Polar Pals Valentine

Every so often, an idea comes along that is just too good to pass by. And so it is with Laura Lipe's "Punched Polar Bears". I was was thrilled when I contacted Laura for permission to CASE her punched Polar Bears and feature them on "The Stampin' Schach"! Laura, of Smiles, Laura, tells me that she has had a ball with the bears. In fact she has designed several cards featuring these adorable creatures. According to Laura, "There is a lot you can do with them and EVERYONE seems to love polar bears! I can't wait to see what you make!!!" Thank you, Laura, for allowing me to showcase my version of "Da Bears". I hope that you are not disappointed in my "Polar Pals Valentine"!

The Stampin' Schach Tips:

• Dust off those punches! For Mother Bear's Whisper White body and head, I used the 1-3/4" Circle Punch. Her ears were made from the Word Window Punch, while her snout was punched from the Large Oval Punch. Her Basic Black eyes are compliments of the Crop-a-dile, and her nose was punched with an ordinary paper punch. Going Gray ink, applied with a Sponge Dauber, defines the edges.


• Oh, baby! This bundle of baby bear cuteness was created by using the 1" Circle Punch for both the head and body. An ordinary 1/4" paper punch was used for the ears and the Crop-a-dile provided both the eyes and the nose.


• There's no business like snow business! Rip that paper, define the edges with Going Gray and ta-da...instant snow!


• Add a touch of whimsy! Who says you can't combine winter and Valentine's Day? The Jumbo Snowflake Punch is used to punch a Basic Black and Brushed Gold Snowflake. One of the darling Real Red Epoxy Brads, available from the Occasions Mini, makes a perfect snowflake center!


• Black hearts? Of course, when they compliment the Basic Black Modern Label! Punched with the new Small Heart Punch, don't they look adorable atop the Real Red grosgrain ribbon?

Sale-a-brate good times, come on! Let's Sale-a-brate!

How's that for paraphrasing Kool and the Gang! Now is the time to stock up on Stampin' Up! supplies while you earn free gifts. For every $50 you spend on product, you are entitled to one free gift from the Sale-a-bration brochure. With the addition of over 70 stamp sets from the Idea Book and Catalog, there are more free choices than ever before! And multiply these fortunes...spend $150 in product and earn three free Sale-A-bration gifts plus Hostess Rewards! Just Click Here to visit my online store. What could be easier!

I hope that you enjoyed today's card, and that I inspired you to try Laura's adorable punched bears. Your comments are very important to me, so please leave me a comment and let me know what you think of today's creation. And remember, if you ever have a question about the cards that I make or the techniques that I use, don't hesitate to email me. Until next time...

Please Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7!

Stamp Set: Teeny Tiny Wishes (115370); Paper: Bordering Blue (102630), Whisper White (100730), Basic Black textured (108693---Neutrals assorted), Brushed Gold (102935), Real Red (102482); Tools: Jumbo Snowflake Punch (116628), 1" Circle Punch (109046), Small Oval Punch (107304), 1-3/4" Circle Punch (112004), Word Window Punch (105090), Large Oval Punch (107305), Modern Label Punch (116630), Small Heart Punch (117193---Occasions Mini), Crop-a-dile (108362), Sponge Daubers (102892), 1/4" Paper Punch; Glitz and Glam: Real Red 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon (109052), Real Red Epoxy Brads (117270---Occasions Mini)

Snow Bird for the PPA

Our challenge this week at Pals Paper Arts is a theme challenge. "What is the theme?" you ask. It's ...SNOWFLAKES! First, I will say that I was challenged. What you see in front of you is my fourth try. And you know what...fourth time is a charm! I did change my mind mid-card (isn't that a woman's prerogative?), nixing the snowflakes that I was going to stamp in the background behind my little bird. Instead, this is a concept card. Think of a blustery winter's day. A darling little snowbird is hunkered down on a leafless brown branch, it's feathers slightly ruffled to protect itself against the cold. Isn't it amazing where our imaginations can take us? So put your imagination to the test, and join the Pals in this week's Snowflake challenge.

The Stampin' Schach Tips:

• Plan your punching! I knew that I wanted to make a Scalloped Trim Border Punch rectangle, so I measured out this matting element first. In this case, my Really Rust scalloped rectangle measures 3-13/16" x 3-1/4" before punching. Remember, punch all four corners first, then punch the edges!
• Think outside of the box! Who cares that the stamp set is named Spring Song! I needed a snowbird, so I reached for this set which I earned as a Sale-a-bration freebie! Chocolate Chip ink and a Blender Pen transformed a spring shoot into a dead branch, where a few brown leaves were left to rustle in the winter wind. Going Gray, Basic Gray, and Really Rust inks, plus Blender Pens, were used to tint the bird.
• Create texture in a matter of minutes! Zip Very Vanilla card stock through the Big Shot with the Stampin' Up! Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folder. This folder is definitely one of my favorites from the Mini Occasions catalog.
• Did you "wonder" about my snowflake? I added a twist to a Basic Gray Jumbo Snowflake by adding a Really Rust Modern Label. The "Wonder" sentiment is actually "Small Wonder" from Sale-a-bration's Whimsical Words. I simply selectively inked it with a Basic Black Stampin' Write Marker.
• Of course, "it don't mean a thing, if it ain't got that bling"! A Filigree Brad with a small Pumpkin Circle Fire Brad center fills the bill!

