Washi Tape & Best of Butterflies

Did you see the last card I posted with this Best of Butterflies stamp set? (go ahead, flip back to Saturday, I will wait). Well, I was actually making two of the cards for thank you notes. But then as I started to assemble the second one, I felt I had to change it a little. If you have been following this blog, you know what happened next. I thought I would run a ribbon behind the little square that was in the center of the card, I could even see it in my head(the Calypso Coral ribbon from Sale-A-Bration).  As I went to get the ribbon I glanced at my This and That Smashbook bundle and wahoo!!!  Do you see that Washi tape??? It was even better than ribbon! Of course, once I put it on the card, there was no way I could cover it up with the square and butterfly. So I punched out a few more Elegant Butterflies and scattered them about.

Here is another photo of the Washi Tape that comes with the This and That Bundle. 

 

 Here is what you get in the bundle. 

 

 

 

You can also order the pieces individually.  You can shop my site at any time www.HilarySmith.StampinUp.net

Bloomin' Bouquet Project Kit

 

Don't you just love this flower arrangement? Stampin' Up! is offering this cute kit to make your own flower bouquet. The kit includes: 

• 2 sheets of preprinted and precut flowers on 12" X 12" cardstock; makes 13 flowers using Pool  Party, Gumball Green, Calypso Coral, Daffodil Delight, and Rich Razzleberry
• 13 Vintage Faceted Buttons
• 13 green floral wire stems

Adhesive not included. (Glue gun recommended.)

The kit will be available today (Item 134542 $12.95). There are limited quantities, so if you like it, don't delay in ordering! This would be great for mother's day, teacher gifts, or as a gift still in kit form for the other crafters in your life!  Shop 24/7 www.HilarySmith.StampinUp.net

Best of Butterflies

Did you see the April release for the Best of series?  Yes, a whole set of just butterflies.  It is wonderful. Here is my first card from the set.  I teamed it with Calypso Coral. I seemed to be so thrilled they are keeping the color that I keep going back to it for my cards.  The butterfly stamp used here also coordinates with the Elegant Butterfly punch so it makes things quick and easy for card making.  The card is finished with the words from the Curly Cute stamp set. This set is being discontinued June 3, so you should grab it now while you can! It is one of my favorites actually because it has all the basic greetings. 

Here is the set Best of Butterflies if you missed it.  It is item 133345 and priced at only $14.95. With the Best of series, if you buy six sets you will earn a free one of your choice in the Best of collection. With twenty-five years of stamps, they have some wonderful choices! I can't wait to see what they will come up with for the rest of the months this year. 

 

If you want to see more of this series, you can follow the link at http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ItemList.aspx?categoryid=1226

Shadow Swallowtail

This is very similar to yesterday's card - yes, I know!  I was playing with coloring the Swallowtail stamp in, just experimenting with colors. This one was colored with Elegant Eggplant, Wisteria Wonder and Island Indigo.  After coloring it in, I knew that I wanted it on the Wisteria Wonder background, but it was not complete. Then instantly I could see a shadow! Yes, that is how it happens in my brain, not sure how it works for you. I traced the butterfly on to Basic Black card stock and made the cutout the bottom layer. Then using Stampin' Up Dimensionals, it popped the Swallowtail off the page.  I hope you enjoy this one - though it is just a single stamp, I am still experimenting with all the ways to use it. 

Simple Swallowtail

Here is another version of the Swallowtail Stamp from the Spring Catalog. Though they can stand alone just stamped, I have seen some beautiful colored versions of the stamp too. Of course, I had to try it too.  To have a blended look with smudged lines and coloring, use your Sponge Daubers to add some color.  Here I could blend from lighter blues like Pool Party and end up with Island Indigo on the wing edges.  The daubers really give you the ability to control the color level.  The words are from the Especially For You stamp set. 

Have you tried the Sponge Daubers yet? I love them for adding edging to a card, shadowing, and yes, coloring in stamps.  They fit right on the end of your finger for easy use. They are only $10.95 for a package of 12, Item 102892. 

Don't forget that you can shop my website 24/7 www.HilarySmith.StampinUp.net

Get them now!!! Here's the Retired List

 

 

Time to do a little shopping!!!  Find out all about the retiring products this year, when they are gone they are gone! So drop what you are doing and start scooping them up. Follow the link to shop now.

http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/hilarysmith/promotions

Secret Garden stacked

With this card I was experimenting with stamping on Vellum for a stained glass effect.  This was my first sample and I think I need to do a little more playing with it. However, since I wasn't going to throw away the flowers, here they are!  The flower are from the Secret Garden set, and fortunately, there are framelits for that set. So just a quick run through the BigShot and the flowers were cut out as well.  I colored them in with the Stampin' Up Markers. Colors are Daffodil Delight, Calypso Coral and Baja Breeze.  The words are from the Especially For You stamp set. 

Get Well Calypso Coral

Here is a super simple, but super cute get well card. The card is cased from one that I brought home from the Leadership Conference in January. Here I have combined Crumb Cake and Calypso Coral cardstock. I added the layer of Calypso Coral Designer Series paper because I loved the polka dot pattern combined with the Perfect Polka Dot Embossing on the band aid.  I used the Small Heart Punch in the center.  The sentiment comes from the Curly Cute stamp set. 

Have you heard Stampin' Up! is keeping Calypso Coral and a few other "In Color" colors this year? There will be a lot of information to keep up with, so make sure you check my blog often so you don't miss anything.  There are usually a lot of announcements regarding the new catalog so stay tuned!

April Paper Pumkins!

Have you signed up for Paper Pumpkins yet?  This is the surprise card this month.  You get enough to make four cards. Everything you need is in the box including pre-cut papers, stamps, ink, twine and buttons. You just need adhesive to put your cards together. If you sign up with me listed as your demonstrator, you will be invited to join a free class each month just for Paper Pumpkin participants. So even though you may have missed this month, there is time to jump on board for next month's kit! Sign up today at  www.MyPaperPumpkin.com

Creative Elements

This was one of those accidental cards that I end up loving.  I still had the Calypso Coral on my desk from the last card. I thought I would experiment with blocking off the strip in the middle and using my Sponge Dauber to add some color. I wasn't sure what I was going to do with it then. And then I saw my Creative Elements set and HAD to use that flower. The words come from the Bring On the Cake stamp set.  The card layers are Whisper White, Calypso Coral, and Crumb Cake card stock. The card is finished by using the Natural 7/16" Trim Ribbon from the Spring Catalog. 

Do you are ever feel stuck making a card, not feeling creative? Just start playing with your papers, inks and stamps. Experiment a little and see what happens, you just might love the result.

Dolled-Up Birthday Kit

 

We all love having the time to sit in our crafting space and do some serious creating. I love being able to design and come up with new fresh ideas. But let's face it, sometimes, we just need some cards made and don't have time to be overly creative. Stampin' Up! to the rescue! Here is the new Dolled Up Birthday kit to help you make some beautiful cards in very little time. 

 

The Dolled-Up Birthday kit includes the following:

• Dolled-Up Birthday Photopolymer Stamp (1)
• 8-1/2" x 5-1/2" Crumb Cake Cardstock (6 pieces)
• 2" x 4-1/4" Very Vanilla Cardstock (6 pieces)
• Very Vanilla Medium Envelopes (6)
• Tea Lace Paper Doilies (6)
• Dress Up die-cuts (6)
• Soft Suede Classic Stampin' Spot (1)
• Vanilla 5/8" Flower Trim (6 pieces)
• Sponge Dauber (1)

Get everything you need to make six cards for only $15.95 (item 133913).  All you need to assemble the cards is adhesive so grab some Snail when you order (item 104332 for $6.95 or refill is item 104331 for only $4.50)

Have a friend that also does card making, or you are trying to get them addicted too? This would be a great gift!  You can shop my site at any hour of the day, www.HilarySmith.StampinUp.net

Neutrals Thank You Card

I was lucky enough to have a guest stamper for this card! I love it!  My Mom is in town and she shared this card with me, so I get to share it with you.  Starting with Whisper White card stock, she used the Lace Tape from the Spring Catalog as a stencil, going over it with Early Espresso.  The stamp is from the Perfect Pairs Stamp set. Then she ran it through the Big Shot using the Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder.  This was layered over a piece of the Natural Composition Specialty Paper, and then layered on a Whisper White card base.  It was finished off with 1/8" Early Espresso Taffeta Ribbon.  What a beautiful card!  Thanks Mom!!!

Sunshine and Sprinkles Baby

A nice sunshiny card to welcome a new baby. This is a great "neutral" baby shower card if you don't know if it is a boy or girl yet. Starting with the Sunshine & Sprinkles Designer Series Paper, I included the coordinating colors of Daffodil Delight, Lucky Limeade, Marina Mist, and Melon Mambo.  The Elegant Butterfly punch adds a little dimension, and keeps it from being to predictable with matching squares.  The Postage Stamp punch gives it another layer rather than just the squares. I really love the Cuddles & Kisses stamp set in the spring catalog. It covers a lot of possibilities as you can see below. It is also on page 33 of the Stampin' Up! Spring Catalog. 

 

Don't know anyone having a baby? Easy enough to just copy the card using any of your Designer Series paper and stamps. This a great everyday card style that can be turned into birthday or thank you cards as well.

Oh Hello.... Kitty

Here is a copy of some Birthday Party invitations I just made. I had a blast making these using punch art. The kitty's head is made with an Oval Framelit. I added upside down Full Heart punches for the ears. The eyes, nose, and center of the bow are the 3/8" Circle punch. The rest of the bow was made using two Small Heart punches. The stamps are from the Oh Hello stamp set in the spring catalog.  Colors used were Regal Rose, Whisper White, Daffodil Delight and Basic Black.  A big YEAH for Sponge Daubers because I wanted to outline everything! 

So look around you. If you see something you like, start thinking about ways you can recreate it to make it special for yourself or someone else.  Just keep experimenting, you never know what the outcome will be!

Oval Framelits In-Color Card

If you saw my post about the new color line-up, you will realize that we are keeping some of my favorite colors around: Island Indigo, Pool Party and Calypso Coral.  I was obviously playing with the Ovals Framelits for this card! I love the versatility of these tools. You can do two that are next to each other in size for a framed effect, like around the flower above. Or if you want more of the back layer showing, just skip a size and go with the next one up. The flower comes from the Oh Hello stamp set in the Spring catalog. It was embossed using Pool Party Embossing Powder.  The Modern Label punch was stamped with Happy Birthday from the Fabulous Phrases set. With that set you can make your card say just about anything! I have included it below.

 

I hope you are finding time to do some creating - it truly brings joy!

Divided Page Protectors for Scrapbooking

Have you tried these Divided Pages yet?  I confess that I have been doing most of my pages in MDS lately but had to see what these were like. I do like them!  When I have a theme going or perhaps an event that I am scrapping, I think I might still do the standard 12 x 12 pages. However, I had these photos that were all taken around the same time, but not a real theme going. This was the perfect time to use the Divided Pages. 

Want to see more scrapbooking ideas? I am having a Scrapbooking Sampler on Saturday from 2-4pm.  You can see what Stampin' Up! has to offer for recording all your memories in many different formats.  I will be sharing kits, the divided pages, MDS, and the new This and That smashbook for scrapping on the go!   Please remember to RSVP by emailing MightyOakStampers@yahoo.com  I hope to see you on Saturday.

Secret Garden Triple Layer

 

This style card has been making the rounds for a while - because it looks really difficult but is so easy to make!  Here I have created the card with the Secret Garden stamp set in Island Indigo and Pool Party. I have used Pool Party and Whisper White cardstock.  The words come from the Especially for You stamp set and then punched out with the Modern Label punch. This is a great card to have made up ahead of time and then just add the words you need for the occasion. 

 

If you want to learn new ways to make cards or new techniques, sign up for my techniques class. The next class is scheduled for April 23, at 7pm.  I hope to see you there.

Scoop up those colors now!

 

 

Here's the deal. If you see one of your favorite colors in the "discontinued" list,  you want to skip over to my website www.hilarysmith.stampinup.net and order your supplies now!  These colors will only last as long as the shelves are stocked.  The retiring color products will include ink, paper, ribbon, accessories, etc.

If you wait until April 6 to order, you will be getting free shipping. Stampin' Up! is offering free shipping this weekend April 6-8 for all normal delivery orders. There is no limit to how much you order. However, I can not guarantee that any discontinued items will still be available, there is no way to predict how long the supplies will last. 

I am so excited however looking at the new color selections! They are keeping my favorites Island Indigo and Pool Party. They are also bringing back another favorite Pear Pizzazz. I have already done my happy dance for the day!  Join me in celebrating the new color selection!

Made for You

This was purely experimental (and accidental). I brought home a card swap from Leadership that I just love for its simplicity. It was just two squares, a rectangle and the flower above which is from the Love and Sympathy stamp set.  I thought I would try it with circles.

I punched out my circles to create stencils and got out my Island Indigo and Pool Party stamp pads. If I was going to experiment, I might as well do it with my two favorite colors. Yes, I have favorites, just don't tell the others!  Well, I was not the best at sponging my stencil and perhaps should have created a larger stencil. I got carried away and found ink where is should not be. So what is a stamper to do??? Add another circle there...and now you can see why I have so many circles and not just the simple three. It happens. And that is how it becomes MY card and not just a perfect duplicate of the one I was looking at.  I added the sentiment from the Made for You stamp set and was content with my new creation. 

So when you look at the cards on this blog - feel free to copy them, but remember it is even more wonderful when you put your signature style on them too. Just keep stamping!

Secret Garden Thank You

If you need cheering up - Daffodil Delight is definitely a great color for that!  Here I combined it again with Calypso Coral and Baja Breeze. Yes, it was still on my desk from creating the Creative Elements card.  I stamped the flower from the Secret Garden set on to the Baja Breeze and cut it out using the matching die cuts. Wow that saves so much time!  To add a little more depth to the background, I used the Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Embossing folder on the front of the card. 

If you have not seen the Secret Garden bundle it includes the stamp set and the framelit dies that cut the flowers out when you run them through the BigShot.  The set is in the Spring Catalog and pictured here.

 

I hope that you are finding a little time each day to create something new!

Best of April - Butterflies

Wow! I love this set! Stampin' Up! has released the next in the "Best of" series to celebrate their 25th Anniversary. The April set is Best of Butterflies (item 133345). It is only $14.95 for the five stamps. If you can't read the fine print above, it points out that the one in the upper right corner coordinates with the Elegant Butterfly punch (item 127526) which is only $15.95.

Remember you can shop 24/7 on my website www.HilarySmith.StampinUp.net .