Tea for Two CCMC249

We have a great new sketch today over at Create with Connie and Mary!  I really like the Tea for Two Designer Paper and thought it would work well for my card today.

The colors in this paper are so luscious... Calypso Coral, So Saffron, Lucky Limeade, Old Olive, Early Espresso, etc.   I'm so happy that Calypso Coral with be sticking around for awhile because it has become one of my favorite colors!  I paired the paper with Sahara Sand which looked perfect with the paper's vintage-y background, and added a layer of Old Olive which coordinated more closely with the muted green of the flower leaves.  

On the right is the sketch for the Create with Connie and Mary Thursday Challenge 249 this week:

I cut the vintage tea advertisement from the Designer Paper using an Apothecary Accent Framelit then mounted it onto a Sahara Sand layer, hand-cut that to match then sponged the edges with Soft Suede ink.  Next I added the layers to go underneath (the printed ones from the Tea for Two DSP), embossing the Old Olive layer with the Stripe Embossing Folder and the Big Shot.

The card base is Sahara Sand, cut 4-1/4" x 11" and folded in half.  Then a 4" x 5-1/4" layer of Sahara Sand was embossed using the Woodgrain Embossing Folder in the Big Shot, sponged with Soft Suede, then attached to the card base.  The final touches were a swath of Old Olive ribbon around the front, a Flower Trim rose tinted with a Sponge Dauber and Calypso Coral, and a number of Pearls.

Thanks for visiting today!  Be sure and visit Create with Connie and Mary to see what all the other Challenge Team members made for this sketch!  They are all quite different but wonderful!  Then make a card yourself and upload it to the challenge too!

Margaret

Retiring Stamps and Accessories Lists!

We've been holding our breath and it's finally here:  The

RETIREMENT LISTS OF STAMPS AND ACCESSORIES!

Dates: April 24-June 3, 2013 (select items available while supplies last) 

Details
Hundreds of stamps and accessories from the 2012-2013 catalogs are retiring, and this is your chance to get them before they're gone. Many products are only available while supplies last, so be sure to get your orders in early! (And some items have amazing discounts!)

Retiring Lists

• Retiring Stamps (Available April 24-June 3, 2013)
  • PDF
  • Sortable Excel file
• Retiring Accessories (Available April 24-June 3, 2013, or while supplies last) 
  • PDF
  • Sortable Excel file

 Order deadline:  Online:  Monday, June 3, 2013; 11:50 PM (MT)

REMEMBER...

the retiring colors inkpads, cardstock, reinkers and other color items, PLUS there are some great discounts on selected accessories, Big Shot Dies and tools!  Accessories are all only available while supplies last!  

To make sure you get the retiring items you want, set up an account through my Stampin' Up! website HERE then make and complete your order; that way you will secure your selections and know you have the items before they are all gone.  Accessories and tools will not be restocked, so when they are gone, they are GONE FOREVER!  

THANKS!

Margaret 

More on the New Wood Mount Stamp Boxes!

This picture was posted by one of Stampin' Up!'s concept artists who already has some boxes and has organized her Ink Refills!  She used My Digital Studio and a new MDS download titled "Label Your Craft Room" to make the labels and printed them out on Whisper White cardstock.  Aren't these great for ink refill storage?!

See the Label Your Craft Room download here.  When you order, note me (Margaret Raburn) as your demonstrator in order to get the lower price.  That way we both benefit!  : )  Thanks!

While you're there, check out these other MDS downloads for organization:  
     Label this Kitchen
     Label this Closet
     Label this Laundry

Also, if you are receiving these posts via email, the videos don't show up.  You'll need to visit the blog to see them.
 
Thanks, and have a good day!

Margaret  

NEW Wood-Mount Stamp Packaging!

NEW FROM STAMPIN' UP!  (A Sneak Peek from the 2013-2014 Annual Catalog!)

Introducing our new wood-mount stamp set packaging! These new cases are similar to our clear-mount boxes and fit perfectly on the shelf right next to them. They also have the images and stamp set name on the spine to make your search for the right set even easier.

These cases can also be purchased* empty and there's no end to what your creative mind came come up with to store in these jewels, either!  Oh Happy Day!!  Storage Solutions on their way!

Contact me to get yours starting May 31*! 

Have a good day!

Margaret 

Blue Ribbon

We made this card at my friend Gail's workshop Thursday night with the fun and versatile Blue Ribbon stamp set!

This next card is very similar; just a couple of differences; can you detect them?

