Stamp Maven

I Love This Little Freckle-Faced Birthday Girl!

It seems like just yesterday our granddaughter, Samantha Anne, came into the world. Her first night was spent in the NICU at Medical Center of Plano, but she has developed into the most adorable, freckle-faced 8 year old I know and I love her dearly.

Sammy turns 8 years old today and yesterday, her aunt, my daughter Ashley, and I took her to a day of rock climbing, games and a buffet filled with all sorts of kid friendly treats! Wanted to share some pictures from our day of fun!

(Deal or No Deal)

(rock climbing wall - three times!)

(she was waiting for her 1000 tickets from winning the Wheel of Fortune jackpot to come out!)

One of the reasons I love my Stampin' Up! business so much is that it gives me the ability to do special things like this for and with my kids and grandkids.

Thanks for stopping by and sharing a bit of our fun! Be sure to sign up for my email newsletter (top of the post in the box on the left-hand side) to get all my projects, tips & techniques, tutorials, and other fun stuff I share each month!

Anne :-)

 

 

Many Benefits To Scrapbooking

I love to share great articles that I find. If you are a novice in the scrapbooking vortex or a seasoned scrapper, I think you will enjoy this article by Carole DeJarnatt!


The scrapbooking hobby has been around for a long time and people do it for a variety of reasons. If you are an outsider to the world of scrapbooking, then you will not understand until you experience the craft the many reasons a person invests so much time and energy into a scrapbook page.

When I was first introduced to scrapbooking via my church family, I told them I had neither time nor energy to invest in creating pages of photos matched up with paper and cute little embellishments. I thought those people were crazy staying up all hours of the evening, dragging around tons of supplies, just to sit and create scrapbook pages. One evening I was invited to a scrapbook night and I agreed to come with the intent of visiting and watching. No scrapbooking for me. I was a business professional who could not imagine investing time or energy into something I felt was for stay-at-home moms or those who had nothing better to do.

Little did I know I was about to change my mind and attitude…during the evening of socializing and viewing all the pages of creation, something changed in me. One person in particular needed help with color coordinating and matting her photos. I started working with her and ended up finishing her page for her. The scrapbooking bug bit me and it bit hard! The very next day I was out buying all the essential tools to create my very own pages of photos.

What is it about scrapbooking that captures so many people's devotion and attention?

1. Focus--You lose your focus on everything except for the scrapbook page you are working on. You forget the world exist for a few moments and you focus on nothing but what is in front of you.
2. Creativity--All it takes is a sheet of paper and a few ideas to get your creative juices going. Whether the ideas are from a magazine, your surroundings, or the scrapbook paper held in your hand; the end result is pure enjoyment.
3. History--When I think of a scrapbook, to me it is the history of the day, moment, or event. The page was created for future generations to learn of their family.
4. Expressing myself--The scrapbook is made by someone and that in itself is a source of pride and joy. The feeling you get from completing, giving, or sharing your scrapbooks is indescribable.
5. Giving--When working on a scrapbook layout, you are giving your thoughts, feelings, and memories to an event to share with others. The joy you feel when others express pleasure and enjoyment from your work is worth all the time and energy.

Scrapbooking has become so sophisticated you do not even need to leave the comfort of your home to get started. If you are experienced with computer programs such as Photoshop Elements, your tools are at the tips of your hands. If you prefer traditional scrapbooking, you still have the ability to order supplies and tools at the comfort of your home and within days you will be completing your own scrapbook.

People today have a variety of reasons for making their own scrapbooks and/or creating creations of beauty with their supplies. The majority of my experience has been to create something to share with future generations. People want to be remembered and through a scrapbook their lives are shared.

Thanks for stopping by!

Oh, if you want to receive even more great content, sign up for my email newsletter (sign-up box on the top to the left of this post) and you'll also be kept in the loop on all my special offerings for my preferred customers.

