Stamp Journey

Pop-Up Tutorial: Meet Karen Buniston

The designer who created the Stampin' Up! pop up dies is Karen Buniston. Karen has graciously shared some templates and video tutuorials to take your use of the pop up dies up several notches.

The Pop-Up dies were introduced in the Spring Catalog, just a few weeks ago.

The Card Base Pop 'n Cuts die (#130099) is magnetic, so you can insert the magnetic Pop 'n Cuts Dress Form Die inside this base to cut a fun pop-up card. The base measures  4-1/4" x 11".

The Pop n'n Cuts Dress Form Die (#130100) is 3-1/4" x 4-5/16".

Then there's the All Dressed Up stamp set (Wood #129171; Clear #129174).

And you can easily cut out the stamped dress image from this set using the Dress Up Framelits Die (#130101). The largest design is 1-1/2" x 4-1/4" (3 dies).

The All Dressed Up stamp set and Framelits dies are available as a bundle for 15% off (#131095).

How do you use them? Here's a video done by the designer herself, Karen Buniston.

 

 

But that's not all! Karen also has this video, showing you how she created a "floating floor" for the pop-up card so she could attach items (like the hearts above) in front of the dress. When you're finished watching the video, click here to download the Floating Floor Template.

 

To order any of the Pop-Up items, go to my online ordering site. Don't forget it's Sale-A-Bration and you'll get a free gift with every $50 you spend.

Cheers,
Kathleen
678-467-1330
kathleen@stampjourney.com
www.stampjourney.com
www.kathleeninnes.stampinup.net

 

Door Busters Sale: Today Only!

Save big with three Doorbusters you won't want to miss!

 

DOORBUSTER #1

First, the most popular die-cutting machine ever made...the Big Shot Die-Cut Machine #113439.

Create the die cuts you've always wanted...with the ease of a Big Shot!

This great machine comes with Standard Cutting pads and Multipurpose Platform so you can get started right away.

Use for paper crafting, quilting, home décor.

Don't wait -- sale price ends at midnight Nov. 19.

 

DOORBUSTER #2

How does a Big Shot travel? Why, in a snappy doctor's bag, of course! Doctor's Bag #113474.

Room for your Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine, cutting pads, dies, embossing folders and more.

Keep your hands free for crafting on the go with the Doctor's Bag...especailly made for your Big Shot!

This deal ends at midnight tonight!

   

   

 DOORBUSTER #3

Add the Diagonal Plate* #125586 to your Simply Scored base for easy-as-pie diagonal scoring.

Create envelopes and boxes with ease.

Sit the Diagonal Plate* on top of your Simply Scored base to score any size card stock or paper up to 12 " x 12".

Instructions included.

*Requires the use of a Simply Scored tool, item #122334.

 

The Clock is Ticking!

Order by midnight tonight -- Monday, Nov. 19 -- for the Doorbuster Specials.

To order now, click here to go to my online store...or call or email me and I'll happily place the order for you.

 

But There's More...

Save 20%-50% on all kinds of papercrafting goodies with the Online Extravaganza through Nov. 28.

Click here to see all the savings.

Cheers,
Kathleen
678-467-1330
maccreative@me.com
www.stampjourney.com
www.kathleeninnes.stampinup.net

Wedding: Love & Laughter in White

Elegance made easy!

The stamp set is Love & Laughter (Wood #125475; Clear #125477).

This is an 8-piece set that makes it easy to create elegant and fresh engagement and wedding cards, gift tags, scrapbook pages, and placecards...all you need for that special day for that special bride and groom.

Love & Laughter is paired up with the Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder #120175 and Whisper White 5/8" Organza Ribbon #114319. You'll need a Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine to run the folder through and a Boho Blossoms punch #119858 for the flowers. Add the Basic Pearls Jewel Accents for the flower centers for that final sweet touch.

Colors are Whisper White and Basic Gray.

If your thoughts today are more holiday than wedding, make sure you are signed up for my 12 Weeks of Christmas newsletteer. The next installment comes out next Wednesday afternoon and features another holiday card project exclusively for my newsletter subscribers. Sign up now at the top left of this page.

Cheers,
Kathleen
678-467-1330
maccreative@me.com
www.stampjourney.com
www.kathleeninnes.stampinup.net

How to Save Paper Die-Cutting Autumn Accents Leaves

Today's cards come in two variations -- one is in portrait view and one is in landscape view. You might prefer to call it vertical or horizontal. Whatever you call it, I've used the amazing Autumn Accents Bigz Die to make leaves.

I just love cutting the leaves with my Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine, dry embossing them and then distressing the leaves. It's great therapy to crunch up the embossed paper leaves, fold them back out, dab with sponges and spray with the spritzer tool! Crunch, dab, spray...crunch, dab, spray...I could do it all day long. It just never gets old. LOL!

Stamps
Wonderfall stamp set (Wood #128084; Clear #128087; Digital #131218) in Holiday Mini
Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set (Wood #115370; Clear #127802; Digital #125766)

Paper
Portrait card: Glossy White, Old Olive, More Mustard, So Saffron, Pumpkin Pie
Landscape card: Whisper White, Early Espresso, More Mustard, So Saffron, Pumpkin Pie

Accessories
Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine #113439
Autumn Accents Bigz Die #127812
Woodgrain Embossing Folder #127821
Color Spritzer Tool #107066
Early Espresso Stampin' Write Marker #119680

Here's what the leaves start out as...

It's quite a transformation to those on the cards above, isn't it? Of course you can also die-cut the leaves after stamping them, and you can cut them out of any card stock, designer paper or fabric you like.

Save time by cutting several leaves at once with the Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine. To get the most leaves with the least wastage of paper, cut your paper to the following sizes:

Oak 2-1/2" x 4"
Maple 3-1/2" x 3-1/2"
Birch 2-1/2" x 2"
Ash 1-1/2" x 2-1/2"
Acorn 1-1/2" x 1-3/4"

I'm thinking of using my scrunched, dabbed and spritzed leaves on my Thanksgiving dinner place cards, and on a matching napkin ring. And some of them may just find a temporary home strewn on the table for instant décor.

