Quatrafancy Friday

First, A HUGE Thank You to everyone that came out to my Open House last week!  It was fun.

Today is my monthly hostess club and I decided to use the Mosaic Madness stamp set, coordinating punch and embossing folder.  This set and accessories are so much fun!  The possibilities are endless with all the little pieces fitting together like puzzle pieces.  Awesome set to showcase the new 2013-2014 In-Colors.

This is the first card we made, and my favorite.  I love the Coastal Cabana and Strawberry Slush color combo.  It's just so summery.  I CASE'd this from another demo (sorry, I do not remember your name), and changed up the arrangement of quatrafoils.  The banner is from the new Hostess sets in the new catalog, Banner Greetings.  So cute, so versatile, and a steal at just 8 hostess dollars.  The Strawberry DSP, comes from the Specialty Designer Series Paper, "Quatrafancy,"  It's a great pack of paper for summer.  We did find my Strawberry Slush ink pad to be very juicy.  This presented a little problem with the Banner Greetings because the writing is so fine.  It didn't take much ink to seep into the words, blurring them :(  After some trial and error, we found if we just laid the stamp on the ink pad, did not tap, and then picked up the stamp, it worked.  As I use this ink more it will dry up and shouldn't cause any more issues. 

Thanks for stopping by!  Feel free to leave a comment :)

It's Here! The 2013-2014 Annual Catalog & A Sale!

Sorry I've been lax in updating the blog again.  I was doing so well, but then May came.  May is the when the kids get out of school here in Alabama.  That means all the fun end of year activities, which means, mom, ME is running to field trips, end of year parties. . .Anyway, in the middle of all this was the Stampin' Up! catalog transition time.  Out with the old and in with the new!  I don't know about you, but by the time April/May rolls around, I am more then ready for some new crafty supplies and inspiration.

Here is the new catalog that went live on Friday.

You can find the on-line version on my blog to the right, along with supply list for the projects inside :)

Now, I also mentioned a sale!

Sale: 25 percent off three of our greeting sets!
No limits and get them on any order type (workshop, customer, demonstrator, or online).
Dates: May 31-June 30, 2013

Sale Price	Retail Price	Description	Item
$17.96	$23.95	Sassy Salutations Wood-Mount Stamp Set	132070
$13.46	$17.95	Sassy Salutations Clear-Mount Stamp Set	126707
$14.96	$19.95	Sweet Essentials Wood-Mount Stamp Set	132085
$11.21	$14.95	Sweet Essentials Clear-Mount Stamp Set	126457
$21.71	$28.95	Petite Pairs Wood-Mount Stamp Set	128706
$15.71	$20.95	Petite Pairs Clear-Mount Stamp Set	122497

Great sale!  My favorite of these is Petite Pairs.  It works well for some many occasions and plays nicely with many of the punches.

Well, gotta run.  My Annual New Catalog Open House sale is on Friday and Saturday.  I have to finish getting ready.  Hope to see you there!

The Retirement List!

It's one of the many things I look forward to around this time each year.  The Stampin' Up! retirement list.  It was released yesterday.  Stamps and accessories.  It's long, it's good, it's sad, but there are great things around the corner.  So grab a cup of tea or coffee, sit back and take a look.  Oh, and many thing are on sale.  Up to 60% off sale.

Click HERE to go directly to my website and check out the list.  It will be the most up to date with availability there.

FREE SHIPPING!!!

That's right folks, FREE SHIPPING this weekend!!!  Did you scream with excitement?  I did when I found out.  Head on over to my website this weekend and stock up on those retiring inks, reinkers, cardstock, and discounted sneak peek bundles.  You could save $6.95 + on shipping alone.  The bundles are on sale so check them out too.

Best Of Butterflies Clear-mount Stamp Set	133345
Price: $14.95
Did you know that every year Monarch butterflies migrate from Canada to Mexico, and that the migration might span multiple generations of butterflies? Impressive. Of course, you can just stamp a butterfly from the Best of Butterflies Stamp Set on a card and mail it ANYWHERE in the WORLD. Take that, Mr. Monarch butterfly! Every month during 2013, we’re combining some of our all-time-favorite stamps with a new, never-before-seen stamp to create a monthly “Best of” stamp set. Best of Butterflies is our April offering, but don’t forget to check out the sets from previous months as well. They’re available all year! Note: Clear-Mount Blocks B, C, and D needed for this set.

