PPA Peek and Helen's Gift

Just a quick little peek at this week's Pals Paper Arts challenge card! We would love to have you join us in Challenge 49, which goes live on Thursday. Challenges are a great way to sharpen your card making skills while having fun! Although our Design Team is composed of Stampin' Up! demonstrators who showcase Stampin' Up! products in our inspiration cards, we encourage everyone to participate and to use any brand of products you wish. Be sure to check out this week's Pals Paper Arts Artist Picks. They are posted every Wednesday morning!

You Meet the Nicest People!

A few week's ago, I happened to stop by Helen Liu's Let's Create blog. I love dropping in to see her latest flowers, gift boxes, and origami. If you have ever visited Helen's blog, you know that her 3-D creations are exquisite! On that particular day, Helen was featuring quilled earrings that she had made for her oldest son's art and music teachers. As we were trading emails back and forth, I mentioned that when I was a teacher, I would have loved to have received her beautiful earrings! Helen emailed me back and said that she wanted to make me a pair as a belated retirement gift. I was very touched at her kindness.

Helen's package arrived today, and you can imagine my surprise when I unwrapped not one, but two, pairs of earrings, each in their own gift box. They were accompanied by a beautiful gift card, embellished with one of Helen's spectacular roses.


Her gift card was stunning, with Beautiful Wings butterflies and a gorgeous miniature rose!



Helen's gift touched me profoundly. A random act of kindness, from someone whom I only know through our blogs, brought tears to my eyes. I will treasure these quilled earrings, and I will wear them proudly. You will be able to tell who I am at the Stampin' Up! Convention, because I will be wearing Helen's creations. I know that I have said it before, but you really do meet the nicest people through stamping! Please help me spread the kindness by visiting Helen's blog. She is celebrating her blogaversary, and is offering her handmade embellishments as blog candy!

And don't forget...the end is near for these Stampin' Up! promotions!

• The $99 Starter Kit ends June 30th. There is still time to become a member of The Schach Pack. Here is just a sampling of what my downline has to say:"Ann is a wonderful friend and mentor. She is very helpful at keeping me up-to-date on Stampin' Up! changes. She encourages me and supports me to help my business be the best it can be. She is also very creative and talented in her own business which inspires me to be the best I can be. Amy R." Let me help you develop your creative and business skills. Email me with your questions OR sign up online. My recruiting password is stampinschach.
• Last Chance Stamp List. Time is running out to order your favorites!
• Updated Last Chance Accessories List. Many items are still available...some at 25% -50% off.
• My personal list of Retired Stamps for Sale will be posted July 1st. If you love bargains, you will love this list!

Please join me next time for Pals Paper Arts Challenge #49! Until then...

Click here to order Stampin' Up! 24/7!

Thinking of You, Bella Toile

I love this card that I made for the March Splitcoast Dirty Dozen Gallery. It is not often that I can say that about cards that I create. I can always find something that I would change about a card, but not this time. This card stamps up quickly, yet it has an elegant look about it that I like. Although I used the French version of Sincere Salutations, you can easily substitute a variety of sentiments to fit the occasion! Enjoy "Bella Toile, Je Pense a Toi!"

The Stampin' Schach Design Tips:

• Tap, tap,tapping! When inking up a large background stamp like Bella Toile, ink it up by placing the background stamp face up and then tapping the ink pad on the rubber face. If you find it difficult to hold on to a stamp this size, simply lay it face up and place the card stock on top. Run a Brayer over the paper to make certain that the image stamps evenly. But be careful...don't let the paper slip! Just ask me how I know...
• Bling it on! Nothing goes better together than butterflies and bling! Three rhinestones, retrieved from Clear Rhinestone Brads, adorn the body of the largest butterfly, which was created with the Beautiful Wings Embosslit. Another rhinestone forms the "o" in toi, drawing the eye to the sentiment.
• Bow-licious! Pick the right ribbon for the card! Satin is super for a formal or elegant card, but for fun and casual go with grosgrain! The Chocolate Chip Satin Ribbon on this card certainly looks yummy! If you need to replenish your Chocolate Chip ribbon stash, hurry and order! Several varieties of Chocolate Chip Ribbon are on The Last Chance List, while the Chocolate Chip 5/8" Satin Ribbon is available in the Summer Mini.

The Final Countdown

Take advantage of these time sensitive promotions:

• The $99 Starter Kit ends June 30th. There is still time to become a member of The Schach Pack.
• Last Chance Stamp List. Time is running out to order your favorites!
• Updated Last Chance Accessories List. Many items are still available...some at 25% -50% off.
• My personal list of Retired Stamps for Sale will be posted July 1st. If you love bargains, you will love this list!

Who could forget that the new catalog goes live July 1st! Online Ordering will be down until Noon MT as Stampin' Up! makes the transition to the new catalog. Of course with the beginning of the new Stampin' Up! year, my Hostess Clubs are starting their new cycles. I still have room for new members in the First Wednesday of the Month Club, which meets at 9:00 AM on the first Wednesday of each month. (Creative name, huh?) Please EMAIL me if you are interested in joining. And if you would like to host a workshop, July dates are filling fast. It is never too early to schedule your workshop, and I am currently scheduling through December. I am available for Introduction to Stamping classes, as well as specific technique classes. Please contact me for more information.

