New Product Sneak Peek & Open House

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Wow – two posts in one day – this is a record for me! LOL :)

I just had to do a special posting for the Winners of the Treasure Hunt, and my blog draw  – how exciting, right?!

I'd like to say 'thank you' to everyone who played along with the Treasure Hunt and sent in their clue lists; I hope you had a lot of fun, and discovered lots of fabulous new blogs to follow, and ideas for your own crafting and creating!  I'd also like to extend a huge 'thank you' to all of the Stampin' Up! demonstrators who participated in Hunt, and a special, huge thank you to Sherrill Graff, the Late Night Stampers Leader and Sponsor of the $150 prize!  We literally could not have done the Treasure Hunt without Sherrill!

Now, I'd like to extend an invitation to everyone who lives in my area to come to my New Catalogue Sneak Peek Open House on Tuesday, May 28th, between 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.  I hope you'll come, and bring a friend – here's your invitation!  (if you live close by, I'll be either dropping one off to you in person, or emailing your invitation).

You’re Invited!

Please join me at my

Open House ‘Sneak Peek’ at the

New Stampin’ Up! Catalogue!

Tuesday May 28th 2013

7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

855 Everett Crescent

Burnaby, B.C.

See & try out some of the newest stamp sets, ink & paper colours, punches, and embossing folders!

*Door Prizes*

*Make n’ Takes*

*Refreshments*

*Free Catalogue*

Bring a Friend!

R.S.V.P.  by May 23rd please

Deborah Smart 604.298.0472 debsmart@shaw.ca

www.stampandcreate.net

Please do send me an RSVP, so that I can ensure I have enough catalogues and Make n' Takes prepared for everyone – not to mention the refreshements!

I know you're dying to find out just what kind of special goodies are in the new catalogue – it's so hard to wait, isn't it?!  If you just can't wait – you could have your own preview of the FULL catalogue, and even order the select pre-order goodies, if you JOIN MY TEAM!  That's right – being a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator has lots of great perks, one of them being that you get to see the new catalogue before everyone else, and you even get to order select items during the pre-release pre-order!

AND – if you JOIN BY MAY 30th, YOU GET AN EXTRA $40 FOR YOUR STARTER KIT!!  That's right – you get to choose $195 of ANY PRODUCT FOR ONLY $125!

But hurry – this special offer only lasts until May 30th!

Okay, now that I've teased you with that – I can share a picture of a finished project I made using some of the newest products!  (Stampin' Up! rules state that before the catalogue is officially released, I can't show you the product itself, but I can show you a finished project made with the products).

So without further ado – TA-DA!!

Are these colours gorgeous, or what?!

The card stock and ink colours I used are – Coastal Cabana, Crisp Cantaloupe, Smoky Slate and Pistachio Pudding.  And talk about coordination – I just LOVE this with Stampin' Up! – I used the Modern Mosaic Textured Impressions Embossing Folder with the coordinating Mosaic Madness Stamp Set AND the Mosaic Punch!  Oh my gosh – Stampin' Up! makes it SO EASY to make your projects look fabulous and professional!

The sentiment is from a stamp set that I received FOR FREE – another one of those perks of being a Stampin' Up! demo - called Banner Greetings.

So – what do you think of the new products so far?!  And this is showcasing just some of the sneak peek items I got!  If you come to my Open House, you'll see lots more, PLUS you'll get to make your own project to take home, using some of the new products!

If you're not able to attend, and are local, just send me an email to make sure that you don't miss out on getting your catalogue!

Okay – now I have to get back to work, prepping for the fun stuff we'll be doing at my Open House!

Until next time – Happy Stamping!

WINNERS – TREASURE HUNT & BLOG DRAW

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This is it, Stampin' Friends – the day we've been waiting for….the WINNERS of the LATE NIGHT STAMPERS TREASURE HUNT and BLOG DRAW HAVE BEEN DRAWN….

Drumroll please…..

The WINNER of a $150 STAMPIN' UP! SHOPPING SPREE IS…..HEATHER HOPSON, OF B.C.!!   WOO  HOOO!!!  Congratulations, Heather!! 