Here the "blue ribbon" badge and ribbon up close.  You can see the "congratulations" stamped on the "ribbons" that hang down from the badge.  That was pleasingly easy to line up with a nicely-trimmed clear mount stamp and a clear acrylic block!

There are five different greetings in this stamp set that fit in the center of the badge!  How happy is that!  And even a graduation congrats which is so useful for this time of year!  Or, use the "BEST" center and add a banner with "Mom" or "Dad"!  So many options!

Stamps:  Blue Ribbon

Ink:  Cherry Cobbler, Daffodil Delight, Island Indigo

Paper:  World Spectacular Designer Paper, Baja Breeze, Calypso Coral, Daffodil Delight and Whisper White

Other:  Big Shot, Honeycomb Embossing Folder, Dimensionals, Snail Adhesive.

Blue Ribbon set of 7    #125979w     #125981c   

World Spectacular Designer Paper   12"x12"   pkg of 12    #126897

Thanks for visiting!  Hope you enjoyed the card!

Have a great weekend!

Margaret

Secret Garden CCMC248

We have a colorful new challenge this week at Create With Connie and Mary Thursday Challenge:  it's COLOR!  Midnight Muse, Summer Starfruit and Gumball Green are in the spotlight for us to use to create our cards.  Here's mine:

These three colors are all 2012-2014 In Colors; I paired them with a large amount of white to showcase them, using the Shimmery White cardstock (#101910) on this card for its richness and subtle sparkle!  If you haven't tried it, you should... it's also great for techniques that involve water!   The sentiment is from the Word Play set; love it!

The zig-zag strips of color were cut with the Tasteful Trim Bigz XL die.  Lots of great designs available on that die!

The flower was stamped with my Midnight Muse firm foam inkpad  (I love that I can quickly add Clear Embossing Powder and heat emboss for added texture when using the firm foam pads!) then diecut it with the coordinating Secret Garden Framelit set.  A second flower was embossed then I cut the center out and used a Blender Pen and ink pad to add some soft color.  The center is one of the adornments from the Dahlia Assortment; I added some Dazzling Diamonds to it for some sparkle.

I used the "leftovers" from the diecuts on the inside bottom to embellish and carry the design throughout.  

Here again is the challenge: 

Come on over to Create with Connie and Mary Thursday Challenge and see the Challenge Team cards then make a card using these colors yourself!  Upload it to the website and either your blog or an online site where we can see what you've made!  Join the fun!

Thanks for visiting today!

Margaret

THIS and THAT!

Your life is: Awesome. Quirky. Exciting. Perfectly messy. And happening really fast. So Stampin' Up! is happy to introduce their newest product line that lets you capture it all on-the-go. This and That will debut in the 2013-2014 annual catalog, but we're giving everybody the chance to get it now.

See the details: Be sure to CLICK HERE

Item	Description	Price
131268	Epic Day This and That Journal	$10.95
130814	Epic Day This and That Designer Series Paper	$10.95
130133	Remember This and That Rotary Stamp	$5.95
131271	Epic Day This and That Designer Stickers	$4.95
131269	Epic Day This and That Designer Washi Tape	$4.95
133350	Epic Day This and That Bundle Includes the five This and That products listed above. Only available in a bundle until April 30.	$32.08 15% Off Retail Value!

• Stampin' Up! is introducing the line with these five products, but we'll be adding more This and That stuff as time goes on.
• Bundle Dates: Now-April 30 (remember the items that come in the bundle will be available in May and in the new catalog, but we're only offering the discounted bundled until April 30).
• You can place orders on any order type (customer, workshop, or online).
• You can get as many This and That products or bundles as you want.
• You can buy the This and That products separately. But why would you do that when you can get all five together and save 15 percent? 
• Bundle ordering deadlines:
  • Online: Tuesday, April 30, 2013; 11:50 PM (MT)

You can use all these products together as an on-the-go "note" book, memorabilia-and-picture-saver book, journal, recipe book or whatever you want!  The colors and patterns in this book are so pretty and just invite you to use them!  These type books are very popular and you'll love this new product line!  I can't wait to see the other products in the This and That line that will be available in the new catalog!

All these products can be purchased online through my Stampin' Up! website here.  And while you're there check out the Clearance Rack for reduced price treasures (these can only be ordered through online customer orders).  Thanks!

See a birthday card I made with the new Epic Day Designer Paper:  CLICK HERE!

Well, I just when I thought spring was here... it's going to freeze again!  lol!

