Everyday Occasions – a New Kit from Stampin’ Up!

Posted on September 26, 2013 by Linda Tolson Yarbrough

Kits

At Convention 2013 Stampin’ Up! gave all attendees a sneak peek during an on-stage presentation of a new kit soon to be released .  Well, I’m excited to announce that it is finally here!

Everyday Occasions Kit

The Everyday Occasions Cardmaking Kit was developed with the new customer in mind.  It is intended to introduce — by way of a simple, fun experience at a great price — the art of stamping and cardmaking to people who have not yet experienced the joy of Stampin’ Up! products.

Why go to the store when a birthday, graduation, wedding or even a time for expressing gratitude comes up?  The Everyday Occasions Cardmaking Kit puts cards for all of those events right at your fingertips, and best of all, they’ll be handmade!

The kit contains everything necessary (minus adhesive and scissors) to create 20 beautiful cards for almost any occasion, and it comes in a beautiful box to store them in.  The Everyday Occasions kit includes:

* Cardstock and envelopes for 20 cards
* Twine, buttons & clips
* Pre-cut paper embellishments
* Mini ink pads (Stampin’ Spots)
* Seven-piece Occasions Stamp Set & clear stamp block
* Full color Tips & Tricks brochure for making the cards
* A cool, storable, giftable box

Everyday Occasions Kit 2

Everyday Occasions Cardmaking Kit
Item # 134797 / $29.95 (preferred price)

Looks like I need to add one more item to my Wish List 🙂  Better get your very own box of fabulous while supplies last!

Thank you for stopping by today.  Come back again to see what’s next.

Until next time, stamp on my friends,
Linda

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Mea Culpa and Salutations

Posted on September 25, 2013 by Linda Tolson Yarbrough

My apologies for my prolonged absence.  I’m starting to sound like a broken record (at least to my ears) but I just can’t seem to kick this virus.  Not for lack of trying, though – after two different antibiotics and steroid dose packs, two new asthma meds and some cough syrup that I had to show my photo ID to pick up from the pharmacy I can finally sleep a little bit each night but I’ve had laryngitis for nearly three weeks.  Ugh!

Here are a few of the announcements from Stampin’ Up! you may have missed in my absence:

09/12/13:  Stampin’ Up! posted new items to the Clearance Rack!  Items on the Clearance Rack are available only while supplies last.  Stampin’ Up! also announced that they will be updating the product offering in the Clearance Rack more often and will not post a current update every time that happens.  So be sure to check the Clearance Rack often to make sure you don’t miss out on your favorite retired items.

09/17/13:  Stampin’ Up! released new digital downloads for My Digital Studio.   What do Thanksgiving, Christmas, and ruffles have in common?  They are all featured in the new downloads this week.

09/17/13:  Stampin’ Up! released two new photopolymer stamp sets with travel related themes — Greetings From and Map It Out.

09/24/13:  Stampin’ Up! released a new photopolymer stamp set just in time for Halloween — Bite Me.  (No seriously, that’s the name of the set!)

09/24/13:  Stampin’ Up! released new digital downloads for My Digital Studio.   Life is busy, so why not let My Digital Studio help you get ahead on your checklist as you begin to prepare for the holidays?  Whether you’re working on holiday banners, cards, or tags these new downloads can help.  Looking for more ideas?  Follow My Digital Studio on Pinterest at Pinterest.com/mydigitalstudio.

09/25/13:  There is a software update available for My Digital Studio.  The next time you’re using the software and are connected to the Internet, your software will update automatically with these changes.  One of the enhancements is a new customizable toolbar.  That’s right! You can select which options you want to appear at the top of your screen in MDS.  Just go to View>Customize Toolbar or right-click on the toolbar itself and add or remove options.

Whew, that’s a lot of information all at once.  If you have any questions or need more information, I’m here to assist you.

