Smooches Sneak Peek Ending Soon!

Monday, April 30 is your last chance to grab the fun Summer Smooches product sneak peek until the new Idea Book & Catalog debuts in June.  Today's card features a stamp set and designer series paper from the sneak peek.  The colors on the Summer Smooches designer series paper are so bright and cheerful - I love 'em!!
 
Thanks for stopping by!


~~Marilyn~~

Stamps:  Bright Blossoms, Wow Flowers
Cardstock:  Lucky Limeade, Melon Mambo, Daffodil Delight, Whisper White
Ink:  Lucky Limeade, Melon Mambo, Daffodil Delight
Accessories:  Summer Smooches designer series paper, postage stamp punch, rhinestone, stampin' dimensionals

Summer Smooches is Here!

Stampin' Up! has a special customer promotion this month. One of the perks of being a demonstrator is having the opportunity to get our hands on new products before they hit the market. Well, through April 30th, customers can get a taste of this perk and pre-order select Summer Smooches products that will debut in the new Idea Book & Catalog on June 1! Today's card features the fabulously fresh Summer Smooches designer series paper - a kaleidoscope of bright summer colors.

If you'd like to take advantage of pre-order opportunities all year long, consider becoming a demonstrator. I'd love to share all the wonderful perks available as a demonstrator, so let's chat!

Thanks for stopping by!

~~Marilyn~~

Stamps: Mixed Bunch, Perfect Words
Cardstock: Rich Razzleberry, Tempting Turquoise, Melon Mambo, Daffodil Delight, Whisper White
Ink: Rich Razzleberry, Daffodil Delight, Tangerine Tango
Accessories: Blossom punch, Summer Smooches designer series paper, rhinestone, 1" circle punch, 1-1/4" circle punch, Boho Blossoms punch, stampin' dimensionals

Give Thanks

I have another card to share featuring the new Gently Falling stamp set from the upcoming Holiday Mini Catalog. I absolutely LOVE this set and will probably be using it alot! It coordinates so well with the new Spice Cake designer series paper, making it easy to create fabulous projects!


I softened the leaf a bit by stamping off once on scrap paper before stamping on the cardstock. This is a great way to get more bang for your buck with a single stamp pad. Sponging around all of the edges of cardstock and designer series paper also softens the look. The sentiment is from a retired stamp set, but I just love it and couldn't resist using it!

Thanks for stopping by!

~~Marilyn~~

Stamps: Gently Falling, Holiday Best (retired)
Cardstock: Pear Pizzazz, Soft Suede, Very Vanilla
Ink: Pear Pizzazz, Soft Suede
Accessories: Spice Cake designer series paper, sponges, stampin' dimensionals

Shoebox Swap Shares

I have some more projects to share from the shoebox swap this past weekend with my fellow Stampin' Up! demonstrators. This first card was designed by Kelly Skidmore and the color combination is fabulous - Lucky Limeade (new in-color) and Chocolate Chip.


The new Holiday Mini Catalog that debuts on September 1st has so many fabulous new products. You are going to LOVE the new Stocking Builder punch! Not only does it coordinate with the Stitched Stockings stamp set, it's works wonderfully with the silver glimmer paper! This Christmas card was designed by my upline, Sherrie Thomas.

To show you how fabulously sparkly the glimmer paper is, here's a close-up of the stocking:


You can now see why I love getting together with my stampin' sisters! We all love to share our ideas and I always come away from the meetings re-energized. If you want to be a part of a supportive network of talented paper crafters, consider becoming a demonstrator. I just celebrated my 6th anniversary and still love it as much as I did when I started.

Thanks for stopping by!

~~Marilyn~~

{{thank you}}
Stamps: Creative Elements, Perfectly Penned
Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Lucky Limeade, Whisper White
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Lucky Limeade
Accessories: Lucky Limeade ruffled ribbon, Big Shot, Houndstooth embossing folder, stampin' dimensionals

{{merry christmas}}
Stamps: Stitched Stockings, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Cardstock: Garden Green, Early Espresso, Real Red
Ink: Early Espresso
Accessories: stocking builder punch, 2-3/8" scallop circle punch, modern label punch, Holly Beery Bouquet designer series paper, stampin' dimensionals

Stamp-a-Thon

What a fun afternoon! My upline held her annual Stamp-a-Thon for her downline complete with a potluck and a shoebox swap. We were blessed to have some "distant relatives" come from 2 hours away to participate - a shout out to Betty's Kentucky Contingency! :-)

Here is my contribution to the swap featuring new stamp sets, Best Friends Forever (got it free for attending convention!) and Friendly Phrases. I also used the beautiful new designer series paper from the upcoming Holiday Mini Catalog called Spice Cake.


