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It's really almost over! The current catalog will be expiring tomorrow, May 31st---despite what is printed on the catalog cover. Many stamp sets and accessories will be available in the new 2012-2013 Catalog but many items will not be.
Many non SU! exclusive sizzix dies for the Big Shot
Crop-a-Dile
Individual markers
Current style stamp pads - new format for the pad itself will be available June 1st
Stampin' Spots
Craft stamp pads
Simply Adorned charms, baubles, etc
Just go check it out if there's something you've been waiting to order. Many items will be unavailable as they were available on a first come first served basis. When they're sold old they are g-o-n-e.
Have a great day everyone. Go check out those retiring items. And I'll see you tomorrow.
The Big Shot Die Cut Machine is so versatile and quick and easy to use! It was used for both major elements of MAY 17th's second Stampin' for Adults at the Mi Wuk Library card.
If you're looking for a pretty simple and quick card, this is it! You'll need:
Stamp Set: none
Card Stock:
Pink Pirouette (111351) measurement:
Whisper White (100730) measurements:
Ink: none
Accessories/Tools: Big Shot Die Cut Machine (113439), Elegant Bouquet Embossing Folder (115964), Beautiful Wings Embosslit (118138), Ribbon (I used Pretty in Pink 5.8" Satin ribbon which is now retired), personal paper cutter: NEW! SU!'s new Stampin' Trimmer(126889, p. 180, 2012-13 SU! Catalog), Snail Adhesive (104332)
I finally broke out the Field Flowers stamp set that I'd purchased months ago. Tell me, why do I let beautiful stamp sets wait so long before using them sometimes???
This is a more-than-fun Two-Step Stamping set. What is Two-Step Stamping??? It is a pair of stamps that are very similar to each other where you stamp the "lighter" image atop the "heavier" image. Here is how our card progressed. The photos should make the process a bit clearer.
The more solid, aka 'heavier' image is stamped in the LIGHTER color of ink (Marina Mist-126962) Then the more 'outline type' image is stamped in the DARKER color of ink (Pacific Point-126951)
For our card, we stamped the stem in Wild Wasabi on a 3-1/8" x 4-3/8" piece of Whisper White card stock. Then, using the 'eyeball' method (just eyeball where you're going to place your image) stamp the first flower in the proper position on the stem. Then stamp the outline flower, in the darker color ink, atop that image. As you can see (above) in my sample the second 'layer' doesn't have to be perfect.
Now to the card:
Ingredients for the Field Flowercard:
STAMP SET/S: Field Flowers (122760-W, 122762-C), Petite Pairs (122495-W, 122497-C), A Word for You (122610-W, 122612-C)
CARD STOCK: Pacific Point (111350), Whisper White (100730)
INK: Marina Mist (126963), Pacific Point (126951), Wild Wasabi (126959),
You know how much "fun" it is to receive unsolicited phone calls, usually at dinner time or early on a weekend morning? Or spam in your email inbox and you just have to keep deleting?
Well, I received over 20 idiot spams yesterday and 16 when I woke up my computer this morning. ARGH!
So, temporarily, the spammers -- who really need a life and something much more productive to do -- have won and I've had to turn on a verification button for any comments received. I so sorry that my regular readers and commenters will have to go through the inconvenience of the hoops this will require but it'll only be for a short time, like a week.
Please, if you see something you like, leave me a comment so I know there's someone checking my entries besides these idiot spammers. Darn! I just deleted them all but it could have been fun to post and share what 'inconsideration' looks like.
I love to blog and I love my readers. I don't love wasting my time as I've had to these last two days. My plate is too full right now. :)
Have a safe Memorial Day.
And please, take a moment out to think about and thank those who have protected the FREEDOM we enjoy in the United States of America.
FOR MANY, the focus of today's 'celebration' is a day off of work and the first official bar-b-que of summer. Hot dogs, hamburgers and chips. And friends! Friends are good.
But today, in addition to the friends and bar-b-que, let's take a minute to give thanks to those for whom Memorial Day was created: our service men and women.
