Downline...Sideline Swap

This is Terri's monthly swap. It's her 'side-line', my down-line swap. It's it stunning?! She used Wings of Friendship, Level 2 Hostess. Love the colors! So much time, detail and effort. Notice how she even lined the envelope with DSP...thank you so much! Love it, so creative!

This was my April swap. Notice the frayed fiber at the top of the card? This is from the new embossing folder. Once you use it, it actually changes the fiber of the card stock. Also, you'll notice there is absolutely no stamping on this card. I wanted to show you, you really can create a card in minutes using scraps. The "Happy Birthday" was typed on regular copy paper, the DSP was a scrap piece, the white satin ribbon and the black 'n white ribbon were left overs...hope you like it. I didn't even use a full background of embossing card stock, just strips and rounded the front top and bottom corners with a corner rounder.

April Stamp Club Make 'n Take

Here's the Make 'n Take for this month's stamp club. Melon Mambo is the dominate color along with accents from Curry. The Curry is retiring at the end of June. Melon Mambo will be returning for another year as a current "In Color". The stamp set used is a Level 2 Hostess, Wings of Friendship. This was a quick, simple card.

The other make 'n take was an opportunity to play with the new embossing folder from SU. It is an unique folder as it actually changes the fibers of the cardstock. Way cool! My swap used the embossing folder...come back tomorrow for that sample.

Another Stamp Club Swap

Don't you just love the solitude of this card, so very appropriate for a sympathy. This was prepared by Penny. Unfortunately, the older I get, the more of these types of cards, I need. This is so thought provoking. Thanks, Penny another lovely swap.

Out of Stock Items

Due to high demand, Stampin' Up is completely out of stock of the following:

117161: Sweet Pea Designer Series paper stack
117266: Sweet Pea stitched felt

They are no longer able to order these items.

Bummer...I was hoping at least the Sweet Pea stitched felt would be in the new July 2010 catalog.

April Stamp Club Swap

Here's Jackie's swap for April. We all can use more thank you cards can't we. She used ultra thick embossing powder on designer paper. You cannot tell from the image but it looks almost like glass. Very unique indeed, thanks Jackie!

Stamp Club Swap April

Look at this, our swap theme this month was Black 'n White so I'll be posting the swaps this week. This was created by Debra, isn't it beautiful. The hummingbird and leaves were all created using the Cricut Expressions. I have one but rarely use it. This was mounted on Whisper White card stock. She didn't put a sentiment on it so we could all add whatever we needed at the time. Lovely, thanks Debra!

New Colors are Coming!

Here are the New Color Collections. That's the new term...Color Collections rather than "Families". It will be hard for me to break that habit...but I will! Aren't these colors bright and fresh...I love them!

These will be available beginning July 1, 2010 along with the new Catalog and Idea Book!

Fond Farewell to Retiring SU Colors

Here are the list of the 30 - count them thirty retiring colors! Beginning with the July 1st new SU year and catalog, these colors in inks, markers and card stock will no longer be available.

Contact us today to order your favorites before they are gone.

Elements of Style

Here's another example of a Vintage card. I'm so happy to see the style return. Seems like it was losing popularity for awhile...never with me of course. Always one of my favs!

It's Prom Time

It's that time, Proms are starting...here is my GD all ready for her first dance. Doesn't she look like a princess?

Big Flower

Isn't this fun? This uses the Big Flower die from Stampin' Up in Razzleberry...one of the 2009-2010 "In Colors" that will be returning in the July catalog.

Brenda's April Swap

Isn't this adorable? For Brenda's April swap, she used the Top Note, DSP, a little white satin ribbon and an embellishment for the clasp on this little purse. I love it! Thanks Brenda, Great job!

The Swaps Are Coming...

Here are the first Summer Mini swaps I have received from my Side-line Swap. Thanks Cindy!

April Dowline Swap

This swap arrive in the mail a few days ago. Thanks Amy! Lovely, as usual. In addition to all the Stampin' Up resources, I participate in two swaps. Our monthly Stampinduo downline swap and a mini 'side-line' swap.

Don't you love Amy's color choices? This is one of the retiring colors...Almost Amethyst.

Wings of Friendship Scrapbook Page

I just received this stamp set...still in the box and needed a sample.

This page represents some of my favorite elements for either cards or a scrapbook page. I particularly like the monotone ink in the upper right corner and the detailed layered bird and flower.

I find cutting these images out to be quite relaxing. I have several stamping friends if there aren't punches, none of their paper crafts would ever have layers :-)

Happy Birthday Sample

Can you see the detail to this lovely card? If not, click on it to enlarge. This uses one of the Stampin' Up Embossing Folders used with the Big Shot..."hit me with your big shot"...I can't get that out of my head!

Just say goodbye...

Can you believe 30 colors are retiring at the end of June? If your favorite color(s) are retiring just wonder over to our website and order today. Direct link is upper right panel.

www.stampinduo.stampinup.net

I really am sad to see some of these go to that big palette in the ....say, where do retired colors go anyway?

New Color Collections

Here's a sneak peak of the new colors!

Pink Panther...SU Style

Look, it's Pink Panther..all created with Stampin' Up Punches! How cute is this guy?

Big Color Changes Coming....

Color Renovation: It's coming! Color is art of Stampin' Up's identity. It's the fundamental ability to assist us to create our own little works of art! In order to stay up-to-date with the latest trends in color, a Color Renovation is coming! A refreshing, updated color palette! Thirty colors are retiring, four new collections:

BRIGHTS NEUTRALS REGALS SUBTLES

The new color collections combine current colors with previous In Colors, and five NEW colors!

Sale

Take a look at our website at the Clerarance Rack...
some items are 60% off!

How to get rid of ants!