For some reason, my camera doesn't want to be truthful with the cardstock colors. The strip of cardstock above the DSP is Early Espresso even though it looks black and the bright blue at the bottom is actually the soft Pool Party in-color.

I'll have some more projects to share from our get together so be sure to check back.

Thanks for stopping by!

~~Marilyn~~

Stamps: Best Friends Forever, Friendly Phrases
Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Pool Party, Very Vanilla
Ink: Crumb Cake, Early Espresso
Accessories: scallop border punch, large oval punch, scallop oval punch, Spice Cake designer series paper, stampin' dimensionals

Free DSP!

Have you heard?? Stampin' Up! is offering a special promotion on designer series paper this month: buy 3 packages of basic DSP and get 1 free - a $10.95 value! Choose from any of the following patterns on pages 184-186 of the Idea Book & Catalog:

122343 Nautical Expedition
122367 Paisley Petals
122357 Beau Château
122354 Pocketful of Posies
122355 Domestic Goddess
124339 Just Add Cake
122351 Frightful Sight
122352 Timeless Portrait
122350 Berry Blossoms
122342 Beyond the Garden
122359 Well Worn
122347 Nursery Nest
122349 Letters to Santa
122348 Big Top Birthday

Stampin' Up! offers a Designer Series Paper for every crafting occasion, every crafting project, and every creative mood so stock up today!

~~Marilyn~~

Punch It Up - Part 2

More unsanctioned punch usage from my $5 or Free classes this past weekend! Let's start with the fun new Blossom Bouquet triple layer punch (#122464). It's made to make - of course - flowers like this:

But with a few snips, the flower becomes an adorable bow to dress up any present!

Cute huh??

Now what about the extra large tag punch (#119866)?


Think it can only be used for layering tags? No way! Try flipping it upside down, adding a punched handle and you get a stinkin' cute coffee mug!

So have I convinced you to get out your punches and use your creativity? I sure hope so!

Thanks for stopping by!

~~Marilyn~~

{{new baby}}
Stamps: Button Buddies, Friendly Phrases
Cardstock: Whisper White, Pretty in Pink, Bashful Blue
Ink: Pretty in Pink, Bashful Blue
Accessories: Big Shot, Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, 2-way glue pen, dazzling diamonds, stampin' dimensionals

{{just because}}
Stamps: It's Your Day
Cardstock: Peach Parfait, Blushing Bride, Early Espresso, Whisper White
Ink: Early Espresso
Accessories: Just Add Cake designer series paper, extra large tag punch, 1" circle punch, 1-1/4" circle punch, stampin' dimensionals

{{magnificent}}
Stamps: Bold Blossom, Perfect Words
Cardstock: Tangerine Tango, Melon Mambo, Daffodil Delight, Whisper White
Ink: Tangerine Tango, Wild Wasabi
Accessories: Blossom Bouquet triple layer punch, rhinestones, Daffodil Delight satin ribbon, stampin' dimensionals

{{happy day}}
Stamps: Perfect Words
Cardstock: Island Indigo, Daffodil Delight, Whisper White
Ink: Island Indigo
Accessories: Blossom Bouquet triple layer punch, Flirtatious designer series paper, Island Indigo ruffled ribbon, stampin' dimensionals

More class samples

I have the last two cards from my Stamp-a-Stack classes to share. Enjoy!



Thanks for stopping by!

~~Marilyn~~

{{thinking of you}}
Stamps: Tart & Tangy, Best Dad Ever
Cardstock: Daffodil Delight, Tangerine Tango, Lucky Limeade, Whisper White
Ink: Versamark, Tangerine Tango
Accessories: clear embossing powder, heat tool, stampin' dimensionals

{{happy birthday}}
Stamps: Vintage Vogue, Bring on the Cake
Cardstock: Baja Breeze, Soft Suede, Very Vanilla
Ink: Baja Breeze, Soft Suede
Accessories: Elegant Soiree designer series paper, 1-3/4" circle punch, extra large scallop circle punch, stampin' dimensionals

Bright and Bold

Ready for another card made from the fabulous new products in the Summer Mini Catalog?? Pacific Point is a wonderfully bold blue and really packs a punch with the new Fabulous Florets stamp set.


If you like bright and bold, the new Beyond the Garden designer series paper will be right up your alley! The sheet I used was just Pacific Point and Whisper White on it, but the pack includes sheets with Wild Wasabi, Melon Mambo, Daffodil Delight and Tangerine Tango.

I don't know if you can tell from the photo, but the flower bloom jumps off the card. I stamped the image, cut it out and applied it with dimensionals - a very simple way to add some oomph!

Thanks for stopping by!

~~Marilyn~~

Stamps: Fabulous Florets, Bold Blossom
Cardstock: Pacific Point, Whisper White
Ink: Pacific Point, Pear Pizzazz
Accessories: Pear Pizzazz stitched poly ribbon, word window punch, modern label punch, stampin' dimensionals

Postage Punch

Have you seen the new postage punch in the Summer Mini Catalog?? I used it with designer series paper to create the background and then again with a stamp to create the main image.

Fun, huh?? If you're wondering about the designer series paper, it's a sneak peek from the new Idea Book & Catalog that debuts on July 1st! Stampin' Up! will release it's list of retiring products tomorrow and then we're on a countdown to the new catalog. So don't miss out on any products that will retire - you can order them through June 30th and then they're gone for good!

Thanks for stopping by!

~~Marilyn~~

Stamps: Dreams du Jour, A Word for You
Cardstock: Bravo Burgundy, Marina Mist, Whisper White
Ink: Stazon Black, Cajun Craze, Bravo Burgundy, Marina Mist
Accessories: Paisley Petals designer series paper, postage stamp punch, small oval punch, Marina Mist satin ribbon, stampin' dimensionals

Birthday presents

I love the new triple layer punches in the Stampin' Up! Summer Mini Catalog and so do my customers! They are the most popular new product and everyone wants them. There are three options in one punch - a great investment at $23.95. But if you think the Blossom Bouquet punch only makes flowers, think again! Here's one idea:

How cute are these "bows"?? And the fun color combination came straight from the fabulous Color Coach!

Thanks for stopping by!

~~Marilyn~~

Stamps: On Your birthday
Cardstock: Cherry Cobbler, Baja Breeze, Basic Black, Whisper White
Ink: Stazon Black
Accessories: Big Shot, Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, Baja Breeze seam binding, Blossom Bouquet triple layer punch, word window punch, modern label punch, Love Letter designer series paper, stampin' dimensionals

Big Fun with the Big Shot!

This month, my $5 or Free class focused on the Big Shot. Here are a couple of the projects we did:

Using the Fancy Favor die and designer series paper, we made these cute bags that would be perfect for a baby or bridal shower. For reference: you can make 2 of these per sheet of 12x12 paper.


And then we made this adorable butterfly pin using fun foam with the Big Shot! Just attach them together with a rhinestone brad and a pin-back. How simple is that??

I'll be offering another $5 or Free class in July. Either pay the $5 class fee or place a $30+ order and get the class for free!

Thanks for stopping by!

~~Marilyn~~

Stampin' Birthday Party

A few weeks ago, I did a girls birthday party for a friend's daughter. The birthday girl and her friends wanted to make some stamped goodies and I modeled the projects after some I did a couple years ago. This time, the colors of choice were blue, green and purple so we used Old Olive, Tempting Turquoise and Rich Razzleberry - what a fun combination! Here's are the projects that Grace and her friends made:


Sorry for the blurry photo - just couldn't get a nice crisp shot - but it's enough to give you the idea. The girls squealed with each project reveal - they made me smile A LOT! They made their own goody bag and then filled it with party favors they made themselves - 3x3 note cards, tic tac holder, mini picture clip and a composition book.

When they were done, they took a group picture of everyone holding her party favor and wanted me in the picture with them! And all the girls gave me big hugs! I tell you - it just warmed my heart to see how appreciative they were! Thanks to Grace and all her wonderful, sweet friends for making my day :-)

Easter projects

Easter cards were the focus in my stamp club this month. The first card featured Smooch Pearlized Accent Ink . With an applicator similar to nail polish, we colored in the blossoms to add some subtle shimmer. A quick and easy card - it's a great one for mass production. And wouldn't this be great for Mother's Day too??


The second card was a big hit with the yummy looking chocolate bunny. Shame on me though! I had forgotten that the stamp was retired so I unnecessarily tempted my club ladies! Sorry everyone :-) The Easter egg was created by using the wide oval punch with designer series paper - easy peasy! And lastly, the "grass" was created using just the top portion of the scallop envelope Big Shot die.


Thanks for stopping by!

