Ink and Inspirations on Facebook

Just checking in to let you know that I'll be on the road this weekend so be sure to check out Ink and Inspirations with Lisa Brown on Facebook to keep up with Stampin' Up! news and some project ideas!  

And, our monthly newsletter featuring projects from the new catalog will go out next week so be sure to Sign Up for Our Mailing List HERE!

Have a great weekend and I'll see you at Ink and Inspirations on Facebook!

The Much Anticipated Stampin' Blendabilities

There's been a lot of talk about a new product line from Stampin' Up!, Stampin' Blendablities!  I can tell you first hand that these markers are awesome!  It's our own brand of alcohol markers that allow for beautiful coloring and shading in coordinating Stampin' Up! colors so that there is no guess work!

Now, if you've received or seen the new 2014-2015 Stampin' Up! Annual Catalog, you know there is a section devoted to these markers and I'm happy to tell you that Stampin' Up! will have these available for you to purchase this summer...probably late June or early July!

Why the wait?  Stampin' Up! wants to ensure that our supply will meet the projected demand!  I think that's awesome..who likes backorders, right?

Let me tell you that these markers are worth the wait!  As demonstrators, we were able to preorder 6 sets of colors plus the skin tone collection to practice and learn the best techniques to help you, our customers, when you are able to purchase! That's a big plus for me as a Stampin' Up! demonstrator!

Are you looking for a Stampin' Up! demonstrator?  I'd love to serve you!  And, if you are not in a relationship with another demonstrator and would like to receive a  catalog from me, please email me with your name and phone number so that we can chat and I'll let you know how you can get one for FREE!

In the meantime, if you have paper crafting needs, please visit the Online Store to shop, e-mail me , or call 409-719-2853.  I'm here to help!

And, you can bet, that you'll be sure to know when the Stampin' Blendabilites are ready to go!

Great box made from 12 x 12 designer paper!

Get ready for some summer fun with Simple Summer Stampin' Up! video tutorials from ink and inspirations beginning with this DIY box created with one sheet of 12 x 12 designer paper.

Go through your stash and pull all of those pretty prints and great patterned papers  you've been saving and create some boxes ready for gift giving for all types of occasions.

A few folds and cuts make this DIY box
perfect for gift giving!

Watch below or HERE on You Tube with all of my Stampin' Up! video tutorials.  Below the video, you'll find the scoring dimensions for this great box!

Stampin' Up! Starburst Sayings
and Coordinating Framelits

 Scoring Dimensions:

Start with 12 x 12 sheet of designer paper.

Score on one side at 1 1/2, 5 1/2, 7, and 11".

Turn and score at 1 1/2 and 10 1/2".

Cut as shown in video.

This is a great way to use your beautiful designer paper to great one of a kind gift packaging. I love hearing from you so please comment and share with your friends!  Thank you for watching this Simple Summer Stampin' Up! video tutorial!

Stampin' Up! Specials- New Weekly Deals

Stampin' Up! specials and savings abound this week in the Online Store with Weekly Deals and discounts on many retiring products!

3-1/2 Inch Circle Originals Die

$17.95$13.46

Full Heart Punch

$16.95 $12.71

Natural Composition Specialty Designer Series Paper

$12.95 $9.71

Neutrals Designer Series Paper Stack

$21.95 $16.46

Spring To Life Kit - Digital Download

$9.95 $5.97

Stripes Textured Impressions Embossing Folder Die

$7.95 $5.96

Sweet Buttons Embosslit Die

$11.95 $8.96

Typeset Alphabet Bigz Die

$89.95 $67.46

 

Table by StampinBuddy. Try it FREE.

 

Favorites of this week' Stampin' Up! specials include the beautiful designer papers!  Love the Natural Composition Paper for sponging and creating beautiful backgrounds as seen in the cards below...

Stampin' Up! Specials Weekly Deals

Or, you can leave it plain for a subtle look...

Natural Composition Specialty Paper on SALE!

Get this beautiful paper and more now on sale in the Stampin' Up! specials listed under Weekly Deals in the Online Store!

Honoring all who serve to protect our country's freedoms with this Stampin' Up! Memorial Day Card

As we honor those who serve our country, here's a Stampin' Up! card and video tutorial with a expression of thanks and gratitude.

