Love for the Players

It's Sunday and time to reveal this week's The Paper Players challenge.  The talented Nance Leedy has prepared a sketch challenge for you.  The moment I saw the sketch I thought it would be perfect for one of my favorite sets from the new Idea Book and Catalog, Valentine Love.  Although this stamp would be lovely in a clean and simple style, I could not resist taking the vintage route with it.  So out came the spritzer, the daubers, the seven-sided tool, as well as lace and pearls.  I hope you enjoy "Love for the Players".

The Stampin' Schach Design Tips:  Easy Vintage

Achieving a vintage look is NOT difficult.  It just takes time.  But you will be surprised at how quickly you can master the steps!

• Pearls, Curls, and Lace!  The right embellishments can give any card the vintage touch! My favorite three are adding Basic Pearls, Crochet Lace Trim, and curling up a corner.  How do I achieve those curls?  I use the Round File from the Distressing Kit, and repeatedly roll and unroll the paper around it.  This breaks down the fibers, allowing me to separate the layers.

• Distress! The Seven-Sided Tool, from the Cutter Kit is perfect for roughing up the edges of the paper.  Finish with a quick zip-zip-zip using a Sponge Dauber and Soft Suede ink.

• Water spots and speckles! The Water Spot stamp from French Foliage is perfect for aging.  I ink mine in either Crumb Cake or Soft Suede and stamp off a couple of times before stamping on the actual image.  Of course, the Color Spritzer, combined with a Soft Suede Stampin' Write Marker, is the work horse in the stable of vintage tools. 

• Emboss resist! This Cupid is a cutie-patootie when heat embossed with White Stampin' Emboss Powder.  A light watercoloring with a Blender Pen and Pink Pirouette ink, gives the look of an old hand-tinted photo.  Dazzling Diamonds are the perfect finishing touches for wings, bow and sash.

• Flag your sentiment! Just a snip is all it takes to transform your sentiment from "ho-hum" to "yum-yum"! Don't you love the "love"?  Score lines, 1/8th inch apart on both sides of the word, are folded to "pop" up the sentiment!

The Valentine Love set isn't just for Valentine's Day!  I think you could make lovely wedding and anniversary cards with it, too.  What do you think of today's card?  It could be headed your way if your comment is randomly selected. And remember, if you ever have a question about the cards that I create or the techniques I use, I am only am email away!  Until next time...

Stamp Set:  Valentine Love (W 122695, C 122697), French Foliage (W 120845, C 121166);  Ink:  VersaMark (102283), Soft Suede (115657), Pink Pirouette (111838), Crumb Cake (121030), Soft Suede Stampin' Write Marker (120973);  Designer Series Paper:  Beau Chateau (122357); Card Stock:  Naturals Ivory (101849), Pink Pirouette (111351);  Tools: Distressing Kit (118762), Heat Tool (100005), Cutter Kit (106958), Sponge Dauber (102892), Stamping Sponges (101610),  Paper Snips (103579), White Stampin' Emboss Powder (109132), Big Shot (113439), Perfect Polk Dots Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (117335), Brayer (102395), Color Spritzer Tool (107066);  Glitz and Glam:  Basic Pearls (119247), Chantilly Lace Crochet Trim (118480), Dazzling Diamonds (102023);

Retired Stamp Sale...Part 2

All sets are sold on a first come basis. Please email me the sets in which you are interested. I will update this list daily. Your sets will be shipped by Priority Mail OR by Flat Rate. The rate will depend on the weight and your location. If cheaper, I will ship in a Flat Rate box. I will email you with shipping rates after you have selected your sets and I can determine which will be the most reasonable way to ship. Please include your Zip Code in your email.  US addresses only, please.

Payment can be made by PayPal or Personal Check. Please do not make or send payment until you receive a confirming email. In case of a check, your sets will be mailed after the check has cleared.

Most of these are used sets. I have tried to describe them for you. Thank you for looking! Please be patient...it takes me awhile to weigh, calculate postage, and email you back.

