Kylie Bertucci is one of my all time favorite Stampin’ Up Demonstrators.  If you do not follow her blog, you really should.  She is from Australia somewhere.  Her ever so cute and funny hubby, Bruno, is also a demonstrator.  How cool is that!?!

Anyway – one of her favorite sayings is “If you love it, chop it!”  This is referring to your favorite Designer Series Paper or DSP as we call it in the biz!  Here’s the theory behind that…  Why did you buy the paper in the first place?  Because you thought it was going to make some most excellent projects.  You say visions of wonderful works dancing around in your head.  But, then you got the paper in your hand.  It’s absolutely lovely.  If you cut it and use it, there will be no more.  After all, Stampin Up retires their DSP every year so that new and just as lovely papers can be introduced.  So, I am here to encourage to buy and USE Designer Series Paper.

Two beautiful sets of DSP are getting ready to say goodbye forever.  I encourage you to check them and out stock up on them!  Tasty Treats Specialty Designer Series Paper and Succulent Garden Designer Series Paper.  Hurry and get them before they are gone forever!!! 🙁

Here are two cards that we made at last week’s card class using these papers.  I am so sad that that Sweet Sugarplum gingham is going away.  I absolutely love it!

They are both super simple and super sweet.  Don’t you think!?!

The “You’re Sweet” card was inspired by Lyssa Zwolanek.  It uses the Tasty Treats DSP along with the Cool Treats stamp set.

The “Happy Birthday” card was inspired by Stacey Krats.  It uses that lovely gingham from the Succulent Garden DSP.  The stamp set Fresh Fruit… which is also retiring, so if you want it, you had better snatch it up!!!

Until next time… keep it simple, Stampers!

🙂  Joanne

So, we had a great time at Stamp Camp last night!  I am so sad that you missed all the fun.  What more, I am so sad that you missed the opportunity to add to your collection of greeting cards just waiting to be given to those special people in your lives.

But no fear…

First of all, we are doing another on May 18th… my house 5pm.

What’s that?  You don’t live near me or you can’t attend?  No worries.  I will be offering for the first time ever – an online class.  More details will be coming about that soon – you know, once I figure it all out!

Secondly, here are the cards we made…  and today, I will give you the details about the most favorite one that everyone completed!

I will willing admit that every single one of these cards was CASE’d by other people.  When I feature each card, I will let you know who the inspiration came from.  The beauty of Stampin’ Up is that everyone shares their ideas with everyone else!

So, what is your guess about what card was made by everyone that attended last night?  Well, it was a complete shock to me.  But, is quite a lovely card!

Oh – which one… it’s this one…

This card was inspired by someone who did not put a watermark on their photo so I do not know for sure who it was.  If this is your card.. please let me know so I can give you the credit!

Isn’t it great.  It combines embossing and water coloring.

All the products I used are listed below… but here are a couple tips that I gave the girls last night.

• Do the embossing first.  Make sure that your stamp is clean.  Since we used Black Archival ink on the same stamp, it is essential to clean it with the Stampin’ Scrub after the black – or just do the VersaMark first!
• For the sentiment – cut one green and one vanilla using the punch.  I cute the green into three pieces – the middle and both ends.  I also cut off the middle tip of the vanilla layer.
• For watercoloring – the technique used was to hold the colored pencil in one hand and use a blender pen to get the color directly from the pencil. I used multiple brushings of the pen on the pencil.  The more color you draw out, the darker it will be on the coloring.

I used 1/8″ borders for this card.  And, used multiple layers of SNAIL to attach the ribbon

Here is the supply list…

Product List

You’ve Got This Clear-Mount Stamp Set

[139575]

$28.00

You’ve Got This Wood-Mount Stamp Set

[139572]

$39.00

Very Vanilla 8-1/2″ X 11″ Card Stock

[101650]

$9.00

Garden Green 8-1/2″ X 11″ Card Stock

[102584]

$8.00

Watercolor Pencils

[141709]

$16.00

Versamark Pad

[102283]

$8.50

White Stampin’ Emboss Powder

[109132]

$5.00

Basic Black Archival Stampin’ Pad

[140931]

$7.00

5/8″ (1.6 Cm) Burlap Ribbon

[141487]

$7.00

Heat Tool

[129053]

$30.00

SNAIL Permanent Adhesive

[104332]

$7.00

Stampin’ Dimensionals

[104430]

$4.00

Medium Very Vanilla Envelopes

[107300]

$6.50

Monday’s card will showcase a retiring stamp set – so be sure to tune in.