Best Of Butterflies Clear-mount Stamp Set

133345

Price: $14.95

Did you know that every year Monarch butterflies migrate from Canada to Mexico, and that the migration might span multiple generations of butterflies?

Impressive.

Of course, you can just stamp a butterfly from the Best of Butterflies Stamp Set on a card and mail it ANYWHERE in the WORLD. Take that, Mr. Monarch butterfly!

Every month during 2013, we’re combining some of our all-time-favorite stamps with a new, never-before-seen stamp to create a monthly “Best of” stamp set. Best of Butterflies is our April offering, but don’t forget to check out the sets from previous months as well. They’re available all year!

Note: Clear-Mount Blocks B, C, and D needed for this set.

 So now you are all caught up with what is new.  Thanks for stopping by!

Secret Garden

Today I am sharing a card I made for swap group I am part of.  Each month we are given a different technique or color combo.  This month we were given a technique.  Fussy cutting.  I have a love/hate relationship with this technique.  I love the effect, but it is tedious.  I find that I use it less and less thanks to all the wonderful framelit dies and punches that Stampin' Up! offers.  Anything to make my life easier :)

I used the Secret Garden set and coordinating framelit dies in the Spring mini.

A double bow was made with Soft Suede ribbon.  It was my first attempt.  I made several and this is as good as it got.  I need some more practice.  I took the large flower image and stamped it on several patterns of DSP that coordinates with this set.  I then cut the various layers of the flower and glued them using 2-way glue.  The leaf was cut out with the coordinating framelit.  The middle flower was popped up using Stampin' Dimensionals.  My tip for paper piecing/fussy cutting, a really good pair of fine tipped scissors.

Color Refresh

WHAT THE REFRESH LOOKS LIKE.

Q: What are the new core colors, and what are the In Colors that are returning as core colors?
A: The one new color is called Smoky Slate. The nine returning In Colors as core colors are Bermuda Bay, Blushing Bride, Calypso Coral, Crushed Curry, Island Indigo, Pear Pizzazz, Pool Party, Soft Sky, and Wisteria Wonder. Check out these colors displayed in their new collections!

THE REASON FOR THESE CHANGES.

Q: Why are colors being discontinued?
A: We retired colors based on sales history and focus group feedback. We also looked at our overall color offering and determined what colors were not working with others. We sent out surveys, looked at trends, and determined what colors are out of date, etc.
Q: Why have some of the carryover colors changed collections?
A: With the changes, we found that a few colors fit better in a different collection. We also organised our colors to be more complementary within each collection.

So there you have it.  I am SO EXCITED about this change.  How about you?  What colors will you miss and what colors are you happy to see return?  Leave a comment below.

Happy Birthday Cupcake!

 Today I am sharing my 2nd card from my March class.  I used the Patterned Occasions set from the SAB offerings.  Love this set! 

 I wanted to try a different fold.  I always do the same kind and it was getting a little boring.  So I made this into a Gate Fold card.  It's very easy.  Just cut your 8.5x11 cardstock (love that SU paper comes this way as well as 12x12!) in half so you have a 4.25x5.5 sheet.  Then score each end at 2 and 1/8.  Fold in and voila!   The DSP is Sycamore Street.  Another SAB offering and I just love the colors and brightness.  I colored the cupcake using my Stampin' Write markers in wisteria wonder, summer starfruit, calypso coral, island indigo and pool party.  I then layered the cupcake onto summer starfruit and pool party.  I just love this color combo.  I am not a fan of summer starfruit but paired with pool party. . . it's very summery!  Sorry my ugly finger is in the way of the 2nd photo.  I wanted you to see the card all folded up.

So what do you think?  Let me know and remember, I have some blog candy  I am giving away.  My goal is 50 followers and I am sitting at 29.

 Let's see if we can get this blog up to 50!  Once I get to 50 followers I will be offering the "Ears to You" stamp to 1 lucky winner.  Here is what you do to enter:

1.  Leave a comment and become a follower
2.  Leave a comment on my FB page https://www.facebook.com/AndreasStampingSpot and say I sent you + become a follower

I'm getting closer!  Just 21 more followers and I can give away this cute stamp set!

March Class Projects + Blog Candy!

Let's see if we can get this blog up to 50!  Once I get to 50 followers I will be offering the "Ears to You" stamp to 1 lucky winner.  Here is what you do to enter:

1.  Leave a comment and become a follower
2.  Leave a comment on my FB page https://www.facebook.com/AndreasStampingSpot and say I sent you + become a follower

I'm getting closer!  Just 21 more followers and I can give away this cute stamp set!