Anne        The Stamp Maven        contact me


About the Author

Carole DeJarnatt began her love with paper but now also designs digitally for the future generations of her family. Visit Bestscrapbookingresources.com for ideas, supplies, and learning guides. From beginner to expert, traditional scrapbooker to digital, the resources are available at http://www.bestscrapbookingresources.com to find what you need to create your own scrapbook or gifts for your friends and family.

Dyeing Flower Trim

I'll be very sad if the 5/8" Flower Trim featured in our Spring Catalog does not carry over to our 2013-2014 Catalog. I just love it and am using it in today's project. (In case you think I have missed something, I do know that Easter has passed, but I think this would make a perfect Mother's Day Card, so just change the sentiment and you're all set)!

    
PROJECT DIRECTIONS:

Dimensions:
Crumb Cake Cardstock – 8 ½” x 5 ½”
Tea for Two DSP (lime) – 5 ½” x 1 ½”
Tea for Two DSP (coral) – 1” x 5”
Scrap Pieces (sizes are all min.):
Very Vanilla Cardstock – 3 ½” x 2 ½”
Accessories:
½ Paper Doily
1 Flower Trim piece
Approx. 4 ¼” Delicate Details Tape
8” Calypso Coral Baker’s Twine
Supply List:
Oh, Hello Stamp Set
Wacky Words Stamp Set
So Saffron Ink Pad
Soft Suede Ink Pad
Calypso Coral Stampin’ Write Marker
Lucky Limeade Stampin’ Write Marker
Stampin’ Sponge
Big Shot
Oval Framelits
Mini Glue Dots

Instructions:
1. Fold the Crumb Cake Cardstock in half with a Bone Folder.
2. Adhere the Tea for Two DSP to the card with SNAIL Adhesive.
3. Adhere the ½ Paper Doily to the card with SNAIL Adhesive.
4. Dove tail the ends of the Calypso Coral Polka Dot DSP and adhere it to the card with SNAIL Adhesive.
5. Adhere the Delicate Details Tape to the card.
6. Tie a bow in the Calypso Coral Baker’s Twine and attach it to the card with a Mini Glue Dot.
7. Stamp the chevron oval in So Saffron Ink on Very Vanilla Cardstock – die cut with the Oval Framelit, sponge the edges with Soft Suede Ink and a Stampin’ Sponge.
8. Stamp “Happy Easter” in Soft Suede Ink on the chevron oval.
9. Ink up the stem and leaf with a Lucky Limeade Stampin’ Write Marker and stamp it on the chevron oval.
10. Attach the oval to the card with Stampin’ Dimensionals.
11. Color the Flower Trim with the Cameo Coral Stampin’ Write Marker and attach the flower trim piece.

This is only one way to color the Paper Trim. I have a YouTube Video that will show you some others.

If you'd like to feature one of your projects as a Guest Blogger, leave me a comment and we'll make it happen!

Happy Stamping!

Anne        The Stamp Maven        contact me

Tax Day Relief...Sent With Love

Hopefully your tax return or extension is already filed, in the mail, or you will be making a run to the Post Office before midnight tonight!

Last Friday I promised you a "tax relief" project today that you could sit back enjoy or re-create yourself. This birthday card uses the Sent With Love Stamp Set and coordinating Designer Series Paper. Both can be used for scrapbooking or making handmade cards giving you so much versatility.

This fun set is only available until April 30, so if you like the projects you've seen you might want to consider adding it to your collection. It is also available as a digital download kit and includes:

* 8-piece SVG stamp brush set
* 12 Designer Series Papers
* 12 embellishments

Dimensions:

Basic Grey Cardstock – 11” x 4 ¼”
Sent with Love DSP – 4” x ¾”
Sent with Love DSP – 3 ¾” x ½”
Island Indigo Cardstock – ¾” x 3 ½”
Scrap Pieces (all sizes are min.):
Whisper White Cardstock – 3” x 3”
Sent with Love DSP – 2” x 2”
Pool Party Cardstock – 1” x 1”

Supply List:

