Stampin' Addicts Retiring Set Blog Hop

Welcome to the Stampin' Addicts Retiring Set Blog Hop! This weekend we have 9 stampers who have created fabulous projects using products from the recently released Stampin' Up! retiring list. There are so many favorites that are going away, but I know they are making room for new soon-to-be favorites! The retiring stamps will be available to order until June 2nd, but everything else is "while supplies last."

I'm the first stop on the hop, but you may have just landed here from the link on Krystal's blog. She sure makes me wish Stippled Blossom wasn't retiring! Love that 2-step stampin'!

I chose Apothecary Art and the matching Labels Collection Framelits. I just love the way you can die-cut the stamped image and build layers so easily!

My first card is just in time for Mother's Day! The largest image from Apothecary Art was stamped, colored with Stampin' Write Markers, and fussy-cut so the mat would just peek out. I kind of fudged a bit on the greeting by using Sweet Laughter from the Occasions catalog. It's retiring on June 2nd, too, so at least I kept up the retiring theme!

My next card is so soft and feminine-looking. It also has a bit o' bling, so of course, it's my fave! It was stamped on Watercolor Paper and colored with markers, then matted on Champagne Glimmer (also retiring) and popped up on Blushing Bride DSP (from the retiring Subtles DSP Stack). The card base is Naturals White cardstock, which is on the list to go, as well. I think it really coordinates with the Watercolor Paper, so I'm sorry to see it go.

That's all I have today, so thanks for stopping by! Rhonda is next in line, featuring Gifts of Kindness over at The Stampin' Bunny.

This hop was brought to you by the good folks at Stampin' Addicts. We're addicted to all things Stampin' Up, and welcome visitors and new members!

SUPPLIES (Items in red are retiring)

Mother's Day

STAMPS: Apothecary Art, Sweet Laughter  INK: StazOn Jet Black, Daffodil Delight and Old Olive Stampin' Write Markers  CARDSTOCK: Whisper White, Old Olive, Daffodil Delight  ACCESSORIES: Big Shot, Perfect Polka Dots TIEF, Labels Collection Framelits, Tea Lace Doilies, Pearl Basic Jewels, Daffodil Delight 1/2" Seam Binding Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals

Birthday

STAMPS: Apothecary Art  INKS: VersaMark, Blushing Bride, Calypso Coral and Pear Pizzazz Stampin' Write Markers  CARDSTOCK: Naturals White, Watercolor Paper, Champagne Glimmer, Blushing Bride DSP  ACCESSORIES: Big Shot, Labels Collection Framelits, Heat Tool, Embossing Buddy, Gold Stampin' Emboss Powder, Blushing Bride 1/4" Cotton Ribbon, Artisan Embellishment Kit, Stampin' Dimensionals

Stampin' Addicts Celebrate Winter!

Welcome to the Stampin' Addicts Winter Holiday blog hop! We are featuring some of the truly awesome products in the Stampin' Up! holiday catalog, and this is the first of fifteen stops on the tour. You may have landed here from Mary Rindal's blog, so just click on the links at the bottom of each blog post to go see the next one!

Today I am showing the Gift Box Punch Board and Cheerful Tags photoploymer stamp set. This punch board is so much fun to use, and the boxes fold together without any adhesive - how cool is that?!

Up first is a shabby chic box using the Under The Tree Specialty Designer Series Paper. It's a heavier weight than our regular cardstock, and makes for very sturdy boxes. There is a different design on each side, so you can choose what works best for your gift situation. This box measures 3-1/4" x 3-1/4" x 1-3/4", a perfect size for candies, several large cookies, or even some cute hand crafted tags!

Next is the Snowman Tower of Gifts! I do love snowmen, and thought the stacked, staggered box sizes would work, with just a little stretch of the imagination. I colored the rhinestones with a black Sharpie to make the "coal" for his face and buttons. And, since he's made of snow I added a few snowflakes from the Frosted Sequins embellishments.

