A Sad, but Happy Day....

Good morning, my stamping friends! I just wanted to stop in and share a couple of cards using a few of the products that will be saying bye-bye forever tonight!

Yes, they will disappear at midnight, just like Cinderella's coach! So that makes is a sad day, BUT, it's also a happy day because we all know that tomorrow brings a new catalog chock full of gorgeous new stamps and accesssories! I can't wait to show you my first project with the new In Colors tomorrow, but you'll just have to check back.........

The first card today is using the always fabulous Fresh Cuts Note cards - which are NOT retiring, thank goodness! I stamped the main collage image from the Fresh Cuts stamp set with Kiwi Kiss ink - bye bye my friend - the added a piece of the Walk in the Park Designer Series Paper behind the cut out flower so the pretty Cameo Coral color shows through.

The center is embellished with the Flower Fusion II Felt Flowers, also saying bye bye tonight! I used the Chocolate Chip color but the tin has Pink Pirouette and Baja Breeze as well. It's attached with my always favorite Rhinestone Brads in Ice Square. You can't tell by this photo, but it's the green one.

Lastly, I added a piece of that luscious, Kiwi Kiss Satin Ribbon, which sadly, is alreay SOLD OUT! What I really love about this card is how quick and easy it came together. Makes life so simple when I need something beautiful in about 10 seconds! LOL!

This next card also uses the Walk in the Park Designer Series Paper - I've sure gotten a lot of use from that paper - it has some great varied designs in it so you never get the same look twice. It is also going bye bye tonight, but it can still be ordered up through midnight!

Here, I've made my card from Kiwi Kiss cardstock and layered it with Chocolate Chip and Baja Breeze. The next layer is the Designer Paper. I've tied all the layers together with a piece of Chocolate Chip Taffeta Ribbon across the bottom third.

Now for the fun part! I used two more pieces of the Designer Paper and cut two butterflies with my Big Shot and the Beautiful Butterflies Die. Both butterflies were sponged on the edges with Kiwi Kiss ink then I curled them with my Bone folder. I attached them with Stampin' Dimensionals to the card front.

To create the antennae, took a small piece of Hemp Twine and knotted the ends, then folded it in the middle. It is attached to the back of the butterfly with some Sticky Strip to keep it in place.

Thanks for stopping by today to say Hi! In case you were wondering, I'm still working on my year end goal, so if there is anything I can order for you today or this evening, let me know, ok? I know I can get there!

It's been a fabulous year with Stampin' Up! and I've been truly blessed yet again. You, my stamping friends, make it all worthwhile!

Happy Tuesday!

~~Robin

Shop 24/7 from my website at http://www.robinstamps4u.stampinup.net/

Just click the SHOP NOW button at the top right of the page!

Soft and Pretty Monday Card

Monday is always one of those days that you just don't know how it's gonna go. I always hope for a good one because it kind of sets the tone for the rest of my week, kwim?

So, today, to help things along, I decided to show you all a card I did for a class earlier this month. Just very simple, soft and pretty!

I took a piece of 6 x 12 Pretty in Pink cardstock and laid it on top of my Movers and Shapers Die, rolling it through my Big Shot to create the entire card front. Isn't that cool? The little window was created by the moveable piece that comes with the die so you can put the opening anywhere on the card that you want it to be! I love that feature! The other cool thing about this die is that not only does it cut in the stitched line around the opening, it scores the card in half for you as well so you don't have to score it yourself! Love those step savers!

The rest of the card is pretty simple, I stamped the little flowers at the top with the Boho Background stamp set, using Pretty in Pink ink for the tone on tone effect. Then, I cut a piece of Walk in the Park Designer Series Paper at 1" x 4 1/4" and adhered it to a piece of Chocolate Chip cardstock cut at 2 1/2". The Chocolate Chip piece was given it's pretty edge with the Scalloped Edge Punch. These layers were adhered to the card front with SNAIL adhesive. I then took a piece of the So Saffron Twill Ribbon and tied it around the card, just above the DSP, trimming the ends with my Paper and Craft Scissors (ribbon scissors!)

