Bear Hugs …

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Did you get your Bear Hugs? This cute stamp set was introduced in the Occasions Catalog earlier this year. I was so happy to see that Bear Hugs made it into the Annual Catalog … they’re just toooo cute!

Today I’m going to share two cute projects created by Stampin’ Up!

Annual16_p106_b-195

See … I told you he was cute! I also hope that you have the coordinating framelits dies so you don’t have to do all that “fussy” cutting – just pop it on your BigShot and it’s easier than rolling out pie dough!

You know the best thing about being a demonstrator (besides meeting so many wonderful people)? We get first dibs on the upcoming catalogs … and yes, I already put my order in from the new Holiday Catalog!

I won’t tell you how much I spent (just like some of my stampin’ friends… keepin’ their stampin’ secrets) It’s all cheaper than therapy!! Right stampers!

OK … back to our samples. This little cutie makes a perfect gift!

Annual16_p106_d-194

I know there are many bee keepers out there who take pride in their honey and give it as gifts …. OH, it’s soooo good. Yummy!

NOW … Can I give you a little HINT regarding the Holiday Catalog? Well, you will find some awesome stamp sets that coordinate with some of our most popular stamp sets (and framelits) that are in the current catalog!!  Isn’t that awesome … I love it when Stampin’ Up! creates additions to our stampin’ stash so we have even more ways to use our products!

Remember, those of you who have purchased through me over the past year … your Holiday Catalog is being sent to you around the 8th of August and should arrive within 7 – 10 days (hopefully sooner). If you need a Holiday Catalog and you don’t have a current demonstrator, I would love to help you.

Thanks so much for the visit today, hope you enjoyed it.

Have a wonderful day!

blog-closing-small

Today’s Highlighted Products …

Just click on the image for more details or to begin shopping. Thank you.

Introducing: One Wild Ride

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Today I have a card to share that will make you feel the wind blowing through your hair … Remember, Life is a Journey, Enjoy the Ride. Just one of the many verses in our “One Wild Ride” stamp set!

Annual16_p114_e-323

Anyone in Wisconsin or a Harley lover could easily be making this card in Orange and Black! Love this stamp set and all it stands for … Who wouldn’t love to take a trip down Route 66.

This stamp set coordinates with the “Best Badge” punch and the “Bunch of Banners” framelits so it makes your card and project creating even easier!

Hope you have the chance to get out and explore life this weekend. Thanks for checking out my blog today.

Have a good one ~

blog-closing-small

Furry Friends …

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

And a “Happy Friday” to you!! Just a quick post today so you can get into your weekend. I wanted to share two cards that I think are super cute, and I know many of you are dog and/or cat lovers ❤

They feature the “Bella & Friends” stamp set and the “Pretty Kitty” stamp set! These are the most adorable puppy & kitty sets I think they have had in a while.

Annual16_p100_b-331

… and yes, I bought them too! I don’t own a pet because I’m gone too much but I have many friends, like you, who do have furry little best friends.

Both of the cards did the watercoloring technique with the Aqua Painter … so soft and really makes the kitty and puppy stand out. Both of these stamp sets also have great greetings and verses included.

Did you know that if you purchase both of these sets and the Aqua Painters (or other product/totally $50 before shipping & handling) You qualify for not only the $5 Bonus Coupon from Stampin’ Up! (ends Sunday) plus you’d get your virtual Rewards Card stamped from me!

Thanks so much for stopping by, please let me know if you have any questions regarding the Bonus Days or Rewards Cards. I’m here to help … just click  on the “e-mail” link below and ask away 🙂

Have a wonderful weekend, and I’ll see you tomorrow!

blog-closing-small

TODAY’S HIGHLIGHTED PRODUCTS …

Annual16_p100_b-331

Foxy Hello Card by Stampin’ Up!

