A Little Bit of Rediscovery

Perhaps you've heard the phrase, 'What's old is new again'.
Sometimes that can really be pitiful .... such as 'bell-bottom' pants.  Whoa!
But sometimes it can be a very good thing!

For example:

I've never ever considered myself to be a 'watercolorist'.  But who can resist with this adorable From the Herd stamp set?  Stamp it up with Stazon ink on Watercolor Paper, grab an Aqua-painter or two, your ink pads and start having a delightful time!  Seriously!  Just goofing around with this set made me realize how much fun I was having ... and not only that ... but when I had to put away my stampy + watery "toys/tools" for the day, I actually felt like I was "being creative".  If you haven't experienced this 'creative' phenomena, I definitely recommend giving this a whirl around your afternoon.  Just sayin'!
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Since the Aqua Painters keep water right inside & ready to deliver through the brush, you can 'smoosh' the lid of your ink pad, open it up, and just dab the brush tip directly onto the edge of the ink splot you created on the inside of the lid.  To change colors, just wipe the brush tip on a paper towel or scrap paper until the water paints clear, then move on to another color!  

Tex's Tip:  I like my results best when I allow one colored area to dry, or partly dry, before I watercolor an adjoining area.  For this image, that's easy enough, as there are several items to paint/color.

Embellishments?  Not a lot for this card, but I do like the effect of the Linen Thread tied onto the Hello Honey Stitched Ribbon.  (That Hello Honey ribbon is on the retirement list, so it's a good time to add that to your ribbon supply while you can ... and it's on sale.) 

Okay stampy friends!  I've got more 'rediscovering' to do ... I've promised myself that I "will" use my digital cutter again ... after I study & relearn.  Ha

As always, please contact me with any questions you might have ... I'm happy to help and blessed to be your designated Stampin' Up! Demonstrator! 

Special note for locals:  If you have not received your Evite to the next studio stampin' class from me this week, please send an email so you can be added to that list.     

Inky (((huggss))), 

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Bev Gerard

Add Another Mix, Please!

As I was tidying around my stampin' zone, I came upon another TY card to share ...  ...
and guess what it features ... ... ...

 

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Did you 'guess' the Mixed Bunch stamp set?  Yay! Is there anything else?

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Most of us can be creatures of 'habit' at times, but this time mine just steps right out there and "shows"!   

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Strangely, I have never ever in my life  been a fan of coral colors.   And then it happened ... Stampin' Up! brought out Calypso Coral.  The very first time I used this color, I could sense "the change".  YKWIM ... not 'the change' relating to women, but 'the change' that happens when your eyes are "opened" to new realities.  The result?  Enter Calypso Coral as one of my favorite stampin' colors.

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This one just has a smidgen of dimension, so it's perfect for creating a few for a card stash.  No extra postage or careful packaging required for this one.

The dotty background was stamped with one of the small stamps in the Petal Potpourri stamp set using Calypso Coral ink, just as on the punched blossom image.  The Early Espresso-inked sentiment is from a retiring stamp set that I'm going to miss, Four You.  If you like a bit of glitz, I've used Gold Stampin' Glitter here, then popped the blossom up with Stampin' Dimensionals.  (My opinion?  Straight on ... I must have a steady supply of Dimensionals ... must!)  Finally, the designer series paper is from the Sweet Dreams collection.

Update:  The latest Weekly Deals have been posted in the right-side column of my blog.  Very nicd 'finds' in there.   Thank you so much for your visit!   

Inky ((((hugs)))),

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Bev Gerard

Mixed & Crisp Thank You!

 Welcome to this brand new week, stampy friends!  

Today I'm sharing a card I made for the Splitcoaststampers inspiration challenge, IC490.  Inspiration was taken from a pinterest board that features stamps ... but the pins are of 'postage' stamps.  I actually found a slight few that I have in my studio!  Since I do not have Disney-themed rubber stamps in the stampin' zone ... I had to go with florals.  Thus, I chose a retiring floral set that I'm definitely going to miss ... Mixed Bunch.

Coloring just wasn't of interest to me this day, so I opted for a stamp set that would 'do the coloring' for me.  To create some depth & contrast, the first layer of my dimensional blossom was stamped with Calypso Coral.  It's a wonderful companion to the retiring Crisp Cantaloupe.  Alas, the coordinating Blossom Punch is retiring as well.  Since all petals are the same, it's a super-easy punch to line up correctly every time.   The center of the blossom was stamped with Crushed Curry and punched with the 7/8" Scalloped Punch.  The same flower-center stamp was stamped several times on the card base ... I love it when images from a stamp set nicely double as backgrounding!

Every die on this card is retiring!  The On Film framelits are on the list, as well as the Bitty Banners framelits that so perfectly coordinate with the retiring Itty Bitty Banners stamp set.  I just might have to keep those, as the small size can be "juuuuust right" at times!

If you have favorite designer series papers ... scoop them up now, as they are retiring.  My leaves are from Confetti Celebration dsp and the framed dsp is from the Sweet Dreams collection.

 Special Reminder:  the Stampin' Up! Retirement sale includes savings of up to 50% off!

 April 21-June 2, 2015 (or while supplies last)  <<< Click Here for the List!

Thank you for using the April Hostess Code:  7J6PRFCM  

I hope you've found something to inspire your own creativity during your visit here today.  Thanks bunches for stopping by!

Inky (((hugs))),

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Bev Gerard

Clearance = 80% Off!! No Kidding!

 

Love an 80% off sale??
I ask you .... Are we stampers /scrapbookers / paper crafters?
Then checking the Stampin' Up! Clearance Rack needs to jump onto your "list"!

I bring to you a smidgen of samples:

8" x 8" Seasonal Stripes ring-style album

Was $11.95 Now $5.99

All is Calm Designer Series 12" x 12" papers

Was $12.95 Now $5.19

(Used during my 2014 Christmas Stamp-a-Stack gathering!)

On Point Textured Impressions Embossing Folder

Was $7.95 Now $4.79

(Used during my 2014 Christmas Stamp-a-Stack gathering!)

 Snowflake Card Thinlits Dies

Was $32.95 Now $19.79 

 Jewish Celebrations Clear-mount stamp set

Was $18.95 Now $11.39

You'll find a lot more Christmas items along with other seasonal items when you check out the Clearance Rack for yourself.  And remember that our annual Retiring Sale is continuing through June 2!  Some items there have already sold out, so it's a great idea to see if any of your Wish List items are there.  Stamp sets will be replenished through May, but other products are 'until sold out'.

Happy Browsing!
Inky (((hugs))),

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Almost Time for Goodbyes!

April 21-June 2, 2015 (or while supplies last)  <<< Click Here for the List!

April Hostess Code:  7J6PRFCM  

Here it is!  The time has come for us to say goodbye to retiring products from the 2014-2015 annual catalog.  But before we do, we're giving everyone an opportunity to order their favorites with discounts up to 50 percent off retail. Retiring products will only be available until June 2, or while supplies last, so now's a great time to get your favorites before they're gone! 
**Note: Due to high demand for retiring stamps, we'll keep producing retiring stamps until May 26 (not accessories - accessories are only while supplies last). 

Very Cool Fact:  The official SU retiring list will be updated daily.  This means that the list will be updated daily to reflect items that have sold out and are no longer available for purchase. 

Take a look!  Have you been interested in digital scrapbook pages, personalized digital home decor, and of course, digital card making?  Check it out!  Stampin' Up!'s exclusive 'My Digital Studio' software and products are included in the retirement savings at 30 percent reduction! 

 **Please use this Hostess Code on your April orders:  7J6PRFCM

I have a special card for everyone who adds this code to their orders during April!

>>>Here's the Retiring List! <<<

And so, stampy-scrappy friends, the sale has begun!  As always, please contact me with any questions.  It's my true pleasure to assist you!

Inky (((hugs))),

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Heads Up, Stampy Friends!

Bev’s Stampy-Public Service Announcement

Well stampy friends, five of Stampin' Up!'s In-Colors will be announced on the retiring list tomorrow.  Yep!  Our annual 'Last Chance' for 2015 officially kicks off tomorrow, Tuesday, April 21.  

What I do know today is that the 2013-2015 In-Colors will definitely be on the Last Chance / Retiring List.  If you are not already familiar with the annual retiring of Stampin' Up! products, I can promise that just as soon as the retirement list is announced, those items sell very quickly.  It's important to know that once current supplies are exhausted at Stampin' Up!, those items are not replenished.  It's down to the term, "first come - first served".  (Yeah ... such finality can be tou

So this is a "heads up" for all, that if any of your favorites are among the following five colors, it's certainly wise to consider ordering those today while the chances are better that your faves will still be available.  If your heart palpitates over the mere thought that you might encounter a "shortage" of favorite 2013-2015 In-Color cardstock, ribbon, refills, etc. ... .... today may be your better day to place that particular order.  ;)   Here they are, just in case you want to scoop up your favorites from: Baked Brown Sugar, Coastal Cabana, Crisp Cantaloupe, Pistachio Pudding, & Strawberry Slush.

Stay tuned!   Tomorrow I will receive, then share the complete Last Chance list (a.k.a. retiring goodies). 

On a more personal note, I’ll try to refrain from publicly mourning my own favorite colors from this list … but if you should happen to listen carefully in the direction of my studio, I cannot promise that some quiet sobbing may be heard. Once current supplies are depleted, Stampin’ Up! does not replenish retiring items.
‪#‎alreadymissingcoastalcabana‬

Right back here ---VERY soon!
Inky (((hugs))),

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Whooooops! Here are the Deals!!

Whoooops! 

Weekly Deals are Here!

valid April 14 thru April 20

This week brings a dandy deal for those of you who love adding to your collection of dies.  Imagine my surprised smile when I three of the dies collections that I have used over & over again.  Ready to make some Mother's Day cards?  We have an excellent reduced price on the Mother's Love photopolymer stamp set!  Enjoy!!

Birthday Bash Designer Washi Sheets [137788] $9.95 $7.46	Handheld Stapler [139083] $9.95 $7.46	Labels Collection Framelits Die [125598] $26.95 $20.21	Mother's Love Photopolymer Stamp Set [137170] $24.95 $18.71
Pansy Punch [130698] $15.95 $11.96	Something Borrowed Embellishments [137855] $6.95 $5.21	Striped Scallop Thinlits Die [133734] $24.95 $18.71	Wonderful Wreath Framelits Dies [135851] $24.95 $18.71

April 7 - April 13 Weekly Deals!

April 7 - April 13, 2015

Here we go with brand new Weekly Deals!   Have you been "needing" the always-handy Stars Framelits or perhaps the so-special Hearts Framelits?  Well they're included in this week's deals!   And, if you already own the versatile Flower Patch stamp set, you might still be in need of its coordinating Flower Fair Framelits to enable you to add some easy die-cutting to your flower & leaves!  (Possibly you've noticed that I'm a big big fan of the dies ... just SO easy to give new dimension and easily-created shapes to your papercrafting!  And that's a "ditto" from me on punches!)

1-1/4" Burlap Ribbon [132140] $7.95 $5.96	Brights Designer Buttons [130028] $7.95 $5.96	Daffodil Delight 1/2" Ribbon Seam Binding [125583] $6.95 $5.21	Flower Fair Framelits Die [133731] $24.95 $18.71
Fun Flower Punch [133785] $16.95 $12.71	Hearts Collection Framelits Die [125599] $26.95 $20.21	Metallic Silver Encore Pad [132142] $9.95 $7.46	Stars Framelits Dies [133723] $26.95 $20.21

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Did You See this Savings?

Even though the Weekly Deals are always over in the right-side column of this blog, I just have to make sure you see this particular savings ... deal ... you-don't-want-to-miss-this special price!

Now I admit to having several favorite stampy items.  But seriously ... the Big Shot Magnetic Platform is right up there in my "must have" list.  With this tool, we no longer need to be frustrated by our favorite thin dies scooting out of place while being rolled through the Big Shot.  So much cardstock can be saved with this platform!  So many die cut shapes can only be cut once instead of requiring repeating the effort for proper placement.  I love this platform.  I do.  Through Monday, April 6, you can order the Big Shot Magnetic Platform at a savings of $9.99!

So many goodies on the Weekly Deals this week ... Just wanted to bring them into a full-fledged post to be sure that you see them soon enough to take advantage!  

Surely you know that I love being your Stampin' Up! demonstrator and teacher.   Please just contact me if you have any questions about these products or any products, techniques, or classes.  Thanks so much!

Big Shot Magnetic Platform [130658] $39.95 $29.96	Chalk Talk Framelits Die [129983] $24.95 $18.71	File Tabs Edgelits Die [133729] $10.95 $8.21	Fun Frames Textured Impressions Embossing Folder [133727] $8.95 $6.71
Hearts A Flutter Framelits Die [130159] $24.95 $18.71	Squares Collection Framelits Die [130921] $26.95 $20.21	Word Bubbles Framelits Die [132968] $24.95 $18.71

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