Winter is not over, at least in Iowa. So dust off those snowflake stamps and punches that you may have packed away, and play @ PPA! Of course, I love your comments, so let me know what you think of my little "Snow Bird". And remember, you can always email me if you have questions about the cards that I make, or the techniques that I use. Until next time...

Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7!

Stamp Sets: Spring Song (115074), Whimsical Words (Wood 118386, Clear 119119---Sale-a-Bration); Card Stock: Basic Gray textured (108693---Neutrals assorted), Very Vanilla (101650), Really Rust textured (108697---Earth Elements assorted); Inks: Going Gray (103274), Basic Gray (109120), More Mustard (103162), Really Rust (102549), Chocolate Chip (100908); Tools: Big Shot (113439), SU! Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folder (117335---Occasions Mini), Scalloped Trim Corner Punch (118870---Occasions Mini), Scallop Trim Border Punch (118402---Sale-a-Bration), Corner Rounder (109047), Modern Label Punch (116630), Jumbo Snowflake Punch (116628), Large Oval Punch (107305), Sponge Dauber (102892), Blender Pens (102845), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Basic Black Stampin' Write Marker (100082), Signo Gel Pen (105021); Glitz and Glam: Filigree Brad (112577), Circle Fire Brads (109110)

Bravo, Pretty Pumpkin Melon

It seems like so much time has passed since I last stamped. Isn't it funny how a few days can seem like an eternity? However, I felt up to a challenge today, and I must say that the ColourQ Challenge was certainly that! Pumpkin Pie with Melon Mambo, Bravo Burgundy, Pretty in Pink and White? Yikes! Since I had not used my Garden from the Heart stamp set yet, I decided to go for it! And you know what, I ended up liking this combination together. It was refreshing, in an avant garde way! Enjoy a slice of "Pretty Pumpkin Melon", and I will Whisper a Bravo while you Mambo!

The Stampin' Schach Tips:

• Pack a punch! Punches stole the show on this card. The Pinking Heart Punch provides a delicate Melon Mambo border, while the Photo Corner Punch helps to frame the image mat. The Horizontal Slot Punch gives a twist to the Bravo Burgundy Designer Label, allowing Melon Mambo Ribbon to be laced under it. The "Merci" sentiment from Chic Boutique, inked in Bravo Burgundy and stamped onto Whisper White, is popped out with the Small Oval Punch.


• Ooo la la! A Pink Circle Fire Brad adds bling to a "designer" straw hat! The hat was stamped once in Basic Brown onto Whisper White, and then stamped a second time onto a selection from the Sweet Pea Designer Series Paper collection. The ribbon was then snipped out from the designer paper and adhered onto the first image, a tip gleaned from Mary Fish. Blender Pens and Pretty in Pink and Always Artichoke inks add life to the flowers.


• Butterflies flutter by! The new Stampin' Up! Beautiful Wings Embosslits die creates the cutest little butterflies! I selected two to accent the sentiment and the image mat.

I am so glad that I accepted this challenge. Challenges often push us beyond our comfort zone, while giving us permission to experiment. I probably would have never paired Melon Mambo and Pumpkin Pie if not for this challenge. Yet, I like the look! And speaking of challenges, have you played at the PPA yet this week? Remember that you have until Noon (CST) Tuesday to upload your Anything But a Card projects.

I would like to thank all of you for your thoughts and prayers these past few days. Aunt Margie passed away peacefully Thursday. Many of you have emailed me with your words of comfort. I am always amazed at how our "Stampin' Family" is there when we need them. Once again, I thank you so much.

As always, if you have any questions about the cards that I make or the techniques that I use, please do not hesitate to contact me. And, of course, I appreciate your comments. So please, won't you let me know what you think about today's card? Until next time...

Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7

Stamp Sets: Garden from the Heart (117004 W; 118568 C---Occasions Mini), Chic Boutique (113744); Inks: Basic Brown (104315), Always Artichoke (105219), Pretty in Pink (101301); Designer Series Paper: Sweet Pea (117161---Occasions Mini); Card Stock: Bravo Burgundy textured (108696---Rich Regal assorted), Melon Mambo (115320), Pretty in Pink (100459), Whisper White (100730); Tools: Big Shot (113439), Stampin' Up! Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folder (117335---Occasions Mini), Stampin' Up! Beautiful Wings Embosslits Die (118138---Occasions Mini), Photo Corner Punch (109042), Pinking Hearts Punch (117649---Occasions Mini), Designer Label Punch (107590), Small Oval Punch (107304), Horizontal Slot Punch (105089), Blender Pens (102845); Glitz and Glam: Melon Mambo 1/2" Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon (115611), Circle Fire Brads (109110)

Trio of Treat Boxes for the PPA

It’s Thursday! As you know, that means that it is time to play at PPA! Since this week’s challenge is “Anything But a Card”, I decided to share a trio of Valentine treat boxes that can be prepared in a snap. They all involve easy to use templates and Stampin’ Up!s delightful Sending Love Designer Series Paper from the Occasions Mini!

The Stampin’ Schach Design Tips:

"Ruffled Heart"

• Template, template…who has the template? Mel, that's who! I printed off this template from Mel Stampz and traced it onto Pretty in Pink card stock. Then I cut a second heart from the beautiful Sending Love Designer Series Paper. This formed the base on which to attach the ruffle.
• Fun and Feminine! Do you suffer from “ruffle-phobia”? I have the cure…a tutorial by Janine Tinklenberg, better known to all as "Jan Tink". Her tutorial can be found HERE! To be honest, the ruffle would have been easier to create from lighter-weight pattern paper, but I wanted to use Pretty in Pink card stock. Just be aware that you may have to be a little rougher with your ruffling! Tip: Mini Glue Dots can help to keep those pesky pleats in place!
• Satin Sensation! Don’t you love the new Chocolate Chip Satin Ribbon? It’s such a rich, yummy color, and just perfect for a traditional bow!
• Glitter optional! Several of the Sending Love patterns are pre-glittered, saving you time and resources. What could be faster and easier?