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Today I’m going to share with you a card created by Stampin’ Up! A Foxy Hello …

FoxyHello_Gallery_DBWS_Jul0516_NA_EU_SP(6)

Stamps
• Foxy Friends
• Sunshine Sayings

Paper
• Crumb Cake Cardstock
• Soft Sky Cardstock
• Whisper White Cardstock

Ink
• Pumpkin Pie Classic Stampin’ Pads®
• Old Olive Classic Stampin’ Pads®
• Early Espresso Classic Stampin’ Pads®
• Subtles Stampin’ Write® Markers

Stampin’ Up! Accessories and Tools
• Very Vanilla Baker’s Twine
• Stampin’ Dimensionals®
• Tear & Tape Adhesive
• Mini Glue Dots
• Big Shot™
• Perfect Pines Framelits™
• Woodgrain Textured Impressions™ Embossing Folder

Sweet -n- Simple! Hope you enjoyed.
Thanks much ~
blog-closing-small

Love Note Card …

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Today I have another card sample from the Flourishing Phrases stamp set and coordinating framelits from Stampin’ Up! You can also find this card on my website … www.lindaluvs.stampinup.net

Love-Note_Gallery_DBWS_NA_SP_EU

The large flower image was stamped in out new Sweet Sugarplum ink, as well as the greeting. The pretty little die cut flowers are cut from Calypso Coral and the leaves from Pear Pizzazz.

A doily and the banner greeting are centered as your focal point and embellished with the Gold Metallic Thread and Metallic Sequins. Simple and very pretty! Lov’in that color combination.

Thanks you for visiting me today!

Have a wonderful Wednesday.

blog-closing-small

Stampin’ Supplies …

 

 

Getting Artsy with Ink

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Whenever I come across something awesome, I feel that I just have to share it with you.  This article comes from the “Get Inspired” Blog by Krista Frattin from our Artisan Design Team 2015–2016.

The article is as follows …

Hello everyone! When I set out to create a project for you today I was instantly inspired by the new Layering Love Stamp Set (141965). The images are large, the font is beautiful, and the greetings are fab!
I got creative with ink to make a variety of different backgrounds and really had fun! And I promise that there were a few reject backgrounds along the way. As you’re creating I’m sure you’ll experience the same thing. It’s only paper—so let loose and have fun!

I have 12 cards which made it off of the cutting room floor, and here they are!

1

Cut Whisper White Cardstock (100730) to 4″ x 5–1/4″ for your card fronts. You may want to cut 15–20 card fronts so that you can experiment as you go. (Remember those rejects that I mentioned?)

Here are some ideas:

Watercolor Stripes

Use an Aqua Painter (103954) and a Classic Stampin’ Ink Refill to watercolor horizontal stripes.

Drop Mint Macaron Classic Stampin’ Ink Refill (138331) onto a clear acrylic block. Drop a few drops of water from your Aqua Painter into the ink and mix.

Play with painting thin lines or thick lines. Try painting lines the entire length of the card or shorter lines in just the center of the card. To add splatter to the background, flick your inked Aqua Painter at the cardstock.

Once the background is dry, use the Work of Art Stamp Set (134114) and Peekaboo Peach ink (141398) to add dots or a heart.

2

3

4

Watercolor Swirls

Now that you have your Aqua Painter and ink all ready to go, try painting swirls on the cardstock!

5

Watercolor Wash

Don’t put that ink away just yet! This time I used a 1-1/2″ paint brush (from the dollar store) and water to paint. Dampen (don’t saturate) the paint brush with water. Dip the brush into the ink and water mixture and swipe across your cardstock.

6

Stamp

Of course you need to stamp a background! I used the Perfectly Wrapped Stamp Set (141960) and the Work of Art Stamp Set (134114) to stamp this one. Both of these sets have a number of great stamps that are perfect for artsy backgrounds!

7

Sponging

You’ll need a Stamping Sponge (141337) and Mint Macaron ink (item 138326) for this technique. Punch circles in a piece of cardstock to create a mask. Place this mask over your background cardstock and sponge the Mint Macaron ink through the holes.

