april guy swap

april guy swap

I hear from customers that the card ideas they struggle with the most are for guy or masculine cards! At least once a year our demonstrator swap group – shares masculine card ideas as it is one of the most requested types of designs!

Last month we did a card swap for the guys and these are the cards we all came up with!

My first sample swap card is from Lori V and she did a black and white Criss Cross fun fold card featuring the One More Year stamp set (#164777) that is still available on the Last Chance List.

My second swap card features the Layering Leaves stamp set which was on the Last Chance list and is now sold out and the Bough Punch (#157711) which is currently on the Last Chance list but is unavailable but they are asking interested customers to sign up for notification once the punch comes back in stock!
This swap card by Marie W. uses the Mini Corrugated 3D embossing folder on Black cardstock and the Layering Leaves stamped in Old Olive and punched out and popped up on Dimensionals through a window cut out in th embossed layer – so clever!
Carrollann A cased a Rachel Tessman card from Stamp Your Art out .com for this Storybook Moments suite card using the Timeless plaid DSP. The lovely frame die cut on the card front came from the Storybook Friends Dies (#164674) and the Timeless Plaid DSP (#164678) make for a lovely guy themed card!
This next swap card designed by Judith P features the Bistro Burger bundle which are still available on the Last Chance list and discounted!

#163648
BISTRO BURGER CLING STAMP SET (ENGLISH)
Last Chance Item
BISTRO BURGER CLING STAMP SET (ENGLISH)
discounted price $18.40
original price $23.00

#163649
Last Chance Item
BISTRO BURGER DIES
discount price $16.80
original price $28.00

This waterfall card featuring the Wooded Acres stamp set was desined by Jeanna T.

#165451
WOODED ACRES PHOTOPOLYMER STAMP SET
price $17.00

Carol S’s swap card used Simple Birthday, The Right words and Textured Notes stamp sets.
It also features the Exposed Brick 3D embossing folder and the Timeless plaid DSP for a great masculine Birthday card!
This next swap card features a fun surprise pop up feature on the inside of the card and uses the Country Woods DSP and the Simple Birthday large format single stamp by Lyn L.
Kathi D’s swap card comes in a coordinating envelope using the Textured Notes bundle and the Woven Textures DSP as a lovely neutral background for a fabulous guy card vibe!
Andrea U’s swap card features another Last Chance stamp set called Beside Me that is deep discounted! There is a special origami pop out surprise on the inside of the card when you open it up!

#160780
Last Chance Item
BESIDE ME CLING STAMP SET (ENGLISH)
Sale Price $13.00 Original Price $26.00

My last swap card is from our swap hostess and one of my uplines in the company – Denise W.
This card conveys simple elegance with the Country Woods DSP and The Right Words sentiment set on the Modern Oval punch!

I hope these guy cards inspired you and gave you a bunch of ideas for the next card you need to make for those special men in your life! No go out and design a guy card for someone special – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List
Paper Snips
[103579]
$12.00
Bough Punch [ 157711 ]
[157711]
$24.00
getting the most out of your designer series paper

getting the most out of your designer series paper

When you cut your Designer Series Paper efficiently it can go a long way! And this card is a perfect example of that efficiency!

I cut the 6″ x 6″ Subtle DSP from four sheets in half at 3″ and then at 1/2″, 3/4″ and 1″ sections depending upon the color, stretching the amount of cards you can do with just a few sheets of paper!

Measurements:
BASE: Basic White CS: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″
scored at 4 1/4″
Layer: 3″ x 5″
Basic Black CS: 4″ x 5 1/4″
DSP: 3″ x 1/2″, 3″ x 3/4″, 3″ x 1″
Lemon Lolly CS: 3″ x 1 1/4″

