I've Got a Case of the Monochromatic PPA Blues

The Pals Paper Arts gals have a case of the "Monochromatic Blues" with this week's PPA challenge. I decided on Night of Navy paired with the Bella Toile background stamp. Oo la la! The Square Lattice Embossing Folder, available May 1st, adds so much texture! And you know how much I LOVE texture!!! This card is quick and easy, yet packs a visual punch. Won't you sing the "PPA Blues" with us!

The Stampin' Schach Tips:

• Stamp then emboss! Doesn't this background look wonderful? The Bella Toile stamp was inked with Night of Navy and stamped onto Very Vanilla. This was then zipped through the Big Shot die cutting machine with the Square Lattice Embossing Folder. The result is instant "Wow"!


• Punch then emboss! "Merci" from Chic Boutique was stamped in Night of Navy onto Very Vanilla card stock and punched out with the Small Oval Punch. A quick trip through the Big Shot with the Square Lattice Embossing Folder results in a coordinated sentiment. However, be very careful if you emboss then punch...sometimes the punch will tear the embossed paper. Don't ask me how I know!


• Kissing and Smooching! After first "kissing" the edges of the rose petals with Very Vanilla ink, give them a big "Smooch" with Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz. Your roses will love you for it!

With the release of the Summer Mini this Saturday, I would like to share with you my top four "must haves", two of which I have used on this card:

• Elements of Style Stamp Set---classy and elegant
• Very Vanilla Smooch Spritz---adds instant shine and shimmer
• Presto Patterns Specialty Designer Series Paper---vintage style magically revealed
• Square Lattice Embossing Folder---deeply embossed texture thats modern yet classy

Beginning May 1st, these items can be ordered right here on The Stampin' Schach!

Remember, your comments are very important to me. So leave me a comment and let me know what you think about today's card. And if you ever have questions about the cards that I make or the techniques that I use, don't hesitate to Email Me! And don't forget the wonderful blog candy that I am offering this week. See the original post HERE. Until next time...


Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7

Stamp Set: Bella Toile (111598), Chic Boutique (113744); Inks: Night of Navy (102977), Very Vanilla (104308); Paper: Very Vanilla (101650), Night of Navy (100867), Kraft (102125); Tools: Big Shot (113439), Square Lattice Embossing Folder (119976), Extra Large Fancy Flower (118073), Small Oval Punch (107304), Scallop Oval Punch (114889), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Tombow Adhesive (110755); Glitz and Glam: Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spray (118772---Summer Mini), Night of Navy 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon (109036)

Birthday Blog Candy and PPA Sneak Peak

How about a little peek at this week's Pals Paper Arts inspiration card? Don't you just love the way I smooched this rose with the new Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz? Remember that you can see this card in its entirity when the Pals Paper Arts challenge goes live this Thursday at 5:00 AM CST. If you have not joined us before, why not play along this week? The design team is a fun-loving group of Stampin' Up! demonstrators. Although we use Stampin' Up! supplies only, you are free to use any type of product you desire!



Yesterday was my birthday, and I would like to continue my celebration with you! And what better way to celebrate than with Blog Candy! If you are the lucky winner, you will be receiving:

• 56 6" x 6" sheets of retired designer series paper (mostly Stampin' Up! with a smidge of other)
• 56 6" x 6" sheets of DCWV card stock
• 1 new Yoyo Yellow Classic Ink Pad
• 1 new and unmounted retired stamp set "Botanical Blooms"

Between now and Friday at 9:00 PM CST, just leave a comment on any of the posts that I happen to make, beginning with this one. On Friday evening, I will use Random.org to select a comment from all that have been left. The winner, whose name will be posted on The Stampin' Schach Saturday morning, will need to email me their address by Sunday, May 1st so that the package can be mailed Monday, May 3rd.

A New Look

You may have noticed that there has been a change in my blog format. The Stampin' Schach is now sporting two sidebars thanks to Heather Wright-Porto of Blogs by Heather. And my blog banner received a slight facelift courtesy of Michelle Laycock of Laycock Designs, who designed the original. Heather is available to help you design, set-up and maintain your blog, while Michelle is an expert at developing new custom looks. I highly recommend both of these talented ladies! Thank you, Heather and Michelle.

You may be wondering why the revamp is taking place. It is all in preparation for my official retirement from teaching in June. Watch out, stamping world! I will be making up for all of those days when I could not create or post because I was busy grading papers, typing tests, planning lessons and filling out reports. Woo hoo!