The WINNER of MY BLOG DRAW for the FANCY FRIENDS KIT IS…..SUSAN GODIN!!  Another WoooHooo!!!  Way to go, Susan!

I have it on good authority that when Heather was told that she was the lucky Winner this morning, she was "doing a happy dance"!!  I bet!  I would be, too!  Have fun putting your 'shopping list' together, Heather!  Will it be items from the retiring list, that you just can't live without?  Or perhaps you'll wait for the new catalogue at the end of this month, and get some brand new goodies?  Whatever you choose – I'm sure you're going to have fun deciding!

Susan, I'll be sending you an email right now, but if you read this first, please send me an email at debsmart@shaw.ca with your mailing address, so I can send you your Fancy Friends Kit!  I know you'll have fun putting together your cards with this kit, and delighting whomever you give the cards to :)

If you'd like to see the video of Heather's name being drawn, here's the link to the Youtube video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKAa6DEkgC8&feature=youtu.be

I didn't video tape it, but my son drew Susan's name this morning, from all the entries I received.

Have a fabulous Stampin day, my friends!

Faux Paint Swatch Technique

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Hello Stampin' Friends!

I hope that you had a great weekend; I had a good day with family yesterday, and even got to see one of my niece's, who was visiting from Toronto!

Now, I know that I had promised to show you the card that I made for my step-mom for Mother's Day – but then I noticed that I'd already shared it with you!

Oh well – it's such a pretty card – here it is again!

I'm happy to say that she liked it very much! :)

Did I share with you how I got the butterfly so shimmery?  It's super easy, but is such a 'wow' when you see it in person.

First, ink up your stamp with Versamark ink, then ink it with the colour you want – I used Primrose Petals.   Stamp onto your card stock.  Then, coat the stamped image with Heat & Stick powder, and then heat it with your Heat Tool.  Give it a couple of seconds to cool down, then liberally cover the image with Dazzling Details powder; then set it again with the Heat Tool.  Voila!  You know have a gorgeous, glittery image, and the glitter will all stick to the image – not you! :)

Well, since this is the second time you've seen this card, I'll share another new technique with you – it's another super easy, but effective technique for a one-of-a-kind look on your card. (and that's what hand made is all about, isn't it?  Giving someone a gift or card, that is unique!)

I liked this Faux Paint Swatch technique so much, I made 2 cards, one right after the other!  Here they are:

Supplies:

Card stock (cut to the size you want for your image panel)

Painter's Tape

3 Ink Pads in either hues of the same colour, or 3 complimentary colours

Silhouette Image stamp

How to:

Tear a piece of painter's tape at least 1"-2" longer than your card stock.

Starting with the lightest ink colour, rub the sticky side of the tape across the ink pad; then lay the tape onto the card stock where you want the colour to be.

Gently press down on the tape, to transfer the ink to the card stock.  If you want a wide band, repeat with the same colour, just moving your tape up a bit.

Repeat this process with each of the colours, leaving a bit of white space in between the bands of colour.

Next, ink up your silhouette image stamp in black ink (either Classic Stampin' Up! ink or Staz-on), and stamp your image as desired.

Then, mat and embellish your design as you like – and your masterpiece is complete!

I hope you give this technique a try – I think you'll  really enjoy it!  If you do, I'd love to see what you create – send me an email with a picture of your project, and I'll 'showcase' you here on my blog.  Just email it to me at debsmart@shaw.ca

Thanks for spending some time with me; I hope you've enjoyed yourself, and maybe learned a new technique.

Please be sure to come back tomorrow; I'll be giving you a SNEAK PEEK at a NEW PRODUCT from the NEW CATALOGUE – and give you the details about my Sneak Peek Open House – save the date – May 28th 7:00pm!

Until tomorrow – Happy Stampin'! :)

 

Happy Mother’s Day!

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Hello, Stampin' Friends!

I know, Mother's Day isn't until tomorrow, but I know that I'm going to be busy – and you will probably be too, so I thought I'd post this now!

I hope that everyone enjoys the day, whether you're a Mom, a special Aunt, or like a Mom to someone – you don't have to have given birth to be special in someone's life!

