No more boring embossing folder techniques!

 Hey Stampers!

I have had an embossing folder in the back of my mind for almost a year now - it's the Dandelions embossing folder, which I love, but haven't even tried using once until today! I know my team  of demos and customers love to figure out new ways to use the products they have so I decided it was time for another video tutorial on different things to do with embossing folders. And, bonus, I got to use the Dandelions folder - a lot!

#1  Standard embossing on card stock (So Saffron), then daubing White Craft ink and Old Olive Classic ink on the raised embossing.

#2. Embossing on vellum, New In-Color, Sparkly Vellum (Pale Papaya). Put some Dandy Garden Misty Moonlight DSP behind the embossed vellum!

#3 Ink up the raised side of the embossing folder with Stampin'Write markers (Pale Papaya and Soft Succulunt), using the broad tip end of the marker PRIOR TO EMBOSSING. Place paper in embossing folder and run through the Stampin'Cut and Emboss machine! Indented side will have the ink impression!

#4 Same as #3 above, only prior to placing paper in embossing folder, spritz lightly with inked up side of the folder with water. Creates more of a watercolor image and also very vintage look! Colors used here were Bumblebee and Evening Evergreen.

I know there's even more fun to be had with our fabulous embossing folders but the thing is to just go outside your box and try some new techniques! It's okay to get messy and see what happens! As a caution,   DO NOT use alcohol or permanent markers on the embossing folders. Just stick with the regular Stampin'Up! Classic ink which is water soluble for easy cleanup!

Here's my video how-to!

Thanks for stopping by! I hope I've inspired you to dig out some embossing folders and see what magic you can make with them - it's so fun!

Happy Stampin'!

Sarah

A new Favorite bundle - "Hand-Penned Petals"

Hi Stampin' Friends!

I'm back today with a new favorite (I'll be saying that over and over in the next few weeks as the new catalog launches!) This one is simple and sweet! It's a sketched design, hence the name, of some delicate flowers and leaves to color or let stand alone. I've had a lot of fun with this great set already but wanted to share some watercoloring tips and techniques I videoed today as I made this card:

 Isn't it gorgeous! I watercolored the flowers and leaves and then used a coordinating die (included in the bundle) to cut it out. When I first laid it on the "Hand-Penned" Designer Series Paper, it seemed too busy of a background, even though they were basically the same colors and motifs. I added a bit of Blushing Bride cardstock (embossed with the Dainty Diamonds embossing folder) and also a layer of velum. If ever you're having trouble with layering and it seems too busy, try a layer of vellum. It mellows everything out and is almost always the perfect solution! By the time I was done, I felt the background DSP had plenty of space and my watercolored flowers were a focal point of the card.  Here's the video including my coloring tips!

This fun bundle will be available to purchase on May 4th, the day the new Annual Catalog launches! Check back often leading up to that day as I share more sneak peeks and excitement coming our way soon - what a great time of year!

Happy Stampin'!

Sarah

Beauty of Friendship bundle

Hi Stampin' Friends!    

I thought you'd like a sneak peek at another bundle headed your way next Tuesday, May 4th, when the new Annual Catalog debuts! I can't wait to share all the details but here's some sneak peeks of stuff I've been able to make with this new suite of stamps, dies and Designer Series Paper!

Check 'em out!

 I hope you're a fan of trees like so many people are! This set is pretty versatile as far as what kinds of trees you can create and especially work with different seasons. I'm excited to show you these samples and more at my upcoming New Annual Catalog Launch on Tuesday, May 4th from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Stop by my house for an open house style event, see the new samples, grab a new catalog and some snacks and even create a couple Make-N-Takes! 2020 was such a tough and unusual year. Let's bring back some joy with 2021 and renew our love of crafting and stamping! Hope you can make it!

Happy Stampin'!

Sarah

2021-2023 In Color Blends on Display

 Hi Stampers!

How is your Friday going so far? I've had such a good week of stamping following the time off for Covid. I'm still more tired than usual but stamping doesn't require all that much energy, right?!! It's been a perfect therapy and fed my long-neglected creative juices. Earlier this week, I introduced the new In-Colors to you and also did a quick video comparing them to some of our current colors. I'll include that video at the bottom of this post so you can reference it!