Whew! I feel like I had so much information to share with you today. I hope that you enjoyed today's Bella Toile card. If you have any questions about the cards that I make, or about the techniques that I use, please email me so that I can answer your questions. And to answer Mary and Chris's question about the shading around the dragonfly on Sunday's card, it was achieved by using a Blender Pen and Sahara Sand ink! Thanks for stopping by and reading my ramblings...and thanks for leaving a comment. They...and you...are important to me! Until next time...


Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7

Stamp Set: Bella Toile (111598), Sinceres Salutations (116239); Ink: Chocolate Chip (100908); Card Stock: Very Vanilla (101650), Chocolate Chip (102128), Regal Rose (105130); Tools: Big Shot (113439), Stampin' Up! Beautiful Wings Embosslit (118138), Wide Oval Punch (112082), Scallop Oval Punch (114889), Sponge Daubers (102892), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Brayer (102395) Glitz and Glam: Chocolate Chip 5/8" Satin Ribbon (117287), Clear Rhinestone Brads (113144)

Simple Sunday

When I was a young girl growing up on the farm, Sunday afternoons were spent in the company of friends. It was not uncommon to have my Grandma, Grandpa, friends and neighbors come for a visit. (My grandmother was the perfect grandma, by the way! She had the perfect grandma lap, and perfect silver and gold grandma hair pulled back into a perfect grandma bun. I would climb up onto that perfect grandma lap and we would look into Grandma's big grandma purse. Without fail, Grandma would always have a lace hanky filled with pennies to give me. Isn't it funny the things we remember from so many years ago?) So on a day when many of my stamping friends are showcasing the wonderful new sets and exciting new colors that Stampin' Up! has to offer, nostalgia has gotten the better of me. I decided to spend my Sunday like I did when I was growing up...with some old "friends", many of which are on The Last Chance List. Please enjoy today's simple card, which was first showcased in the "All Creatures Great and Small" Dirty Dozen Gallery. Click Here for information on how you can join the Dirty Dozen Fan Club.

The Stampin' Schach Design Tips:

• Simple but stunning! Simple images can make stunning focal points! With its Nouveau flair, the "Dragonfly" image from Nature's Nest was inked with Basic Gray and stamped onto Whisper White card stock. The key to making this work, however, is leaving plenty of "white" space!
• Bling the Bug! Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder coats the wings of our "critter", while the thorax and abdomen of the dragonfly were given the "WOW" treatment! Green Microbeads from the Green Bead Duo (still available on The Last Chance List) were easily applied with Tombow Adhesive. A single Lilac rhinestone removed from a Circle Ice Brad adorns its head. And you are asking..."This is simple?" You betcha! It literally takes less than two minutes to apply the microbeads.
• Layer a ribbon! For this layered ribbon treatment, Basic Gray Satin Ribbon was adhered onto the card, and then layered with Mellow Moss Taffeta Ribbon. The Basic Gray bow was then tied and affixed to the card. For those of you who have been wondering about my ribbon treatments, all of my large satin bows are tied separately, then attached to the card. (If you love the rich look of Basic Gray, it is still available as a Last Chance item. Unfortunately, Mellow Moss is gone.)
• Rejuvenate! Fresh out of Mellow Moss card stock? No more Basic Gray ribbon? Think how fantastic this card would look created from a combination of Bashful Blue, Certainly Celery and Chocolate Chip! Wowza!

I hope that you have enjoyed spending a few minutes of your day with some of my old "friends"! I don't know about you, but I can hardly wait to order my new "friends" July 1! My problem is deciding on what to order first! I am certainly going to have to pace myself! I definitely will be investing in a few packages of gorgeous Designer Series Paper during my first order, and there are a couple of must have stamp sets! Also on July 1st, I will be posting a list of retired stamp sets that I have for sale. So be ready for some bargains! Of course, July 1 will mark another Pals Paper Arts challenge. Have you played at the PPA this week? There is still plenty of time to upload your card by Noon CST Tuesday! As always, I appreciate your comments. Of course, if you have any questions about today's card, or if you have questions about adding microbeads or watercoloring, please email me! I am more than willing to answer your questions. Remember...I was a teacher in my other life! Until next time...

Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7

Stamps: Nature's Nest; Card Stock: Whisper White, Mellow Moss, Perfect Plum; Ink: Basic Gray, Sahara Sand, Mellow Moss, Lavender Lace; Tools: Big Shot, Stampin' Up! Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folder, Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder, Green Microbeads, VersaMarker, Tombow Adhesive, Heat Tool; Glitz and Glam: Circle Ice Brads, Circle Fire Brads, Mellow Moss Taffeta Ribbon, Basic Gray 5/8" Satin Ribbon

Elements of Style

Elements of Style is my favorite set from the Summer Mini Catalog. I have reached for it several times over the past few months. It is one of those sets which I feel comfortable using. So, it was no wonder that I reached for it to create a card for Paper Players Challenge #3, a sketch challenge. Isn't it funny how we get our favorites? It seems like it happens to me with every mini! I hope you enjoy another look at Elements of Style, faux toile!