~~Marilyn~~

Stamps: Chocolate Bunny (retired), Something to Celebrate
Cardstock: So Saffron, Chocolate Chip, Pear Pizzazz, Very Vanilla
Ink: Pear Pizzazz
Accessories: Big Shot, Scallop Envelope die, wide oval punch, Playdate designer series paper, clear embossing powder, heat tool, stamping dimensionals

Blissful Butterfly

When my design mojo is just not flowing, I cruise the internet looking for inspiration. And thanks to the fabulous Julie Davison, I found a CASE-able perfect for my stamp-a-stack!

Cherry Cobbler is at the top of my list of favorite colors - it's such a rich, deep red. It's so striking with paired with black. Another favorite on this card is the Sale-a-Bration stamp set, Bliss (free with a $50 order placed by March 31st).

Thanks for stopping by!

~~Marilyn~~

Stamps: Bliss, Short & Sweet
Cardstock: Cherry Cobbler, Sahara Sand, Very Vanilla, Basic Black
Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Sahara Sand, Basic Black
Accessories: First Edition designer series paper, 1-3/4" circle punch

Daisy Thanks

I'm back with another card from a stamp-a-stack over the weekend. It's a little hard to tell from the photo, but the color combo is bright and cheerful. I based it on the Ice Cream Parlor designer series paper, another Sale-a-Bration freebie with a $50 order!


Thanks for stopping by!

~~Marilyn~~

Stamps: Upsy Daisy, Thanks Kindly
Cardstock: Old Olive, Pacific Point, Whisper White
Ink: Daffodil Delight, Old Olive
Accessories: Ice Cream Parlor designer series paper, scallop edge punch, stampin' dimensionals

Remember me?

This month has been a big 'ol blur for me. My husband and I took our first cruise and thoroughly enjoyed spending what's typically a cold and yucky time of the year in the South Caribbean! Let me tell you, it's an absolutely fabulous place to be in February. But between getting ready for the trip and then jumping back into our crazy day-to-day schedule, I just haven't had the time for posting. But now I have some great projects to share with you!

Today's card reminds me of a warm, comforting quilt. Reminiscent of the 1930s, Springtime Vintage designer series paper (#121782, $9.95) is perfect for all your vintage projects.

Did you also notice the great new embossing folder I used? The Framed Tulips (#121809, $7.95) folder is a simple way to create some wonderful borders for all of your projects!

Thanks for stopping by!

~~Marilyn~~

Stamps: Thanks Kindly
Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Baja Breeze
Ink: Baja Breeze
Accessories: Big Shot, framed tulips embossing folder, crochet trim, Springtime Vintage designer series paper

Another swap share

I had fun last night with some fellow demonstrators. We did a some stamping, some sharing and some swapping. Our swaps are always a great way to get new samples without breaking the bank, and this month was no exception. Here are a few of the goodies that will be joining my collection...

The awesome shiny embossed background is heavy-duty aluminum foil. How cool is that?!?!


If sewing is in your repertoire, Stampin' Up!'s "Oh Sew" suite in the Occasions Mini Catalog will surely go on your wish list!


Custom-designed for paper crafting and Stampin' Up!'s Simply Adorned jewelry line, trinket keys add some extra pizzazz.

Thanks for stopping by!

~~Marilyn~~

Baja Birthday

Ready for another project featuring Punch Bunch that you can earn for FREE during Sale-a-Bration? You can get a lot of mileage out of this stamp set with the five images.


I love the "rock-n-roll" technique! Start with the lightest color first, completely ink up the stamp and then roll the edges in a darker color. It adds some extra "oomph" to your stamped image. Another simple way to add some texture to your projects is paper tearing. I find that holding the paper with your fingers close together gives you the best control.

Thanks for stopping by!

~~Marilyn~~

Stamps: Punch Bunch
Cardstock: Baja Breeze, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White
Ink: Baja Breeze, Chocolate Chip
Accessories: Greenhouse Gala designer series paper, scallop square punch, extra large scallop circle punch, Baja Breeze seam binding, stampin' dimensionals

LOVE

I have another project to share that features products from the Filled With Love bundle available through January 24th. This time I mixed things up a little bit by adding another color to the mix - Basic Gray. I absolutely love the new glimmer paper in the Occasions Mini Catalog and hope that Stampin' Up! offers it in other colors when the new Idea Book & Catalog comes out this summer! It's a great way to add some sparkle to your projects without the glitter rubbing off. And the paper is thin enough that it's perfect for punching! I have another treat holder to share tomorrow so please check back.

Thanks for stopping by!

~~Marilyn~~

Stamps: Filled With Love
Cardstock: Basic Gray, Real Red, Whisper White
Ink: Basic Gray
Accessories: Love Patterns designer series paper, glimmer paper, Real Red satin ribbon, dotted scallop ribbon, punch, stampin' dimensionals