiss.
Stamp: Upsy Daisy.

June 2010 Stamp Club

Our June hostess was interested in learning some new tricks for using ribbon. We began our session by making a sampler card of ideas for future reference, including the ribbon rose featured on this evening's "shabby chic" card. Difficult to see but adding subtle depth to the design are a pair of mini clear buttons, and another fun new idea was using white craft ink to sponge the edges of the kraft (soon to be "crumb cake") card stock. I love the effect of stamping on designer paper for added visual texture.

And I love the fact that Stampin' Up! supplies can become so many different styles! Kathy

Goodbye, Pale Plum

Here's another card using dry embossing (Thanks, Becky! So glad you came to the meeting and brought a shoebox swap!). Makes me wonder why I haven't used it very often - it's a very classy look.

The layout is a great basic for new stampers, dressed up to match the flowers with the strips of punched Pale Plum paper (one of FIVE purples being retired June 30!). I love the way you can use a single stamp from a set to create a coordinating background pattern for your focal point.

Technique Tip- It's easy to adjust your image to fit your space when using a brass template. If you want a smaller image, simply leave off part of the design. If you want it larger, choose a part of the design to repeat, as I did with the swirls and flowers.

If you're ready to give dry embossing a try, I'll be glad to set a time to go over it with you from start to finish. What are you waiting for? -Kathy


All supplies Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Priceless, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink: Pale Plum, Perfect Plum classic
Paper: Perfect Plum, Pale Plum and Whisper White CS
Accessories: Priceless Classy Brass template; scallop trim border, scallop oval and large oval punches; Stampin' Dimensionals or stamp scrap

Patriotic Grad

I made this card for a friend whose son graduated from with his PhD from Stanford. He did his thesis on the Civil War Reconstruction so she wanted his card to have a patriotic theme. Plus with just a little change up of the stamp, you’re ready for the 4th of July! How cool is that!
ttys,
Monique

Materials: All materials are Stampin’ Up!
Paper: Whisper White, Night of Navy and Real Red.
Ink: White Craft and Night of Navy and Real Red Stampin’ Write Markers.
Stamps: Happy Grad.
Punch: Star.
Misc.: Stampin’ Dimensionals and Piercing Tool.

A Sweet Thank You!

Simple and Sweet!
Just Wrap Candy of Choose and tag it!
I used scraps of 2 different DSP.
A Pretzel Bag
(found almost anywhere baking items are sold)
Scallop Punch.
Ribbon to Match.

Goodbye, Apricot Appeal...

Well, this is it: Retirement month. Time to say goodbye to the "old" and make room for the new, time to get serious about stocking up on favorites that you just can't live without. :o)

One of mine is Apricot Appeal. Not so bold as orange, but warm and rich and versatile... Here's a card (designed by Deloris, assembled at a shoebox swap by me) that really lets the base color be a feature element. We used a stylus and a brass template to dry emboss the row of dots across the bottom section of the card. Sound complicated? It's super simple. You just "draw inside the lines" of the template (see page 188 in the 2009-2010 IB&C), then "scribble" across the rest of the shape to make the paper pop up. It's a lot like coloring with crayons, but even more forgiving!

Technique Tip- Determine which side of the paper you'll be using your stylus on (typically the back side where the images will be pushed down) and burnish over it with waxed paper. This makes your stylus glide easily over the paper. If you don't have a light box, use a window or French door as your work surface during the daytime so that you can see where to press into your template.

The focal point for the card is a small rectangle of whisper white with a stamped image. This was distressed, and a piece of 5/8" satin ribbon tied around it. Then we popped it up with some stamp scrap so it would cast a shadow and create dimension. Ta da! Simplicity is good. -Kathy


All supplies Stampin' Up!
Stamps: Flower Fancy
Ink: Apricot Appeal, Pretty in Pink classic
Paper: Apricot Appeal, Whisper White CS
Accessories: Priceless Classy Brass Template, stylus, waxed paper, 5/8" vanilla satin ribbon, stamp scrap

Scallop Punch Flowers

Using the Scallop Punch- I made these embellishments for this card!

Last Chance Items!

Last Chance! Click on the sidebar for a PDF of the items on Sale!