I did spend a little bit of time in my craft room last weekend putting stamps to ink to paper.  I had several month’s worth of My Paper Pumpkin boxes to play with.  Here are the cards I created.

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 Well, that’s about all the information I have to share with you today.  Thank you for dropping in.  I will have more new and exciting stuff to share with you for your next visit.

Until next time, stamp on my friends,
Linda

Posted in Cards, Paper Pumpkin, Products | Leave a comment

Digital Download Tuesday (on Wednesday)

Posted on September 11, 2013 by Linda Tolson Yarbrough

MDS Newest Downloads Pic

Ok, I realize that Tuesday was yesterday and that I failed to blog.  This dang upper respiratory infection is kicking my you know what.  I started my second round of antibiotics today and I sure hope it works!  Looks like I am going to have to cancel plans this weekend of traveling with Gary to Denver, CO as he launches a new ice cream product.  I am so bummed (and I know he is very disappointed I won’t be there).

Before calling it a day I wanted to at least share with you this week’s newest digital downloads for My Digital Studio.

MDS 09-10-13

I hope to be healthy again real soon so I can be a little more entertaining.  Thank you for your patience!

Until next time, stamp on my friends,
Linda

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{Hit Me With Your} Big Shot

Posted on September 9, 2013 by Linda Tolson Yarbrough

Big Shot & Accessories

If you have a Big Shot, then you are well aware of all of the wonderful things you can do with the embossing folders, die cuts, edgelits, framelits, sizzlits and more (oh my!).

In the 2013-2014 Annual Catalog Stampin’ Up! revealed the Magnetic Platform that made working with edgelits and framelits so much easier (image not needing to tack down your framelit in place with a post-it!).

Big Shot Magnetic PlatformUnfortunately, this product was so popular Stampin’ Up! went through what was thought to be a 13-week supply of the Magnetic Platform in just three weeks.   Rather than continuing the backorder situation, they deactivated the item number in mid-July until they could replenish the inventory.

If you missed the window to get your own Magnetic Platform and really (really) want one, I am happy to tell you that a full shipment of Magnetic Platforms (item 130658) has arrived from the supplier.  Yay, the great wait is over and Stampin’ Up! can start filling new orders on September 12!!!

Thank you for stopping by today and sorry if I disappointed anyone by failing to post yesterday.  I am happy to report, though, that I did get a pretty good night’s sleep last night.

Until next time, stamp on my friends,
Linda

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Serenity in Nature

Posted on September 7, 2013 by Linda Tolson Yarbrough

Well darn – another Saturday has come and is nearly gone and I have yet to put stamp to ink to paper!  Sadly, my hopes of a good night’s sleep last night didn’t pan out and it’s hard to get the creative juices to flow when one hasn’t slept more than 2 hours a night for the past several days.

But fortunately for me (and for you) I still have some fabulous swap cards from Convention 2013 to share with you.  These three cards ooze serenity – I feel calm and relaxed when I gaze upon their beauty.

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Designed by Anonymous
{I wish I could give the artist credit here. This is gorgeous in its simplicity!}

I recall swapping for this card and asking how they created this look.  The white image is actually the “bleach” technique.  {Say what? —  Soak a paper towel in bleach, tap your stamp on the paper towel and then stamp on the card stock.  As the bleach dries the card stock will lighten.}  I haven’t tried this technique yet but this sure has inspired me to give it a try!

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Designed by Rachel Durtschi
Madison, WI

After looking at this card I’m thinking Rachel designed the card above too (I’m about 98% sure she did).  This card also incorporated bleach in its design.  {For this technique, soak a cotton ball in bleach, squeeze out the excess and swipe the front of the card stock; as it dries, the card stock will lighten.  Not light enough – repeat until you get the shade you are going for.  Stamp your image on the bleached card stock (after it’s dry,  of course) and then tear the edges to reveal the true color of the card stock.}

NOTE:  One of the great things (and there are many) about Stampin’ Up! card stock is that it does not have a white core (meaning, it is colored through both layers).  The new Core’dinations card stock has a monochrome color between the layers — tear it or sand it to reveal its beauty!

