Back in Plaid – November 2017 Paper Pumpkin

Posted on November 22, 2017 by Linda Tolson Yarbrough

I got a sneak peek at the November 2o17 Paper Pumpkin kit while at OnStage earlier this month so I was not at all surprised when my black and white plaid box filled with the materials for this month’s kit arrived in my mailbox.  That being said, I was just as excited as ever to receive my box in the mail!

October’s kit made 10 shaker cards with a color scheme of Old Olive and Basic Black.  We were told that the November kit would coordinate with the October kit and there were many subscribers who were trying to guess what the projects might be.  Are you ready to see for yourself?

Okay, here they are …

10 muslin stockings!  They are super cute and easy to put together (once you turn them right side out that is).  And they are a good size as well — measuring 4.5″ from cuff to heel and the same from toe to heel.  If you check YouTube for “Paper Pumpkin November 2017 Alternative Projects” you might find other ideas, such as turn one upside down, add a large pretzel stick, some red ribbon to create a harness and reigns, create some ears, eyes and a nose and you have a miniature hobby horse!  (I’ve seen it and it is a-d-o-r-a-b-l-e!)

Here is a link to the official Paper Pumpkin video for a quick “how to” assembly instruction:

This kit was so popular they are needing to make more to meet the subscription demands for November (due to new subscribers and current subscribers increasing their number of kits).  Unfortunately, there likely will not be any extras or a refill kit available for purchase later this month.

If you would like to avoid the moment of disappointment of not having the next great kit for yourself, become a subscriber to Paper Pumpkin.  Ask me how.

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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Lovely as a Tree in Faux Leather

Posted on November 21, 2017 by Linda Tolson Yarbrough

Being the perfectionist that I am, I am determined to master the faux leather technique.  I stamped several other images on the fun foam yesterday using the Lovely as a Tree stamp set (which just happens to be the oldest stamp set that is still offered in the Annual Catalog — my stamp set is dated 2001!).  As you can imagine I have used this stamp set many many times since I purchased it in approximately 2009, when I first discovered Stampin’ Up!

I chose one of the four pieces that I had stamped and found a framelit that would cut it out nicely and went to work with the Big Shot.  Here is what I came up with:

Doesn’t that oval remind you of those embroidery hoops your Grandmother use to have among her Christmas decorations?!?  I love it when a plan comes together unexpectedly.

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:

I did use a retired product — the Occasions Paper-Piercing Pack — which was a set of templates including ovals that allowed me to add the holes around the oval to resemble stitches.

To create this card I followed the steps outlined in my post from yesterday.  After allowing the stamped image to dry overnight I carefully cut it out with the Oval framelit and taped it to the bottom of the piercing template so that it stayed in place when punching the holes.

To create the lace border I used two doilies.  I put Tear & Tape around the sides of the oval on the back.  I cut one of the doilies almost in half (stopping just before the ruffle area, and then made small slits like you would on a pattern to allow fabric to curve as needed.  I then carefully placed the doilies along the edges of the oval, sometimes needing to gather it a bit to shape it around the curve.  Depending on how tight you made your ruffles, you may only need 1/2 of the other doily to finish off your edge.  The oval piece is attached to the card front with dimensionals.

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

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Deck the Halls with Faux Leather

Posted on November 20, 2017 by Linda Tolson Yarbrough

Well as promised I tried a new technique called “faux leather”.  Instead of stamping your image (or sentiment as I attempted on my card) on paper, you stamp on a piece of “fun foam” which you can find at any craft store.  First I will show you my card and then explain the technique to you and what didn’t work exactly as it should have on my card.

  • You will cut a piece of the fun foam larger than you need when you will be cutting it out with a framelit (larger because it shrinks during the technique process).
  • Pre-ink the stamp you plan on using (rubber stamps that are closely trimmed will get the best results).
  • With a heat tool heat the piece of fun foam on both sides until the edges begin to curl.
  • While the piece of fun foam is still warm stamp your image and press down extremely hard so that the stamp will create an impression down into the fun foam in addition to transferring the ink.
  • Set the stamp image aside to allow ink to dry.  Depending on what type of ink you used, this could take several hours or more.  Allow ink to dry completely before you attempt to cut the stamped fun foam with a framelit, otherwise the ink will smear and transfer to your cutting plates.