"Rectangular Box "

• Wowza! It doesn’t get any easier than this! Just cut out a 6-9/16" wide by 7-1/16" long rectangle, and cut and score as shown above. The score lines are at the following measurements: 13/16", 2-3/4", 3-11/16", 5-11/16".

• A simple sleeve created from Sending Love Designer Series Paper, trimmed with Very Vanilla Pinking Hearts, is all that is needed to decorate this Real Red beauty. Top it off with hearts and a sentiment from Teeny Tiny Wishes and you are good to go!

"Lots of Hearts Carton"

• I {heart} the Scalloped Heart of Hearts Embosslit! And a miniature heart is as close as the Small Heart Punch, which will have you singin' "You've gotta have hearts...lots and lots and lots of hearts!"
• Pop it up! This wonderful sentiment from With All My Heart is popped up on Stampin' Dimensionals. What a great way to add depth and dimension!
• Don't let this template fool you! It is easier than it looks. Try it, you''ll like it!

As always, my Design Team Pals have prepared some delightful creations for you over at the Pals Paper Arts challenge site. Get ready to be impressed! All brands of products and all skill levels are welcome, so come play @ PPA! And remember, your comments are very important to me! I love reading them and answering your questions! So, please…won’t you share your thoughts with me today? Until next time…

Please Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7!

Stamp Sets: Teeny Tiny Wishes (115370), With All My Heart (W 118134, C 118623---Occasions Mini); Ink: Chocolate Chip (100908), Very Vanilla (104308), Real Red Stampin’ Write Marker(100052), Chocolate Chip Stampin' Write Marker (100071); Designer Series Paper: Sending Love (117153); Card Stock: Real Red (102482), Pretty in Pink (100459), Very Vanilla (101650), Chocolate Chip (102128); Tools: Big Shot (113439), Scalloped Heart of Hearts Embosslit (117332---Occasions Mini), Full Heart Punch (113693), Small Heart Punch (117193---Occasions Mini), Pinking Hearts Border Punch (117649), Scalloped Trim Border Punch (118402); Glitz and Glam: Chocolate Chip 5/8" Satin Ribbon (117287---Occasions Mini)

Sneak Peek of PPA26 and Missing in Action

As some of you have noticed, I have been missing in action. It has definitely been a stressful week, marked by the end of first semester and stacks of tests to grade. As those of you who are teachers know, you are under the gun to get grades calculated and posted. It was also stressful since it was time for Brady, my son, to return to college after having spent a wonderful month-long break at home. I so thoroughly enjoyed my time with him, and I will miss him. And at this already stressful time, I received sad news about my Aunt Margie.

I was named after my Aunt Margaret, my father's sister. At age 82, Aunt Margie has been placed in hospice care. Her kidneys have shut down and she has elected to receive no treatment. I was called and told that she may not last the week. So it was with a heavy heart that I visited her yesterday. It was hard to fight back the tears, knowing that this would probably be the last time, barring a miracle, that I would talk with her. We reminisced about family. We talked about Brady and how she always loved hearing Brady play the trumpet in church. She told me tell him she was proud of him. We talked about when I was a little girl and would stay at her house. We talked about watching "House Hunters" on HGTV, and the beautiful homes that she had seen. We talked about quilting. We talked about the little dog who was laying faithfully beside her. We talked about the trivial happenings of a normal day. And we talked about the inevitable. As I got up to leave, I held her hands in mine, and said, choking back the tears, "Bye, Aunt Margie. I'll see you later this week. I love you!" One should always believe in miracles...

Thank you for allowing me to share this with you. Sometimes sharing helps. I will be back on Thursday with my Pals Paper Arts challenge. Until next time...

Chocolate Candy Inspiration Challenge

It's Thursday and that means that it's time to play @ PPA. This week we are hosting an Inspiration Challenge. Mmmmmm! Chocolate! What could be better inspiration than that? As I looked at today's inspiration photo, I saw red...literally. So I selected Real Red for my focal color for this quick and easy card. Whisper White mimics the candy wrapper, while the Dove symbolizes Dove Chocolates. Of course the Chocolate Chip cardstock is self-explanatory. Did you notice how the small Chocolate Chip Epoxy Brads represent the drizzle on the piece of chocolate? OK...maybe that IS carrying my inspiration a bit too far! Have fun with today's challenge, and remember, as Forrest's mamma always said, "Life is like a box of chocolates."

The Stampin' Schach Design Tips:

• It's all about the texture! First, textured Chocolate Chip and textured Real Red card stock form the background mats. Next, we have Whisper White which has been zipped through the Big Shot with the new Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folder (one of my new favorites). Finally, a Real Red Scalloped Heart of Heart Embosslits completes the "texture-fest"!


• Oddly enough (pun intended), embellishments look best in "threes"! Three new Chocolate Chip Epoxy Brads fit perfectly above the sentiment...and I really did select them because they reminded me of the drizzle on top of the chocolate!