Blog Awards
A little sweetness has been passed my way over the past week, and I would like to thank Jean Fitch of Rogue Thoughts...Jean's Stamping Studio in the Rogue Valley and Jen Timko of Stampin' on the Fly for blessing me with the Sunshine Award.

In addition, the talented Melissa Rodgers, of MeGa Stampin Studio, has presented me with the Sweet Blogger award.

I would now like to pass these honors on to these creative stampers whose cards and projects range from elegant and classy to fresh and fun:
1. Mary C. Anderson
2. Tara Bilbao
3. Kari Linder
4. Kylie Nicolosi
5. Debbie Henderson
6. Carrie Fitch
7. Melissa Young
8. Lourdes Torres
9. Jade B.
10. Tiffany Miller

Thank you ladies for blessing me with your talent!

Remember to leave your comment in order to be eligible for this round of Blog Candy. You know how much I appreciate your comments, so let me know what you think of this sneak peek. Until next time...

Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7

A Tale of Two Yellows

With the announcement of Stampin' Up!'s "Color Renovation" came the news that Summer Sun and Barely Banana would be retiring. However, an exciting new yellow, Daffodil Delight would be entering the Bright Collection. How does Daffodil Delight stack up to the other yellows? Well, today we can see a side-by-side comparison with Barely Banana using the same card...same layout. (Don't you just love this layout? I got the idea from a birthday card that I received from my friend and mentor, Mary Fish.) Plus these cards are showcasing two new Summer Mini items: the stamp set, Pedaling Past, and the wonderful Square Lattice Embossing Folder.



As you can see, Daffodil Delight is a bright and cheery yellow, ala Summer Sun. The replacement of Summer Sun with Daffodil Delight will cause no hardship here at The Stampin' Schach! It is just slightly less intense and will work well with a variety of other colors. Here we can see it paired with three retiring colors, Mellow Moss, Cameo Coral, and Close to Cocoa:

On the other hand, Barely Banana is definitely soft and subtle. How differently Mellow Moss, Cameo Coral, and Close to Cocoa look next to this pastel:

Although there is no soft yellow slated to be released, the new In-Colors certainly sound like they could fill the niche vacated by Barely Banana. Peach Parfait and Pear Pizzazz sound yummy. After all, anything named after a food can't be all bad!

The Stampin' Schach Tips:

• A trio of textures makes this card sing! Textured Mellow Moss card stock forms a rich base, while the "yellow du jour" is zipped through the Big Shot die cutting machine with the Square Lattice Embossing Folder. The Mellow Moss Taffeta Ribbon quickly adds additional texture and sheen!


• Punch a duet for a harmonious sentiment! The sentiment from Pedaling Past fits perfectly into the Word Window Punch. Layering it onto a Mellow Moss Modern Label creates the perfect pair.


• A Scallop Trim Border completes the look! And don't despair if you did not get the Scallop Trim Border Punch during Sale-a-bration. It will be available again July 1st! In the meantime, the Scallop Border Punch is a lovely substitute!

There is still plenty of time to stock up on the retiring colors showcased today, and there are still five days in which to order from the Occasions Mini catalog. You may have noticed that I am revamping The Stampin' Schach. Until the change is made to a three column layout, the Stampin' Up! catalogs may be accessed from the Catalogs page located under The Stampin' Schach header at the top of this post.

Coming soon: Birthday Blog Candy and a trio of Blog Awards

As always, your comments are important to me. Please let me know what you think about today's card by leaving a comment. And if you have any questions about the cards that I create or the techniques that I use, never hesitate to email me. Until next time...

Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7

Stamp Set: Pedaling Past (W 116972, C 120069---Summer Mini); Card Stock: Daffodil Delight (2010 - 2011 Idea Book and Catalog), Mellow Moss textured (108695---Soft Subtle assorted), Mellow Moss (102898), Cameo Coral (100475), Barely Banana (102701), Very Vanilla (101650), Close to Cocoa (101341); Ink: Close to Cocoa (103139); Tools: Big Shot (113439), Square Lattice Embossing Folder (119976---Summer Mini), Word Window Punch (105090), Modern Label Punch (116630), Scallop Trim Border Punch (); Glitz and Glam: Mellow Moss Taffeta Ribbon (109069)