What will you do with these Autumn Accent leaves? Leave a comment with your ideas!

Cheers,
Kathleen
678-467-1330
maccreative@me.com
www.stampjourney.com
www.kathleeninnes.stampinup.net

 

Card Ideas: Framelit Openings

We had such a good time at our Stamp Divas meeting last night! (My team meets to talk business, learn techniques, share ideas and create projects once a month -- just a perk of being in my downline.)

We did four projects based on the very first presentation last Saturday at the Chattanooga Regional meeting. Here's the original project:

The presentor ran the card base through the Big Shot with a Framelits die, added Designer Series paper behind the opening and used the cutout piece inside. She finished it with a tag to go on the front and embellished with a bow and brad.

So, using that card as a template, we did two cards and two mini cards.

This one uses the same Framelits die, but we used the card in a vertical format.

Stamps
Seasonal Sayings (Wood #128006 ; Clear #128009)

Ink
Cherry Cobbler

Paper
Naturals Ivory card stock
Be of Good Cheer DSP

Accessories
Big Shot
Labels Collection Framelits Dies #125598
Gumball Green Stitched Ribbon (free with the September "Back to Spool" promotion)
Dazzling Details

The next card is the same format but with a very different look...we've flipped it horizontally and used a different Framelits shape.

Stamps
Loving Thoughts (Wood #125843; Clear #125845)

Inks
Midnight Muse

Paper
Midnight Muse card stock
Comfort Café DSP #126898

Accessories
Big Shot
Floral Frames Framelits Dies #127012
Basics Glimmer Brad
Pool Party ribbon

Two quick 3" x 3" mini notes -- suitable as gift tags -- use the same idea, but we created the cutouts with punches instead of Framelits. Super quick!

The Designer Series paper is Fan Fair (#126918). The note on the left uses Teeny Tiny Wishes (Wood #115370; Clear #127802) and Clockworks (Wood #127290; Clear #127292) stamp sets. The one on the right uses Papillon Potpourri (Wood #123757; Clear #123759).

If you'd like to make some of these projects at your very own Stampin' Up! party, call or email me. I'm booking November dates now!

Cheers,
Kathleen
678-467-1330
maccreative@me.com
www.stampjourney.com
www.kathleeninnes.stampinup.net

 

Rhapsody in Blue

In honor of George Gershwin's birthday today, I thought I'd show you my favorite "Rhapsody in Blue."

This is a card by Mary Kay Molnar I recently received in a Holiday Wow Swap. It features a sparkly piece of handmade designer glitter paper that my photo just does not adquately capture...it's gorgeous!

Stamps
Snowflake Soiree (Wood #127922; Clear #127925; MDS Digital #129830)
Greetings of the Season (Wood #128030; Clear #128033)
More Merry Messages (Wood #126400; Clear #126402; MDS Digital #131316)

Ink
Marina Mist
Bashful Blue
Basic Gray
Versamark

Paper
Marina Mist
Bashful Blue
Whisper White
Silver Glimmer

Accessories & Tools
Heat tool
Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine
Northern Flurry Embossing Folder #120902
Snow Flurry Bigz Die #127813
Embossing Buddy
Silver Embossing Powder
Heat and Stick Powder
Dazzling Diamonds Glitter

I'll be detailing the instructions to make your own designer glitter paper in my upcoming 12 Weeks of Christmas series. Make sure you're signed up for my newsletter to get 12 weeks of holiday cards, gift items, tags and wrapping ideas. It starts next week!

Simply fill in your name and email address at the top left of this page to receive my gift to you of 12 weekly emails with fabulous ideas, step-by-step instructions, techniques and tips....as we move into the holiday season.

Cheers,
Kathleen
678-467-1330
maccreative@me.com
www.stampjourney.com
www.kathleeninnes.stampinup.net

Convention 2012: Legacy Hall

 

Be prepared to drool over Stampin' Up! products used in a home setting to create fabulous home décor. Look closely in the first picture at the chandalier -- it's made of paper! Click on each thumbnail to see a larger display.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

 If you dream of creating one-of-a-kind interiors, I'd love to chat with you about classes, custom design or the demonstrator opportunity. Give me a call!

Cheers,
Kathleen
678-467-1330
maccreative@me.com
www.stampjourney.com
www.kathleeninnes.stampinup.net

Mention Convention

Stampin' Up!'s annual Convention starts Wednesday in Salt Lake City. Don't you wish you were a demonstrator attending four days of demonstrations, classes, make 'n takes, and FUN????

You may not be in attendance, but stay tuned to this blog for the rest of the week...not only will I be reporting on the exciting Convention shenanigans in Utah, but I also will have a special sale running from Wednesday through Sunday. Make sure you're signed up for my newsletter so you get the special Convention Edition on Wednesday with the sale details. Sign up in the box at the top left of this page.

Some of the most fortunate people attending this year will receive a swap from my upline, Susan Barron. She's created these adorable 3" x 3" cards.

The saying is from one of my favorite new sets, World Treasures (Wood-mount #126765; Clear-mount #126767). Yes, it's the set with the fabulous peacock!

The secret to this perfectly-cut-out, framed saying is using the Apothecary Accents Framelits (#127003) with the Big Shot Die-Cut Machine (#113439). As you can see below, there are four die shapes.

Apothecary Accents Framelits set coordinates with the Layered Labels stamp set (Wood-mount #127070; Clear-mount #127072), along with your friend and mine -- World Treasures.

This tiny card packs a big wallop....lots of space inside to write a sweet note to a special friend.

Cheers,
Kathleen
678-467-1330
maccreative@me.com
www.stampjourney.com
www.kathleeninnes.stampinup.net

Heartfelt by Jini

My friend, Jini Merck, is a demonstrator in Clarkesville, GA. Jini brought this great card to swap at this week's demonstrator meeting.

