LAST DAY TO ORDER FROM OCCASIONS MINI & SUMMER SMOOCHES PREVIEW...

Today is the FINAL DAY for to order from the 2012 Occasions Mini Catalog.   Some of the fantastic products featured in the Occasions Mini will still be available past today, but most will not.  View the 2012 Occasions Mini Catalog Carryover Flyer below to see if your favorites will be carried over.  If not, be sure to purchase them today!

CLICK HERE to shop the Occasions Mini Online Store.

Occasions Mini (Flash Version)
2012 Occasions Mini Catalog PDF
Occasions Mini Stampin' Supplies List

Today is also the LAST DAY to order your Summer Smooches Suite Preview products.  CLICK HERE to shop the Summer Smooches Online Store.  All orders with Occasions Mini Catalog and/or Summer Smooches Suite products MUST be placed by 11:50 PM (MST).

LOYALTY REWARDS - When you purchase $50 or more, you qualify for my Loyalty Rewards program!  This Frequent Stamper program is my way of saying "thank you" to my returning customers in appreciation of their business and is in addition to other Stampin' Rewards.  Earn FREE stamps with MarieStamps.com!

SIMPLE SUNDAY, Tea for Two

Today I wanted to use up some scrap pieces that have accumulated on my desk, so I pulled out some previously rejected teacups I made with the Tea Shoppe stamp set from the Occasions Mini Catalog ending tomorrow. All I had to do was stamp the sentiment, run the card front through the Big Shot with the embossing folder, add some color specks with the Color Spritzer and pop the teacups out on Dimensionals. 

To get the mirror image tea cup, I simply stamped the teacup and cut it out.  Then I inked up the teacup with VersaMark and pressed the BACK of the teacup piece down onto the stamp.  Since the cup part is symmetrical, it was easy to do and I only had to add more VersaMark to the handle before embossing with Clear Embossing Powder.  Enjoy!

TEA FOR TWO SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets – Tea Shoppe (W#125545 $34.95, C#125547 $27.95), Hello Doily (#122845, $17.95)
• Card Stock – Confetti White (retiring), Blushing Bride (retiring), Baja Breeze
• Ink – Regal Rose Classic, VersaMark, Baja Breeze, Regal Rose Stampin' Write Markers
• Accessories –  Basic Pearl Jewels Accents (#119247, $4.95), Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder (#109130, $4.75), Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430, $3.95)
• Tools – Big Shot, Elegant Bouquet Embossing Folder (#115964, $7.95), Heat Tool, Color Spritzer

LOYALTY REWARDS - When you purchase $50 or more, you qualify for my Loyalty Rewards program!  This Frequent Stamper program is my way of saying "thank you" to my returning customers in appreciation of their business and is in addition to other Stampin' Rewards.  Earn FREE stamps with MarieStamps.com!

CAS FRIDAY, Baby Girl Footprints...

It's Friday– and that means it's CAS time!  This is a card I made for a friend of Jenni's who recently had a baby girl.  I kept it really simple.  The flower uses the Faux Suede technique.  Looking at the picture, I'm thinking I should have added a leaf.  I'm sure I will go back and add it later, knowing me!   The stamp set is the Baby Prints set from the Occasions Mini Catalog that ends on Monday, April 30.  It's adorable!

It's my birthday today, so I'm off to get Mani/Pedi's with my girls and then dinner at Bravo's on the Plaza!  It's a gorgeous day for it and I can't wait!

BABY GIRL FOOTPRINTS SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets – Baby Prints (W#125470 $27.95, C#125472 $21.95)
• Card Stock – Whisper White, Pretty in Pink, Melon Mambo Textured (retiring)
• Ink – Melon Mambo, Pretty in Pink
• Ribbon – 1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain (#128057, $9.95 retiring)
• Punches – Fancy Flower (#118073, $16.95), 1-3/8" Circle (#119860, $15.95), 1-1/4" Circle (#119861, $15.95), 3/16" Corner (#119871, $6.95)
• Tools – Big Shot, Scallop Square Duo (#120903, $21.95), Perfect Polka Dot Embossing Folder (#117335, $7.95), Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430, $3.95), Sponge Daubers

LOYALTY REWARDS - When you purchase $50 or more, you qualify for my Loyalty Rewards program!  This Frequent Stamper program is my way of saying "thank you" to my returning customers in appreciation of their business and is in addition to other Stampin' Rewards.  Earn FREE stamps with MarieStamps.com!

TECHNIQUE THURSDAY, Emboss Resist High Tea Thanks...

Today I have a monochromatic thank you card I did with Tea Shoppe stamp set from the Occasions Mini Catalog.  It is one of my favorite sets from the Mini.  I am really hoping that it comes back in the new catty!  For this card, I used a simple Emboss Resist technique (tutorial at the end) for the Hello Doily stamp.  It is a perfect stamp for this technique.  After embossing the doily, I sponged Concord Crush over it, to highlight it.  Then I added the tea cup and teabag (the tag punch is awesome for this) and stamped the sentiment.  Enjoy!