Until then… Keep it simple, Stampers

🙂  Joanne

So, as you can tell, it’s been a while since I posted here.  It’s been a hectic couple weeks but now I am back in in gear.

Where have I been, you ask?

First, I had to get a lot done at work so I could leave on vacation for a week.  Then I went on said vacation (a visit with Mom and Dad in Flordia and a cruise with them to Georgetown, Grand Cayman, and Cozemel, Mexico!).  Next, I came back to work which just so happened to be just in time for Holy Week… so not only did I have catching up to do, I had a bunch of new work to prepare for.  Did I mention that I am the head of the kitchen committee here also so I had to plan, shop and cook Sunrise Service Breakfast for 80 people… and the dog went into labor Easter morning!  Now, I am planning and prepping for Thursday’s Stamp Camp, getting ready for the next vendor fair, and worrying about the dog that should go into labor in a week!

Of course there are pictures…

In my title, I mentioned that I am back – but some other things are not.  Curious?

Well, Stampin’ Up released their list of retiring items.  Better check it out to see if your favorites are listed and if they are, hope on the band wagon and place an order!  Stamp sets will be orderable until the middle of May, but everything else is on an AS AVAILABLE basis and things are already gone!  Click the link below to see what is still available in my online store.

Currently Available Retired Items

Or, check out the whole list in a printer-friendly format here:  Retiring_List_US

Don’t miss out on your favorites. This is your last chance to snag them up.

One of my newest acquisitions is on this retiring list but is still available.  It is the Writing Notes background Stamp.  Here’s what I am using it for right now…

It is an Appreciation Card for the local high school’s Beta Club kids.  They will be making them this afternoon to give to all the teachers and staff during Teacher Appreciation Week at the beginning of May.  I CASE’d this card from someone off Pinterest, but I can’t remember who to give them the credit – just know this was not my original idea.. but then again, they never really are!

Here are the directions they will be given… 

And, a printable version for those that need it!  teacher Appreciation 2017

Until next time… keep it simple, Stampers!

🙂  Joanne

Well,  I am full into planning mode for my upcoming stamp camp and the class based on the One Wild Ride stamp set.  So, I don’t have any new cards to show you today.

Here is a sketch that I have been working from for something special.  Of course, I cannot post the actual project yet, because it has not yet been given to the person and I can’t risk her seeing it before hand.

The thought for this set was using the big “Hooray” found in Confetti Celebration set on page 12 of the 2016-2017 Annual Catalog.  But, there are several other sentiments that will fit in the circle.  I bet one of the Thank You’s from One Big Meaning would fit.. as well as the “Enjoy the Little Things” from the Layering Love set.  But of course… none of these are what’s going on it for the purpose of the card I am currently making.

The colors used in the sketch are Flirty Flamingo, Island Indigo, and Pool Party.

Tonight I plan on fishing up a few little project samples as well as a birthday card for my dad – his birthday was a couple weeks ago, so I am right on target with giving him his gift.  Then, packing for my first cruise… I can’t wait!

Really folks, that’s it!  My life in a nut shell – a tiny, tiny seed shell actually!

Until next time… keep it simple, Stampers!

🙂  Joanne

Yes, it’s the saddest time of the year.  It’s just about time to say goodbye to all the limited time Sale-A-Bration items.  I know.  I feel your grief.  It is so heartbreaking… especially if you never took advantage of the offer.

Well, I am also sitting here wondering just how crazy you must be not to have already ordered.. but, hey.. It’s not too late!  There are a few more days left.  And, just to prove my point…  here is a great card that is sooooo simple to make.  And, by purchasing everything you need for it, you get a FREE Sale-a-Bration item… WOO HOO!!!

