Author Archives: Karen Fontinelle

Floral Boutique Thank You Card

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Floral Boutique Thank You Card

I think one of the most amazing collections of products in the new Stampin’ Up! Annual Catalog is the Floral Boutique Suite, and this Floral Boutique Thank You Card is one of my first creations from that suite. This new Stampin’ Up! Catalog, I think, has the most amazing products and display of samples and products on its pages. In this suite are a stamp set, intricate thinlits for die-cutting, Baker’s Twine, Washi Tape, and designer series paper. Everything you need to make amazing projects! Not that you have to stick with the colors shown. Do your own thing!  But the inspiration is there on pages 76-77 for the taking to get you started!

This card is just a piece of Whisper White Cardstock with the fold at the top (it would have been better to use the Whisper White Thick Cardstock if I would have thought of it!), so it is cut lengthwise at 4 1/4″ instead of horizontally.  Then I scored it at 5 1/2″.

After getting my first big order (of course, not counting my pre-order!) the night before, I spent yesterday afternoon experimenting with the new Detailed Floral Thinlits Dies. On this card, I only used the one large die cut on the bottom of the card and stamped with the Floral Phrases Stamp Set. When you stamp with this big flowery stamp, you may think it is not stamping properly, but it actually is designed to have lighter and darker areas, so don’t worry! It’s that “denim” look. After stamping the flower in the top center, I stamped the ends of the stamp on each side so that it would go all the way across the top of the card.

I used the new Big Shot Platform that comes with a Thin Die Adapter, kind of like a shim. If I didn’t use that piece, it didn’t come close to cutting. I also used the Precision Base Plate which is very helpful in cutting these intricate dies. I find the Die Brush to be indispensable! It’s not very expensive, so I would put that on your next order for sure. I tried to do various combinations of old and new platforms, Precision Plate, etc. but I got myself mixed up so I have no conclusions to share right now! I did find, that with MY Big Shot, cutting both the larger and smaller dies on cardstock on the same run through the Big Shot was VERY hard to go through the Big Shot but each one separately worked fine.  With all of these things, you will have to see what works best with YOUR Big Shot!  But these dies are beautiful and will make gorgeous cards and projects. If you don’t own a Big Shot yet, I would put that on your Wish List because I use my Big Shot all the time and you will want to get in on using these fancy new dies!

On the bottom of the inside of the card, I just adhered a strip of the Floral Boutique Designer Series Paper. I could have used a piece of Washi Tape or added some Rhinestones to the front of the card. Lots of possibilities!

You will want to put this whole Floral Boutique Suite on your next order, if you haven’t already, so you can make a card like this Floral Boutique Thank You Card.

Shop Stampin’ Up! Online!

 

Layered Letters Father’s Day Card With Bowtie

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Layered Letters Father's Day Card Bowtie

Father’s Day is Sunday, June 19th, so if you haven’t already made a Father’s Day card maybe this Layered Letters Father’s Day Card with a bowtie will provide some inspiration to you. It’s very easy to make and you can customize it to your father or husband. It doesn’t even have to be just for Father’s Day.  We are always looking for good masculine card ideas and you could customize this card to any special occasion for a man.

To make the bowtie, I checked the Pop of Pink Specialty Designer Series Paper and found that this black and white pattern would be perfect for a bowtie! You can cut two triangles and a circle any way you like, but I happened to think of the triangle in the Pyramid Pals Thinlits Dies and used that to cut two triangles. Then I used the 1″ Circle Punch for the bowtie knot.

For the greeting, I could have used the Father’s Day stamp in the Crazy about You Stamp Set, but I opted to use the Layered Letters Stamp Set.  This is another stamp set that I just find to be fun and useful. After stamping the rectangles with Crumb Cake ink on the Whisper White card front and getting some ink smudges in the corner (ugh!) I just cut out the rectangles instead and adhered them to the card!  Another proof there are no mistakes in stamping! (usually!)  Simple card to make, I think, and you can change the colors and the greeting style any way you like.

The card base is Basic Black with a Crumb Cake layer.  The letters are stamped with Basic Black Archival Ink.

Get started on the Father’s Day card or cards you need to make for the special men in your life! I hope this Layered Letters Father’s Day Card with a bowtie will give you some ideas!

