I've been working with a couple of groups of wonderful women involved in church card ministries.  It's been so much fun creating cards together that they'll send to members of the church facing difficulties in their lives.  This first card uses Nature Walk stamp set stamped in Night of Navy, with Daffodil Delight accents colored in with a Stampin' Write Marker.  Sentiment is from Blessings from Heaven stamp set.

This card is pretty much CASEd from the Idea Book & Catalog, with the exception of changing the word image to something a bit simpler and using Petite Pairs stamp set for the sentiment.  Image is from Thoughts & Prayers stamp set; I added punched flowers using Itty Bitty Punch Pack and Pearls to the centers.

THINGS YOU'LL NEED:
Item No.113252 Thoughts & Prayers $25.95
Item No. 123050 Blessings from Heaven wood $18.95 OR
Item No. 123052 Blessings from Heaven clear $14.95
Item No. 122495 Petite Pairs wood $28.95 OR
Item No. 122497 Petite Pairs clear $20.95
Item No. 121925 Nature Walk wood $25.95 OR
Item No. 121997 Nature Walk clear $18.95

I've been working with a wonderful group of women who are sending hand-stamped cards to members of their congregation during times of need.  When the new Idea Book & Catalog came out in July, this was a "must have" stamp set to use for our next card making session.  Love & Sympathy is a small set – just three stamps – and is a real value.  I actually made this card for my husband's uncle who just lost his wife, so I was thinking of a bit more masculine color scheme.  While one of our new In Colors, Island Indigo, would at first seem quite bright, coupled with Basic Black and Certainly Celery, it suits a more somber occasion.  The Basic Black and Very Vanilla 1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon is the perfect embellishment to add interest but not a lot of bling.

THINGS YOU'LL NEED:
Item No. 122795 Love & Sympathy wood $15.95 OR
Item No. 122797 Love & Sympathy clear $11.95
Item No. 115615 Basic Black 1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon

Here's a brand new hostess stamp set you're going to LOVE called Simply Soft.  It's a set of 6 two-step stamping stamps that create different floral images.  Color scheme is Elegant Eggplant and two new In Colors for 2011-13 – Wisteria Wonder and Lucky Limeade!  I've used the 2-Way Glue Pen and Dazzling Diamonds Glitter to spif up the flowers.  Thank You Kindly stamp gives the sentiment.

My second swap uses the SAME stamp set – Simply Soft – this time stamped in StazOn Black ink and overstamped with Rose Red Classic Ink.  The new blue is another of the 2011-13 In Colors called Pool Party.  Remember Soft Sky?  Well, it's just a bit more saturated a color but the same tone – love it!  I've used the Petal Cone Die with my Big Shot to make creating the Whisper White banner a breeze.  Word Play stamp set gives this terrific sentiment.

And did you know that as of July 1st, Stampin' Up! has announced a brand new hostess benefits plan with even more benefits?  I love the versatility of this plan – your hostess dollars will give you more of what you want in free products!  Contact me to get your workshop on the calendar and start earning items like this gorgeous stamp set FREE!

THINGS YOU'LL NEED:
Item No. 122565 Simply Soft (W) OR
Item No. 122567 Simply Soft (C)
Item No. 120308 Word Play (W) $41.95 OR
Item No. 120651 Word Play (C) $28.95
Item No. 111700 Thank You Kindly (W) $13.95
Item No. 104336 Silver Brads $6.95
Item No. 121884 Rose Red 1/2" Seam Binding Ribbon $6.95
Item No. 119871 3/16" Corner Rounder Punch $6.95
Item No. 120906 2-1/2" Circle Punch $16.95
Item No. 100425 2-Way Glue Pen $3.50
Item No. 102023 Dazzling Diamonds Glitter $3.95
Item No. 121810 Petal Cone Die $32.95
 

This first card is from my upline and daughter Aly Schilling congratulating me on my #1 Top Sales award for the month of January.  I love Aly's use of the three rhinestones on the beautiful tone-on-tone design from Bliss Sale-A-Bration stamp set.  She also used a piece of Hodgepodge Hardware which coordinates with the Hodgepodge Happiness stamp set.  A touch of Pear Pizzazz 1/2" Seam Binding held in with Rhinestone Brads just makes this card!  And the delicate border is done using the Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch.

This next card was sent to me by fellow team member and special friend, Jen Rios-Raner.  I lost my beloved Sayj back in October, and Jen created this special card for me.  Sayj was a golden retriever, hence the "golden" dog image in the center – stamped with VersaMark and embossed with gold embossing powder.  There are so many points of interest to this work of art!  I love the simulated dog collar using Early Espresso 5/8" Satin Ribbon with the Gold Eyelets and then attaching a monogram "S" for Sayj along with the punched heart.  Thank you, Jen, for helping me smile!

The final card I'd like to share with you is from Missy Shipman congratulating me on my promotion to Sr. Manager.  Missy used the Pretty Petals background stamp, along with A Flower For All Seasons and So Happy For You, a Sale-A-Bration free stamp set, for the greeting.  I love Missy's added touch with Linen Thread and a button – so pretty.  Thank you, Missy!

Receive your choice of Bliss, Hodgepodge Happiness, A Flower For All Seasons, So Happy For You and more FREE during Sale-A-Bration.  But hurry – this unbelievable promotion ends March 30th! 

And Don't Forget!
Final Days for earning FREE stamp sets through Sale-A-Bration – click HERE for details!
Order Stampin' Up! products online 24/7 — click HERE!

A good friend lost her Daisy Dog last week and this is the card I made for her.  I know how painful it is when we have to say goodbye to a beloved pet, and I'm hoping that sending her a handmade card might let her know how much I'm thinking of her.  I started out by choosing the Build-A-Bear Workshop Pawsitively Prints II Designer Series Paper and building my color scheme around its pretty little flower print – So Saffron, Real Red and Tempting Turquoise.  I used a small piece of both sides of one of the papers, then a piece of Tempting Turquoise card stock to back the main image which is punched from an additional piece of the designer paper using the Two-Step Bird Punch.  The Whisper White card stock circle behind the bird is cut with the Circle Scissors Plus.  A piece of Real Red 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon is wrapped around the image and tied with some white crochet thread.  I used a Real Red Button from the Brights Designer Buttons pack to add a little pizzazz and tied with some Real Red 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon through the center.   Don't forget to purchase some Mini Glue Dots - they're the perfect thing to permanently secure your buttons!  The stamping is done tone-on-tone with So Saffron Classic Ink and two different stamp sets – Always for the branches and Word Play for the sentiment.

THINGS YOU'LL NEED:
Item No. 120308 Word Play wood mount $41.95 OR
Item No. 120651 Word Play clear mount $28.95
Item No. 113620 Always $28.95
Item No. 117396 Pawsitively Prints II Designer Series Paper $9.95
Item No. 117191 Two-Step Bird Punch $16.95
Item No. 112530 Circle Scissors Plus $29.95
Item No. 112531 Glass Mat $19.95
Item No. 109034 Real Red 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon $4.95
Item No. 119747 Brights Designer Buttons $8.95
Item No. 119251 Real Red 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon $5.95
Item No. 103683 Mini Glue Dots $4.95

Don't Forget!

To sign up for the Stamp Shoppes on Sept. 10th and 11th!  Click HERE for details.

Peach Parfait – A yummy strong peach – maybe think a light Pumpkin Pie.

Pear Pizzazz – I was really disappointed that Kiwi Kiss didn't make it back to the Core Colors, but this luscious green is almost it!  It's a little less bright and pairs beautifully (no pun intended!) with Wild Wasabi and Garden Green.

Poppy Parade – When I look at Poppy, I think it's just red, but put it next to Real Red and you'll see that it has a lot of orange to it.  We really don't have anything like this brand new color!

Concord Grape – When I first saw this color, I was convinced I'd never use it.  After all, we have Elegant Eggplant.  It was only on my shelf about a week before I made THIS CARD and now I'm absolutely lovin' it!

Blushing Bride – This is such a pretty soft mauve.  I had originally thought it might replace Blush Blossom, but it's quite a bit darker and much pinker.  Beautifully soft and feminine.

In Color products for 2010-12 include:

• Classic Stampin' Pads
• Classic Ink Refills
• 8-1/2"x11" smooth card stock
• 1/2" Stitched Poly Ribbon
• 8-1/2"x11" smooth card stock assortment
• 12"x12" card stock assortment containing 20 sheets: 2 ea. smooth, 2 ea. textured
• 12"x12" Patterns Designer Series Paper Stack assortment containing 40 sheets; 4 ea. of 2 double-sided designs
• Stampin' Write Markers assortment
• BRAND NEW Card stock and Classic Pad In Color Kit containing 5 Classic Stampin' Pads and 20 sheets of assorted 8-1/2"x11" card stock for just $29.95 – you're getting the card stock almost free (paying just $.20)!  Be sure to order this bundle to get started using the new in Colors!!!

Order July 1st!  Item No. 120952 Card Stock and Classic Pad In Color Kit $29.95

Don't Forget!. 

• To sign up for the Stampin' Summer Bash!  Click HERE for more info!

Order Stampin' Up! products online 24/7 — click HERE!

Baja Breeze – will be joining our Subtles Collection and is lighter with a bit more green than Bashful Blue.

Riding Hood Red – Just a bit "quieter" than Real Red and not as dark as Cherry Cobbler, this red is sure to fit into lots of your projects!  This beautiful color will join our Regals Collection.

River Rock – Returning in the Neutrals Collection, this color is a chameleon!  Its color changes depending on what it's paired with.  It's probably considered a true khaki.

Wild Wasabi – A lighter version of Garden Green, this gorgeous color is returning as part of the Subtles Collection.

Tangerine Tango – This Brights Collection addition is a combination of Only Orange and Pumpkin Pie.

Pacific Point – One of the most gorgeous blues we've had, this is the updated Brilliant Blue for the Brights Collection.

Be sure to purchase all of the new Stampin' Up! colors when they're available on July 1st.

THINGS YOU'LL NEED:
Available now:
Item No. 118611 Elements of Style wood mount $27.95 OR
Item No. 120045 Elements of Style clear mount $19.95
Item No. 115370 Teeny Tiny Wishes $36.95
Available July 1st:
Item No. 111833 Baja Breeze Stampin' Pad $5.95
Item No. 105120 Baja Breeze 8-1/2"x11" card stock $6.95
Item No. 111836 Riding Hood Red Stampin' Pad $5.95
Item No. 111348 Riding Hood Red 8-1/2"x11" card stock $6.95
Item No. 109010 River Rock Stampin' Pad $5.95
Item No. 108640 River Rock 8-1/2"x11" card stock $6.95
Item No. 109014 Wild Wasabi Stampin' Pad $5.95
Item No. 108641 Wild Wasabi 8-1/2"x11" card stock $6.95
Item No. 111834 Tangerine Tango Stampin' Pad $5.95
Item No. 111349 Tangerine Tango 8-1/2"x11" card stock $6.59
Item No. 111837 Pacific Point Stampin' Pad $5.95
Item No. 111350 Pacific Point card stock $6.95

Don't Forget!. 

• To sign up for the Stampin' Summer Bash!  Click HERE for more info!
• To check out the Last Chance Stamp Set List! Click Here to View!
• To check out the Last Chance Accessories List! Click Here to View!
• To check out the Last Chance Decor Elements List! Click Here to View!
• To purchase the Mini Starter Kit for just $99! CLICK HERE for kit contents. Click HERE to learn more about the From the Heart Stampers Team and The Heartfelt Stampers Team.

Order Stampin' Up! products online 24/7 — click HERE!

Cherry Cobbler:  A nice, deep red with vibrant tones and lots of life!

Early Espresso:  I always thought Chocolate Chip a deep brown until I met this fabulous color!

Marina Mist:  The PERFECT blue!

Cajun Craze:  Really Rust with attitude!  Love this "spicy" orange.

Daffodil Delight:  Finally – a really useful bright yellow!  Think Summer Sun updated for 2010.

Crumb Cake:  While this color is technically not new, Stampin' Up! has renamed Kraft and has added a matching Classic Stamp Pad.

Stay tuned — I'll be sharing the group of returning In Colors that will join the Core Colors, as well as the brand new In Colors for 2010-12.  Yes, that's right!  In Colors will be staying on for two years instead of just one!

THINGS YOU'LL NEED:
Available July 1st:
Item No. 119685 Cherry Cobbler 8-1/2"x11" card stock 24 sheets/$6.95
Item No. 119669 Cherry Cobbler Classic Stampin' Pad $5.95
Item No. 119686 Early Espresso 8-1/2"x11" card stock 24 sheets/$6.95
Item No. 119670 Early Espresso Classic Stampin' Pad $5.95
Item No. 119682 Marina Mist 8-1/2"x11" card stock 24 sheets/$6.95
Item No. 119668 Marina Mist Classic Stampin' Pad $5.95
Item No. 119683 Daffodil Delight 8-1/2"x11" card stock 24 sheets/$6.95
Item No. 119667 Daffodil Delight Classic Stampin Pad $5.95
Item No. 120953 Crumb Cake 8-1/2"x11" card stock 24 sheets/$6.95
Item No. 121030 Crumb Cake Classic Stampin' Pad $5.95
Available Now!
Item No. 120045 Elements of Style clear mount $19.95 OR
Item No. 118611 Elements of Style wood mount $27.95
Item No. 115370 Teeny Tiny Wishes $36.95

Don't Forget!. 

• To sign up for the Stampin' Summer Bash!  Click HERE for more info!
• To check out the Last Chance Stamp Set List! Click Here to View!
  
• To check out the Last Chance Accessories List! Click Here to View!
  
• To check out the Last Chance Decor Elements List! Click Here to View!
  
• To purchase the Mini Starter Kit for just $99! CLICK HERE for kit contents. Click HERE to learn more about the From the Heart Stampers Team and The Heartfelt Stampers Team.

Order Stampin' Up! products online 24/7 — click HERE!

Retiring stamp sets:  Very Thankful (turtle image) and Thank You Kindly (dotted circles)

Retiring stamp set and accessories: Best Wishes & More, Bermuda Bay Patterns Designer Series Paper and polka-dot ribbon, Soft Subtles brads

Retiring stamp set and accessories:  Nursery Necessities, Brocade Blue card stock, Bravo Burgundy and Brocade Blue 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbons,

Retiring stamp set and accessories:  Close as a Memory, Sage Shadow card stock and Stampin' Write marker, Elegant Eggplant 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon

Retiring stamp set and accessories: Good Friends, Summer Sun card stock, Pink Flamingo Designer Series Paper,  Star Punch, Bolds Bright Brads

Don't wait until the last minute — order your favorite retiring stamps and accessories today!

Don't Forget!. 

• To check out the Last Chance Stamp Set List! Click Here to View!
  
• To check out the Last Chance Accessories List! Click Here to View!
  
• To check out the Last Chance Decor Elements List! Click Here to View!
  
• To purchase the Mini Starter Kit for just $99! CLICK HERE for kit contents. Click HERE to learn more about the From the Heart Stampers Team and The Heartfelt Stampers Team.

Order Stampin' Up! products online 24/7 — click HERE!

Today I'm honoring a life well lived by Kathleen “Peg” Christensen, who had a remarkable 93 years with her friends and family.  Here's a special card for her son Alan and daughter-in-law Judy.

Because it was Alan's mom, I wanted a decidedly masculine card and Splitcoast's color challenge offered just the right pallette.  I used Bravo Burgundy, Basic Gray and Whisper White, with just a touch of Crushed Curry.  Lovely as a Tree stamp set seems my "go-to" stamp set for masculine cards.  I never get tired of it!  The sentiment is from Thoughts and Prayers stamp set; it's stamped in Basic Gray Classic Ink, as are the trees, and punched out with the Large Oval Punch, layered with Bravo Burgundy card stock punched with a Scallop Oval Punch.  A piece of Bravo Burgundy 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon knotted and wrapped around the Basic Gray card stock completes this simple card.

I'll get to work on a special card for that darling baby girl and share it with you soon!

THINGS YOU'LL NEED:

Item No. 115026 Lovely as a Tree   $27.95
Item No. 113252 Thoughts & Prayers   $25.95
Item No. 114889 Scallop Oval Punch   $15.95
Item No. 107305 Large Oval Punch   $15.95
Item No. 109053 Bravo Burgundy 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon   $7.95