Stamped Sophisticates

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Sunday, August 21, 2011

Clean, Simple, Fast Cards

Fast cards with Stampin' Up! Big Top Birthday Quick Accents
More quick cards with Simply Sent Kits
Last few hours to take advantage of Texas Tax break

During the Stampin' Up! Convention last month, one of the main stage demos showed how to make a large stash of cards that were simple, clean, and fast. I wanted to see for myself how fast it really took to make 20 cards. While I was at it, I also broke out a couple different packs of the Simply Sent cards kits. Click for a closer look.

I made 24 cards in about 1-1/2 hours from the Big Top Birthday Quick Accents kit!! For the Big Top Birthday Quick accents I used only Whisper White backgrounds cards and envelopes, one stamp pad--Real Red, and the one sentiment sets; Perfectly Penned. Double click to enlarge the image.

I also made two different cards from the Simply Sent Everyday Elegance and two cards from the Simply Sent Sweet Moments sets...again, very simple and very easy.

Above is a look at the cards I made with the Quick Accents kit and the Simply Sent kit.

Of course with any of these cards you can dress them up with more layers and different embellishments, but that would defeat the purpose of quickly making a large stash of cards to have on hand or to give as a quick gift.

Visit my Stampin' Up! Store to purchase any of these itmes:

Card Recipe:

Stamps: Perfectly Penned
Paper: Whisper White
Ink: Real Red
Accessories: Big Top Birthday Quick Accents Kits (122368)

Big Top Birthday Quick Accents Kit - 122368

Quick Accents are heavy-weight, self adhesive die cuts and paper ribbon sheets that come 2 sheets to a package. 1 ea. of 2 designs in 12" X 12"size. At convention they showed these cards using as base cards the Stampin' Up! 5" X 3-1/2 note cards and envelopes (107311), which save you even more time since you don't need to cut the Whisper White cardstock. However, I wanted to make mine standard 5-1/2 X 4-1/4 size cards. Both on stage at Convention and my experience at home was that you have plenty of left-overs from one Big Top Birthday Quick Accents kit to make more projects than just the 24 cards. Below is what the two design sheets in the kit look like.

Next, I went to work on the two different Simply Sent kits. This year's catalog includes three of these kits. I'm showcasing two of the three. Both kits include everything you need, including the envelopes. Both kits include eight cards; 4 each of two different cards, labels for your stamped sentiments, and lovely die cut boarder edges. The Simply Sent Everyday Elegance set also includes embossing on the borders, and the Sweet Moments kit includes ribbons and adhesive-backed pearls for embellishing the cards. While you can also purchase matching sentiment stamps for both cards, I found I had sentiments from existing stamp sets that worked perfectly. Click for a closer look at each card.

See the contents of the Everyday Elegance Simply Sent Kit - 122377

Then on to the Sweet Moments Simply Sent Kit. Again, the cards simply fold together, stamp the label and adhere the accent ribbons and attach the labels

Here's a closer look at what's in the Sweet Moments Simply Sent Kit - 122376

These kits are perfect for new stampers, with limited supplies; or for experienced stampers without a lot of spare time. These cards went together so fast that I'm going to do a class next week end. If you're from the Houston area, check here for class details and registration.

Enjoy!

Donna Ross

Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator

SU Demonstrator Web Site: http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/donnaross/

Download Free Stampin' Up! Catalogs - including the Summer mini catalog

Friday, August 19, 2011

Berry Blossom Flowers

Berry Blossoms fan fold flowers
Texas Tax Holiday, Aug 19-21 - save on glue, tape, and markers

I just can't stop playing with Berry Blossom Designer Series Paper. Last week-end and throughout this week I cut up a storm using the Fun Flowers Bigz L Die and something new! ... The Simply Scored Scoring Tool and Stylus!! Yes, A new Scoring Tool...available Sept 1 in the Stampin' Up! Holiday Mini catalog. I've made a few of these fan fold flowers over the years, but using the new scoring tool made them a breeze to make!! I'm thrilled with this new tool, if you haven't already guessed by the number of photos below.

