Heartfelt Blooms for Sale-A-Bration

Posted on December 29, 2017 by Linda Tolson Yarbrough

It is time to put away the Christmas stamp sets and designer series papers and make room on my craft table for the new and exciting products coming soon when the Occasions Catalog and Sale-A-Bration go live on January 3, 2018.

For today’s project I chose a stamp set from the Sale-A-Bration brochure which is available for FREE after you purchase $50 in other Stampin’ Up! products (before tax and shipping).

NOTE:  The floral image on this stamp set is a new style of stamp called “Distinctive”* – the stamp lays down the ink at different opacities giving the finished image more depth.  Just ink the surface lightly for a perfect photographic finish (*Patent pending).

Without further delay, here is today’s finished card:

Now you may be thinking “that looks a little weird”, but it is actually just the technique that I chose to use which was demonstrated at OnStage in November.  I stamped the floral image in Smoky Slate and allowed it to dry completely.  I then selected some of my Stampin’ Blends alcohol markers and colored areas of the stamped image to bring out the flowers and leaves.  Once I was done I applied a coat of Clear Wink of Stella to the entire stamped image and using my Layering Ovals Framelits I cut out the image and created an “Eclipse” card by attaching the cutout to the card front with dimensionals over the area where the oval was cut from.

Here are the Stampin’ Up! products that I used in the design of this card which can quickly be added to your shopping cart by clicking on the thumbnails below:

If you have any other questions regarding the design of this card, do not hesitate to leave a comment or send me an email.  I am always happy to help.

Stamparatus Reservation Window Closes December 30, 2017

If you want to get Stampin’ Up!’s new stamp placement tool before it becomes available in June 2018 with the release of the new Annual Catalog, be sure to go online to stampinup.com to reserve yours before 11:59 PM (MT) on December 30, 2017.  You will need to have an online account to make your reservation and will be required to enter a credit card (or debit card) number; however, your card will not be charged until the tool ships in mid-March.  You will receive an email from Stampin’ Up! to notify you to complete your order when inventory has been received at the distribution center.

Year-End Sales Event

If you still have items from the Holiday Catalog on your wish list that are not on the Carryover list, you have until January 2, 2018 to place your order.  Keep in mind that items included as part of this event are available only while supplies last.  Some items have been discounted so be sure to check out the Event lists.  (Links are provided in the right margin of my blog.)

Thank you for stopping by today.  I hope you leave here inspired to put stamps to ink to paper.  Until next time, stamp on my friends.

Linda

Posted in Any Occassion, Cards, New Arrivals, Sale-A-Bration | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Elf Hats Galore

Posted on December 27, 2017 by Linda Tolson Yarbrough

It is time for me to share with you my next Christmas project (and sadly my last for the season). I made six elf hats that I filled with assorted chocolates and a rolled up $20 bill for each of my four nieces who live nearby. I also gave one to my Mom with a few more $20’s inside and put one in my husband’s stocking from “Santa”. I got the project design idea from the fabulous Connie Stewart and I posted an early project making an alternate project – a Christmas Tree. Without further ado, here is a photo of the elf hats.

Here are the Stampin’ Up! products that I used in the design of this project which can quickly be added to your shopping cart by clicking on the thumbnails below:

If you need instructions on how to make one of these elf hats and you cannot find my prior post (or you simply do not want to look for it) just ask. I would be happy to help.

Thank you for stopping by today. I hope you leave here inspired to put stamps to ink to paper. Until next time, stamp on my friends.

Linda

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Merry Christmas! – Take 2

Posted on December 26, 2017 by Linda Tolson Yarbrough

My apologies to everyone who tried to link to my post from yesterday.  Something went wrong and I took it down after I posted it.  Redoing it again today at my laptop rather than my iPad!