Last is a card using the Cheerful Tags stamps. Because the stamps are made of photopolymer, it's super easy to see exactly where you are stamping. I love the combination of Baked Brown Sugar and Cherry Cobbler (mmmmm, sounds yummy doesn't it?), so I made my own background paper to set off the greeting tag. The 1/8" Circle Punch was used with Champagne Glimmer Paper to make the centers of the snowflakes, because one can never have too much bling in my book!

Well, that's all I have for today....up next is Twila's blog, where she will wow you with the Wonderous Wreath bundle (say that five times fast, lol)! Love the tea light, Twila!!!

Another Swap

Here's another card I made for convention swaps.This was for another Stampin' Addicts organized swap, but in the New Catalog category this time. I sure do love coloring with the Stampin' Blendabilities markers, can you tell?

In fact, I love them so much, I've scheduled a free coloring class to show how they are different from our Stampin' Write Markers, and the different uses of all our coloring products! If you are interested, be sure to RSVP soon, because space is limited.

Notice the floral background paper? I stamped a different flower image from the I like You set in VersaMark ink on the cardstock to make my own patterned paper. It's a great way to make your own patterned paper, using supplies you have on hand, if you don't have just what you need in your Designer Series Paper!

STAMPS: I Like You (hostess set), Good Greetings (hostess set avail. later this year)

CARDSTOCK: Basic Black, Whisper White, Strawberry Slush, Gold Foil Sheets, Back to Black DSP

INK: Memento Tuxedo Black, VersaMark, plus Melon Mambo, Old Olive, Night of Navy, and Daffodil Delight Blendabilities Markers

ACCESSORIES: Big Shot, Bitty Banners Framelits, Hexagon Punch (banner end), Gold Sequin Trim, Gold Glitz Dazzling Details, Stampin' Dimensionals

A Swap Card

For the Stampin' Up! convention this year, I didn't go overboard on making swap cards, like I did last year. Thank goodness, because I had much less stress, which made the whole experience much more enjoyable! This is a card I made for on of the Stampin' Addicts organized swaps. I just love swapping with that group of stampers, because I know I will get amazing swaps back!

This was a "Something old, something new" swap. We were to use a stamp set that is current, but not new this year, and combine it with something that IS new, like DSP, or embellishments. I chose Papillon Potpourri for my something old, and the fabulously awesomely glimmery Dazzling Diamonds Glimmer Paper. You just can't appreciate how beautiful this is unless you see it for yourself!

The greeting is from the hostess set called Let Your Hair Down.

I have more swaps to share over the next week or so. One of which I can't share yet because it's a Control Freaks swap, and my Freaky peeps haven't received it yet. Don't want to spoil the surprise! But I will say that Glimmer Paper was involved, and leave it at that.

STAMPS: Let Your Hair Down, Papillon Potpourri
CARDSTOCK: Whisper White, Basic Black, Tempting Turquoise, Dazzling Diamonds Glimmer Paper
INK: Jet Black StazOn
ACCESSORIES: Big Shot, Perfect Polka-Dots embossing folder, Elegant Butterfly Punch

Stampin' Addicts DSP Blog Hop

Hello, and welcome to the Stampin' Addicts blog hop, where we are showcasing the wonderful new Designer Series Papers from the new Stampin' Up! catalog. You may have just landed here from Holly's blog where she featured the cheery Confetti Celebration DSP, or are starting your tour here. There are seven stops on the hop, so just click the link at the bottom of each blog, and you'll loop through them all!

I chose the Park Lane Designer Series Paper, because not only do I love the colors and patterns, I love that it can be used for feminine or masculine cards!

Up first is a pretty floral card, which went together in an absolute jiffy! The DSP carries the card and the stamped, punched blossom (layered) makes a great focal point!

Next is more of a masculine, or neutral, card. I love the bright colors. The pattern of the Daffodil Delight DSP is so subtle, you really have to look to see it!

For my last card, I wanted to show the gorgeous Blackberry Bliss patterned papers. The contrast between the two made it easy to pull the card together.