Take care,

Margaret

Dress Form Fancy

I have seen several similar cards around the 'net and was inspired to create my own version.  These dress form cards can be used for such a wide variety of occasions and are fun to make!

The Dress Form was die cut from the First Edition Designer Series Paper then stamped it with the floral branch from the Elements of Style stamp set.  (You can use either the Pop 'n Cuts Dress Form like I did, or the Dress Up Framelits set to cut the dress form).  I used coordinating color Markers, Blender Pens and inkpads to color the flowers then added touches of Dazzling Diamonds for some sparkle.   This was adhered to a Basic Black panel.

The card is Very Vanilla with a layer of Crumb Cake; the right edge is accented with tiny scallops made with the Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch tucked underneath.

The waist was accented with one of the organdy flowers from the Flower Trim; I inserted a small Rich Regal brad in the center then topped it with more Dazzling Diamonds.  Basic Rhinestones decorate the neckline.  Strips of Victoria Crochet Trim ground the black layer to the card and the greeting is from the Itty Bitty Banners set diecut with the Bitty Banners Framelits.  

Thanks for visiting today; take care.
Warmly,

Margaret

To Boston

My sincere thoughts and prayers are for the people of Boston and around the world who are affected by the tragic event in that historical and patriotic city today.  May God bless and heal you and give you strength to overcome.

Margaret

Tea Party Birthday Dress

The freezing nights here are hopefully behind us now and spring is arriving (albeit intermittently!)  Time to celebrate a girlie birthday with a tea party and a new dress maybe?  This card would be perfect for the birthday girl!
 

I just love the Tea for Two Designer Series Paper (#129311, Spring catalog) with such great designs and colors, and aren't they perfect for spring?  This chevron print (love, love!) has a gorgeous combination Pretty in Pink, Lucky Limeade and two tones of Island Indigo.  It worked great to diecut the dress with the Dress Up Framelit (#130101, Spring catalog)!  So easy!

The card is Pretty in Pink and the overlay is Island Indigo embossed with the Elegant Bouquet Embossing Folder (#115964) in the Big Shot.  On the far right edge of the Indigo layer is a tiny scallop edge punched with the Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch (#119275).  Brushed Silver cardstock makes the dress form (also cut with a Dress Up Framelit).

A swath of Island Indigo 1/4" satin ribbon (from Sale-a-Bration) embraces the waist and is accented with a small flower (two layers punched with the smallest flower on the BoHo Blossoms Punch (#119858), a must-have!).  Now doesn't every tea party dress need a Pearl (#119247) necklace?   lol!

The Happy Birthday banner is from the Itty Bitty Banners set (#126255w , #126257c) and diecut with its coordinating Bitty Banners Framelit (#129267) from the set of three.

All these products can be purchased online through my Stampin' Up! website here.  And while you're there check out the Clearance Rack for reduced price treasures (these can only be ordered through online customer orders).  Thanks!

Bitty Banners Framelits set if three    #129267

 Thanks for visiting today!  I'll have more soon!

Margaret

Serene Silhouettes CCMC247 Challenge

Today's card was made for the Create with Connie and Mary Challenge CCMC247  this week, which is a sketch!

I used the Serene Silhouettes set and a print from the International Bazaar Designer Paper.  For the background I used the technique of applying ink to an acrylic block, misting then stamping it onto my cardstock.  After it dried I stamped my image using Soft Suede ink.

To the left is the sketch for CCMC247 this week.   Very simple sketch with a multitude of possibilities!

The image was diecut with one of the Oval Framelits then layered onto a Soft Suede diecut with the largest of the Apothecary Accents Framelits.

The "heartfelt" greeting is from the Fabulous Phrases set of thirty phrases, stamped onto a scrap of the technique background and anchored with the smaller bronze filigree button from the Artisan Embellishments Kit.  A tie of Linen Thread is the final touch.

I'm so thrilled to tell you today that I've been invited to be on the Create with Connie and Mary Challenge Team!   I'm pinching myself!  lol!  Today is my first card and I look forward to a great time on this team of wonderful paper artists!  There is a challenge every Thursday over at Create with Connie and Mary; you are invited to come on over and check out the lovely samples made by all the team members and then make a card of your own using the challenge!  Next upload it to their site... it's really quite easy!  Then come back during the week to check out all the cards that participants have uploaded!

Thanks for dropping in today!  

Margaret

DON'T FORGET...

Hurry, time is running out to sign up for Paper Pumpkin this month!

Sign up by midnight tomorrow (Wednesday, April 10) so you won't miss out on any more kits or the fun.