PLEASE, LET'S PAUSE FOR A FEW MINUTES TO GIVE THANKS TO THOSE BRAVE MEN AND WOMEN WHO HAVE GIVEN US SO MUCH.
REMEMBER WHO WE SHOULD BE HONORING. AND REMEMBER THEIR FAMILIES.
Be sure to check out Google's home page whenever there's a special event. I love what they've done for the Golden Gate Bridge 75th anniversary celebration.
Have you ever reinked your stamp pads? Do you know when it's time to reink? My rule of thumb is that when I have a hard time inking up my image and I just keep 'pounding' my stamp into the pad to get enough color on it----it's time!!
Check out the top row of these Cherry Cobbler Field Flowers. See how pale they are? Now compare the top row to the rows below where the image is clean and vibrant. Yes, the pad got reinked.
How do you reink you ask? Well, first, my "always suggestion" when someone purchases an ink pad is to also purchase an Ink Refill. They're only $2.95 and when you need one it'll be right there and ready for you. And if you are using Spots, those 1" x 1" cubes (that have been retired sadly), you really need an Ink Refill. They don't have much room to store a lot of ink in their little pads. Right Connie???? I love her "Aha moments" when she realizes that reinking her spots makes them so much more vibrant!
Back to HOW to reink: I squeeze the little bottle and run lines of ink left to right and then right to left in a zig zag fashion from one end of the pad to the other. The ink will just soak right in to a dry pad.
Then I turn the pad 180 degrees and runs those zig zag lines in the opposite direction, making a sort of a 'grid'.
Finally, I drizzle the Ink Refill around the perimeter of the pad, ensuring that all the edges have fresh ink. As you are doing this you should be able to notice that the pad is just eating up the ink, soaking it right in. After you've covered the entire pad once check it out by stamping an image on scrap paper. You might have to repeat the entire process to finish reinking the pad.
Questions? Be sure to ask.
Now, go check out your pads and get yourselves some Ink Refills. Click here to go to my on line store. Don't get caught with a dry ink pad! I know I do this periodically and have those 'aha moments' myself!
I am so bummed that the Lace ribbon Border Punch will be retired as of May 31st.
And even moreso since I've just seen a new-to-me idea that I want to share a.s.a.p. I'm not at home so I don't have access to my own supplies and can't make an original. But I want you to see this great card.
As I took a screen shot of this card I closed the web page. If it is yours, please let me know so I can give you credit. I can't locate your blog page via my 'history'. Frustrating!
I do know that the creator of the card started punching, from the END of the punch, at the center fold. Then flip card over and punch the other front edge, also from the center fold. It will leave you this lovely center area surrounded by delicate lace. You can put any image you want in this center panel.
If you don't have this punch, and want to order it now, click here to go straight to my Stampin' Up! store. Remember, it WILL be gone after May 31st.
Today is Happy Birthday to my grandson Austin. I had a great time making his birthday card. And I also had the TIME to have that great time. What a treat.
Almost all of the product used is retired from Stampin' Up!. The only things not retired are the Pacific Point and Whisper White cards stocks and the Whisper White Envelope! But it fit the look I wanted to achieve. As I was nearly done with the card my "memory" reminded me that I'd wanted to do this card "Lego style". But when I thought about this Designer Series Paper (Celebrations, 117164, 2010-2011 SU! Idea Book & Catalog), it's bright primary colors just wiped out my plan. No complaints from me to me.
I got my inspiration from Cindy , a fellow demonstrator. Her card linked me cards created by two other demos, Lisa and Sandy.
Cindy's card
Sandy's card
Lisa's card
As you can see, the sky's the limit. I've made another card and am working on a tutorial to share. I'll let you know when it's posted.
If you're wondering why I haven't erased those extra little glue marks, it's because I don't have the card in my hands.......only the photo. This is the final card from those my sister received at the early May meeting and swap she attended. Again, I have no clue who made the card but I do think it's fresh and cute. My littlest granddaughter, Nora, would love receiving it since she loves little lady bugs.