I simply selected three different designs from the 12 X 12" Berry Blossoms Designer Series Paper, cut them into 1" - 1-1/2" and 2" strips, glued two 12" strips of the same design together, and fan-folded the paper every half inch on the score lines made with the new Simply Scored Scoring Tool.

Purchase any of these supplies from my shopping site, 24/7.

Recipe:
Stamps - Silhouette Sentiments (120127-retired); you could easily substitute a sentiment from Tiny Tags 118091 (w), or 118592 (c)
Paper - Berry Blossoms DSP, Calypso Coral, Lucky Limeade, Wisteria Wonder
Ink: Early Espresso
Accessories: Jewelry Tag Punch (117190) Linen Thread (104199), , Designer Printed Brads ( 122940), Brights Designer Buttons (119747), Subtles Designer Buttons (119745). Simply Scored Scoring Tool and Simply Scored Stylus (122334- available Sept 1 in the Holiday Mini catalog)
Hot Glue Gun (non-Stampin' Up!), Lollie Pop Sticks (non-Stampin' Up!), 1-3/8" Circle Punch (119860), Boho Blossoms punch 119858)

Here's a close up of these first three fan fold flowers. I added Designer buttons and punched circles with various sized circle punches, or shapes from the Boho Blossoms punch to finish off the center of each of the fan fold flowers. For a closer look, click the photo below.

I finished off the back of the flowers as well so that either side could be used. These papers coordinate so well together!

Here's two more flowers using Berry Blossoms prints and coordinating In-Color card stock. These flowers were cut using the Fun Flowers Bigz Die and the Big Shot Die Cut machine. The center of the flowers use the new Designer Printed Brads. I love displaying these flowers in my craft room! Click photo for larger image.

To see more of my cards and projects using Berry Blossoms Designer Series prints, view these earlier posts:

Texas Sales Tax Holiday: If you live in Texas, this week end is sales tax holiday for school supplies up to $100.00 per items from August 19-21. Great time to stock up on SNAIL Adhesive and refills, and other Stampin' Up! glues and tapes, and to purchase any individual Stampin 'Write Markers you may be missing or the entire collection of Stampin' Write Markers or Watercolor Wonder Crayons!

Because school supply items are included in this sales tax holiday, the list of items above will be state tax free during the holiday period. Please note that you must place your order with me during the tax holiday period in order to receive these items tax free. Also, keep in mind that this is a state tax holiday and may not apply to additional city, jurisdictions, or county taxes. This is a limited-time benefit.

Enjoy!

Donna Ross

Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator
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Saturday, August 13, 2011

Raining Flowers in Cherry Cobbler

Summer Mini Catalog orders placement ends August 31
Buy 3 Designer Series Papers, get 1 free promotion
Check out my classes: Berry Blossoms class 14 August

Surfing other blogs is one of my favorite ways to gain inspiration. So, when I saw this card by Chat Wszelaki, I ran to my stamp room and quickly made my own version of her wonderful card. I made two versions with different sentiments. It is rare that I make a card without designer series paper, but this just didn't need anything else!

Purchase any of these items here.

The recipe for this card:

Stamps: Raining Flowers (122767-C), Best Friend Forever (leaves) (122807-C), Delightful Dozen (sentiment) (122652-C), Something to Celebrate -retired (sentiment) (121897-W)
Paper: Whisper White(121044), Lucky Limeade (122926), Cherry Cobbler (119685)
Ink: Lucky Limeade (122935), Cherry Cobbler (119669)
Assessories: Cherry Cobbler Brads (119737), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Paper Piercing Tool (116631), Mat Pack (105826)

Here is a closer look at the Congratulations card.

Here's a closer look at the Happy Birthday card. I added a small amount of paper piercing in the corner of the Cherry Cobbler.

Check out my upcoming classes, here.