8

Try playing with the new Sponge Brayer (141714). Here I inked the brayer and rubbed it in the center of the cardstock.

9

Ink Pad Smudge

Dare I say that this could be the trickiest technique? Don’t be afraid . . . give it a try! If you’re worried about wasting paper, try it on a sheet of Grid Paper (130148) or scrap paper first. Practice makes perfect!!

Open your Classic Stampin’ Pad and drag it across the cardstock. You’ll want to use a gentle touch when you’re dragging. If you add too much pressure you’ll have dark smudges. Play with using the corners or one of the edges of the ink pad.

10

11

12

13

I finished all of these darling cards off with a layer of Mint Macaron (138337) or Peekaboo Peach Cardstock (141417) and a Peekaboo Peach Enamel Shape (141410). Pinch your four fingers together with your thumb, raise them to your lips, and kiss as you open your fingers . . . muah! Perfecto!

I’m sure that there are dozens of other backgrounds that you can create with ink. Unleash your inner artist and give them a try!

Thank you for taking the time to visit . .  and have a creative day!

Krista Frattin
Artisan Design Team 2015–2016

So … Don’t you agree, these are awesome samples with some great techniques. I know I’ll be trying some of these myself. What about you?

Thanks for stopping in today.

Have a great one!

blog-closing-small

Highlighted product list …

 

Simply Sunday: You Warm My Heart

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Today’s card is featured in the Stampin’ Up! Annual catalog on page 96. Had to take a double take on this one … then I thought “How cute is that! I would have never thought of doing that”. Isn’t that how we all got hooked on stamping and scrapbooking!!

This sweet and simple card was created with the “leaves” … now dots, from the “Sheltering Tree” stamp set! It’s stamped once on the card front and then again on another sheet of cardstock and cut out with our Hearts framelits.

Annual16_p096_b-265

The greeting is included in the stamp set, and all they did here was create as simple banner as the focal point … genius! To top it off … a simple bow made with our Thick Bakers Twine.

This card was picked today because it fits my Simply Sunday theme and because it was created with “outside the box” thinking! Next time I look at a stamp set, I’ll be thinking a whole different way.

Thank you for stopping by and enjoy the day!

blog-closing-small

TODAY’S STAMPIN’ INGREDIENTS …

 

Just Add Ink … Simply Irresistible

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Quick post today to share the Irresistibly Floral product suite …

142329G

You don’t need April showers for these May flowers. Framelits’ open design allows you to place them where you want for precise cutting. Layer several die cuts or use individually … there are 10 dies.

I have to share the beautiful designer paper with you! They are white on white … until you “Just Add Ink” – Roll it, Spritz it, Sponge it ….

You’ll get a new take on floral with this stamp set / bundle. With its fun shapes and modern cuteness, this set is sure to become a favorite. You can just see the versatility with the bundle.

Annual16_p126_a-375

I hope these beautiful cards brightened your day! Till tomorrow … have a good one, and thanks for stopping by.

blog-closing-small

 

 

Garden in Bloom …

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Hope you are feeling special today! These are the sentiments of today’s card which was created with the “Garden in Bloom” stamp set.

This pretty stamp set can be used as an outline stamp as you see today or a two step technique which gives you instant color … or use it as a watercolor look.

Annual16_p146_a-30

Today’s card has simply stamped the outline of the flower and then a sheet of vellum cardstock was laid over the top to create a softer look. Our greeting as stated earlier is included in the stamp set.

To add some texture and a bit more dimension to the card, the new ribbon and a piece of the “Affectionately Yours Specialty Designer Series Paper” … then it’s all tied together with some bakers twine.

Simply beautiful …

Thanks for stopping by today, I hope yours is a special one!

blog-closing-small

 

Feelin’ Foxy?

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Today I’d like to introduce to you a few friends … they’re a bit punchy but they are a lot of fun! Besides, who wouldn’t love to get a handmade card stamped with a fox, a kitten, a deer, or other tiny critters?