The card is made primarily with punches--and I'm guessing at their sizes:
Real Red = 2-1/2" circle punch
Basic Black body and head = 1-1/4" or 1" circle and 3/4" circle punches
Basic Black dots on body = 1/2" circle punch
Antennae = little shavings of Basic Black card stock, best cut with Stampin' Up!'s Tabletop Paper Cutter (106959)
Card front: Whisper White
Layer 1: 5-1/4" x 4" - Tempting Turquoise; Big Shot and Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder,
Grass: Old Olive trimmed with Paper Snips
Assemble as shown!
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I'm hoping I'll be home by the time you're seeing this entry. Heck, I might have been home and gone again. I'll be creating some fun projects in the meantime I hope. Remember, my time is not MY TIME yet this year. I'll be back to normal someday. Currently my husband and I have decided that one of us will be with his son every day to offer support and entertainment to Jeff and to his 24/7 caretaker/landlord/friend extraordinaire. One of us is with Jeff, the other is at home. Plus, Russ does 'honey-do' jobs around the home where Jeff rents a room. We talk on the phone A LOT and occasionally get an overnight together. What a concept. We're trying, not very successfully to get Jeff's mom into the rotation but so far it's not happening. Our gain for sure for the time we're getting to spend with Jeff. If you're new to my blog and don't have a clue what I'm talking about, check out this post and this one.
My next post should be some new stamping and stamped ideas of my very own! Yahoo!!!!!!
Oh how I love some of the elements of this soon to be retired Vintage Vogue stamp set. That little flourish is one of my favorites. If you love this set but don't yet own it, now is the time to order it. 117690-w or 118598-c. It will be unavailable after May 31, 2012.
SUPPLIES:
STAMP SET: Vintage Vogue, birthday greeting is from a catalog I dont' have with me
CARD STOCK: Wild Wasabi, Pink Pirouette, Whisper White
INK: Rose Red, Wild Wasabi
ACCESSORIES: Big Shot Die Cut Machine, Labels Collection Framelits, Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Basic Pearl Jewels, Modern Label Punch, Dimensionals
I'm smitten with another one of the cards from the swaps my sister received earlier in May. I can't wait to be at home where I can play with my toys---I mean tools---and create some cards similar to this one. And check out that 'ribbon'! Pretty cool isn't it? It's a piece of card stock that has been run through the Big Shot using the Square Lattice Embossing Folder and then cut into a piece approximately 1/4" x 5-1/4". Then it's layered on a piece of Lucky Limeade card stock punched with the Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border punch. Pretty clever.
SUPPLIES:
STAMP SET/S: Teeny Tiny Wishes, Friends Never Fade - retiring on May 31st!
CARD STOCK: Lucky Limeade, Pink Pirouette, Whisper White
ACCESSORIES: Punches: Scallop Circle, Large Oval, smaller oval--RETIRED, Eyelet Border - retiring on May 31st; Big Shot Die Cut Machine, Labels Collection Framelits, Designer Frames Folders, Embossing Folders: Perfect Polka Dots and Square Lattice; 5/8" Organza Ribbon
Until I was writing out the supplies for this card I didn't realize the items that are being retired. I do have them in my 'tool chest'. Do you? If you want either the Friends Never Fade stamp set or the Eyelet Border punch you'll need to act before May 31st. Just send me an email and I'll place your order for you, or click on the shopping cart in the upper right corner to go straight to my Stampin' Store.
Questions? Make my day and send me a note. Even though I'm not at home and at my stampin' desk, I am on line and looking for a little excitement! :) Caring for my stepson is exciting and interesting but often he's sleeping and I'm on my own for a while.
Isn't this just the sweetest card? It features the not retiringTwitterpated Designer Series Paper. And although those cute little colored buttons are retired (they retired with the Occasions Mini Catalog on April 30th) you can use the Bitty Buttons (they're clear), 118761, and the Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack (118309) and punch out coordinating card stock and glue it (Mini Glue Dot) behind the button for the perfect effect of color. ARGH! The ribbon also retired with the Occasions Mini and is not in the new SU! Catalog.