• 'Tis the season! Sometimes out-of-season sets hold the answer to a design dilemma. This heart was aching for something to keep it company. Enter the "Love Dove" from my secret stash of stamps. Oh, all right...It's just the Dove from Gifts of Christmas. Snipped out and popped up on a Stampin' Dimensional, it provided the finishing touch that this quick and easy card needed.

I don't know about you, but all of this card making has made me a wee bit famished. Let's see, do I want M and M's....or Snickers...or Peppermint Patties...or a Butterfinger...or Hugs...or Kisses...In the meantime, while I try to decide on a chocolate confection, let me know that you stopped by for a visit today. Leave me a comment and let me know what you think about my "Dove Chocolate" card. Your comments are important to me and so are your questions. Please, do not hesitate to email me if you ever have a question about the cards that I make or the techniques that I use. Until next time...



Please Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7

Stamp Sets: Gifts of Christmas (115372), Well Scripted (W 117072, C 118601); Inks: Chocolate Chip (100908), Chocolate Chip Stampin' Write Marker (100071), Real Red Stampin' Write Marker (100052); Paper: Real Red textured (108698---Bold Brights assorted), Chocolate Chip textured (108697---Earth Elements assorted), Whisper White (); Tools: Scallop Trim Border Punch (118402---Sale-A-Bration), Stampin' Up! Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folder (117335), Scalloped Heart of Hearts Embosslits Die (117332---Occasions Mini), Lots of Tags Sizzlits (114508), Big Shot (113439), Sponge Dauber (102892), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430); Glitz and Glam: Chocolate Chip Sending Love Epoxy Brads (117272---Occasions Mini)

The Pals Holiday Hop

Welcome to the Pals Holiday Hop! If you've arrived from Kalshelia Lloyd's Stampin' Fabulousity, I am Stop Number 2 on the hop! Hop along with me and my fellow Holiday Hoppers, and we will direct you through the entire hop of wonderful creations! Should you become lost along the way, you may access the entire Holiday Hop Line-Up at the end of today's post. Since there are several more stops to make, let's get started with what I have created for you!

Vintage Valentine


Doesn't this card conjure up visions of the Victorian era? Some of my favorite items from the Occasions Mini are showcased in this creation.

The Stampin' Schach Design Tips:

• It's all about the texture! Very Vanilla card stock was passed through the Big Shot with the new Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folder, while Always Artichoke and Regal Rose card stock kept a date with the Scalloped Heart Embosslit. And where do little embossed hearts come from? From bigger embossed hearts by using the new Small Heart Punch! I simply made an extra Regal Rose Scalloped Embosslit Heart and punched out the small hearts from it.


• Combine the old and the new! See how perfectly the new Pinking Hearts Corner Punch pairs with the Photo Corner Punch? By itself, the Photo Corner Punch was too Deco, but when coupled with the hearts, it takes on a whole new look!


• Snip! Snip! Snip! Sharpen up those Paper Snips and get out the Stamp-a-ma-jig! The Vintage Vogue wreath was created by lightly tracing a 3-1/2" circle onto Very Vanilla card stock. This is the perfect size to accommodate five Vintage Vogue Vines. The Stamp-a-ma-jig ensures perfect alignment every time! Ink up those vines with Always Artichoke and Regal Rose Stampin' Write Markers!


• The perfect font! In keeping with the Victorian look of the card, I selected a sentiment from Teeny Tiny Wishes. This is the perfect size to get the message across without over-powering the wreath focal point.

The Perfect Polka Dot Textured Impressions Folder, the Scalloped Heart Embosslit and the Vintage Vogue stamp set are definitely Stampin' Schach picks from the Occasion Mini!

Sending You My Love



I have a love affair with Real Red and Chocolate Chip! Maybe that's why I love the Sending Love Designer Series Paper collection...and also chocolate covered cherries! Designed using Splitcoast Sketch 262, this Valentine card features the Scallop Trim Border and Corner Punches, Pretty in Pink Corduroy Buttons, and the Well Scripted and With All My Heart stamp sets. I purchased both of these sets as clear mounts, and I absolutely love them. The new Stampin' Up! Clear Mount Blocks are a perfect!

The Stampin' Schach Design Tips:

• Get coordinated! The beauty of all of Stampin' Up!s designer series papers is that the patterns in each collection coordinate so well with each other. In this case, the With All My Heart stamp set further connects both patterns. The result is a polished, rather then fussy, look!


• Pop those images right off the page! Stampin' Dimensionals pop up the flower (snipped from a third Sending Love pattern) and the sentiment, "Love You Much", from the Well Scripted set. Chocolate Chip ink, applied with a Sponge Dauber to the edges of the sentiment and the flower, defines the edges and increases the dimension.


• Don't forget the texture! The new Pretty in Pink Corduroy Brad provides texture and contrast as the center of the red flower, as does the Real Red Grosgrain Ribbon. As much as I love the new Stampin' Up! satin ribbons, the quirky, country feel of the card dictated grosgrain.
  

"No Template-No Worry" Box

Once again, the Sending Love Designer Series Paper is featured in this twist on the 5-in-1 Template box made without the template. It is large enough to fill with candy and even cookies, making it a wonderful choice for Valentine's Day! Since I do not have a "5-in-1 Template", I simply tweaked Beate's tutorial Located Here. If I can do it, you can do it!

The Stampin' Schach Tips:

• Making reference to Beate's tutorial, I began with a 4" x 4" square. I then set a compass to 2" and added half-circles on all four edges of my square. (I re-cycled a piece of cardboard from a package of designer series paper to create this template!) I traced the template onto a piece of Sending Love Designer Series Paper and snipped it out. No compass...No problem! Simply use the Circle Scissors Plus!