Ok, now what is wrong with my card?  (1) My rubber stamp was not closely trimmed and as such the “halo” around the stamp prevent me from getting an impression of the “Deck the Halls” down into the fun foam.   (2) Others who have created faux leather pieces have sponged the foam piece to age it; however, even though I stamped mine on Saturday in Early Espresso ink, it is still not completely dry (it will transfer to my finger when touched).  So I carefully sponged the edges only.  I would suggest using an archival ink and test it with a finger tap after allowing to dry for an hour or so.  I’m not sure if spraying it with an acrylic spray (or aerosol hair spray) would help set the ink, but I may try this and if it helps I will update this post.

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 elements of this card, do not hesitate to ask.

Online Extravaganza is Underway!!!

Save 20% on these stamps sets on Monday, November 20, 2018 until 11:59 PM (MT).

Save 10% off the following products through November 26, 2017 until 11:59 PM (MT):

Save 20-30% off the following products through November 26, 2017 until 11:59 PM (MT):

Save 40% off the following products through November 26, 2017 until 11:59 PM (MT):

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

Linda

Posted in Cards, Christmas, Holiday Catalog, Techniques | Tagged , | 1 Comment

#OnStage2017 – Gifts & Swaps

Posted on November 18, 2017 by Linda Tolson Yarbrough

Before I start working on my next project I wanted to share the team gifts and cards I received in our team swap last week while at OnStage.

First, here are the team gifts:

This gift from Leslie contained lots of shiny things — Metallic Foil Doilies, 1/8″ Silver Ribbon and Metallic Enamel Shapes!

This gift from Jann concealed a package of Mini Stampin’ Dimensionals!

This gift from Amy contained delicious chocolates (I assume they are delicious — I have not eaten them yet)!

I got this bonus gift from Amy (lucky for me she had extras left over from a treat tubes swap!).  The treat tube contains Jelly Bellies!

And now for the cards.  We had the choice of making a Christmas, Valentines or Any Occasions card.

We have a very talented group of demonstrators from Texas, Oklahoma and now Colorado since Jann moved on to her dream house.  We have such a fun time whenever we get together.  Our next opportunity will be in April 2018 when OnStage Local will take place in Fort Worth, Texas!  If you would like to join us, ask me how.

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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#OnStage2017 – Make & Takes

Posted on November 18, 2017 by Linda Tolson Yarbrough

I feel like all I have done for the last three days is sleep, eat and sleep some more.  This is the first time in those three days that I have sat down in my craft room.  I am looking forward to the weekend when I plan on getting crafty with my new Stampin’ Up! products.

While at OnStage we had four Make & Take projects using four of the new product suites from the Occasions Catalog which goes live to customers on January 3, 2018.  I loved all four of them and am going to share all of them with you today.

Sweet Soiree Suite

This suite is a “mega” suite.  Think tiered wedding cakes with floral accents.  This suite includes an 18 piece stamp set; 16 piece framelit dies set; silver gable boxes; specialty designer series paper with foil accents on every sheet; an embossing folder; shimmery white and silver embossing paste with decorative masks to decorate your cake layers; an embellishment kit with tassels, washi tape clothes pins, velvet ribbon, and sheets of various die cuts; silver baker’s twine; ready shreddie; and a new color of ribbon with a metallic edge.  Oh my!

Our Make & Take was a gable box:

Petal Passion Suite

Think black and white florals which can be used as is or can be colored with your choice of ink (Stampin’ Blends, Stampin’ Write Markers, Blender Pens and Stampin’ Pad, Watercolor Pencils …).  This suite includes a 15 piece stamp set, 10 piece Thinlits dies set, silver embellishments (flowers and leaves), organza ribbon, an embossing folder and designer series paper.

Our Make & Take project was a card:

We colored in some of the flowers randomly with a blender pen and Calypso Coral ink.

Tutti-Frutti Suite

Think teeny tiny pears, pineapple, strawberries and a versatile 3-step fruit that could easily be a watermelon, orange or lemon slice depending on your color scheme.  This suite includes a 25 piece stamp set, an itty bitty punch pack (4 punches) for the fruits, washi tape, designer series paper, adhesive backed sequins, mini striped ribbon and stampin’ spots in 4 select colors.