Ok, now on to my March Class cards. . .
I decided to focus on Sale-a-Bration since it is coming to an end on the 22nd.  Did you get all the freebies you wanted?  You still have some time!  I also used the cute "Ears to You" that I am giving away when I hit 50 followers.  Don't worry, the winner will get a new one, not my used stamp ;)

This card uses the hugely popular set, Feeling Sentimental.  I also used the Sycamore street DSP and buttons.  A very bold color choice for me using Rich Razzleberry but I think it turned out really great.  Just goes to show it helps to get out of your comfort zone from time to time and try something different.

So what do you think?  Make sure to leave a comment and become a follower.  You just might win!

BLOG CANDY ALERT!!! Ears To You Clear-Mount Stamp Set -- by Stampin’ Up!

 I am currently at 25 followers.  Let's see if we can get this blog up to 50!  Once I get to 50 followers I will be offering the "Ears to You" stamp to 1 lucky winner.  Here is what you do to enter:

1.  Leave a comment and become a follower
2.  Leave a comment on my FB page https://www.facebook.com/AndreasStampingSpot and say I sent you + become a follower


Thanks!


Ears To You Clear-Mount Stamp Set -- by Stampin’ Up!

The Basics -- by Stampin’ Up!

 Stampin' Up! is now offering an on-line class for just $14.94!  You will get 30+ projects including photos, videos and PDF files.  Check it out today.


The Basics -- by Stampin’ Up!

Hoppin' By to Say Hi!

Hi!  I am still here, with a bunch of stuff to blog about and not enough time to squeeze it all in.  I've been getting ready for my husband to come home for 2 weeks so we can get our house ready to put on the market and enjoy Spring Break. 

I made this card for a swap I am in.  This months theme was to use 3 colors and only 3 colors.  Yay!  My kind of card.  This is what I came up with:

All supplies are from Stampin' Up!  Stamp set:  Ears to You  Cardstock:  Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake, Groovy Guava (retired).  Ribbon:  Groovy Guava (retired)  Punches:  Word Window, Modern Label

 

The bunny stamp is one of the limited edition stamps available until March 31st.  Have you gotten yours yet?  It is my FAVORITE of the single stamps offered this time.  I used my crumb cake marker for the center bunny and groovy guava ink pad + blender pen to color the bunnies on the ends.  Groovy Guava was not offered as a marker at the time, but a blender pen and ink pad/reinker takes care of that problem.  I stamped this on the very vanilla base.  I then re-colored the middle bunny with crumb cake and stamped on a scrap of very vanilla.  I fussy cut and placed it over the middle bunny on the card base with a Stampin' Dimensional (love these!).   Very easy card and I love using 3 colors.

Thanks for hopping by!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy V-day everyone!  I have loved looking around Facebook and Pintrest to see all the fun things that people have been creating for this fun-filled day.  My first grader once again asked me to make his Valentine's to give to his classmates.  I was so honored.  We kept it simple, they are 6 and 7 years old after all. 

First I had to sort 2 bags of Valentine themed M & M's.  I didn't realized there were 4 colors.  Don't they look pretty in my Pampered Chef prep bowls?

 

Next we filled the 1x8in cello bags (yes, Stampin' Up! sells theses).  They are very economical at just $2.50 for 50 bags!  Love.

 

 

 

 

After we filled the bags, I stamped the "happy valentine's day" heart in Raspberry Ripple ink.  This stamp was a limited ed. in January.  Guess what?  It matched up perfectly with the heart punch!  I love when my stamps match up with punches.  We glued these onto Pretty in Pink cardstock.  2x3in is the size.  The "to/from" stamp is from my collection.

We made 23 all together :)

Happy Valentine's Day!

My Digital Studio Tuesday!

It's Tuesday and that can only mean one thing, new digital downloads for My Digital Studio!  This week has an organizing theme.  I just love it!  I am always trying to be more organized. 

Also, there is a free download this week!  Remember, you can use the downloads with Photoshop and PSE as well.  Or download the free 30-day MDS2 trial today and enjoy all these free items (I have a list of other free downloads) for a month.  Click here for this weeks downloads.

I'm FREE!

Happy creating!

Oh, Thanks!