• Pink Pizazz! The scalloped corners were made using the Big Shot and the Scallop Circle die. A little "Chocolate Chip" ink accents the scallops, which have been pierced with a Paper Piercer. The rest of the tutorial is just as Beate wrote it. How easy is that!


• Flower Power! Make flowers in minutes with the Big Shot and Bigz XL Flower Fold die. Alternating patterns from Sending Love DSP coordinate perfectly to form the petals of the over-sized blossom which adorns the top of the box. The 1-1/4" Circle Punch was used to create the center of the bloom.


• Glitz and Glam! A few snippets of 5/8" Chocolate Chip Satin Ribbon completes the package. Although it does not show up in the picture, many of the patterns in the Sending Love collection are pre-glittered, and so pretty! Extra glitz is not required! If you have any questions about making this box, please do not hesitate to email me.

The recipe for these projects are located at the end of this post. Don't forget that your comments are very important to me! So please, won't you tell me what you think of today's projects? As always, if you have any questions about the cards that I make or the techniques that I use, or even if you just want to say "Hi!", don't hesitate to email me!

The Valentine's Holiday Hop continues with your next stop at Margaret Moody's. Hop over and see what exciting creations Margaret has in store for you! Until next time...

1. Kalshelia Lloyd -- Stampin' Fabulousity
2. Ann Schach -- The Stampin' Schach
3. Margaret Moody -- Margaret Moody
4. Debbie Pierce -- Stampin' Sunshine
5. Carla Bazhenow -- Carla's Scraps
6. Mary Fish -- Stampin' Pretty
7. Kim Lampone -- Stamp, scrap, get kreative
8. Gina Shaw -- Cards by Gina
9. Regina Mangum -- The Stampin' Bean
10. Lourdes Torres -- Cozy Crafty Corner
11. Kris Kilcoyne -- Kween Bee Kreations
12. Liz Hughes -- DIY Paper Creations
13. Melanie Collins -- Oops a Daisy
14. Mike Funke -- Stampin-Style
15. Anne Beale Yancey -- Mukibug
16. Martha Stewart --Seasons of Stamping
17. Jason Casper -- Stampin' Dad

Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7!

Stamp Sets: Vintage Vogue, Teeny Tiny Wishes, Well Scripted, With All My Heart; Inks: Chocolate Chip, Always Artichoke, Always Artichoke Stampin' Write Marker, Regal Rose Stampin' Write Marker; Designer Series Paper: Sending Love, Love Sparkles Simply Scrappin'; Card Stock: Very Vanilla, Always Artichoke, Regal Rose, Pretty in Pink, Chocolate Chip; Tools: Big Shot, Folded Flowers Bigz XL die, 1-1/4" Circle Punch, Scallop Circle Die, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Scallop Trim Corner Punch, Lots of Tags Sizzlets, Scalloped Heart Embosslit, Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Plate, Small Heart Punch, Pinking Hearts Corner Punch, Photo Corners Punch, Modern Label Punch; Stamp-a-ma-jig; Glitz and Glam: Chocolate Chip 5/8" Satin Ribbon, Real Red 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, Pretty in Pink Corduroy Buttons

Royally Crazy 4 Colour Q Challenges

How's that for a title? This little card happens to meet the criteria for three challenges: Colour Q Challenge #14, which was to use Rich Razzleberry, Orchid Opulence, Regal Rose, Kiwi Kiss, and White; Stampin' Royalty Challenge #1, a birthday theme; and Crazy 4 Challenges, a birthday theme also! I did substitute Old Olive for Kiwi Kiss, since I like to use current Stampin' Up! products in the cards that I make. Plus, I wanted to stay relatively simple since this week is a huge one for the Pals! Tuesday will mark the debut of our first blog hop of 2010. Make certain to mark your calendars as the Pals get ready to show off their paper crafting skills with inspirational ideas for Valentine's Day using Stampin' Up! products! We will be showcasing all that Stampin' Up! has to offer---from rubber stamps to designer paper, embellishments and more! Mark your calendar now. You don't want to miss out! I will include a list of participants at the end of today's post! But first, let me give you the details of my "Royally Crazy 4 Colour Q Challenge" card!

The Stampin' Schach Tips:

• "Dot it up!" Whisper White was passed through the Big Shot with the new Stampin' Up! Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folder. This folder is one of my favorite products from the new Occasions Mini catalog! It's a quick and easy way to add detail.


• "Punch it up!" Have you been practicing with your Scallop Trim Border and Corner Punches? As I have said before, practice makes perfect. A 4-1/4" Rich Razzleberry square was transformed in a matter of minutes. Simply punch all four corners first, then line up and punch the edges!


• "Pop it up!" Stampin' Dimensionals are used to pop up the "Flowers" from Vintage Vogue, as well as the "happy birthday" sentiment from Teeny Tiny Wishes. And they become even more eye-popping by distressing their edges with Rich Razzleberry ink.


• "Bling it up!" Circle Ice Rhinestone Brads add sparkle to the floral centers. Of course you can never go wrong with a snippet of Regal Rose 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon!

Today's card was certainly a challenge! Working in the Regal Rose was more difficult than I would have imagined. I tried several different designer series papers, and finally decided to keep it simple with card stock only. Sometimes, less is more! However, it does feature several products from the Occasions Mini: Scallop Trim Corner Punch, SU! Polka Dot Textured Impressions Folder, and the Vintage Vogue stamp set. The Scallop Trim Border Punch is available from the Sale-A-Bration brochure with a $50 order. Place your order with me today!

Of course, Sale-A-Bration is the perfect time to sign up as a member of my Stampin' Up! team, The Schach Pack. Click Here for more details on how you can become a Stampin' Up! demonstrator.

Check out these talented Pals who will be joining me on Tuesday for our first hop of 2010!

1. Kalshelia Lloyd -- Stampin' Fabulousity
2. Ann Schach -- The Stampin' Schach
3. Margaret Moody -- Margaret Moody
4. Debbie Pierce -- Stampin' Sunshine
5. Carla Bazhenow -- Carla's Scraps
6. Mary Fish -- Stampin' Pretty
7. Kim Lampone -- Stamp, scrap, get kreative
8. Gina Shaw -- Cards by Gina
9. Regina Mangum -- The Stampin' Bean
10. Lourdes Torres -- Cozy Crafty Corner
11. Kris Kilcoyne -- Kween Bee Kreations
12. Liz Hughes -- DIY Paper Creations
13. Melanie Collins -- Oops a Daisy
14. Mike Funke -- Stampin-Style
15. Anne Beale Yancey -- Mukibug
16. Martha Stewart -- Seasons of Stamping
17. Jason Casper -- Stampin' Dad

In closing, your comments are very important to me, so please, will you leave me a comment before you go? And remember, if you ever have any questions about the cards that I make, or the techniques that I use, don't hesitate to email me! Until next time...

Please Click Here to Order 24/7!
Stamp Sets: Vintage Vogue (W 117690, C 118598---Occasions Mini), Teeny Tiny Wishes (115370); Inks: Orchid Opulence (101859), Regal Rose (105211), Rich Razzleberry (115658); Paper: Old Olive textured (108697---Earth Elements Assorted), Rich Razzleberry (115316), Whisper White (100730); Tools: Big Shot (113439), Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impression Folder (117335---Occasions Mini), Scallop Trim Corner Punch (118870---Occasions Mini), Scallop Trim Border Punch (118402---Sale-A-Bration), Small Oval Punch (107304), Corner Rounder (109047), Sponge Dauber (102892), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430); Glitz and Glam: Regal Rose 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon (109056), Circle Ice Brads (109111)

My First PDCC Challenge

I have discovered a wonderful challenge blog, The Play Date Cafe. Don't you just love the name? This week was a color challenge to use gold, silver, black and white. Participants are encouraged to "dig out those metallics, silver and gold, and make it shine. Add some black and white for basics and go wild!" Since I love the metallics, I just had to play along! Plus, I got a chance to use my Groom Designer Series Paper and two of the Occasion Mini stamp sets, I {Heart} Hearts and Fine Flourish. Black and Silver Stampin' Emboss Powders add extra shine and sparkle to this card, which is surprisingly quick and easy to make!

The Stampin' Schach Tips:

• Emboss with gloss! Since this challenge was specifically asking for glitz and shine, I pulled out the Glossy White card stock, inked up the new Fine Flourishes stamp with VersaMark, and heat embossed with Silver Stampin' Emboss Powder. It's "shinetastic"!
• Back in Black! The shine returns with Black Stampin' Emboss Powder on the "Flourish" heart from I {Heart} Hearts.
• Finish it off with a "Bow-dacious" bow! Whisper White Organza ribbon does the trick for this challenge. Although there are many templates available for making the perfect bow and dozens of video tutorials on how to use them, I just wrap mine around a piece of cardboard that has a slit in it. It is a little trick that I learned from my mother many years ago. It isn't pretty but it gets the job done! And it was the perfect use for the cardboard that came with my Stampin' Rewards certificate! A tutorial is in the works.

It's time for Another Pals Holiday Hop!

A group of talented Stampin' Up! Demonstrators are ready to show off their paper crafting skills with inspirational ideas for Valentine's Day using Stampin' Up! products! Join us on Tuesday, January 12, 2010 at 5:00 AM CST for a Holiday Hop as we showcase all that Stampin' Up! has to offer---from rubber stamps, designer paper, embellishments and more! Mark your calendar now. You don't want to miss out! Watch for the list of participants in Sunday's post.

Remember that your comments are important to me. So please, won't you leave me a comment before you go? And if you have any questions about the techniques that I use or the cards that I make, do not hesitate to email me. Until next time...

Please Click Here to Order 24/7!

Stamp Set: I {Heart} Hearts (W 117010; C 118571---Occasions Mini), Fine Flourish (115709---Occasions Mini); Inks: VersaMark (102283); Designer Series Paper: Groom Specialty Paper (116478); Paper: Brushed Gold (102935), Glossy White (102599); Tools: Heat Tool (100005); Glitz and Glam: Black Stampin' Emboss Powder (109133), Silver Stampin' Emboss Powder (109131), Whisper White Organza Ribbon (114319)

Peace Within for PPA 24

It has been a long time since I have inked up A Peace Within. Fall and Christmas stamp sets have occupied my stamping time for the past few months. So when I saw Pal Margaret Moody's classic sketch for this week's Pals Paper Arts challenge, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to use the "Basket" image from this set. The Pinking Hearts Border Punch from the Occasions Mini catalog adds interest, as does the Perfect Polka Dots textured image mat. I opted to go without a sentiment, adding an elegant Chocolate Chip satin bow!

The Stampin' Schach Tips:

• Let your creativity shine! This lovely Designer Series Paper, from the Thoroughly Modern collection has a subtle sheen that pairs perfectly with Brushed Gold card stock and the new Chocolate Chip Satin Ribbon. What did I ever do before I discovered Brushed Gold card stock? It's not just for Christmas!