If you need stamping and papercrafting supplies, check out Stampin’ Up! Online, open 24/7!

Affectionately Yours Mini Treat Bag Birthday Card

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Affectionately Yours Mini Treat Bag Birthday Card

On Friday I needed a quick birthday card before I left town for the weekend, and I came up wtih this Affectionately Yours Mini Treat Bag Birthday Card.  I decided to combine the new Affectionately Yours Specialty Designer Series Paper with one of my favorite things, the Mini Treatbag Thinlits Dies.

I used the Mini Treat Bag Thinlits and the Big Shot to die cut the mini treat bag out of this cute paper.  I love how the inside pattern is as cute as the outside and provides a good contrast. Out of a thin scrap, I made a belly band around the bag so I could showcase that pattern from the inside of the bag a little bit more. Then I die cut a Daffodil Delight piece of cardstock with a thinlit from the Swirly Scribbles Thinlits Dies to kind of look like  a flower and put a large rhinestone (retired) in the center. I already had the white flower pieces die cut from the Botanical Builder Framelits Dies in my pile of scraps so I used those and added sequins from the Metallics Sequins Assortment plus a couple of the retired In Color Blossom Accents since I was hand-delivering the card. They make mailing the card a little difficult!

I used the Thoughtful Banners Photopolymer Bundle (the stamp set and punch) to make the little greeting on the front. And on the top of the card inserted inside the treat bag I stapled on a piece of the retired lace to pull out the card. I used my favorite Handheld Stapler by Stampin’ Up!

I hope you are enjoying the new Stampin’ Up! Catalog.  If you need one and do not have a Demonstrator, please contact me.

Shop Stampin’ Up! Online 24/7.

 

Learn to Make These Cute Popcorn Boxes!

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Popcorn Box Samples

Images (c) Stampin’ Up! 2016

If you don’t want to get coerced to buy these Popcorn Box Thinlits Dies, then don’t watch this Stampin’ Up! video with Donna Griffith from the Home Office! I was NOT interested in these (well, I’m “interested” in every single product Stampin’ Up! sells, but being as I can’t have it all, I have to limit myself!), but then I watched this video and these Popcorn Boxes sure look cute!!!

Just think how cute these would be as party favors, teacher gifts, Christmas gifts, neighbor gifts, treat holders, even popcorn boxes!! Just think of how you could decorate them for Halloween parties!! Or something in red, white and blue for July 4th! Yep, they just might have to go on my next order!!

Popcorn Box Birthday Blooms Sample

Images (c) Stampin’ Up! 2016

Popcorn Box Thinlits Dies

Put these Popcorn Box Thinlits Dies on your Stampin’ Up! order!

It’s a One Day Deal For the Paper Pumpkin Kit!

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Paper Pumpkin Sneak Peek June 2016

Here is a rare sneak peek from the upcoming June Paper Pumpkin Kit, shipping out mid-June! Read below about the special FLASH SALE going on right now!  Today is the last day!  Order your Paper Pumpkin Kit before 11:50 pm Mountain Time tonight!!  It’s only $5!  Don’t miss it!! Use the promo code:  ONEDAYDEAL   Join Paper Pumpkin today!

Paper Pumpkin One Day Deal

It’s a One Day Deal for Paper Pumpkin! The special offer started last night but it runs all day today until 11:50 pm Mountain Time!

Have you ever said, “One day I’ll sign up for Paper Pumpkin.” Well, THAT DAY is today. For 31 hours, first-time subscribers can get their first kit for only $5 USD! This deal doesn’t last long so don’t delay and forget!

JOIN HERE!

Use Promo Code:  ONEDAYDEAL

What is Paper Pumpkin anyway??! It’s a complete kit to make a papercrafting project of some kind! It’s almost always a surprise and could be cards, home decor, a calendar, holiday items, a mini album, etc. Every once in awhile there is a sneak peek!

In your first kit you will receive a clear acrylic block on which to mount your stamps. Every Paper Pumpkin Kit includes a set of exclusive stamps, an ink spot, and all the paper, pieces and embellishments to make the project, already die cut and ready to go! Instructions are included plus a link to a Stampin’ Up! video. Anyone can make the project, newbie or experienced stamper.

Details

  • The price of the kit is $5. Shipping is included.
  • This offer is open to first-time subscribers only. Discount applies to one kit for June 2016. After the first month, the price for the subscription will return to $19.95 USD/$26.95 CAD. You can cancel at any time or simply pause your subscription when you need to.
  • Offer starts on Thursday, June 9 at 5:00 PM (MT) and ends Friday, June 10 at 11:50 PM (MT).
  • Available for month-to-month subscriptions, not prepaid subscriptions.

JOIN PAPER PUMPKIN! Get Your First Kit for only $5! It’s a no-brainer!!

Use Promo Code:  ONEDAYDEAL

Pop of Pink Swirly Scribbles Polka Dot Scalloped Tag

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Pop of Pink Swirly Scribbles Polka Dot Scalloped Tag

Here is a quick and easy project to make a Pop of Pink Swirly Scribbles Polka Dot Scalloped Tag. I simply punched a tag with the Scalloped Tag Topper Punch out of the polka dot pattern of one of the papers in the Pop of Pink Specialty Designer Series Paper. I first was going to use some other die cut flowers, but then I thought it might be fun to see how the Swirly Scribbles die cuts might work. I chose three colors in the Brights family:  Real Red, Pumpkin Pie and Daffodil Delight. I also die cut some green leaves.

The banner is stamped with the Thoughtful Banners Stamp Set, both on Whisper White and Real Red so that the greeting cut be cut and adhered to the Real Red banner. These were punched with the Duet Banner Punch. You can purchase this stamp set and the punch in a Thoughtful Banners Bundle and save 10%!

***Be sure to check out Paper Pumpkin today so you are ready for the FLASH SALE!  Purchase your first Paper Pumpkin Kit for only $5 beginning today, June 9th at 5:00 pm Mountain Time and ending on Friday, June 10th at 11:50 pm Mountain Time.

The first Paper Pumpkin Kit comes with a clear block on which to mount the stamps that come in the kit. Everything you need for the surprise project is inside the box!  Stamps, ink, and everything cut and ready to use!  You can follow the enclosed directions, watch a Stampin’ Up! video, or change up the project however you like.

Details

  • The price of the kit is $5 USD.

  • This offer is open to first-time subscribers only. Discount applies to one kit for June 2016. After the first month, the price for the subscription will return to $19.95 USD.

  • Offer starts on Thursday, June 9 at 5:00 PM (MT) and ends Friday, June 10 at 11:50 PM (MT).

  • Available for month-to-month subscriptions, not prepaid subscriptions.

JOIN PAPER PUMPKIN HERE TODAY!

Do Not Join Paper Pumpkin…..Today!

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Paper Pumpkin One Day Deal

Whatever you do, DON’T join Paper Pumpkin today!

I’ve been saying Paper Pumpkin is the fun monthly subscription papercrafting kit that comes to you in the mail and encouraging you to try it out!  BUT NOT TODAY!!  Nope!  Not today! Don’t do it!!  What’s the deal??!!!

WAIT until TOMORROW June 9, 2016 at 5:00 PM (MT)!!!

On Thursday, June 9th at 5:00 PM (MT) 6:00 PM (Central Time), you can join Paper Pumpkin for only $5 using the Promo Code:  ONEDAYDEAL.

  • This offer is open to first-time subscribers only.
  • Discount applies to one kit for June 2016.
  • After the first month, the price for the subscription will return to $19.95 USD/$26.95 CAD.
  • Offer starts on Thursday, June 9 at 5:00 PM (MT) and ends Friday, June 10 at 11:50 PM (MT).
    Available for month-to-month subscriptions, not prepaid subscriptions.

Tomorrow, at the appointed time (or from then until June 10th at 11:50 PM (MT), just click this link below to join Paper Pumpkin and get the June kit for only $5 (plus tax)!

JOIN PAPER PUMPKIN HERE!

The special price includes shipping and your whole Paper Pumpkin kit! A Paper Pumpkin includes a stamp set, an ink spot, instructions, and all the materials for the project.  You MAY need some scissors and possibly some glue or adhesive, but often what you need is included in the kit. For your first kit, you will receive a clear block on which to mount your stamp.

Listen to Carrie Cudney from the Stampin’ Up! Home Office tell you about the offer!

Be ready!  On Thursday, June 9 click the link and JOIN PAPER PUMPKIN! It is CERTAINLY worth the $5 to try it out, and if it is not for you, just cancel before the next month.

Email me if you have any questions!  Karen@KarenStamps.com

JOIN PAPER PUMPKIN FOR $5 on Thursday, June 9 at 5:00 pm (Mountain Time)!

(Promo runs until Friday, June 10th at 11:50 pm Mountain Time)

Be sure to use the Promo Code:  ONEDAYDEAL

 

Painter’s Palette Card for a Friend

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Painter's Palette Card for a Friend

I think this stamp set, Painter’s Palette, is going to be a perfect one for us stampers, papercrafters and creative types! It actually gives us a “palette” to express ourselves like an artist.  There is so much possibility with this stamp set.  I made an easy version by just stamping on the front of this card, Painter’s Palette Card For a Friend. If you wanted to put more work into it, you could die cut the easel with the new Layering Squares Framelits Dies and make it 3D.

I was actually kind of missing the color Watermelon Wonder so I decided to use that color for the card base and to stamp the artist’s easel. I think it is a bright and unexpected color for this card.  I made the card so that the fold is at the top, so the cardstock is cut in half at 4 1/4″ vertically and scored on the 5 1/2″ line instead of the other way around. I chose some other Brights colors – Daffodil Delight and Tempting Turquoise along with some more Watermelon Wonder. I stamped these “paints” on the palette, some full strength and some stamped off to be a lighter shade. I put sticky notes on each side of the frame so that the paint colors would stay just on the palette. They caught the overstamping and then when I removed them, the frame didn’t have any stamping on it! The little splatters also come in the stamp set.  I always think those are fun for just adding a little something.

Check out this Painter’s Palette Stamp Set and see if it is one you want in your stamping collection!

Pop of Pink Mini Treat Bag

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Pop of Pink Mini Treat Bag

Today I thought I would make a Pop of Pink Mini Treat Bag with the pretty new Pop of Pink Specialty Designer Series Paper and the Mini Treat Bag Thinlits Dies. I have always loved this die set, so many opportunities for creativity! The die set contains not just the ones to make the treat bag, but also many dies for the extra embellishments, like hearts, a banner, star, bow, a couple of greetings and more. This can be a treat bag but it can also hold a card or gift card or monetary gift! There are even ways to modify this bag to make it more 3D.

I made the bag with the diagonal stripe pattern from the Pop of Pink paper and die cut a heart out of the same paper but turned it over on the other side. I die cut a banner, but cut off the one end so it would be straight and cut a slightly larger piece of Basic Black as a layer underneath the Whisper White banner. The greeting on the banner is from the Birthday Blooms Stamp Set. For a little interest I added a strip of Pop of Pink Designer Washi Tape. I attached a piece of the Silver Sequin Trim with the Handheld Stapler. (Love this stapler by the way!) I die cut the strip of hearts from the Dazzling Diamonds Glimmer Paper and used the individual hearts for some embellishments and pizzazz. And for a  little something on the Pop of Pink heart, I took two strands of Whisper White Solid Baker’s Twine to make a bow and adhered with a rolled up Glue Dot.

The Pop of Pink Designer Paper  has been so popular it is backordered, but you can still order it now and when Stampin’ Up! gets more they will send it to you. A big supply is due in about a week so it won’t be long!

You can purchase the Mini Treat Bag Thinlits along with the You’re So Sweet Stamp Set in a Bundle and save 10% if you wish.

Check out the Mini Treat Bag Thinlits Dies and and Pop of Pink Specialty Designer Series Paper and consider ordering the dies to go with your Big Shot and have fun making the Pop of Pink Mini Treat Bag

Learn About the Big Shot by Stampin’ Up!

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Big Shot Machine

If you already have the Big Shot, then you know what an amazing tool it is in making projects.  I use mine almost everyday! It is just left out all the time so that I can use it at a moment’s notice. Now that Stampin’ Up! is selling fancier and more intricate dies, there is a new platform for the Big Shot which they say will work better with the more detailed thinlits. This is great except it is starting to get confusing about what to use for a platform for which thing! I will be ordering the new platform, but I don’t have it yet.

I found some Stampin’ Up! videos that will help answer these questions!

These videos will give you some explanation of all these new-fangled things!

The new Big Shot Platform comes with an adapter for the thin dies. You can purchase this platform to go with the Big Shot Machine you already own. If you purchase a Big Shot, your new Big Shot will come with this new platform. They also recommend using the Precision Base Plate. The Precision Plate first came out in the Occasions Catalog. There is also the Magnetic Platform, which is useful for holding dies in place on your paper as they go through the machine.

Another less expensive accessory for your Big Shot is the Die Brush. You can place the foam pad in an empty stamp case and then your pieces will fall into the stamp case and not all over your table! The die brush is handy for helping to release the die cut from the die or to help the design release from the paper.

Houston Flood Swirly Bird Boat Card

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Houston Flood Swirly Bird Boat Card

For many people in the Houston area and in other parts of Texas this week, this card made with the Swirly Bird Stamp Set and Swirly Scribbles Thinlits Dies represents the only way the people affected by the Houston flood have of getting around. While we are fine here in our neighborhood,  some of these other areas just outside of Houston are completely flooded and some neighborhoods an island unto themselves. I’ve seen videos of horses up on someone’s front porch to keep them out of the water, cattle being herded across a roadway and train track, and an airboat sailing through the water right next to a highway. It’s amazing.

It’s always good to have stamping to lift your spirits on a rainy day, so I thought making a boat and floodwaters with the Swirly Bird Bundle was a good idea. Of course if the rivers aren’t flooding where you live, you could make this same card and have it be a boat sailing along in calm waters! I stamped some of the swirly circle stamps for the water background and overlaid that with die cuts made with the Swirly Bird Thinlits. The pieces that make up the boat are stamped and cut out with Paper Snips. I added some dark clouds punched with the Tree Builder Punch. I also sponged some Soft Sky ink in the background.  The greeting is from one of my favorite stamp sets, Teeny Tiny Wishes and punched with a new punch, the Duet Banner Punch.

This Swirly Bird Stamp Set and Swirly Scribbles Thinlits Dies are proving to be some of the most popular items in the new catalog! It is a stamp set that will take some creativity to get full use of, but you can bet that plenty of Demonstrators and stampers will be coming up with lots of cute ideas that we can all copy! If you want both the stamp set and dies, you can purchase them together in a Swirly Bird Photopolymer Bundle  and save 10%. And if you didn’t want both, I would suggest just the Swirly Scribbles Thinlits Dies.  I think you will be able to do a lot just with those.

Hopefully all the rain in Texas will move on soon and people can get out of their boats and use the streets for cars again.  Then I can take the dark clouds off my Houston Flood Swirly Bird Boat Card and replace it with a swirly sun!

Shop the new catalog at Stampin’ Up!

The New Stampin’ Up! 2016-17 Catalog Is Here!!

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New Stampin' Up! Catalog 2016-17

It’s here! The new Stampin’ Up! 2016-17 Catalog is here with new In Colors, new stamps, new accessories, new Project Life products for memory-keeping, new designer paper, and MORE!

View the new Stampin’ Up! Catalog Online HERE!

SHOP the new Stampin’ Up! Catalog Online HERE!

Contact me if you need a new Stampin’ Up! Catalog to hold in your hands or to put in an order for you!  Email me at Karen@KarenStamps.com.

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During the month of June, if you host a workshop, gather orders together from some of your friends, or put in your own BIG order of $350 or more, you will earn an EXTRA $35 in Hostess Stampin’ Rewards!

Stampin' Rewards Extra June 2016

Let me know if you have any questions about the new catalog or ordering! Be sure to flip through the catalog online today if you don’t have your own copy!  It’s worth a view for sure!!

Check out the NEW STAMPIN’ UP! CATALOG TODAY!

 

Out With the Old …. Stampin’ Up! Catalog Last Day!

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Stampin' Up! 2015-16 Annual Catalog

Today is the last day of May and the last day for the current Stampin’ Up! Catalog!  Can you believe it?! My how I loved that tin on the front of the catalog that went with the Tin of Cards Kit!

Stampin' Up! Occasions Spring 2016 Catalog

Today is also the last day for the beautiful Occasions Catalog 2016!  Fortunately, a lot of the products you will see in the new Stampin’ Up! Catalog, but not all, so check it out one more time!

Stampin’ Up! Retiring List

Shop Stampin’ Up! Retiring Products

When can you order from the brand-spankin’ new Stampin’ Up! Catalog??!!

Online Ordering will be down from midnight until 3:00 AM (MT) on June 1 while we transition the system to the 2016-2017 annual catalog. During this time, no orders can be placed in Online Ordering. Customers can order products from the catalog starting at 3:00 AM (MT) on June 1. So if you can’t sleep and try to order in the middle of the night, the website might be down for the transition!!

As I always say on big days like this, be prepared for glitches such as a slow website. Just keep trying because you will eventually get in. Lots of people will be very excited about the new catalog and trying to order right away! And maybe there won’t be any problems!

As excited as you may be about the new catalog, just take a few minutes (or hours!) and check the retiring list and see if there is anything you want before it is gone. Last chance for Bundles 15% off!

Then get ready for Wednesday, June 1st!!  New Catalog Day!!! Woohoo!

Shop Stampin’ Up! Online!

 

Have Fun With Stampin’ Up! Paper Pumpkin Monthly Kits!

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It’s time to think about treating yourself to a Stampin’ Up! monthly Paper Pumpkin Kit that comes to you in the mail!  Each kit comes with a stamp set and all the materials inside, cut and ready to go, to complete the project. Past kits have been cards, a calendar, home decor, spring wreath, mini album, holiday decorations, gift packaging and more!  Each month is a surprise (although occasionally there is a sneak peek!).

Even if you are not interested in Paper Pumpkin, please watch the fun video above just for fun!  I think you will enjoy it!

Find Out More About Paper Pumpkin HERE!

No risk because you can try it and cancel or get most months, but pause your subscription when you want to. Pay by the month (only $19.95 + tax per month which includes shipping!) or add one kit or more months to your regular Stampin’ Up! order. Once you are a subscriber, you can purchase any past kits or refills that are still available!

Paper Pumpkin Prepaid Kits

Whether you subscribe by the month or order the prepaid kits, the fun will arrive in your mailbox around mid-month. Just be sure to get signed up by the 10th of any month to get that month’s kit.

Paper Pumpkin Open Box

Join Paper Pumpkin today and Skip to the Fun of crafting!

Pop of Pink Card for a Friend

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Pop of Pink Card for a Friend

The other day I made a card like this Pop of Pink Card for a Friend with the new Pop of Pink Specialty Designer Series Paper coming in the new Stampin’ Up! Catalog on Wednesday, June 1st. Today, for this card, I used the same paper pattern in Pop of Pink, but I cut off the bottom portion and turned it over to the pattern on the other side. Just for another accent and to cover up the cut line between the two papers, I cut a strip of a Gold Foil Sheet, which goes with this paper pack and with the matching washi tape on the card.  The card base is Melon Mambo with a Basic Black layer.  The Gold Foil sheets are also in the new catalog!

The tag is made with the Scalloped Tag Topper Punch out of Melon Mambo and then a smaller piece of Whisper White layered on it.  I stamped the Melon Mambo flower and stamped the greeting both from the Birthday Blooms Stamp Set. Then I added some strips of the new Pop of PInk Designer Washi Tape to match. The ribbon I added is the Basic Black 3/8″ Stitched Satin Ribbon which retired and is no longer available.

This weekend you can dig into your hoarded designer paper stash (!) and make some cards similar to this so you have a bunch ready to go out when you need them. Put a generic greeting on the front or leave it blank until you need a card and then you can just write a greeting and note inside for whatever occasion. Use the different patterns of paper as a background layer or but them to use both sides, straight or at an angle or whatever you come up with!  Use up some of your current or old paper because you KNOW you will want the new stuff when it comes out!!

If you are not vacationing this weekend (or even if you are), check through the retiring products while you wait in the TSA line or during the road trip!

Shop Stampin’ Up! Online from Anywhere Anytime!