Watercolor Trio for the PPA

It's Pals Paper Arts challenge day! This week the challenge is to make a KISS card (Keep It Simple, Sweetie!). In case you are wondering about the criteria for a KISS card, it should:

• Be clean with lots of 'white' space
• Have a simple design
• Take a minimum amount of time to create
• Have limited layers and embellishments

And most importantly, if it is "KISS-able" to you, it is "KISS-able" to the PPA. This is my favorite guideline. I know that there will be inspiration cards from my Design Team friends that are going to be truly KISS cards. But does that stop me from posting this one? No, because compared to many of the cards I make, this one really is less complex. Therefore to me, it is a KISS card. So don't fret about your entry. What is important is that you are participating in a challenge, and we all know that challenges are one of the best ways to improve our paper crafting skills and our artistry. Although the PPA Design Team showcases Stampin' Up! products in our inspiration cards, we welcome everyone and any brand of product. So...what are you waiting for? Join us this week...please!

The Stampin' Schach Tips:

• Create textured backgrounds in a matter of seconds! I zipped the Square Lattice Textured Impressions Folder through the Big Shot die cutting machine along with Very Vanilla card stock. Notice the wonderful "non-textured" oval in the middle? If you are new to stamping, you may be wondering how I accomplished this. I simply used my Oval Scallop Frame Bigz Die to cut a frame out of three layers of cardboard. (I used the cardboard that comes in a package of Designer Series Paper). I taped these together in order to hold them in place. I then set my multipurpose platform to Tab 2, inserted my Very Vanilla card stock into the folder, and then carefully positioned the frame on top of the folder. I made the proper sandwich using the cutting pads, and zipped it through the Big Shot. Instant oval! You may need to practice to make certain that you have a thick enough "shim", but trust me...this is not difficult to do!
• Lovely watercolored flowers are created in minutes! With Stampin' Write Markers, you can easily color your leaves green (in this case Always Artichoke) and your flowers any beautiful shade you desire. I selected Regal Rose, Rose Red, and Summer Sun!
• A stay-put bow is perfect when you want to keep your card simple! Bravo Burgundy 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon coordinates with the Rose Red flowers, and adds the "pop" of color that I was looking for at the bottom of the card.
• "Stamp off" for softness! The background of the sentiment oval compliments the focal image rather than competes with it, and was easily achieved by stamping one more time AFTER I stamped the main image.

Don't you love the Summer Sun card base and flowers? Summer Sun is scheduled to be retired as part of Stampin' Up!'s "Color Renovation". It is so vibrant and cheery! If this is one of the colors that you can't live without, now is the time to stock up. Not sure how this compares to the new Daffodil Delight? Stayed tuned to The Stampin' Schach for my next side-by-side simple card comparison!

Have fun with this week's challenge! And as always, your comments are important to me. So please, won't you leave me a comment and let me know what you think about today's card? And remember, if you have any questions about the cards that I create or the techniques that I use, don't hesitate to email me! Until next time...


Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7

Stamp Set: Watercolor Trio (W 117050, C 120084---Summer Mini); Card Stock: Very Vanilla (101650), Summer Sun (103124); Inks: Jet Black StazOn (101406); Stampin' Write Markers: Always Artichoke (105113), Rose Red (100063), Regal Rose (105108), Summer Sun (100077); Tools: Big Shot (113439), Square Lattice Textured Impressions Folder (119976---Summer Mini), Scallop Oval Punch (114889), Large Oval Punch (107305); Glitz and Glam: Bravo Burgundy 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon (109053);

PPA Sneak Peek

Here's a little peek at this week's Pals Paper Arts challenge card. I can tell you that it features two new items from the Summer Mini Catalog and a color which will be retiring! Join me when the challenge goes live at 5:00 AM CST Thursday.

Do you need a Summer Mini so that you can examine the upcoming releases more closely? I would love to send you one in tomorrow's mail! And if you would like to be able to take advantage of several demonstrator perks, ask me about becoming a Stampin' Up! demonstrator. Take advantage of demonstrator benefits and discounts while earning extra income. Like me, you can indulge in your creative side while sharing your passion with others. And if you join my downline, The Schach Pack, as a Stampin' Up! demonstrator before May 31, you will receive two FREE technique DVDs courtesy of Stampin' Up! Very importantly, I will mentor you every step of the way! For more information, Click Here! What are you waiting for? Until next time...

Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7

Seeing Reds

Sometimes a picture really is worth a thousand words, especially when it comes to Stampin' Up!'s "Color Renovation"! What better way to compare the scrumptious Cherry Cobbler to Real Red than by comparing two identical cards? These quick and easy little cuties are 4-1/4" by 4-1/4" square. Since the focus is on the difference between these two shades of red, I wanted the card to be simple and not distracting. For those of you who are regular readers of The Stampin' Schach, you know that "simple" is very difficult for me to do. As you can tell, Cherry Cobbler is a deep, rich red which I am so looking forward to using this holiday season. And you know what? I would never have guessed that Real Red would look so "anemic" (for lack of a better descriptor) when placed next to it!

Below is the Cherry Cobbler version...Yummy!


While this one is created with Real Red...

The Stampin' Schach Tips:

• Dust off that Big Shot! A four-inch square of "Red" card stock was zipped through the Big Shot using Stampin' Up!'s Perfect Polka Dot Textured Impressions Folder, as was a "Red" Extra Large Fancy Flower and a 1" Circle punched from Whisper White. A 2-1/2" square of Whisper White, with one corner rounded, was zipped through the Big Shot with the Square Lattice Textured Impressions Folder, which will be available in the Summer Mini.


• Even little cards deserve a little lovin'! A Clear Button with Hemp Twine and Whisper White 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon add a little "sweetness"! Notice how the button is backed up by an embossed Whisper White circle?

I can hardly wait for the new colors to be released. I really do believe that they will fill a niche in the Stampin' Up! color palette! What do you think about the new Cherry Cobbler? Just leave me comment and let me know. And if you have any questions about today's card, don't hesitate to email me!

Do you feel passionate about stamping and want to share that passion with others? Have you thought about becoming a Stampin' Up! demonstrator? Then what are you waiting for? I would love to mentor you as a member of my group, The Schach Pack! For more details about how you can join my downline, Email Me or Click Here! Until next time...



Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7

Stamp Set: Pendant Park (115456); Inks: Jet Black StazOn (101406); Card Stock: Barely Banana (102701), Real Red (102482), Whisper White (100730), Cherry Cobber (Coming this Summer); Tools: Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder (117335---Occasions Mini), Square Lattice Embossing Folder (119976---Summer Mini), Big Shot (113439); Glitz and Glam: Clear Buttons (105447), Hemp Twine (100982), Whisper White 1/4" Grograin Ribbon (109070)

To Smooch or Not to Smooch

One of the new products being offered in the new Summer Mini catalog is "Smooch Spritz". Offered in four colors, these are pearlized accent sprays that come in ready-to-use spray applicators. You can see the difference it imparts on this wedding card featuring the new stamp set, Blissful Bride, also available in a few short weeks. Below is the same card without Vanilla Shimmer Smooch:

There is no doubt in my mind that I will be "smooching" a lot this summer! And let us also bid a fond farewell to two of the colors that are slated for retirement as part of Stampin' Up!'s "Color Renovation", Pale Plum and Orchid Opulence. If you are a fan of these colors, be sure to stock up today!

The Stampin' Schach Tips:

• Feel like playing a little "Project Runway"? I did! I felt like a "designer" as I selected "material" from which to paper piece the gown's train and sash. I decided on the "Swirls" pattern from the Bridesmaid Designer Paper collection and Pale Plum. I could almost hear Tim Gunn in the background encouraging me to "Make it work!"
• Be a Hot Shot with your Big Shot! Zip that Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folder through the Big Shot with Pale Plum card stock for tactile interest!
• Punch it up! The cute little flower on the sash is from the new Itty Bitty Shapes Punch set available in the Summer Mini. Isn't it sweet?
• Glitz and Glam! Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz is a quick and easy way to add instant sparkle to your projects. Whisper White Organza Ribbon and Lilac Circle Ice Brads add the perfect bling!

I was tempted to entitle today's post "Something Old, Something New" to commemorate Pale Plum and Orchid Opulence, and to celebrate "Blissful Bride". But I just couldn't pass up the smooching!

One of my sweet readers, Lisa Atha of Inspired by Purple, honored me with two blog awards, which I am pleased to pass on to ten other stampers whose blogs I admire:

Carla Bazhenow Carlas-Scraps

Kim Lampone Stamp, Scrap & Get Kreative

Kris Kilcoyne Kween Bee Kreations

Linda Callahan Stampin' Seasons

Gina Shaw Cards by Gina

Regina Mangum The Stampin' Bean

Mike Funke Stampin-Style

Patti MacLeith Papercrafts by Patti

Martha Stewart Seasons of Stamping

Margaret Moody Margaret Moody

I find these designers to be sources of inspiration to me daily, and I am delighted to have them share this award with me!