Stamps
Layered Labels (Wood-mount #127070; Clear-mount #127072) 

Ink
Cajun Craze Classic Stampin' Pad
Midnight Muse Classic Stampin' Pad 

Paper
Comfort Café Designer Series Paper (#126898)
Cajun Craze card stock
Midnight Muse card stock

Accessories
Big Shot Die-Cut Machine (#113439)
Apothecary Accents Framelits (#127003)
Square Lattice Folder (#119976)
Postage Stamp Punch (#122344)

Isn't this a terrific card? It looks complicated, but the Postage Stamp punch makes cutting out the squares of Designer Series Paper sooooo easy!

This would a wonderful card for a quilter...or anyone in your life who deserves a special card.

Cheers,
Kathleen
678-467-1330
maccreative@me.com
www.stampjourney.com
www.kathleeninnes.stampinup.net

Big Shot Die-Cut Machine: Let's Fly A Kite

Step outside of cardmaking and scrapbooking with this cheery 3-D birthday bag.

Stamps
Bring On The Cake Stamp Set (Wood #121899; Clear #121958; MDS #124015)

Paper
Baja Breeze Card Stock
Cajun Craze Card Stock
More Mustard Card Stock
Pear Pizzazz Card Stock
Very Vanilla Card Stock

Ink
Baja Breeze Classic Stampin' Pad
Cajun Craze Classic Stampin Pad
More Mustard Classic Stampin' Pad
Pear Pizzazz Classic Stampin Pad
Jet Black StāzOn Pad

Accessories
Aqua Painter (#103954)
Big Shot Die-Cut Machine (#113439)
Natural Hemp Twine
Houndstooth Textured Impressions Embossing Folder Die (#123134)
Designer Buttons - Neutrals Collection
Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Embossing Folder Die (#117335)
Petite Pennants Builder Punch (#122361)
Stripes Textured Impressions Embossing Folder Die (#123128)
Stampin' Dimensionals

This is a cute project I like to demonstrate at Stampin' Up! parties. I'd love to demonstrate it at YOUR party. Call me today to pick a date to gather your friends for a fun, creative time.

Host a $450 party in July to enjoy an extra $50 in free hostess dollars to spend on any products you like. See the details here, then call me to pick YOUR date. Let's party!

Cheers,
Kathleen
678-467-1330
maccreative@me.com

Reason To Smile

Spend $50 on any current Stampin' Up! products to get the exclusive Reason to Smile Set for just $5.

The Reason to Smile Set is exclusive to this promotion and will not be available after July 31, 2012.

Reason to Smile Wood-Mount Set #130826 $20.95
To get it for $5, enter #131274 when your shopping cart reaches $50

Reason to Smile Clear-Mount Set #130828 $16.95
To get it for $5, enter #131275 when your shopping cart reaches $50

Look what you can do with this set...

Stamps
Reason to Smile Stamp Set
Curly Cute Stamp Set

Paper
Calypso Coral card stock
Pool Party card stock
Very Vanilla card stock

Ink
Calypso Coral Classic Stampin' Pad
Early Espresso Classic Stampin' Pad
Pool Party Classic Stampin' Pad
Tangerine Tango Classic Stampin’ Pads

Accessories
Linen Thread
Scallop Edge Punch
Big Shot Die-Cut Machine
Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Embossing Folder

Stamps
Reason to Smile Stamp Set
Teeny Tiny Wishes Stamp Set

Paper
Pool Party card stock
Watercolor Paper

Ink
Calypso Coral Classic Stampin' Pad
Certainly Celery Classic Stampin' Pad
Early Espresso Classic Stampin' Pad
Old Olive Classic Stampin' Pad
Pumpkin Pie Classic Stampin’ Pads

Accessories
Calypso Coral 3/8" Ruffled Ribbon
Linen Thread
Basic Rhinestone Jewels
Stampin’ Dimensionals
1/16" Circle Punch
Big Shot Die-Cut Machine
Mini Milk Carton Bigz™ L Die

Ready to order? Place your order of $50 or more here and remember to include your $5 Reason to Smile set!

Cheers,
Kathleen
678-467-1330
maccreative@me.com

Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine: Happy Birthday

Sometimes all you need is a frame to make a beautiful sentiment really stand out. This one was made using the Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine and the Labels Collection Framelits Dies. Add stitching for extra sizzle and pop.

Stamps
Fabulous Florets Stamp Set (Wood #123025; Clear #123027; MDS #124110)

Paper
Tangerine Tango Card Stock
Whisper White Card Stock
Fan Fair Designer Series Paper #126918

Ink
Island Indigo Classic Stampin' Pad
Lucky Limeade Classic Stampin' Pad
Rich Razzleberry Classic Stampin' Pad
Stampin Write Markers - Brights Collection

Accessories
Stampin' Dimensionals
Big Shot Die-Cut Machine
Beautiful Wings Stampin' Up! Embosslits Die
Labels Collection Framelits Dies

This is one of the stamp sets you could choose with our $99 Joining special. You choose the products you want for your own Starter Kit.

• Your choice of up to $125 worth of any current Stampin' Up! products
• A business supply pack valued at $65

That's a total value of $190!

Plus, during June, you’ll get even more FREE products when you join my Stampin’ Up! team, including select products from the brand-new Patio Party Suite valued up to $48.85.

Don't delay -- it's nearly the end of the month! See all the details here.

Cheers,
Kathleen
678-467-1330
maccreative@me.com

Hot Weather Solution

Baby, it is HOT outside!

How hot is it? Check out this scene...

With record-breaking temperatures in Atlanta -- a high of 106, yikes! -- I'm looking for any way to stay cool.

So my mind, naturally, turns to Christmas.

This Christmas card leads me to thoughts of chilly nights, candy canes and snowflakes. I feel so much cooler already!

Featuring the Come to Bethlehem stamp set, this traditionally-themed card is in non-traditional colors. Don't you love how the red makes it pop? Notice too the addition of the Vintage Faceted Designer Button and a gold Basic Glimmer Brad.

Stamps
Come To Bethlehem Stamp Set (Wood #118732; Clear #120591, MDS #123963)
Bells & Boughs Stamp Set (Wood #120831; Clear #121742)

Paper
Very Vanilla card stock  
Patio Party Designer Series Paper (#126916)

Ink
Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad
Early Espresso Classic Stampin' Pad
Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad

Accessories   
5/8 Inch Crochet Trim Victoria
Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine   
Basics Glimmer Brads   
Vintage Faceted Designer Buttons (#127555)
Stampin' Dimensionals
Big Shot Die-Cut Machine (#113439)
Apothecary Accents Framelits Dies (#127003)
Paper Doily Sizzlits Die (#125592; MDS#129365)

So come on -- stay cool. Start those holiday cards now. Place an order here at my website, or call or email me and I'll place the order for you.