ACCESSORIES: Blender Pens, Big Shot Die Cut Machine, Lbels Collection Framelits, Punches: Scallop Trim Border, Word Window, Modern Label, ribbon of choice: perhaps Victoria Crochet Trim, Dimensionals
This card highlights some soon-to-be-retired stamping elements: the Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer punch (122464) and the Precious Butterflies hostess stamp set (122515-w, 122517-c). If either of these items are on your wish list, you have only a few more days to order them. They retire on May 31, 2012. And it offers a sneak peak of elements of a new birthday greeting set: Bring on the Cake. You'll have to wait until June 1st to see the rest of that stamp set---unless you have a new 2012-2013 SU! Catalog in your hands before then.
You'll be seeing this stamp set more often. I just had to have it and, of course haven't used it yet myself. Everytime I see a card made with it I stop and do a double take of admiration. Again, I don't know who made this card (from the group that sister Janet meets and swaps with), but I like it!
One thing I love about this stamp set is that it's a two-step stamp set. That means you stamp an image of one color over an image of another color. In this set you have both the larger flower to stamp twice as well as the smaller flower.
SUPPLIES:
STAMP SET/S: Field Flowers (122760-w, 122762-c)
CARD STOCK: Crumb Cake, Pink Pirouette, Regal Rose
Yesterday was the annual Fashion Show Fundraiser hosted by the Mi Wuk/Sugar Pine Fire Protection District Auxiliary. Our fire department is aweome and is at the highest elevation on our 'hill'. The summit, Sonora Pass, is 9600 + feet. The Station is at about 4400 ft. We live at 4500 ft.
Anyway, in my mindlessness since I'm hardly ever home these days, I signed up to make cookies and a salad. So this morning, after wondering for about 30 seconds about the kind of cookie I'd make, I thought "Well, duuuuuuuh. Stampin' Up! has these cute cookie stamps and a kiss simple cookie recipe to go along with it so...........". I chose the flower image for Spring and made some sugar cookies. This is the Occasions set. There is also a Holidays set (Halloween, Snow Flake and Heart), 125152.
Two recipes are provided with the Cookie Press (127081, $16.95), Sugared Shortbread and Sugar Cookies. I've decided that my preference is the Sugar Cookies, especially at the last minute since they don't require any refrigeration time.
This is a double batch of finished cookies, ready to be packed up and taken to the Fashion Show. Minus one. Quality control!
Recipe for the Sugar Cookies:
1 cup salted butter, softened to room temperature
3/4 cup granulated sugar, plus additional sugar for pressing
2 egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon salt
2-1/8 cup flour
Preheat oven to 350F/175C. Cream butter and sugar. Beat until fluffy. Add egg yolks one at a time and mix well. Add vanilla, salt, and flour and mix well. Dough should be stiff and not sticky. If dough is sticky, add a bit more flour. Roll into 1-1/2" balls. Place 2-1/2" apart on an ungreased cookie sheet and press with Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamp that has been dipped in granulated sugar. Bake 16 to 18 minutes or until bottom of cookie is lightly browned (edges may be slightly brown, but the top should not brown). Makes approximately 16 cookies.
If you love this soon-to-retire Beyond the Garden Designer Series Paper (122342) you'll need to order it before May 31st. 2012.