Wood...New, Unmounted
All a Flutter, $1
Admit It, $5
Puns from the Past, $10
Pretty Patterns, $10

Wood, Used
Many Thanks, $1 (stained)
Chocolate Bunny, $2 (like new)
Live, Laugh, Love, $2 (like new)
Paint Prints, $2 (2005, like new)
Engraved Greetings, $3
Hello Again $3 (only 1 mounted)
Things I Love, $4 (only 2 mounted)
A Good Egg, $5 (like new)
Animal Stories, $5 (1 block stained)
Dream Gardens, $5 (slight stain on wood)
Great Friend, $5 (slight staining on wood)
Lots of Bots, $5 (stain on one block)
On a Pedestal, $5 (1 block stained)
Teacher's Pet, $5 (heavily stained rubber/wood)
A Cardinal Christmas, $6 (stained wood)
Chic Boutique, $6 (slight staining on wood)
Good Cheer, $6 (very slight staining)
Halloween Hoot, $6 (stained wood)
Sanded, $6 (stained block)
Teahouse, $6 (small stain on block)
Cinco de Mayo, $7 (excellent)
Sense of Time, $7 (like new)
Always, $8 (slight staining)
Fun and Fast Notes, $8 (1 block stained)
Defining Alphabet, $10 (very slight staining)
Define Your Life, $15 (like new)

Clear Mount...Used
Go, Graduate, $4 (stained)

Abundant Hope, $5

Blissful Bride, $5
Garden from the Heart, $5
July 4th, $5
King of the Grill, $5 (only 2 used)
Pedaling Past, $5
Punch Potpourri, $5
Rough Type, $5 (Color Spritzer specks on cover, many letters not used)
Tropical Party, $5

Playful Pieces, $7 (several pieces never used)

Sizzlits
Merry Details, $1
Tree Decorations, $1

Decorative Strips

Join in the Cheer, $3 (new)

Swirly, $3

Bigz Dies

Tulip, $5

Decorative Accents, $5

Originals Die
Hearts and Brackets, $5 (New, Never opened)

Bigz XL Dies
These dies will be shipped in a legal size flat rate envelope with bubble wrap. The price on the Bigz XL dies INCLUDES $4.95 shipping.

Look Here, $12.95 (used once, no plastic wrap)
O Christmas Tree, $14.95 (used once)
Perfect Setting, $14.95 (new)
Table Setting, $14.95 (new, wrapper torn)

A Peek at the Players

Happy Saturday to you all! It's time for your Paper Players Peek!  As you can tell, this week is a vintage beauty! I hope that you will join me for the reveal on Sunday.

Would You Like This Card?

If you would like to receive this card,  just leave me a comment today and tomorrow.  I will randomly select one person as the winner.  If you are that person and you would like to receive this card, I will gladly send it out to you, regardless of where you live.

Internet Woes

I do want to report that I have had major problems accessing the internet and emails, as my service provider has been experiencing difficulties for the past two days.  Plus, I have had trouble logging into Blogger! Yikes! For that reason, I have not posted my second list of retired stamp sets.  I will post these as soon as I know that I will be able to have continual internet access. 

Until next time...

Clean and Shabby for the PPA

Isn't it amazing how quickly Thursday rolls around each week?  Of course, that means it's time to reveal this week's Pals Paper Arts challenge...Clean and Simple Elements of Style:  Paper Piercing.  Paper Piercing is a stylish but simple way to add interest to your design! Won't you try your hand at creating a CAS card using paper piercing.  I can't wait to see what you create!

The Stampin' Schach Design Tips: Clean and Shabby Style

• (news)Print! First Edition Specialty Designer Series Paper provides a wonderful stamping background for a quick and easy shabby-vintage look! Inking the "Hello" sentiment from My Friend in Early Espresso provides a soft look which further enhances the shabby style.