142326O1-500x500

Mix and match the images in this stamp set to create your own wilderness menagerie, then cut them out in a flash with the Fox Builder Punch. Watch and see how easy it is!

Aren’t they just the cutest! And so easy to make … I have the links below, just click on them for more details or to purchase. Remember, save 10% when you bundle the stamp set and punch together.

Thank you for checking us out today.

Hope your day is a good one!

blog-closing-small

FOXY FRIENDS PRODUCT SUITE …

 

Stampin’ Made Easy …

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Have you ever wished you had a secret stash of card?  Don’t we all?! We’re always looking for a card for those spur of the moment occasions (or one that just may have slipped your mind) …

Well, I have the perfect solution for you, our Designer Tin of cards ~

Annual16_p160_c-416

What’s better than giving a handmade card? Having a tin of handmade cards ready to give! Make a stack of all-purpose cards using precut, color-coordinated paper and accessories, then store them in a pretty tin until you need them. See for yourself how easy creativity can be!

You may want to get the coordinating stamp set – Designer Tin of Cards. It not only works great with you Tin of Cards but for all your card making projects.

The stamp set contains; Holidays, special occasions, thinking of you—this set has a message for any occasion. With a delightful combination of beautiful script as well as simple fonts, this versatile stamp set will help you create whatever you wish.

They are Photopolymer stamps and …
* Are totally transparent for perfect image placement.
* Have just enough give to create a perfectly stamped image every time.
* Cling like crazy to our clear blocks so you don’t have to worry about slipping.
* Save space—you need only one set of blocks for all your photopolymer stamps (blocks sold separately).
* Come packaged in cases with images on the spine for easy storage and quick reference.

Quantity: 33 photopolymer stamps
Suggested clear blocks (sold separately): c, g, h

Let me know if you and your friends would like to get together and would like my assistance … I’d love to help (In fact, you can use my stamp room!) lindaluvs2stamp@aol.com

Thank you for checking out my blog today, I hope it’s a good one!

blog-closing-small

Tin of Cards & Suggested products ...

 

In This World …

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Today I’d like to share with you two cards that were created with the new “In This World” stamp set. You will also see two different techniques showcasing the individual stamps in the set.

First you will see the beautiful butterfly; hand colored and cut out to create the focal point of the card. Behind the butterfly you will see the soft watercolor effect done in the same color as the base of the card … this really ties the entire card together and makes the butterfly just pop!

I love how the card was accented with a swirl of linen thread and beautiful Metal Rimmed Pearl.

Annual16_p145_c-33

The second card uses the stamped images to create a collaged look!This is done by simply layering stamped images … you must try it, it’s really fun. I love how the door is highlighted by coloring and then the chair is used as the focal point to draw your eye to the card.

So two great technique used on this stamp set to create totally different looking cards. I’m sure you could easily come us with even more ideas!

Thank you for stopping by today!

Have a wonderful day ~

blog-closing-small

Highlighted Products …

 

From Land to Sea …

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Just a quick post today to share with you a sweet card that was made with two stamp sets that have returned … and for good reason, they are both very versatile.

The card was created using the “Me = Grateful” and the “From Land to Sea” stamp set.

Annual16_p099_b-243

The greeting was stamped on Vellum Cardstock and then placed over the Lighthouse then the wheel was added.

Some additional color and texture was created by using the “Moroccan” Designer Washi Tape.

A simple card to recreate for any occasion, just change out the greeting. This would make a great Father’s Day Card.

Thank You for stopping by ~

Have a nice day.

blog-closing-small

 

Thank You Card …

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

June is a great time to gather your friends and family for a stamping party!  Don’t have time to pull together a get together? Then do a book show, or we can do a virtual party over facebook! Give it a try!

One of the beautiful stamp sets you can get for FREE with your hostess $$ dollars  is the beautiful “Gift of Love” stamp set … I can’t resist the beautiful flowers and words in this set…

Annual16_p200c-376

So simply done with the water color wash background. This is a two-step stamp set which makes your card making quick -n- easy.