I heard on the radio last week a quick, non-toxic way to get rid of those ants is to spread corn meal where the ants are. I've been battling them for a few weeks now but didn't want to risk my furry babies health by using anything toxic. Thought this was worth a try.

I placed a small amount of regular corn meal around the base boards where the ants seemed to hang out...apparently, they go for dog food. The very next day...the ants were gone! Apparently, ants take the corn meal back to their "home" eat it and die. Go figure...meanwhile, my little furry babies are unharmed!

It's coming...it's coming!

2010 Convention Registration that is!

We get to register for Convention today. Registration begins 7:00 AM Mountain time! This will be my seventh Convention and I STILL get so EXCITED! This year, Amy, Yvonne, Terri and I are going...do YOU want to go too?

Shelli does workshop

Here's another photo of Shelli doing a workshop for Dawn Griffin...one of the winners for the Workshop of a Lifetime. Humm...wonder how many frequent flyer miles Shelli has accumulated?

Stalker or Enthustist? You decide...

Okay, I've been following Dawn Griffin's blog and realized a few days ago she was one of those lucky winners that was able to have Shelli Gardner (Co-Founder and CEO) of Stampin Up come and do a Once in a Life Time Workshop and a downline meeting with her. Once I realized what was going to take place, I couldn't wait to get to Dawn's blog to see the progression. Well, it happened last week. To the left (sitting) is Dawn and of course, Shelli standing. Sara, Shelli's daughter accompanied her. Shelli provided everything needed for the workshop. Dawn could "only" invite twenty people of which ten had to brand new to stamping and or Stampin' Up. They had swaps, the whole deal. From the blog, it sounded so much fun! I can't even imagine. I'll post a couple more photos tomorrow. So you see...am I simply enthustastic or stalking???

Vintage Labels

I love this sample. It has some of my favorite elements...mostly the Vintage appeal for me.

April Downline Swaps

Here are the first two swaps for April. Yes, I realize there are three images :-) The top one is from Anita, she always does works of art that take forever to do. Remember we make seven each month. How long did it take you to assemble?

The bottom two 3 x 3 note cards are my swaps for the month. I used

C is for Cat and D is for Dog...hope you like them. I received both stamp sets for FREE during last month's Sale-a-bration. FREE is always a good thing!

Sneak Peak...

Here are samples of a new stamp set that will be in the new catalog coming out in July! There are lot of exciting new annoucements coming.

Dry Embossing

Directions

1. Secure a brass template to a light source with a small piece of tape (temporary)

2. Rub waxed paper on the back surface of the card stock so the stylus will glide more smoothly and to help prevent tears in the paper.

3. Place the paper or card stock face down over the template, positioning it so that you'll have the image where you want it.

4. using the stylus tool, press the paper through the open areas of the template to produce your raised image.

Summer Mini Mailed

The Summer Minis have been mailed so you should start receiving them soon. Can't wait for you to see all the new products!

Down Line Swap Due - April

Just a quick reminder...downline swaps should be mailed today. Can't wait to see them arrive. Thanks Anita for being first this month!

Totally Tess Samples

Did you know?

If you click on any of the pictures they will

become larger so you can see more detail. I really like Totally Tess but I think mostly demonstrators appreciate her. I found all three samples on SCS. Enjoy!

Lovely As A Tree

This is why Lovely as a Tree stamp set is so timeless. I will be sad if this set retires. What a wonder masculine card this would make...be it a Father's Day or Birthday card. Forget where I found this but isn't it "lovely"...okay, not funny!

Abundant Hope

Isn't this stunning? I love this sample created by Michelle Z. Found this on SCS...It is so vibrant and striking!

April Stamp Club Update

This month's swap theme is "Black 'n White" okay so we're getting prepared for next month's Race Day! Be sure to let me know if you will be attending the stamp club and if you are going to be swapping.

Fox & Friends Stamp Set

Here are some other samples using the Fox & Friends Stamp Set.

Fox and Friends Stamp Set

On the far left is a sample card using Fox & Friends. Next to it is the index of the stamps included in the stamp set. I didn't think I'd like it...but how cute are these little creatures? Seven cute little animals...perfect for those little ones!

Yanni & Missy

Two Step Into Spring Promotion

Awash With Flowers Stamp Set -

Want to earn this lovely stamp set for FREE? Hold a $350 workshop in April and get this stamp set for FREE!

Happy Easter!

Isn't this adorable? This little bunny (left) was made using all Stampin' Up punches. The bunny on the right is just too stickin' cute. Happy Easter everyone!

Chocolate Bunny

Here's another sample of the Chocolate Bunny...another Treasured Image creation.

Leadership 2010

Found this picture from Leadership 2010. This year's event was held in Phoenix. January is a great time to be visiting AZ! This was Amy's first chance to attend, Angie and I were lucky enough to qualify last year as well as this year. It's a wonderful experience...a different experience than all the excitement of Convention. Leadership concentrates on development and training. Don't worry, the "fun" is included as with all Stampin' Up Events! Want to join us next January? Ask me how!

Treasured Images Meeting

Here are a couple samples of the latest meeting I missed...look how creative my "side-line" are! Dang...wish I could have been there.

Stamp-a-Stack Friends!

New friends were made at our annual stamp-a-stack event last Saturday in Danville. So much fun was had by all! The day began with breakfast...thanks Toni for the yummy casserole. Everyone was presented with a personalized tote...thanks Amy great job on the Tags! Guests made five cards of eight designs, along with envelopes. Prizes were drawn throughout the day, deli lunch was served with homemade desserts...obviously I didn't bake...I don't bake. No, Amy made the treats. We started around 9 am, and continued until late afternoon. Save the date for our annual Christmas card event...once the locations have been confirmed, I'll post all the info. Hopefully, it will occur the first weekend in November. Happy Stamping!