• Pearls!  "Pop" up the center of the Summer Solstice flower, and add Pearls for a quick and easy "wow"! The edges can be distressed in seconds by using a Sponge Dauber and Soft Suede ink.  The soft color was achieved by inking the stamp in Cherry Cobbler, and then "painting" it with a Blender Pen.

• Pierce and Pennant!  Just a single row of piercing draws the eye right to the sentiment.  Flagged and curled ends add to the shabby appearance.

• Punch! The Scallop Trim Border Punch works its magic on Cherry Cobbler card stock. The richer hue contrasts nicely with the muted colors, anchoring the First Edition panel.  Tiny Pearls are the pearl-fect accent. 

If you are trying to achieve a shabby-vintage look but don't want to break the bank by purchasing tons of  embellishments like Victoria Crochet Lace, Antique Brads, and Vintage Trinkets, invest in Basic Pearls, Sponge Daubers and a Color Spritzer Tool.  You can do so much with these three items, and of course, the daubers and the Color Spritzer Tool are re-usable! What do you think? I hope you enjoyed today's card. Won't you please leave me a comment and let me know! And remember, I am only an email away if you ever have questions about the cards that I create or the techniques that I use.  Until next time...

Coming Soon:  Retired Stamp Sale...Part 2; Blog Candy

Stamp Sets:  My Friend (W 122585, C 122587), Summer Solstice (W 122024, C 122037);  Inks:  Early Espresso (119670), Soft Suede (115657), Cherry Cobbler (119669), River Rock (109010), Soft Suede Stampin' Write Marker (120973);  Designer Series Papers:  First Edition (121878), Paisley Petals (122367);  Card Stock:  Cherry Cobbler (119685), River Rock (108640), Very Vanilla (101650); Tools:  Paper Piercer (116631), Mat Pack (105826), Scallop Trim Border Punch (118402), Sponge Dauber (102892), Color Spritzer Tool (107066); Glitz and Glam: Basic Pearls (119247)

A Peek at the PPA

Here's a little peek at what is in store for you when I reveal my Pals Paper Arts Design Team card.  I used a sweet little set from the new Idea Book and Catalog.  I hope that you will join me on Thursday to see the card in its entirety!

Retired Stamp Set Sale

Because of your overwhelming response and interest, there are only two sets left from the New/ Unmounted List:

• Pretty Patterns, wood   $10
• Puns from the Past, wood   $12

Please email me if you are interested. The Used List, many of which look new, will be posted in a few days.

$99 Starter Kit Special

Time is running out on Stampin' Up!'s fabulous $99 Starter Kit Special.  With this offer you also receive the gorgeous Christmas Box Project valued at $40.  Please...if you have ever considered joining the Stampin' Up! family, now is the time.  But hurry...this offer ends Sunday.  Please email me if you have any questions.  Click Here for more details! 

I'm off to complete my list of Used Stamp Sets AND I need to get Blog Candy ready to photograph.  Can you use guess what is coming soon???? Until next time...

Happy Birthday to "Michelle the Handler"

There is no denying that the Schach family loves their Twins.  They are our children...or in the case of Brady the Boy...his siblings.  That is why we feel we are blessed to have met their handler, Michelle.  Michelle loves them as if they were her own...and even refers to herself as their "step-mom".  We never worry about them when they are in her care at a show, because we know that they are in great hands.  So when Michelle had her birthday last week, we knew that we needed to make a special card.  I  hope that you think it is special, too!

The Stampin' Schach Design Tips: Custom Cards

• When creating a custom card, select a theme which relates to the recipient.  In the case of a dog show handler, what could be better than a canine stamp, and a blue ribbon to let her know that she is #1!

• Houndstooth for a "hound handler"! Don't you love the new Houndstooth Textured Impressions Embossing Folder?  A little Basic Black ink and a Brayer were used to emphasize the pattern!
• A pennant and a pun! Flagging the ends of the sentiment adds interest, as does a bit of bling! The "Top Dog" sentiment from Not So Seriously, was inked with VersaMark and heat embossed with the new Cherry Cobbler Stampin' Emboss Powder!