Inspiration for this card came from Mojo Monday sketch. The sentiments from the Starburst Sayings set conveys a message from the heart.

Stampin' Up! Starburst Sayings Memorial Day Card

Watch the video tutorial below or HERE on my YOU TUBE channel with more than 300 Stampin' Up! tutorials and project ideas.

See the supplies used in this Stampin' Up! video tutorial at the links below:

Starburst Sayings Wood-Mount Bundle

$44.95

Starburst Sayings Clear-Mount Bundle

$38.95

Fresh Prints Designer Series Paper Stack

$6.95

Brights Core'dinations Cardstock

$23.95

 

 

Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad

$5.95

Pacific Point Classic Stampin' Pad

$5.95

Whisper White 5/8 Inch Organza Ribbon

$5.95

Basic Rhinestones Jewel Accents

$4.95

 

Table by StampinBuddy. Try it FREE.

See all the Stampin' Up! products seen in this video tutorial and more HERE in the Online Store.

DIY Texture Paste Recipe

After posting this Mixed Media project made for my son-in-law, several of you requested the "recipe" for DIY Texture Paste. 

DIY Texture Paste for Mixed Media

I found this recipe after searching Pinterest and have found it to work very well AND economical!

Here it is:

Homemade Smooth Texture Paste

1/4 cup Talcum Powder (I used Johnson's Baby Powder, Make it smell good too!!)

1 tablespoon White All purpose School Glue

1 tablespoon White Craft Paint

Some Water ...Add water to get consistency of toothpaste. 

*Add water in small amounts, not more than a tablespoon or so at a time, until you get the consistency that you want.

DIY Texture Paste for Mixed Media

Add fun texture to your paper crafting and mixed media projects with this DIY Smooth Texture Paste recipe!

Although the Just Sayin' Bundle with the stamp set and Word Bubble Framelits have been available since January in the Stampin' Up! Occasions Catalog, I just took the leap and ordered it a couple of weeks ago!  The word bubble sayings are precious with the Life in the Forest critters also from the Occasions Catalog.  Here is a Stampin' Up! card idea with the products used together!

While it's so exciting that these products will all be available in the new Stampin' Up! Annual Catalog, there is something you need to know!  The bundle offering of the Word Bubble Framelits with the Just Sayin' set will not be offered BUT you have until June 1st to take advantage of this 15% discount. 

These cute sayings with coordinating framelits are great combined with other sets or to use on their own!  Order yours now as a Stampin' Up! bundle and save 15%!

Just Sayin' Wood-Mount Bundle

$43.95

Just Sayin' Clear-Mount Bundle

$37.25

Ampersand Textured Impressions Embossing Folder

$7.95

Life In The Forest Wood-mount Stamp Set

$20.95

Life In The Forest Clear-mount Stamp Set

$15.95

Brights Designer Series Paper Stack

$21.95

Pumpkin Pie 3/4" Chevron Ribbon

$8.95

Naturals White 8-1/2X11 Card Stock

$7.50

 

Table by StampinBuddy. Try it FREE.

To take advantage of the Stampin' Up! discounted bundle as seen in this cute card idea, visit the Online Store HERE or click on the links above!

Stampin' Up! Blow Out Sale on Retired Products

Get excited!

Stampin' Up! is now  offering a 25%-50% discount on many of the retiring products... not including those products that are no longer available.  You have to act fast, as this special offer is only available until June 4, 2014. If you missed out on a product the first time, this is your last chance to get it before it's gone for good!

Visit the Online Store HERE to see all the remaining Stampin' Up! retiring products that are discounted in this Blow Out Sale!

Have you tried carving your own stamps with Stampin' Up!'s Undefined Kit?  Here's a message and video tutorial from the Stampin' Up! Home Office from Concept Artist, Melody H.  Read on:

We launched our Undefined Stamp Carving Kit at convention last July. Many of you have fallen in love with carving stamps, just as I have. If you haven’t quite fallen in love yet, here’s one more reason why you should.

We now offer a three-pack of the Undefined Carving Rubber (item 137123)! That’s right—just the rubber. I’m so excited to do more full 3" x 4" stamps. You can create custom images that are perfect for stamping on the front of a note card or postcard, for creating home décor, and for so many other projects.

