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Going, Going, Gone: Matchbox Die for Big Shot
There are really flexible dies for the Big Shot that I love — ones that can make the ‘intended’ box or shape, plus a WIDE variety of other items. The soon-to-be retired Matchbox Die (see it online) is definitely one of those “greats”.
The die makes both the sleeve and the box, and the box folds together easily without even needing adhesive!
(click on the project photos for original posts and details)
And here’s my fav for this die — a little chest of drawers! The Designer Paper on this has been retired for a year or two (see what’s retiring & “gone” on May 31st!) but you could do this with any fun paper. Gotta love double-sided paper for projects like this one!
Only a few more days for the goodies on the retiring lists…
Looking for more Matchbox Die ideas? Here are some other past projects on my blog.
Looking for more retiring stamp set ideas? Check the ideas I’ve been sharing! Or if you still need the retiring lists (and the sale details) you can find them here.
Happy Stamping!
To Order Stampin’ Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!
Subscribe to the comments for this postGoing, Going, Gone: Baroque Motifs
These last few days before May 31st, I’m sharing some of my favorite “going, going, gone” stamp sets. Hang in there — you have a few days left to order these, but after May 31, they’re, as we say, GONE!
One of my fav sets of all time is Baroque Motifs (see it online) and it’s easy to see why I love the set. Not only are the images timeless, but they’re also terrific for a variety of techniques, like the heat-emboss resist I shared here:
(click on the photos for the original posts)
It’s also a terrific set for Wedding Ideas (check other wedding ideas on my blog):
Looking for more Baroque Motif ideas? Here are a few on my blog.
Happy Stamping!
To Order Stampin’ Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!
Going, Going, Gone: You’re A Gem
Do you like to give little treats? The You’re A Gem stamp set (see it online) is my hands-down favorite for adding tags to little treats. And it’s going, going, soon-to-be gone on May 31st! The greetings are just perfect for the occasion when you just want to give something sweet, without making a big deal.
(click on the photos for the original posts):
Also retiring on this project are the Small Cello Bags (I’m going to miss them!):
(see them online – they’re even on sale!)
Looking for more You’re A Gem ideas? Here are some past projects on my blog.
Looking for more retiring stamp set ideas? Check the ideas I’ve been sharing! Or if you still need the retiring lists (and the sale details) you can find them here.
Happy Stamping!
To Order Stampin’ Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!
Going, Going, Gone: Sincere Salutations
These last few weeks I’ve been sharing some of my favorite “going, going, gone” stamp sets. You will have until May 31st to add these to your collection, and after that they’re officially retired.
Do you find yourself missing the style of greeting you need when you are ready to finish up a card? Sincere Salutations (see it online) is hands-down one of my favorite flexible greeting sets. Since there are two fonts on each stamp (one flourish-y and one blocky) the greetings match lots of different stamp styles.
Plus it has 8 different greetings that color all occasions — definitely helpful to have on hand.
More ideas? Here are some Sincere Salutations samples from my past blog posts.
Happy Stamping!
To Order Stampin’ Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!
Watercolor How-To: Magic Tips to Use
The most common thing I hear when I demonstrate watercoloring is that people can’t seem to make it look “right”. Guess what? There are some easy tricks that will make your watercolor look ‘right’ every time. Here’s a card that we made at stamp club last week, using the soon-to-be-retired Beary Best Friends stamp set (see it online).
Beary Best Friends and the matching Beary Nice Wishes set (see it online) will be available along with the rest of the Build-A-Bear Product Suite (see it online) but only until May 31st (learn about the retiring items & sale).
The bear is on the inside of the card — peeking through the window!
Tips to make your watercolor look fantastic:
- Use Stampin’ Up! Watercolor Paper for best effects. I know, it sounds like I just want you to buy paper from me… but I’ve tried other papers from big craft stores, and they just don’t work right. If you want to be successful, it’s important to start with good quality materials.
- Draw a small line with a Stampin’ Write Marker where you want color to be darkest.
- Use Aqua Painters to wet the line and move the color around on the paper – leave blank spots to get an authentic watercolor effect.
- Remember that you can always add more color, but it’s tricky to remove color if you start with too much.
- Outline with River Rock Stampin’ Write Marker & blend to finish. This will keep your image ‘anchored’ to the paper and add dimension to the background so that it doesn’t look flat.
Looking for more Build A Bear ideas? Here are several on my blog.
Or more watercoloring technique samples? Here you go! Or if you’re looking for ideas on Watercolor Wonder Crayons, here’s a how-to video tutorial from my blog.
Happy Watercoloring! (and stamping)
To Order Stampin’ Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE
Flower Fancy: Three Windows How-To
Only a couple of weeks left for the stamp sets on the retiring list! Both the sets on this fun card are retiring on May 31st – Oval All (see it online) and Flower Fancy (see it online).
Here’s a card that includes three windows and three techniques!
First — want to learn how to line up those three holes? It’s pretty easy, actually!
- Punch ‘placer’ circles from scratch paper.
- Adhere lightly on card front where holes are desired.
- Punch over the ‘placers’ so that holes will be exactly where you want them.
Second — love the doily on the inside of the card? It’s from the Flirtatious Designer Series Paper (see it online) which is on sale for 25% off while supplies last (or until May 31st). The paper includes 2 sheets of 12 doilies each. Use them all at once, or clip them apart to make them last longer.
Third — like the technique on the flowers? That’s pretty easy, too. Just ink the bold image stamp in Daffodil Delight ink first, then use Stampin’ Sponges to dab Pumpkin Pie and Melon Mambo onto the stamp before applying to your paper.
Looking for more retiring stamp set ideas? Be sure to check my blog!
And if you’re interested in the Flower Fancy stamp set, you’ll definitely want to see some of my favorite Flower Fancy ideas.
Happy Stamping!
To Order Stampin’ Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!
Orlando: Meet Stampin’ Up!
I’m still here! Yes, we did make it home from Orlando, and between the inspiration from the Stampin’ Up! trip and the fabulous fun at Disney and Legoland and Harry Potter World… well, I can hardly contain all the crafty ideas!
Here are a few more pictures from our trip, just to finish up the fun:
Happy Stamping!
To Order Stampin’ Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!
Walt Disney World: meet Stampin’ Up!
Each year Stampin’ Up! gives us a chance to earn a fabulous trip to somewhere in the world. Last year, we cruised to Alaska. A couple of years before that, we cruised the Mexican Riviera. Next year is Fiji!
In 10 years of being a Demonstrator, I’ve earned 10 trips. But out of all of them, I have no doubt that Disney World is the most “magical place on earth”.
Here are a few pictures from our first day:
Stampin’ Up! put us up at the Boardwalk Inn, a hotel themed on the era of seaside boardwalk fairs. The rooms are gorgeous and the Boardwalk with street entertainers and shops and restaurants is right out front!
Stampin’ Up! also treats us to pillow gifts during our stay, and the first arrived on arrival day: a Mickey bag filled with snacks! Perfect for a trip that includes kids (big & small 
The first morning we were up and getting ready to go at 5:30 am, which is 4:30 am at home. But really, you can tell we are all pretty excited to see the Magic Kingdom!
And decked out, too. Can you spot the hidden Mickeys in the room? (check the mirror frames!)
We had breakfast all together before heading over to the park. And while Disney is full of unexpected surprises and wonders, Stampin’ Up! still adds their touch! Here were the pennant centerpieces from the breakfast tables!
Our first view of Cinderella’s castle as we walk up Main Street before the park opens to the public (more Stampin’ Up! Magic):
So many fun rides and shows, but when you’re not big enough for a driver’s license, the Tomorrowland Speedway holds great appeal:
That evening Stampin’ Up! surprised us with another fun pillow gift: a set of insulated cups and a golf hat.
After a yummy dinner at Kouzzina’s (the restaurant of Cat Cora, the Food Network’s only female Iron Chef), we stopped on the boardwalk for a charicature.
And then bed! Fun days, with more adventures to come. Next stop: EPCOT!
Happy Stamping!
Meg
7th Annual Spring Into Stamping
In all the excitement over the Retiring Accessories lists this week, I haven’t had a chance to tell you about our 7th Annual Spring Into Stamping event this past weekend!
Spring Into Stamping is a huge demonstrator training day — full of swapping card ideas, fabulous Make N Takes, business tips, a Technique Fair and even a My Digital Studio class (taught by me!).
There was a terrific group of LovenStampfuls Demonstrators attending, from across at least 4 states. We had a great time catching up with friends, making new ones, and of course, STAMPING. We always have a great time together. I’ve made some of my very best friends through Stampin’ Up!, and I can’t imagine my life without them!
Here are a few pictures from our day:
If you’re at all interested in joining me next year, you’re welcome to come as my guest. Or consider becoming a new Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator! I’d love to have you join my stamping family, and you’ll be excited to hear that there is a GREAT change coming to the Demonstrator Starter Kit. Drop me an email if you’d like to learn more about those details.
Speaking of friends, we are getting ready to head off to Disney World, courtesy of Stampin’ Up!! It’s hard to tell who’s more excited at our house — the kids or the parents. Of course Disney is a HUGE factor in the anticipation, but we are all also looking forward to seeing friends from all over the country. Even my KIDS have terrific friends that they’ve made through Stampin’ Up!!
Okay, now to get packing 
Happy Stamping!
To Order Stampin’ Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!