(And, so so you don’t go looking for it… this card is so simple, I didn’t even do a tutorial.  I am that confident in your skills 🙂

Now, isn’t that a lovely card.  Of course, I cannot take the credit for it, but you knew that already.  This one was CASE’d from Mae Collins.  And, the best part is, it’s so easy to make.  Here’s how…

oh… what the heck… here are the directions!  (It’s wasn’t that I lacked confidence… It just helped me organize my thought process as far as what all was needed to complete the card.  If I don’t think like this, I may forget something!)

Proj Sheet – Dragonfly Coloring

But, here is a glimpse at the items that made the card…

Product List

Dragonfly Dreams Photopolymer Bundle

[144728]

$46.75

Dragonfly Dreams Photopolymer Stamp Set

[142924]

$21.00

Detailed Dragonfly Thinlits Dies

[142749]

$31.00

Inside The Lines Designer Series Paper

[143830]

$0.00

Whisper White 8-1/2″ X 11″ Card Stock

[100730]

$9.00

Basic Black 8-1/2″ X 11″ Card Stock

[121045]

$8.00

Calypso Coral 8-1/2″ X 11″ Card Stock

[122925]

$8.00

Crushed Curry 8-1/2″ X 11″ Card Stock

[131199]

$8.00

Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad

[132708]

$6.00

Blender Pens

[102845]

$10.00

Watercolor Pencils

[141709]

$16.00

Clear Wink Of Stella Glitter Brush

[141897]

$8.00

Stampin’ Dimensionals

[104430]

$4.00

SNAIL Permanent Adhesive

[104332]

$7.00

Liquid Multipurpose Glue

[110755]

$4.00

Big Shot

[143263]

$110.00

Precision Base Plate

[139684]

$25.00

Big Shot Die Brush

[140603]

$11.00

Clear Block C

[118486]

$7.00

Clear Block G

[118489]

$4.50

But, you really don’t need all of it to create the card…  Just the Bundle and the watercolor pencils will get you the paper for FREE!  Just use the card stock and adhesive you already have…  🙂

And, look… you don’t always need to color the paper.  It is beautiful just as it is – don’t you think?  I CASE’d this card form Shannon Kay!  I really hope that the new catalog coming in June has some more papers like this!

For this card, I used just a strip of the Inside the Lines Designer Series Paper at the bottom.  The sentiment is from the All Things Thanks (143089/143097) in the 2017 Occasions catalog.  The little flowers are from Petite Petals (133152/133155) in the 2016-2017 Annual Catalog.  The one is punched using the Petite Petals Punch (133322).

And, here’s a insider tip… Did you know that you can color the Rhinestones (119246) with a Sharpie?  On this card, I colored them with a red Sharpie.  I also used the red Sharpie to color in the flower centers on the envelope and the inside of the card (oh – there is no sentiment on the inside – just some flowers in two corners like on the envelope!).  Imagine the rainbow of Rhinestones you can have!!!

That’s it from me for now… I just really, really, really, really, really urge you to not let Sale-a-Bration go buy without grabbing up some goodies FREE with a $50 purchase.  Visit my online store by clicking the link on the right!

Until next time… keep it simple, Stampers

🙂  Joanne

Well, that weekend went by a little too fast.  Don’t you agree.  What is it with weekends…  You wait all week for them, then poof… they are gone! 🙁

So,  the weekend was very busy.  I worked at Yankee both days.  But, I did get some lazy time Saturday morning.  And by lazy time, I mean there were tons of things I could have been doing – that I should have been doing – but instead, I laid around and watched tv while petting the dogs and sipping coffee.

Thank being said, I have no new stamping projects done and there are so many that I need to be doing!

On that note – I have been holding on to this one for a little bit now.  It was one that was an option at the last Stamp Camp.  Then, since no one did it, it was going to become a swap for a meeting that was supposed to take place tonight but has since been cancelled.  So, here goes.

It’s really just a basic card with a little added pizazz.  I copied it from someone else who may or may not have played with a card shown in the current Occasions catalog.