One product I love love love are the Stampin' Blends alcohol markers and this year, Stampin'Up! is releasing a Blends marker in all five new In Colors! That really adds to my color palette for coloring and I couldn't wait to try them out. I knew right away what I wanted to do. In the Jan-June Mini Catalog, there is an all Black and White Designer Series Pack called "True Love" Designer Series Paper. While the black and white images are striking all by themselves, they are even more fun to color! The card I made features one of these sheets plus all five new In Colors including Evening Evergreen, Soft Succulent, Pale Papaya, Polished Pink and Fresh Freesia.  Here's the card:

I was able to get different shades of the colors by combining the light and dark markers on some flowers and using either just the dark or just the light on others. All Blends come as a double back with a light and dark version of each color. They are fun to shade with and a dream to color with. The alcohol ink glides on with little effort and saturates the paper with vivid colors. I happened to back this card with some wonderful gingham in Pale Papaya, part of the Pansy Petals Designer Series Paper coming May 4th in the new Annual Catalog.  I hope you're excited for these new In Colors and all the great new stamps, dies, paper, embellishments and more coming soon! 

And as promised, here's the video I did introducing these new In Colors and comparing them to our current color line up. It will help you decide if you need the new In Colors!

It's a snowy and cold weekend  moving in to my part of Montana - perfect stamping weather~!  I'll be back soon with more fun and ideas to share. 

Happy Stampin',

Sarah

Happy Mother's Day with Welcoming Window!

 Hi Stampers!

I'm back today with a card I've been working on for an upcoming class. Mother's Day is the next holiday coming soon and I wanted to give the gals a chance to make a Mother's Day card or turn it into a birthday card if that's what they need. Almost any stamp set will work but the "Welcoming Window" set in the Jan-June Mini Catalog actually includes a sentiment just for Mother's Day, so that's what I chose.  Here's the card and then I'll tell you about it!

This is a jam-packed stamp and die collection allowing you to stamp or die cut a window, shutters and more in so many combinations. For this card, I chose to mostly stamp the window, shutters and shelf and then die cut the pitcher and flowers. I added some fun Designer Series Paper strips from the "In Good Taste" and Flowers for Every Season" DSP packs. I based my color scheme off the top floral paper and really like the Misty Moonlight, Just Jade, Cinnamon Cider and Gray Granite colors with a pop of Bumblebee in the flowers. This sentiment is perfect because it works for anyone you would like to celebrate on Mother's Day, it doesn't necessarily have to be your own mother. 

I'm trying out some other ideas with this fun set and will post them when they are ready. Here's a look at the bundle so you can see all the parts and pieces included!

Obviously you get quite a bit for your money with this set! It's on page 58 of the Jan-June Mini Catalog and is also being carried over into the new Annual Catalog coming on May 4th!

I hope you are enjoying a gorgeous spring day where you are and until next time,

Happy Stampin'!

Sarah

Out of the Covid Pit and into a new In -Color Year!

 Hi Stampin' Friends!

It's been waaaaay to long since I've blogged and I've missed connecting with you and sharing what I'm up to. My life certainly hasn't been what I expected the past month! In mid March, we took a 2 week getaway to Southern Utah and Arizona to see family, do some exploring with our side-by-side RZR and see some beautiful countryside that didn't look anything like Montana. We had a great trip and I was all set to gear up for a new Annual Catalog coming out and planning a new slate of classes and projects and fun. Then, Covid struck! A few days after getting my first Covid vaccination, I had the misfortune to test positive for Covid, along with my son and husband. What started out as a mild cough quickly degenerated into all the symptoms with nausea hitting me the hardest and longest. I won't bore you with the details but I'm only now crawling out of the fog, 3 weeks later. I'm still profoundly weak and tired but at least I'm functioning and grateful the worst is behind me. My son and husband had an easier time of it so they are doing really well. I think this will be a long haul back to full strength and energy. You have my full understanding and sympathies if you've been hit with Covid!

Meanwhile, life was happening and some exciting things are just on the horizon with Stampin'Up! The new Annual Catalog will launch a full month early this year, starting on May 4th! I've been able to order a few products with my preorder and I'm most excited about the new 2021-2023 In-Colors. I want to share them with you today.  I was able to spend a few minutes in my stamp room last week and try these gorgeous new colors out and made this #simplestamping card:

 I used the "Pretty Perennials" stamp set from the Jan-June Mini Catalog to create this fun card. Happy mail is always a good thing! Now, let me introduce you to the new color line up!

Pale Papaya

Polished Pink

Evening Evergreen

Fresh Freesia 

Soft Succulent

What do you think? I'm already in love with three of them and I think the other two will quickly grow on me! I'm hoping to spend some serious creative stamping time this week with my new colors and new products so look for more inspiration coming your way soon! Don't forget, if you're a demonstrator you can get your hands on these colors now and if you're a customer, May 4th is just around the corner!

Happy Stampin!