Art by you – Kathy A – Dashing Deer

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One of the many fun perks of being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator is receiving hand-stamped cards and projects from one's stampin' friends. While I've always had good "intentions" of sharing such stamp art here, I admit to having been less than successful in actually getting it done. So at least for this Christmas season, I'm going to redouble my efforts to share your art as it arrives in my happy mail!

This card was the first one I received this Christmas season. Kathy A. has been a long-time stampin' friend, and I admire her for getting handmade cards out every year, even on those years I send out either very few or none. (Which has unfortunately been several years in a row now.) This year, for her main element, Kathy has chosen the bundle (stamps + dies) "Dashing Deer". So the stamped and die-cut deer comes from that bundle, as do the sentiment and flowers. Colors are Cherry Cobbler, Basic Black & Very Vanilla. I particularly like how Kathy layered the 2 circles behind the deer; such a simple, but nice background effect!

And did you notice the fabulous 2-toned swirl effect on the deer? That magic comes from the stamp itself; it's how it's designed and cut! Look for an increasing number of stamps from Stampin' Up! that feature similar multi-toned effects as we go forward! I just love that magic effect; talk about making you feel like an artist!!! But lest you think you've missed out on getting this pretty set of stamps & dies for yourself, well, you're in luck. Because although the special bundle pricing will soon end, both the stamp set and dies set will be held over at least into the spring, and will continue to be available at my online store!

Thank you, Kathy, for thinking of me this season, and for your lovely card!

Happy Halloween!

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Today I'm excited to share the artwork of a sweet stampin' friend, Jane Downs. She showed up to card class last week with a basket of The. Most. Adorable little Halloween treats…. same size as this one, but each a different color and character…. totally appropriate for the trick or treating occasion!  She offered each of us the opportunity to pick one, and although the choice was really hard (they were ALL just so stinkin' cute!), I finally selected Garfield. Jane's little boxes were filled with candy (of course), and although not made with Stampin' Up!'s retired "Curvy Box" die, they were the same shape and style of the die, just a little bit larger. (Apparently she's got some fancy crafting gadget that makes that kind of thing easy.) At any rate, we were all charmed – both by the delightful designs, as well as her thoughtfulness! Thanks for such a sweet surprise, Jane!

Seasonal Chums - Pumpkin
Next, I just had to stick this in here before the holiday got away and it would be too late to show it off. This was my very first attempt at using our brand-new, "available TOMORROW" Stampin' Blends alcohol markers earlier this month, and this happy pumpkin just makes me grin every time I look at him! He's part of the "Seasonal Chums" bundle, which includes the Jack-o-lantern, a snowman and an adorable little reindeer. These charming little characters have both their front and back images on each stamp, and then the corresponding dies cut the entire piece out at once, so all you have to do then is fold it in the middle for a clever little tag. (Hey, the die even punches the hole thru which you can string your twine!) So for this one, I stamped the image in Tuxedo Black Memento ink, and then used Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie and Old Olive Stampin' Blends to color it in. Each color comes in both light and dark markers so they'll blend beautifully.  

Now, one of the features of alcohol markers is that they bleed through your paper, so I did have to cut a 2nd piece of white cardstock with the same die and use it as a liner so the inside of the tag is clean and white…… but that was no big deal. 

Can't wait to share some of the other fun I've been having with my new markers, and I'm sure you're gonna want your own set soon, too!

 

Guest Artist – Watermelon Mini Treat Bag

P8060056Kevin Boyer has earned a reputation as an excellent stamping party and class host, and I suspect one of the ways in which she encourages awesome attendance is the darling handmade favors she prepares for everyone! Last month I had the privilege of gathering with Kevin and her friends again for a card-making class while I was visiting back on Whidbey Island.

For that event Kevin had picked a watermelon theme for her favors – using the new In Color "Watermelon Wonder", as well as various watermelon-flavored candies and gum. The main bag is cut with the Mini Treat Bag Thinlits Die, ribbon is 1" Dotted Lace Trim, and the darling seeds are actually punched hearts cut in half! (The heart punch, white ribbon, tag punches and "Yum Yum" stamp are retired, but sure still work well here…. and I think the green and lighter pink are also retired cardstock colors, as well. Guessing at Strawberry Slush and…..??????)

Thanks for yet another awesome party and take-home favor, Kevin!

Product List

Small Heart Punch

Small Heart Punch
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