The Stampin' Schach Design Tips:

• Where does one begin with a sketch challenge? If you were to ask that question of 10 different stampers, you would probably get 10 different answers! However, I always start with the central image. I take a look at the stamps I have that fit the space, then go from there!


• Image too big for the space? Don't despair! Many images look great cropped. Although I wouldn't crop King of the Grill through the middle of his head, pruning a few leaves and petals from this floral image doesn't hurt a thing!


• Here comes the texture again! The "Flourish" image from Elements was inked with Basic Black and randomly stamped onto Very Vanilla. This customized paper was then zipped through the Big Shot with the Square Lattice Textured Impressions Embossing Folder.


• Light bulb moment! I stamped part of the "Floral" image again and snipped out the lowermost flower. On the central image, this is partially covered by the crimped Basic Black strip. I simply popped it up on a Stampin' Dimensional and placed it into position. And then it dawned on me...it could double as the floral embellishment on the sketch.


• Delightful details! A Cherry Cobbler Hummingbird , popped up on two dimensionals, hovers over the More Mustard floral center. A little snippet of the new 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon in Very Vanilla completes the look.

I wanted today's card to have a toile look. However, I think this card would be beautiful with watercolored Cherry Cobbler flowers. Plus, I would like to see it without the swirled and textured background paper. And maybe without the black crimped strip. Or maybe with satin ribbon. Or maybe with Pear Pizzazz card stock instead of Cherry Cobbler. Oh, you get the idea! I think I am going to have to stamp another card. Thank goodness tomorrow is another day!

If you haven't visited the talented gals at the Paper Players Challenge, I would recommend a visit. Their inspiration cards are wonderful! And speaking of challenges, have you uploaded your card for the Pals Paper Arts Challenge? I love looking at your creations and leaving you comments. And speaking of comments, let me know what you think of today's card. Remember, if you ever have a question, just email me! I am always eager to share tips and ideas! Until next time...

Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7

Stamp Set: Elements of Style; Inks: Basic Black, Cherry Cobbler; Card Stock: Very Vanilla, Basic Black, Cherry Cobbler, More Mustard; Tools: Big Shot, Square Lattice Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Paper Snips, Crimper; Glitz and Glam: Very Vanilla 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon

Amour and French Bread for the PPA

You saw the sneak peek yesterday, so I hope that are are ready for the reveal of today's Pals Paper Arts inspiration card. Today's challenge is a sketch challenge, and I did take a few liberties with the sketch. But changing it up to meet the needs of your design is perfectly fine! Sketches are meant to be a guideline, not a blueprint set in stone. There are four new product peeks on this card, too. I selected the "Bread and Wine" vignette from Studio Sketches because I love to watercolor, while the sentiment and crown are from Artistic Etchings. Of course, I have a penchant for texture, so I just had to use the new Vintage Wallpaper Textured Impressions Embossing Folder. And if you look closely, you can catch a tiny glimpse of Greenhouse Gala Designer Series Paper. I hope that you enjoy today's masculine card!

The Stampin' Schach Design Tips:

• Caution: Embossing Ahead! When mixing embossed patterns, proceed with caution! Vintage Wallpaper is big and bold, so when pairing it with another embossing folder, select a subdued pattern. In this case, Square Lattice is a perfect masculine choice.


• Color me happy! Studio Sketches are made for watercoloring! I simply use Stampin' Up!'s Blender Pens, Stampin' Write Markers, and Classic Inks to achieve the watercolored look that I want. The soon-to-be-retired dynamic duo, Creamy Caramel and Close to Cocoa, transform the French Bread to a luscious loaf. Of course, the wine is Bravo Burgundy. A little Wild Wasabi and Cajun Spice for the bottles and you're done.


• Masculine bling is a good thing! Hemp Twine displayed three ways (plain, with buttons, knotted) adds texture on the image mat while balancing the texture of the Embossing Folders.


• Don't be a fool, use the tools! Any handyman or handywoman will agree that the right tools make the job easier. The same is true when you are trying to achieve the distressed look. For me, Sponge Daubers to ink the edges and the Color Spritzer Tool for "speckling" are a must.


• Pop it up! "Amour" was inked in Early Espresso and stamped onto Very Vanilla. After punching it out with the Small Oval Punch (1-3/8" x 5/8"), I popped it onto the Large Oval Punch with Stampin' Dimensionals. Because of the bulk of the Hemp Twine, the image mat was also popped up onto dimensionals.

This card was given to my husband for his birthday. Kim is such a patient man who supports my stampin' obsession wholeheartedly. Of course, I just can't give him a card without asking him his opinion. His favorite part of the card...the Hemp Twine.

I hope that you enjoyed today's card and tips. Remember, your comments are important to me. And it is also important to me that if you have any questions about the cards that I make or the techniques that I use, that you ask! I am only an email away! And please, won't you come play @ the PPA? I will be looking forward to your creations! Until next time...