So here's another card that I did for Mother's Day; you might remember that my hubby took in a couple dozen cards I made to his work; I'm happy to say that they sold well, and I hope that the wonderful people who receive them enjoy them very much!

This card uses the 'Swallowtail' stamp (just love this stamp!), Tea for Two Designer Series paper, Primrose Petals stitched ribbon, and the 5/8" Flower Trim – all of course from Stampin' Up!

Now, this isn't the card I made for my step-Mom (the special Mom in my life); I'm pretty sure she doesn't read my blog (not that she doesn't love what I create, but she just doesn't spend a lot of time on the computer!) but just to be sure, and save the surprise, I'll post a picture of it tomorrow night, after we've all gotten together for dinner.

One more thing – a very important reminder – TOMORROW, MAY 12th is the LAST DAY TO ENTER the LATE NIGHT STAMPERS TREASURE HUNT!!

Please, make sure you've emailed me your list of 50 clues, and the blogs you found them on, by 5:00pm tomorrow at debsmart@shaw.ca to be entered to WIN A $150 STAMPIN' UP! SHOPPING SPREE!  As well, you'll be entered into my blog draw for the fabulous 'Fancy Friends' kit!

Good luck to everyone who enters; the winners will be announced here on my blog on May 15th!!  Be sure to come back to see if you are the lucky one!

Until next time – Happy Stampin!

 

My Paper Pumkin & More Mother’s Day!

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Happy, sunshiny day, Stampin' Friends!

Wow – I hope your weather is as beautiful as our is here, in Vancouver, B.C.! 

Mother Nature has been setting all sorts of new high temperature records for the last few days, and we've got more of the same for the whole week, it seems.  I mean, I know that the amount of rain we get is important for our water levels, and keeps our Province keeping lush & green, for which it's famous – but it sure is nice to get out & enjoy it, without getting soaked!

So I'm taking a moment out of the mid-day sun, to share some more Mother's Day cards with you, and a look at what April's Paper Pumpkin held!

I've been so busy, I haven't even created with my new Paper Pumpkin yet – but here's what I get to play with:

 

This is the package of goodies, with a picture of what your completed project (following the enclosed directions) will look like.

 And these are all the pieces that you get to create with – I just love those silver buttons, and the designer paper – is gorgeous!!  How about those stamps?  I think they're hilarious – though I'll probably get more use out of just the 'Seriously' one – the feedback on our SU! demo's only site is that they're either 'love' or 'hate' – not much in between!  I think as long as you know your recipient, and/or the occasion, you'll know when it's appropriate to use these kinds of stamps.

If you've already signed up, and received this (April) kit, I'd love it if you shared with me how you put together your creations!  Do you follow directions, or or add your own 'spin'?  Do you stick with the supplies in the kit, or add your own?

Send me an email with picture(s) of your creations, and I'll share them here on my blog!  debsmart@shaw.ca  I'll look forward to hearing from you!

If you'd like to recieve your own monthly 'creative kit' delivered directly to your own door, just go to www.paperpumpkin.com to sign up – and please remember to put me down as your Stampin' Up! Demonstrator! If you'd like to receive May's Paper Pumpkin, you must sign up before May 10th, as they ship on/about the 15th of the month.

Okay – this coming Sunday is Mother's Day, so this week I'll be sharing the rest of the Mother's Day cards that I've made.

These next ones are so cute, especially if your Mom loves flowers, or spending time in the garden.  It's a 'flower pot' card – and you can see that you can pull out the flowers from the middle, and that's where your sentiment is stamped!

What do you think?  Cute enough for the flower lover in your life?  I just love the bright colours – they say 'Spring has arrived!' (finally! lol)

One more reminder – there's ONLY 6 DAYS LEFT TO PLAY THE LATE NIGHT STAMPERS TREASURE HUNT!! 

Do you want a chance to WIN $150 in STAMPING UP PRODUCTS of your choice?!  It's easy to enter!  Just click on HERE and visit 50 of the listed blogs, and collect 50 clues.  Once you've listed the clues and which blog you found each one on, EMAIL YOUR LIST TO ME at debsmart@shaw.ca BY SUNDAY MAY 12TH , and you'll be entered to WIN!

