So Sweet Stamping

I am head-over-heels in love with everything in the Sale-A-Bration flyer, as well as everything in the Occasions Catalog. How does Stampin' Up! keep topping itself with each new catalog release?! I don't know, but I am sure happy they do, even if my wallet isn't, lol!

Case in point......the gorgeous Lotus Blossom stamp set (SAB flyer, pg. 7). It says Two-Step Stamping, but really it's three steps, which gives it a beautiful depth. And because it's a photopolymer (completely clear) stamp, it's easy to line up each step of stamping. (Note: I left the greeting off, so I can add it later when I need it.)

And don't even get me started on the Irresistably Yours Specialty Designer Series Paper (SAB flyer, pg. 15)! It's twelve sheets (two each of 6 designs) of white cardstock with the designs clear-embossed on it. It's perfect for the emboss-resist technique, either by sponging, spritzing, brayering, or coloring with markers! Sooooo many ways to use this. In fact, we will be using it on one of the New Catalog Open House projects on January 11th.

Hope to see you there. If you can't make it and would like your very own copy of the Occasions Catalog and SAB flyer, please let me know and I will mail one right out!

STAMP: Lotus Blossom

CARDSTOCK: Whisper White, Old Olive, Irresistably Yours Specialty DSP

INK: Calypso Coral, Old Olive

ACCESSORIES: White Jute Ribbon, Calypso Coral Baker's Twine (retired), Stamping Sponges

Merry Christmas!

Can you believe this year is almost over? It absolutely FLEW by for me, how about you?

I've been trying to squeeze in some play time with the new products received last week, and have managed to get a couple things made. One of which is this kooky card! I thought of all kinds of ways to use the From the Herd stamp set, but last night while making a card to hold some gift cards (for a person who shall remain nameless at the moment), it dawned on me this would be really cute as a Christmas card! Llamas and alpacas produce fleece, right?

I had fun coloring with the Blendabilities, but I admit I pulled out some Copics, too. This stamp set will be available starting January 6th.

I hope your Christmas is filled with friends and family, love, laughter, and good eats! We're having the family (the local ones, anyway) over for ham and all the trimmings.

STAMP: From the Herd (greeting printed from computer)
CARDSTOCK: Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White, Gold Foil Sheets, Trim the Tree DSP Stack
INK: Tuxedo Black Memento, Blendabilities (Skin Tone Ass't., Smoky Slate, Old Olive), Copic Markers
ACCESSORIES: Big Shot, Word Bubbles Framelits Dies, Stampin' Dimensionals

Occasions Sneak Preview

Oh my heck, I'm having so much fun playing with my preorder goodies from the Occasions Catalog and Sale-A-Bration! I only wish I could spend all day playing, instead of preparing for Christmas. (You all didn't really expect a card from me this year, right? Still working on 'em!)

One of the things that made me squeal when I saw it was the new Butterfly Thinlits. I was this > < close to buying S.O.B. (Some Other Brand) of butterfly dies, so I was thrilled to see that we have our own now!

Isn't that new DSP beautiful? It's part of the Painted Blooms Designer Series paper, and EVERY STINKING SHEET is gorgeous on BOTH sides!!!

If you'd like a free Occasions and Sale-A-Bration catalog, let me know and I'll send one right out to you!

STAMP: Butterfly Basics**
CARDSTOCK: Whisper White, Coastal Cabana, Bermuda Bay, Painted Blooms DSP**
INK: Island Indigo
ACCESSORIES: Big Shot, Butterfly Thinlits Dies**, Stamping Sponges, Pearl Basic Jewels, Stampin' Dimensionals

** Available in the Occasions Catalog beginning January 6th

Still Kicking

I know you all missed me, right? Maybe? Things have been happening around here that have made it difficult for me to post on a regular basis, but I'm really going to try to be better about it. My baby girl moved away, clear across the country *sniff*, my son and sister and mom are also moving at the end of the month (also clear across the country), and we may be moving next year, so I can't make any promises. But I will try! (Note: I didn't even feel up to cooking Thanksgiving dinner this year, for the first time in 39 years, so that gives you an idea of where my head's been.)

To that end, I am posting this card at the request of my dear friend and downline, Patty. It was CASEd from a card by Amy Whelan, but I added an embossed bird to dress it up a little. If I had made the wreath entirely green, I think I would have made the bird a Cardinal, but I didn't think a red bird would complement the colors on this card very well.

It's hard to see in the photo above, but the Lost Lagoon wreath bits are accented with Dazzling Details, giving just a touch of glimmer. It really is lovely in real life!

How are your holiday preps coming along? I'm waaaay behind, and at this rate, I'll be lucky to get my cards in the mail by New Year's Eve.

But, I leave you on a high note! Mr. Brown just arrived with a box full of Occasions and Sale-A-Bration preorder goodies, so.........be looking for some inspiration in the near future!

STAMPS: Ornamental Pine, Sassy Salutations
CARDSTOCK: Whisper White, Pear Pizzazz, Lost Lagoon
INK: Pear Pizzazz, Old Olive, Lost Lagoon
ACCESSORIES: Big Shot, Lovely Lace folder, Bird Builder Punch, Lost Lagoon 3/8" Silky Taffeta Ribbon, Rhinestones Basic Jewels, Dazzling Details