The Stampin' Up! Scoop:

The $99 Starter Kit
The Last Chance List


Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7

Stamp Set: Studio Sketches (W 116974; C 122222---Available July 1), Artistic Etchings (W 118517; C 120573); Inks: Basic Gray (109120), Creamy Caramel (130220), Close to Cocoa (103139), Bravo Burgundy (105214), Sahara Sand (105208); Stampin' Write Markers: Wild Wasabi (120975---Available July 1), Concord Crush (119801 In-Color Set---Available July 1); Designer Series Paper: Greenhouse Gala (117167---Available July 1); Card Stock: Cajun Craze (119685---Available July 1), Pear Pizzazz (119795---Available July 1), Very Vanilla (101650---New Catty); Tools: Big Shot (113439), Vintage Wallpaper Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (120175---Available July 1), Square Lattice Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (119976), Sponge Daubers (102892), Color Spritzer Tool (107066); Glitz and Glam: Hemp Twine (100982), Fresh Favorites II Buttons (107422)

PPA Sneak Peek

As always, I would love to give you a little peek at my Pals Paper Arts card which I designed for Thursday's challenge. Challenges are one of the best ways to sharpen your paper crafting skills. Although the PPA Design Team showcases Stampin' Up! products in our inspiration cards, we encourage everyone to participate and to use any brand of products they wish. Just to whet your appetite, and to make you come back for more, my card features a sneak peek of two of Stampin' Up!'s newest sets. I hope that you will join us on Thursday! And be sure to check out this week's Pals Paper Arts Artist Picks!

$99 Starter Kit is Still Available!

• Through June 30, Stampin' Up! is offering a special $99 Mini Starter Kit. You will receive a $180 worth of product and business supplies, as well as FREE shipping.


• As a demonstrator, you can pre-order select items in June from the new 2010-2011 Idea Book and Catalog, and you will be able to take advantage of other pre-order times, too!


• Enjoy full Stampin' Up! demonstrator discounts and benefits. This includes 30% off your first $150 product order (within 45 days of your joining date). With the release of the new catalog, what could be a better way to make quick work of your Wish List!


• Perfect for the hobby stamper!

To see what is included in the Mini Starter Kit, just Click Here!

I would love to have you as a member of my Stampin' Up! team, The Schach Pack. I take a personal interest in each member of my group, helping them to develop both their artistic skills and their businesses. Here are just a few things my team is saying:

"Any time I have had questions, or just needed a creative boost, I have not only been able to read Ann’s blog, but have been able to call her and get answers to my questions. What better upline and mentor could a stamper have?"

"I am thrilled to be part of such a creatively inspired group and look forward to seeing where my dreams can take me as a demonstrator!"

"After toying with the idea of becoming a demonstrator for quite some time, and avidly checking out Ann’s blog over the past year, I phoned Ann for advice on what being a Stampin’ Up Associate entailed and how to start. I have never been more pleased to be a part of anything in my life!"

Email Me today, and we will set the process in motion, or simply visit this page to sign-up on-line! My recruiting password is stampinschach. Trust me...I have the new catalog in hand and it is filled with fantastic new items. Becoming a demonstrator gets you more bang for your buck, as you can take advantage of your demonstrator discount AND you can also receive 30% off your first order. Do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions.

I hope you enjoyed the tiny peek at my PPA card, and that you will join me Thursday for the Pals Paper Arts challenge! Just what do we have in store! Until next time...

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

A Masculine Card...and Blog Candy Winner

Sometimes it is sad to say good-by to our old friends. I always thought of the Autumn Traditions Designer Series Paper, which is being retired, as an old friend. It was my "go-to" paper for all of my fall cards and many of my masculine cards. In fact, I used it on this masculine card which was designed for my first Dirty Dozen gallery, "All Creatures Great and Small". I entitled this card, "Coming Out of My Shell", since it depicts the "Turtle" from Nature's Nest doing exactly that! I had a great time watercoloring this little reptile, once again armed with my trusty Blender Pens and inks. I hope that you enjoy today's card, and the subsequent revisiting of two cards made with this lovely Designer Series Paper, which is still available on The Last Chance List.

The Stampin' Schach Design Tips:

• Easy-peasy! Nothing is easier than watercoloring with Blender Pens and inks. I just load the tip of the Blender Pen with ink from the corner of my Classic Ink Pads. For this card, I used Basic Brown, Old Olive, Crushed Curry, and Always Artichoke inks. And for those little white highlights on the turtle's shell, a White Signo Gel Pen did the trick. Tip: There are options for those inks which are retiring. I would use Early Espresso or Chocolate Chip in place of Basic Brown, and More Mustard for Crushed Curry.


• Customize your dies! Use only the section that you need. A few precise snips with my trusty Paper Snips converted the Lattice Bigz Die into the perfect embellishment that was needed for the right side of this card.


• Men deserve bling, too...albeit not so flashy! Simple Gold Brads add a touch of glitz without being too glam!

The classy "More Mustard Abstract" pattern used in today's featured card was just one of my faves from the Autumn Traditions DSP. I also loved the "Always Artichoke Vines" and the colorful "Autumn Leaves". They were stunning for autumn cards!

Remember, if you loved Autumn Traditions Designer Series Paper as much as I did, there is still time to stock up!

And the Winner is...
Everyone loves blog candy, especially when it involves a generous helping of retiring Stampin' Up! products!

And the winner of this round of Stampin' Schach Blog Candy is:

#17: Carol
Beautiful card! I really need to put some ink to that stamp.
That is some awesome blog candy!