On the long 5 1/2″ side, rub the upper edge of the paper with an embossing buddy from the embossing accessories kit. Stamp the Wishing open sentiment in Versamark and sprinkle with the White embossing powder and heat set with the Heat Tool until melted.
Adhere to the Basic White card base, this will have the wishing turned to a vertical position.
Adhere the top strip of DSP to the 3″ x 5″ Basic White layer, leaving an even border on the top edge.
Then adhere the bottom strip, leaving an even 1/4″ border on the edge.
Stamp the open script YOU on the Lemon Lolly CS and adhere to the center of the Basic White layer.
Then adhere the remaining two pieces of DSP in the spaces in between the Lemon Lolly and the top and bottom DSP pieces. This will help get even spacing.
Wrap some Basic White Twine around the top portion of the 3″ x 5″ Basic White layer and tie in a knot.
Adhere this layer to the right of the embossed Wishing sentiment on the Basic Black CS layer.
Pick your coordinating sentiment and stamp on the Soft Seafoam DSP.

What a fun way to use some of your Designer Series Paper! Try this easy card design and let me see what you create!

Now go and make some artwork of your very own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

last chance list – only available while supplies last  – do not miss out!

last chance list – only available while supplies last – do not miss out!

Our LAST CHANCE LIST has been out since December 3rd and things are starting to sell out already. This blog post is a gentle reminder to look at the website to make sure that nothing on your website is retiring! Now is a great time so scoop up some great deals!

Below are some cards some old some new made with some of the sets and dies still available and some are deeply discounted!
The first card is one we did this week for my library card classes, and it featured one of my personal favorites that is retiring – Magnolia Mood!

MAGNOLIA MOOD CLING STAMP SET (ENGLISH) Last Chance List
SALE PRICE $13.50 ORIGINAL PRICE $27.00
MAGNOLIA MOOD DIES. Last Chance List
SALE PRICE $20.40 ORIGINAL PRICE $34.00
Together they are $33.90 which is much cheaper than the bundled price of $54.75
There are so many great deals but they will not last!!
Check them out by shopping with me at
https://nataliestamps.stampinup.net and select the specials tab then the Last Chance Products tab
or
https://www.stampinup.com/?demoid=37263 and select the specials tab then the Last Chance Products tab
my current hostess code is SGESWP7P

Here is another sample using the Magnolia Mood gorgeous dies!
This was the swap card I took with me to our convention OnStage – carefully coloring in the beautiful magnolia petals for this lovely watercolored card.
Another one of my past fun folds using this gorgeous Magnolia Mood – this is one I will definitely miss!
The Sweetest Star Bundle is another sweet set that is on the Last Chance list

SWEETEST STAR PHOTOPOLYMER STAMP SET (ENGLISH) Last Chance List
SALE PRICE $18.00 ORIGINAL PRICE $20.00

This is an ornament I made with this set.

Here is a few cards made with the Sweetest Star Punch Bundle.
Happy Little Things also on the Last Chance List is a super sentiment set with open text which I love because you can color them in!

HAPPY LITTLE THINGS PHOTOPOLYMER STAMP SET (ENGLISH) Last Chance List
SALE PRICE $22.50 ORIGINAL PRICE $25.00
Here are a couple of samples with this set!

The Last Chance List has the popular Reindeer Days retiring as well.

REINDEER FUN PHOTOPOLYMER STAMP SET (ENGLISH). Last Chance List
SALE PRICE $18.00 ORIGINAL PRICE $20.00

REINDEER FUN DIES
Last Chance List
SALE PRICE $36.00 ORIGINAL PRICE $40.00

REINDEER DAYS 12″ X 12″ (30.5 X 30.5 CM) DESIGNER SERIES PAPER
Last Chance List
SALE PRICE $10.00 ORIGINAL PRICE $12.50

REINDEER DAYS MEMORIES & MORE CARD PACK. Last Chance List
SALE PRICE $10.35 ORIGINAL PRICE $11.50

Regal Winter Suite is also retiring and here is one of the swap cards I received with this lovely suite of products and beautiful DSP!

REGAL FLORA CLING STAMP SET (ENGLISH)
Last Chance List
ORIGINAL PRICE $24.00

REGAL FLORA DIES. Last Chance List
SALE PRICE $22.40 ORIGINAL PRICE $28.00

REGAL WINTER 12″ X 12″ (30.5 X 30.5 CM) DESIGNER SERIES PAPER
Last Chance List
SALE PRICE $11.25 ORIGINAL PRICE $12.50

Here are some cards made with the DSP from my stash!
My favorite die set in the retiring Mini Catalog is the Decorative Trees and this Bundle and dies are on the Last Chance List as well.

DECORATIVE TREES PHOTOPOLYMER STAMP SET (ENGLISH)
ORIGINAL PRICE $20.00

DECORATIVE TREES DIES
Last Chance List
SALE PRICE $34.20 ORIGINAL PRICE $38.00
**The die set is currently unavailable but that is good news unavailable means that it will be back before the sale ends! If it said discontinued or is removed from the offerings then it is gone for good!**

The Heartfelt Hexagon stamp set is a great set with lots of fun sentiments that fit inside the Heartfelt Hexagon Punch – this set is on the Last Chance List and is DEEPLY Discounted at $8!

One last set to highlight but there are many more to check out on this Last Chance List – so hurry over before the good stuff is SOLD OUT!
Current Hostess code is SGESWP7P

The Seasons of Elegance Suite is on the Last Chance List and this one is my favorite Suite in the outgoing mini catalog!

PEACEFUL SEASON PHOTOPOLYMER STAMP SET (ENGLISH). Last Chance List
SALE PRICE $21.60 ORIGINAL PRICE $24.00

PEACEFUL EVERGREENS CLING STAMP SET
Last Chance List
ORIGINAL PRICE $26.00

PEACEFUL EVERGREENS DIES
Last Chance List
SALE PRICE $36.00 ORIGINAL PRICE $40.00

Here are some cards I made with these products.

There are so many beautiful sets and dies on sale – do not miss out on the deals – while supplies last!

Now go and shop and don’t forget to use the hostess code for an extra surprise in the mail from me! Current Hostess code is SGESWP7P
Go and create some artwork of your very own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List
Paper Snips
[103579]
$12.00
more color mondays – crumb cake, granny apple green and parakeet party

more color mondays – crumb cake, granny apple green and parakeet party

This Floating Triple Diamond Accordian card is clearly a WOW card and today’s More Color Mondays color challenge is perfect as a goodbye to the fabulous Sweet Citrus bundle!  This bundle with the Sweet Citrus stamp set, coordinating dies and hybrid embossing folder are retiring and will be gone with the start of the upcoming Annual Catalog on May 1st.

Measurements:

BASE:  Crumb Cake (2) 4″ x 8″
scored at 2″ , 4″ and 6″

Granny Apple Green (4) 1 7/8″ x 3 3/4″, (3) 2 7/8″ squares
Parakeet Party (4) 1 3/4″ x 3 3/4″, 2 3/4″ squares
Basic White (3) 2 5/8 squares

 

 

 This card was inspired by Lisa C. an outstanding and kind demonstrator who is a talented and giving teacher.

 

Score at 2″, 4″, and 6″ on both 4″ x 8″ pieces of cardstock.
Measure the 2″ on the small side and mark on each end.
Rotate the end of each 4″ x 8″ piece and place the mark in the middle of the small edge of the papers in the cutting track with the other end of the paper at the 2″ score line in the other end of the track – cut the diagonal line from the mark to the 2″ score. Turn and cut the other side from the 2″ mark to the other side of the 2″ score line.
Using the bone folder bend the diamond ends inward.
Place the two ends together in the middle and secure the two pieces of card stock together with post it notes.
Secure the 3 Crumb Cake 2 7/8″ diamonds to the triangular points.
Adhere the Granny Apple Green 2 3/4″ diamond onto each of the Granny Apple Green square.
Emboss the 1 3/4″ x 3 3/4″ Parakeet Party cardstock pieces into the Sweet Citrus embossing folder. Adhere the embossed pieces to the Granny Apple Green mattes.
Fold the first diamond over revealing the first two scored panels. Adhere the matted panel to the first scored panel.
Adhere the second panel to the second scored panel.
Fold over the middle diamond and adhere the matted panel to the third scored panel.
Fold over the last diamond and adhere the last matted panel to the last scored portion of the card.
Stamp the fruit images in Parakeet Party. Stamp the rind images in Granny Apple Green.
Place in the embossing folder and run through the Stampin’ Cut and Emboss. Adhere to the Parakeet Party mattes.
Adhere the stamped matted images onto the Granny Apple Green diamonds on the card.
Stamp the Have a Zesty Birthday in Granny Apple Green ink. Cut the words apart and double mount them individually on Parakeet Party and Granny Apple Green. Mount them on the diamonds.
Add Parakeet Party In Color Pearls to each diamond for bling.
I added two 1 7/8″ x 3 7/8″ Basic White panels on the middle two panels of the back of the card.
This card stands on it’s own and is a special
one to display! Try this special card for a WOW birthday card! Now go and create some art work of your very own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

more color mondays – lost lagoon, melon mambo and lemon lime twist

more color mondays – lost lagoon, melon mambo and lemon lime twist

So the end of March and beginning of April are always a very busy time for Stampin’ Up! Demonstrators as we prepare for the Last Chance Lists and the upcoming New Annual Catalog.
Every year around this time I clean out my stamping stash of everything that is on the Last Chance List and prepare to sell them at my New Catalog Open House and after my customers have first chance at them I sell them on-line! I also clean out all my samples that I have made and acquired over the last year that was made with any of the retiring products – I collect them into sets of 10 and place them into great acrylic boxes to sell as well!

Below is a photo of some of the new boxes I put together – they make great gifts or just to have a stash of cards at home so you do not have to run to the store for a last minute card!

I sell them for $20 for 10 cards or 2 boxes of 10 for $30 (you cannot get cards of this quality for $1.50-2.00 anymore!)
I also will customize the boxes for you for $25/box you can choose 5 birthday and 5 thank yous or whatever mix you choose!

Today’s More Color Monday features Lost Lagoon, Melon Mambo and Lemon Lime Twist, I made a simple card and a stepped up version for this color challenge!

I chose one of my favorite retiring stamps and die sets Artistically Inked and Artistic Dies!
There is a background stamp that when I first saw this set I thought looked like a gerbil and I thought I would never use it then I played with it and it makes the coolest backgrounds!

Measurements
BASE: Basic White CS 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″
scored at 4 1/4″
1″ x 3 1/4″ strips (3 of them)
scrap for the sentiment piece, and roses
flower dies
Melon Mambo 1 1/4″ x 3 1/2″
Lost Lagoon 1 1/4″ x 3 1/2″
Lemon Lime Twist 1 1/4″ x 3 1/2″

Stamp the long background stamp in the three different colors on the 1″ x 3 1/4″ strips of Basic White CS. Stamp the smaller rose flower in each of the ink colors and die cut.
Adhere each of the 1″ strips to the matte of the corresponding cardstock color. Stamp the Happy Birthday sentiment in Melon Mambo and add the background stamp in the other two ink colors off the edges to add depth and dimension to the sentiment piece. Cut on a diagonal on both ends.
Adhere the matted stamped 1″ strips to the center of the card front.
I popped up the roses in alternating colors diagonally on the matted background pieces.
Adhere the sentiment piece to the top right hand corner of the card.
I added In Color Pearls to the card but I decided to step it up even further!
I stamped the larger flower in Lemon Lime Twist and them added Lost Lagoon ink to the edges with a Blending Brush. I pulled up the center Melon Mambo rose and added the larger flower underneath.
Using extra Basic White scraps to die cut the leaves from the Artistic dies and separate them into smaller clusters, I tucked them under the roses.
For the simpler card I used the same colored cardstock scraps and added them to a Basic White card front in a geometric pattern.
I die cut my favorite die from the Artistic dies in Basic White and adhered it over the colored cardstock. I added Melon Mambo ink with a Blending Brush to the hello sentiment piece and added some In Color Pearls to finish off this SIP – stamps, ink , paper card!
Try your hand at this color combination and go create some artwork of your very own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie