Good Morning!

I know that many of you have this stamp set, GOOD MORNING MAGNOLIA, it is a favorite for a good reason ~ wonderful sentiments and beautiful art work.  I used it recently in my 2021 CALENDAR CLASSES and, while it was busy in the studio, I thought I would use it.  I hadn't used bleach on cardstock for a VERY long time and I wanted to see what the results would be on the in-color, JUST JADE.  I embossed the image first and then 'painted' inside the embossed areas with a small brush and bleach.  I like the result, what do you think?

I decided to create a second project using the same technique.  In addition, this time I changed the color of the ribbons using a sponge and ink from the stamp pad ~ or, a refill ~ sorry I can't remember which.  What do you think?  If you would like a PROJECT SHEET, let me know!

The latest on the Mini Cut & Emboss Machine

From an UPDATE on our Stampin' Up! website today.....some of you have been asking about the new mini (page 170 in the annual catalog).  I will tell you more as soon as I can!  Susan Elise

MINI STAMPIN’ CUT & EMBOSS MACHINE UPDATE

We hope you’re enjoying crafting with your standard-sized Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine! We love seeing all you’re creating with it. We last updated you on the Mini Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine in the 16 June Weekly Update and want to check in with you again. While COVID-19-related production and shipping issues have caused delays, we feel confident that our launch is not far off and will happen within this 2020–2021 Annual Catalog sales period. While we might not be able to fully launch the machine by the end of the year as we had hoped, we are working closely with our vendor and shipping partners to get it in your hands as soon as possible! When we are ready to launch this exciting new product, rest assured that we’ll provide a demonstrator preorder period so you’ll have it to try out before sharing it with your customers.

 

New & worth a look...............

This ribbon might not be on your WISH LIST but it should be ~ it's amazing.  You can find it on page 53 in Stampin' Up!'s Mini Catalog ~ 1-1/2" METALLIC MESH RIBBON.  It is featured in the MAGIC IN THIS NIGHT SUITE ~ designed for Halloween but it is so much more.  It is perfect for wrapping a package or using on a card in so many different ways ~ here's another way I have used it ~ 

Much better 'in person' but it creates a sparkly background for a 'snowy' card.

The order number is 153550 and it is $8 and this SILVER MESH RIBBON can be colored using Stampin' Up! ink and sponge daubers!!!

Blending with Stampin' Up!

Tomorrow in my BEAUTIFUL AUTUMN CARD CLASS we will be using Stampin' Up! Blends for one of the cards (I will post it for you on Sunday).  Stampin' Up! has had Blends (alcohol based markers) for several years and they are wonderful because they create a very smooth overall color on your image.  There are two in a package ~ one dark and one light ~ and each blend has a tiny line end and a brush end for application.  Always use Memento Ink when you color with Blends as this prevents bleeding.  And, keep the lid on so that the alcohol does not evaporate.  It is also wise to purchase the COLOR LIFTER with the Blends.  This tool removes color if you are outside of the lines of your image and you can use it to create highlights and shading.  The video below is an excellent one from Stampin' Up! ~ it is all about techniques of using blends ~ you'll love it! Enjoy!  Let me know if you have questions ~ just leave a comment and I will get back to you!  

                                            

 

ZANY ZEBRAS from Stampin' Up!

Stampin' Up! has a new brochure that you might like to have and you might like to share.  Most of you who read my blog are long time crafters and wonderful friends who love to share what you create.  But, we all know those friends who shy away from papercrafting  feeling overwhelmed with everything involved.  If you know a newcomer who might not know where to start, this new brochure is just right to share with those who are new to crafting.  I would love to share it with you (and, happy to mail you one or more copies)!

From Stampin' Up!: The Beginner Brochure features high-quality products with coordination, versatility, coloring, building relationships, easy to accomplish techniques, and card kits that are easy to get started. We combine these in a way that tells a story about card marking. This creates a clear path for new crafters to follow, which helps them decide where to start and where to go from there.