Carol will have until Thursday, 3:00 PM CST to email me with her address! Congrats Carol!

Please let me know what you think about today's masculine card by leaving me a comment. I do appreciate your comments and reading what you have to say. And of course, as always, if you ever have a comment about the cards that I create, or the techniques that I use, please do not hesitate to email me. Until next time...

Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7

Stamp Set: Nature's Nest (113826); Ink: Basic Brown (104315), Old Olive (102277), Crushed Curry (115659), Always Artichoke (105219); Paper: Chocolate Chip textured (108697---Earth Elements assorted), Chocolate Chip (102128), Olive Green textured (108697---Earth Elements assorted), Naturals Ivory (101849), Autumn Traditions Designer Series Paper (115668); Tools: Big Shot (113439), Stampin' Up! Lattice Bigz Die (115958), Scallop Trim Border Punch (118402), Corner Rounder (109047), Paper Piercer (116631), Gold Brads (104337), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Blender Pens (102845), Paper Snips (103579), Signo Gel Pen (105021)

Blog Candy...Because I Care

I am so enjoying my first weeks of summer vacation. Oops! I mean retirement! It has been wonderful to finally have the time to stamp and play with my new pre-order items. And it has been fun experimenting with different looks and techniques, as we shall see with today's card, which features the new Hostess Level I set, Because I Care. I know...it looks like a dead hydrangea. But since everyone else has been using this set to make such gorgeous pink, blue, purple and even green hydrangeas, I wanted to use a monochromatic color scheme using my two new favorite colors, Crumb Cake and Early Espresso. (Why are my favorite colors always named after foods?) Did a make a mistake selecting this combination? I don't know. I like distressed and "dirty" cards. I like beautiful pink, blue, purple and even green hydrangeas, too. When I was teaching, I always told my students, "A mistake is only a mistake if we fail to learn from it." And since I learned several things while creating this card, it was not a mistake. I hope you enjoy and benefit from my learning process. And at the end of the post there will be a Blog Candy opportunity. Why? Because I care!

The Stampin' Schach Design Tips:

• Distressing shouldn't be stressing! My favorite tools for adding a distressed look are Sponge Daubers, the Color Spritzer and the 7-Sided Tool from the Cutter Kit. After inking up the "Hydrangea" image from Because I Care with Basic Brown ink, I stamped it onto Very Vanilla card stock. Then I heavily distressed the edges of the paper with the 7-Sided Tool. Using the Sponge Dauber, I dabbed Early Espresso Ink on the edges, bleeding in toward the center at the corners. After a few spritz with the Color Spritzer Tool and an Early Espresso Stampin' Write Marker, my distressed look was complete. Note: The Basic Brown Classic Stampin' Pad is on The Last Chance List. As of Thursday, it was still listed as available.
  
  
• Move aside Monet! Although Monet's medium of choice was oil paints, I'll take Blender Pens and Classic Ink Pads any day! I simply touch the tip of my Blender Pen to the corner of an ink pad to load it with ink, test it on a piece of scratch paper, and "paint" away! I used Crumb Cake for the blossoms and Always Artichoke for the leaves.
  
  
• Design your own "Designer" paper! I randomly stamped Crumb Cake hydrangeas on Crumb Cake card stock, for a subtle tone-on-tone background. After daubing a little Early Espresso ink on the edges, I had achieved the "smoky" look I wanted.
  
  
• W-A-C it! Sometimes focal mats look better when they are adhered Wonky, Akilter, or Cattywampus...all of which translate into "not exactly centered or straight". I tried centering it, but it just looked better askewed.
  
  
• Step it up, if you wish! A few random pearls add so much! Or add a few random petals, snipped out and adhered for added depth.

So there you have it...three similar, yet different, looks!

How About Some Blog Candy?

View One

Here is what I have gathered together for this huge retiring In-Color Blog Candy Package:

• 36 ---6" x 6" sheets of textured card stock (12 Bermuda Bay, 16 Dusty Durango, 8 Crushed Curry)
• 72 ---6" x 6" sheets of Designer Series Pattern Paper (24 of each of the 3 colors)
• 36 Card Bases (12 in each of three colors)
• 3 new ink refills (Bermuda Bay, Dusty Durango, Crushed Curry)
• 3 like new Classic Stampin' Ink Pads (Bermuds Bay, Dusty Durango, Crushed Curry)
• 3 yards of 1/2" Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon (1 yard in each of the three colors)
• Vintage Labels Clearmount Stamp Set (New)

The rules: I will select one random comment (using a random number generator from Random.org) from all of the comments left on THIS post between now and Monday, June 21st at 3:00 PM, CST. I will announce the winner on Tuesday, June 22nd. The winner will have until Thursday, 3:00 PM CST to contact me with an address. I will ship your scrumptious candy out pronto!

View Two

Don't forget...there is still time to take advantage of Stampin' Up!'s $99 Starter Kit! Join The Schach Pack for less than the cost of a trip to the grocery store...and start receiving your demonstrator perks and benefits today! After seeing the new catalog, you will be glad that you did! Click Here to see a short video about being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator and to sign-up on-line (my recruiting password is stampinschach) or Email Me to learn more! Hobby stampers...here is chance to really make an impact on your Wish List!

