Flowerbug's Inkspot

Meg's Side-step Smooches Album

Wait 'til you see this project! 

Meg Holland contacted me a few weeks ago to share her version of my Side-Step Album with me.  I was floored!  She is quite a talented stamper.  I think I love hers better than mine! 

She used the new Summer Smooches patterned paper and the fun Blossom Builders flowers kit. See more details on hers here.  

If you want to get the free tutorial to make this fun yet easy album visit my Stampin' Shop here to get it.  It's FREE!

I am excited to meet Meg in Disney this week.  It's her first Stampin' Up! incentive trip!   

Sponge Bob Punch Art by Kari

I am excited to share this card withyou that my talented downline Kari made.

Punches:

• Eyelashes - word window cut off straight with a scissors
• Eyes - 1/2" circle in black, 1" in blue, 1 3/4" in white, layered the black by hand
• Nose - Word Window
• Cheeks - 1" circle punch
• Mouth in black - extra large oval and used the 1" circle punch to cut out the top for the teeth
• Teeth in white - one word window cut in half and ends cut straight off.
• Tongue in Regal Rose - Heart punch

She used Daffodil Delight card stock for the card and textured it with the Perfect Polka dots embossing folder.  Black sponging here and there and White gel pen for the eyes. 

Thanks for stopping in today to see Kari's punch art! 

And Thank You Kari for sharing it with us all.   

Occasions Mini Carryover & other news

Stampin Up! announced that they are carrying over some of the products in this catalog ending today.  Click here to see which ones we get to keep for sure.   Download CarryOver_Occassions_0412_US 

Also see what's left on the Retiring Accessories list here. Download Retired accessories 2012

And now I thought I'd share a bit of our trip here in Disney World.  Below are some photos of our balcony view and other photos of our first pillow gifts.

We got the cutest Disney canvas bag.  Inside it were these fun snacks:
And today we received a set of Stampin' Up! sippin cups and a sun visor.

Unfortunately I am having issues with my laptop so photos and comments during this fun incentive trip will be at a minimum.

Bright Blossoms Flower

I received a few Summer Smooches swaps using this creative idea for the tulip image in the Bright Blossoms stamp set.

I found out Patsy Waggoner made this beauty! I loved it so much we made it for a workshop in April.  Such a fun and easy card. 

First punch out a white Blossom using the Blossom punch.  Then ink the tulip image and stamp onto each petal using Island Indigo ink.  Add a 1" Daffodil Delight circle punch and then a Summer Smooches fabric brad for the center.  We added an Island Indigo Blossom punched piece behind the stamped white one; just gave it a twist so it appears layered.  The leaves and stem stamped image is from the Sweetheart stamp set - retiring on May 31st! 

Sweet Cake Gatefold card

This is another card we made at my Card Clubs in April. 

It's a great color combination of Cherry Cobbler, White and Marina Mist.  I've always been attracted to Red and Blue color combos.  A few other favorites are Real Red with Bashful Blue and Cherry Cobbler with Night of Navy.  All very attractive IMO.

To make a gatefold card you start with a piece of card stock measuring 5 1/2 X 8 1/2".  Score 2 1/8" from each short end. 

We inked the main cake image first in Marina Mist and stamped on our main white layer.  Then cleaned off the stamp and inked it in Cherry Cobbler ink and stamped it twice to cut out for the cupcakes. A little Dazzling Details adds the finishing touch to the frosting. 

Here is a photo of the inside of the card. 

Supplies:

• Stamps - Sweet Cake, Happiest Birthday Wishes (hostess)
• Ink - Marina Mist, Cherry Cobbler
• Card stock - Marina Mist, Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White
• Accessories - Dazzling Details, Ticket corner punch, Scallop border punch, paper piercing tool, Perfect Polka dots embossing folder, Simply Scored, dimensionals

**Remember that I am out of town until May 4th.  If you need to place an order please use my online store here. 

Large Paper Doily die

Do you have it yet?  I know you're going to want it once you see this.............

All of these beautiful die-cuts are from the Paper Doily die.  Yes; just one die!  The top left is the full die-cut but if you start trimming a few of the outside curves off you can get all sizes and shapes of doilies and flowers!

***Remember that this die is in the Occasions mini catalog and only available until April 30th.  It 'may' be included in the new catalog but no one knows for sure......