This morning I was doing my usual Facebook check and came upon a great card made by fellow demonstrator, Jessica Taylor.   I fell in love with it.  Perfect timing also, since I am in the middle of sorting my January Stamp Club orders and wanted to stick a Thank You note inside.  What also caught my eye was that it used the "Oh, Hello" stamp set.  I will be featuring this set in my February classes.  Here is my version of Jessica's card:

All supplies by Stampin' Up!   Stamp Set:  Oh, Hello   Cardstock:  Whisper White, Pretty In Pink, Raspberry Ripple  Ink:  Pink Pirouette, Pretty In Pink, Primrose Petals, Raspberry Ripple  Ribbon:  Primrose Petals

 

As you can see in my card and in the original, all you need is 4-5 graduating shades of ink and you can make this card.  I can see a whole rainbow of these.  What colors would you use?

Thanks for stopping by!
 

Baby Elephant

To go along with the birthday banner, I needed a card.  At first I was going to go with a nautical theme to match.  However, after digging in my stamp box, I found this cute little elephant stamp I purchased 2 years ago.  I thought this little elephant was perfect to celebrate the first birthday milestone.  I did match the colors to go with the theme.

All supplies are from Stampin' Up! with the exception of a few alcohol based markers for the balloon and cake.

One is fun!

Big banners for the window

My nephew celebrated is his first birthday this past weekend.  My sister asked me if I could make a couple of banners for the occasion.  Of course I said yes.

The theme was boats, nautical, whales.  The ribbon and cardstock are all from Stampin' Up!  I used Night of Navy, Real Red, Whisper White and Marina Mist.  I did stray from my Stampin' Up! roots and cut everything using my Cricut E2 and several cartridges (Life's a Beach, Art Philosophy, Pooh Font and Create a Critter).  This is what I came up with:

Anchors on either side of his name

A cute little whale for the high chair banner

This was for the high chair

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Best of 25 Years!

Stampin' Up is celebrating 25 years in 2013!  How exciting is that?  To celebrate, they will be offering a new series of monthly stamp sets called:  Best of 25 Years.   Each set will contain images from the past and 1 new never released image.  Pretty cool!

January's theme is Birthdays.  I don't know about you, but I never have enough birthday stamps.

Here's the link. 

You will receive a Collectors Card with 12 spots on it.  Each of these monthly Best of Stamp sets will come with a proof of purchase sticker.  Place the sticker on your card and when you have 6 spots filled you can redeem it for a FREE stamp set of your choice up to $14.95.  Yay!  Isn't that exciting?!  You can get your collectors card from me with your January Best of order, but will begin to ship from Stampin' Up! with the February set.

January's set is available today through January 31st, so don't let it slip away.

Introducing. . .The Paper Pumpkin!

It's a Magical Paper Escape Every Month!

Sweep away the mundane-your creativity carriage awaits!

I'm Paper Pumpkin . . .
I come to your door each month (a fully decked-out creativity carriage). I'll help you to escape your life with some paper fun.
I come in a sweet box, but you'll really love what you find on the inside:
All the stamps, ink, paper, and accessories to create pinable projects. Create stuff like cards, journals, décor, and more!
Paper Pumpkin by Stampin' Up! is a new monthly kit program that anyone (even you) can enjoy!

Get Started

It's so easy to get started. Simply sign up for the program starting Monday, January 14 by visiting www.mypaperpumpkin.com and click Get it. Every month a new, surprise project kit arrives at your doorstep. Just think of the anticipation of creating a fun project to pin, showoff, and share with your friends and family-every month!
Of course, you'll want to know more. So here's the nitty gritty:

• Each month we send you a unique, surprise kit with a project-cards, journals, décor, and more! (We've even color-coordinated, measured, and cut everything for you!)
• Each kit includes stamps, ink, paper, and accessories-everything but adhesive.
• Each kit gives you and your customer a 30-minute creativity escape. 

Of course, you'll want to know more. So here's the nitty gritty:

• Each month we send you a unique, surprise kit with a project-cards, journals, décor, and more! (We've even color-coordinated, measured, and cut everything for you!)
• Each kit includes stamps, ink, paper, and accessories-everything but adhesive.
• Each kit gives you and your customer a 30-minute creativity escape.
• We will ship your Paper Pumpkin on or around the 15th of the month.  
• You need to sign up for a kit by the 10th of the month to get that month's kit. If you sign up on the 11th of the month, your first kit will come the next month. (Let's say you sign up on May 10th, we'll send your kit around May 15th. If you sign up on May 11th, we'll send your first kit around June 15th.)
• A Paper Pumpkin membership is $19.95 per month (and shipping is included!) The commissionable amount is $14.95 for each Paper Pumpkin.  
• There's no commitment, you can cancel your monthly Paper Pumpkin at anytime. You can also skip a month if you want.
• Starting in early March, we'll offer a Try-It kit if you'd like to try Paper Pumpkin for one month.

