February Stamp Class

    This month usually brings thoughts of flowers, love, and pretty cards to mind, at least for me! And with the truly beautiful papers, stamps, and dies available from Stampin' Up right now, the only hard part about creating some really pretty cards was choosing which ones to use.  I've made these four cards up for now, but will probably have to make many more with these same supplies in the days to come, they are that special! Any of them could be used for Valentine's Day, a wedding, shower, or a beautiful birthday/thinking of you card, I hope you'll love them all too!


    The top left card is a gorgeous combination of layers, rather complicated looking, but actually very straightforward to make.  The printed Petal Promenade  Designer paper frame and matching panel coordinate wonderfully with the embossed lace layer inside and some new die-cut words and leaves.  Add the dotted tulle bow and a FREE SAB wood flower embellishment, and it's done!
    The top right card also has soft pink colors, but there is a unique layered look since the white floral die cut with embossing seems to float above its coordinating stamped image.  Matching All My Love Designer paper, ribbons, and a tinted FREE SAB wood butterfly complete the look. So pretty.... I just like to look at it!

 
   The bottom left card uses the "spotlighting technique" to focus attention on the center of the card where the coloring is located.  I confess to not having all of the new SU Blends (Alcohol) markers nor am very experienced at this, but I did enjoy using ones that I do have to color these flowers because they ink so smoothly and it's easy to blend the tones seamlessly without any hard edges. They can also color non-porous surfaces, as was done with the yellow jewel centers here. Hmm, next order...!

    On the lower right is a card where I think the printed papers are the stars, but the dies are also fantastic!  How lovely the Floral Romance printed vellum is in the window, easily die cut with the new Rectangle Stitched Framelits Dies which have stitching on both edges of each die.  Then there is the coordinating "leaves" paper which graces both the front and inside of the card, backing the leaf/lattice die from new Wonderful Romance Bundle of stamps and dies. Matching shimmer ribbon and translucent flower embellishments finish off this work of art, I love it!

  It's easy to make these special cards because Stampin' Up has coordinated everything so well: stamps, dies, papers, embellishments.  Truly one stop shopping for show-stopping cards, hooray!

Class Date: Sunday, Feb. 10; 2:00 - 4:30 pm

Deadline to Reply = Tuesday, Feb. 5.

Class Fee = $15 or FREE with any $50 order PLUS you receive a FREE SAB (Sale-A-Bration) goodie with each order, yay!

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

Host Code = VPP7NDSG  (to use when ordering online, your total will apply towards a FREE Stamp Class or receiving a hand-stamped thank-you gift from me.  Your order ships directly to you, contact me if you have questions.)

Be sure to save the date, bring a friend, and come to make these beauties!

Anticipated Inventory shortages for 2 punches, ribbons

Sales for the  Butterfly Duet Punch (item 148523) and the Cake Builder Punch (item 148525) have exceeded SU's forecast and are continuing strong, resulting in a significant number of backorders. Due to Chinese New Year and port congestion delays, estimated arrival is mid-March.

• The Butterfly punch will be orderable through Jan. 25, then be put on non-orderable status until inventory can be replenished. 
• The Cake Builder punch inventory is projected to be depleted in two weeks.  After that, it will also be put on non-orderable status until inventory can be replenished.  

If you wish to order either or both of these punches for future use, please consider using the Host Code to order quickly or note that there will be a delay. Updates on availability will be provided when released.  Both of these punches will carry over and be available in the new 2019-2020 annual catalog. 

The Organdy Ribbon Combo Pack (item 149623) from the SAB (Sale-A-Bration) catalog has exceeded product forecast and sold out in the North American markets. Due to such high demand,  it will not be orderable until the beginning of March, when it will be available while supplies last only.

Thanks for your patience and understanding.

New Cling stamps starting Jan. 2019

Have you been frustrated with how the Clear-Mount red rubber stamps don't stick well to the clear blocks?  Well the solution is here, as Stampin' Up is now be offering Cling stamps  beginning with the 2019 Occasions catalog and Sale-A-Bration brochure. Here are some facts to know:

• All new stamp sets will be available either in Cling (for red rubber stamps) or Photopolymer.
• Stamps in the 2018-2019 Annual catalog will continue to be available in clear-mount, wood-mount, or photopolymer. Red rubber stamp sets (clear-mount or wood-mount) in the annual catalog that will be carrying over will transition to Cling with the 2019-2020 annual catalog. 
• In 2019-2020 annual catalog, clear-mount and wood-mount stamps* will no longer be available (with the exception of background stamps in North America only, which will still be available in wood-mount.)

Labeling cling stamps is a slightly different process than you may be used to. It is important to follow the steps below to assemble cling stamps. Each cling stamp case will also include labeling instructions.

Note: Once you place the label on the stamp, it is adhered permanently. Attempting to remove or adjust the label will damage the stamp’s foam.

1. Remove the paper backing from the label.
2. Remove your selected stamp from the rubber sheet and remove the paper backing from the stamp.
3. Line up the foam side of the stamp with the image label, then press it evenly to adhere it to the label. Make sure it is correctly positioned before you adhere it to the stamp.
4. Remove the stamp and its newly-affixed image label from the label sheet.
5. Place the stamp on an acrylic block to begin stamping. 

Best Practices: To remove the stamp from the block, grasp securely near the image label and remove slowly. (Cling stamps stick so well that if they are not carefully removed from the block, the foam can tear.) To clean the labels, simply rinse under running water. Avoid alcohol-based cleaners.

Here's a VIDEO from SU with more info.

COMMENTS & TIPS FROM ME:

I've tried the new Cling stamps and they are really wonderful!  They stick really well to the clear blocks and the Stamparatus; just be sure to remove them carefully starting with your fingernail or perhaps the metal spatula end of the Take Your Pick tool. Here are a few more great tips I've discovered:

1. Store your Cling stamps by sticking them to the clear back side of the stamp case.  You can easily see the images from the back, arrange them as you like, and they stay neat (don't fall around inside the case when you store them vertically)!

2. You may prefer to stick your Cling stamps onto a clear window sheet if you'd prefer to see the printed label when you open the box instead of looking through the back.  You can use TWO layers of clear sheets with stamps in one box for larger stamp sets (eliminating a box and saving space!)

3.  MY FAVORITE TIP: Save the leftover adhesive scraps to apply to your Cling stamps that fall off the blocks.  Be sure to adhere the very sticky side (facing up when you finish mounting) to the printed label so that the less sticky Cling side will be attached to the block or Stamparatus.  You only need a strip across the label to make it stay, it really works!  I am doing this to my Cling stamps as I use them, and love it on the tiny word stamps which used to fall off easily. New "clingy" stamps are adhered to the back cover so I can see which ones I've done.  Contact me if you have questions! 

January Stamp Class Reminder

Please note that the Deadline to sign up for this month's Stamp Class is Tuesday, Jan. 8.  

We already have an enthusiastic group forming, hope you can join us also to see all the new stuff!!