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March 2015

Breaking News from Stampin' Up! - Four New Products and An Important Announcement

stampin up new saleabration items

Stampin' Up! is adding FOUR new products to the Sale-A-Bration list of FREE gift choices beginning tomorrow, March 1, 2015!
 
Earn a FREE Sale-A-Bration gift with each $50 in product purchase (before shipping and tax.)  This promotion ends March 31st!
 

Click the image of the Flyer below to see all the new choices!

new saleabration from stampin up
 

SPECIAL NOTICE ON OUR BLENDABILITIES:

 
Stampin' Up! has identified potential problems regarding quality issues with our Stampin' Blendabilities line. 
 
Currently, the order numbers for all the Blendabilities markers (including the order numbers for the Sale-A-Bration Blendabilities) have been turned off and unavailable for order.  *Edit...Due to the quality issues not being resolved with the manufacturer, Stampin' Up! is discontinuing the Blendabilities line.  Although a disappointment, I have much respect for Stampin' Up! holding to its principle of offering nothing less than the best in quality with its offerings.  I am hopeful that other avenues will be explored to offer a similar product in the future. 
 
Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad (item #132708) and the Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad Refill (item #133456) will still be available. 
 
Now, go see the four new Sale-A-Bration products that will be available tomorrow through March 31, 2015 from Stampin' Up!

Card Making 101- Best White Card Stock?

Best-white-card-stock-card-making-stampin-upWhat is the best white card stock from Stampin' Up! for card making?  In today's video tutorial, I share my thoughts on this topic with some suggestions that may be helpful when creating your handmade cards.

Watch below or HERE on my You Tube channel for some ideas in this Card Making 101 video tutorial.

Every card maker has their own favorite so experiment and see what works best for you!  If you are interested in trying some of the card stock selections mentioned in the video, simply click the links below to shop!


Here's a Handmade Card Idea and Video Tutorial with Stampin' Up! Love Is Kindness

 

Stampin-up-card-love-is-kindness
Stampin' Up! Love Is Kindness Card Idea

Today's handmade card and video tutorial is an idea using Stampin' Up! Love Is Kindness from the Occasions Catalog.  This image is beautiful when colored with Blendabilities and would also be striking with a watercoloring technique.

Here's a video tutorial with tips on adding the little Typeset newspaper wrap and on coloring with Blendabilities.  You may watch below or HERE on You Tube. 

inklings:

  • Black ink was used for the first attempt at creating the Dictionary background.  Basic Gray was softer and has much more of vintage feel.
  • Sahara Sand is a much neglected Stampin' Up! color in my craft room but the beautiful Lace Trim in the Occasions Catalog has really inspired me to incorporate it into my design.  It's a beautiful neutral with gray undertones.
  • The Spiral Border Punch is a fun tool to use to add an edge of interest to your handmade cards. 

If you enjoyed today's handmade card and Stampin' Up! video tutorial and please leave a comment below and I'll choose one to receive a card created with this beautiful Love Is Kindness set!


It's "Twine" for a Stampin' Up! Deal!

Stampin-up-weekly-deals-feb24-mar2

Yes, it's "twine" (or time) for the new specials in the Stampin' Up! Weekly Deals!  And, taking center stage are three beautiful twines!  These add a special touch to your handmade cards without adding significant weight which is great when plan to put your greetings in the mail.

inklings:
  • See some card ideas using Baker's Twine on the cards on the posts HERE and HERE and HERE.
  • Sequins can add a shiny touch to handmade cards as seen HERE and
    HERE
    .
  • Here is an example of satin ribbon on a card.  Our beautiful white satin ribbon is on sale this week.
Weekly-deals-stampin-upGet a close up look at all of the specials by clicking the photo above for the Weekly Deals from Stampin' Up!

Makeover Monday- Stampin' Up! Hello You Thinlits and Wonderful Washi

Makeover1

This week's Makeover Monday project features the beautiful Hello You Thinlits and Watercolor Wonder Washi Tape from Stampin' Up!