If you liked this DSP, or any of the other DSP packs on pages 186-187, they are on sale this month - Buy three, get one free!

That's all for me today. Up next is Paula Wright's blog, and she's going to wow you with the Back to Black Designer Series Paper. It will go with anything!

Stampin' Addict's Challenge

Paula (or Palua, as she is affectionately known to her llama-loving friends) over at Stampin' Addicts came up with the brilliant idea of recycling some of our old challenges and making a Pinterest board for us to upload our cards.  This week it's a sketch challenge from early 2010.

Since the Christmas Collection hadn't seen ink yet, I decided to give it a try. I think it turned out pretty well! After stamping and fussy-cutting the ornaments, I punched a Gold Foil Sheet with the Christmas Ornament Punch to use as a mat. The Stylish Stripes TIEF made a nice backgound out of the Old Olive textured CS, but it needed something "more".  Encore Gold ink to the rescue!  Just a few swipes of the pad on the embossed cardstock was all it took.

This would qualify as a very mailable card, because there are no embellishments at all to hang up in the sorting machine!

Stamps: Christmas Collection, More Merry Messages
Cardstock: Old Olive, Old Olive Textured, Whisper White,  Season of Style DSP, Gold Foil Sheets
Ink: Encore Gold, Cherry Cobbler, plus Cherry Cobbler and Old Olive Stampin' Write Markers
Accessories: Big Shot (always!), Stylish Stripes folder, Christmas Ornament Punch, Modern Label Punch

Make It Mailable

Ever have one of those days where everything is going so smoothly, and you seem so on top of things, that you wonder if you've forgotten something? Today is one of those days. I had a great time Saturday at the Holiday Catalog Open House, spent a relaxing day Sunday with my hubby, and had the cards prepped for today's Christmas Club well ahead of time. Even had time to check Pinterest before the club started!

So, what was I forgetting?  Hmmmmm, today's blog post - d'oh!

This is the last of my "Single Layer" cards for the Stampin' Addicts Meet & Greet swap.  And yes, it really is a single layer. Don't let the trompe l'oeil fool you!

After stamping the flower (Regarding Dahlias) and masking it, I used a sponge dauber to create background paper without using any background paper (one layer only, remember?).  The right side of the cardstock was trimmed with the Stampin' Trimmer down to the dahlia, then fussy-cut around the flower. If you click on it, you can see details better.

The shadow that makes it look like the entire flower is cut out and popped up is actually a bit of Smoky Slate drawn on with a Blender Pen. Fool the eye, indeed!

Since I just had to add some texture, the back panel of the card was embossed with the Delicate Designs folder.

Only 134 days until Christmas.....have you started your cards yet?

Stamps: Regarding Dahlias
Cardstock: Whisper White
Ink: Melon Mambo, Pink Pirouette, Smoky Slate
Accessories: Big Shot, Delicate Designs folder, Sponge Daubers, Blender Pens, Rhinestones Basic Jewels

Stampin' Up Retiring Colors Blog Hop

Never let it be said that we stampers don't work best under pressure!  Stampin' Up! announced their color update on Thursday, and by Thursday night the Stampin' Addicts were planning this hop to showcase the retiring colors. Everyone chose a different color as their main focus, but there will be some mixing and matching, and the last stop even uses all eleven!  You can see the twelve stops HERE. They are all linked to each other, so just click the links at the bottom of each post to make the full circuit. Everybody should be linked by noon Eastern (9:00 AM Pacific).  If you started at the beginning, then you've arrived from Adriana's blog, Escape2Stamp.  She made Certainly Celery sing, didn't she?

My color choice is Baja Breeze. I am so sorry to see this color is leaving the line up, because it coordinates so well with other colors, it's practically a neutral!

For my first card, I paired Baja Breeze with its dynamic duo on the Color Coach, Not Quite Navy (which happens to be Paula's color). There's even another retiring color in there - Certainly Celery, which you just saw on Adriana's blog! This is a "mailable" card, because the bling doesn't stick up too much, so no need for extra postage!