HIGH TEA THANKS SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets – Tea Shoppe (W#125545 $34.95, C#125547 $27.95), Hello Doily (#122845, $17.95)
• Card Stock – Wisteria Wonder, Whisper White
• Ink – Wisteria Wonder, Concord Crush (retiring) Classic, Whisper White Craft, VersaMark
• Ribbon – Wisteria Wonder Baker's Twine (#125576, $2.95)
• Punches – Jewelry Tag (#117190, $10.95), Extra-Large Tag (#119866, $16.95)
• Accessories –  Basic Pearl Jewels Accents (#119247, $4.95), White Stampin' Emboss Powder (#109132, $4.75), Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder (#109130, $4.75), Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430, $3.95)
• Tools – Heat Tool, Paper Piercer, Sponge Daubers

For those who may be new to stamping and don't know the Emboss Resist Technique, here it is:

EMBOSS RESIST TECHNIQUE:
1.  Stamp your image with Versamark or Craft Ink onto card stock.  This technique works especially well on Glossy card stock.

2.  Emboss using White (with Versamark) or Clear (with Craft Inks) Embossing Powder and your Heat Tool. Allow to cool.

3.  Sponge or bray any color(s) classic ink around the embossed image.

4.  Buff off any remaining or excess ink from the embossed image with a paper towel or tissue.

LOYALTY REWARDS - When you purchase $50 or more, you qualify for my Loyalty Rewards program!  This Frequent Stamper program is my way of saying "thank you" to my returning customers in appreciation of their business and is in addition to other Stampin' Rewards.  Earn FREE stamps with MarieStamps.com!

2012 RETIRING ACCESSORIES & DECOR ELEMENTS LIST RELEASED...

Get them before they are gone!  The retired accessories and Definitely Decorative (including Décor Elements) lists are now available and won't stay around for long--these items are only available WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!  There are some BIG discounts up to 70%, so be sure to check out the amazing savings!

Available April 25 - May 31, 2012, or while supplies last

 PDF 2012 Accessories Retirement List

 Sortable Excel 2012 Accessories Retirement File

SHOP RETIRING PRODUCTS NOW!

PLEASE NOTE:  When you look at the retired accessories list, you'll notice that all of our Stampin' Pads are listed.  This is for two reasons: (1) Craft Stampin' Pads will now be available ONLY in black and white; and (2) we are introducing a new Firm Foam pad in our Classic Stampin' Pads with the 2012-2013 annual catalog.  The Firm Foam pads offer better ink coverage and, in turn, better stamped images. 

In addition, please note the following about the new catalog:

• Only select Stampin' Write Markers will be available individually (Stampin' Write Markers in color collections will continue to be offered)
• 12" x 12" Textured Card Stock will no longer be offered
• 12" x 12" Smooth Card Stock will only be available in select individual colors and color collections

REMEMBER:

• Place an order of $50 or more (before tax/shipping) with me before April 30, 2012 and receive a FREE 2012-2013 Stampin' Up! Catalog!  Your order must be placed by midnight on Monday, April 30, 2012.  Orders may contain any combination of retiring, catalog, mini catalog or clearance rack products.  Loyalty Rewards & Stampin' Rewards still apply to your orders!  Order online, call (757-463-2714) or email me with your order.
  
  
• If you plan to order your retiring favorites, be sure to check my Stampin' Up! Clearance Rack for great deals on punches, albums, paper and more.  Clearance rack items can ONLY be placed through an online order and are available while supplies last!
  
  
• Retiring accessories including Stampin' Up! Décor Elements and Simply Adorned will only be available WHILE SUPPLIES LAST ONLY, and are in limited supply, so be sure to PLACE YOUR ORDERS EARLY!  Retiring stamp sets (wheels not included) will continue to be available until May 31.
  
  
• Both the Summer Smooches Preview and the Occasions Mini Catalog END on Monday, April 30!

LOYALTY REWARDS - When you purchase $50 or more, you qualify for my Loyalty Rewards program!  This Frequent Stamper program is my way of saying "thank you" to my returning customers in appreciation of their business and is in addition to other Stampin' Rewards.  Earn FREE stamps with MarieStamps.com!

SUMMER SMOOCHES DESIGNER FABRIC BRADS SELLING OUT QUICKLY...

The Summer Smooches Designer Fabric Brads (#125589)  may be small in size but they’re BIG on style!  And they are selling much faster than we anticipated!  As previously announced, this specialty item is available ONLY during the Summer Smooches promotion (ending April 30) and will not appear in the upcoming 2012-2013 catalog.  Since our supply is limited and we are near the end of the promotion, this item is available only while supplies last.  Don't miss out on ordering yours today!

CLICK HERE to order Summer Smooches Fabric Brads in my Online Store.

Update 4/25/12 11:45AM:  Stampin' Up! has just announced that the Fabric Brads have sold out and are no longer available.

LOYALTY REWARDS - When you purchase $50 or more, you qualify for my Loyalty Rewards program!  This Frequent Stamper program is my way of saying "thank you" to my returning customers in appreciation of their business and is in addition to other Stampin' Rewards.  Earn FREE stamps with MarieStamps.com!