Cheers,
Kathleen
678-467-1330
maccreative@me.com

Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine: Easy Rosettes

Have you ever attempted to cut, score and assemble a rosette by hand?

Yeah...endless scoring, cramped fingers and an hour or two I'll never get back.

Enter Stampin' Up!s Designer Rosette Bigz XL die (#125594) for the Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine. Now we have an easy and guaranteed-to-work tool for producing gorgeous rosettes!

This die and your Big Shot do the cutting and scoring for you. The Designer Rosette die features two different edges so you can create rosettes your way. The spacing between each fold is 1/2" and you can cut rosettes up to 10" in diameter.

Here's a video showing you just how fast and easy it is.

Order your Designer Rosette die here...and don't forget you'll need the extended Premium Crease Pad (#117630) and Extended Cutting Pads (#113478) for the Designer Rosette die. Then you're on your way to rosette heaven!

Cheers,
Kathleen
678-467-1330
maccreative@me.com

Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine: A Love Story

Butterflies, rosettes and doilies combine for a charming framed collage. Who needs a photograph when color-coordinated art is so easy to create with Stampin' Up! products?

Rosettes are quick and easy with the Simply Scored tool, but it's the Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine that is the star of this project, making cutting out doilies, flowers and butterflies a breeze.

Keep reading...I've got a little gift for you today.

Stamps

One In A Million Stamp Set

One In A Million (Wood #126380; Clear #126382)
Postage Due (Wood #126395; Clear #126397; MDS #127201) 
Travel Journal Stampin' Around Builder Wheel (#126937)

Paper
Riding Hood Red card stock   
Very Vanilla card stock   
Fan Fair Designer Series Paper (#126918; MDS #127200)

Ink
Basic Gray Classic Stampin' Pad
Island Indigo Classic Stampin' Pad    
More Mustard Classic Stampin' Pad
Riding Hood Red Classic Stampin' Pad
Pink Pirouette Classic Stampin Ink Refill

Accessories
Vintage Faceted Designer Buttons (#127555)
Linen Thread
Basic Rhinestones Jewel Accents (#119246; MDS #124330)
Paper Daisies Accents (#119243; MDS #121432)
Stampin' Dimensionals
Postage Stamp Punch (#122344)
1-3/8 Inch Circle Punch (#119860)
Big Shot Die-Cut Machine (#113439)
Beautiful Butterflies Stampin' Up! Bigz Die (#114507)
Apothecary Accents Framelits Dies (#127003)
Delicate Doilies Sizzlits Die (#126999)
Simply Scored (#122334)

The pretty Designer Series Paper is the Fan Fair collection, a set of 12 sheets, 12" x 12". The coordinating colors are Basic Gray, Crumb Cake, Island Indigo, More Mustard, Pink Pirouette, Riding Hood Red, and Very Vanilla.

I have a listing for you of all the Designer Series Papers and their coordinating colors...just click here to download the pdf.

Cheers,
Kathleen
678-467-1330
maccreative@me.com

World Treasures: Internatonal Bazaar Peacock

I just cannot leave this peacock alone!

Tomorrow --I promise -- something different.

This card started out with the peacock from World Treasures (Wood #126765; Clear #126767) embossed in silver on a piece of Midnight Muse card stock. I used an Aqua Painter filled with bleach to paint in the area around the peacock's body. I just love the way the Midnight Muse bleaches out to shades of yellow and green.

A couple of tips when working with bleach...First, make sure the bleach is fresh. There's a reason that bleach comes in light-proof containers--it loses its strength in the light. The barrel of the aqua painter is transparent, so the bleach is exposed to light and just wimps out after a day or so.

Second, reserve one Aqua Painter just for bleach use. You could wrap electrical tape around the barrel to lengthen the time the bleach is active.

I used the Labels Framelits to cut both shapes and the Fancy Fan Embossing Folder on the larger one.

It's  the first time I've used the new Essentials Paper-Piercing Pack (#126187) consisting of three unique 6 x 6 templates that coordinate with punches, Edgelits and Framelits.

It was a breeze to get the three brads lined up perfectly evenly with this template.

The other two templates have even more fun shapes on them:

Stamps
World Treasures (Wood #126765; Clear #126767)

Ink
Versamark

Paper
Midnight Muse CS
Lucky Limeade CS
Chocolate Chip CS
International Bazaar DSP

Accessories
Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine (#113439)
Fancy Fan Embossing Folder (#127751)
Labels Collection Framelits (#125598)
Midnight Muse Ribbon
Silver Embossing Powder
Heat Gun
Essentials Paper-Piercing Pack (#126187)
Silver brads
Dimensionals

You can order anytime online at my website, or email or call me with your order.

Cheers,
Kathleen
678-467-1330
maccreative@me.com

World Treasures: White Peacock

This peacock from the World Treasures stamp set is very special to me.

I am a member of the Periwinkle Peacocks...a group of nine women who travel twice a year for extended weekends, camp in the summer, celebrate the holidays, and attend an annual scrapping/cardmaking retreat each spring. These are the friends I can call in the middle of the night for well, anything! We've been together 20 years.

In those years, we've laughed, loved and supported each other...we've helped each other through weddings, divorces, births, graduations, illness, tragedy and joy. Also through those years we've delighted in finding peacock jewelry, figurines, pictures and of course, stamps.

This stamp set was the first one I pulled out to play with when my new catalog stuff arrived this week. I'm in peacock heaven!