***Need a copy of the new Summer Mini? Email me today, and I will drop one in the mail for you!***

I hope that you enjoyed today's card, and I will be interested in finding out if you prefer the smooched or unsmooched version! Remember, your comments are very important to me, so let me know what you think! And remember, if you ever have any questions about the cards that I create or the techniques that I use, I am only an email away! Until next time...

Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7

Stamp Set: Blissful Bride (C 120036, W 118527---Summer Mini); Ink: Basic Gray (109120), Pale Plum (102732); Designer Paper: Bridesmaid (116479); Card Stock: Very Vanilla (101650), Pale Plum (101658), Orchid Opulence (100969); Tools: Big Shot (113439), Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folder (117335---Occasions Mini), Scallop Trim Border Punch, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch (118309---Summer Mini); Glitz and Glam: Whisper White Organza Ribbon (114319), Circle Ice Brads (109111), Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz (118772---Summer Mini)

A Little Bit of Magic for the PPA

It's Thursday, and you know what that means! It's Pals Paper Arts day! Are you feeling like a sketch challenge? If so, you are in luck, because that is exactly what the Pals Paper Arts crew have up their collective sleeve. I worked my inspiration magic with the Summer Mini's "A Little Bit of Magic" stamp set. Of course, I am a firm believer that you can never have too much texture, and the new Square Lattice Textured Impressions Folder is the perfect way to achieve it. Before you leave to work a little magic of your own, let me conjure up a few design tips. But, wait! Let me get my magic wand...

The Stampin' Schach Tips:

• Perform magic with texture! I zipped the Square Lattice folder through the Big Shot along with Very Vanilla and Perfect Plum card stocks. Three squares were then punched from textured Very Vanilla using the 1-1/4" Square Punch, and layered onto Pale Plum. Opposite corners were rounded on the Perfect Plum, which was matted onto Sage Shadow.
• Perform magic with inks and Blender Pens! Our sweet little fairy's frock was tinted with Pale Plum, Olive Green, and Pretty in Pink, with just a touch of Perfect Plum. Sage Shadow, Pale Plum and Perfect Plum were used for her wings.
• Perform magic with glitz and glam! Iridiscent Ice Emboss Powder adds the perfect shine to fairy wings, resulting in a look which is almost gossamer. Half-back pearls from the Pretties Kit further compliment the sentiment, while a rhinestone pried from a Clear Rhinestone Brad draws the eye to the tiny flower.
• Perform magic with the little details! For an unexpected touch, the Pretty in Pink Satin Bow is adhered to a gold embossed Mini Vintage Tag from the Summer Mini. And, Dazzling Diamonds Stampin' Glitter, applied with Tombow Adhesive, truly makes the Beautiful Wings Embosslits butterflies have beautiful wings!

I was thrilled when I received my copy of the Summer Mini, and this stamp set is one of the reasons. I think that the fairies fill a fanciful niche in the Stampin' Up! arsenal. They are adorable!

Remember, I love and appreciate your comments! So, please let me know what you think of today's card. And if you have any questions about the techniques that I use, please do not hesitate to email me! Or, just ask me in person at Convention 2010! Until next time...

Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7

Stamp Set: A Little Bit of Magic (W 118613; C 120033---Summer Mini); Ink: Pale Plum (102732), Perfect Plum (101437), Old Olive (102277), Pretty in Pink (101301), Sage Shadow (102532), Summer Sun (100537), Basic Gray (109120); Card Stock: Very Vanilla (101650), Sage Shadow (101563), Pretty in Pink (100459), Pale Plum (101658), Perfect Plum (101889); Tools: Big Shot (113439), Square Lattice Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (119976---Summer Mini), Beautiful Wings Embosslits (118138---Occasions Mini), Tombow Adhesive (110755), Mini Vintage Tags (118763---Summer Mini), Corner Rounder (106047), Modern Label Punch (116630), Heat Tool (100005), Gold Stampin' Emboss Powder (109129), VersaMarker (100901); Glitz and Glam: Dazzling Diamonds Stampin' Glitter (102023), Iridescent Ice Emboss Powder (101930), Clear Rhinestone Brad (113144), Pretties Kit (109114), Pretty in Pink 5/8" Satin Ribbon (117289)

PPA Peek-a-Boo

What a week this has been! Between this month's Splitcoast Dirty Dozen gallery, which goes live Thursday, and a myriad of school and personal activities, which included a recital, my life has been so busy! I know that all of you have been in the same situation before...so many things to do and not enough time in which to do them. However, I have survived! I have seven cards in my April Splitcoast Fan Club gallery, just waiting to be revealed. I have created my Pals Paper Arts challenge card, using a new stamp set from the Summer Mini catalog. And I listened to my son perform Honneger's "Intrada".

