Hot August stamping!

Whew, we're deep into summer and it's pretty hot but hey, is anyone ready for some "cool" stamping?  We've got some beautifully colored papers and quick cards to make with some of the latest tools and stamping goodies that will be just what you need for those next big occasions!

The top two cards get their colors from the Bohemian Designer Papers, don't you just love the deep tones and matching ribbons and washi tapes?  We'll use our File Tabs Edgelit and Project Life Paper Clips dies plus some favorite punches to make the layouts creative and fun.

The bottom two cards feature happy colors and patterns from the Cherry on Top Designer Stack.  You'll be able to use these birthday cards for anyone: young or old, guys and gals, they'll just love it!  What great cards to have in your stash the next time you need one, which is all the time, right?  Once you have the paper and layout ideas, make a whole stack of them! Everyone will love you're creativity and thoughtfulness. So come on, grab some stamping friends and come to make lots!!

DATE: Friday, August 14; 7:00 - 9:30 pm
        Sunday, August 16, 2:00 - 4:30 pm (minimum 2)

DEADLINE to save your spot(s): = Tuesday, August 11

Class Fee = $15 (including envelopes), or FREE with any $45 order!
        Get a FREE annual catalog and a FREE class with any $50 order!

Completed Card set = $18 (if you miss class or want an extra set.)

Hostess Code = EKF23MWQ;  (Order is sent directly to you, see Top Tab for info)

August Accessory Pack:

(Counts towards FREE class, see top tab for details)

12" x 12" Bohemian Designer Series Paper - 1 each of 6 designs

25 yds Thick Baker's Twine - 5 yds ea of all 5 colors (see catalog p. 158)

                 50 "Brights" Candy Dots - 5 ea of 10 colors

Cost = $14.35 (plus tax and shipping)

Option: 2 yds each of Blackberry Bliss or Hello Honey 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon = $1.79 ea.

Don't forget, save your spot for class now; hope you can join us!

Pumping Up the Pumpkin!

You may already know that Stampin' Up has a monthly subscription program where you can sign up to receive a Paper Pumpkin stamping kit in the mail.  I've been meaning to check this out since hearing the buzz that the kits have been upgraded a lot recently, so I signed up last month when they had a 1/2 off promotion (couldn't resist!)  My goal was to see if the kits were worth the money, and challenge myself to step up the projects beyond the printed instructions. So here we go!

This month's kit was to make 8 cards, 4 each of 2 designs including lined matching envelopes.  I completed the 2 cards easily and they are pictured on the left. I liked that the pieces were pre-cut and most parts already had adhesive, like card-stock weight stickers, so assembly was neat and fast.  A mini stamp pad in Tip Top Taupe was included as well as a slim acrylic block (since this was my first kit) for the 5 photopolymere stamps. Ample glue dots, Foam Dimensionals, wood die cuts, natural twine, envelopes, and 4 clear buttons were also included.

After I completed the two cards according to the printed instructions, I played the remaining pieces, trying out different combinations and layouts to make different cards.  As you can see, I was able to make 11 more cards instead of 6 using only the contents of the kit (with the few exceptions noted below) and adding more card bases as shown on the right of the picture.  This creative exercise was a fun way to try out different card layouts and still have enough paper left to line the envelopes!

I discoverd that the flower stamp provided matched some of the prints in the new Pretty Petals 6" x 6"Designer Stack, so I used one piece to make one of the cards on the right.  I also added a few brads and buttons that I had lying around, so nice to use available supplies on hand.  I'll have these out for you to see if you can make it to the July Stamp Class.

Results:

• Design elements remaining = 0, yay! Used them all!
• Supplies left for later use = glue dots, Foam Dimensionals, natural twine, and of course the stamp pad, stamps, and acrylic block.
• Total cards made = 13 instead of 8, almost double!  Could have easily made more cards if I used fewer elements per card, but thought this was a good start. 

Have you tried a Paper Pumpkin kit yet?  Try subscribing for a month or so (check out the site HERE)  and also what others are doing with their kits HERE.  Send me your results so I can post your design efforts too!

 Let see what next month brings!

July Techniques Class Reminder

Please note that the last day to reply to save you spot for this month's Stamp Class is Tuesday, July 7.  The cards are super cute adn you won't want to miss out!

Plus I'll also have samples from the latest Paper Pumpkin Kit which I've been playing around with--results to post in the next blog--stay tuned!

July Bonus Deals from Stampin' Up!

• From June 30 to August 3, it's all about Bonus Deals, where you can score extra Weekly Deals up to 30% off retail plus extra Clearance Rack items up to 60% off retail!
• Weekly Deals are offered in limited quantities.  Once that amount has been sold, the item will be removed and only available at retail prices.
• Clearance Rack items are available while supplies last, and will not be removed until the end of the promotion.

If you would like to have your online purchase count towards earning a FREE July Stamp Class 

(7/10 or 7/12), be sure to use the Hostess Code PZYPYMPD when you place your order. 

(Orders placed after that date can get credit towards a FREE August Stamp Class; 

I'll publish a new Hostess Code for that later on.)

Check it out now while you're thinking about it!