• Keep the image simple! Simple heat embossing works for the adorable "Pile-O-Puppies" portrait from Not So Seriously.  If you do decide to watercolor, keep it light!  You do not want the image to compete with the Houndstooth.  Save the competition for the show ring!

 

Michelle loves her card, and plans on framing it.  What about you?  Won't you leave me a comment and let me know what you think about today's card?  And remember, there is nothing that I like better than answering questions about the cards that I create or the techniques that I use.  Remember....I am only an email way!  Until next time...

 

Retired Stamp Sale:  Click HERE to see what is left from Part 1 of my retired stamps sale.  Part 2...very slightly used stamp sets will be posted in a few days!

 

There is still time to purchase the $99 Starter Kit Special.  If you have questions, please contact me.  I would love to have you as a member of The Schach Pack.  Don't forget that you will receive the fabulous Christmas Box from Stampin' Up! as a free gift for joining. But hurry...this is a limited offer!  And I know that some of you have a very long Wish List with the new catalog release.  Plus, don't forget that the Holiday Mini will be released soon!  Who couldn't use the fabulous Stampin' Up! perks and discount!

Stamp Set:  Not So Seriously;  Inks:  VersaMark, Basic Black;  Card Stock: Whisper White, Basic Black, Cherry Cobbler, Night of Navy, Red Glimmer Paper;  Tools:  Big Shot, Houndstooth Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Timeless Type Junior Alphabet Sizzlits Dies,  Brayer, Heat Tool, 1-3/4" Scallop Circle, 1-3/8" Circle Punch;  Glitz and Glam:  Basic Rhinestones, Whisper White 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon, Night of Navy 5/8" Satin Ribbon (retired)

Retired Stamp Sets...Part 1

All sets are sold on a first come basis. Please email me the sets in which you are interested. I will update this list daily.  Your sets will be shipped by Priority Mail OR by Flat Rate. The rate will depend on the weight and your location. If cheaper, I will ship in a Flat Rate box. I will email you with shipping rates after you have selected your sets and I can determine which will be the most reasonable way to ship. Please include your Zip Code in your email.

Payment can be made by PayPal or Personal Check. Please do not make or send payment until you receive a confirming email. In case of a check, your sets will be mailed after the check has cleared.

These are just the new, never used sets.  I will be making a list of my used sets as soon as possible. Thank you for looking!

NEW, NEVER MOUNTED Wood Mount Stamps

Puns from the Past, $12

Full Calendar, $7
Whimsical Words, $6
Fall Flair, $5
Yummy (Hostess), $5
Painted Garden (2002), $2
Three Leaves, $2

NEW, NEVER USED Clear Mount Sets

Bliss (SAB), $6
Northern Hearts (Hostess), $6
Punch Bunch (SAB), $6
Punch Bunch (SAB), $6
Slice of Life (Hostess), $6
So Green, $6
So Happy for You (SAB), $6
Punch Potpourri (damaged case), (Hostess), $5
Sweet Summer (damaged case) (SAB), $5

Caroling with The Paper Players

It's Sunday, and I thank you for joining me for the reveal of today's The Paper Players card.  We have a clean and simple sketch for you this week, courtesy of Anne Marie Hile.  I really did try to be clean and simple.  And you have to admit, compared to last Thursday's card, this is clean and simple for me!  I may use this as my Christmas card design this year.  I LOVE the Mocha Morning Specialty Designer Series Paper.  It is so rich and yummy!  Of course, the "Carolers" image, from A Christmas Carol is right up my alley! However, in keeping with the clean and simple theme, I did not watercolor it, as I would have liked.  I hope that you enjoy "Caroling with The Paper Players".

The Stampin' Schach Design Tips: Clean, Simple and Classy

•  Let the paper work for you! By selecting a rich pattern from the Mocha Morning Designer Series Paper collection, I did not have to spend time adding lots of embellishments.  The paper itself typifies class and elegance!