So please, leave me a comment to let me know what you think about today's card, and to take advantage of this wonderful Blog Candy. And remember, if you ever have any questions about the cards that I make, 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: Because I Care Hostess Level 1 (W 118384; C 120118---Available July 1); Ink: Crumb Cake (121030---Available July 1), Early Espresso (119670---Available July 1), Basic Brown (104315), Always Artichoke (105219); Card Stock: Early Espresso (119689---Available July 1), Crumb Cake (120953---Available July 1), Very Vanilla (101650); Tools: Color Spritzer Tool (107066), Cutter Kit (106958), Sponge Dauber (102892), Early Espresso Stampin' Write Marker (119680---Available July 1); Glitz and Glam: Very Vanilla 5/8" Satin Ribbon (117291), Early Espresso 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon (119959---Available July 1)

Eyelet Flower Tutorial and PPA Card

It's Thursday and time to play @ PPA! This week's Pals Paper Arts challenge is a theme challenge...Summer! And summer to me means a time for vacation, flowers, and butterflies...all of which are represented in this card. I hope you enjoy "Our Journey" through the design process!

The Stampin' Schach Design Tips:

Ruffles 'n Roses! I love the Eyelet Border Punch and I love making paper flowers, so I was thrilled when I spied this lovely flower in the latest edition of Stampin' Success, the monthly magazine for Stampin' Up! demonstrators. (You can receive your copies of Stampin' Success by taking advantage of Stampin' Up!'s current $99 Starter Kit Promotion!) Here's the step-by-step pictorial:

Step1. Punch a circle from Daffodil Delight card stock using the 1-1/4" Circle Punch. Cover the circle with Sticky Strip.

Step 2: Cut a 1" strip of Daffodil Delight card stock. Punch one edge using the Eyelet Border Punch. Distress using a Sponge Dauber and Daffodil Delight ink. Tip: Distress both sides of the punched edge.

Step 3: Run this strip through the Crimper 3 or 4 times in order to break down the paper fibers and make the strip pliable.

Step 4: Remove the Sticky Strip from the circle. Begin adding the eyelet strip around the circle, pleating as you go. Tip: If you run out of paper, simply prepare a second strip and begin where you left off. This step may take a little practice to get the flower edges even!

Step 5: Using the Extra Large Bird Punch and Pear Pizzazz card stock, punch 3 wings to use as leaves. Distress the edges with Old Olive ink applied with a Sponge Dauber. Run through the Crimper for texture. Finally, apply a liberal "smooching" of Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz. Tip: While the flower is still wet from smooching, gently shape it in the cup of your hand, and allow it to dry. For even more body, add a slight misting of light hold spray starch!

Of course, the rest of the card is easy as pie!

• Ink the "Our Journey" phrase from In a Word using Real Red and Basic Black Stampin' Write Markers. Stamp onto Very Vanilla, and punch out with the Modern Label Punch. Pop this up onto a second Modern Label punched from Basic Black and cut in half vertically.
• A touch of class, is provided by a snippet of Basic Black Satin Ribbon.
• A Basic Black butterfly, made with the Beautiful Wings embosslit, completes the look !

I hope you enjoyed "Our Journey" together as I shared how to make the Eyelet Border flower. I was planning on doing my first You Tube video, but the learning curve using my Flip Cam is a little "curvier" than I expected. I am working at perfecting my video skills though, and as they say, "Practice makes perfect!" As always, I would love it if you would leave a comment to let me know what you think of today's card. What do you think of this flower? And remember, if you ever have any questions about the cards that I create or the techniques that I use, do not hesitate to Email Me. Until next time...

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

Stamp Set: In a Word (W 117143; C 120057---Summer Mini); Inks: Daffodil Delight (119667---Available July 1), Old Olive (102277); Stampin' Write Markers: Basic Black (100082), Real Red (100052); Designer Series Paper: Newsprint (117166---Available July 1); Card Stock: Basic Black (119922), Very Vanilla (101650), Daffodil Delight (119688---Available July1); Tools: Eyelet Border Punch (119853), Crimper (101618), Sponge Dauber (102892), 1-1/4" Circle Punch (119861), Sticky Strip (104294), Big Shot (113439), Beautiful Wings Embosslit (118138); Glitz and Glam: Basic Black 5/8" Satin Ribbon (117285), Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz (118772)

Apple Blossoms for Always Playing with Paper

Remember the new challenge that I told you about last week, Always Playing with Paper? This marks their second week of challenges, which happens to be a color challenge... and challenging it was! The colors included Brilliant Blue (or Pacific Point), Old Olive, Bashful Blue, and Whisper White, as revealed in this beautiful picture of sassy, little flip-flops:

Although this was not an inspiration challenge, the flowers on the flip-flops reminded me of the floral stamps included in the new Hostess Level 2 set, Apple Blossoms. So I grabbed my inks and stamps and set off to create! I hope that you enjoy today's "Sneak Peek" card.

The Stampin' Schach Design Tips:

• Don't worry! Be happy! And make sure the sentiment fits the theme! These bright, cheery colors evoke happy thoughts, and as the sentiment states "Happy thoughts make happy days".


• Reinforce the theme! Polka dots are always fun. Old Olive Patterns Designer Paper adds a healthy "dotty" dose of fun, while the Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Embossing Folder adds sassiness in seconds when zipped through the Big Shot with Whisper White card stock!


• Whimsy! What would a happy card be without a touch of whimsy? A snippet of 1/8" Daffodil Delight Taffeta Ribbon is all that it takes to give our posies pizzazz. While a trio of So Saffron butterflies, made with the Beautiful Wings Embosslit, draw our attention to the sentiment and the flower.


• Fantasy flowers! For sure, these are not a real species! The bottom layers of petals were created by inking up the Larger Floral image from Apple Blossoms with Brilliant Blue ink. Layer number two was created using the Smaller Floral image and So Saffron ink. The centers were punched from Bashful Blue using the Itty Bitty Scallop Circle Punch. Those Itty Bitty Punches are just too cute!

I loved the sentiment that came with this set. It is perfect for, well, happy cards! Now I will admit that when I first saw this set, I wasn't too sure about it. But now that I have inked it up and have imagined the possibilities, I am so happy that I selected it as one of my preorder sets.

Would you like to earn your own Apple Blossom stamp set? There are two possible ways:

1. Host a workshop with me! If you are located in Southeast Iowa or West-Central Illinois, and would love to invite your friends to an afternoon or evening of Stampin' Up! fun, please email me. Have stamps...will travel!


2. Join Stampin' Up! as a demonstrator! With Stampin' Up!'s $99 Starter Kit, there is still time to take advantage of the new catalog preorder opportunity! This is perfect for the hobby stamper! Plus, you will receive 30% off your first qualifying order if placed within 45 days (which would allow you to order from the new catalog!) For more information about joining The Schach Pack, my downline group, Click Here or Email Me.

Tuesday's Tidbits:

• There is still time to take advantage of my FREE catalog offer! If you do not currently have a demonstrator, email me, and I would love to drop you a catalog in the mail just as soon as I receive them! I would love to become your demonstrator! I pride myself on my customer service. This offer expires Friday, June 18th.
• Save up those nickels and dimes for my huge Retired Stamp Sale! On July 1st, I will be listing 47 retired sets, ranging from new and unmounted to gently used.
• Blog Candy is coming!

If you liked today's card, and if you are looking for more inspiration, don't forget to subscribe to The Stampin' Schach using the form on the left sidebar. And please, won't you let me know what you think of today's card? What do you think of this new hostess stamp set? Your comments are important to me, and I read them all. And remember, if you ever have a question 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: Apple Blossoms Hostess Level 2 (W 118531; C 120139---Available July 1); Inks: Brilliant Blue (100691), So Saffron (105213); Stampin' Write Markers: Brilliant Blue (100057), Basic Black (100082); Card Stock: Pacific Point (111350), So Saffron (105118), Old Olive (100702), Bashful Blue (105120), Whisper White (100730); Designer Series Paper: Old Olive Patterns (112160); Tools: Big Shot Die Cutting Machine (113439), Beautiful Wings Embosslits (118138), Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (117335), Itty Bitty Punches (118309); Glitz and Glam: Delightful Daffodils 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon (119254)

Simple Sunday Thank You and Blog Candy Winner

With my retirement parties behind me, I have found myself in need of several "Thank You" cards.  With so many cards to make, I had to have something quick and easy...and mailable.  Although this card is clean and simple, it showcases the beautiful new Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Vintage Wallpaper.  And the sentiment is from the new Idea Book and Catalog release, Perfect Punches! And speaking of the new catty, if you do not have a current Stampin' Up! demonstrator, I will gladly send you a  FREE catalog if you EMAIL me by Friday, June 18th.  I will drop yours in the mail as soon as they become available!

The Stampin' Schach Design Tips:

• 
  
  If a color combination sounds like it would be delicious for breakfast...go for it! Just kidding! But don't you love Crumb Cake (the color formerly known as Kraft) and the new Core Color, Early Espresso together?  And I can tell you firsthand, that you will love the new Color Coach! In my opinion, it is one of the "must-have" items that every Stampin' Up! aficionado needs in their arsenal of tools...and this is a valid tip! It suggests so many beautiful color combos! Definitely a wise investment!
• 
  
  Make every minute count! The Big Shot and a Textured Impressions Folder can add interest to a card in seconds! I know that Vintage Wallpaper will see a lot of use at The Stampin' Schach!
• 
  
  Sentiments in seconds! The Perfect Punches stamp set includes sentiments for every occasion:  Christmas, birthdays, congrats, and friendship, as well as thanks.  And, each one coordinates with a Stampin' Up! punch.  This would be another new catty purchase that I would place on my Wish List! When I first saw it available for preordering, I wasn't sure about it.  But you know what...it is the perfect touch when you need a quick and easy card! Plus, you can "punch it up" a notch with layers when a more elaborate card is called for.  How versatile is that!
• 
  
  Even simple cards deserve a little bit of  lovin' bling! And this card receives its dosage with snippets of the Early Espresso 1/8" inch Taffeta Ribbon!

Card-making can be a family affair! Part of the rationale behind today's design is that my family can get involved with the process.  My son, Brady, will be my "Big Shot Hero" while my husband, Kim, will be my "MICOP" (Man in Charge of Punching)! That essentially leaves me to assemble and add the ribbon.  Grantedly, this may require that I have to watch whatever is on ESPN, but you know what...I'm starting to like soccer!