Sent with Love Stamp Set
Bring on the Cake Stamp Set
Basic Grey Ink Pad
2 ½” Circle Punch
1 ¾” Circle Punch
Itty Bitty Punch Pack (circle) Corner Rounder Punch
Stampin’ Sponge
Paper Piercing Tool
Pierce Mat
Big Shot
Cloudy Day Embossing Folder

1 Whisper White Brad
28” Island Indigo Baker’s Twine

Instructions:
1. Using a bone folder to get a good crease, fold the Basic Grey Cardstock in half.
2. Round the bottom corners of the cardstock with the Corner Rounder Punch.
3. Randomly stamp the “sent with love” sentiment, the airplane and the border accents on the Basic Grey Card with Basic Grey Ink.
4. Punch out a Whisper White 2 ½” Circle and run it through the Big Shot with the Cloudy Day Embossing Folder – adhere to the card with SNAIL Adhesive.
5. Punch out a 1 ¾” Sent with Love DSP circle and an Itty Bitty Pool Party Circle – adhere the Pool Party Circle to the Sent with Love Circle with SNAIL Adhesive.
6. Use a Paper Piercing Tool and Pierce Mat to help you put a Whisper White Brad through the Pool Party Circle. Attach circle unit to the card with Stampin’ Dimensionals.
7. "Flag" the ends of the Sent with Love DSP and adhere them to the card with SNAIL Adhesive.
8. Stamp “Happy Birthday” in Basic Grey Ink on the Island Indigo Cardstock – "flag" the end and attach it to the card with Stampin’ Dimensionals.
9. Sponge the edges of the card with Basic Grey Ink and a Stampin’ Sponge.
10. Wrap the Island Indigo Baker’s Twine around the card twice and tie in a bow.

Happy stamping!

Sign up for my preferred customer newsletter to receive even more tips and techniques. You can do that in the sign-up box to the left of today's post.

Anne        The Stamp Maven        contact me    annebrown.stampinup.net

How To Properly Light A Photo

Proper lighting is one of the most crucial elements of a good picture, yet is one of the most commonly overlooked. Follow these simple steps to make sure your pics impress.

Step 1 -
Determine the "dominant light source." An easy way to do this is to look at the shadows in the area - they will point away from the dominant light source. If there are multiple light sources, the dominant one will create the darkest shadows.

Step 2 -
Decide what type of shot you're after. Usually you'll be wanting a fully-lit shot of your subject with as little shadow as possible.

Step 3 -
If you're going for a normal, well-lit photo, shoot away from the light source. This will eliminate harsh shadows and make sure your subject is lit up in your pic.

Other Tips -

• Don't rely on the flash! Most digital cameras have an automatic flash that's there to "fill" in bad lighting situations. Problem is, it's usually a pretty harsh light, and can wind up reflecting off your subject and making them look washed out. If there's enough light in the area and you're following these steps, turn the flash off!
• If you're outside during the day, the dominant light source is easy to find - not much is going to outshine that big light in the sky. Shoot away from the sun whenever possible.
• Don't stifle your creativity. Odds are you've got over a hundred shots to waste on that camera of yours - use them. This is simply how to properly light a photo - sometimes improper shots can accidentally wow everyone with your artistic ability. (from eHow.com via John Sanpietro)                                                                 
  

Anne        The Stamp Maven        contact me

Sent With Love...From Me!

I've had a lot of fun with our Sent With Love Bundle. I absolutely LOVE Calypso Coral and the Sent With Love Designer Series Paper has lots of this color in it! And, if you haven't heard, Calypso Coral will be sticking around as a new, core addition to our Subtles Collection.

Today's project combines Basic Black with Calypso Coral for a stunning, bold look on the birthday card. Hope you like it!

Dimensions:
Whisper White Cardstock – 5 ½” x 8 ½”
Basic Black Cardstock – 4” x 5 ¼”
Sent with Love DSP – 4” x 1 ½”
Sent with Love DSP – 4” x ½”
Pool Party Cardstock – 3 ¾” x ¾”
Scrap Pieces (all sizes are min.):
Calypso Coral Cardstock – 3 ½” x 3 ½”
Pool Party Cardstock – 2 ½” x 2 ½”
Whisper White Cardstock – 2” x 2”
Calypso Coral Cardstock – 1 ½” x 1 ½”
Basic Black Cardstock – 1 ½” x 1 ½”
Accessories:
1 Calypso Coral Polka Dot Brad
4 ½” Basic Black Polka Dot Ribbon
24” Calypso Coral Baker’s Twine
Supply List:
Daydream Medallion Stamp Set
Curly Cute Stamp Set
Jet Black StazOn Pad
Calypso Coral Ink Pad
Pool Party Ink Pad
Floral Frames Framelits
¾” Circle Punch
1 ¼” Circle Punch
Instructions:
1. Fold the Whisper White Cardstock in half with the Bone Folder.
2. Adhere the two pieces of Sent with Love DSP to the Basic Black Cardstock with SNAIL Adhesive.
3. Wrap the Calypso Coral Baker’s Twine around the Basic Black Cardstock twice and tie in a bow.
4. Cut one end of the Basic Black Polka Dot Ribbon at an angle and adhere it to the card with SNAIL Adhesive, folding the end over the cardstock edge.
5. Mount entire unit to the card with SNAIL Adhesive.
6. Stamp “Happy Birthday” in Jet Black StazOn Ink on the Pool Party Cardstock – dove tail the end and adhere to the card with SNAIL Adhesive.
7. Stamp the large and smallest medallion images in Calypso Coral Ink on Calypso Coral Cardstock. Stamp the medium medallion image in Pool Party Ink on the Pool Party Cardstock.
8. Run all of the medallion images through the Big Shot with the Floral Frames Framelits.
9. Adhere the large medallion to the card with Stampin’ Dimensionals.
10. Punch out a 1 ¼” Whisper White Cardstock circle – attach it to the Pool Party Medallion with SNAIL Adhesive. Adhere the smallest medallion to that with SNAIL Adhesive.
11. Punch out a ¾” Basic Black Circle and adhere it to the smallest medallion with SNAIL Adhesive. Use the Paper Piercing Tool and Pierce Mat to help you set the Calypso Coral Polka Dot brad through the medallion.
12. Attach brad medallion unit to the card with Stampin’ Dimensionals.

 

**if you like this project, come back on Monday night (after you've mailed off your taxes!) for a creative break and see another fun idea using the Sent With Love bundle.

 

Anne        The Stamp Maven        contact me        annebrown.stampinup.net

It's Wednesday...WOW!

Check out these cool Punch Art handmade cards!  A group of about 15 crafters get together every six weeks to swap. We usually do cards, but next month we are doing a home decor item so I'll post those in May.

 

Our theme for April was Kid's Birthday and I was so surprised how many of us chose a Punch Art Card. (my swap is the clown card) If you haven't used your punches in this fun way to create your handmade cards, give it a try.

Leave me a comment and let me know what you create - I'll post it on my blog (with your permission, of course) if you send it to me.

Happy stamping and thanks for stopping by!

Don't forget to sign up for my mailing list up top on the left so you will be kept in the loop for all my special offerings!

Anne        The Stamp Maven        contact me

 

Flattened Soda Pop Top Project

Hey Scrampers! Today I'm showing you a beautiful card and teaching you one way to use your Soda Pop Tops. These fun little embellishments are so reasonably priced at only $3.95 and can be used for cardmaking and scrapbooking techniques. So, whether you are a stamper, scrapbooker or both...scramper, you will love them. 

    

You'll need a Big Shot Die Cutting Machine for this technique, but it is super simple! One service I provide to my customers - if you purchase a Big Shot from me, I invite you to a free private class where we'll make several projects using this fabulous tool and I'll share tips and tricks that will enhance the value of your investment.

Enjoy your project and next Tuesday I'll be sharing a project using colored Paper Trim Flowers.  Set a reminder so you don't miss it!

PROJECT DIRECTIONS

Dimensions:
Crumb Cake Cardstock – 8 ½” x 5 ½”
More Amore DSP – 2 ½” x 5”
Fan Fair DSP – 2” x 4”
Scrap Pieces (sizes are all min.):
Very Vanilla Cardstock – 3” x 3”
Riding Hood Red Cardstock – 3” x 3”
Crumb Cake Cardstock - 2 ½” x 2 ½”
Very Vanilla Cardstock – 1 ½” x 1 ½”
Accessories:
1 Large Soda Pop Top
Flower Trim strand with 5 flowers
10” Pool Party Seam Binding
Supply List:
Collage Curious Stamp Set
Delicate Doilies Stamp Set
Blooming with Kindness stamp Set
Crumb Cake Ink Pad
Pool Party Ink Pad
Riding Hood Red Ink Pad
2 ½” Circle Punch
1 ¾” Circle Punch
1” Circle Punch
Big Shot
Perfect Pennants Big Shot Die
Sticky Strip
Mini Glue Dots
Stampin’ Sponge
Instructions:
1. Fold the Crumb Cake Cardstock in half with the Bone Folder.
2. Stamp the “Thank You” sentiment in Crumb Cake Ink on the Crumb Cake Cardstock.
3. Dove tail the ends of the DSP Strips and adhere them to the card with SNAIL Adhesive.
4. Apply a strip of Sticky Strip down the seam where the two DSPs meet.
5. Run the Riding Hood Red Cardstock through the Big Shot with the Perfect Pennants Big Shot Die – attach it to the card with Stampin’ Dimensionals.
6. Stamp the doily image in Riding Hood Red Ink on Very Vanilla Cardstock – punch out with the 2 ½” Circle Punch. Sponge the edges with Crumb Cake Ink and a Stampin’ Sponge – adhere to the Riding Hood Red scallop circle with SNAIL Adhesive.
7. Stamp the other doily image in Crumb Cake Ink on Crumb Cake Cardstock and punch out with the 1 ¾” Circle Punch – sponge the edges with Crumb Cake Ink and a Stampin’ Sponge, adhere to the card with SNAIL Adhesive.
8. Set up your Big Shot Platform so that all tabs are open. Lay a Standard Cutting Pad on the Platform and then one thin piece of chipboard (like the backing from DSP packs). Place the Soda Pop Top on top of the chipboard with the rims down and the smooth top up. Place another Standard Cutting Pad over top of the Soda Pop Top. Crank thorugh the Big Shot and you’re done. Attach the Soda Pop Top to the card with Mini Glue Dots.
9. Stamp the script image in Crumb Cake Ink on Very Vanilla Cardstock. Stamp the circular leaves over top of that in Pool Party Ink. Stamp the balloon in the center of that with Riding Hood Red Ink. Punch out unit with the 1” Circle Punch and adhere to the Soda Pop Top with SNAIL Adhesive. Attach your Flower Trim to card using mini glue dots.
10. Tie a bow in the Pool Party Seam Binding and attach to the card with a Mini Glue Dot.

Anne        The Stamp Maven        contact me        annebrown.stampinup.net

 

Everyday Enchantment - Did You Know?

Everyday Enchantment, Designer Series Paper (126154) from last year's Sale-A-Bration is still available on Clearance Rack; only $2.19 per pack! Since there is no shipping on anything you buy from now until Monday evening, it's your chance to stock up and save big! It's easy to order any product, including clearance items and digital downloads. Just go to my online store, click on shop now in the upper righthand corner and have fun!

Stamps
• Outlined Occasions

Paper
• Blushing Bride Card Stock
• Pool Party Card Stock
• Poppy Parade Card Stock
• Whisper White Card Stock
• Everyday Enchantment Designer Series Paper

Ink
• Poppy Parade Classic Stampin' Pad®
• Jet Black StazOn® Ink Pad
• Bluching Bride Stampin' Write® Marker
• Pool Party Stampin' Write Marker
• Poppy Parade Stampin' Write Marker

Accessories
• Silver Mini Brads
• 2011-2013 In Color Designer Printed Brads
• Everyday Enchantment Ribbon & Brad Pack
• Paper Piercing Tool
• Blossom Bouquet Punch
• Big Shot™
• Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Embossing Folder

Thanks for stopping by!

Anne        The Stamp Maven        contact me

Free Shipping Has Begun!

That’s right, Stampin’ Up! is offering FREE SHIPPING on orders of any size and any type, this weekend only!  I'd love for you to take advantage of something Stampin' Up! has never done before.

Dates: Today (April 6) beginning at midnight —> April 8 ending at 11:50 PM

2 Ways to Order

1. Visit my online store and place your order yourself. Click "shop now" in the upper right hand corner. Spend as little or as much as you want, orders of $150 or more qualify for hostess rewards.  You should choose the online option if you plan to order Clearance Rack or include Digital downloads on your order.

2. Email or call me to place an order, and I will enter it for you.  Again, your order can be any size! If you choose this option, please contact me no later than 7:00 pm on April 8, so I have plenty of time to submit your order for you! Emails should include item numbers and descriptions.

Fine Print: Free Shipping will not be available if you choose to “expedite” your order.

Let me know if you have any questions!

Anne        The Stamp Maven        972-234-9118

Scrapbooking Sketches - 8 Ways to be more Productive

I teach a lot of classes on rubber stamping and scrapbooking techniques. I think the question I get most often from newbie scrapbookers especially is: "where do I start?"

A friend shared an article with me and it is fantastic. It is written by Monna Ellithorpe (monnaellithorpe.com ) who writes a lot of motivation and other pieces. Hope you enjoy and that it helps you!

Your scrapbooking layouts can make all the difference in how your pages look. The key is to have many scrapbook sketches available already there for you to choose from and to help you get over those times when your own creative ideas are at a standstill.

Your pages do not have to be perfect by any means and sometimes you will produce a page that no matter what you do, you are just not happy with it. Don't stress over it, just put it in your scrapbook and move on.
Remember scrapbooking is supposed to be fun, so don't make it into a chore just to get it done.

When you do find a sketch or layout that you like, experiment with it. Make your page about just one picture; add more pictures or less pictures; move them around; put the pictures on an angle; line them up and down or across. Walk away from it for a while and come back later with a fresh outlook and then just make the page and start another one.

I have discovered in my own scrapbooking sessions that if I have a sketch to go by, the hard part is already done. All you need to do is embellish with ribbons, buttons, lettering, stickers, glitter or what ever kind of embellishments you like the most. Cutting your mats and pictures with decorative scissors or if you have cutters with different cutting edges always adds a nice touch to your pages; experiment with different cutting edges.

A very important part of scrapbooking is "do not forget the journal box on your pages." In the future when family and friends look at your creative scrapbooking efforts they will want to know what was happening at the time, who is in the picture and where they were. This will keep the interest of any one viewing your scrapbook pages. It is such a disappointment when looking at a scrapbook full of pictures and you have no idea of who the people are in the pictures; no dates; no notes; nothing. Journal on every page even if you cannot remember the details, put as much information in your journal block as you can.

If you have quite a few pictures of one outing, a birthday party or some other event, it is always a plus and if you have the room to lay out many sheets of cardstock and just start laying your pictures out on each piece of cardstock as you go along. I have used this technique quite a few times and have been able to produce up to 10 pages in one session in my scrapbooking room. Believe me it is a great feeling to get so much accomplished at one time.

Below are some suggestions to help make better use of your time with your hobby:

1. Gather all of your pictures together from a single event.

2. If you have the room, lay out many sheets of cardstock and lay the
pictures on the cardstock at random.

3. Have sketches available to use as a guide.

4. Gather your embellishments that you plan to use; maybe you have a theme or just plan to use whatever appeals to you at the time.

5. Decide if you are going to cut your mats and photos with a straight edge or with a decorative edge.

6. Do not forget to make a journal box for each of your pages.

7. Don't worry if you are not able to finish your pages at one time. At least you have a start and the next time you have a few minutes a good portion of the decision making has already been done.

8. Last and most important, have fun and remember the event as you work on your pages.

Always remember enjoy your hobby and don't feel as if it is another job.

Thanks for stopping by!

Anne         The Stamp Maven          contact me

Less Than 24 Hours Before FREE Shipping Begins!

Don't miss out on this weekend of free shipping on EVERYTHING!

there are two ways to order:

directly 24/7 at my online store

(order from 12:00 am MT on April 6th until 11:50 pm MT on April 8th)

email me and I will gladly place the order for you

(be sure to order before 4:00 pm CT to allow enough time for me to submit it to SU)

 

Anne Brown, The Stamp Maven

 

Free Shipping From Stampin' Up!

Stampin' Up! has NEVER offered this before!

Yes, you read that right. All weekend, you can get free shipping on everything Stampin' Up! sells...no limits or exclusions.

Watch this short video to find out all the details!

Happy shopping...and remember there are two ways to order:

directly 24/7 at my online store

(order from 12:00 am MT on April 6th until 11:50 pm MT on April 8th)

email me and I will gladly place the order for you

(be sure to order before 4:00 pm CT to allow enough time for me to submit it to SU)

 

Anne Brown, The Stamp Maven

 

 

How Many Ways?

How many ways can you think of to use the new Flower Trim from Stampin' Up!? Here are a few that I came up with... 

I love finding ways to change things up just a little bit when I'm working on my handmade cards.  It doesn't take much at all to make your card a "one-of-a-kind" creation.

Please leave a comment below - tell me how you liked the video, but even more, tell me what ideas you come up with for using these little things in your handmade cards.

Are you new to Stamping? A great way to get started is Stampin' Up!'s brand new Paper Pumpkin, (more about it in Monday's post). I started with that and then added my own flair to it.

Are you a subscriber to my YouTube Channel? Dave and I are doing lots of technique videos and not all of them make it into the blog. If you subscribe to the channel, you'll get a little note every time we post a new video. Take a look at the channel to see all of them - http://youtube.com/thestampmaven.  To subscribe, just click the "Subscribe" button at the top.

The Flower Trim (126869) is in the Spring Catalog.

Happy Stamping!

Anne - The Stamp Maven

New To Stamping and Scrapbooking?

Of course since I'm a Stampin' Up! Demo, I always try new products so I'll be able to recommend (or not) to my customers. If you're new to stamping or scrapbooking, or maybe just want to try something new, I have the solution....Paper Pumpkin!

I just love our Paper Pumpkin. This fun, new product was designed mainly for newbie crafters...OR crafters who like to do a project but don't want to acquire a lot of stuff. It is a subscription service that can be started, paused or stopped at any time. The projects range from cards to home decor items to 3D. This month's kit included all the materials (including envelopes and a clear block) to make four handmade cards.

    

The card on the left is the card to be made "as is" with Paper Pumpkin. I "stepped up" the one on the right by adding a dyed Flower Trim rosette from our Spring Catalog, some pearls and an extra strip of Tempting Turquoise Card Stock. If you visit my YouTube channel you'll see some fun techniques and this week I'll have a video tutorial to show you how I made the rosette shown on this card.

A Paper Pumpkin subscription would be a perfect gift for yourself and/or a friend. Meet at Starbuck's to complete the projects and get caught up on each other's families at the same time! Give it a try...I'd love it if you put me, Anne Brown, as your Demo (if you don't already have a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator, that is!)

Happy stamping!

Fabric Frenzy Starts Monday!!

Get Ready! Our Spring Fabric Frenzy Starts Monday!

 

Seamstress or not--you'll love using our high quality Designer Fabric--especially at 50 percent off!