• Select satin! For a classy and elegant look, choose a satin ribbon.  In this case, nothing beats the richness of Early Espresso.  I realize that this color retired, but I had a nearly new roll of it which I needed to use up.  If you do not have Early Espresso, substitute Basic Black or Chocolate Chip...or even Very Vanilla!

• Heat Emboss to add some gloss!  A little VersaMark ink and Black Stampin' Emboss Powder adds to the overall elegance and formality.

• Pennants and Pearls!  Of course, we all know that Basic Pearls go with everything!  I have used a configuration of five, in keeping with the "odd number rule"!  Flagged ends on sentiments are all the rage, and once again, it adds a touch of class!

Clean and simple is really a challenge for me.  But I restrained myself from adding lace, antique brads, safety pins and all of the other trinkets I usually add to a card.  And no Seven Sided Tool for me, either.  Of course, the most difficult thing was keeping my Color Spritzer Tool in the drawer.  (I even took it to Salt Lake City with me...no lie!) The little speckles you see are "built" into the Naturals Ivory card stock I used.  So...I am anxious!  What do you think of today's card?  Please leave me a comment to let me know.  Questions about today's card?  I am always just an email away! Until next time...

Coming Soon:  Blog Candy, Retired Stamp List, So Seriously Birthday Card for Michelle the Handler

Stamp Set:  A Christmas Carol (W 122635, C 122637);  Inks:  VersaMark (102283), Soft Suede (115657);  Designer Series Paper:  Mocha Morning (122366); Card Stock:  Naturals Ivory (102316), Soft Suede (115318), Brushed Gold (102935);  Tools:  Heat Tool (100005), Black Stampin' Emboss Powder (109133), Sponge Dauber (102892); Glitz and Glam:  Basic Pearls (119247), Early Espresso Satin Ribbon (retired)

A Peek at the Players

The Paper Players is one of my favorite challenges, and I am so happy to be a part of such a talented Design Team.  In keeping with a tradition that I have started, I am sharing a peek at the card which will be revealed in its entirety tomorrow. 

Card Winner

Congratulations to Dale Morin, who was randomly selected to receive the Beau Chateau card which was created for the Pals Paper Arts challenge.  A big "thank you" goes out to everyone who left comments.  Your comments really are important to me, and I appreciate them so much.

Christmas Keepsake Project

Isn't this keepsake box just gorgeous?  It can be yours simply by purchasing the $99.00 Stampin' Up! Starter Kit.   Not only will you receive over $185 worth of product, you'll also receive the Christmas Keepsake Project Kit, a $40 value, for FREE. 

Here is what is included:

• Keepsake box
• Scallop borders (cut from Tasteful Trim Bigz XL Die)
• First Edition Specialty Designer Series Paper strip (2)
• Holly Berry Designer Series Paper piece
• Real Red Top Note (cut from Top Note Bigz Die)
• Real Red Decorative Label (cut from Matchbook Bigz XL Die
• Wild Wasabi Card Stock strips (3)
• Naturals Ivory Card Stock piece
• Holly Berry Bouquet Designer Fabric
• Real Red 1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon
• Real Red 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon
• Victoria 5/8" Crochet Trim
• Linen Thread
• Champagne Fine Galaxy Stampin' Glitter
• Vanilla Pearl 1/2" Simply Adorned Bauble
• Pearl Basic Jewels (1 pkg.)
• Holly Berry Bouquet Designer Buttons
• Mini Vintage Tags
• Pines and Poinsettias (an exclusive stamp set)

The $99 Starter Kit is a terrific deal which can be customized with the stamp sets and colors of your choice.  It's friendly on the budget, while still garnering you ALL of the perks associated with Stampin' Up!  through December 31st.  If you happen to reach $300 in total sales, you will be able to "renew" for three more months....which would take you right into Sale-A-Bration time.  Plus,  by purchasing the kit now, you will be able to take advantage of the Holiday Mini preorder on August 1st.  There is no commitment to host workshops or get outside sales, and there is no penalty to drop.

