New Items from the Summer Mini Catalog

Today and tomorrow are the last days you can order from the Occasions Mini Catalog. It is hard to say goodbye to it, but a another new catalog will premiere on Saturday. It is called the Summer Mini Catalog and it is valid from May 1, 2010 thru August 31, 2010 The card above was made using a couple of the new items.

The first is a trio pack of mini paper punches. I used them as accents in the corners of the layers on this card, then used a Stampin' Marker to add a center. Here's more information about them:

Punch Pack: Itty Bitty Shapes, item #118309 $16.95 (for all 3 punches)

There is a stamp set that is a perfect fit for them called Itty Bitty Bits, item #117056 - Wood Mount and item #120060 - Clear Mount. Some great clear buttons too in the exact same shape called Bitty Buttons, item # 118761.

Did you happen to notice the texture on this card? I made it using a Textured Impression Embossing Folder for the Big Shot. The folder is called:

Stampin' Up! Square Lattice, item #119976 ... $7.95

If you look closely you will see two different patterns, one on each sheet. It was all done with this folder, I just turn the card stock over to get the different images. This is an exclusive design to Stampin' Up!

I'm always looking for additional members for my Stampin' Up! team. If you have any interest in being a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator, please contact me and I will give you the details. You can sign up as a "hobby" demonstrator too which would give you a nice discount off any products you purchase. Whether a hobby demonstrator or a business one, you would still be part of my team. Hope to hear from some of you soon. My e-mail link is at the top of the page here.


Mary
http://marydirector.stampinup.net/
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

Sentimental Journey Stamp Set Cards

Remember the scrapbook layout I posted yesterday on my blog, well I took the same elements and made it into 4 cards. In the process I am also trying to use colors that will be retired as of 1 July. You will see an intermix of current and soon to be retired colors in the cards below. For a complete list of retired colors and new colors ... CLICK HERE. (there are two posts pertaining to the color changes - be sure to scroll down after you click on the link).

All the cards below were made using the NEW stamp set called: Sentimental Journey.
Item #118513 - Wood Mount
Item #120075 - Clear Mount

The stamp set is being offered in the Summer Mini Catalog that premieres as of Saturday, May 1, 2010.


Card Stock: Barely Banana, Pale Plum, Whisper White
Brads: So Saffron
Classic Inks: Bordering Blue, Ruby Red


Card Stock: Bermuda Bay, Ruby Red, Whisper white
Classic Ink: Brocade Blue, Chocolate Chip, Ruby Red
Ribbon: 1/2" Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon, Bermuda Bay


Card Stock: Brocade Blue, Ruby Red, Whisper White
Classic Ink: Brocade Blue, Ruby Red
Ribbon: Organza Ribbon Whisper White
Brads: Gold Brads


Card Stock: Dusty Durango, Bermuda Bay, Whisper White
Classic Inks: Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie

As you can see, this stamp set is very versatile and may be used for many occasions.

Thank you for stopping by and viewing my blog today.

Mary
http://marydirector.stampinup.net/
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

NEW!!! - Sentimental Journey Stamp Set

We are on countdown to the premiere of the Summer Mini Catalog (May 1, 2010 thru August 31, 2010). Here is one of my favorite stamp sets from this catalog.

Sentimental Journey, item #118513 - Wood Mount OR item #120075 - Clear Mount

It is a set of 8 pieces:
Plane
Cruise Ship
Car
Compass
JOURNEY
TRAVEL
Detour Sign
Suitcase

I have wanted this type of stamp set for ages. Yes, I even wrote Stampin' Up! numerous times asking for a realistic cruise ship. They listened!!!!

Above is what I thought would be a cute idea for a scrapbook layout. Also the pieces could be taken apart and made into cards too. I think it is a very versatile set and I like the realistic look to the plane, car and ship. The suitcase is so great, I know I will use that a great deal too.

It was a "must have" set for me, hope you will feel the same way too.

Remember the last day to order from the Occasions Mini is Friday. You may start ordering from the Summer Mini as of Saturday. I would be happy to work with you on any order or you may place an order directly thru my Stampin' Up! website by clicking HERE.

Mary
http://marydirector.stampinup.net/
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

Cards and Chipboard Ideas

Updated: Thursday, April 29th. This is an updated version of the On Board Scallop Circle ... I added in a monogram that was punched out with the Scallop Circle Punch. It's a perfect fit for this wall hanging.


Today I wanted to share some of my creations with you. Not only are there cards, but I also did some things with Stampin' Up! chipboard.

On Board Scallop Circle Book (6" diameter), item # 118306 ... Occasions Mini Catalog
Jumbo Brads, item #112534
Designer Series Paper

I punched holes all the way around the scallop, created my string art design, then put a Jumbo Brad in to close the whole. Really like the star effect this made. I'm going to put a magnet on the back OR attach a ribbon to hang from a hook.

This is the On Board Scaloop Circle Book mentioned above also. Just changed the number of punches and the string art. The string art reminded me of a butterfly so added in the shapes using a BigZ die that is exclusive to Stampin' Up! called Beautiful Butterflies, item #114507.

The small Vanilla rectangle holder with brads is from the Hodgepodge Hardware kit, item #112454 (Vanilla).

A paper crimper (item #101618) was used to create the ridges/texture on the card stock.
The buttons came from the "Playground" Designer Buttons, item #116313).


Button Latte Designer Button, item #11433, was used for the center of the string art.
Salt Technique used for the background and the crimper used for the texture of the salted paper.
Organza Ribbon, item #114319 was used to accent the card.


This is also done with the Salt Technique (tutorial was shown yesterday here on my blog). I used the Designer Hardware: Basic Jumbo Grommets, item #114348, in the center of the string art.

Hope you enjoyed the overview. The Salt Technique is on my blog ... click HERE to view.

Mary
http://marydirector.stampinup.net/
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

Monday Inspiration - Salt Technique Tutorial

The background on this card was created using the Salt Technique. It is amazing what a little bit of coarse salt and water will do. Also it gave me a great opportunity to do another one of my string art cards, and how could I pass up that opportunity. (hope you are all smiling over that comment -- more photos today and Tuesday and then on to NEW things from the Summer Mini Catalog.)

Stampin' Up Products used:
Bashful Blue Classic Ink Refill, item #105221
Pale Plum Classic Ink Refill, item #101268
Certainly Celery Classic Ink Refill, item #105230
Aqua Painter, item #103954
Heat Tool, item #100005
Glossy White Paper, item #102599, 1 piece 5 1/2 x 4 1/4"
Old Olive 5/8" Satin Ribbon, item #117292 (in the occasions mini catalog)
Pal Plum Card Stock, item #101658, 1 sheet 8 1/2 x 11"
Filagree Designer Brads, item #112577

Non-Stampin' Up! Products used:
Embroidery Thread/Floss
Sea Salt - the type you grind yourself
Fine Mister
Foil, plastic plate or lid for drops of refill


Here everything is laid out and ready to go. The glossy white card stock was cut at 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" ... I trimmed it further down later in the process as I wanted the Pale Plum card base to frame this.


I made a small upraised tray with foil. I put in a few drops of each color making sure to keep them separate. If you need more ink, you can add it when needed.

Mist the glossy white card stock. The water will bead up.

Then dip the aqua painter (it is filled with water also) or a white paint brush into your ink drops, then brush onto the glossy card stock. I brushed on lines, but you can do anything you would like such as swirls, drops of color, areas of one color etc. It is totally up to you.

You may notice that when wet that the glossy paper will curl. Do not be concerned as it dries it will flatten out. If you want it to lay flat while painting, just curl a bit of painter's tape on the back and it will adhere to the paper underneath and stay flat.


This shows some of the curling. You can add more color in at this point if you would like.


Take the coarse salt and grind or sprinkle it all over the painted piece. Then mist again with water. This will cause the paint to bleed a bit and also for the salt to dissolve.

NOTE: If you don't have coarse salt, you can try this with table salt. From what I have read that will work also. Personally I have not tried it.

You can allow the painted/salt image to dry on its own OR you can use a heat tool. If you use a heat tool, put a piece of foil underneath and keep the heat tool moving. Remember this is paper and if overheated could catch fire.

The ones I made the other day I let dry overnight. The one above I used the heat gun. The result were the same.

Once completely dry, brush off the remaining salt using your fingers or a paper towels. Just be gentle, it will come off fairly easy.


I know this picture is unusual, but I wanted to angle the painted/salt paper so that you could see how the salt changed the coloring. It puts a texture and designs on the painted surface.