As a EXTRA BONUS, everyone who emails their entry to me will be ENTERED INTO MY BLOG DRAW for a FANCY FRIENDS KIT! 

 

That's a $17.95 (Canadian) value, and you get everything included in the kit (above).

So don't wait any more – GET YOUR ENTRY IN TODAY!  YOU could be this year's LUCKY WINNER!

Mother’s Day Creations & New Releases

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Hello Stampin' Friends!

Gosh, life has been busy for me lately; how about you?  So sorry for not keeping up with my posts here! 

Well, I'm here now, it's already May 2nd, and Stampin' Up! has released a couple of new items for May; the first one being the May 'Best of..' set – this month's set is 'Best of Brides & Babies' (item #133482), and is so cute, and versatile; I know it's going on my list of sets to have!

Here's what's included, for only $17.95  And remember – if you purchase 6 of the 'Best Of' sets through the year, you will earn a FREE stamp set of $17.95 value!

 

Can't you see yourself getting lots of use from this set?!

Stampin' Up! has also released not 1 but 2 new photopolymer sets, called Show & Tell 1 (item #133450), and Show & Tell 2 (item #133481), that compliment each other!

Each set is only $16.95, or you can purchase a special BUNDLE for only $43.95 (item #134533) which includes BOTH the Show & Tell 1&2 sets, PLUS the online class 'Seeing the Possibilities'.

 

Have you tried the new photopolymer stamps yet?  What do you think – do you like them, or prefer the wood mount, or clear mount stamps?  Personally, I like all of them, for different reasons.  I find the different types are useful in different applications; it's great to have either really small, or really large (like background size) stamps in wood mount; I like the ease of storage and versatility of the clear mount, and the photopolymer makes it super easy to line up your images, without pulling out the Stamp-a-ma-jig!

Any of these new items are available now through my online store, or contact me to put in your order!

Now – on to the Mother's Day creations! :)

I had such fun doing a one-on-one class with Pam last night; we did 2 Mother's Day cards, and 2 gifts!  Here's a picture of Pam with her wall hanging she made for her Mom!

Didn't she do a fabulous job?! She was so funny – she kept saying 'I can't believe I made something so cute!' But it's true – I provide all the materials and guidance on how to put it together – you get to put your personal touch on the project, to make it your own!

For a close-up look, here's the one that I made;

 

Even with the close-up, it's hard to see all the details that are included; the pearls, rhinestones, etc. If you'd like, I can take individual close-up pictures, and post them tomorrow.

This is the 2nd gift; a note-pad holder!  The note-pad is full sized, inside the card stock cover, which is beautifully decorated with designer series paper, coordinating cardstock and the butterflies stamp from the 'Kindness Matters' stamp set.  And did you notice?  Look closely at the pen – the same designer paper is inside the pen, so that it matches the note-pad holder! :)

 

And here are the 2 cards; one will be for her Mom, and the other for a special Aunt!

I think they're beautiful cards, that anyone would love to receive!

If you'd like to hold a special class for yourself, or you & some friends, just give me a call or email, and we can set up a time, and projects, that suit you! 

Want to earn yourself some Stampin' Up! products for FREE?  Just hold a party, and with a qualifying party/order starting at only $200, you will earn $35 and up in your choice of free items!  Plus, you and your friends will have lots of fun, and take home at least 1 item they got to make themselves!

Give me a call or email now, to schedule your personal class or party – I'm waiting to hear from you!  604.298.0472 debsmart@shaw.ca

Until next time – Happy Stamping!

RETIREMENT LISTS ARE HERE!

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Good morning, Stampin' Friends!

Well, as promised, the Retirement Lists are Here! 

There are 2 lists; one for the RETIRING STAMP SETS, and one for the RETIRING ACCESSORIES – this list includes everything from embellishments, card stocks, designer papers, ink, dies, tools, storage, etc.  There are even Discounted Accessories – Up to 60% OFF!