Our Make & Take project was a set of tags:

You cannot really tell from the photo, but those fruits are itty bitty (less than 1″ long).  They are adorably cute!

Bubble Over Bundle

The next project was made using this bundle which consists of a 17 piece stamp set and 19 piece Framelits dies set.  Think pop bottles, bottle caps, straws and bubbles.  There is coordinating designer series paper available with a $50.00 purchase during Sale-a-bration.

Our Make & Take project was a card:

Did you notice the epoxy bubbles coming out of the top of the pop bottle?  Those are glitter and clear epoxy shapes that coordinate with this bundle as well as another bundle in the Occasions Catalog (think rainbows and rain clouds).

The products that I ordered as part of my Product Purchase Premier was the Bubble Over bundle with the epoxy shapes.  I really wanted all four of the available groups of products but it was just not in my budget!

In addition to the PPP items I received today, I received three other stamp sets at OnStage that I will make projects with soon and share with you.  But I think I will concentrate on the Holiday Catalog for now since I still have Thanksgiving and Christmas to prepare for.

I think tomorrow’s project will be Christmas-themed with the “faux-leather” technique.  Stayed tuned!

Thank you for stopping by.  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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Online Extravaganza Begins Monday, November 20

Posted on November 17, 2017 by Linda Tolson Yarbrough

Stampin’ Up! is entering the “most wonderful time of the year,” and not just because of the holidays. For us, it’s because Online Extravaganza is starting soon! During this promotion, we will have exclusive deals and sales available for limited times on some of Stampin’ Up!’s great products.

With different offerings coming throughout this promotion, you’ll want to keep in touch and check back for all the great surprises we have in store.

More extravaganza excitement! Through November 26, shop exclusive sales and deals on select items. Deals end November 26 11:59 PM (MT).

Our first incredible offering of this promotion will be the 24-hour stamp sale. Select stamp sets will be 20% off for the first 24 hours of Online Extravaganza. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to stock up on some awesome stamps! Stamp Sale starts November 20 12:00 AM (MT) and ends November 20 11:59 PM(MT).

To close out Online Extravaganza with a bang, we are offering a special 24-hour flash sale on November 27th, after other Online Extravaganza deals end on the 26th. Make sure to check back here for the announcement and more details!

Here is the list of the stamp sets and other products that are being offered at a discount during Online Extravaganza 2017:

Can you feel the excitement of anticipation? I know I can!

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

Linda

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#OnStage2017 – Highlights Reel

Posted on November 17, 2017 by Linda Tolson Yarbrough

I am trying to recover from my trip to Salt Lake City last weekend followed by one of my infusions earlier this week. I guess I should have started endurance training a month or so before my trip since all that walking and excitement has certainly taken its toll.

If you blinked between 3:00 PM and 3:15 PM (CT) today and was not on your computer or mobile device refreshing your screen waiting for the Stamparatus reservation period to begin, you missed your chance to reserve one for yourself. I am happy to say I was one of the lucky stamping enthusiasts to successfully get a reservation confirmed before the limit was reached. If you wanted to get on the list, don’t fret – there are two more reservation periods coming soon so you have the opportunity to reserve one before they are offered in the 2018-2019 Annual Catalog.

Today was exciting over on the Stampin’ Up! website for another reason. Today is the day the videos from OnStage were posted online (for demonstrators only) for those who were not able to attend in person. There is also a highlights reel which I can share with you – this will give you some idea of how much fun it is to attend these events.

My delivery of my Product Purchase Premier items are scheduled to be delivered by Mr. Brown tomorrow. Hopefully they will inspire me to get crafty and share with you. If not, I will at least try to take photos of the cards I received from my group’s swap!

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

Linda

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Get Ready, It’s Coming — The Stamparatus!

Posted on November 14, 2017 by Linda Tolson Yarbrough

Say what? Is that some kind of dinosaur? No, it is a new tool from Stampin’ Up! that will change how you stamp in a way you could never have imagined!

Just what is the Stamparatus? It is a stamp placement tool developed in partnership with demonstrators who were part of the Leader 2 Leader team.

What does it do? 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

Still not convinced you need one of these babies? Check out this video which shows this tool in action. I guarantee you that your jaw will drop when you see what you can do with this dual plate beauty (a new stamping phrase “hinge Stamping” will soon be part of your stamping vocabulary).