Stamps
World Treasures Stamp Set (Wood #126765; Clear #126767)

Paper
Baja Breeze CS
Whisper White CS
Midnight Muse CS

Ink
Midnight Muse Classic stamp pad
Versamark (or White Craft stamp pad)

Accessories
Whisper White 5/8" Organza Ribbon (#114319)
Basic Pearls Jewel Accents (#119247)
White Stampin' Emboss Powder (#109132)
Heat Tool (#129053)
Scallop Trim Corner Punch (#118870)
Dimensionals
Big Shot Die-Cut Machine (#113439)
Fancy Fan Embossing Folder (#127751)
Apothocary Accents Framelit Dies (#127003)

I do have a confession to make...I hand cut the framed saying before I realized I had the framelit to cut it out. I was that excited to get crafting with the World Treasures stamp set, I didn't finish unpacking the shipping box. Sheesh!

Cheers,
Kathleen
678-467-1330
maccreative@me.com

Celebrate the New Catalog!

Oh, my -- I'm just downright giddy! Who cares about champagne and singing Auld Lang Syne???? THIS is MY "New Year's!"

So there I was at noon placing my first Stampin' Up! order of the new stampin' year. Have you seen the cool new punches? Embossing folders for your Big Shot? And, for those of you who know me well, there is a stamp set called World Treasures with a gorgeous peacock. It was the first stamp I ordered today.

I also spent time this afternoon talking with several of YOU about your choices for this first day of our stampin' year. Although the customers who ordered today have shown quite a diversity in stamp set choices, early favorites seem to be Daydream Medallions on page 117 (Wood 126465; Clear 126467) and Papaya Collage on page 75 (Wood 126610; Clear 126612).

As for Designer Series Paper, the new Natural Composition Specialty paper appears to be an instant hit (page 162, item 126917). In accessories, the In Color Dahlias on page 175 (item 127556) was on nearly every order I took today!

I'll be glad to place your order any time. Just email or call me to get your hands on the yummy new stuff.

My customers received a complimentary catalog from me earlier this week, as my customers always do. I'd LOVE to send you a catalog if you don't yet have one....FREE. Simply send me an email and include your full name, mailing address and phone number. I'll happily ship off a catalog to you by Priority Post so you can drool along with the rest of us!

Meantime, you can find the online catalog posted here at my website.

Cheers,
Kathleen

maccreative@me.com • 678-467-1330

Valentine's Day: It's A-Maze-ing!

Shelli Gardner, Stampin' Up!'s founder, is a favorite presentor at demonstrator events.
At the Leadership Conference in San Antonio, she told us she was working on a Valentine treat bag for the kids in the Gardner family.

Shelli has now shared her completed Girl and Boy bags on her So Shelli blog.

This is such a special gift for children and grandchildren, complete with chocolate kisses and their very own A-Maze-ing Game.

Totally A-Maze-ing Stamp Set

The Totally A-Maze-ing stamp set is available in Wood (#125505) or Clear (#125507) and perfectly fits our 2-1/2" Circle punch (#120906).

 

Maze Game (set of 4)

The Maze Game (#124332) comes in a package of four for a very reasonable $2.50.

To order your A-Maze-ing supplies, go to my website now...or email or phone me to place an order. Remember that it is Sale-A-Bration, so you will receive an exclusive stamping gift with every $50 you order (before tax and shipping).

C'mon and Sale-A-Brate!

Cheers,
Kathleen

Kathleen Innes, Stampin' Up! Demonstrator
678-467-1330 • maccreative@me.com

Big Shot Die "Blossom Box"

The 2011/2012 Stampin' Up! catalog has a new Big Shot die that is bloomin' beautiful! 

You can easily create party favors and one-of-a-kind gift boxes with the new Blossom Box die. The sample here would make a lovely thank you for a friend's kindess.

Stamps

• Kindness Matters (122900 Wood; 122867 Clear)

Paper

• Crumb Cake CS
• Lucky Limeade CS
• Melon Mambo CS
• Whisper White CS
• Lucky Limeade Textured CS

Ink

• Lucky Limeade Classic
• Melon Mambo Classic
• Versamark pad

Accessories

• Linen Thread
• Pearl Basic Jewels
• Extra-large Tag punch
• Fancy Flower punch
• 1/16" Circle punch
• Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine
• Blossom Box Bigz Die

Want to see what other great new tools are in the new catalog? Call or email me with your full name, email address, phone number and mailing address. I'll be glad to send you a FREE catalog...yep, free! I'll even pay the postage. :-)

We're Having A Baby!

My daughter Katelyn's due date was September 8th, but her water broke late Tuesday night and she is in a labor room in Washington, D.C. at this moment.

I'm leaving my house in an hour to get on the first plane out of Atlanta to D.C. I should be at the hospital by 9 a.m.

We know the baby is a girl...and just like her mama, clearly she's an impatient one!

Oh, my gosh! We're having a baby!

I'm so excited I can't think straight. So...this means that my Holiday Class Schedule will NOT debut at noon today as planned. I will get it published this week, so please check back.

Meantime...

Let the pink begin!!!

Convention 2010: 3Ds (Dreamy, Darling & Delightful)

One of the samples posted in Stampin' Up!'s Convention display section was this sweet, vintage scrapbook. (My apologies to the demonstrators who created the projects featured today for not being able to share their names. If you are one of these talented artisans, I'll be happy to add credits.)

Isn't this a wonderful example of a nostalgic and romantic treatment?

Your eyes are not deceiving you...some of the sections are upside down or sideways, as this is a fold-out scrapbook.

Here's a closeup of the cake in the center. Just beautiful work!

What a fabulous 3D item within a 3D project.

Here are some of my favorite 3D items: I loved this box...

And the platter sitting behind it.

I could certainly find the perfect spot for this decorated lamp at my house.

Here's a closeup of the decorative treatment.

Abigail, wherever you are, you are a fortunate girl to receive this charming quilted project...gotta love that Big Shot die cutting machine!

 

And last one for today...a pillow. Too fun!

Can you tell that several of the projects used Big Shot dies? I'm offering Big Shot classes in my Holiday Class Schedule so you can easily create wonderful handmade items of your very own for gift-giving.

The Holiday Class Schedule will be released at noon on Wednesday, August 11th right here on Stamp Journey...so make a note to c'mon back and check it out.

Plan to register Wednesday if you can -- holiday classes fill quickly!

Big Shot Die Cut Machine: Sweet Hearts

Did you know you could create a 3D heart from Stampin' Up!'s Petal Die?

Start by die cutting a petal using the Big Shot die cut machine. Crease two adjacent tabs as shown above.

Turn the petal over and place sticky strip on the two tabs.

Stamp a greeting as shown and punch out a heart from designer paper. I used Real Red ink for the stamping and the so sparkly paper is from the Sending Love Specialty paper in the Occasions mini catalog (item #117153). I attached the heart with a dimensional to lift it off the piece. The greeting is in the Holiday Best hostess stamp set you can earn free when you host a Stampin' Up! party. Give me a call to find out how easy it is to be a hostess!

Strip off the red liner and fold back the two bottom tabs along the crease line. Position the heart on a base measuring 5-1/2" x 4-14" inches.

I punched the base using the new Pinking Hearts Border punch before I placed the heart on it. The heart tag was made by printing onto Very Vanilla card stock and punching out with the Heart punch.

Here's a view from the side. You can see how the box is formed by sticking down the tabs.

I filled the heart with treats, then slipped it into one of our Medium Flat Cellophane bags. A little SNAIL adhesive on the back closes the bag.

 
The finished bag. Now I only have 21 to go! LOL!

I made these treats for my daughter Mikelle's Kindergarten class. Mikelle is a gifted teacher who teaches in Athens, GA.

Teaching runs in the family -- two of my daughters are teachers and I love teaching paper arts! Check out my class schedule here.

Sale-A-Bratin'

Oh, what fun we had on Saturday at Joy's workshop!

The girls loved the new Clear Mount stamp sets and all our new great punches.

Here are the projects.

Lots of 3D items...you know they're my favorite.

Joy was especially excited about the adorable birdhouse.

Both the milk carton and birdhouse use the new Mini Milk Carton Bigz die from Stampin' Up! This die is item #117310 and can be found on page 23 of the Occasions mini catalog.

The milk carton (above left) was made in Old Olive and the stamp set is one of the Sale-A-Bration stamp sets, Good Neighbors. You can earn that stamp set FREE with just a $50 order. Gotta love Sale-A-Bration time!

The birdhouse base is made from Close to Cocoa card stock and the roof is Pretty in Pink. We used three different punches:

• Pinking Hearts Border punch, #117649
  Occasions mini catalog, pg. 10
• 1-3/8 Circle punch, #104401
  Catalog, pg. 186
• Extra Large Two-Step Bird punch, #117191
  Occasions mini catalog, pg. 10

We also used the Perfect Details Texture Plate (#115962) on the birdhouse roof. A little sponging with Pretty in Pink ink really popped the tile look.

I'll post details on the other projects this week.

Call or email me today to choose your Sale-A-Bration party or private class date...but hurry! Limited dates are still open in late February and March. Earn special Sale-A-Bration benefits on top of our alreadygenerous hostess rewards. I'd love to present special projects to your friends and family and help you earn FREE products of your own!

Big Shot Die Cut Machine: Die Sale

Add to your die collection or start off a new collection with a new Big Shot and add dies and vinyl sheets at a great price!

This sale runs through December 22 but if you want it before Christmas order by December 15th to ensure delivery.

Save up to 25% on select dies & vinyl sheets for your Big Shot machine!

View the sale here and place orders here. Click on a picture below to see a larger image.

Pick out your favs and send me a list -- then tell your panicky husband just to call me and I'll take care of his Christmas gift to you, complete with gift wrapping!

Big Shot: Flower Folds Die

The founder and CEO of Stampin' Up! is a skilled crafter. Shelli Gardner loves to demonstrate creative projects at company events and she does it in great style.

One of the projects Shelli demonstrated at our annual Convention was so popular that she posted directions on her blog.

The flower brooch uses the Flower Folds die with the Big Shot die-cutting machine.

For step-by-step instructions, go to Shelli's Flower Folds blog post.

Wouldn't these make great gifts for Christmas? Imagine these pins in holiday fabrics! They'd make too cute hairbows...or how about as a very special package decoration?

The Flower Folds die is item #115970 and this die is a Stampin' Up! exclusive. To order it now, go to my website and click on Shop Now.

 

Thanksgiving Treat Box Tutorial

 

Not going to be at your own home for Thanksgiving? Take along this treat box as a gift for your dinner hosts.

Or make several and have them as take-away favors for YOUR Thanksgiving dinner guests.

In Pumpkin Pie, Chocolate Chip and Old Olive, this treat box has its own handle and can hold anything from chocolate to socks.

 

Supplies List

- 8-1/2" x 11" cardstock, decorated
- Two eyelets
- Narrow ribbon
- Top Note diecut & Big Shot machine
- Sticky strip
- Build-A-Brad
- Designer paper

I have a full step-by-step tutorial with photos here.

This has been such a popular project in my classes and clubs this month. If you'd like to learn more about my stamping, scrapbooking or 3-D clubs give me a call at 678-467-1330, email maccreative@me.com or click here for details.

Friday the 13th List

Andrea became a fan of the Stamp-a-ma-jig at last weekend's workshop and asked me to name my favorite paper-crafting tools. It was easy for me!

My Top 13 Stampin' Tools

1. Stamp-a-ma-jig
2. Big Shot Die Machine
3. Daubers
4. Table-Top Paper Cutter
5. My Digital Studio software
6. Dimensionals
7. Spritzer Tool
8. Craft & Paper Scissors
9. Scallop Circle punch
10. Top Note die
11. Aqua painter
12. Crystal Effects
13. Heat gun

What are your favorite Stampin' Up! tools? Why?

Nominate your favs by leaving a comment on this post.

Big Shot Hero

Every year, Stampin' Up! invites demonstrators to send in a video commercial to be featured at our annual convention. Below is the winning entry for 2009. Congratulations to Stampin' Up! demonstrator Linda Heller and her team!

Make sure you watch all the way to the credits for an extra giggle.

Just For You

Here's a cute card using one of Stampin' Up!'s new Big Shot dies, the Lattice Bigz die (item #115958).