• Highlight design elements with a shot of color! Rose Red accentuates the adorable Pinking Hearts Border Punch.


• Depth and dimension! Sahara Sand is the perfect color choice to shadow your water-colored images. Of course, even more depth is achieved by elevating the image mat with Stampin' Dimensionals, thus making the basket image the focal point of this card.

Great cards begin with great sketches, so I encourage you to head on over to the Pals Paper Arts site and check out the wonderful cards created by my colleagues on the Design Team. You will not be disappointed! Remember, I love your comments, so let me know what you think about today's card. As always, if you have any questions about any of the techniques or products that I have used in creating today's card, don't hesitate to email me. Until next time...



Please Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/2!

Stamp Set: Peace Within (114312); Inks: Basic Brown (104315), Sahara Sand (105208), Close to Cocoa (103139), Creamy Caramel (103220), Always Artichoke (105219), Old Olive (102227), Summer Sun (100537), Pretty in Pink (101301), Lovely Lilac (102874); Designer Series Paper: Thoroughly Modern (115673); Paper: Chocolate Chip (102128), Brushed Gold (102935), Very Vanilla (101650); Tools: Big Shot (113439), Stampin' Up! Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folder (117335---Occasions Mini), Pinking Hearts Border Punch (117649---Occasions Mini), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Blender Pens (102845); Glitz and Glam: Chocolate Chip 5/8" Satin Ribbon (117287)

A PPA Peek

What a wonderful week this is! The Occasions Mini and Sale-A-Bration brochures are now live! This is my favorite time of the Stampin' Up! year because I LOVE earning free stamp sets. Here's the scoop:

• Earn one free Sale-A-Bration gift for every $50 you spend. If you spend $100 in product, you would receive two free items. AND if you spend $150, you would get three free gifts PLUS earn Stampin' Up! Hostess Rewards! And it goes on and one! Wow!


• And NEW this year, in addition to the limited edition Sale-A-Bration sets, choose from over 75 select stamp sets from the Stampin' Up! Idea Book and Catalog (listed on page 11 of the Sale-A-Bration catalog).


• Even on-line orders are eligible for Sale-A-Bration sets!


• Both catalogs are available to view on-line on my right side bar. But if you would prefer your own copy, please email me, and I will send one out to you for FREE. (I am currently waiting on my new shipment from SU! so please be patient!)

Just in Time for Valentine's Day!

Stampin' Up! has released these NEW Heart-shaped Sweet Treat (120435) cups just in time for Valentine's Day! Created to coordinate with the Full Heart Punch (113693) and the new Sweetheart (120415) stamp set, order today! Think of all of the possibilities...birthdays, Easter, Mother's Day and even graduation!

Click Here to download the Sweetheart stamp set flyer.

Of course, Sale-A-Bration is the perfect time to join my team! It was during Sale-A-Bration that I became a demonstrator, and I have never regretted the decision that I made to become a member of the Stampin' Up! family. There are so many benefits to be gained, and I am not talking about only the discounts. As a member of the Schach Pack, you will become a member of a supportive and creative group of stampers who will mentor you in all facets of your demonstratorship. Both hobby and business demos are welcome in my group! For more information, please Click Here.

And now, what about that PPA Sneak Peek? It is a pretty big peek this week showcasing one of my favorite stamping techniques...watercoloring with Blender Pens and inks. Remember, the Pals Paper Arts Challenge Number 24 will be revealed on Thursday.

If you have any questions about Sale-A-Bration or becoming a member of The Schach Pack, don't hesitate to email me. And remember, I am always available for any technique or product questions that you may have. I love your emails! Until next time...

Now Is the Perfect Time to Join the Schach Pack

It's here! It's Here! Sale-a-Bration time has finally arrived. Not only is it a time to earn free products with every $50 you spend, it is also the IDEAL time to join my Stampin' Up! team and become a member of "The Schach Pack".

Reasons to Become a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator:

• 20% discount on all products
• See and purchase new Stampin' Up! products first
• Access to hundreds of project ideas on the Demonstrator Web Site and in the monthly Stampin' Success magazine
• Invitation to Stampin' Up! events where you can learn from fellow successful demonstrators and Stampin' Up! staff
• For more information about Stampin' Up! benefits Click Here!

By joining during Sale-a-Bration you will maximize your benefits. Here's how:

• The Starter Kit is 15% off during Sale-a-Bration, plus you will receive a bonus stamp set (up to $47.95). The Kit is valued at over $335. It is a steal for $169, and shipping is FREE!
• You will receive 30% off your first order placed within 45 days of your start date. This means that $150 in product will cost you $105 (before shipping and handling) PLUS you will earn hostess benefits PLUS 3 Sale-a-Bration sets. You could even distribute the 8 catalogs that you receive in your Starter Kit and host your first workshop. Not only would you receive 30% off your first order of $150+, but you would also receive your SAB sets and Hostess Sets AND you would earn volume rebates as well! Click Here to read more about the Stampin'Up! Career Plan.
• If you join January 5th, you will have until June 30th (your first full quarter) to reach your first $300 selling minimum. By meeting your minimum, you will be eligible for the new catalog pre-orders and In-color specials.

And as a member of the "The Schach Pack", you will receive additional benefits:

• Access to the exclusive Stampin' Pretty Pals blog, where you will receive updates on the latest Stampin' Up! promotions and compliance issues. Plus, you will get advanced notice of the Pals Paper Arts challenges.