STAMPS: Stippled Blossoms, Feel Goods, Distressed Dots  CARDSTOCK: Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy, Whisper White  INK: Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy,Certainly Celery, Wild Wasabi  ACCESSORIES: Big Shot, Ovals Framelits, Rhinestones Basic Jewels, Stampin' Dimensionals

For my second card, the Color Coach suggested another retiring color, More Mustard.  I wasn't too sure about that combination at first, but stamping, then stamping off twice really made a nice faded effect and toned down the More Mustard (which is Holly's color). Pairing it with some Basic Black really makes the card pop!  The ribbon is Whisper White Taffeta, sponged with More Mustard.

STAMPS: Secret Garden, Delightful Dozen, Everything Eleanor  CARDSTOCK: Baja Breeze, Whisper White, Basic Black, Twiptterpated DSP  INK: Baja Breeze, More Mustard, Basic Black  ACCESSORIES: Big Shot, Secret Garden Framelits, Whisper White 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon, Stampin' Sponges, Pearls Basic Jewels, Stampin' Dimensionals, Glue Dots

Well, there you have it.......bye-bye Baja Breeze *sniff!*.  Since Stampin' Up! is offering free shipping through Monday, we wanted you to see the colors that are going away. If you can't live without them, you still have time to order and get free shipping! Note: the discountinued colors (including cardstock, ink pads, markers, etc. are available while supplies last. Once they're sold out, that's it!

Next stop on the hop is Jennifer Timko at Stampin' on the Fly. She's going to show you how much you really need Riding Hood Red!

This hop was brought to you by the fabulous folks at Stampin' Addicts, a friendly community of stampers addicted to all things Stampin' Up! The people are friendly, membership is free, and the inspiration in the gallery is amazing. Be sure to check it out soon!

Stampin' Addicts SAB Blog Hop

Hello, and welcome to another wonderful blog hop from the Stampin' Addicts! We are so happy that you stopped by to see some of the ways to use the wonderful FREE items coming next week for Sale-A-Bration* (aka SAB).

You probably just came from Rhonda's blog, The Stampin' Bunny, where she featured the Vine Street Embossing Folder. She always knocks my socks off with her creativity! You can follow the link near the bottom to continue on to Heidi's blog when you're finished here, or click HERE for a complete list of the hop stops.

Today I'm featuring the Bloomin' Marvelous stamp set, and I must say, it certainly is! The first card uses the Sycamore Street Designer Series Paper (SAB item) as a starting point. It's easy to choose coordinating colors from the DSP, so this card has Summer Starfruit and Rich Razzleberry as the main colors, with some accents of Pool Party to give it "pop". The little butterfly was heat embossed with Pool Party embossing powder to give a bit of shine, which matches the Pool Party Satin Ribbon (another SAB item!).

Sycamore Street DSP, Summer Starfruit, Rich Razzleberry, and Whisper White cardstock, VersaMark and Basic Black ink, Pool Party Stampin' Emboss Powder, Heat Tool, Bitty Butterfly Punch,

Sycamore Street Ribbon & Button Pack

For the second card I toned it down a bit and chose colors to play up the Tangerine Tango Satin Ribbon (more from the Sycamore Street pack). I thought Basic Gray was the perfect background to show off the flowers. This is a very mailable card - no bulky bows or brads to jam in the PO machinery!

Basic Gray, Tangerine Tango, and Whisper White cardstock, Tangerine Tango, Lucky Limeade, and VersaMark ink,

White Stampin' Emboss Powder, Heat Tool, Big Shot, Square Lattice Embossing Folder,

Sycamore Street Ribbon & Button Pack

And lastly, here's a pretty, feminine card with a soft pink bow holding the little bouquet, kind of reminiscent of a nosegay (and I'll bet half of you don't know what that is, heehee!). The doily really helps the flowers stand out, don't you think? Now this card would need to be hand-delivered!