We used it to make this gorgeous card at my Card Clubs:

Here's a few user tips on this die:

• To get many of the fine die-cut pieces to pop out easily roll the die-cut around a thick pen or marker as shown below.  Lots of the pieces pop out on their own this way.  You will most likely have to use a paper piercing tool or tweezers to help push a few of the remaining pieces out.
• Cut this die out using tab A with your Big Shot.  If you do not get a clean cut add a shim starting with a piece of patterned paper in your sandwich.  If that doesn't make it cut cleanly add a thicker piece of paper.  Keep moving up in paper thickness until it cuts cleanly.  All Big Shots are slightly different and some will need a shim and others will not.    

Last Apothecary Art card!

I think this is the last card I have to share using this set.  I had absolutely no idea I would like this beautiful stamp set as much as I have but I have used it a lot!  The images are pretty and easy to color too.  I hope it's in the new catalog!!

We made this card at a workshop a few weeks ago. This card was totally inspired by my stamping idol Deb Currier.  I am so drawn to her style! 

You can see how beautiful the papers are.  These are from the Attic Boutique designer series paper in the Occasions mini catalog that ends in a few days.  So soft, pretty and feminine.

Supplies:

• Stamps - Loving Thoughts, Apothecary Art
• Ink - Black Stazon, Soft Suede
• Card stock - Vanilla, Soft Suede, Attic Boutique dsp
• Accessories - Pool Party, Celery and Daffodil Delight markers, pearls, Daffodil Delight seam binding ribbon, dimensionals, mini glue dots
  

Retired List Update:

There are already quite a few items gone from the Retired Accessories list! Shop now for the best selection.

• Blushing Bride card stock
• Ink Color ink refills
• Craft ink refills
• Dotto
• Wheel Storage
• Silver brads

****Remember that I am out of town until May 4th so if you need to place an order please use my online store on the left side column of my blog. 

Bordering on Romance meets the Doily die

This is one of the cards we made at April's Card Clubs. 

Isn't that black Doily die-cut gorgeous!?  It totally makes this card!

Card Details:

• Watercoloring Technique: We inked the Bordering on Romance flower image in Black Staazon ink and stamped on our watercolor paper.  Next we colored the outside of each flower petal with markers (Rose Red & Not Quite Navy). Then a blender pen was used to 'pull' color from the marker lines to the center of the petal.  So very easy to get beautiful watercoloring with this method.  But it only works on the watercolor paper!
• This colored image was punched out using the 2 1/2" circle punch and adhered to the Black large Doily die-cut.
• We added either black brads or pearls for the flower centers.
• The right side of the doily die-cut was folded to the back of the Confetti white card stock.  The black card stock strip hides any imperfections here. 
• The Black scalloped border layer is from the Tasteful Trim die-cut.
• Rose Red and Baja Breeze seam binding ribbon was used as a strip across and for the bow.
• The Confetti White card stock background layer is stamped first and then textured above with the Finial Press embossing folder leaving the greeting flat. 

Would you like to make this card and more like it?  You can if you join my Cyber Card Club.  Just place a minimum order of $25 by the 10th of each month and I'll send you the cards kit to make each of my two Club Cards along with directions and photos to make them at home.  After 6 months you'll receive a stamp set as a gift from me. 

Mickey Mouse Punch Art

Melanni, one of my friends and customers made this card for her grandaughter.

Isn't it sweet?  She actually drew out and hand cut the face!  I am sorry that I cannot list the punches she used here but I suspect she cut a few by hand.   

Here's the inside view of Minnie:

Love her bow and those eyelashes!

This is the perfect opportunity to say 'Thank you' to my customers for the trip to Disney World we are taking in a few days!  Yes; Stampin' Up! is flying us to Florida for 5 days of Disney fun!!!  I wouldn't be going without the help of my customers, so thanks so much gals!!

We leave on Friday am and return the following Friday, May 4th.  We have never been there before and are excited to see and experience the fantastic world of Disney. My son has decided to wait until he goes there with the Band next year.  He hates to miss school so it'll just be my husband and I and hundreds of other SU demo's and their families. 

I've got tons of blog posts coming your way while I am gone.  In fact there may be even more than usual since I have lots to share yet before May 1st. 

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Retired Accessories List is out!

Wow - the list is long!  Much longer than I expected.  But I say that every year! 

*****Many retiring items are on sale from 25 - 60% off!

Be assured that even though you'll see all of our Classic ink pads on the list they are not changing the colors. The new Classic ink pads will have a firm foam pad that will be an improvement and will provide better ink coverage when stamping, and longer life for our ink pads. **See more details below on this change.

 Retired accessories list 2012

Definitely Decorative list

There are lots of changes coming in this new catalog.  Stampin' Up! does tons of product research and consistently makes the best decisions for our company. So hang in there - change can be good! 