For the greeting, I turned to the Curly Label stamp set (it comes with the Curly Label Punch and is retiring tomorrow!) The striped window was stamped with Kiwi Kiss ink on Whisper White cardstock and then I added the greeting with the Short and Sweet stamp set. It's stamped with Chocolate Chip ink. It's punched out with the Curly Label Punch and popped up on Stampin' Dimensionals to make it stand out a bit. That's it - so super easy and I just love how pretty it is!

Important! If you are wanting to purchase the Movers and Shapers Die - it will still be in the new Idea Book and Catalog, BUT it is increasing in price! You can still order it from me now for just $39.95! Here is a list of the supplies I used for this card with Item Numbers. I've indicated which are retiring tomorrow so you don't miss out!

Pretty in Pink 12 x 12 cardstock #106546

Chocolate Chip 8 1/2 x 11 cardstock # 102128

Walk in the Park DSP (RETIRING!) # 115123

Boho Backgrounds Stamp set # 114940

Short and Sweet Stamp set # 115060

Curly Label Punch Bundle Punch and Stamp set (stamps are RETIRING!) #112966

So Saffron Twill Ribbon (RETIRING!) #111364

Pretty in Pink Classic Ink Pad # 101301

Chocolate Chip Classic Ink Pad # 100908

Movers and Shapers Curly Label Die (PRICE INCREASE!) #114506

Big Shot Die-Cut Machine (Starter Kit is going away!) #113439

Big Shot Extended Cutting Pads #113478

Remember, you can order from my website 24/7 at http://www.robinstamps4u.stampinup.net/

Just click the SHOP NOW button at the top right corner!

See you tomorrow!

~~Robin

Stamping 411 - Week 5 Sketch Challenge

(Revised on 6/29 to include measurements and supplies!)

Happy Saturday, everyone!



Here is my completed card for this week's sketch on the Stamping 411 Blog. I will be back later today to revise this post with all the details and measurements for you.



Due to some unexpected circumstances today, I just have to post it quickly now so you can link back to the Stamping 411 Blog and see all the other design team's beautiful work too.




And, we are offering blog candy this week on the Stamping 411 Blog - be sure to check it out!



Ok, WHEW - I made it through the weekend and finally have time to get these measurements and instructions up for you!

I started with a piece of Whisper White cardstock 8 1/2 x 11 and cut it in half at 5 1/2 x 8 1/2. This was folded in half with my Bone Folder making a base of 4 1/4 x 5 1/2.
The next layer is Basic Black cardstock cut at 4 x 5 1/4.
I added a layer of Designer Series Paper from the retiring Rockabilly pack. It is cut at 3 3/4 x 5.

The decorative strip also has three layers - the bottom one is Riding Hood Red cardstock cut at 2 1/2" x 4". I then used my Scallop Border Punch on the top and bottom to create the scalloped edges.
Next is the Whisper White layer, cut at 1 3/4" x 4".
Then another piece of Rockabilly DSP cut at 1 1/2" x 4".
I wrapped these three layers with a piece of Riding Hood Red Taffeta Ribbon and tied it in a double knot. The ends were trimmed with the Craft and Paper Scissors, known in my house as the "Ribbon" scissors because they cut through the ribbon like "buttah"!

For my focal point image, I used the cherries stamp from the Tart and Tangy stamp set. Taking my Stampin' Write Markers, I colored directly on the stamp, using Old Olive for the stem and Ruby Red for the Cherries. This was stamped on Whisper White cardstock then punched out with the 1 3/8" Circle Punch. I took my Basic Black Stampin' Write Marker and lightly edged it with black.
This was layered on to a piece of Kiwi Kiss cardstock that was punched with the Scallop Circle Punch. Using my White Gel Pen, I added the little polka dots in each scallop. I added a couple of Stampin' Dimensionals to the back and adhered it to the card front.