Of course, I know what you are looking for.. the instructions.  Here ya go…

Proj Sheet – Easter in Gold

But, please note that this was a limited time Sale-a-Bration ribbon on it.  That ribbon is only availing while supplies last and for the next 5 days.  Sale-a-Bration ends at midnight on March 31st… so you have until then.  In my personal opinion, you should just go ahead and place a $50 order and it the ribbon now, because once it’s gone, it’s gone and you will miss out.

I haven’t priced it, but I think if you order the Easter Message Stamp set, Whisper White cardstock, Gold Foil sheets, Gold embossing powder, etc… you will be to the $50 mark.  Just sayin’ 🙂

To order, simply click on the link on the right (if you are on your phone, it’s down below).  Be sure to enter the code at check out.

Until next time… keep it simple, Stampers!

🙂  Joanne

Let’s be honest with each other…  All of us have seen an idea on Pinterest and thought, I can do that!

Well, I’m here to tell you.. You can!  Really!  At least when it comes to card-making!

I very, very, very often troll Pinterest looking for ideas to make cards.  In fact, I doubt that I have had a truly original idea since the discover of Pinterest a couple years ago.  I’m sure all those glimpses of images are safely secure in the back of my head somewhere.

That’s where I saw this card that we made at our last Stamp Camp.  And to be honest, where I am sure I will find the cards for the Cam p next month!

Anyways, here is the card that I recreated from Laura’s Creative Moments blog.

Clean, simple, and masculine.  But, I am sure you can change the paper or even just the embellishment and make it more feminine.  Really, it’s just a basic card with a little embossing using an embossing folder, a little punching, and a simple bow.

So, what have you found on Pinterest and recreated?

You can follow me on Pinterest – just click below

https://www.pinterest.com/simplestampers/

I am always adding the cards that I make to the boards there.  Or, you can visit my much more active personal Pinterest boards found at https://www.pinterest.com/jlcantrell/.  Or, what the heck.. you only live once.. follow both!!!

Oh – I almost forgot… I did instructions for that card above!

Proj Sheet – Birthday Clipboard

Until next time, keep it simple, Stampers!

🙂  Joanne

I was originally going to call this post “Fit for a King” but then I realized, He is not simply a king, but THE KING!

No, you may be asking why is this card fit for The One and Only Risen King?  Because of the purple background.  And, if you are like me, you know that purple is the color of royalty… but, if you are really like me… you want to know why is purple the color of royalty?

Well, i did some searching and I guess it is because the color purple was very expensive to make.  It originally came from a mollusk found off the coast of Tyre (now Lebanon).  It took over 9,000 of these little shelled creatures to create one gram of dye.  So, only the richest of the rich – aka kings and rulers – could afford it.  It also symbolized holiness during the Greek and Roman Empires.  I guess during the rule of Queen Elizabeth, no one but the closest royal family was entitled to wear it (on a side note – did you know that during that time, only certain classes wore certain colors…?  Me neither!).  Then, along came a chemistry whore noticed quanine made a purple color and the rest is history from there…

So, now that we have learned something new today, let’s take a look at the actual card I made using a couple of the stunning purples that Stampin’ Up has to offer us.

I CASE’d this card from a couple different ones that I found on Pinterest… so the idea is not originally mine.  But, I did go ahead and make y’all some instructions for it.  It will give you the measurements and the basic steps I took to create it.

Proj Sheet – Royal Easter

This was one of the 10 cards offered at my last Stamp Camp.  At my camps, which take place on the Third Thursday of most months… You can choose to make 10 cards or 5 cards.  You get to choose how many of which cards you would like to make.  One lady made six of these cards!  She found it really lovely and so simple to make.  I am sure you will too.

If you are wondering when my next Stamp Camp is… here are the dates…  🙂

Until next time, keep it simple, Stampers!

🙂 Joanne

Well, we are winding down the last few days of Sale-a-Bration 2017.  Hopefully you have taken advantage of the deals!

If you are not familiar with Sale-a-Bration… It comes once a year and only once a year.  You can get free items with every $50 of Stampin’ Up items you purchase.  You can choose from stamp sets, designer series papers, and embellishments.