The see the RETIRING STAMPS LIST, CLICK HERE

To see the RETIRING ACCESSORIES LIST, CLICK HERE

Remember – the items on both of these lists are AVAILABLE ONLY WHILE STOCK LASTS, so you'll  want to ORDER RIGHT AWAY to avoid disappointment.

I will be placing an order today, and again on Saturday (April 24th and April 27th).  If you'd like to pick up your order from my home in North Burnaby, I will share the shipping cost with you; just give me a call or send me an email with your order, and I will place it for you – 604.298.0472 or debsmart@shaw.ca

If you would like to have your order shipped directly to you, you can order through my online store by CLICKING HERE and click on 'Shop Now'.

Okay, I'm off to pull together my order – Happy Shopping!!

Mother’s Day – Are You Ready?

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I'm baaaaack!! 

I know, I should've posted last week; I'm sorry, but life got busy – I'm sure you know how it goes!

On the weekend was our annual 'Sun Run' here in Vancouver; it's a 10km run or walk, on a beautiful route through downtown Vancouver, along the beaches and seawall; and the weather cooperated for us – it was beautiful and sunny :)  

This was my 2nd year doing the walk (nope, I don't try to run it! I know my limitations! lol) with my BFF Susan, and I'm very happy to say that we actually improved over our last year's time by a whole 3 minutes! :)   We finished the 10km in 1 hour, 54 minutes!  My oldest son ran the route again – he finished in 1 hour 10minutes – beating his last year's time by 8 minutes! 

I hope that you had a good weekend, too!  Any special going on with you?  I'd love to hear it!

I postponed my "Mom's the Word" Mother's Day class from last Saturday to this Saturday the 27th; there's still room, if you'd like to join in the fun!  We'll be making 2 cards, and 2 gifts, so you'll be ready to celebrate – ahead of time! Woot!!  Being ready for any event ahead of time is always a big accomplishment for me! 

I've also been making Mother's Day cards to sell, and I finally managed to get the camera battery charged, and pictures taken to share with you!  So, for the next week, amongst other things, I'll be sharing Mother's Day cards with you.  If you see something you'd like to create for yourself, just let me know & I can either fix you up with a kit, or put an order together for you – and you'll still be ready in time for the celebration.

Here's the first card:

It's very 'vintage' looking, isn't it?  I think this would be nice for a Mom (or Mum) who likes tea roses, antiques, and afternoon tea! 

The top panel is from the Tea for Two Designer Series Paper pack; the bottom is Primrose Petals card stock, embossed using the Fancy Fan Embossing Folder. I cut the ends of each with the Adorning Accents Edgelits, and adhered them to the Very Vanilla card stock base, using dimensionals.

I used some lace from my personal stash across the middle, and topped it with the Primrose Petals 3/8" Stitched Stain Ribbon.  I punched a piece of the Tea for Two DSP, and centered it in the Designer Builder Brad, and popped it on using a dimensional.

The word 'Mom' was stamped in Primrose Petals using the retired 'Messages for Mom' stamp set, and then cut out using the Apothecary Accents Framelits, and adhered using dimensionals.

These next cards are very different looking from the first – what do you think?

These have a brighter, more 'modern' feel to them, don't you think?  I just love the brightness of the combination of Pool Party and Calypso Coral; it always makes me smile :)

I started with a Crumb Cake card stock base, then a panel of Calypso Coral card stock, then another panel of Crumb Cake, this time embossed with the Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder.

Before adhering all the panels, I first cut one of the Paper Doilies in half (this design made it super easy to make 2 cards at once!), ran the glue stick across the top of it, and adhered it to the embossed Crumb Cake panel. 

On top of the doily, I cut and glued 'banners' made from the Sycamore Street Designer Series Paper (from SAB).  Then I ran a piece of Pool Party ribbon across the top of the banners and doily, and adhered a button (ribbon & buttons from the 'pack' from SAB) to one side. 

Just to 'dress it up' a bit more, I placed 2 Basic Pearls on each of the buttons.

I used the 'Just for You' sentiment from my favourite 'Tea Shoppe' stamp set, stamped on Whisper White and punched out with the Modern Label punch, and adhered it onto a Calypso Coral card stock punched using the Decorative Label punch.  This was then popped up with dimensionals onto the card front, and all the panels were adhered to the base also using dimensionals.