Become part of a wonderful group of friends who share orientation and monthly meeting calls, who have access to two private blogs, and who participate in PPA challenges and Pals blog hops.  I am always available to help you. 

Why choose to purchase your kit through me?  I am a professionally educated mentor who is dedicated to helping  members of The Schach Pack.  I truly care. 

"Ann is the best.  She is always there when I have questions.  You can tell that she must have been an excellent teacher, because she explains things clearly and is always patient.  When I was trying to start a monthly club, Ann freely shared ideas and was there to encourage me every step of the way."  L.S.

"Ann is so sweet.  Not only does she share her time and talent, she also gives, gives, gives.  As a new demo working with limited supplies, Ann sent me a "care package" filled with paper, ribbon, markers, and tons of cards that she had created. "  B.C.

No...I am not offering you any fancy or expensive incentives...the Starter Kit with the Christmas Project Box is already a fabulous value.  What I am offering you is simply me.  I will give freely of my time, my talent, and my expertise.  If you are ready to purchase the $99 Starter Kit now,  please click HERE.  And if you questions that you would like to have answered, just EMAIL me.  Until next time...

Beau Chateau for Pals Paper Arts

It's Thursday and time to play at Pals Paper Arts! And what better way to get those creative juices flowing than with a sketch by talented Pal, Margaret Moody!  I hope you enjoy this vintage-style friendship card featuring the gorgeous Beau Chateau Designer Series Paper!

The Stampin' Schach Design Tips:  Vintage and Lovin' It

• Have a yearning for Faux Burning?  It's so easy!  Simply tear the Designer Series Paper up and towards you, then blacken the edge using a Sponge Dauber and Soft Suede ink.

• Spritz and crinkle for a vintage wrinkle! I took First Edition Specialty Designer Series Paper, and tore and distressed the edges with Soft Suede ink.  Then I spritzed it with Stampin' Mist, and crumpled it up.  After carefully unfolding the rectangle, it was allowed to air dry.  It forms a fabulous mat for the Chicken Wire pattern!

• Who can resist Emboss Resist?  The Flourish from Elements of Style was inked in VersaMark and stamped onto the Chicken Wire paper.  It was then heat embossed using Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder.  Next, Marina Mist ink was applied over the top using a Stampin' Sponge.

• A butterfly flutters by...on a pearl encrusted Mini Clothespin! A whimsical touch which adds so much!

• Scrunchy and bunchy! Shirring ribbon is a breeze.  I simply pull a thread and shirr away!

• The "Pearl-fect" Punch! A Blossom Bouquet Triple Punch flower is cut in half and decked out in Basic Pearls. This is designed to make you say "Wow"!

I hope you enjoyed today's reveal.  Remember, this card will be winging its way to one lucky person who will be randomly selected from everyone who leaves comments today and yesterday.  The winner will be named in the next post. 

So...what do you think of today's card?  I think the Beau Chateau Designer Series Paper is a wonderful choice for creating a vintage/shabby chic style of card.  As always...I LOVE answering your questions about the cards that I create or the techniques that I use.  Never hesitate to email me!  Until next time...

Coming Soon:  Blog Candy, CASE of the Week, a special birthday card for Michelle the Handler, and my HUGE retired stamp list  

Stamp Sets:  You're a Gem (W 122268, C 122270), Elements of Style (W 118611, C 120045), Creative Elements (W  122645, C 122647); Inks:  VersaMark (102283), Soft Suede (115657), Marina Mist (119668);  Designer Series Paper:  Beau Chateau (122357), First Edition (121878);  Card Stock: Pink Pirouette (111351), Baja Breeze (111352), Very Vanilla (101650);  Tools:  Heat Tool (100005), Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder (109130), Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch (122464), Sponge Dauber (102892), Stamping Sponge (101610), Distressing Essentials (118762), Cutter Kit (106958);  Glitz and Glam:  Baja Breeze Seam Binding (122331),  Mini Clothespins (122942), Basic Pearls (119247), Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz (118772), Vintage Trinkets (118764)