The Sneak Peek
There is no doubt about it...I will miss the lighter shades of purple as Stampin' Up! renovates its color collections. However, I have faith that they will definitely come up with substitutes for Pale Plum, Almost Amethyst, Orchid Opulence, Lovely Lilac and Lavender Lace. I played with these colors, along with my Blender Pens, on this week's Pals' Challenge card. Of course, it's easy to tell that I used the new Square Lattice Textured Impressions Folder. I hope that you will find this card to be "magical"!

Convention Excitement

Of course, the excitement in the Stampin' Up! world is revolving around registration for Convention 2010! This will mark my first Convention. I didn't attend last year as I was new to stamping. Now that I am feeling a little more confident in my stamping skills, I can hardly wait to meet those of you who will be attending! So many of you are like family...I am sure that we will have fun. We will definitely need to share information as the time approaches.

Brady's Recital

It was a mad rush out the door on the shirt-tails of my students, but I did make it to Western Illinois University's Trumpet Studio recital Monday evening. Brady performed Honneger's "Intrada". The last time that I heard Brady perform a solo under performance conditions was when he auditioned for acceptance into the School of Music...and that was with my ear pressed to the audition room door nearly two years ago. I could not be more proud of how he has matured musically.

Obviously, there were things that did not get accomplished during this past week. Here it is April 13th, and I missed sending out my April 1st newsletter. I guess that a mid-month newsletter will be just fine. My house is in disarray...I am ever so messy when I create. And I have a Hostess Club for which to prepare. But, "tomorrow is another day". I never did get a post written about the colors that are retiring and those that are returning, but now I have a different idea in mind about how to address that topic. Isn't it funny how life just has a way of working itself out? Until next time...

Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7

Flowers for the PPA

What could be better than flowers and candy? Why...flowers, candy, and the Pals Paper Arts challenge! This week's theme is "Flowers" and we are offering blog candy, too! So before you head over to the PPA site to view the wonderful inspiration cards designed by my fellow design team members, let me just share a secret with you. Shhh...don't tell anybody, but I love the new Elements of Style stamp set! The Baroque "Swirl" stamp in this set is perfect for creating a background, while letting the "Floral" image take center stage. An elegant color scheme of Basic Black and Very Vanilla, as well as a sumptuous Basic Black Satin Bow make this one classy card!

The Stampin' Schach Tips:

• An act of random stamping! The "Swirl" image, inked with Basic Black and stamped onto Very Vanilla, forms a wonderful background! The only thing that could possibly make it better is zipping it through the Big Shot along with the new Square Lattice Textured Impressions Folder.


• Ink-a-dink! Stampin' Up! Inks and Blender Pens make quick work of water coloring the Floral image. I selected Regal Rose for the petals, Always Artichoke for the leaves, and So Saffron for the centers. Shading and definition were achieved by using Stampin' Write Markers of the same hue.


• Flirty and pretty! A trio of half-back Pearls from the Pretties Kit adds a flirtatious touch, while Basic Black 5/8" Satin Ribbon adds a touch of "ooo-la-la"!

My Summer Mini picks definitely include Elements of Style and the Square Lattice Textured Impressions Folder. Over the next few weeks, I will share more of my favorites from the upcoming Summer Mini. Of course, if you ever have any questions about the cards that I make or the techniques that I use, don't hesitate to email me. I am always happy to chat about stamping! Of course, your comments are important to me, so please let me know what you think about today's card! Until next time...


Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7

Stamp Set: Elements of Style (W 118611; C 120045---Summer Mini); Inks: Basic Black (101179), Regal Rose (105211), Always Artichoke (105219), So Saffron (105213), Sahara Sand (105208); Stampin' Write Markers: Regal Rose (105108), Always Artichoke (105113); Card Stock: Basic Black (102851), Very Vanilla (101650); Tools: Big Shot (113439), Square Lattice Textured Impressions Folder (119976---Summer Mini), Blender Pens (102845), Paper Snips (103579); Glitz and Glam: Pretties Kit (109114), Basic Black 5/8" Satin Ribbon (117285)

PPA Sneak Peek

Thursday marks another Pals Paper Arts challenge, and in keeping with tradition, I am offering you a little sneak peek of my inspiration card. As you can see, it is also showcasing the Stampin' Up! Square Lattice Textured Impressions Folder. You know me and textured impressions folders...you can never have too many! It is also showcasing the Elements of Style stamp set. I can tell you this already...it will be my "go-to" set out of the Summer Mini Catalog.

Sale-a-bration may be over, but a new promotion has taken its place---Two Step Stampin' into Spring! From April 1 through April 30, Stampin' Up! is offering the following two-step stamp sets at 20% off:

Item # 113824
Greenhouse Garden
Discounted Price: $20.76

113734
Fifth Avenue Floral
Discounted Price: $19.96

111578
Flower Fancy
Discounted Price: $29.56

113258
Trendy Trees
Discounted Price: $14.36

And there is more! If you host a $350 workshop during this promotional period, you will receive the new set "Awash with Flowers" absolutely free! Email me today to book your workshop!

Here are two cards from The Stampin' Schach archive featuring Fifth Avenue Floral and Greenhouse Garden:

At 20% off, how can you resist these sets? Click Here to place your online order 24/7.

If I have piqued your interest with my sneak peek, remember that you can see the entire card live, Thursday at 5:00 AM CST. And thank you for being so patient with me as I work diligently on my latest Splitcoast Dirty Dozen gallery. I guarantee that you will be in for a treat, as I am using several of the new Summer Mini sets. Remember, you must be a member of the Fan Club in order to view the Fan Club gallery. Until next time...

Embossed Resist Folk Flowers for the PPA

How can you resist "Embossed Resist"? This technique was used to create today's Pals Paper Arts "Color Challenge" card, featuring Stampin' Up!'s Folk Flowers Decor Stencils (Occasions Mini---Page 18). These versatile stencils can be used to accent furniture, liven up a wall, and as you can see, they can even be used to create cards! Three lovely hues comprise the palette for today's color challenge. Although the Design Team uses Stampin' Up! products, you may use any brand of product that you desire. And if you don't have these colors, feel free to substitute similar colors. Everyone is invited to participate in this week's challenge. Are you ready to play at PPA?

My creation today is a literal hodgepodge of techniques, combining brayering, stenciling and embossing. If you have never tried Embossed Resist, it is quick and easy!

The Stampin' Schach Tips:

• Let the brayering begin! Brayer Certainly Celery, Barely Banana, and Lavender Lace onto a piece of Very Vanilla card stock.
• It's stencil time! Position the stencil over the brayered background, and stencil using VersaMark Ink and a Stampin' Sponge. (I cut my sponges into fourths for a more manageable size!)
• Be an embossing boss! Heat emboss using Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder and a Heat Tool.
• Brayer a layer! Brayer Perfect Plum ink over the top of the entire card face. Remove excess ink from the embossed image using a paper towel.
• Let me see those pearly whites! Half-pearls from the Pretties Kit add a soft look.
• The finishing touch! The sentiment from "For All You Do" was stamped in Basic Gray onto a Barely Banana and Lavender Lace brayered background. It was distressed around the edges with Lavender Lace, and layered onto Certainly Celery card stock.

How quick and easy is this! My only regret about this card is that it did not photograph well. In real life, the challenge colors "pop" a little more and the background looks like velour. If you have not tried the Decor Stencils, they are easy to use. With two styles to a package, they are a great value at $12.95!

If you have any questions about this technique, just email me! And as always, won't you leave a comment and let me know what you think about today's card? I do appreciate your comments and your support. And I always love seeing what you create for the Pals challenges! Until next time...

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Stamp Set: For All You Do (115360); Decor Stencils: Folk Flowers (118139); Inks: Lavender Lace (101305), Barely Banana (101170), Certainly Celery (105217), Perfect Plum (101437), Basic Gray (109120), VersaMark (102283); Card Stock: Very Vanilla (101650), Barely Banana (102701), Certainly Celery (105125); Tools: Brayer (102395), Heat Tool (100005), Stampin' Sponges (101610), Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder (109130); Glitz and Glam: Pretties Kit (109114)