Blog Hop Blog Candy Winner

Wow! What an overwhelming response to the Pals Farewell Blog Hop! With 295 comments at the closing buzzer, the winning comment (selected by using a random number generator, courtesy of  Random.org) is:

#201

Trish in Wisconsin said...

"The set retiring that I will miss the most is "Nursery Necessities" and the Wheel that goes with it. I used that set for more than just Baby cards and the Wheel also. I will keep on using it personally so I really won't be missing it. I do hope that there are some really good New Baby ones in the New Catty. I really love the color combo that you chose to make your Card out of today, and thanks for sharing the cards that you made with "Spring Song", which is also another one of my favorites. In fact a lot of the Stamps that are going I will continue to use personally. Thanks for the offer of the Blog Candy.     Cyber hugs, Trish in Wisconsin"

Trish, you will have 48 hours to email me your address.  Upon receipt of your address, your package will be mailed to you no later than Wednesday, June 16.  Congratulations, Trish!

News Flash
I just found out that I am the winner of the first Always Playing with Paper challenge for my King of the Grill card.  If you missed seeing it, just CLICK HERE!  Their latest challenge is underway today.  Check them out! 

More Blog Candy Heading Your Way

Don't be disappointed if you did not win this round of Blog Candy from The Stampin' Schach.  There is more in store!  This week I will be clearing out my stash of  Stampin' Up! goodies, and I will be offering more Blog Candy!  Ink pads, markers, re-inkers, card stock, ribbons, brads...my retirement gift to you! So, if you are not a subscriber to The Stampin' Schach, make certain to sign up today.  You don't want to miss a thing!

Huge Retired Stamp Sale starting July 1! Stay tuned for more details.  My guess is that there will be close to 40 sets, several which are unused and unmounted. (Shh...don't let my husband know about these).  Plus, the vast majority are very lightly used...some with only 1 stamp in the set ever inked. (Yikes...don't let my hubby know about these either!). 

And finally, if you are a Blogger or html person, I need your help.  Since Blogger has redesigned some features, I have been having trouble with "wonky bullets"! My line of text is appearing one line below the bullet.  Who can tell me what I need to do?

Sometimes we can all use a little simplifying in our lives, and today's card did just that! Please let me know what you thought about today's card, and that yummy color combo...Crumb Cake and Early Espresso. (I have to go have a snack now!) And remember, I love answering your questions, so please feel free to email me if you ever have any questions about the cards that I create and the techniques that I use.  Until next time...

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

Stamp Set: Perfect Punches (Wood-Mount 117022, Clear-Mount 120516---available July 1);  Ink:  Early Espresso (119670---available after July 1), Card Stock:  Crumb Cake (120958---available July 1), Early Espresso (119686---available after July 1), Very Vanilla (101650);  Tools:  Scallop Oval Punch (119856), Big Shot (113439), Vintage Wallpaper Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (120175---available July 1); Glitz and Glam:  Early Espresso 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon (119959---available July 1) 

King of the Grill

A wonderful new challenge blog made its debut this week, and I could not pass up the opportunity to play along.  Always Playing with Paper is hosting a "Father's Day or Masculine Themed" challenge, and their talented Design Team has prepared inspiring samples for you to view.  My entry for their challenge showcases King of the Grill.  Although "cartoonish" stamps are not my forte, this one definitely possesses a "cuteness" factor.  And it does allow me to play with my inks and blender pens.  I firmly believe that challenges should do just that...challenge you! And this one certainly did!

The Stampin' Schach Design Tips:

• Crazy for Cajun Craze! Don't you just love the "pop" of color imparted by Stampin' Up!'s new Core Color?  It's so...spicey! And what about this color trio?  Old Olive, Not Quite Navy, and Cajun Craze are a perfect masculine combination!
• Use those Blender Pens! To make quick work of line art stamps, like King of the Grill, I simply touch the tip of my Blender Pen to the corner of the ink pad, load up a bit of color, and ta-da! The inks that I used for this "Flying Chef" were Real Red, So Saffron, Soft Suede, Old Olive, Bashful Blue, Not Quite Navy, Going Gray, Basic Gray, and Creamy Caramel.
• Pop it up for Pop! The letters "d-a-d"  from the Rough Type Alphabet were stamped onto Cajun Craze and punched out with the 1/2" Punch.  They were then popped up on Stampin' Dimensionals onto 3/4" Circles of Not Quite Navy.

I hope that you enjoyed today's card, and that you will visit the gals at Always Playing with Paper.  Their new challenge will be posted Sunday! In the meantime, if you have any questions about the cards that I make or the techniques that I use, do not hesitate to email me.  And if you like what you see, won't you consider signing up for my email updates?  Have The Stampin' Schach delivered right to your in-box simply by completing the subscription form which can be found right below the "Email Me" button on my left side-bar.  And don't forget that the Pals will be naming the winners of their Blog Candy this Sunday! So stay tuned.  I have so many things planned for you, including a gigantic retired stamp sale featuring nearly 40 stamp sets...and more blog candy! So stay tuned! Until next time...

Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7