SUPPLIES:
STAMP SET/S: Precious Butterflies hostess set-retiring on May 31,2012; greeting: I'm not sure yet where it came from! :)
CARD STOCK: Melon Mambo, Pretty in Pink, Tangerine Tango, Whisper White, White Vellum (large butterfly overlay)
INK: Wild Wasabi, Melon Mambo
ACCESSORIES: Big Shot Die Cut Machine, Hearts Collection Framelits, Beautiful Wings Embosslit, Pearls Basic Jewels (119247), Mini Glue Dots, Decorative Label punch
TIP: Lay your Heart Framelit over the Designer Paper layer (5" x 3-3/4"), center it and run it through the Big Shot. Lay it over the Whisper White card stock to get an idea where it will be sitting. Remove and stamp the Wild Wasabi image. Then attach the DSP layer (with the heart cut out) onto the card front. Attach the butterflies as shown. Position the pearls as desired. My May Newsletter has a feature article for removing the pearls from the backing paper. It's the same as for the Basic Rhinestones. If you didn't receive a copy, please sign up for my mailing list on the left sidebar. Then let me know (blythe@stampinwithblythe.com) and I'll resend it to you.
I thought I'd give you just a little personal update this morning. Our lives are pretty much consumed with the care requirements for my soon-to-be (June 3rd) 42 year old stepson Jeff who has Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, aka ALS, aka Lous Gehrig's Disease. Jeff is totally dependent upon his caretakers. My husband and I are with him on an almost daily basis: We've pretty much moved into a spare bedroom in the home where he rents a room. One of us is always there. Hence my long absenses from our own home and my stampin' studio.
We are in the final prep stage for taking Jeff on a dream camping trip. It's a trip he's participated in for at least 20 years, more like 25, joining a grubby group of United Air Lines mechanics for a week next to a rushing river. They joke that the trip is brought by ATF. Alcohol (hey, it's guys), Tobacco (bring out those cigars), and Firearms. They camp in a very isolated area and have a safe area for target and long range shooting. Believe me, it's nirvahna for them! This year Jeff will only be able to watch as he is over 95% paralyzed. But he's determined to make the trip, even as an observer. The friendships and cameraderie are what he's looking forward to. Normally it is a 'guy only' trip but this year two or three (adventurous) women will be joing in.
Through the efforts of his ex-boss, we have a donated Penske "chase van" that will carry our gear. And then we have a wheelchair van for Jeff. I'll be driving Jeff and my cousin who is going to be 'the nurse on duty'. Imagine this little caravan driving about 15 miles off of the highway into the Mokelumne River basin. 8 miles paved road, the rest, dirt and gravel. Yes, I do love this scenario. Oh--bring in your own water. Pit toilets provided! And the fishing is awesome. We all practice catch and release fishing. And everyone cooks, bringing their best camping meals. Ahhhhhhhh, yummmmm!
I won't be taking any stamping projects along. Too dusty for safety of my projects! But I'll take my book and a chair swing.
My daughter, Andrea, created an online fundraiser to make Jeff's trip possible---plus provide for additional medical equipment and needs as they arise. (And, they are arising!) If you'd like to donate $5.00 towards his trip and his future months, it would be much appreciated. The fundraiser's final day is today. We are amazingly close to our 'never-say-never' goal.
Jeff Klipple, having given his seal of approval to the just-installed Tuff shed. It was #1 on his list of to-do wishes. This camping trip is #2 on that list.
I'll be posting a few post-camping-adventure photos after our great trip.
THANK YOU all for hanging in with me since January. That's when my daily routine began to take on a life of its own! And this life will continue until Jeff gets his angel wings.
Other than my stepson's back yard (which abounds with blossoms right now) I haven't spent much time out in nature. I live on a boundary of the Stanislaus National Forest and am surrounded by unlandcaped trees and ground cover all of the time. But I haven't seen much of it this year yet.
Anyway, when I saw this card it really spoke to me. Unfortunately the person who made it didn't put her name on the back so I can't give her credit.
SUPPLIES:
STAMP SET: Nature Walk (121925-w; 121997-c), (not sure where the HELLO came from)
CARD STOCK: Basic Black, Daffodil Delight, Lucky Limeade, Very Vanilla, First Edition Specialty Designer Series Paper
INK: Markers: Daffodil Delight, Soft Suede, Tangerine Tango, Old Olive
The butterfly was colored randomly using markers with the Soft Suede gently brushed on the edges. Remember, the water-based ink and acid-free markers have two totally different tips: a brush tip and a fine tip. These tips offer great versatility.