More:

• Classic Ink Pads: will be replaced with a new "firm foam pad" being introduced with the 2012-2013 annual catalog.  The Firm Foam pads offer better ink coverage and, in trun, better stamped images. I am so excited about this!  (See more details below).
  
• Craft Ink Pads:  will no longer be offered, except in black and white
• Ink spots - the only set remaining in the catalos will be the Getting Started collection.
  
• Stampin' Stampin' Write Markers: only select markers will be available individually (they will still be offered in color collection assortment packs)
• 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 assortment packs

Please double check the Retiring list above and order before it is gone for good.  The best way to get your items and to know what is still available is to use my online store link below.  These items are only while supplies last!

Click here to view all of the retiring product on my online store.

Make your decisions and purchases quickly!  Each day something will be out of stock; never to be available again. 

New Classic Ink pads:

We know you're going to love these new Stampin' Pads-just look at all the exciting benefits listed below:

• Provide better ink coverage for your stamps!
• Light-tap stamping produces flawless images!
• Pad stays juicier for longer resulting in better ink pad longevity!
• The pad stays flat and will not become bowed or wavy.
  

In addition, our new Stampin' Pads

• Have a crisply printed, glossy label on the top of the pad that is easier to read and that will not fade or chip off!
• Come with color name labels in all four languages (English, Spanish, French, and German)-just choose your language, peel it off the back, and add it to the side of the pad for easy identification!
• Use the same patented flip-top case design that stores the inking surface upside down, so the pad surface stays moist!
• Are available in all colors, including our exclusive In Colors!

Please note: Five ink colors have undergone formula changes to improve functionality and color stability with the new firm foam pads. These colors are

• Basic Black
• Basic Gray
• Marina Mist
• Perfect Plum
• Tempting Turquoise

If you plan to keep your current 'felt' pads and you do not own the ink refills for the 5 above, you should order them now. Any refills purchased after April 30, 2012, will contain the new formulated ink.

 

Baby Prints Bib card

Here is an adorable idea for either a baby congrats or a baby shower invitation card using the Baby Prints stamp set from the Occasions mini catalog. 

*****Just a few days left to order from this Occasions mini catalog!

I used my Scallop Circle die - #113468, to cut out a Bashful Blue card.  I placed the fold of my card inside the cutting edge of the die so it left me with a smooth fold on top. It's hard to see but the scallop cutting edge is 'above' the fold. **Click on the photo to see it better.   

Next I used my 2 1/2" circle punch to punch a hole through that top fold, but left about 3/4" on each side for a fold.

Then I cut a 3 1/2" circle from White card stock using another circle die; #121811.  Adhere that first and then punch again with the 2 1/2" circle punch following the first Blue circle punched edge.  Or trace it first and punch before adhering.  I do not recommend trying to punch through 3 layers of card stock at a time.  Two layers is plenty for a punch!

Here's the inside view:

These hand and feet stamps are adorable to me.  Such memories..... 

Thanks for stopping in today. 

Just a reminder that tomorrow the Retired Accessories list will be out from the current catalog.  Watch for it because these items are while supplies last only.  And there is always something on the list that is gone in the first few hours!

List coming tomorrow! 

Petite Purse Square Box Tutorial

I promised you a tutorial on how to make this fun 'square' Petite Purse Box seen last week on our Freaks Blog Hop.

You will need to cut out four of the Petite Purse die-cuts, although you really do not need the full die-cut. 

You can see where I cut off the base of it here and part of the large flap on the left side (where the black line is).  I also trimmed off just a bit of the curved flap too. 

****I did add texture to my Real Red card stock die-cuts with the Perfect Polka dots embossing folder before adhering them together below.  

Here is a photo of all 4 of the die-cuts adhered together by their narrow side flaps.  I prefer using our Tombo Multipurpose adhesive for boxes.  It holds so strongly!

This is the box as it looks from the top.  You can fit quite a few goodies in this square box.  I just folded the patterned paper flaps inside and added velcro dots to the Red card stock flaps. 

I do like the added strength using card stock gives this box.  You could do it with all card stock or all patterned paper.  It's up to you but if you want a sturdy box I recommend at least half card stock as I did. 

This is the difference in size.  You get double the space inside for treats when you make it square. 

Details:

• If you look at the little curved notch on the very top of the Red square box, that is the flap that usually tucks in to hold the Petite Purse flap down and closed (it's hiding under my punched flowers on the left image).
• The die-cut includes a narrow handle for the Petite Purse.  I used these die-cut strips as accents on my square box on the bottom of each side.
• I adhered Daffodil Delight brights buttons as 'feet' on my square box using mini glue dots.
• The Summer Smooches fabric covered brads match the Summer Smooches patterned paper perfectly! 