For my Makeover Monday posts, a new project is created using the idea and inspiration from a video tutorial shared previously here on the blog and on my You Tube channel.  It's my hope that you will be inspired by any project that you see, take the original idea, then re-create it and make it your own beautiful creation!

Let's take a look at the original version which features our note cards for the card base.  Today's makeover is a standard sized card base with the finished dimensions of 4 1/4" x 5 1/2".  You can see the video below or HERE on You Tube.

You see that you can easily create a great accent for the front of your handmade cards by using wonderful washi tape!

Photo 2If you have questions or need supplies, please let me know! Thank you for stopping by for today's Makeover Monday and Stampin' Up! video tutorial featuring washi tape for your handmade cards!


Meetin', Pickin', and the Best Black Ink for Rubber Stamping Q & A Video

It's been a busy and fun past couple of days but I had to pop in this evening to share a fun meeting, a productive pickin' adventure, and my latest video with a Q & A for rubber stamping!

Ink-and-inspirations-stars-team-catherineFirst was my fun meeting with this sweet lady!  Meet Catherine, a long time member of the Ink and Inspirations Stars team, who I finally had the chance to meet "in person" yesterday!  When I found out she was going to be on a shopping trip within 25 minutes of my home town, we decided that we had to meet for lunch!   She is a sweetheart and it was such a pleasure to meet her daughter and grandson, too! We had fun shopping for craft room storage for Catherine's craft room. 

Pickin-tripHere's a "pleased as punch" photo with my oldest taken after a morning of shoppin' and pickin' some wonderful treasures at local estate sales.  And, as a treat, here's a pic of her sweet finds...

Pickin-treasuresIt was so much fun and we had a great time!  I'll have to snap a pic of some of my treasures to share with you soon. :)

And now, here's a video recorded earlier this week with the answer to a question that that I've been asked several times...What is the Best Black Ink for rubber stamping?Can't see the video below?  Find it HERE on You Tube.

Hope those tips help you when choosing your black ink from Stampin' Up!  Thank you for tuning in today and I'll see be back again on Monday!


Paper Pumpkin Fabulous-ness!

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I know that fabulous-ness is not a word but it's perfect for describing the surprise monthly kit of crafting goodness know as Paper Pumpkin from Stampin' Up!

If you haven't taken a peek at this little gem, here's the video of this month's kit. 

I'm sorry if you've missed out on this one but to receive next month's, be sure to subscribe HERE or purchase a pre-paid susbcription before the 10th of next month! Just click the pics of the cute red boxes below!

 
There's a 3 month pre-paid subscription special now! Order by March 31st and earn a FREE Sale-A-Bration item!
Enjoy a creative escape delivered to YOUR door each month!  For a limited time, save $5.00 (sale price indicated above) on a 3 month subscription...a Stampin' Up! Sale-A-Bration Paper Pumpkin special!

Cardmaking Watercolor Technique with Stampin' Up! Inks and Video Tutorial

Stampin-up-watercolor-technique-cardWatercoloring and watercolor washes are BIG in the cardmaking world so today's Stampin' Up! video tutorial features an easy technique for you to try.

All you'll need is some watercolor/small craft paint brushes (mine are from Wal-Mart), water, Watercolor Paper, and some ink pads. 

Here's an easy technique in the video tutorial below or HERE over on You Tube.

inkings:

  • This is a great technique because it's never the same and you can't mess it up!
  • In making use of the "leftover" ink, you can take another sheet of watercolor paper and just repeat the process! You'll have plenty and get 2 for 1!
  • Taping the paper down to your work surface really does help with diminish paper curling.  Dry with heat tool while taped down to speed up the process.
  • After die cutting or punching for your project, use scraps of that piece to punch or die cut to use on other projects.  Keep a jar or little basket with elements like these when you need a quick card.

Stampin-up-watercolor-technique-video-tutorial
I hope you'll give this watercolor technique a try and please let me know if you have questions.  Thanks for stopping by today for my latest Stampin' Up! video tutorial and card idea!


