Hope Is On Its Way

Hi friends!

I want to show you another card from a class in June that features and message of hope and some really cool products. I think what I especially like is the color scheme of this card!  In case you haven't seen it, the "Affectionately Yours" Designer Series Paper is GORGEOUS!!  I'm a big fan of anything with navy blue in it and the complimentary softer colors are so pretty. There are some specialty papers with copper metallic accents that are really amazing. I need to make something with those pronto!  Here's my card:

The front features the "Sunshine Wishes" Framelit set... that's it... no stamping, just paper and framelits! When using our detailed framelits, be sure to use the die brush to help release the paper from the framelit without tearing the paper or pulling your hair out ;).   The inside of the card features the "Sunshine Sayings" stamp set which includes so many words and combinations of words to make the card say exactly what you want.  I finished it off with a bit of coordinating washi tape.  All of these products are featured in our Annual Catalog and available by placing an order online yourself (see link to the right) or contacting me and I will place one for you.

Hope is a great word to bless others with and hope goes a long way with a hand made card!
Happy Friday!
Sarah

Marquee Messages

I had the privilege of traveling to Salt Lake City in April to attend a Stampin'Up! "On Stage" event, their semi-annual convention.  It's always a great time of new product reveals, demonstrations, inspiration and fun. In addition, we usually get some free stuff, including stamps!  One of the sets I received was called "Marquee Messages". The old-fashioned multi light bulb sign design is really popular right now and boy is there alot you can do with this. I already featured this card on an older post and here is a newer version we recently did in a class. 

The card is first stamped with the Hardwood background stamp and then cut with one of the Lots of Labels framelits on the bottom edge to create a sandwich board type effect. While you can't see it, I also stamped the back of the card in the same manner.  The stamp set isn't just for birthdays and includes many variations to celebrate someone special for a special occasion.  Here's the inside:

Hopefully you notice the new punch!  It's a badge shape and there are some great stamps to coordinate with this, all sold as a bundle.  I think this makes a great birthday card idea, but can you also imagine the possibilities with a baby announcement or graduation announcement? Wouldn't that be fun!

Well, I'm back to the drawing board and creating some more rubber stamping goodness today! Have a great day and take some time to savor the summer ;)

Sarah

Wedding Wishes

Summer is a popular time for weddings, especially in a northern state like Montana.  Weddings are great occasions to send a handmade card as well, for that special couple!  In a recent class, we made the following card featuring the Floral  Phrases and Detailed Floral Framelits.

The base of this card (the Emerald Envy card stock)  was cut a little differently than normal. It was  cut at 8-1/2" x 4-1/4" and then scored at 5-1/8".  The larger of the two Detailed Floral Framelits and the edge framelit are used to cut the shorter side of the green cardstock. If you don't have the die brush (#143603) to help remove all the little "hanging chads" from the framelits, you need it!

A second piece of Very Vanilla cardstock is adhered to the inside back of the Emerald Envy card stock. This piece is 4-7/8" x 8" and scored at 2" and 6".   I specifically chose a nontraditional color scheme for some visual interest and to use the Moroccan Designer Series Paper. Of course, it wouldn't be a wedding card without some rhinestone bling!  My tag on the front was cut using the Tags and Labels framelits... don't forget about that handy set!

This card was fun to make, a little out of the box and a nice challenge. Hope you like it!  Contact me if you're interested in this card, the supplies to make it or any other great product at Stampin'Up!
Happy Stampin!
Sarah

Fruity and delicious!

I recently hosted a special card class featuring the Fresh Fruit stamp set and Fruit Stand Designer Series Paper!  Sometimes it is a lot of fun to challenge yourself by picking a theme, or limiting your stamp and paper choices.  We made 6 cards for the class and a special bonus card I will feature in my blog tomorrow.

This paper is gorgeous, original artwork from a Stampin'Up! artist and reproduced on high quality two-sided paper. I love the fresh, summery colors and there are some nice complimentary stripes, etc. to go with it.   The stamp set is also amazing with some incredible sentiments as well as watercolor two-step fruit images.  The above picture shows a set of three birthday cards made using the notecard/envelope set SU offers.  Here are the other three cards:

As you can see, we added some special embellishments with ribbon, bling, doilies, twine and buttons.  Don't forget to check your stash of embellishments from time to time. You may find the perfect complement to your card!

Check out the supplies below and more from our catalog (link is on the right side of the blog) and get started on creating some beautiful handmade cards of your own today!  Don't know where to start? I can help! Leave a comment and I'll get back to you.  I have lots of ideas for any size project and budget ;)

Happy Stampin!
Sarah

Summer Sun and Sailing

Every now and then, you come across a stamp set that is sooooooo versatile you hardly know what to do with it or where to start!  For me, that is the "Swirly Bird" stamp set. There are a lot of pieces to this set, designed to create all sorts of images when combined together. Of course, there are framelits too so that makes it even more fun!  Here's my first attempt with this fun set:

I stamped the sun and boat, used paper for the background of the ocean and then used the framelits to accent the sun and ocean. The burlap was a complete after thought and honestly, a mistake cover up!  My red ink pad dropped and smudged right on the edge of my card... oooops!

I'm planning on trying some more things with this set... maybe birds, kites, donuts?  haha  Check it out and see where your imagination takes you!

There's a Bonus Days promotion going on right now until the end of July. For every $50 you spend with SU, you earn a $5 bonus coupon good for use in August!  Sounds like a great deal to me! Let me know if you want to take advantage of that savings and knock a few things off your wish list!

Happy Stampin'!
Sarah

Christmas in July, why not?!

Each year, I briefly think about doing a Christmas in July type card class for the hopeful reason that people have more time on their hands in July than December. Not sure that is true, but I'm going to test it out this year and try it!  I'll be having a new format class, A Christmas Stamp A Stack!  All participants will move through 5 different stations and make up to 3 cards of each design, for a total of 15 cards. The cost will be $2 per card or a total of $30 if all the cards are made. If you are interested, please contact me so I can save a spot for you! Here are the details:

Thursday, July 21, 6 p.m.
Friday, July 22, 9 a.m.
Saturday, July 23, 10 a.m.

I am anticipating 2-3 hours to make 15 cards and that can be done all at once or broken up over the various time slots.   Here's a peek of what we will make!

There is a great Christmas suite of stamps and paper in the annual catalog and this class will feature those products.  I'm hoping this time of year will be a fun and relaxing time to work on some Christmas cards rather than be rushed at the last minute or bagging it altogether!  Come and join us!

Happy Stampin'!
Sarah