View more information about the Buy 3, Get 1 Free Designer Series Paper Special.

Donna Ross

Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator

SU Demonstrator Web Site: http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/donnaross/

Download Free Stampin' Up! Catalogs - including the Summer mini catalog

Monday, August 08, 2011

Holiday mini preview - Christmas Lodge

Continuing the preview of new products from the Stampin' Up! Holiday mini catalog--available for ordering Sept 1--here is a sample of the Christmas Lodge stamp set. I'm again using the Frostwood Lodge Designer Series Paper. For the candy I'm using the It's a Wrap Holidays.

Card recipe:

Stamp: Christmas Lodge
Paper: Frostwood Lodge, Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White
Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso
Accessories: Top Note Die, Big Shot, Early Espresso Satin Ribbon (retired -- sooo glad I stocked up at the end of last season. You can substitute Chocolate Chip Satin Ribbon)

Below is a photo of the gift box and It's a Wrap Holidays candies, samples I previewed in yesterday's post. Together the card and gift box of candies would make a great little holiday gift for a friend or co-worker.

See yesterday's post for details about the gift box and candy.

Reminder 1: Stock up on Designer Series Papers this month. Buy 3, Get one Free. See list of which papers qualify for this promotion, here. Then visit my demonstrator site to place your order.

Reminder 2: Last few weeks to order your favorites from the Stampin' Up!Summer Mini Catalog. Down load your free copy here. Don't miss the fun back-to-school sets called Recess and Elementary Alphabets. Perfect to get a head start on back to school layouts or cards.

Reminder 3: Last week to sign up for my Fruits and Flowers Workshop on 14 Sept. See photos of samples we'll be making, here.

Be sure to register to automatically receive my blog so that you don't miss any of the upcoming Holiday mini catalog sneak peeks. Look for the sign-up link in the right side of my blog page.

Enjoy!

Donna Ross

Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator

SU Demonstrator Web Site: http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/donnaross/

Download Free Stampin' Up! Catalogs - including the Summer mini catalog

Sunday, August 07, 2011

Holiday mini catalog - First Samples

I was able to play a bit this week end with my preview items from the Stampin' Up! holiday mini catalog, which will be available to order from beginning Sept 1. This first sample used three new products.

It's a Wrap Holidays stamp set. This set includes candy wrappers for Halloween, Thanksgiving, St. Patrick's Day, Easter, Valentine's Day and Christmas, plus one general sentiment. It is a great addition to the It's a Wrap Occasions stamp set in the Big Catalog. I stamped with Cherry Cobbler ink on Avery labels and then attached the labels to the candy...fast and simple
Kraft Gift Box. Each year for the past several years Stampin' Up! has included a wonderful gift wrap item in it's Holiday Mini. This year's Kraft Gift box is ideal for gift cards or small items, like individually wrapped candies. It's make from food-safe material and it is the perfect size for cookies or small home-made baked goods like home-made fudge (hint, hint -- are you listening, Mom?).
Frostwood Lodge Designer Series Paper. I keep looking at this paper and just want to snuggle with it. It reminds me of a well-worn, soft, pair of flannel pajamas. The entire Frostwood Lodge product suite reminds me of all my fondest, old-fashion holiday memories. I can't wait to play with these items more! The bow is just strips of Designer Series Paper twisted and then held in place with an antique Brad. Click the photo for a larger view.

Watch for more upcoming samples from the Holiday mini catalog, soon!

Donna Ross

Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator

SU Demonstrator Web Site: http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/donnaross/

Download Free Stampin' Up! Catalogs - including the Summer mini catalog

Saturday, August 06, 2011

More Berry Blossoms Samples

Another Sneak peek card from my Aug 14 Fruit and Berries Class
Register now for the FREE Aug 7 Post Convention Open House
Designer Series Papers Special. Buy 3, get 1 free

Here's another peek at my upcoming August 14 Berry Blossoms Card Class.
This Designer Series papers are wonderful to work with. I keep finding more and more ways to coordinate them. And the good news is the Berry Blossoms Designer Series Papers are part of the Buy 3, Get one Free Special on Designer Series Papers going on this month! Double click the photos for a larger view.