 

This next card also uses the Big Shot, but only for the textured background. The snowflakes are punchouts from our new Jumbo Snowflake punch. (Item #116628)

 

And here's another creative use of dies and punches...the Top Note die, Scallop Circle and Boho Blossoms punches.

 

As the owl above says, "You've got a friend in me!" I'd like to be your upline friend, too.

Stampin' Up! is running a signup special for new demonstrators this month and I'd love to chat with you about it. If you'd like to receive a small packet of information about working for yourself in a job you love, email or call me. Join my team!

Deal of the Week: Bag This Bag

Big Shot Bag

 

Regular Price: $69.95

This Week Only: $49.99

 

Item #113474 

Save $19.96! 

This offer is only good starting today through Monday, July 13th at 9:50 a.m. Hurry -- order now at my website.

You've got the Big Shot, now get the too-cute bag to go with it! Email me if you have questions.

The Catalog Is Live!

It may be the middle of the year for mere mortals, but for those of us who love Stampin' Up! products it's a new year.

Click on the catalog photo and then on Products-->Catalogs to download the new 2009/2010 Catalog. Or just click on the photo and choose Shop Now to start browsing online.

If you have a Big Shot (or other die-cutting machine) make sure you check out the Deal of the Week and the new die cuts. Oooh, aaah!

Meanwhile, I'm working on the finishing touches of my Stamp Journey newsletter, which will be sent out later today and updating my website and blog.

If you have any questions about any of the new products, give me a call at 678-467-1330.

I just love New Year's Day!

One More Purse

Can a girl ever have too many purses? I think not!

This mini purse is made using the Top Note die – surely it's Stampin' Up!'s top-selling die for the Big Shot.

 

                           
                                
                                  
                                    
                             

There are so many ways to use the Top Note die. If you need more ideas, check out my class schedule for my Big Shot classes.

A Tisket, A Tasket

What the heck is a Tasket, anyway?

This was my swap for our monthly demonstrator meeting.

 

Ingredients Used

Box #2 XL die
Big Shot die cut machine
Large oval punch
So Saffron card stock
Sunshine Garden Simply Scrappin' Kit
White gel pen
Sticky Strip, Dimensionals, SNAIL adhesive

This is one of the projects in my Big Shot class – $25 class fee or FREE when you buy a Big Shot from me. Check my class schedule here. Love to see you there!

Happiness is…

…a Big Shot, a stamp set and some stolen moments to stamp.

This is a design my upline, Susan Barron, featured at her recent Big Shot class.

Stamps
Heard from the Heart (item #111644)

Paper
Ballet Blue, Kiwi Kiss, Pink Pirouette, Pink Passion, Whisper White

Ink
Ballet Blue

Accessories
Big Shot die-cut machine
Birds & Blooms Sizzlits die pack (a Stampin' Up! exclusive)
Dimensionals

Happiness is also getting free stamps, and you've got until 10 p.m. EST Thursday to qualify for yours!

Order $40 of product from the Occasions mini catalog and you may choose any product on page 208 of the Spring/Summer catalog – FREE.

Email or call me before 10 p.m. or go directly to my website and click on the Shop Now button. The clock is ticking!

Tango Trio

Tangerine Tango, Riding Hood Red and Whisper White make a terrific trio.

Paper
Tangerine Tango, Riding Hood Red, Whisper White

Ink
Tangerine Tango, Riding Hood Red

Stamps
Upsy Daisy, Curly Label

Accessories
Curly Label Punch Bundle
Top Note die
Big Shot die-cut machine
Dimensionals

And here's another trio…three affordable installments pays for your Starter Kit. Make extra money while doing something you love…but you need to act soon. This option is only available through April 30, 2009. That's this Thursday!

Make one easy payment today and two subsequent monthly payments will take care of the rest. Call me for information -- joining my team is the first step to being your own boss!

Top Treats

Need a quick end-of-the-year party treat or small thank you gift?

These Top Note packets are quick and  cute.

Cut two Top Note die shapes out of card stock. Attach them together and fold the bottom one up over the front.

Cut one Top Note die shape out of designer paper and cut all the way around on the perforated line. Attach this piece to the top front of the card stock pieces.

The top piece of ribbon at left covers the "seam" where the two shapes meet. The bottom piece is purely decorative. 

Decorate the front, add some licorice and a pencil – or the treats you prefer – and you have a quick gift packet.

The finished packet is wide enough to hold a small notebook, sticky notes or calendar.

Don't have a Big Shot machine or the Top Note die yet? Drop some hints to your family that this would make a great Mother's Day gift and all they have to do is to call me at 678-467-1330. Every Big Shot purchase entitles you to a free Big Shot class!

Scalloped Quad Box

Mmmm….what do you get when you combine a Bigz die, a Sizzlits die and an Embosslits die?

A sweet box!

Start by cutting six Scallop Envelopes out of Riding Hood Red card stock, two Little Leaves from Kiwi Kiss card stock, and three Flower Burst pieces from Candy Lane Designer Series paper.

Sand the Flower Burst pieces using a sanding block (item #103301) and brush on ink using a sponge dauber (item #102892). Put the scallop envelopes together and tie ribbon around the perimeter. The ribbon used here is the 1 1/4" striped ribbon from the Simply Sent Card Elements kit called 2U (item #114579).

Add the leaves with SNAIL adhesive, then the Flower Burst pieces with a combination of SNAIL and dimensionals.

This project is one of three projects my 3D clubs will complete at our May meetings. I'd love to have you join us as a guest. Pick one of the meeting times below and click on the PayPal button to reserve your spot!

______________________________________

Monday, May 11 from 1:30-3:30 pm
Guest Fee is $15 ($5 rebate with a $30 order)

______________________________________

Thursday, May 14 from 6:30-8:30 pm
Guest Fee is $15 ($5 rebate with a $30 order)

______________________________________

Classes meet in Duluth, GA, near I-85 and Hwy 120. All supplies except SNAIL adhesive are provided.

Flowers for Mama

Demonstrator Lorraine Day has been having a good time with her Big Shot…and with the Eyelet punch.

We've all got Big Shot fever, so if you haven't yet been "infected," well why the heck not? LOL!

Order a Big Shot from me before May 31st and attend one of my Big Shot ABCs classes – FREE!

I'll post details next week on the classes, or you could check it out on my class calendar.

Bend Me, Shape Me

Mary Robinette is clearly feeling summery with this bright and perky card.

Mary did something unusual in the construction of this Mother's Day card. She bent the top die-cut flower over the top of the front and attached it to the piece underneath, forming a hinge. Clear as mud? Here's a photo:

Mary is certainly using her Big Shot die-cut machine to full advantage. Want to get in on the Big Shot craze? Sign up for one of my Big Shot classes.

For the Mom Who Has Everything

Fellow demonstrator Yvonne Brannen makes the most lovely 3D items and I'm always delighted to receive one of her swap items at our group meetings.

Yvonne used the Top Note die, some designer series paper, a little ribbon and a half pearl to make this charmer.

 

Yvonne's purse opens to reveal…

How cute is that?

One of the big benefits of being on my demonstrator team is swapping at our monthly meetings so you always have fresh samples, plus the great projects we do as make 'n takes. I'd love to talk with you about becoming a Stampin' Up! demonstrator. Call me at 678-467-1330 to arrange a time for us to chat!

"Parkly" Mother's Day

When my daughters were little, they would have described today's sample card as "parkly." This became the word in our house used to describe anything shiny, glittery or sparkly.

 

Debbie Elliott, the creator of this card, may not know her card is "parkly," but she certainly knows how to use glitter in the center and on the edges of the raised flower element to great effect. I also love how Debbie used a mixture of flat, stamped images and die-cut, raised images. Of course she used a Big Shot for her die-cut pieces.

If you'd like to learn the basics of using a Big Shot die-cut machine, plan to come to my "ABCs of the Big Shot" class on Thursday, April 23rd. The registration deadline is approaching, so click the Buy Now button to sign up today.

 

Hope to see you on the 23rd!

Magic Pop Up Ball

The pop up dies from Sizzix are causing all kinds of excitement! Bringing the third dimension into your projects is easy using the Big Shot die cut machine. Wondering what all the fuss is about? Click here to view a short video on the new Pop Up Ball die.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Want to be the first on your block to have this new die? Order the Pop Up Die (item #116759) at my website right now!

Don't forget to order the extended cutting pads (#113478) – you'll need these to use the pop up die.

Roses Are Red…

My newest favorite toy is the Big Shot die-cut machine. I’m amazed at how easy it is to use and how much I’m using it. I just can’t get enough playtime in the studio to satisfy my die-cut yen!

I have two other die-cut machines collecting dust on a shelf. It’s not that they are bad machines, just that I could not take enough time to learn how to use them effectively…reading through manuals, looking up directions, and trying to keep track of a bewildering pile of mats, plates and shims.

Came across a comparison article today at www.craftcritique.com that really caught my attention. It mirrors my own experience with die-cut machines. You can read the article here.

This is the perfect time to order a Big Shot. Buy the starter kit with a crease pad and you’ll earn two Sale-A-Bration products of your choice…FREE. Add some dies to earn a third free Sale-A-Bration product, an exclusive hostess stamp set and $15 in any product in the current catalog. Tell someone you love – or better yet, whisper sexily – that candy is dandy but the Big Shot is “da bomb.”

Order now by going to my website and clicking on the Shop Now button, or have your special someone call me at 678-467-1330 to order. I’ll even supply the Valentine’s Day card!

You're Gonna Cut What?

From beeswax to fabric, leather to terry cloth...the list of materials you can cut using the Big Shot die cut machine is longer than Santa's gift list!

Here's the updated list of Big Shot suggested materials. Have you discovered others? Leave a comment about your experience cutting with the Big Shot.

Call or email me today to order a Big Shot of your very own...or to find out how Stampin' Up!'s exclusive dies fit in the die cut machine you already own!

• Thick corkboard
• Thick chipboard (59 mil)
• Colored magnet
• Ruffle board
• Paper wood
• Balsa wood (3/32")
• Bass wood (1/16")
• Metal mesh
• Aluminum (.016)
• Tin (.008)
• Adhesive and non-adhesive mat board
• Drawer liner
• Shelf liner
• Vinyl
• Static cling vinyl
• Shrink film
• Fine sandpaper
• Clear acetate (20 mil)
• Vellum
• Card stock
• Patterned paper
• Flocked paper
• Contact paper
• Textured paper
• Metallic paper
• Linen paper
• Suede paper
• Embossed metallic paper
• Basketball embossed paper
• Faux alligator textured paper
• Self-adhesive glitter paper
• Fabric
• Canvas
• Iron-on fabric
• Soft plush fabric
• Burlap
• Velvet
• Corduroy
• Lace
• Heavyweight denim
• Terry cloth
• Funky fur 
• Thin leather
• Quilt batting
• Warm & natural batting
• Fusible fleece
• Self-adhesive craft metal
• Self-adhesive cork
• Self-adhesive foam
• Self-adhesive magnet
• Self-adhesive felt
• Adhesive and non-adhesive rubber
• Pop up sponge
• Poly foam
• 100% pure beeswax (cut with parchment paper on top & bottom of beeswax.)

Die Cuttin'

The Big Shot die cut machine may just be my favorite tool in the whole stampin' world.

I've used many a template to make 3D projects and here's a confession...I'm not fond of cutting.

Cutting out one project is a loving work of patience, but when you've got a dozen to make, the love is hard to find.

The Big Shot brings back the love!

Using this remarkable manual machine, I can die cut 50 kinds of materials for use on cards, scrapbook pages, home décor projects -- even clothing. I can cut out multiple pieces at one time. The machine is light enough for me to take anywhere but sturdy in operation. I can use any die made for other die cut machines as well as Sizzix brand and Stampin' Up! exclusive dies.

Click the link below to view a pdf document listing the various materials you can cut in a Big Shot machine.

Download big_shot_materials.pdf

To buy a Big Shot, click here to go to my website and then click on the Shop Now button. Or tell someone who loves YOU to contact me to arrange for a Big Shot to show up under your Christmas tree.

I'm lovin' the Big Shot and you can, too!