I hope you all had the opportunity to spend some quality time with your family to celebrate Christmas. The older I get the more I cherish the times when my sisters and I can get together under one roof with our Mom. I have three sisters – one who is almost four years older than me, one that is two years younger and the third is three years younger. The one closest to my age has four daughters of her own, the youngest is a Sophomore in High School, and our Christmas Eve gathering shenanigans could have come from a page from our own childhood. I haven’t laughed so hard in a long time listening to tales of “isn’t that my sweater” and “well isn’t that my necklace” … teenage girls are a hoot. As a teenager I had to resort to putting a lock on my bedroom door to keep my youngest sister from wearing my underwear!

I made my Mom and three sisters calendars modeled after the “One Great Year” Paper Pumpkin Kit that I shared with you in an earlier post. For these calendars I tried to select designer series paper that would go along with the seasons for the months (or at least how those seasons typically should be like – since here in Texas we generally have just two seasons, Summer and Winter). Here is what I ended up with:

Here are the Stampin’ Up! products that I used in the design of these calendar pages which can quickly be added to your shopping cart by clicking on the thumbnails below. (NOTE: Some of the products used in this project are only available through January 2, 2018 as part of the Holiday Catalog Year-End Sales Event.)

I used some retired items on these calendars (Itty Bitty Butterfly Punch, Blushing Bride Glimmer Paper, and the heart punch from Itty Bitty Accents trio punch set).  The stamp set for the months by name is from a 2015 Paper Pumpkin kit called “One Great Year”.

HERE is the link for the printable PDF for the 2018 calendar by month.  You may need to adjust your printer settings to get a higher quality printed document (I changed my settings to “Best” and increased the darkness a little).

Since these calendars were gifts I needed to make some boxes that were appropriately sized. This is one instance where I actually applied some of my math skills I learned in school (whoever says you never use math IRL is wrong). Each page of the calendar measures 4″x6″.  I quickly calculated in my head that an 8.5″x11″ piece of cardstock scored at 2″ on all four sides would result in a box roughly 4.5″x7″ – perfect for my needs.

The best cardstock to use for a box bottom is either Thick Whisper White or Thick Very Vanilla. Once all four sides have been scored at 2″ fold and burnish the score lines with your bone folder. Then using paper snips cut up to the first score line on each end on both side to create tabs that will fold in and attach to the inside flaps to form you box.I used some retired thicker kraft paper designer series paper for my box top. I cut the 12″x12″ piece down to 8.5″x11″ and scored all four sides at 1-15/16″ and then folded, burnished and cut tabs the same as I did to make the bottom. The top will fit perfectly over the bottom if you cut and scored as indicated.

I tied some retired ribbon around the top of the box and then wrapped the bottom on the box with retired washi tape. I created the tags from the 6″x6″ Christmas Quilt Designer Series Paper which I cut into 3″x6″ strips and cut at one end with the banner triple punch and at the other with the scallop tag punch.

Here are the Stampin’ Up! products that I used in the design of these boxes which can be quickly added to your shopping cart by clicking on the thumbnails below:

I also used retired products on this project (Under the Tree Specialty Designer Series Paper, Stitched Edge Ribbon in Real Red and washi tape).

That is all I will share with you today. I have one more project that I will share with you tomorrow that I used as stocking stuffers. Stay tuned.

Thank you for stopping by today. I hope you leave here inspired to put stamps to ink to paper. Until next time, stamp on my friends.

Linda

Posted in 3-D Projects, Holiday Catalog | Leave a comment

Clearance Rack Refresh

Posted on December 18, 2017 by Linda Tolson Yarbrough

New items have been added to the Clearance Rack in the online store (including Curvy Keepsake Box die)!

Supplies are limited, and with discounts up to 70%, products will go quickly. Shop now and stock up.

Click HERE for a link to the Clearance Rack.

Thank you for stopping by. Until next time, stamp on my friends!

Linda

UPDATE: Within the last 15 minutes the Curvy Keepsake Box die sold out. Just a prime example of the old saying “you snooze, you lose.” 😟

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Running Out of Time

Posted on December 17, 2017 by Linda Tolson Yarbrough

You may have noticed that I have not posted in at least a week. Don’t worry as all is well, I am just short on time for all that I need to accomplish before December 25. I am sure I am not the only person in this situation.

I am happy to say that I finally completed my Christmas cards – 52 handmade cards were posted on Saturday and I have my fingers crossed that they will all be received by the addressees before Christmas Day.

I am now working on some handmade gifts for a few friends, my sisters and of course my Mom. So until I complete those goals I will not be posting daily projects. However here is a photo of my desk which gives you a sneak peek of the Tutti-Frutti Suite in the 2018 Occasions Catalog (Fruit Basket Bundle #145977 $35.00), available on January 3, 2018.

Those are teeny tiny pears! Also included in the 4-Punch set is a strawberry, a pineapple and a watermelon (or any fruit slice actually depending on your color choices when stamping). This bundle is adorable.

Speaking of running out of time, the Year-End Sales Event ends on January 2, 2018. This event coincides with the final sale date of the items in the Holiday Catalog. The majority of the items in the Holiday Catalog are being retired and will not be available for purchase after January 2nd. Don’t start off the New Year filled with regret because you didn’t grab those products you wanted or needed now before they are gone for good! Visit my online store and get started. If you need help, just ask!

Thanks for stopping by today. Until next time, stamp on my friends.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Linda

Posted in Bundles, Christmas, Products | Tagged | Leave a comment

FREE Shipping on Monday, December 11!

Posted on December 10, 2017 by Linda Tolson Yarbrough

FREE shipping is back for one day only – Monday, December 11, 2017 – starting at 1:00 AM (CT) through 12:59 AM (CT) (December 12) / 12:00 AM (MT) through 11:59 PM (MT).

You will receive FREE shipping on all orders which is the equivalent of a 10% savings on everything you purchase.

Take advantage of this additional savings now and purchase those retiring LAST CHANCE items from the Holiday Catalog before they are gone for good. Be sure to also check out the Clearance Rack for some amazing products at unbelievably low prices.

You can access both the Year-End Sales Event and Clearance Rack products by clicking on the “Shop Stampin’ Up! Online” link at the top of my blog. If you need my assistance I am happy to help.

Until next time, stamp on my friends.

Linda

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It’s Time to Deck the Halls with Banners

Posted on December 6, 2017 by Linda Tolson Yarbrough

With less than three weeks left before Christmas it has come to my attention that I do not have enough cards on hand to fulfill my holiday card list needs.  So last night I put my design thinking cap on and used the Holiday Catalog samples as inspiration in an attempt to come up with an easy to reproduce card that I could make in multiples to get me across the finish line.

Below is the card that I ended up creating; however, for mailing purposes I likely will eliminate the ribbon feature to keep postage at a reasonable price.

  • The card front piece of Merry Little Christmas DSP is attached to the Basic Black cardstock with snail and is attached to the Whisper White Thick cardstock base with snail.
  • The Merry Music Specialty DSP banner is attached to card front with dimenionals.
  • I cut a small Metallic Foil Doily in half and attached with snail to the back of the Whisper White banner.
  • I looped the ribbon in the back and attached with double sided tape (non-Stampin’ Up! item).
  • The Whisper White banner is attached to the card front with dimensionals.
  • I created the tail on the DSP banner with the Banner Triple Punch.
  • I created the tail on the Whisper White banner by marking the bottom center on the back side and then again 1/2″ up from the same mark.  I carefully folded the two ends over to meet (but did not bend or crease the cardstock) and used my paper snips to cut diagonally from the 1/2″ center mark down to the bottom corner.

Measurements:

  • Whisper White banner = 2.75″ x 4.25″ (you should be able to get 8 banners out of an 8.50″ x 11″ piece of cardstock).
  • Merry Music DSP banner = 2″ x 6″.  Once you cut tail with the punch cut down to 5″ in length (be sure not to cut off your tail!).
  • Merry Moments DSP card front = 4″ x 5.25″
  • Basic Black card front is approximately 1/8″ larger on all sides than the Merry Moments DSP.

If you have any other questions regarding the design of this card, do not hesitate to contact me.

Here are the Stampin’ Up! products that were used in the design of this card which can quickly be added to your shopping cart by clicking on the thumbnails below:

NOTE:  The stamp set and designer series paper used in today’s card are on the Retiring Items list for the Year-End Sales event.  These items are available while supplies last.  Don’t miss your chance to get these marvelous papers for your stash!

Wish List or Gift Certificates?

Do you have a wish list of items that you really would like for Santa (a/k/a your significant other), friends or family members to surprise you with on Christmas Day?  Well, my store is open 24/7 and there are never any lines of short tempered customers and you do not have to drive around the parking lot for what seems like an eternity looking for a parking space.

Simply provide your friends and family with a list of what you “need” or “want” and direct them to me.  They can place an order for your items (if ordered by December 14 they should be delivered in time for Christmas) or they can purchase a Gift Certificate from me in any dollar amount they desire (the Gift Certificate would only be redeemable through me).

So why not get what you really want this year?  HERE is a printable PDF to help you make your Wish List!

Thank you for stopping by today.  I hope you leave here inspired to put stamps to ink to paper.  Until next time, stamp on my friends.

Linda

Posted in Cards, Christmas, Holiday Catalog | Tagged | Leave a comment

Stamparatus Reservations Window Now Open!

Posted on December 5, 2017 by Linda Tolson Yarbrough

No matter what kind of day you’re having, it’s about to get better! The second Stamparatus reservation window is now open, so if you missed the first one—now’s your chance!

It’s big news when something breaks the mold and changes everything. The Stamparatus will change the way you stamp, and before long, you’ll wonder how you crafted without it!

Why do YOU need one? You’ll fall in love with stamping all over again when you learn everything you can do with it!

  • Make multiples with ease
  • Consistently stamp crisp, clean images
  • If you want a darker impression, apply more ink and restamp—no need to start over
  • Make fewer mistakes, saving time and money
  • Easily create 2-step, 3-step, and 4-step stamped images using reversible plates
  • Develop new and specialized stamping techniques with adjustable stamping plates and precision placement

I need product details!

  • Compatible with Stampin’ Up!’s red rubber and photopolymer stamp
  • Foam mat to use with photopolymer stamps
  • Rulers and gridlines for quick measuring
  • 2 open sides so you can stamp on larger paper
  • 2 reversible plates: a total of 4 surfaces to work with
  • 2 magnets to hold the paper in place
  • Magnet storage areas
  • Retail Price–$49.00 USD

How do I reserve my Stamparatus?

If you have any questions or need help making your reservation I am here to help.

Until next time, stamp on my friends.

Linda

Posted in New Arrivals, Products | Tagged | Leave a comment

Good Tidings of Great Joy

Posted on December 5, 2017 by Linda Tolson Yarbrough

I have a confession to make.  I am a hoarder of designer series paper.  So many of the papers that are offered by Stampin’ Up! are just so pretty that I hate to cut them up, much less stamp on them.  I have been trying to do better this year to use what I have in my projects since with the release of each new catalog there is bound to be something just a pretty for me to pick from.

Designer series paper can be used for more than just making a pretty background base for your cards or adding a strip here or there to fill in a white space.  You actually can stamp on it, which I have done with today’s card.  And here it is:

The Good Tidings stamp set that I used on today’s card is a two-step stamp set.  This means that it takes two different stamps to complete your image.  One will be your bottom stamp which usually has no detail and the other will be the top which will have detail.  So that you do not waste your DSP, I would recommend you practice two-step stamping with this set on some scrap paper until you get a feel for how the stamps layer and the best color combinations to use.

Here are the Stampin’ Up! products that I used in the design of today’s card which can quickly be added to your shopping cart by clicking on the thumbnails below:

Tips & Trips:

  • When stamping my holly leaves, I used Old Olive for the bottom stamp and Garden Green for the top stamp.  (Don’t bother stamping the stems as they will not show.)
  • When stamping the holly berries, I used Real Red for the bottom stamp and Cherry Cobbler for the top stamp.
  • The sentiment on the front is attached with dimensionals.
  • The card front is attached to the card base with dimensionals.
  • I added Wink of Stella to the holly leaves and berries after the card was fully assembled.