Old Olive, Pink Pirouette, and Whisper White cardstock, Tea Lace Paper Doilies, Pink Pirouette/Rose Red Two-Tone Ribbon, Pink Pirouette, Rose Red, and Old Olive ink, Big Shot, Vine Street Embossing Folder, Labels Framelits, Petite Curly Label Punch, Pearl Basic Jewels, Stampin' Sponges

Thanks so much for stopping by today. Next in line is Heidi's blog, Running w Scissors Stamper, where she's going to wow you with the Feeling Sentimental set. I love the fun facts she has about the bicycle image! When you have a chance, stop by the Stampin' Addicts and say Hi! Membership is free and anyone who loves Stampin' Up! is welcome to join, whether SU demonstrator or hobby stamper.

*What is Sale-A-Bration, you ask? Only the biggest sale of the year from Stampin' Up! You can earn free goodies (with a qualified purchase), and this year has the best selection of products I've ever seen!

Love Note Treat Box Tutorial

Hello, stampers! I promised to show you how to make the treat box from last weekend's blog hop, so here you go! The first picture below shows the cutting and scoring diagram with basic instructions. For some of you, that's all you'll need to be off and runnning.

BASIC DIAGRAM & INSTRUCTIONS

For others (like yours truly), it helps to have step-by-step instructions with pictures, so that is what follows.  You can click on any picture to enlarge it for detail.

I hope you enjoy making this cute little box! It would be adorable with a heart-shaped window and the top filled with candy conversation hearts!

The materials and tools you need are:
Simply Scored Scoring Tool

Stampin’ Trimmer

Sticky Strip

Cardstock 8½" x 10"

DSP 3" x 3¾"

2½" Ribbon (taffeta works well)

If cutting a window, you will also need:

Big Shot

Die for cutting window

3" x 3¾" Window sheet (acetate sheet)

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

1.       On long side, score cardstock at ½", 2", 5¼", and 6¾". (Forgot to draw dotted lines on this step, sorry!)

2.       Rotate cardstock 90° clockwise. On short side, score cardstock at 1½", 5½", and 7¾".

3.       Cut on solid lines at top and bottom, as shown.

4.       Trim off excess from ½" score line, leaving ½" tab.

5.    With the trimmed ½" tab against the top of the trimmer, fold back the two 3¼" flaps and line the folds up on the ½" line of trimmer. Cut off excess, leaving ½".

7.       Align score line of TOP LID with groove of trimmer and trim off  ¾". Don’t cut the INSIDE TREAT FLAP!

8.   Align the score line on TOP LID with the ¾" line on Stampin’ Trimmer and using scoring blade, score on INSIDE TREAT FLAP ONLY.

9.   Round corners on TOP LID. Score ¾" from rounded corners (this flap tucks in). Go back and enlarge your cuts so they look like narrow Vs. (This helps the box close properly.) Your box should look like this (Note: from this point on, dotted lines aren't shown):

10.   Adhere DSP over center panel on BOX FRONT, as shown.

11.   Fold back the TOP LID and INSIDE TREAT FLAP (so it will fit through Big Shot) and cut the opening using desired die. Note: The die will leave an impression on TREAT FLAP. Helpful hints: Make sure the top of the window opening will be at least ¾" below score line, so bottom of INSIDE TREAT FLAP won’t show when finished. Also, hold the die in place with a sticky note to keep it from shifting while cutting.

 








12.   Adhere window sheet inside window, and apply Sticky Strip to bottom flap, and vertically to the INSIDE TREAT FLAP, as shown.

13.   Fold box and apply ribbon to INSIDE TREAT FLAP; adhere ribbon halfway down on adhesive, then loop ribbon back and adhere end on remaining adhesive.

 








14.   Adhere side flap to box back.

15.  Fold up bottom flaps and adhere. Tuck INSIDE TREAT FLAP into box, and close TOP LID.

Remember, if you need any of these materials or tools, I can help you - just click on the "Shop Here 24/7" link on the left! If you have a question, my contact info is there, too.