New Stampin' Up! Weekly Deals and Specials Pack a Punch!

stampin-up-specials-weekly-deals

It's Tuesday so you know that means there are some new Stampin' Up! weekly deal specials!

This week's deals feature some pretty awesome Stampin' Up! products including some popular punches!  And, if you've been wanting to make a "create" banner for your craft space, it's easy peasy with the letters included Celebration Basics Kit!  

See something that you'd love to have? Below are the links to access each of these specials in the Stampin' Up! store. Sale prices are shown!

inklings:

Thank you so much for joining me today for the new Stampin' Up! Weekly Deal specials!

Makeover Monday- Stampin' Up! 2015 Sale-A-Bration Big Day Birthday Notecard

Stampin-up-big-day-notecardToday's Makeover Monday card took about 10 minutes using the idea from a past video tutorial and re-creating it with the sentiment from the 2015 Sale-A-Bration Big Day set from Stampin' Up! 

I have a little bucket with stamped images that never made it to a card front or memory keeping album.  When I need a card in a jiffy, I "dig" through the bucket to find a treasure that will be a perfect fit for project on my desk.

For the general how-to, take a look below at the video tutorial from the past or HERE over on my You Tube channel.

inklings:

  • The makeover card base is one of our Crumb Cake Notecards.  This set of cards comes with envelopes and is just the right size for sending a note or greeting.
  • I used the mask from the Banner Kit but we now sell the Dots and Stripes Decorative Masks!
  • The rhinestone centers are colored with the one of the Coastal Cabana Blendabilities.
  • Earn the Big Day stamp set and select colors of Stampin' Blendabilities FREE with each $50 purchase in product during Sale-A-Bration.
  • Three ways to earn FREE product during Stampin' Up! Sale-A-Bration...Find out more HERE!
  • ***EXTRA!  Earn a spot at my special VIRTUAL Sale-A-Bration Celebration! Details HERE!

Easily shop anytime in the Stampin' Up! store by clicking the links below:

Stampin-up-big-day-birthday-card-makeover-mondaySee you again soon and thank you for checking in for today's Makeover Monday handmade card using the Sale-A-Bration Big Day stamp set from Stampin' Up!


Stampin' with the Stars!

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Sharing a sneak peek of an exclusive project like the one that's been posted the Ink and Inspirations Stars blog this week.  This project features product from the 2015 Stampin' Up! Sale-A-Bration brochure!

Twice a month, the Stars receive access to an exclusive project and video tutorial created especially for the Stars' private blog!  These projects are inspiration for their personal use, stamp clubs, classes, or simply inspiration for their own projects.

We would love to have you stampin' with the Stars! I am honored to be the leader of this group;  a community of fun and enthusiastic group of paper crafters who are both hobby and business stampers from across the U.S. 

Become a member of Stampin' Up! and our community, the Ink and Inspirations Stars with the purchase of the Stampin' Up! Starter Kit for only $99! Customize your kit with products you love up to $125 in value with FREE SHIPPING!  And during Sale-A-Bration, there's a BONUS! 

  1. Choose any TWO Sale-A-Bration items to add to your kit!...OR,
  2. Choose One Simply Created Kit from the Occasions Catalog!

As an Ink and Inspirations Stars Team Member, you will receive:

  • Personal support from me via email and/or phone.
  • Access to our private Team Facebook Group exclusively for members of the Ink and Inspirations Stars with news, support, and sharing of ideas!
  • Access to the Stars' private team blog with project ideas and video tutorials posted each month!
  • Team recognition and incentives!
  • Advice and support to help make your Stampin’ Up! experience what YOU want it to be!

If you'd like to learn more about becoming part of our group, you may e-mail me or call me at 409-719-2853.

Or, if you're ready to become part of our group, CLICK HERE.

We'd love to have you as part of the Ink and Inspirations Stars family!


Stampin' Up! A Happy Life and Blendabilities Video Tutorial

Stampin-up-a-happy-life-blendabilities

It's a ton of fun coloring with Stampin' Up! Blendabilities as you'll see in this video tutorial featuring the Sale-A-Bration set, A Happy Life.

Let's take a look at the steps to put this Stampin' Up! card idea together. If needed, you may watch the video here on my You Tube channel.

inklings:

  • These Blendabilities are really easy to use! You'll feel like an artist!
  • Don't know where to begin? Start with a green (Old Olive or Wild Wasabi), a floral color (Daffodil Delight, Calypso Coral, Melon Mambo, etc.) and a blue (Bermuda Bay or Soft Sky) This will enable you to get a good feel of the beauty of these.  You'll want more! (See all colors of Blendabilities available HERE.)
  • Did you know that you can earn a set of selected Blendabilities for FREE with a qualifying order during Sale-A-Bration?  E-mail me for details!

Stampin-up-video-tutorial-blendabilities-a-happy-lifeThank you for stopping by for today's video tutorial featuring Stampin' Up! Blendabilities!


Stampin' Up! Specials, Weekly Deals, and February Class to Go!

Feb-class-to-goWanted to share the new Weekly Deals and Stampin' Up! specials as well as remind you of the final days to sign up the ink and inspirations February Class to Go!

This month's class features the beautiful Butterfly Basics stamp set from the Occasions Catalog.  Working with this set is a dream and I can't wait to share more with you!  Be sure you are signed up for our Mailing List to receive an exclusive video tutorial using this set!! Then, visit this page to get the details on the class and to sign up!

Weekly-deals-10968410_922610067762949_4782883479957591393_nThis week's deals feature some pretty awesome products including a cute bundle from the Occasions Catalog...From the Garden.  A couple of personal favorites are the Flower Frenzy Bigz Die and the Venetian Crochet Trim. Below are the links to access each of these specials in the Stampin' Up! store:

inklings:

Email or call for information on any of the specials or if I can help you.  Thank you for checking in for the Stampin' Up! specials and the February Class to Go information!


Makeover Monday- 2015 Mini Valentine Treat Bag

Stampin-up-2015-mini-treat-bag-you-plus-meThis week's Makeover Monday features a 2015 version of my Mini Valentine Treat Bag.  This little bag is just the right size for a few treats and is easily made using one sheet from the Stacked with Love Designer Series Paper Stack from the Stampin' Up! Occasions Catalog.  Add a few simple scores, cuts, and a tied closure and you'll have one cute little bag.

Let's take a look at the video from the past for the easy how-to for this paper crafting project.  It's also available HERE on You Tube.

Let's take a look at the supply list for the 2015 project.  To shop, simply click the links below.

Stampin-up-mini-valentine-treat-bag
inklings:
  • When Whisper White craft ink on the Chalkboard paper, use the side that looks more like card stock.  Save the Chalkboard- look side for our Chalk Inks.
  • The Sweetheart Punch is on the Weekly Deals list which ends today!  See that reduced price above!
  • Try layering your punched pieces as in this project.  Using different shapes add a fun accent!
February Class to Go deadline approaching!
Feb-class-to-go
Create these projects with the beautiful Butterfly Basics stamp set from the Occasions Catalog!
Thank you for stopping by for today's Makeover Monday project, the 2015 Mini Valentine Treat Bag!

From the Craft Desk This Week; A Few Stampin' Up! Card Ideas

As you're beginning your weekend, I wanted to share a few Stampin' Up! card ideas that I posted over on my Facebook page this week.

A-happy-thing-This one uses a sentiment from the Sale-A-Bration set, A Happy Thing, and some designer paper from he Stacked with Love collection.  Also included are some leftover elements from the Hello Life Simply Created Kit.

Stampin-up-a-happy-thingElements and contributions the same as the above card with a little help from the beautiful Kinda Eclectic stamp set from the Stampin' Up! annual catalog.

Stampers-firstThis one for a demonstrator friend of mine who lives out of state.  Love the embossed hearts on that foil piece compliments of the Happy Heart TIEF!

Enjoy your weekend and I hope you enjoyed seeing these Stampin' Up! cards!