I trimmed down the painted/salt paper to 3 3/4" x 5".
Wrapped the satin ribbon around the painted/salt paper to resemble a package, then attached one of my string art (done with variegated embroidery thread) pieces. The center of the string art is a Filigree Designer Brad.

If you saw my video yesterday, there were also samples of the salt technique. I will post photos tomorrow of some samples of both the salt technique and string art.

The Stampin' Up! Occasions Mini Catalog ends on Friday. Don't miss out on the products you need and want from this catalog. Contact me directly or order on-line thru my Stampin' Up! website by clicking HERE.

Mary
http://marydirector.stampinup.net/
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

String Art Video

I've been doing LOTS of string art creations the last few days. So tonight thought it would be fun to do a quick video showing you the items I have made. I promise photos and more details on these items that haven't been featured on my blog the last couple of days. Hope you enjoy the video. If you have problems viewing the video below, you can watch it thru YouTube by clicking HERE.



Mary
http://marydirector.stampinup.net/
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

String Art - WOW

In yesterday's blog post I showed you a "Thread Art" card I made using regular sewing thread. I really liked it but wanted more dimension to the look. Today I purchased regular embroidery thread/floss, large eyed needles with thin shanks, and a needle threader that handles 3 types of thread. I was thrilled with the results of using the embroidery thread. I did not take apart the strands, use the whole strand. I believe there are 6 threads per strand.

I used Rich Razzleberry and Crushed Curry Card Stock. Then used a lighter version of embroidery thread of each color. I threaded the purple thread first then the curry. I love the result, but if I was going to do it again would put the curry thread in first.

I put brads in the corners. The tiny flowers are made with the NEW (May 1, 2010) Itty Bitty Shapes Paper Punch Pack (item #118309) for the scallop shape and my Crop-A-Dile (item #108362) using the 1/8" circle punch.

I threaded the hat pin with clear teardrops, clear round beads, and white pearls thru the embroidery threads. Attached with a small glue dot to stabilize AND also an end cap on the hat pin. Isn't the hat pin fabulous!!! The Pretties Kit (item #109114) has these accessories plus silk flowers in numerous shapes and styles.

If you decide to make and mail this type of card, be sure to mail it in a padded envelope so that it will go thru the mail with no problem. It will also require extra postage. Wouldn't this be a perfect card for Mother's Day.

Just a reminder: If you LOVE the Crushed Curry, order the card stock, ink, ribbons etc soon as they will be retiring this color as of 1 July 2010.

Mary
http://marydirector.stampinup.net/
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

String Art Card

This is my 2nd post today. Here's the card I was working on today. This is actually made with sewing thread and hand sewn. I like the effect and hope you will too. There is a tutorial on Lynn Pratt's blog on how to do the string art. If you want a thicker look to the thread, embroidery floss/thread would be a great choice.

The mat pack (item #105826) was a necessity for the precise marking of the stitching along with the paper-piercing tool (item #11631). Butterflies were made using the Butterfly Paper Punch (item #116629).

Just a reminder that the occasions mini catalog for Stampin' Up! is only valid thru the 30th of this month.

Mary
http://marydirector.stampinup.net/
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

New items soon

Hi Everyone,

I'm a bit behind today on my posting. I'm working on a couple of projects that I will be posting soon. Hope you are all having a great day.

Just a reminder that the Occasions Mini catalog ends at the end of the month. Don't miss out ordering the items you need and want from it. Let me know if I can be of help to you, also you can order directly from my official Stampin' Up! website by clicking HERE.

Mary
http://marydirector.stampinup.net/
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

Monday Inspiration: Re-purpose and Recycle Card Fronts

Haven't we all received beautiful cards for holidays, birthdays, special occasions that we no longer need to keep. I truly believe in recycling and re-purposing them by making another card. Here is a holiday one that I cut off the card front, rounded the corners and attached to a new card base. I wanted to make it a birthday card so stamped out the sentiment of "Birthday Wishes" and punch it out and attached. The card base was done with the crinkle technique and I sponged the edges with Real Red Classic Ink.

Quick and easy plus a nice card. Hope you will recycle your cards too that you are not planning to keep.

Mary
http://marydirector.stampinup.net/
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

Ornament Punch Fish Tutorial

Here's the card we are going to make today. Aren't these fish cute! They were made with paper punches and are so easy to create. You could make many different versions of the fish just by changing the paper. The possibilities are endless. Another example of Punch Art. Thank you Jessica Ying for your inspiration. Let's get started.