I’m so in love with my newest stamp, the Delicate Arch. It was really easy to create and you can see that I’ve had some fun making samples with it.

If you’d like some tips and tricks on how I carved this stamp, check out the video here on You Tube or watch below...

It’s important to note that while Undefined rubber is more dense than our regular red rubber, the carved edges can be very delicate. When I clean my stamps, I run them under a faucet and blot them dry with a paper towel; if I can’t do that, I blot them with a baby wipe. You don’t want to accidentally scrub off details by rubbing too hard when cleaning your carved stamps.

I also recommend purchasing our Clear-Mount Stamp Cases to store your carved stamps, especially if you mount them with the Clear-Mount Cling Foam. They’ll stick to the case and that will keep them secure and prevent any abrasion.   From Stampin' Up! Concept Artist: Melody H.

Stampin' Up! Undefined Products:

Undefined Stamp Carving Kit

$19.95

Undefined Stamp Carving Refill Kit

$9.95

Undefined Carving Rubber

$9.95

 

Table by StampinBuddy. Try it FREE.

Carve your own stamps using the Stampin' Up! Undefined Products available in the Online Store!

While it's STILL Tuesday, let's take a look at the Weekly Deals from Stampin' Up!

Most of the ribbons featured this week are on the Retiring Accessories List and only available while supplies last!

1-1/4" Burlap Ribbon

 

$5.96

Basic Gray 1/4" Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon

$3.71

Blushing Bride 1/4" Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon

$3.71

Early Espresso 1/8 Inch Taffeta Ribbon

$4.46

International Bazaar Photobook Template - Digital Download

$8.97

Made From Scratch Recipes Designer Template - Digital Download

$10.77

Pear Pizzazz 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon

$5.21

Whisper White 1/4" Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon

$3.71

Wild Wasabi 1/4" Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon

$3.71

 

Table by StampinBuddy. Try it FREE.

If I can help you with any paper crafting or rubber stamping needs, just e-mail me.

 

For more than scrapbooking...Project Life by Stampin' Up!

Project Life by Stampin' Up! has really proven to be so versatile for all sorts of paper crafting!  Last week, we used the two choices from the card collection to create handmade cards.  This week, I used some of the 4 x 6 cards to create a mini box that will hold some sweet treats or a tiny gift.

Stampin' Up! Project Life Mini Box

Take a look at the video tutorial below or HERE on You Tube with over 300 more of my videos featuring Stampin' Up! products.

Here are a few of the items featured in the video tutorial now available in the Stampin' Up! online store:

Little Labels Punch Pack

$16.95

Everyday Adventure Project Life Card Collection

$15.95

Bermuda Bay 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon

$5.95

Snail Adhesive

$6.95

 

Table by StampinBuddy. Try it FREE.

Have you tried Project Life by Stampin' Up?  I hope you'll try the Everyday Adventures Card Collection for your paper crafting projects.

Related articles

Project Life by Stampin' Up! Card Idea and Video Tutorial

As a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, I am blessed to be able to take my business with me anywhere.  With my stamping supplies, laptop, and internet connection, the "work" travels with me wherever I go!

This week, the family is all together at our cabin in the Ozarks and we are enjoying our time together!

Enjoying the Great Outdoors with Family

Here are our girls who have enjoyed visiting the adjacent state park (Roaring River State Park) since they were infants.  It's definitely their home away from home.

Roaring River State Park Fishing

Here's one of our son-in-law's with a nice rainbow trout caught yesterday evening.  Looking forward to our fish fry today!

Room with a View

Here's the view we enjoy from our living room...peaceful and beautiful!

Thanks for letting this Stampin' Up! up demonstrator share some special times with you! 
To see more throughout the week, be sure to visit and "like" Ink and Inspirations with Lisa Brown on Facebook!

When I speak with someone about the Stampin' Up! business opportunity, there are usually a few questions that are always presented to me in the conversation. Some of these How Much? and What If? questions are usually part of the conversation.

1. How much does it cost to join Stampin' Up!?
   The Starter Kit is $99 plus your applicable sales tax... shipping is free.
   That's it.
   
   
2. How much do you get in the Starter Kit?
   Included in the Starter Kit are Stampin' Up! products of your choosing totaling up to $125.  
   The kit also includes a business supply pack with order forms, catalogs, etc. valued at $65.
   
   
3.  How much do you have to sell to be a demonstrator?
   Good question!  Minimum sales requirement is $300 a quarter.  The $300 includes what you purchase for yourself plus what others purchase from you.
   
   Think about it this way...if you have two parties/workshops at $150 in sales  every three months (a quarter), you'll meet your minimum requirement in sales.
   
   
4. What if I don't make the $300 in sales?
   
   First,as your upline, I will contact you to answer questions or offer suggestions. 
   If you are under your $300 at the end of the quarter, you'll go into Pending Status for one month.  During the month, you'll have the opportunity to make up the difference for what you lacked in the $300 total for the previous quarter. 
   ...So say you made $250 in sales for the quarter- you'll need to have at least $50 in sales during the first month of the next quarter. If you exceed that $50 in that first month, it will go toward the $300 for that quarter. 
   
   
5. What if I am unable to make up sales needed while in Pending Status that first month?
   
   Then at the month's end, you will no longer have demonstrator status.  That's all that happens.  You do not have return Starter Kit, Stampin' Up! does not call, there is no hassle. Period.
   
   
   
6. What if I'm a beginning stamper and don't know everything about stamping and paper crafting?
   
   Honey, no one knows EVERYTHING...we all start somewhere!  I had only been stamping for a few weeks when I signed up. True story.
   
   
   These are just a few of the questions I receive but are all EXCELLENT questions and I love answering them.
   
   

So, if you have been thinking about joining Stampin' Up! as a demonstrator...ask away?  I will be happy to discuss it with you.
 
And, if you've read this far, I KNOW you've thought about it and I would love to mentor you gently as you make your demonstrator-ship what YOU want it to be!

Stampin' Up! Graduation Pocket Card

Today's share and video tutorial is a Stampin' Up! Graduation Pocket Card using some new products from the upcoming Stampin' Up! catalog...the Moonlight Designer Series Paper Stack and Bravo Photopolymer Stamp Set.

The insert pulls out and is ready to write your message or to insert a gift card. Take a look at the video tutorial below or here on You Tube.

To see other samples of the Stampin' Up! Graduation Pocket Card idea seen in this video tutorial, visit Ink and Inspirations with Lisa Brown on Facebook.

Stampin' Up! Great Outdoors Card and Sneak Peek

Love this Stampin' Up! Great Outdoors set for cards for guys!  This one was made especially a son-in-law as a congratulatory card for a recent promotion.

The background is from the out-going Natural Compositions Specialty Paper collection sponged with Old Olive ink to bring out the faux wood grain.  "Nature inspired" always makes for good masculine cards, don't you think?  Our Burlap Ribbon and Linen Thread add texture and some DSP with snipped ends adds a bit of color.

Stampin' Up! Great Outdoors and Sneak Peek

Now for the Sneak Peek news!  The Congratulations sentiment is from a fab new photopolymer set that will debut in the new Stampin' Up! annual catalog.  "Bravo" is chock full of cheery and congratulatory images in different sizes and fonts that you are going to love!  You're going to see more of this set in the days ahead...it's awesome!

The image is colored with the new Stampin' Up! Blendabilities that demonstrators were able to pre-order beginning May 1st!  While these gems will be in the new catalog, the release date has not yet been determined.  Stampin' Up! wanted these alcohol markers to be included in the catalog for easy reference when the release is announced.  As a demonstrator, I am grateful for the time to work with these new markers ahead of time to prepare to share more with you and my local customers when released.

If you create cards for the guys in your life, the Great Outdoors is a fun set and a good investment!  And, for more masculine card ideas, check out my online class seried Mainly Manly Cards with card ideas and video tutorials delivered to you each month!

The Great Outdoors

$29.95

The Great Outdoors Clear-Mount Stamp Set

$21.95

Gorgeous Grunge

$24.95

Gorgeous Grunge Clear-Mount Stamp Set

$17.95

Natural Composition Specialty Designer Series Paper

$12.95

Retro Fresh Designer Series Paper

$10.95

Linen Thread

$4.50

1-1/4" Burlap Ribbon

$7.95

Old Olive Classic Stampin' Pad

$5.95

 

Table by StampinBuddy. Try it FREE.

Hope you've enjoyed this masculine card idea using the Great Outdoors set and sneak peek of upcoming Stampin' Up! products!