I love our hostess stamp sets because they stretch your Hostess $$ dollars even further, just remember when your party/order is $350 or more in June, enjoy an extra $35 in hostess rewards (in addition to the rewards shown in the chart below)!  Spend your Stampin’ Rewards $$ on hostess sets or on anything in the catalog!

6a00d8354941d869e201b8d1ef5fd7970c-500wi

Gather your friends or orders from them (I can help you with a hostess code for everyone to order online), or, place your own shopping spree order to enjoy the extra rewards! 

Remember.. ALL orders of $150 or more enjoy the Stampin’ Rewards (Hostess $$) to spend any way you wish!

Contact me … I’d love to help you get all the Hostess goodies on your wish list!

Thank you for coming to visit my blog today, hope yours is a good one.

blog-closing-small

Masculine Cards & Manly Envelopes

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Hope you all had an incredible weekend! I must say … this stampin’ getaway was just what I needed. Eileen and I are enjoying the Door County area and the wonderful food, but we’re also planning some fun stamping events. More on that at a later date.

I’m excited to share some fabulous cards with you today.  When I saw Shannon Lane’s card on the Stampin’ Up! blog: Get Inspired, I just had to share with you.  The following is Shannon’s post:

Masculine Cards & Manly Envelopes

With June just around the corner, I’ve got Father’s Day on my mind. It’s a holiday that many paper crafters struggle with, as masculine cards can be a challenge for us all!

One of my favorite stamp sets for occasions like this is Guy Greetings (item 137178), and I’m SO glad to see that it’s not on the retiring list! I wanted to share some cards with you to inspire you to create for the men in your life. With that said, I’m also a big believer in first impressions, and that’s what your envelope is for—so let’s fancy that up a bit, shall we??

Masculine Cards & Manly Envelopes 1

When I found my much-loved Typeset Designer Series Paper (item 133704) on the retiring list this year, I decided I was going to work to use it all before it expired. I really wanted to give it some extra love one last time! It’s a brilliant vintage, classic, neutral paper and it pairs so well with the fabulous vintage images in Guy Greetings. Using the Envelope Punch Board (item 133774), I whipped up an envelope with one of the sheets to add an extra-special touch.

Masculine Cards & Manly Envelopes 2

Many of us give gift cards to the men in our life because (let’s face it!) they can be a bit difficult to buy for. Luckily, the measurement table on the Envelope Punch Board goes all the way down to gift card size! Using the beautiful striped paper in the Neutrals Designer Series Paper Stack (item 138435), I created a tiny, little envelope. (Tip: If you don’t like the other side of the paper—I found the florals on the other side decidedly unmasculine!—you can cut and score two pieces of paper and glue them back-to-back to create your choice of print for the inside.)

Masculine Cards & Manly Envelopes 3

A belly band perfectly decorates the gift and holds the envelope closed without adhesive, and you can decorate both sides!

Masculine Cards & Manly Envelopes 4

While you’ve got your Designer Series Paper Stack and your Envelope Punch Board out, you may as well create one more. This fabulous nautical card and envelope are a perfect pair!

Masculine Cards & Manly Envelopes 5

Square cards and envelopes are a nice change from rectangles for an extra-special touch. And don’t forget—metallics are manly, too!

Masculine Cards & Manly Envelopes 6

I hope these projects inspired you today to create for your fathers, brothers, husbands, and sons, and to use your favorite Designer Series Paper and Envelope Punch Board to make a beautiful first impression!

Masculine Cards & Manly Envelopes 7

Cheers!

Shannon Lane
Artisan Design Team 2015–2016

Now let me just say … I love this stamp set, and wouldn’t you agree with me, Shannon did a beautiful job on her cards and projects. I just them them!! We have an amazing Artisan Design Team, and any demonstrator to try to get on the team.

I thank you for stopping by today, and happy that you got to experience Shannon’s cards with the rest of us.

Have a fabulous day.

blog-closing-small