Now for more details on my latest edition for this class (below).This card showcases a ruffle at the bottom of the card. It uses yet another print from the Berry Blossoms Designer Series Papers as well as the new Designer Printed Brads. I inked the Thank you from the Elegant Thank You stamp for the sentiment. Another tip I use to save time... I've ordered multiples of each of the Sizzlits Dies. That way, when I host a class, I can run mutiples of the Little Leaves Sizzlits through my Big Shot at the same time in one pass rather than cranking my Big Shot a gazillion times to make all the die cuts needed for cards. Click on the photo for a larger size.

Here's the Receipe:

Stamps: Elegant Thank You (sentiment)

Papers: Calypso Coral, Berry Blossoms DSP, Lucky Limeade

Inks: Chocolate Chip (sentiment)

Accessories: Designer Printed Brads, Big Shot Die Cutting Machine, Little Leaves Sizzlits, Word Window Punch, Bird Builder Punch (leaves), Red Sticky Strip (to hold the ruffle in place), Dimensionals

See more Berry Blossoms projects I posted earlier showing more samples and inspiration for this class.

We'll I'm just about finished with my first projects using the new Holiday mini catalog preview samples that arrived earlier this week. Watch for a post later today. (Love being a demonstrator and getting access early to previews of new catalog products!)

Donna Ross

Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator

SU Demonstrator Web Site: http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/donnaross/

Download Free Stampin' Up! Catalogs - including the Summer mini catalog

Wednesday, August 03, 2011

Fun Flowers and Berry Blossoms

Another card from my upcoming Berry Blossoms Card Class

Buy 3, Get 1 Free Promotion

Open House this week end

Tonight's post is going to be fairly short. My Holiday mini catalog pre-order was waiting on my door step when I got home from work tonight. And I can't wait to finish unpacking it and playing with these wonderful new Peekaboo Frames, holiday stocking dies, quilted satin ribbon, and loads more!

First, another card from my upcoming August 14 Berry Blossoms Card Class. This card showcases not only another print from the Berry Blossoms Designer Series Papers, and also coordinates with the Fun Flowers Bigz L Die. I'm so loving the vibrancy of this card. I used the White Gel Pen to outline each of the flower petals from the Fun Flowers Bigz L Die.

See more Berry Blossoms projects I posted earlier showing what we will be making in this class. More cards coming, so check back.

Here's the recipe:

Stamps: Build a Blossom (leaves) Three Little Words (Sentiments)
Papers: Calypso Coral, Berry Blossoms DSP, Wisteria Wonder, Lucky Limeade
Inks: Lucky Limeade (leaves)
Accessories: Designer Printed Brads, Basic Pearls, Fun Flowers Die, Big Shot Die Cutting Machine, White gel pen, Square Lattice Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Eyelet Border punch, Blossom Petals Builder Punch (leaves), Modern Label Punch, Boho Blossoms Punch,

I made a couple versions of the card, changing the sentiment and using a different color Designer Printed Brad. Love how the 2011-2012 In Colors work together so well.

Also, check out these samples made with Designer Series Papers, part of this month's promotion. During August, when you buy three packs of Designer paper, you get a FREE package. Time to stock up on all your favorites from the 2011-2012 Idea Book and Catalog. Excludes Specialty Designer Series Paper and Hostess Designer Series Papers. No limit to the number of free packes of Designer Series Papers you can earn. Learn more here.

Here's a list of the Designer Series papers that are part of the Buy 3, get 1 Free promotion.

And to wrap things up...I'm hosting an open house this Sunday, Aug 4. Stop by if you're in or near NW Houston. I'll have samples and swaps from the Stampin' Up Convention in mid - July. For more details and to register for the fun and prices, click here.

Hope you enjoyed today's ideas!

Donna Ross

Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator