Stamps in the Mail: Painted Petals

From the first time I looked through the Occasions Catalog, I fell in love with the stamp set Painted Petals. I knew that it would be one of the sets I would feature in my Stamps in the Mail program, and what better time to add a little bit of spring to your life? Many samples I have seen with this stamp set have followed the color scheme of the coordinating Designer Series Paper, but I went a different route and used the 2013-2015 In Colors as my inspiration. Take a look:

Would you like the supplies and instructions for making these cards? How about that beautiful stamp set? My Stamps in the Mail program brings a card class to you, no matter where you are! Here are the details:

This month's stamp set is Painted Petals. When you participate, you will receive this stamp set in your choice of wood mount, clear mount, or photopolymer, $15 of additional product (your choice!), and the instructions and supplies to make 5 cards using your new stamp set. The 5 cards are pictured above. You will also receive an idea sheet with a variety of other ideas for using the stamp set, and a supply list for the included cards. *Inks and adhesive will not be included.*

I have set up a hostess code for this month's kit. If you would like to participate, place an order using the hostess code UTDGS4H2. Your order must include the Painted Petals stamp set plus at least $15 of additional merchandise. Orders must be placed by March 15. After that date, I will mail out the supplies and instructions for your 5 cards. Already have Painted Petals and want to participate? Just use the hostess code and substitute a stamp set of equal or greater value.

The $15 of additional product is your choice, but here are some ideas that will coordinate with the supplies I will be sending you:
*Ink pads in these colors: Crisp Cantaloupe, Baked Brown Sugar, Pistachio Pudding, Coastal Cabana, Strawberry Slush
*2013-2015 In Color Markers
*Whisper White or Very Vanilla Cardstock
*2013-2015 In Color Cardstock
*Medium White Envelopes
*Rhinestones Basics Jewels
*2013-2015 In Color Thick Baker's Twine

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Happy Stamping!

Rachel

Paper Pumpkin February 2015: Alternate Ideas

Ok, I'm back today with some alternate ideas for the February 2015 Paper Pumpkin kit. I hope you didn't throw away those scraps! My first project uses the leftover Thanks frame from the felt letters. I've seen a few ideas using these, and I thought they would pair perfectly with our new Washi Paper.

I cut a piece of Whisper White cardstock to fit behind the letters, and then attached strips of the Washi Paper so that they would show through in a pattern behind the cut-outs. Here's what I added for this project: cardstock in Whisper White, Basic Gray, Crushed Curry, and Bermuda Bay, and Washi Paper. That's it! The size of this card is 7 1/2" X 9 1/4", scored at 3 3/4". It fits perfectly in a long envelope.

My second project uses the accordion-folded white cardstock base from the kit. You can get 4 mini cards from it if you cut it into quarters. Or, cut Whisper White cardstock to 3 3/4" X 5 1/2" and score at 2 3/4".

I used the stamps and inks included in the kit to make the 4 cards. The only product added was Tuxedo Black Memento Ink. Any black ink pad would work. The 4 cards would fit nicely in one of the kraft boxes to make a cute little gift.

My final card was created using the stamps from the Paper Pumpkin kit, as well as Daffodil Delight, Pool Party, and Whisper White cardstock.

Simple but cute. I love that little polka dot stamp!

I hope these projects have inspired you to keep creating, even once you've used up the contents of your Paper Pumpkin kit.

Happy Stamping!

Rachel

Weekly Deals ~ February 24 - March 2

Here are this week's deals:

	Simply Created Banner Item # 132699 Regular Price: $9.95 US/$11.95 CAN Discounted Price: $7.46 US/$8.96 CAN
	Crisp Cantaloupe Thick Baker'S Twine Item # 135636 Regular Price: $3.50 US/$4.95 CAN Discounted Price: $2.63 US/$3.71 CAN
	2013-2015 In Color Sequin Assortment Item # 133631 Regular Price: $4.95 US/$6.50 CAN Discounted Price: $3.71 US/$4.88 CAN
	Whisper White 5/8" Satin Ribbon Item # 134549 Regular Price: $6.95 US/$9.50 CAN Discounted Price: $5.21 US/$7.13 CAN
	Basic Black Baker'S Twine Item # 134576 Regular Price: $2.95 US/$3.95 CAN Discounted Price: $2.21 US/$2.96 CAN
	Night Of Navy 1/2" Seam Binding Ribbon Item # 134571 Regular Price: $6.95 US/$9.50 CAN Discounted Price: $5.21 US/$7.13 CAN
	Tangerine Tango Baker'S Twine Item # 134578 Regular Price: $2.95 US/$3.95 CAN Discounted Price: $2.21 US/$2.96 CAN
	Celebrate Easter Ensemble - Digital Download Item # 133474 Regular Price: $12.95 US/$13.95 CAN Discounted Price: $7.77 US/$8.37 CAN

Happy Stamping!

Rachel

Four NEW Sale-a-bration Items for March!

Sadly, I haven't finished my alternate Paper Pumpkin projects for you yet, but I do have some exciting news! Stampin' Up! is adding four new Sale-a-bration items in March! For every $50 you spend, you can choose one of them for free. Want to know what's new? There are two new stamp sets, an accessory pack of thick baker's twine and mini buttons in this year's In Colors, and a pack of specialty vellum paper. Everything is super cute!

Would you like a chance to order the new products this week? Demonstrators can order all of the new products before they go live on March 1. Join my team, and you can get these new items sooner than everyone else! Simply visit my business website and click the Join the Fun button.

If you'd like to see a copy of the new Sale-a-bration flyer, email me at rachel.traudt@hotmail.com, and I will add you to my email list.

I will be back tomorrow with the Weekly Deals, and I will work really hard to share those Paper Pumpkin projects with you on Wednesday. Until then...

Happy Stamping!

Rachel

February 2015 Paper Pumpkin: Layers of Gratitude

I first saw a picture of this month's Paper Pumpkin kit about a week ago. I wasn't excited. The color combination wasn't my favorite, and the kit looked kind of blah. Boy, was I wrong! As I waited for my kit to come in the mail (for some reason, it had to go to Kansas City first, and then back to Denver?) I saw several videos of the kit being put together, as well as some alternate ideas. I grew to LOVE this month's kit, and I'm going to tell you why.

#1 reason: the stamp set. I have been SO excited about the Paper Pumpkin stamp sets lately. Awesome fonts on the greetings, and large numbers of stamps! Here is this month's set:

So many of those stamps will make great backgrounds or accents to any card. And the stamp set is as large as some from our catalogs that are valued at $15!

#2 reason: the project. This kit makes 8 accordion fold thank you cards. Take a look:

While they would be difficult to mail, they are perfect for handing to anyone you want to say thank you to. I am planning to use mine as thank yous for customer orders. They would make great cards to give to teachers - teacher appreciation week is coming up in May, and you could also save them for end of the year teacher gifts. Does your child take lessons from someone, or are they on a team? Consider a thank you for the coach or instructor.

Oh, and as it turns out, I decided that I liked the card a lot - even the colors.

#3 reason: the ink spots. This month you got two - Pool Party and Daffodil Delight!

#4 reason: My Paper Pumpkin kits have been inspiring me to share with others in ways that I probably wouldn't have considered otherwise. Since I am paying for these kits, I don't want the products to go to waste. I want to use them! For example, last month's kit contained 24 valentine treat bags. I sent out treats to my 10 nieces and nephews, as well as making 10 treat bags for kids at our church. Chances are that without the kit, I wouldn't have taken the time to do that. Kits like the one this month provide me with cards that I can use in my business, and they are quick and easy to make. I don't have to create something on my own - it's already done for me!

The kit also came with little box envelopes for the cards. To fancy them up, you can use some of the stamps:

Then just slip in your card...

... and tie it up with the baker's twine included in the kit.

Or, you can use the boxes for something else, and tie up the cards without the box.

Finally, don't get rid of your "trash." I'll be back on Monday showing some alternate ideas for this kit, and you'll definitely want to save your scraps!

Next month's Paper Pumpkin kit was previewed at Stampin' Up!'s Leadership Conference. I haven't seen it, but I've heard that it's a card kit that makes 9 cards. If you have been thinking about trying Paper Pumpkin, the card kits are always great, and you can earn Sale-a-bration products by purchasing Paper Pumpkin prepaid subscriptions right now! Try it for 1 month, or buy 3 (on sale!). 6 or 12-month subscriptions always include a little discount, and the 12-month can earn you hostess benefits as well. Or, just sign up for a month-to-month subscription and cancel at anytime. Make sure to sign up by March 10 in order to get March's kit. It will ship to you in the middle of March. Whatever option you choose, I hope you'll consider trying this amazing kit!

Happy Stamping!

Rachel



Weekly Deals ~ February 17-23

Check out this week's deals:

	What'S Up Punch Item # 133781 Regular Price: $16.95 US/$22.95 CAN Discounted Price: $12.71 US/$17.21 CAN
	Celebration Basics Kit Item # 133007 Regular Price: $14.95 US/$18.95 CAN Discounted Price: $11.21 US/$14.21 CAN
	Mosaic Punch Item # 131267 Regular Price: $15.95 US/$21.95 CAN Discounted Price: $11.96 US/$16.46 CAN
	Pansy Punch Item # 130698 Regular Price: $15.95 US/$21.95 CAN Discounted Price: $11.96 US/$16.46 CAN
	2014-2016 In Color Backgrounds Designer Series Paper Stack Item # 133705 Regular Price: $21.95 US/$26.95 CAN Discounted Price: $16.46 US/$20.21 CAN
	Pumpkin Pie 1/4" Cotton Ribbon Item # 134565 Regular Price: $5.95 US/$7.25 CAN Discounted Price: $4.46 US/$5.44 CAN
	Daffodil Delight 1/4" Cotton Ribbon Item # 134559 Regular Price: $5.95 US/$7.25 CAN Discounted Price: $4.46 US/$5.44 CAN
	Amped Up Ampersands Kit - Digital Download Item # 134844 Regular Price: $9.95 US/$10.95 CAN Discounted Price: $5.97 US/$6.57 CAN

Happy Stamping!

Rachel

Filled With Love Valentine Card

January's Paper Pumpkin, Filled With Love, came with the perfect stamp set to make my husband's Valentine's Day card this year. I just added a few extra supplies, and this card was quick and easy!

For the heart background, I stamped off twice. Cute and simple, right?

Have a happy Valentine's Day!

Stamps: Filled With Love
Ink: Real Red
Paper: Whisper White, Stacked With Love DSP Stack, banners from January 2015 Paper Pumpkin kit
Accessories & Tools: Stacked With Love Designer Washi Tape

Happy Stamping!

Rachel

Pinterest for the Win!

How do you use Pinterest? I love looking on there for recipes, stamping inspiration, and style ideas (who am I kidding - yoga pants are like my uniform!). I probably only do a small percentage of the things I pin on Pinterest. However, the cards I helped my kids made for their dad for Valentine's Day were ideas I saw on Pinterest, and I think they turned out super cute!

My daughter loves Curious George, so a monkey card was the natural choice for her.

This turtle was just too adorable to pass up.

I used my Stampin' Up! ink pads and markers, along with a few of the new Epoxy Stickers and Blendabilities Markers on the monkey valentine. The monkey valentine also gave me a chance to try out some punch art. I won't list everything that I used, but if you are curious, please ask!

I am still working on my own card to my husband, as well as cards for my kids. I'll share those either tomorrow or next week. It depends how quickly they get done!

Have a happy Valentine's Day, however you are celebrating! My husband told me that he'll be making a special meal tomorrow, and we may go to Qdoba for lunch - you can get buy one get one free smothered burritos if you bring someone to kiss!

Happy Stamping!

Rachel

Hey, Valentine

Yesterday, I shared January's Paper Pumpkin kit, Filled With Love. I couldn't send those treat bags off to my nieces and nephews without making some cute Valentine's Day cards to go with them! From the first time I saw the set Hey, Valentine in the Occasions Catalog, I knew that it would be one that I will be able to use for years to come. The images are great for stamping and letting your kids color to make their own valentines. They're also perfect for kids' birthday cards - just mask the Valentine greeting!

My favorite image in this set is the fish. I decided to make that the focal point of this card. The coordinating Valentine products in the Occasions Catalog made it really easy to put together.

And see? Even though the images are meant for coloring, you don't necessarily have to color them to create a nice card! I did color just the little heart, and then covered it with Crystal Effects to give it some dimension. Have you tried Crystal Effects? I just did recently, and I love it! I know that it has many other uses, but so far I've just used it this way. It creates a little bubble over the image and reminds me of our new Epoxy Stickers. Here's a closer look:

Thanks for stopping by today, and make sure to come back tomorrow for the rest of my Valentine's cards!

Stamps: Hey, Valentine
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Real Red Stampin' Write Marker
Paper: Real Red, Whisper White, Stacked With Love DSP Stack
Accessories & Tools: Happy Heart EF, Big Shot, Crystal Effects, Gold Baker's Twine

Don't forget! Only a few days left to sign up for my very first Stamps in the Mail kit! Details here.

Happy Stamping!

Rachel

Paper Pumpkin: Filled With Love

January's Paper Pumpkin kit, Filled With Love, was filled with all the supplies to make 24 cute Valentine treat bags. TWENTY FOUR! The kit came with a Real Red ink spot, and this adorable stamp set:

I have really been loving the stamp sets in the Paper Pumpkin kits, and this one was no exception. I'm planning to use it for my husband's Valentine's Day card this year (stay tuned!). So far, I've used half of the kit's contents. We have ten nieces and nephews, so I bought some conversation hearts and filled up the treat bags with a little Valentine's surprise for all of them.

 

I also made two for my own kids, and those I'll fill with chocolate hearts. For now, the rest of the supplies in the kit are waiting to be used. I've seen a lot of cute ideas on Pinterest, and I've saved a lot of them to my Paper Pumpkin board. When I have time (haha!), I'll recreate some of them.

This month's Paper Pumpkin is getting ready to ship out - it's called Layers of Gratitude. If you don't want to miss out on any more of these kits, make sure to sign up here or purchase a prepaid subscription - the 3-month is on sale right now!

Check back tomorrow and Friday for more Valentine's Day inspiration. I've been busy creating for my valentines this week!

Happy Stamping!

Rachel

Weekly Deals ~ February 10-16

Here are this week's deals:

	Chalkboard Banner Simply Created Kit Item # 133795 Regular Price: $19.95 US/$24.95 CAN Discounted Price: $14.96 US/$18.71 CAN
	Gold 1/8" Ribbon Item # 134583 Regular Price: $4.95 US/$6.95 CAN Discounted Price: $3.71 US/$5.21 CAN
	Venetian Crochet Trim Item # 134581 Regular Price: $6.95 US/$9.50 CAN Discounted Price: $5.21 US/$7.13 CAN
	Floral Frames Framelits Die Item # 127012 Regular Price: $26.95 US/$32.95 CAN Discounted Price: $20.21 US/$24.71 CAN
	Darling Doily Thinlits Die Item # 133736 Regular Price: $24.95 US/$30.95 CAN Discounted Price: $18.71 US/$23.21 CAN
	Flower Frenzy Bigz L Die Item # 133728 Regular Price: $37.95 US/$46.95 CAN Discounted Price: $28.46 US/$35.21 CAN
	From The Garden Photopolymer Bundle Item # 138862 Regular Price: $33.75 US/$41.50 CAN Discounted Price: $30.38 US/$37.35 CAN
	Label This Kitchen Designer Template - Digital Download Item # 133022 Regular Price: $7.95 US/$8.95 CAN Discounted Price: $4.77 US/$5.37 CAN

Happy Stamping!

Rachel

Project Life: Love Story - A Few Tips

I broke out my Project Life supplies this week, and continued to work on my wedding album. I'll be married for four years this June, so that's not too bad, right? Yes, I am still on the rehearsal pages. But - I finished those this morning, so now onto the main event! I thought I would share a few tips and tricks for using the Love Story suite of products that I've discovered while working with them so far.

Tip #1: The Love Story products are all neutral colors - black, white, and gray. I've found this is a really nice palette, and it's perfect for adding in accent colors. For my album, I'll be adding some Night of Navy and Marina Mist, because those are the colors that coordinate with my wedding colors.

Tip #2: The accessory pack comes with alphabet sticker sheets in gray and white. I wanted some of my lettering to coordinate with the Night of Navy cardstock that I used, so I colored some of the white letters with my Night of Navy Stampin' Write Marker. I think it's easier to color the stickers before removing them from the sheet. I did let mine dry a few minutes to avoid getting ink all over the place.

Here is the finished product:

If you're curious, here are the few pages I've worked on this week.

Part of me feels like it's not 'fancy' enough for a wedding album, and the other part of me is just glad that it's getting done! I want to get my memories documented before they start to fade, and Project Life is helping me do that! I have mainly used the Project Life Love Story cards and accessories, but if you have questions about anything else you see on the pages, just ask.

I'll be back soon with January's Paper Pumpkin kit. It was perfect for making little Valentine treats for my nieces and nephews!

Happy Stamping!

Rachel