Here's How You Order

Sign up for your monthly Paper Pumpkin starting Monday, January 14 by visiting www.mypaperpumpkin.com and click Get it.
Starting in early March, you can try Paper Pumpkin for one month by visiting our online store.

A Free Gift in Your Very First Kit

The Welcome Kit is the very first Paper Pumpkin you will receive in your first month of membership. The Welcome Kit includes a free gift-a clear acrylic block!

Questions? We've Got Answers

 Why are we offering Paper Pumpkin?

Paper Pumpkin is the perfect introduction to Stampin' Up! We designed it for crafters that want to create a project each month, but aren't quite ready to build a stamp collection (yet).
How does shipping work with Paper Pumpkin?
Your Paper Pumpkin will be automatically shipped to you each month (so fun!). Because we are auto shipping these, the pricing structure is slightly different from our other Stampin' Up! products.


Here is what you will receive with your first kit

 Are you still with me?  Good!  I am so excited about this new program and I don't want you to miss out!  Head on over to https://mypaperpumpkin.com/signup/  and make sure to list me, Andrea Clayton as your demo.

I'd like to hear your thoughts about the Paper Pumpkin.  Leave a comment below.

Valentine Goodies

Valentine's Day is less than a month away!  Have you planned what you are making?  Need some ideas for class Valentine swaps?  Stampin' Up! has the perfect solution with 2 great promotions going on now.  Check them out:

I love the Valentine Treat Bundle (option 1).  For just $5.95 (before shipping and tax) you will receive the 1x8" cello bags and cute little Happy Valentine Heart stamp.  Too cute!  These will be perfect for my 1st graders class. 

Hop on over to my shop to order yours today!

MyDigitalStudio Tuesday!

Hi friends!  It's Tuesday and in Stampin' Up! land that means new MyDigitalStudio downloads.  Yay!  If you are not already aware, every Tuesday Stampin' Up! releases new downloads for their amazing digital software.  I love getting up every Tuesday to see what's new! 

Here they are: Shop Now

December Card Class

If you follow along with me, then you know that every month I teach a card class.  I really need to get away from calling it a card class.  We are beginning to do other things than just cards.  Anywho, last month we made 2 cards and here is photo:

In November, the group decided on Birthday cards, since we never have enough.   I wanted my main stamp set to be the "Owl Occasions" set from the Holiday mini.  It was a great set since it can be used for Christmas, Birthday, and if paired with "Wicked Cool" from the main catalog, I see it as a Halloween set too.  Versatile.  My fav!

The card on the right uses "Memorable Moments" from the main catalog for the sentiment.  I love that set since it is mostly numbers, a beautiful font, and has a frame to match the "Labels Collection Framelits."  I used the Stampin' Write markers for the owl.  The leaves were stamped once in Always Artichoke and stamped a second time using the stamping off technique for the lighter shade.  Beautiful result.  For the balloon, I stamped once on the very vanilla card stock and again (after reinking) on a scrap piece.  I cut out the circle and popped up the balloon with a Stampin' Dimensional.  The card base was made with Always Artichoke.

For the card on the left, I cut several layers with the Labels Collection Framelits.  I popped up the whisper white layer with Stampin' Dimensionals and placed a piece of Raspberry Ripple ribbon under it.  We used Rose Red cardstock but the Raspberry Ripple ribbon matches almost perfectly!  The base was made with Not Quite Navy.  The larges framelit is made from River Rock.  I used the "Color Coach" for my color scheme on this card.  That is a great tool when you are not sure where you want your colors to go.  It's on page 151 of the main catalog.

Thanks for stopping by!

A New Year and New Products

Merry Belated Christmas and Happy New Year 2013!! 

The last 3 weeks have been a bit crazy around my house.  Many of you know that my husband is in the Navy and is working/living abroad for the next year.  Rough life ;)  He was able to come home for almost 2 weeks and with the Holiday craziness. . .well, you get the picture.  My oldest went back to school today, so I'm finally getting a little breathing space back.

Stampin' Up's! latest mini debuted yesterday.  Have you seen it?  It's beautiful!  If you'd like a copy, let me know.