If you have any other questions regarding the design elements of this card, do not hesitate to ask.

Thank you for stopping by today.  I hope you leave here inspired to put stamps to ink to paper.  Until next time, stamp on my friends.

Linda

Posted in Cards, Christmas, Holiday Catalog | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Every Good Wish in a Coffee Cup

Posted on December 4, 2017 by Linda Tolson Yarbrough

A little know fact about me – I didn’t drink coffee before I met my now husband five years ago.  He took me to Dunn’s Brothers after our first dinner date and introduced me to the tantalizing flavor of a Vanilla Caramel Latte.  Today I would not say that I am a daily coffee drinker – it is a very rare occasion that I even enjoy a cup of joe –  but this is one of the lines of beverages that my husband offers as a broker so it is part of my every day in some form or fashion.

When the 2017-2018 Annual Catalog was released and included an entire product suite incorporating coffee cups, I immediately added it to my wish list.  However, if you ever saw my wish list you would realize it was a virtual lost forest among the trees item.  Therefore, I was over the moon when the Coffee Cups framelits dies were part of the recent Online Extravaganza so of course I ordered them.

I wanted to use these framelits in the design of today’s project that I wanted to be Christmas-themed, but I did not have the coordinating stamp sets from both the Annual Catalog and the Holiday Catalog.  I had ordered one of the holiday stamps sets that were also part of the Online Extravaganza and an idea struck.  Here is the result:

Now if I hadn’t told you that this stamp set was not intended to be used with these framelits would you have been able to tell?  And what goes better with coffee than endless pastries and cookies?  Can you say MFEO (made for each other)?

Here are the Stampin’ Up! products that I used in the design of this card which can quickly be added to your shopping cart by clicking on the thumbnails below:

Note:  The Gold Ribbon is on the Year-End Sales Event list.  I have contacted my vendor about the link not showing the sales price, which is $4.00.

Here are some tips and tricks for this card design:

  • Stamp the “peace love and joy” stamp in Real Red on a piece of the Merry Music Specialty DSP (be sure that you stamp it up high enough to give you room to cut it out with the framelit).  (NOTE:  This stamp does not give a perfect impression.  I used a Blender Pen and the lid of my Real Red ink pad and carefully colored in the lighter areas to add emphasis to the words in the stamp.)
  • Using the largest coffee cup die, cut out the stamped greeting as well as a cup and a lid from Very Vanilla cardstock.
  • Using the same coffee cup die, flip over the stamped piece and mark about 1/8″ from the top and bottom and trim off with paper snips.  Be sure to use the framelit as a pattern so that you retain the cup’s curve at the bottom and maintain a straight cut at the top.
  • Using snail, attached the stamped piece to the front of the Very Vanilla cup offsetting at the bottom so that the Very Vanilla shows underneath the stamped piece of DSP.
  • Attach the lid to the top of the cup (I used liquid glue; however, be careful as your ink may smear).  Set aside.
  • Take one of the large Metallic Foil Doilies and cut it in half.  Attach it the to back of the 1.00″ x 4.00″ strip of Christmas Around the World DSP.  Attach strip to front of larger piece of Christmas Around the World DSP (approximately 4.00″ x 5.25″) that has been attached to a Real Red cardstock mat (1/8 larger on each side).
  • Add your ribbon/bow.
  • Attached panel to card base using dimensionals.
  • Attach coffee cup to card front using dimensionals.

If you have any other questions regarding the design of this card or how you can order these products to make a card just like this one for yourself, do not hesitate to contact me.

Thank you for stopping by today.  I h0pe you leave here inspired to put stamps to ink to paper.  Until next time, stamp on my friends.

Linda

Posted in Cards, Christmas, Holiday Catalog | Tagged , | 2 Comments