Stampin' Up! Supplies Needed:
Whisper White Card Stock, item #100730, one piece 5 1/2 x 8 1/2" for card base, scrap piece for eyes.
Chocolate Chip Card Stock, item #102128, scrap piece for scallop circle and 2 Modern Label Punches
To the Nines Specialty Card Stock (textured), item #114038, scrap piece for 2 Ornament Punches
Basic Black Card Stock, item #102851, scrap piece for eyes
Brilliant Blue Stampin' Write Marker, item #100057
Sage Shadow Stampin' Write Marker, item #100040
Tempting Turquoise Stampin' Write Marker, item #1000058
Ornament Paper Punch, item #116794
Modern Label Paper Punch, item #116630
Scallop Circle Paper Punch, item #109043
1/2" Circle Paper Punch, item #104390
1/4" Circle Paper Punch (retired ... you can use your Crop-A-Dile, hand held paper punch or even use a Basic Black marker for the black part of the eyes.
Bone Folder, item #102300
Uni-Ball Signo Gel Pen, item #105021
2-way Glue Pen, item #100425
SNAIL Adhesive, item #104332
Color Spritzer Tool, item #107066
Smarty Pants Stamp Set (wood mount), item #115070


Your paper pieces for the card base and to make two Ornament Punch fish.


Score your 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" card base at 4 1/4". Crisply fold using bone folder.


Pictured above are the paper punches you will be using in this tutorial.


Punch out:
2 Ornament Punches in To the Nines Specialty Card Stock
2 Modern Label Punches in Chocolate Chip Card Stock
2 ... 1/2" Circles in Whisper White Card Stock
2 ... 1/4" Circles in Basic Black Card Stock
1 Scallop Circle in Chocolate Chip Card Stock

Using the Scallop Circle you punched out, cut off two 4 scallop pieces. These will be used for the fins of the fish.


On the left you will see the punch pieces. On the right, the assembled pieces.

I used SNAIL adhesive to adhere the Word Label to the Fish - do not cut these pieces as they will fit across the fish with no problem. Then used 2-Way Glue to adhere the fins.

Now we are going to make the eyes. It is just a matter of layering. The white dot in the center of the black piece is made with the gel pen.

The completed fish. You could easily change the look of the fish by changing the paper color/designs/pattern.


I decided I wanted to decorate the Whisper White Card Stock, so used the Color Spritzer Tool from Stampin' Up!. Great way to accent the paper. The marker fits into the holder, tip almost touching the cylinder base (where the air comes out), and as you pump it puts color on the paper. The closer to the paper, the more dense the design.


Here's what it looks like when I finished. The 3 color all show and as you can see from the center I got a little bit too close with the Brilliant Blue. Not a problem as the fish will cover that.


Using Brilliant Blue Classic Ink I stamped the sentiment taken from the Smarty Pants Stamp Set.

Hope you enjoyed today's tutorial. If you have any questions, please let me know.

Mary
http://marydirector.stampinup.net/
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

Blog Candy Winner is ....

Congratulations Sharon, you are the winner of the Tote-ally Tess Stamp set. I just sent you an e-mail for your mailing information. I cut out all the comments, folded them identically, put them in a big bowl, mixed them up, and then had my husband draw one. Yours was the winning comment.

Anonymous said:

Happy Birthday! I like your blog because it is easy to read and I am not trying to read thru flowers on the side. Love the stamps.
Thanks.
Sharon (scrappyone from Cricut MB)

I want to thank everyone who participated. I loved seeing all the birthday wishes and the comments about my blog. I'm glad to know that it is helping many of you.

Mary
http://marydirector.stampinup.net/
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

Ornament Punch Fish

These fish were made using the Ornament Punch, Modern Label Punch, 1/2" circle punch, 1/4" Circle Punch, and the Scallop Circle Punch. I promise a tutorial on this within the week. It is so cute, I couldn't wait to share it with you. Thank you Jessica Ying for the inspiration.