TECHNIQUE THURSDAY, Mixed Bunch Butterflies for Mom...

Today is my Technique Thursday class.  This week I am featuring the Faux Mother-of-Pearl technique.  It is such a simple technique to do, but it really adds a lot to your project.  I find it especially fitting for Mother's Day cards.

For the card we are doing, I opted to leave the Top Note piece white Mother of Pearl.  However, the butterflies were sponged with colors after using the technique on a square piece of Shimmery White card stock.  The "butterflies" were then stamped with one of the flower images from the Mixed Bunch Stamp Set from the Occasions Mini Catalog which ends on April 30.  I used the Blossom Punch to punch out the flower and then cut out two petals from the flower to form the butterfly.

In the photo below, you can see a version of the card where the petals cut off were different for each butterfly.  The Wisteria Wonder butterfly was formed by cutting out a "top" and a "bottom" petal (cutting each petal into the center of the blossom) leaving two petals on each side of the blossom.  The Blushing Bride butterfly was formed by cutting off two "top" petals that are next to each other leaving four petals around the bottom.  Ultimately I liked the Blushing Bride version, but I will show both versions and let the class attendees choose which ones they want to use.

And isn't the Pleated Satin Ribbon from the Occasions Mini Catalog fabulous behind a die cut?  I love the look of gathered ribbon without all the work!  Be sure to check out the FREE tutorial on the Faux Mother of Pearl technique at the end of the post.  Enjoy!

BUTTERFLIES FOR MOM SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets – Mixed Bunch (W#125535 $27.95, C#125537 $21.95),  Friendly Phrases (W#126149 $18.95, C#126151 $14.95)
• Card Stock – Wisteria Wonder, Shimmery White
• Ink – Concord Crush (retiring), Wisteria Wonder, Blushing Bride (retiring) Classic, Frost White Shimmer Paint (#116854, $5.95)
• Ribbon – Blushing Bride 3/8" Pleated Satin (#125570, $6.95)
• Punches – Blossom (#125603, $16.95)
• Accessories – Basic Pearl Jewels Accents (#119247, $4.95)
• Tools – Big Shot, Top Note Die (#113463, $21.95), Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430, $3.95), Sponge Daubers

FAUX MOTHER-OF-PEARL TECHNIQUE:

1. Pour a few drops of Frost White Shimmer Paint onto a CD or plastic tray of some sort.
2. Scrunch up a piece of plastic wrap, wax paper or cellophane and dip it into the Shimmer Paint. Dab off the paint a bit on another part of the plastic tray.
3. Dab paint coated plastic wrap onto Glossy White or Shimmery White card stock randomly covering the card stock evenly, but not completely—you want white spaces. Allow to dry.
4. Apply classic ink color of your choice over the entire surface with a Sponge Dauber, Stampin’ Sponge or Brayer.
5. Tip: Try using multiple colors for a watercolor look.  See the butterflies on the Technique card above.

LOYALTY REWARDS - When you purchase $50 or more, you qualify for my Loyalty Rewards program!  This Frequent Stamper program is my way of saying "thank you" to my returning customers in appreciation of their business and is in addition to other Stampin' Rewards.  Earn FREE stamps with MarieStamps.com!

WATERCOLOR WEDNESDAY, Romantic Indigo Blossoms...

Today I have a Watercolor Wednesday card to share with you.  It features the Bordering on Romance Stamp Set and the Sweet Shop Specialty Designer Series Paper from the Occasions Mini Catalog which ends on April 30, so don't miss out! 

This image really lends itself to watercoloring.  You can experiment with so many different techniques.  For this one, I mostly used Classic Ink with my Aqua Painter.  I added accents with a White Signo Gel Pen, but it  was really running dry, so it didn't turn out exactly how I wanted, but it's okay.  I was going to pop-out the flowers with another layer as my upline had done, but I decided to keep it a little simpler.  Hope you enjoy it!

ROMANTIC INDIGO BLOSSOMS SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets – Bordering on Romance (W#125480 $27.95, C#125482 $21.95),  Tea Shoppe (W#125545 $34.95, C#125547 $27.95)
• Card Stock – Island Indigo, Lucky Limeade, Basic Gray, Whisper White, Watercolor Paper, Sweet Shop Specialty DSP
  
• Ink – Island Indigo, Lucky Limeade, Basic Black Classic, White Signo Gel Pen
• Punches – Scallop Edge Border (#119882, $15.95), Itty Bitty Punch Pack (#118309, $16.95)
• Accessories – Basic Pearl Jewels Accents (#119247, $4.95)
• Tools – Big Shot, Labels Collection Framelits Dies (#125598, $26.95), Aqua Painter (#103954, $16.95/2), Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430, $3.95), Sponge Daubers

LOYALTY REWARDS - When you purchase $50 or more, you qualify for my Loyalty Rewards program!  This Frequent Stamper program is my way of saying "thank you" to my returning customers in appreciation of their business and is in addition to other Stampin' Rewards.  Earn FREE stamps with MarieStamps.com!