One of the sets featured in the brochure is one you are familiar with ~ Zany Zebras on page 104 in the Annual Catalog.  It is also featured in the new brochure because it is one that can be used easily and it is definitely fun!  Let me know if you would like brochures to share ~ so happy to send some to YOU!

                                            

Stampin' Up! ~ Masking?

Melissa sent me this picture yesterday afternoon and I wanted to share it with you.  I would title it 'the joy of masking'.  Melissa changed the card she made from one that she would take to the post office to mail to a friend to one that she can give her husband on Wednesday ~ their 25th anniversary!

Stampin' Up!.....available early! Oh my!

I do hope that you are not getting tired of me talking about the new Die Cut & Embossing Machine!  I know I am excited to have mine in the Cat/Art Studio.  And, tomorrow ~ September 1 ~ everyone can order their own!  And, tomorrow we can ALL also order the Magnetic Plate.

Here's what Stampin' Up! has to say about it ~

Good news! Our vendor was able to produce and ship our new Magnetic Cutting Plates earlier than anticipated and it will be available for both you and your customers to order starting 1 September! The Magnetic Cutting Plate is not required for use with your new machine but is fun to incorporate into your die-cutting experience. It is a thin, fully magnetic sheet with a self-healing cutting surface and holds dies securely in place, even nested dies. This slim, portable sheet replaces a Cutting Plate in your sandwich, making it even easier to take with you. 

 

                                        

Bow Pants to the rescue...............

Some of my stamping friends seem to have a problem tying bows to add to their projects.  I have been using a simple little tool for years (so long ago that I can't remember when it started or where it came from) ~ BOW PANTS.  The name of the tool is easy to remember because it looks like a pair of pants and it makes bows!  I make mine from the lightweight cardboard in the back of the package of Stampin' Up!'s Designer Series Paper.  I make mine using an old punch some of you will remember ~ Word Window ~ but the CLASSIC LABEL PUNCH (on page 166 AC) will work just as well!  You can see the different sizes of bows (and, how much ribbon you will need) below the video.  This card will show you the finished bow made with Bow Pants!

                                                

 

 

CELEBRATE SUNFLOWERS

CELEBRATE SUNFLOWERS stamp set is part of the FLOWERS for EVERY SEASON SUITE on page 10 in Stampin' Up!'s new annual catalog.  We used this stamp set yesterday in our Fabulous Tuesday Stamp Clubs.  I will post pictures of that card in the future but I wanted to talk about a technique that I used for this sunflower card ~ PLASTIC WRAP SMOOSH TECHNIQUE ~

I used about a 10" square of Saran Wrap and added drops of Daffodil Delight and Pumpkin Pie ink refill to the surface of the wrap.

Then I crumbled up the plastic wrap in a ball and opened it back up.  I spritzed the ink with water.

Lastly I carefully laid Whisper White cardstock over the top ~ the size was 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" ~ and pressed the cardstock into the wet ink.  Then remove the cardstock and let it dry.  The results will vary ~

I cut the sunflower shape out of the paper and layered the detailed die cut sunflower over the top.  It is Early Espresso cardstock.  It is an interesting technique and one you could try with any color combination.  It worked well with the  celebrate sunflower bundle.  Tomorrow I will post more sunflower cards from a recent swap with some fabulous demonstrator friends.  You will find some great ideas for this bundle.  If you have time to try this technique, email me the results.  I would love to see your creation!

ANNOUNCING ~ TA DA ~ The MINI!!!

                                                

Both machines have all these great features ~

Platform folds for space saving storage.

Rotating handle is comfortable and easy to turn.

Rubber feet securely grip work surface.

Portable for on the go crafting.

Comfortable carrying handle.

Easy to learn, simple to use.

Sleek, clean design looks great in any crafting space.

All plates you need to get started are included.

Coming soon for training, tips and ideas ~ stampinup.com/cut&emboss.