You can see that I did everything the same on both cards, except for the colour of the buttons; I did one in Pool Party, and one in Calypso Coral.  You could also change up the look easily by changing the 1st panel from Calypso Coral to Pool Party, along with the card stock behind the sentiment.

So, what do you think?  Would any of these be suitable for your Mom?  Aunt? Wife?  I'd love to hear what you're planning for your Mom! :)

Before I go – a couple of IMPORTANT REMINDERS!

1) The Late Night Stampers Treasure Hunt is quickly coming to an end!  You have just over 2 weeks left to play – it all ends May 12th – so get your entries in NOW!  To be entered to win the Grand Prize of $150 Stampin' Up! shopping spree, and my Blog Prize of a Fancy Friends Kit, just email your completed list of 50 clues to me at debsmart@shaw.ca  Good luck to  you!

2) The Retiring List comes out tomorrow – April 24th!!  That's right – it's that time of year – the retiring stamp sets, tools, embellishments, papers and inks are all listed, and it's are available only while they last!  So, make your list of those stamps and colours that you just HAVE TO HAVE, and get your order in quick!  I'll be placing an order by this Friday, April 26th, if you'd like to share shipping with me (if you live in the area) just give me a call or email 604.298.0472 debsmart@shaw.ca or you can order online directly by clicking on the my name, below.

New ‘Dolled Up Birthday Kit’ Released & Free Digital Download

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Hello Stampin' Friends!

I hope you've all had a great day today, and maybe even got some stamping done?  I did get some done, but I'm afraid I didn't get a chance to take pictures of my Mother's Day cards yet; I promise I'll do that tomorrow, and share them with  you then.

I did want to make sure to share with you the new Submit a Project Kit – called 'Dolled Up Birthday Kit'.  You're going to love this classy & fabulous kit, especially if you wanted the 'All Dressed Up' Framelit set, but haven't bought it yet.

Here's what the kit looks like, including a completed card:

 

This gorgeous birthday card was created by Chris Gilmore, a manager from Coshocton, Ohio. Congratulations, Chris!

The Dolled-Up Birthday kit includes the following:

  • Dolled-Up Birthday Photopolymer Stamp (1)
  • 8-1/2" x 5-1/2" Crumb Cake Cardstock (6 pieces)
  • 2" x 4-1/4" Very Vanilla Cardstock (6 pieces)
  • Very Vanilla Medium Envelopes (6)
  • Tea Lace Paper Doilies (6)
  • Dress Up die-cuts (6)
  • Soft Suede Classic Stampin' Spot (1)
  • Vanilla 5/8" Flower Trim (6 pieces)
  • Sponge Dauber (1)

Didn't I tell you – fabulous!  And at only $17.95 for 6 complete cards, with envelopes, it's a steal!  Wouldn't your Mother, Aunt, BFF….just love to receive one of these cards?  Good timing for Mother's Day, too!  To order yours, just click on the 'Order Now' button, and type in item #133913.

And while you're in my store, why not take advantage of a FREE DIGITAL DOWNLOAD?!  For a limited time only (and I don't know how long!), Stampin' Up! My Digital Studio is celebrating a milestone of 'Likes' on Facebook by offering this super cute, free download called 'Playful Polka Dots Digital Kit'.  You'll love these bright, sunny colours and patterns for spring & summer cards and scrapbooking.

Here's a picture of the download,

 

The kit includes 4 Designer Series paper patterns, 55 embellishments, and a one-page 11" x 8-1/2" designer template. Coordinating colors include: Daffodil Delight, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, and Rose Red.

Pretty good for free, right?! 

What's that?  You don't have MDS yet?  Well, you have 2 options; these downloads will work with just about every type of imaging software program you may have – Photoshop, etc, even Word!  Or even better – take advantage of the FREE TRIAL of MDS!  That's right – try before you buy!  No regrets :)

Just enter code #130910 for your FREE TRIAL - this is what you will receive:

With the FREE 30-day trial, you’ll get:
* Full access to the software at NO COST for 30 days
* Full access to design tools to create cards, photobooks, calendars, and more
* Full access to a sample of exclusive artwork
* The chance to buy additional downloads that you can keep after your trial expires
* Ability to order your projects from our professional print services

You'll love it so much, you'll be able to take advantage of the upcoming 25% OFF Digital Content and Print Products, coming on May 1st!  Details are still to be announced!