Everyone surely won't want to miss out on paper, stamps, and fun-we know you're gonna love it!  Remember, each month's kit is only available for a month at a time; go to www.mypaperpumpkin.com to sign up.

Don't be the one that misses out!

See ya soon!

-Paper Pumpkin

p.s. 

I'm Paper Pumpkin . . .Remember me? I come to your door each month (a fully decked-out creativity carriage). I'll help you to escape your life with some paper fun. I come in a sweet box, but you'll really love what you find on the inside: All the stamps, ink, paper, and accessories to create pinable projects. Create stuff like cards, journals, décor, and more! Paper Pumpkin by Stampin' Up! is a new monthly kit program that anyone can enjoy!

 ~~~~~~~~~~

Pumpkin says to go to mypaperpumpkin.com to find out more and sign up for YOUR own creativity carriage!   And if you don't already have a demonstrator, would you consider designating me as your demonstrator when you sign up?  I'd really appreciate it!  Thanks!  Margaret Raburn

FREE SHIPPING ENDS TODAY!

Update!   FREE SHIPPING from Stampin' Up! ends tonight at 11:59 p.m. (Oklahoma time) so don't delay to enter your order online and it will be shipped via UPS to your home!  Or if you are a local customer who wishes to pick it up at my home, you may email me your order by 2 p.m. today if you prefer.  After 2 p.m. you would need to order online through my online Stampin' Up! secure website to get the Free Shipping! Thank You!


The RETIRING COLOR PRODUCTS are going fast.  I just checked and a number of  Ink Refills are already gone and they will not be restocked:  Certainly Celery, Baja Breeze, Bashful Blue and Regal Rose.  I hope you have ordered yours already!

RETIRING COLOR Cardstock, Ribbon, Markers and other accessories:  Because of limited supplies they are selling fast, and I'm sure the Free Shipping this weekend is playing into it also.  Please don't delay if you intend to purchase some of these items.

Check my blog post regarding the COLOR REFRESH to see which colors are being retired!  

Check out the new Best of 25 Years stamp for April:   
Best of Butterflies!  Gorgeous!  Get it with Free Shipping today only!

Don't forget that you still may order from the fabulous SPRING CATALOG and get the Free Shipping today also!

Thanks in advance for your orders!

Have a Happy Monday!

Margaret 

FREE SHIPPING ON ALL ORDERS! THREE DAYS ONLY!

WOW!  For the first time, Stampin' Up! is giving FREE SHIPPING on every type of order, today through Monday, April 6-8!

The easiest way to order is to use my online Stampin' Up! store HERE and it will be delivered to your home!

Also announced by Stampin' Up!:

Watercolor Pencils and Crayons Discontinued

April 3, 2013

Due to unforeseen problems with the Stampin' Up! supplier for Watercolor Wonder Crayons and Watercolor Pencils, Stampin' Up! has decided to discontinue these two products.

Watercolor Pencils (item 101879) and Watercolor Wonder Crayons Brights Collection (item 119804), which have been on Backorder for about a week, will no longer be available, effective immediately.

The following items are only available while supplies last.  Get them before they’re gone!

119802: Subtles Collection Watercolor Wonder Crayons
119803: Regals Collection Watercolor Wonder Crayons
119805: Neutrals Collection Watercolor Wonder Crayons

~~~~ MORE! ~~~~

There are a number of other special promotions currently offered by Stampin' Up!

• A COLOR REVISION has been announced.  Some colors are being retired, so get your cardstock, ink pads and refills, markers, ribbons, buttons, etc., in these colors before they are all gone!  See the information HERE!
• Single Stamps which were to end on March 31 have been extended until May 31. (see tab at the top of this page [on my blog website])
  
• A Round Array Bundle - save 15% off the stamp set and 7/8" Scallop Circle Punch - see blog post here:  http://funstampin.blogspot.com/2013/03/pre-sneak-peek-round-array-stamp-set.html
• This and That - capture your life on the go!  Collect your memories in a perfectly imperfect, casual, fun way!  Special bundle price 15% savings through April 30, 2013!   Click HERE to see pictures  and  HERE to shop for the products!

There is a lot going on at Stampin' Up!  Currently celebrating 25 years in business and going strong!

Order online or email me today with your order!  Don't delay.

Happy spring weekend!

Margaret

Stampin' Up! COLOR announcement:

Do you dream in color?  Stampin' Up! does!

April 4, 2013 from Stampin' Up!