For the greeting, I used a bit of old and new - the greeting is from the retiring Hostess set, Goody-Goody Gumdrops. It's stamped in Riding Hood Red on to Whisper White cardstock. To punch it out I used the NEW Modern Label Punch which you can order beginning on July 1st! This punched out piece was also edged with a little black marker and then adhered to the card front with more Dimensionals.

That's it - pretty basic, but so simple to complete! Have fun with your creations this week! Don't forget to enter the sketch challenge for YOUR chance to win the blog candy on Stamping 411!

Stamped Blessings!
~~Robin

Order your Stampin' Up! Supplies from my website 24/7 - http://www.robinstamps4u.stampinup.net/ Just click on the SHOP NOW button at the top right corner!

Blogger's Challenge #105 - Alter It!

Yes, I admit it, I did not make this project this week - I'm hanging my head in shame. Honestly, as much as I love to turn something plain and ordinary in to something extraordinary, my heart just wasn't in it this week. I've been stamping up a storm working on projects for Stamping 411 and for my Ink-SPA-rations Stampin' Spa tomorrow, so the mojo is there, really. But yesterday when I went into my abyss of a closet to find 'something' to alter, I just didn't hear anything calling out to me.



So, that gives me a chance to show you a really fun project that I did two summers ago with my daughter Emma. We took an ordinary white pocket folder and turned it into a cool scrapbook! As you can see, this project is using many retired products, but I just love this idea and am glad to have found it in my stash. (We do have one with pictures, but this was my sample for the Mom and Me class I did that summer.)

I'll provide the product list at the end of this post.



To make the scrapbook, just take the folder and fold it inside out so the pockets are on the outside. Then fold the front left edge over to the right, touching the center fold. Flip it over and do the same with the left side.


For this one, I actually glued the folder together so it doesn't open accordian style, but I have done them where we have Designer Paper and photos/journaling on the backside as well. The ribbon closure just doesn't get glued down on the back for that style.

As you can see, the inside was stamped with different colors and patterns and then I lined the inside pages with Designer Series Paper. The pull outs are cardstock with tabs. These are perfect for photos and journaling.

The front is actually featuring an Altered Item as well with the On Board Chipboard flower covered in Designer Series Paper. The leaves were punched out of a piece of crimped cardstock that had been folded in half to make the seam.

These are a great way to use up leftovers from a pack of Designer Series Paper and even our Simply Scrappin' Kits - I have one of those too that I can show you, maybe on Sunday! Just be prepared - it has photos, but no journaling - a scrapbookers lament! Always unfinished projects!

Be sure to check out all the other Blogger's Challenge Players this week. I know they will have fun projects to inspire your "Alter" ego! LOL!

Here is the supply list for this project. Any item in Bold type is still available for purchase!

Stamps: Polka Dots and Paisley, Office Accoutrements, Best Friends Alphabet, Totally Tabs

Inks: Tempting Turquoise, Regal Rose, Old Olive, So Saffron

Cardstock: Tempting Turquoise, Regal Rose, Old Olive, So Saffron, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Petals and Paisley

Accessories: On Board Chipboard flower, Ticket Corner Punch, Scalloped Circle Punch, 1" Circle Punch, Round Tab Punch, Large Oval Punch, Crimper, Mini Glue Dots, Anywhere Glue Stick, Regal Rose Narrow Grosgrain Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals, Stampin' Sponges

Remember, you can shop from my website for all these products and more 24/7! Just go to http://www.robinstamps4u.stampinup.net/ and click on the SHOP NOW button in the upper right corner.



I'll be back tomorrow with the sketch card for the Stamping 411 Blog! Be sure to check it out - there is going to be cool blog candy there this week!


~~Robin

Good Morning, Sunshine!

Isn't that the BEST name for designer paper? It just makes me WANT to create with it!

But, that DSP is being retired, so I -we - better get creating before it's gone forever! BooHoo!