Sentiment is from Smarty Pants Stamp Set, item #115070. There are some really funny sayings in this set:

FRIEND, GOOD. Frankenstein
What if the HOKEY POKEY really is what it's all about?
You're one of the GOOD ones!
BE YOURSELF. Nobody is better qualified!
If at least you don't succeed, find out if the loser get anything. Bill Lyon
You're never too old to do GOOFY stuff. Ward Cleaver

Mary
http://marydirector.stampinup.net/
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

It's My Birthday -Let's Celebrate, Blog Candy

Isn't Tote-ally Tess a great stamp set!!! There are 11 pieces in this set and it is a clear mount set, not a wood mount. It is item #118595 from Stampin' Up! and the cost if purchased is $16.95. She has a stamp, scissors, marker, tote, flower, card, brayer, and a cute apron along with two sentiments: I (heart) STAMPS and The best things in life are made, not bought.

If you would like a chance to win this great set, please read on ........

This week at my classes that I am teaching I am doing some surprise drawings. I realized that I help teach and inspire many of you too, and that it would be fun to have you join in my birthday celebration and have a chance at some "blog candy".

All you have to do is leave a comment to this post and some way to contact you (a blog link, an e-mail address). Tell me what you like or dislike on the blog (it is a learning process) or just say HI. One post per person, please. I will choose a winner on Wednesday and post on Wednesday night. All entries have to be posted no later than 11:59 pm on Tuesday night, April 13th. I will list all names, put them in bowl, and have my husband draw the winner. There will only be one prize given. I need to limit this also to people within the US only.

Drawing is for the brand new clear mount set "Tote-ally Tess" and does not include any clear mount blocks. This drawing is not sponsored nor endorsed by Stampin' Up! in any way. This is a personal promotion that I am doing to celebrate my birthday.

Hope you all have a wonderful day, I know I am going to.

Mary
http://marydirector.stampinup.net/
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

Gate Fold Card Tutorial

As promised, here is the tutorial for the Gate Fold Card. It is so easy to make, I'm sure it will become a favorite very quickly.

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used:
Pale Plum Card Stock, item #101658, 1 piece 5 1/2" x 8 1/2"
Sage Shadow Card Stock, item #101563, 1 piece 3 1/4" x 4 3/4"
Blush Blossom Card Stock, item #103318, 1 piece 2 3/4" x 4 1/4"
Melon Mambo Classic Ink, item #115656
Razzleberry Classic Ink, item #115658
Versamark, item #102283
SNAIL Adhesive, item #104332
Bone Folder, item #102300
Stamp-a-ma-jig, item #101049
Pocket Silhouettes Stamp Set, item #11672
Greenhouse Garden Stamp Set, item #113824 -- 2 step stamp set


Above are you 3 pieces of card stock. The Pale Plum will be our base for the card.


Score the Pale Plum Card Stock at 2 1/8" and at 6 3/8". Then crisply crease with the bone folder.

Using Versamark and the stamp of your choice from Pocket Silhouettes Stamp Set, stamp an design all over the card base.

Versamark is used as a watermark. It is clear, but when it dries on lighter paper it actually shows as a darker tone of the paper it was stamped on. Really neat and easy way to create your own designer paper too.

On the Blush Blossom Card Stock piece, stamp the two images of the shadow of your flower. The are from Greenhouse Garden Stamp Set which is a 2 step stamping set.

First you will put down your imaging sheet to position the accent, then remove it and actually stamp your image. Be sure to put one hand (I use my left) on the Stamp-a-ma-jig to hold into place as you use your other hand to do the stamping. Stamp straight down and pull the stamp straight up to prevent smearing.

If you have any questions about the Two-Step Stamping Technique, I have a tutorial here on my blog. CLICK HERE to view it.


Do both flowers using the same technique.


Using SNAIL adhesive center and attach the Blush Blossom Card Stock to the Sage Shadow piece.

Using SNAIL adhesive attach this to your card base. Be ver careful to keep the adhesive on the area that will attach to the card base as the card opens in the middle NOT on the side.


Here's your finished card.


Here's an over view of the card. See how it opens in the middle. You could add a sentiment to the inside to be seen when opened.

If you have any questions, let me know. Also if anyone is interested in becoming a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator, I would be more than happy to answer your questions. I am always looking for people to add to my team. Working for Stampin' Up! is fun and rewarding. Many sign up as Hobby Demonstrators. A Hobby Demonstrator is someone who does this for the discount and the products. The Hobby Demonstrator and the Business Demonstrator both have the same $ quota each quarter. If you would like to read more about working for Stampin' Up! ... PLEASE CLICK HERE.

Mary
http://marydirector.stampinup.net/
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)