 

April Technique Class

I've got another set of pretty cards for April's Technique Class, if I do say so myself! 

This card is the Colored Vellum technique.  I love our Vellum Card stock - so nice and thick yet still transluscent.  The colors here are Wisteria Wonder with Daffodil Delight. 

And this cool look is called Tie-Dye Embossing.  Great with colored embossing powder on black or white card stock.   The stamp set here is called Awash with Flowers which is retiring next month. 

Last is the Distressed Wash technique using our Distressing kit.  Soft & pretty, isn't it?  Loads of possibilities with this technique! 

These cards are part of my local Technique Class on Tuesday, April 24th and Wednesday, April 25th. 

The class is currently full but if you cannot attend the class here in Minot, ND you can still make these cards by using my online Technique Class tutorial.  It's just $4.  You get complete directions, measurements and photos of the finished cards.  Plus you also get the technique card templates to add a sample of your stamped technique to.  These are perfect if you want to create your own technique sample ideas to use later. Demonstrators are welcome to use any of my ideas for your own classes.  It's completely ready for you!

Click here to get it

I also have a new bundle of Technique Classes ready.  12 months of classes for the price of 10.  That's just $40 for 36 techniques.  This bundle includes the last 12 classes I've done from October 2010 thru February 2012.  (They are not consecutive as I have skipped some months during the last year or so.)

Click here to purchase the 2010-2012 Technique Class Bundle  and scroll down....

Smooches with the Freaks Tour

It's that time again for another Control Freaks Blog Tour!  The theme this month is our Summer Smooches Sneak Peak. You'll see tons of projects using the fun Summer Smooches products available during April.

You may have arrived from Deb's blog.   I love her work; it's so clean, simple and artistic.  I want to case every thing she makes! .

My first project is a fun little 'square' box I created using our new Petite Purses die.

Isn't it cute?!  I cut out four of the Purse die-cuts; two each from Real Red card stock and Summer Smooches patterned paper.  Then I cut off a few flaps here & there to make it a square box instead of a purse.  Here is a photo of it beside a Petite Purse on the left made as it's meant to be.

These are made with the Summer Smooches designer series paper along with the new fabric covered brads and the gorgeous Daffodil Delight seam binding.  Love this ribbon! 

I will be sharing the free tutorial 'how to' on this Square Petite Box next week.

And here is a simple card using the Bright Blossoms stamp set:

I inked the flowers and leaves with markers and stamped on Whisper White card stock.  Then punched them out with the 1" circle punch and layered them onto Real Red Triple Bouquet Blossom punch pieces.  I jazzed the flowers up with a rhinestone that has been colored with a Red permanent marker. 

I used our Labels Framelits to cut out the curved label shapes, adding a thin layer of Real Red behind the two top pieces by cutting two Red Label die-cuts in half - one lengthwise and the other vertically.  Just move them slightly outside the top layers and adhere.

Lastly is an adorable fabric covered cards box I made for my daughter Jenilee. 

Surprise!  I am not sure when I can give this up to you though.....   She had mentioned that she loved this new fabric and wanted to get some.  I think she'll love having a cute box in her colors for the cards I give her.  

This box was on our Clearance Rack last week but it looks like they're out of stock now.  Another good reason to check this place often!  I think you could use any other type of photo box for this project instead.

I used Sticky Strip tape on all edges of the fabric to adhere it to the box.  I just laid the box on top and cut, added tape and folded.  The Turquoise piece on the front is our On Board Merry Medly chipboard.  I traced around the chipboard to get the Turquoise shape and textured it with the Perfect Polka dots embossing folder.  The metal accent came with the box.  Here's a look at the inside:

Thanks for stopping by to see my Summer Smooches projects!  Now you're off to see the remarkable Jan Tink's projects.

 

Tea Caddy Tutorial

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We made these last month at a downline meeting.  I thought some of you might like the instructions too. 

You can fit quite a few tea bags inside this box.  It's a great gift for those who might have everything but like a cup of tea now & then.  I put together a tutorial for it. 

 Download Tea Caddy tutorial

The paper I used is called Attic Boutique.  It's so pretty and perfect for those feminine touches. This paper and the Tea Shoppe stamp set are in the Occasons mini catalog and may never be available again after the 30th of April.  

******Another Control Freaks blog hop is coming this Friday!  Don't miss it!