Of course… all Sale-a-Bration freebies only available while supplies last or through March 31st.  Unfortunately, that means if you did not get the Card Tin or the 6×6 Assorted Glimmer Paper, it’s too late.  Those items are alreadt gone.

BUT… today, Stampin’ Up added some items out of the Annual Catalog tot he list of Sale-a-Bration items.  Here is what they included…

What’s stopping you from ordering?

Just click on my link to the right to go to my online store.  If you are purchasing under $125, please use the code provided.  Over that and you can also order Hostess Rewards… 🙂  How fun is that!

Until next time… keep it simple, Stampers!

So, after a long wait, here is the project that I have been working on!

What do you think?

I was inspired by a Mituso video on YouTube.  The problem with the card they made was that it didn’t fit in a regular envelope.  Sure, I could have made a custom envelope, but that’s just too much work!

There is a slew stuff used on this card.  You may have noticed that.  Here is the list…  But, please note that the Glimmer paper used is not available anymore.  So hopefully you were lucky enough to snag some while it was a FREE item with Sale-a-Bration!

Product List

Window Box Thinlits Dies

[142762]

Basket Bunch Photopolymer Bundle

[144731]

Basket Bunch Photopolymer Stamp Set

[143186]

Basket Builder Framelits Dies

[143228]

Hardwood Wood-Mount Stamp Set

[133032]

Hardwood Clear-Mount Stamp Set

[133035]

Up & Away Thinlits Dies

[142748]

Tip Top Taupe 8-1/2″ X 11″ Cardstock

[138336]

Soft Sky 8-1/2″ X 11″ Card Stock

[131203]

Soft Suede 8-1/2″ X 11″ Card Stock

[115318]

Sweet Sugarplum 8-1/2″ X 11″ Cardstock

[141418]

Mint Macaron 8-1/2″ X 11″ Cardstock

[138337]

Bermuda Bay 8-1/2″ X 11″ Card Stock

[131197]

Whisper White 8-1/2″ X 11″ Card Stock

[100730]

Crushed Curry 8-1/2″ X 11″ Card Stock

[131199]

So Saffron 8-1/2″ X 11″ Card Stock

[105118]

Pink Pirouette 8-1/2″ X 11″ Card Stock

[111351]

Early Espresso 8-1/2″ X 11″ Card Stock

[119686]

Old Olive 8-1/2″ X 11″ Card Stock

[100702]

Pear Pizzazz 8-1/2″ X 11″ Card Stock

[131201]

6″ X 6″ (15.2 Cm X 15.2 Cm) Glimmer Paper Assortment Pack

[143831]

Soft Sky Classic Stampin’ Pad

[131181]

Soft Suede Classic Stampin’ Pad

[126978]

Sweet Sugarplum Classic Stampin’ Pad

[141395]

Mint Macaron Classic Stampin’ Pad

[138326]

Bermuda Bay Classic Stampin’ Pad

[131171]

Crushed Curry Classic Stampin’ Pad

[131173]

Early Espresso Classic Stampin’ Pad

[126974]

Old Olive Classic Stampin’ Pad

[126953]

Calypso Coral Classic Stampin’ Pad

[126983]

Clear Wink Of Stella Glitter Brush

[141897]

2016-2018 In Color Enamel Shapes

[141410]

Stampin’ Dimensionals

[104430]

Glue Dots

[103683]

Liquid Multipurpose Glue

[110755]

Fine-Tip Glue Pen

[138309]

Fast Fuse Adhesive

[129026]

Tear & Tape Adhesive

[138995]

Big Shot

[143263]

Punch Corner Project Life

[135346]

Blender Pens

[102845]

I think this is going to be a fun card to make for many, many people.  I am already imagining what else I can make with it.  And, what else can I do to make fun cards like this.

Oh wait… Yes, I did do a tutorial for this card.  How could I not.  Seems like it had some ‘xplainin’ to do, Lucy!!!

Proj Sheet – Eggs-tra Special Easter Pop-Up Box

Can’t wait to see what y’all do with this!

Until next time… keep it simple, Stampers!

🙂  Joanne