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Designed by Gloria Penwell

I have to confess that the By The Tide stamp set wasn’t even on my radar to be worthy of making it to my Wish List.  But now that I have seen so many different projects incorporating this set in amazing ways I’m starting to think I must have it 🙂

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Designed by Susan Kong

Ok, granted – this is not a “card”.  It would, however, be a beautiful start to one!  The white card stock piece is approximately 2″ x 3″.  And there is actually a “technique” used here that I can share with you.  The shading around the bird was created using an acrylic block that has been inked.  If you look closely you will see that two different colors of ink were used.  Amazing!

That’s about all I have to share with you today.  I’m thinking tonight is the night that I will sleep tight.  {Fingers still crossed!}  Thank you for popping by.  Come back tomorrow and don’t forget those friends.

Until next time, stamp on my friends,
Linda

Posted in Any Occassion, Birthday, Cards, Convention 2013, Get Well | 2 Comments

Bold & Bright with a Doily on Top (well, sort of)

Posted on September 6, 2013 by Linda Tolson Yarbrough

After a second visit to the doctor today I think I might actually get some sleep tonight (fingers crossed!).  I can almost feel the antibiotic at work.

To bring a little brightness into my day (and in turn, to yours) I wanted to share with you two bold and bright swap cards from Convention 2013 (and they are both full cards, rather than just fronts – yay!).

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Designed by Ashley Purvis
Edmond, OK

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Designed by Anonymous
(How could they not put their name on this beauty!?)

When I look at both of these cards I just feel happy!  How about you?  Just imagine how happy your friends or family members would be if they got a card like this in the mail that was hand-made by you … hmmm, I can help you get started … 🙂

I was very pleased when I discovered that Stampin’ Up! carried over these doilies!  But boy do they like to stick together.  If you have these in your stash, they are actually very thin.  If they feel stiff, then chances are you have more than one.

If you have any questions about measurements or products used in the design of these cards, drop me a comment or send me an email.  I would be happy to answer your questions.

Thank you again for visiting my blog.  Come back tomorrow and while you’re at it why not invite a few of your friends to join you!

Until next time, stamp on my friends,
Linda

Posted in Any Occassion, Cards, Convention 2013 | Leave a comment

Three Squared and a Cup of Joe

Posted on September 6, 2013 by Linda Tolson Yarbrough

In mathematics, the number 3 is said to be the noblest of all digits, as it is the only number to equal the sum of all the terms below it, and the only number whose sum with those below equals the product of them and itself.

Luck (whether good luck or bad luck) is often said to come in 3’s.

“I’m going to count to 3” is a phrase everyone has either heard or said at least once in their lifetime.

To me, the visual use of the number 3 in card designs is very appealing.  Here are two swaps from Convention 2013 that approach the three square layout to perfection.  (Credit has been given to the designers, of course!)

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Designed by Rachel Durtschi

(To achieve the look in Rachel’s card, stamp the image on a piece of card stock measuring 1″ x 3″ and then cut the stamped image in 1″ x 1″ squares. )

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Designed by Joan Brenizer
Oklahoma City, OK

What many people don’t know about me is that I had my first cup of coffee at the age of 49.  Gary took me to Dunn’s Brothers at the end of our first date and treated me to a Vanilla Caramel Macchiato and I have been hooked ever since.  Granted, most people would not consider my preferred brew of a Vanilla Caramel Latte with whip to be “coffee,” but to me it’s heaven.

When I saw the “Perfect Blend” stamp set in the 2013-2014 Stampin’ Up! Annual Catalog I immediately flashed back to that first date.  I love the use of this stamp set in these two swaps from Convention 2013.