With the launch of this tool, we’re trying something different: testing a new reservation system. It acts like a true preorder: you reserve your spot and we guarantee shipment as soon as the product arrives in our warehouse. This system will allow us to get the product to market as soon as possible while avoiding backorders and efficiently managing inventory.

The global launch will feature three reservation windows.

For each window, please note the following:

  • Reservation quantities are while supplies last.
  • Limit is 3 tools per demonstrator and 1 tool per customer per reservation window.
  • You may participate in multiple reservation windows.
  • In order to reserve your Stamparatus, you are required to provide your credit card information.
  • Credit cards will not be charged until the Stamparatus ships from our facility. When you close your order, be sure to verify that your credit card and shipping information is correct.

Click here for a short tutorial sheet on reserving your copy.

Thank you for stopping by today. I will be receiving one of my IGA infusions today (I was scheduled to have one while I was in SLC at OnStage, but first things first!) but I expect to share the swaps I received as well as a make & take or two later today. Until next time, stamp on my friends.

Linda

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#OnStage2017 – Day 3 – It’s a Wrap!

Posted on November 11, 2017 by Linda Tolson Yarbrough

Today’s General Session began with recognition of the over 600 in attendance of the over 4,000 demonstrators who were recognized for their accomplishments is Sales, Recruiting and Leadership. Each achiever got the opportunity to walk the stage and introduce themselves. We had a member of our tree walk the stage this year for Recruiting – YAY Karen!

We were treated to more stamping demonstrations and project ideas on the Main Stage and between these moments of wonder we recognized Career Sales Milestone awards starting at $100,000 all the way up to $1,800,000; 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 years Anniversaries; and the Top 100 Global Demonstrators. (I will mark my 10 year Anniversary in 2 years, but have a long way to go before I reach any of those other milestones! But I will never say NEVER.)

Our last presentation of the day was a stamping demonstration by mother and daughter duo, Shelli Gardner and Sara Douglass. These two ladies are amazing on their own, but when they are on the stage together it’s magical. They are also hilarious when they are on the stage together and at times I was laughing so hard I cried. They each showed us three projects they both made using the same product suite from the Occasions Catalog. Their banter during the presentation was unscripted and would have made an excellent comedy sketch.

Just before saying goodbye until next time, we were treated to an ALL ATTENDEE GIVE AWAY which was another fabulous stamp set that will be available in the Occasions Catalog, a highlights video of the week’s activities and announcements of the next OnStage Local venues for April 2018. I will share all of this with you just as soon as permissible.

Tomorrow I will fly home to be reunited with my adoring husband and our five fur babies. I hear from a very reliable source that they have all missed me very much. My husband sent me a few photos this evening to remind me of what I have waiting for me when I get home. My dogs were so distraught over my absence he ended up pushing the couch over next to his recliner so our “little” baby Ella could lay her head in his lap (second photo). The things we do for our fur babies! I have to admit I miss them all terribly as well and can’t wait to get home.

(L to R: Ella, Abby, Rosie.)

(Ella is laying where I usually sit. She sits next to me and will lean on me and rests her head in my lap. She has been whining since I left on Thursday.)

Love it Live it Share it – the theme for #OnStage2017. I look forward to continuing to share my love of Stampin’ Up! with you.

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

Linda

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#OnStage2017 – Day 2

Posted on November 11, 2017 by Linda Tolson Yarbrough

Yesterday’s agenda had me bustling from one end of the Salt Palace to the other as I followed my “track” to attend my SIX Product Classes! Oh my – the upcoming product suites in the Occasions Catalog (which will be available to customers in early January 2018) are amazing to put it mildly! After all that walking I had zero energy to put two thoughts together to post to my blog last night so as I sit here waiting for my breakfast to arrive I wanted to check in and say hello.

We had so many fantastic presenters yesterday, including Connie Stewart from Oklahoma who is a part of my tree in the Stampin’ Up! family. She was so inspirational – I hope I can take her words of advice and encouragement and put them into action in my business plan. Here is a picture of Connie on Main Stage.

As part of our product classes track we had the opportunity to play with the products from four of the new products suites. Here is a group photo of one of our make & take sessions.

I will share the projects we made with you just as soon as I am allowed (after Monday 1:00 PM MT).

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

Linda

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