My Blog Has Moved

Thank You for Visiting my Blog.  I’ve decided to move my blog to my Stampin’ Up! site at http://www.debbiestamper.com/blog  or http://blog.debbiestamper.biz

Same great content, yet easier for you to navigate. 

Stop by and say hello!

 

L.A. – Land of the “Cell Phone in the Ear”

Yep, I’m in L.A. Home of the “cell phone in the ear” land. I’m here for a conference which runs Sunday-Wednesday  The conference is being held at The Ritz-Carlton in Marina Del Rey. Beautiful hotel with wonderful amenities. The little things that make a difference to me like having the radio playing when you enter the room with one lamp on. Having a large bathroom with a comfy robe, free coffee all day, comfortable beds, fabulous 24-hour SPA and friendly staff. And the radio plays my iPod. What a treat. I can’t wait to go to the steam room tonight after a full-day of working hard.

Anyway…back to the issue at hand. I went for a walk early this morning to find a local breakfast joint. I counted 12 people who were either talking on their cell phone or had the cell phone in the ear gadget. I actually had to wait in the elevator for a guy who couldn’t manage to select which floor he was on because he was so engrossed in his reading his cell phone. What’s up with that? Don’t get me wrong, I love gadgets that make your life easier. But do people really need to do two things at the same time – walk and talk, eat and talk, order a meal and text, ride a bike and talk, get into an elevator and text?

March Color Inspiration

Always Artichoke

Chocolate Chip

So Saffron

Mellow Moss

Vintage Details

This is what I would consider – Very Vintage. It has layers of paper, distressing, tearing, collage stamping, ribbon, speckling, bling and texture which all leads to the style and feel of vintage.

Supplies Used: Lovely Shades of Spring Designer Series Paper in Orchid Opulence, Certainly Celery, So Saffron and Chocolate Chip. The ribbons used were the Chocolate Chip Taffeta ribbon and the new 5/8” Satin Ribbon in Certainly Celery. Most of these products can be found in the limited-time Occasions Mini.

Distressed Vintage

“Distressed Vintage” – Crumpling, torn, and distressed edges along with sponging, ruffled ribbon and layered and Rock n’ Roll stamping combine for a vintage feeling.

To distress the sides of the card, the Cutter Tool (#106958) was used below. You’ll love this portable cutting kit and it’s a must-have for vintage style! This handy keychain includes four tools that you will just love. The Cutter Kit includes a rotary cutting blade, rotary scoring tool, a rotary perforating tool and a distressing tool. I just love how easy these tools are to use and that they are compact so I can store and take them with me easily! FYI – Tools are attached to a “key chain” and packaged in a vinyl zip pouch for easy portability.

SUPPLIES USED: Perfect Plum, So Saffron, Very Vanilla card stock, Tafetta Ribbon, Cutter Kit, Rhinestone Brad

Cutter Kit (#106958)
Stampin' Up! © 2010

Vintage Vogue Card Set

This is my latest tutorial offering – Vintage Vogue Purse & Cards

Vintage style is all the rage! In this tutorial I will share with you what creates the vintage feel, some great vintage techniques, tools of the trade and different vintage styles! This set makes a beautiful and stylish gift for a birthday, wedding shower, graduation or even as a treat yourselve – yes you deserve it!

In this 23-page tutorial, you will make:

 •   One Vintage Purse
 •   Four coordinating Vintage Cards

Bonus Features:

 •   Vintage Style Guide
 •   Clear-Mount Stamp Tutorial

These projects feature the Vintage Vogue stamp set and Very Vintage Jumbo Stampin’ Around Wheel along with a fun assortment of tools perfect for creating the vintage feel. 

This class will be sent to you soon after purchase via email in Adobe Acrobat format (PDF). No supplies are included unless ordered. When you order one of the product listed below from me you get the tutorial for FREE. 20-Page Tutorial only $7.00.

Please note these tutorials are not available to Stampin’ Up! demonstrators. If you are a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator please contact me as I offer a demonstrator version as well.

Price: $7.00

Inspiration Club Discount $2.00

Vintage Vogue Stamp Set (#118598)
Wood or Clear-Mount
Images © 1990-2010 Stampin' Up!®

Very Vintage Stampin Around Wheel
Images © 1990-2010 Stampin' Up!®

Layered Vintage

Layered Vintage: Layers of paper, ribbon, stamping, speckling and texture combine to create a vintage feeling.  The colors of the DSP lend itself to the 70′s don’t it?  Do you notice the speckling? I used the Color Spritzer tool (#107066) for that. I just love having fun tools to use! The Color Spritzer tool makes it easy to add speckles of color for an airbrush type effect in any color using Stampin’ Write Markers. This inexpensive tool is a great addition to your stamping collection and makes a great gift, too!

Tip:
Spritz color directly onto card stock or onto a stamp and then stamp the speckled image.

SUPPLIES USED: Shades of Spring Designer Series Paper in Orchid opulence, Certainly Celery, So Saffron and Chocolate Chip. The ribbons used were the Chocolate Chip Taffeta ribbon and the new 5/8” Satin Ribbon in Certainly Celery. Most of these products can be found in the limited-time Occasions Mini. Tearing Edge guide and Square Fire Rhinestone Brads were used.

Color Spritzer tool (#107066) Stampin' Up! © 2010

Modern Vintage

Defining vintage style is difficult because what makes something feel vintage is a bit different for each person. It’s the whole “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” idea. Sometimes vintage style can be the colors used, details or how all the individual pieces come together to make the whole. Vintage can vary from a retro-type modern flavor to an almost Victorian flavor.

This is what I consider Modern Vintage. It has layers, ribbon and collage combine with clean lines and light distressing to get a vintage feeling.  I’ll post more in the few days to see if we can decipher the difference. 

SUPPLIES USED:
Chocolate Chip, So Saffron, Mellow Moss, Very Vanilla card stock and Kraft Taffeta Ribbon.

February My Digital Studio & Card Layout

Every month I like to post a new Card Template with measurements for your inspiration. My Inspiration Club member receive a printed postcard every month in their kit. Here’s the February Card Template with a sample card made in My Digital Studio software.

Here’s this month’s Card Layout & My Digital Studio Sample

Simply Gorgeous

Q&A: Clear-Mount Stamps

Q&A

Q: I’ve heard that Stampin’ Up! has new clear-mount stamps. What’s the scoop and should I change and use them?

A: The new clear-mount stamps are a great addition to the Stampin’ Up! family of products. Some people love the easy-to-position functionality and compact storage of clear-mount stamps while others love the traditional wood-mount stamps. So which is right for you? Read on to find out!

Functionality

Clear polymer stamps have received some bad reviews from stampers because of inferior stamped images, but Stampin’ Up! has solved the problem by creating clear-mount stamps using the same high-quality rubber and foam used on their wood-mount stamps. The clear-mount stamps adhere temporarily to the clear acrylic blocks using static. No sprays or adhesives needed. The image on the back of the stamp shows through the clear-mount block so you can place your stamp exactly where you want it. Stampin’ Up!’s clear-mount blocks have curved grips on all four sides, are purchased separately from the stamps, and are available in nine sizes to fit any stamp. Blocks can be purchased individually or as a full set of nine at a bundle discount. Clean up is easy. Just scrub gently on a Stampin’ Scrub that has been lightly sprayed with Stampin’ Mist. If the blocks become dirty from ink or from the oils on your fingers, the residues will not allow the static to hold the stamp onto the block. Not to worry, just wash the block with dishwashing liquid. If the static label on the stamp has residue, use a damp cloth or a paper towel with a bit of liquid dish soap diluted in water to wipe it off. Don’t submerge the rubber stamp in water. Large clear-mount blocks are great for those who like to do collage stamping. Multiple images can be placed on a block. This also works well with numbers and letters. You can spell out the words you want. Position them precisely on the blocks and only have to stamp once. No more trying to line the letters up as you stamp one letter at a time.

Storage

Many crafters have storage issues. Traditional wood-mount stamps, though much loved, take up a lot of space and can offer some storage challenges. With the new clear-block option, storage space is cleared up. With smaller overall packaging, storing clear-mount stamps takes less space. Clear-mount stamps are also easier to organize. With consistent DVD case-sized packaging, you can store them on a shelf or a DVD cabinet, shelf, or drawer. Clear-mount cases are see-through and are labeled with the stamp set name and images on the front cover as well as the spine for easy identification no matter how you store them. If you travel with your stamps to crops or stamp nights, clear-mount stamps with a set of clear-mount blocks are smaller, lighter, and easier to transport. For those with limited space, who move frequently, or who have space and weight limits — clear-mount stamps may be the perfect answer.

Tradition

Stampin’ Up! knows that some of you like the traditional wood-mounted stamps. Don’t worry, clear-mount stamps are a new option, but your old favorite wood-mounted stamps are still available. When placing an order, you have the choice of clear- or wood-mounted stamps. There is a clearly marked symbol and a separate item number in the catalog to indicate how the stamp is available. Most new stamps will have both options, while some will only be available as a wood-mounted option. Costs for clear-mount stamp sets are slightly less than traditional wood-mount stamps since the blocks are not included with the stamp set and need to be purchased separately from the stamps themselves.

Summary

Whether you decide that the traditional wood-mount stamps work great for you or you love the idea of the see-through blocks and the compact storage of clear-mount stamps, you will continue to enjoy the great quality, exclusive artwork, and creativity of your Stampin’ Up! stamps. Do you have more questions about clear-mount stamps and which option is best for you? Contact me and I can help guide you!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

© CraftyPerson Production 2008. Images © Stampin’ Up!

Medallion One Sheet Wonder Card Set

Make 10 beautiful cards fast using this unique One Sheet Wonder template. A One Sheet Wonder is a technique for using a single stamped sheet of cardstock cut into multiple pieces to create a quick-to-make set of cards, 3-D projects or scrapbook pages. This set features rich colors that span the seasons making it a perfect set to use year round or give as a gift for any occasion. Not your ordinary One Sheet Wonder, this tutorial will help you make fantastic cards with detailed accents and embellishments that make each card unique and special.

In this class, you will make:
• Ten All-Occasion Cards with Envelopes
• One Coordinating Wrap for the card set

These projects feature the Medallion stamp, Elementary Ribbon Originals and the colorful Baby Wipe Technique. This One Sheet Wonder makes a beautiful set of cards with a mixture of rich colors. All the inspiration you need to make thoughtful cards to have on hand or to give as a gift. When you finish, make the projects again using a different color theme, technique or stamp set and enjoy the fast and beautiful cards you can create!

This class will be sent to you soon after purchase via email in Adobe Acrobat format (PDF). No supplies are included unless ordered. When you order the product listed below from me this month you get the tutorial for FREE. 23-Page Tutorial only $7.00.

Please note these tutorials are not available to Stampin’ Up! demonstrators. If you are a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator please contact me as I offer a demonstrator version as well.

Price: $7.00

Inspiration Club Discount $2.00

#115223 Medallion stamp set
Stampin Up! © 2010

#115068 Sincere Salutations stamp set
Stampin Up! © 2010

Thoroughly Modern Card & Notepad Set

Enjoy the bold colors, trendy designs and great organized functionality of this unique set! Use the notepad for your daily to-do list or journal and enjoy the rich cheerful colors every day. Having ready-to-use cards organized and at hand in a card folder or Forget-Me-Not Keeper will make sending cards and notes a snap. Now that is sure to bring a smile to your face! Pass on the cheer when you make sets to give as a gift to a friend, hostess or coworker to add heartfelt warmth to their home or office.

In this class, you will make:

• Six Cards

• Card Folder w/ coordinating pen

• Notepad

These projects feature the Thoroughly Modern File Folders and Designer Series Paper (DSP). The projects create a colorful spin for home and office style. All the inspiration you need to make beautiful and functional sets for home, office and gifts for any occasion.

This class will be sent to you soon after purchase via email in Adobe Acrobat format (PDF). No supplies are included unless ordered. When you order the product listed below from me this month you get the tutorial for FREE. 23-Page Tutorial only $7.00.

Please note these tutorials are not available to Stampin’ Up! demonstrators. If you are a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator please contact me as I offer a demonstrator version as well.

Price: $7.00

Inspiration Club Discount $2.00

#115692 Thoroughly Modern File Folders
Stampin Up! © 2010

#114968 Fundamental Phrases stamp set
Stampin Up! © 2010

Borders and Corner Punches Video

Join our own Bonnie Thurber while she creates fun projects with new punches from Stampin’ Up! See all of our great punches.

February’s Online Newsletter

	Debbie McNeill debbie@debbiestamper.biz http://www.debbiestamper.biz

Recipes by Design

Recipes come in many forms. They may have been passed down from your great-grandma. They may be from a magazine you just flipped through and have to try. There are the tried and true and the recipes used for special meals like Thanksgiving and Christmas. Recipes, just like pictures, hold special memories.

Stampin’ Up! has a great selection for what you need to preserve these memories. It doesn’t matter if you are just starting to collect wonderful recipes or if you already have a recipe box, folder or kitchen drawer, over flowing with recipes. Recipes By Design includes everything you need to make your recipe box a special place. There are 64 recipe cards, 8 dividers and a cooking tip card. You also get 11 sheets of self-adhesive die-cuts. The recipe box is even included to personalize. This is one kit you won’t want to pass on. It includes everything to organize and keep your recipes.

You may already have a recipe box filled with organized recipes and wonder what you can do with this kit. There are a host of ideas. It would be a great gift for a bride or a mother-to-be. A future daughter-in-law may be thrilled to open a shower gift of a recipe box filled with family recipes to welcome her. A new mother may love to have recipes which have been known for generations to please kids in the family. A child moving out on their own may find a recipe box full of comfort food recipes just the thing.

You can give the whole kit as a gift to an aspiring cook. A young girl or boy who is just learning to cook may enjoy the kit to fill up with recipes as they learn their cooking skills. Grandma may love the kit so she can finally put down those recipes everyone is longing for her to pass down.

You may not even opt to keep the gift together as one. Do you have a special recipe everyone is always asking you for? Use the supplies in the kit to write the recipe down. Package it up in a basket with some of the ingredients and you have a special gift.

At a bridal or baby shower have everyone bring in their favorite recipe. During the shower pass out the recipe cards and the supplies and have everyone do a recipe card. The new bride or mother then has a box full of recipes from the people who attended her shower.

Food is part of our lives. Much of our memories are centered on food. Make the place which holds your recipes, or those recipes of someone you love, a special memory. You can include pictures with your recipe cards too. Think of how special the bride above would feel every time she took out one of those cards to use and there was a picture of the person who wrote it down at her shower.

Stampin’ Up! helps us keep these memories safe. Let me know if I can help you with Recipe By Design, or any other of the great ideas you see in our catalog. These are only a few ways to use this one kit, think of all the wonderful possibilities.

Looking for some great, easy recipes.  Here are some of my favorites.

For More Detail or to Order this Product See My Store Site

Butterfly Friend-Lesson Learned

I’m a bit disappointed about not lining up my brads. I was being a bit lazy and thought…nah I don’t need to use the Mat Pack for this. I can line up three brads – no problem. Well…problem. Lesson learned, use the Mat Pack to create a straight line of holes, aligned properly. I now have it in my draw within easy reach.

SUPPLIES

Mat Pack (#105826)Stampin' Up! © 2010

Bella Bleu Designer Series Paper (#113974)Stampin' Up! © 2010

Great Friend (#113792)Stampin' Up! © 2010

An Inspiring Card

I went over to my friend’s house last night and saw she still had this card I gave her months ago displayed. When I noticed it, she told me that she loves this card because of the message on the outside but also the one I left her in the inside too. She said she keeps it around for inspiration and that it reminds her of what good friends are for. Oh…isn’t that touching? The art of creating a card can mean so much.

I was thinking about her when I made this card. I have to say this is one of my all-time favorite cards. I wanted to make an alternative card for the Razzle Chic Rub-ons Gift Set Tutorial.   All the tutorials that I provide show you how you can completed change a project by using different colors, paper and accents.  Who would of thought you could have such an inspiring, supportive message in the wedding rub-on collection?  Take another look at the Wedding Words Rub-ons.  You’ll be glad you did.

Wedding Words Rub-Ons (#115727)
Stampin' Up! © 2010

Bella Bleu Designer Series Paper (#113974)
Stampin' Up! © 2010

Bird Punch & More Card Set

This is my latest tutorial offering – Bird Punch & More Card Set
You will enjoy the adventure of creating unique and fun cards using the *NEW* Extra Large Two-Step Bird Punch. The cards feature the bird punch in traditional and unique uses that will get your creative juices flowing! Not only are our punches durable, high-quality, easy to store but also versatile. From serene reflections to silly clowns this tutorial covers the gamut so you can be ready for any occasion year-round.

In this class, you will make:
 •   Five Cards
 •   One Belly Band for the card set

These projects feature the Extra Large Two-Step Bird Punch and the Sweet Pea Designer Series Paper Stack.

This class will be sent to you soon after purchase via email in Adobe Acrobat format (PDF). No supplies are included unless ordered. When you order the product listed below from me this month you get the tutorial for FREE. 23-Page Tutorial only $7.00.

Please note these tutorials are not available to Stampin’ Up! demonstrators. If you are a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator please contact me as I offer a demonstrator version as well.

Price: $7.00

Inspiration Club Discount $2.00

#117191 Extra Large Two-Step Bird Punch
Stampin Up! © 2010

#117161 Sweet Pea Designer Series Paper Stack
Stampin Up! © 2010

January My Digital Studio & Card Layout

Every month I like to post a new Card Template with measurements for your inspiration. My Inspiration Club member receive a printed postcard every month in their kits. Here’s the January Card Template with a sample card made in My Digital Studio software.

Here’s this month’s Card Layout & My Digital Studio Sample