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Designed by Cathe Valdez
Denver, CO

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Designed by Helen Robinson
New Florence, PA

What about you?  Are there any stamp sets (either current or past) that bring back fond memories?

Thank you for stopping by.  Come back tomorrow to see what I have to share with you next!

Until next time, stamp on my friends,
Linda

Posted in Any Occassion, Cards, Convention 2013 | Leave a comment

Best of 25 Years ~ September

Posted on September 5, 2013 by Linda Tolson Yarbrough

Best of 25

One of the many downsides of having a head cold is that the medications the doctor gives you to take can cause INSOMNIA.  Bad for me, good for you – I now have no excuse to not share a post with you!

Continuing on with the celebration of the 25th Anniversary of Stampin’ Up! the month of September features some of our favorite images for Autumn.

Get ready to celebrate the change of seasons with some of our favorite Autumn-themed stamp images from the past 25 years!  The five-piece Best of Autumn Stamp Set brings together some beautiful fall images, along with a never-before-seen “Give Thanks” stamp that makes this the perfect set for your Autumn projects!

Best of 25 September

Best of Autumn Clear-Mount Stamp Set
Item # 134390 / $14.95 (preferred price)

Are any of your favorite stamp from sets from the past included in this set?  My favorite returning stamp image is the bucket of apples! 🙂

And don’t forget — as a special incentive to collect the Best of stamps, Stampin’ Up! is including a collector’s card and 25-year proof of purchase sticker with every Best of set.  Collect six stickers, and send the collector’s card 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.)

If you missed any of the prior Best of sets, you can find them all here:

Best of 25 Jan-Sept

Ah, as is typical, now that it’s about time for my alarm to go off I’m getting sleepy.  Time to sign off and get a few minutes of “rest” before starting my day.

Thanks for stopping by today.  I really appreciate each and every one of you.

Until next time, stamp on my friends,
Linda

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Digital Download Tuesday

Posted on September 3, 2013 by Linda Tolson Yarbrough

MDS Newest Downloads Pic

I’m battling a bad head cold or something viral in nature so today’s post is going to be short and sweet.  It’s Tuesday which means Stampin’ Up! released new digital downloads for My Digital Studio.

Click on the image below to be redirected to the details of this week’s releases:

MDS 090313

Thanks for stopping by.  Sorry I’m not more entertaining today … perhaps I’ll feel better tomorrow.

Until next time, stamp on my friends,
Linda

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Joyful Tidings with a Little Gorgeous Grunge

Posted on September 2, 2013 by Linda Tolson Yarbrough

I got to spend a little time in my craft room today (yay!).  The card design that was running around in my head yesterday didn’t want to transfer onto paper last night but after giving my creative mind a long rest, I finally got the elements to come together as I had envisioned.

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Here’s a list of the products I used in the design of this card:

Pool Party Card Stock
Basic Gray Card Stock
Whisper White Card Stock
Basic Gray Classic Stampin’ Pad
Versa Mark Pad
Christmas Messages Stamp Set (clear-mount) (wood-mount)
Gorgeous Grunge Stamp Set (clear-mount) (wood-mount)
Winter Frost Designer Series Paper Stack
1/8″ Silver Ribbon
Frosted Finishes Embellishments
Season of Style Designer Washi Tape
Stampin’ Trimmer
Snail Adhesive
Stampin’ Dimensionals

{HINT:  I “stamped off” once before stamping the “Joyful Tidings” greeting on the Whisper White Card Stock to get a lighter shade of gray.}

If you ever struggle getting the design in your head to transfer to paper, just take a break and try again.  It took me three tries to get the grunge look I was going for (it’s a good thing that paper has TWO sides 🙂 ).

I’m sad to see the long weekend come to an end.  I hope to spend some time each evening this week in my craft room so I should have a few new projects to share with you.  If not, I still have some favorite swaps from Convention yet to share with you.

Thanks for stopping by today!

Until next time, stamp on my friends,
Linda

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