Today is one of the most exciting days in the Stampin’ up world.  It’s the first day that demonstrators around the world can pre-order items from the brand-spanking new 2017 Holiday Catalog.

I cannot wait until I have my stuff and can create beautiful Christmas cards and other projects for you all.

But, in the meantime…

Here are a couple of birthday cards that we made at the July Stamp Camp.

This card uses the Happy Birthday Gorgeous stamp set (143662) available in the 2017-2018 Annual Catalog… check it out on page 77.  I’m pretty sure I CASE’d it from someone.. just am not sure who.  If it’s yours, please let me know!

Here I used the “masking” technique where I placed a piece of super sticky Post-It notes across the middle of the card and stamped over it.  Then, I was able to peel it off and stamp the sentiment in the void left.

I also used the “stamp off” technique to create the lighter background of the flowers and the leaves by simply inking u the stamp and stamping first on a piece of scrap paper.  Then I stamped the flowers full strength to add the detail.

And the next one…

This is such a simple yet elegant card that I CASE’d from Megan Daves.  It also uses the Happy Birthday Gorgeous stamp set.  But, that lovely die cut birthday wish really makes it stand out, don’t you think!?!  The Happy Birthday Thinlits Die (143700) just bumps up the wow factor of any card.  And that Falling Snow Textured Impression Embossing Folder makes the bubbling so real you can feel the fizz!

So, while I am in a rush to get the new Fall and Christmas stuff, I would be remiss to just toss aside the Annual Catalog when it is chocked full of such great product!

Until next time… keep it simple, Stampers!

🙂  Joanne