Announcing our Color Refresh! We love color and we know that you do too. Color is fundamental to who we are and what we offer. It's important for us to stay up-to-date with color trends so we are thrilled to share our updated line of colors, and hope you will be as excited as we are by the new possibilities! 

Why now? In 2010 we did a big color renovation and shared our plans for smaller color refreshes every three to five years to keep our colors on trend. Well it has been three years and we are excited to announce that the upcoming 2013-2014 annual catalog will include 10 new colors (most of which are returning In Colors from previous years)! We are welcoming back some of your favorites, moving some colors around, and introducing one brand-new color, so take a look!

Click on the Color Chart above to see the Color brochure from Stampin' Up!

•  Beginning on April 4, 2013, all retiring/discontinued color products (i.e. ink, paper, ribbon, accessories, etc.) will be available only while supplies last.  This means that some products will not be available through the retired list period.  

• The retiring color products are only available while supplies last so don't delay in ordering your favorites! 

• Free Shipping is going on April 6-8, 2013!  This would be a great time for you to get your favorite colors before they are gone!  (Free shipping is for North America only!)
  
• Look forward to the exciting colors coming in the 2013-2014 annual catalog! 
  
  

To take advantage of the Free Shipping April 6-8, order online through my Stampin' Up! store HERE! 

Or you may email me your order here. 

Isn't this exciting!!  Some of my favorite colors are coming back!!  How about yours?!  Plus I'm so happy to have a lighter gray, which is huge in fashion and home decor!

There will be more news coming in the days ahead from Stampin' Up!, so stay tuned...!  I'll post as news is revealed!  Be sure you are subscribed to my blog to get the posts in your email box!   Go to the top right sidebar of my blog to the box where it says to enter your email address to get my posts.  Thanks!

 

In Color and Excited,

 

Margaret  

 

 

One In A Million In Midnight Muse

Today's card was inspired by the sketch challenge at Fab Friday and the challenge at the Friday Mashup to use lined paper and/or distressing or both.  I pulled out my Print Poetry Designer Series Paper Stack because I remembered the lined paper in it.  I chose that and another Midnight Muse piece to work with.

The sketch for the Fab Friday 15 Challenge:

The print I chose had a light Crumb Cake background so I used Crumb Cake cardstock for my base card overlaid with Midnight Muse cardstock (love this color!).  Over this is the designer paper with the edges distressed using the Distressing Tool from the Spring Catalog. 

Next, I took the almost solid print, added just a tiny bit of Rich Razzleberry cardstock to the bottom, textured it with the Honeycomb Embossing Folder (Spring Catalog) (I like the way the dark paper cracked!) then adhered it.  

The focal point of this sketch is the "flag" across the front; on this strip of Summer Starfruit I stamped the first part of the pair of birthday greetings from the One in A Million set (the second part of the greeting is stamped inside).  A piece of Summer Starfruit ribbon was wrapped around the banner then the large filagree piece from the Artisan Kit was fastened with a gold Glimmer Brad.  

Tip:  The gold brad was a little too bright for the filagree piece, so to subdue it I used both my Almost Artichoke and Basic Black Stampin' Write Markers to color it.  Just let it dry a little before handling and it works great!)

Hope you've enjoyed the card today!  I really enjoy doing challenges when I can; they give me a starting point for a card or perhaps challenge me to use items I have but haven't been using for awhile!  Either way, they work for me!

Smiles,

Margaret

Best of 25 Years Set for April: BUTTERFLIES!!

Every month during 2013, Stampin' Up! is combining some of our all-time-favorite stamps with a new, neverbefore-seen stamp to create a monthly “Best of” stamp set. Best of Butterflies (is our April offering, but don’t forget to check out the sets from previous months as well, found HERE. They’re available all year - shop the "Best of 25 Years"!

#133345    Best of Butterflies     (English; clear-mount)     $14.95

• The top right butterfly is new and coordinates with the Elegant Butterfly punch (127526)
• Clear-Mount Blocks B, C, and D needed for this set
• Flyer: Best of 25 Years, April Butterflies

 

Get a Free Stamp Set!  

 

As a special incentive to collect the "Best of" stamps:

• Starting in February we're including a collector's card and 25-year proof of purchase sticker with every "Best of" set.
• Collect six stickers
• Send it in to redeem a FREE set of your choice valued up to $14.95! 
• Free sets must be redeemed no later than April 30, 2014.

View Collector's Card & Details HERE!

Shop the "Best of 25 Years" stamps

I love butterflies, don't you?  So I'm very excited about this new set! 

Margaret