Well, that should keep you busy until I get my pictures taken & loaded onto my computer tomorrow! :)

Until then – Happy Shopping, Stamping, & Creating!

 

Sympathy Cards

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Hello again, Stampin' Friends!

I hope you've all had a great day; I know I had a productive one, working on Mother's Day cards :)    I'm working on lots of different styles, as my husband is going to take them into his work to sell for me; isn't that sweet?!  There's a lot of men in the shop, so I think they'll find it convenient to pick up a card there, and not "have" to go to a mall  (I don't know a lot of men who enjoy going shopping – for anything!).  Plus the ladies in the office like hand-made, as well.  I'll share those cards with you tomorrow! 

Last night, I promised that I would share with you a couple of sympathy cards I've made, for the family of a friend who passed away on the weekend. 

I find that making sympathy cards is both difficult, and cathartic; do you find that?  It's difficult, because of the sad occasion, but at the same time you're creating something that will hopefully help bring peace and comfort to those left behind, as well as addressing your own feelings.  

How about you?  Do you have a way to help you with making sympathy cards?  Or a certain kind you like to make?

Here is the first one:

 

The first card has a Very Vanilla card stock base, with a panel of Crumb Cake card stock, embossed with the Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder (item#117335), and cut out an Oval in the centre using the Ovals Framelits Collection (item #129381).  I then made a frame for the oval out of Chocolate Chip card stock, using the next larger and smaller sized Oval Framelits, and embossed it with the Polka Dots EF, too.      I stamped the image and sentiment from the Thoughts & Prayers stamp set (item #127805 c/m)  in Chocolate Chip ink directly onto the Tea for Two DSP (item #129311).  After first adhering the oval frame to the Crumb Cake panel, I then wrapped a piece of 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon (item #126846) in Summer Starfruit on either side of the frame, and added a bow to the left side.  I then adhered the stamped DSP to the Crumb Cake panel, the popped it all up onto the Very Vanilla base using Stampin' Dimensionals. 

This is the second card:

You can see on this card, I did several panels so that I could accomodate the size of the image stamp, the retired 'Upsy Daisy'. 

I started with a base of Whisper White, then a panel of Pool Party, another panel of Whisper White, then a final panel of Basic Gray.  The card base is the standard A2 card, which is 8 1/2" x 5 1/2", scored in the centre and folded to be 4 1/4" x 5 1/2".  Each panel then is reduced by 1/4" from the panel it's on top of (so the Pool Party panel would be 4"x5 1/4", then 3 3/4"x5", then 3 1/2"x 4 3/4").

I stamped the 'Upsy Daisy' image (retired) in Basic Gray ink, and embossed with Clear Embossing Powder (item #109130) using the Heat Tool (item #129053).  I then wrapped the 1/4" Sycamore Street satin ribbon in Pool Party (from SAB) around the Gray panel.  I stamped the sentiment from the Thoughts & Prayers stamp set (item #127805 c/m) onto Whisper White card stock, and punched it out using the Decorative Label punch (item #120907).  I punched out a 2nd Decorative Label in Pool Party card stock, and layered that behind the sentiment, using Stampin' Dimensionals. 

The first layer of Pool Party was adhered to the base using the Anywhere Glue Sitcks, and each layer after that was adhered using Stampin' Dimensionals.  As a final touch, I added 3 of the Basic Pearl Jewels (item #119247) to the top right corner of the Basic Gray panel. 

I hope that these cards let our friends know how we are thinking of them, and hoping that their memories of good times help them through this difficult stage of their grief.

And, I hope that I have helped to inspire you, dear friend, for the next time you find yourself needing a sympathy card.

Thank you for spending some time with me tonight!  I hope you'll join me again tomorrow, when I'll share some more updates from Stampin' Up!, and some Mother's Day cards.

Until then – take care, and Happy Stamping!