Why Should You Select My Team?

• I am passionate about stamping and design, and I am more than willing to share my skills with you.
• I have been trained as an educational mentor, and I am willing to use these skills to mentor you through all stages of your demonstratorship, whether you are a hobby demo or a business demo.
• I can provide hands-on help if you live within 100 miles of me. If you are long distance, I will set-up phone consultations or a Skype call with you.
• You will forge new friendships, and become a member of a much larger support group. All "Schach Pack" members are part of one of the premier uplines...The Pretty Pals.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What are my responsibilities as a Demonstrator?

• You will simply share your passion for stamping and paper crafting with family and friends. This can be as simple or as complex as you wish! Maybe you just want to support your own stamping habit as a discount demonstrator, or maybe you view Stampin' Up! as a business opportunity. You have the flexibility to do as you wish, and the assurance of knowing that I and my resources are here to mentor you every step of the way!

Do I have to recruit others? Do I have to hold workshops?

• The answer to both of these questions is "No". Having a downline is not a requirement, nor is holding workshops. You can simply put in your own orders as well as orders from friends and family.

Is there a minimum that I must sell?

• In order to stay active as a demonstrator, you must sell a minimum of $300 a quarter. This level is easily achievable, and many demonstrators find that they even meet their minimums based on their own purchases!

Is there a penalty for dropping?

• Absolutely not! If for some reason you decide that Stampin' Up! is not your cup of tea, all you need to do is just stop placing orders. Once you do not meet your quarterly minimum, Stampin' Up! will simply drop you. There is no hassle!

Do I have to have a blog?

• No, a blog is not a requirement. For a small, monthly fee, Stampin' Up! will provide you with a Demonstrator's Business Web Site from which your customers can order. You can see mine Here.

In Conclusion

When I first joined Stampin' Up! I joined just for the Starter Kit. When I received it, I fell in love with the product, and decided that I would purchase enough product quarterly to support my own stamping habit. I had no intention of having a blog, hosting workshops or teaching classes. And look where I am today! I truly do love what I am doing and I love all of the friendships that I have made through being a demonstrator. If you have any questions about joing my team or if you would like more information, don't hesitate to ask me. But if you are ready to become the newest member of "The Schach Pack" Sign Up Now. My password is stampinteacher.

Until next time...

French Filigree Vintage Vogue

I was fortunate to receive the French Filigree background stamp as a Christmas gift from my sister. As you can imagine, I was excited to ink it up. I thought that it would pair perfectly with Vintage Vogue to create a card with a definite "shabby chic" flair. Chocolate Chip and Rose Red add to the richness, and although you cannot tell from the photograph, Brushed Gold adds a delightful sheen. This is one card that is so much prettier in person! And in case you are wondering who will be the lucky recipient of this card, it is being sent off in the mail to my sister to thank her for this perfect gift!

The Stampin' Schach Tips:

• Shabby doesn't have to be drabby! Add a sheen to your cards with Brushed Gold card stock! Here it serves as a matting layer between the Rose Red and Chocolate Chip, thus making both colors "pop"! Plus, it accentuates the Scallop Trim Border that frames the image mat.
• Dare to be different! A unique and coordinated look can be achieved by using your background stamp, in this case French Filigree, for the card base background AND for the image background! Tres chic! Chocolate Chip ink and Very Vanilla card stock make a yummy combo!
• Practice makes perfect! And I am still trying to reach that state of perfection with the new Scallop Trim Border and Corner Punches. However, "friends" came to my rescue and covered up the flaw in an otherwise perfect Rose Red square. Isn't that what friends are for?
• "Pop" rocks, especially when you are using Stampin' Dimensionals to "pop" up specific elements of your card to add depth! The "F" and the "Flower" from Vintage Vogue, which were inked in Rose Red and snipped out, were popped onto the card with Stampin' Dimensionals!
• Simple touches can add so much! Just a snippet of the new 5/8" Chocolate Chip Satin Ribbon and a new Chocolate Chip Epoxy Brad, along with a little Chocolate Chip ink applied with a Sponge Dauber, complete the shabby chic look I was trying to achieve!

Have you made out your Occasions Mini Wish List yet? I am still working on mine. I am plotting and planning on how I can get all of the Sale-a-Bration and free sets that I want! Not to sound greedy, but I want it all! And Sale-a-Bration time was when I became a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, so I can hardly wait to share information about becoming a member of my team, "The Schach Pack", in the next few days!

Dormant Sets are Retiring

Before I leave you today, just a quick reminder that the dormant sets (see the right sidebar for a link to a listing of these sets) will be retiring January 4th. Here are cards from two of my favorites, Branch Out and Lexicon of Leaves:

Please don't let the opportunity to own these and other dormant sets pass you by! Order Here!

Remember your comments and questions are important to me. If you ever have any question about the cards that I post or the techniques that I use, please do not hesitate to email me. Until next time...

Please Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7!

Stamp Sets: French Filigree (113742), Vintage Vogue (W 117690, C 118598); Inks: Rose Red (101778), Chocolate Chip (100908); Paper: Chocolate Chip (102128), Brushed Gold (102935), Rose Red (102544), Very Vanilla (101650); Tools: Scallop Trim Corner Punch (118870), Scallop Trim Border Punch (118402), Corner Rounder (109047), Sponge Dauber (102892), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430); Glitz and Glam: Chocolate Chip 5/8" Satin Ribbon (117287), Chocolate Chip Epoxy Brads (117272)