This cute little card box with cards and envelopes is a version of one of the projects we'll be doing at Ink-SPA-rations Stampin' Spa on Saturday. I think it would make a wonderful little gift for a special friend or you could just use the cards for yourself - they are a great size for gift inserts or lunch box notes. The box could then hold your favorite chocolate stash and no one but YOU would know it was there!

I used Garden Green cardstock for the box and card bases and the Good Morning Sunshine DSP for the card and box fronts. The envelopes were stamped with the Good Friend stamp set and the greetings on the cards were made with the Really Retro stamp set. The Small and Large Oval punches added just the right emphasis for the greetings.

The pretty flower on my card box was done with my trusty Big Shot and the Flower Layers #3 Die. For the center I used one of the New Jumbo Brads - it was the perfect finishing touch!

Thanks for stopping by to say hi today! And for those of you who are following my goal progress, I'm getting there, but not quite yet! Thanks so much to those of you who have placed orders with me - I appreciate you so much! Say a prayer for me, ok? Because, really, it's all up to God anyway! If the goal is reached - He deserves the credit!

Stamped blessings everyone!

Robin

Shop 24/7 from my website at http://www.robinstamps4u.stampinup.net/

Just click on the SHOP NOW button at the top right!

So Close to My Goal and I NEED Your Help!

Good Monday Morning Stampers!

I’m so excited to be able to tell you a couple of wonderful things:

First, because of YOU, I have earned the Southern Caribbean Cruise for 2010! I am very excited to be able to provide this fabulous vacation for my family – yes, Emma will be going with us this time! There is an ice rink on board the ship and she can’t wait to go skating at SEA!

Secondly, because of YOU, I am only a wee bit shy of my Yearly Sales Goal! Our fiscal year ends in just 8 short days and I KNOW I can reach my goal with a little help from you, my stamping friends!

So, I have a little TREAT for each of you who helps me reach my goal by the end of the month!
For every $50 order you place between now and June 30th – you will receive from me your choice of ANY of my Retired Stamp Sets – Unmounted or Mounted AND a Designer Series Paper Sampler! (I have a LOT to choose from!)

Also, I will be doing a 50/50 Drawing board!

For each $50 purchase you make, you get a square on my 50/50 board. On July 1st, I will draw a name from the board and the winner will receive a $50 Stampin’ Up! Gift Certificate that you can use in the NEW Catalog!
There will be 20 squares on each board, so once I fill up one, I’ll do a second board. If that one fills up, I will draw for TWO Gift Certificates!

This is a great time for you to stock up on your basic consumables – cardstock in all colors, any adhesives like SNAIL refills and Stampin’ Dimensionals, basic color brads, grosgrain and taffeta ribbons –the things you use all the time in your stamping and hate to run out of!

And because there are many items in the current Catalog that are being retired forever, you can add these to your stock while you are still able to get them.
I know I have the best clients and stamping friends anywhere and you all support me so beautifully, I can’t thank you enough! With your help, I KNOW I’ll reach my goal!

To place an order, you can either e-mail me at stampwithrobin@yahoo.com OR phone me at 703-365-9197 OR visit my website at http://www.robinstamps4u.stampinup.net/ and click the SHOP NOW button at the upper right corner. I do get a copy of all orders placed on my website and will be sure to add your names to my 50/50 board.

ALSO - did you know that the Big Shot Starter Kit for customers is NOT going to be in the NEW catalog? That’s right!

The money saving option to get your Big Shot bundled with Dies and Cutting Platforms does not carry over to the next catalog. All items including the machine itself will be A La Carte.

This also means that your opportunity to receive 3 FREE Big Shots classes from me goes away as well.

If this has been on your wish list, now is the time to act and take advantage of the extra savings. Not to mention that you get FREE Hostess dollars and stamps when you make this purchase! It’s really too good a deal to miss! Click HERE to view the details of this special package.

Have a wonderful Monday and thank you in advance for all your help in reaching my end of the year goal! I KNOW it can happen thanks to YOU!

Stamped blessings,

~~Robin

Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge #104

It's Saturday again and if you're a regular reader of my blog, you now know that it's time for the next Saturday Sketch Challenge on the Stamping 411 Blog.

My card is posted here for you along with measurements and a tutorial. To see what the other 5 members of the design team have created for you, hop on over to the Stamping 411 Blog and click on their cards. It will take you right to their blogs and their tutorials! Then be sure and use the sketch to play along with us. We'd love to see your creations, so be sure to upload them using the Mr. Linky widget. If you post to Splitcoast or elsewhere, be sure to use the sketch #SSC104.

This card started very simply and I kept it that way, very clean lines and soft colors. I began with a card base of Pink Pirouette cardstock. My card is a half sheet of 8 1/2 x 11 cardstock cut at 5 1/2" on the 11" side. I folded this piece in half to make a card that measures 4 1/4" x 5 1/2". I used my Bone Folder to give it a good crease.

After folding, I added a hint of a background with my Itty Bitty Backgrounds stamp set. Taking one of the stamps, I stamped all around the card edges with Pink Pirouette ink for the tone on tone look. You could also achieve this with a Versamark inkpad.

Next, I cut my Kiwi Kiss layer at 1 3/4" x 4 1/4". This piece was simply wrapped with a piece of the 1 1/4" Pink Pirouette Grosgrain Ribbon. To adhere it, I used SNAIL adhesive on the back of the Kiwi cardstock then added more SNAIL to the ribbon when I attached it to the front of the card. This keeps it securely in place.

The next layer is Baja Breeze cardstock, cut at 4 1/2" x 3 1/4". I cut my Whisper White cardstock layer at 4 1/4" x 3". To create the stamped focal point image, I used the Kindred Spirits stamp set. I laid the stamp rubber side up on my Grid Paper. Taking my Kiwi Kiss ink pad, I smooshed it all over the stamp, inking the image. I could have used a Brayer and rolled the ink on, but I would have had to get up from my chair and walk across the room to get it. This seemed easier at the time! LOL!

I wanted to dull the color a bit so before I stamped my inked image on the Whisper White cardstock, I folded my Grid Paper over it and removed some of the ink from the rubber. Then I picked up the stamp and placed it on the cardstock, transferring the image. (Sounds fancy, huh?)

Anyway, to create the pretty Butterfly, I took two pieces of Candy Lane Designer Series Paper cut at 2 1/2" x 2" and ran them through my Big Shot with the Beautiful Butterflies Die. One of the butterflies was attached to the card front with SNAIL adhesive. For the top one, I punched a hole with my 1/16" Hole Punch and added the brad from the Vanilla Hodgepodge Hardware kit. To attach it to the card, I used a Stampin' Dimensional to give it height. I then attached the Whisper White layer to the Baja Breeze cardstock.

The last piece was the greeting. I used words from the Happy Everything stamp set and stamped them in Baja Breeze ink on Whisper White cardstock. This was cut out and attached to the back of the label frame - also from the Vanilla Hodgepodge kit - with Mini Glue Dots. I then positioned it onto the stamped leaves image and punched two holes with my Paper Piercing Tool, going through both cardstock layers. The brads were added to secure the label frame in place and then I popped the whole Baja Breeze layer up on Stampin' Dimensionals - one in each corner - and secured it to the folded card front.

This was a really simple card to create, but with the addition of ribbon and hardware, looks a lot more substantial. And isn't that the idea? Create something beautiful with no muss or fuss. I love how this one turned out and I hope you do too! I'd love to hear from you so leave me a comment to let me know you've stopped by!

Happy Saturday everyone!

~~Robin

All supplies used are available through my website at http://www.robinstamps4u.stampinup.net/

You can shop there 24/7! It's easy and fun! My website has lots of creative ideas and great color combinations. Check it out today!