Our Designer Fabric is designed to coordinate with Stampin' Up! inks, paper, and other accessories, and is perfect for adding a stylish touch to traditional paper projects. Available in an extra-wide fat quarters (18" x 26"). Use it for quilting, clothing, home décor, and more!

The sale starts Monday, March 25th and runs through Sunday, March 31st. You can place your order on my online site or feel free to call or email me if that works best for you. Use hostess code C4JEW2RK on the online order screen and you might be one of the lucky winners of a prize!

Page	Item	Description	Retail Price	Sale Price
170	126892	Essentials Designer Fabric	$29.95	$14.98
171	126983	Floral District Designer Fabric	$9.95	$4.98
171	126894	Comfort Café Designer Fabric	$9.95	$4.98
171	125411	Summer Smooches Designer Fabric	$9.95	$4.98
171	125412	Twitterpated Designer Fabric	$9.95	$4.98
171	122337	Timeless Portrait Designer Fabric	$9.95	$4.98
171	122336	Beau Chateau Designer Fabric	$9.95	$4.98
171	124066	Spice Cake Designer Fabric	$9.95	$4.98
171	122335	Flirtatious Designer Fabric	$9.95	$4.98
6*	129308	Tea for Two Designer Fabric	$9.95	$4.98
13*	129307	More Amore Designer Fabric	$9.95	$4.98

*spring catalog

Happy shopping at our Fabric Frenzy!

Anne :-)

Falling Rainbow...on a Handmade Card?

Have you ever been driving along after a rain storm, looked up and seen one of God's beautiful rainbows? I think this is truly one of the most beautiful sights ever! You can create a "falling rainbow" effect right on your handmade card! You can use any of your Stampin' Write markers.

In this project I used colors from our 2012-2014 color family. Of course, since this color family comes in card stock and accessories as well, creating a stunning handmade card is a breeze!

Try your favorite color combos and see which you like best. Do you like subtle or bold colors? Email me a picture of the handmade card you create and who knows...you might be chosen as a guest blogger on my upcoming re-vamped site.

Happy stamping!

Anne

Fabric Wreaths

Today I wanted to share something different than a fabulous handmade card. My friend Traci and I spent a while on the phone the other day catching each other up. She has a 5 year old that she is homeschooling so her crafting has taken a little bit of a back seat.

She sent me a picture of these great fabric wreaths that she created over the holiday season. The fabric strips are approx 1" x 7" and are SO easy to make! Have you made any of these and what is your favorite fabric to use?

You can even make a smaller version and put it ON a handmade card...too cute!

 

Happy stamping!

Anne Brown   Original Stamp Maven  contact me

 

Let's Get This Party Started!

If YOU want $25 in free Stampin' Up! merchandise,,,read on!

I am looking for six "party" people to place online orders with me of at least $30 and be part of a Mystery Hostess Party. Just think of all the handmade cards you can make and scrapbooking techniques that you can do with your free stuff!

Details:

EMAIL ME to let me know that you want to join my party.  I will send you a unique HOSTESS CODE that you will use when placing your order at my Online Store.

Your order will be shipped directly to you and it can include anything from our current catalogs, Clearance Rack Merchandise, My Digital Studio Downloads, etc.

After six of you (or if we get 12, we'll have two parties!) have ordered with the special hostess code, Stamp Slave (hubby Dave) will draw a winner and that person will receive a FREE package of our  Silver Glimmer Paper AND $25 in FREE Hostess Dollars!  AWESOME -  spend $30 and receive $25!

If your Online Order is $50, you will also receive a FREE Sale-a-bration item of your choice. MORE free stuff to create handmade cards...woo hoo!!

Let's get this Party started.  EMAIL ME today!!! 

(Please note: club orders are not eligible for this special promotion)

 

Happy stamping!

Anne Brown      ORIGINAL Stamp Maven         contact me 

Have A Leftover Handmade Card From Valentine's Day?

If you have a handmade card or two that didn't get sent out for Valentine's Day, use them anyway!! Love is not just for that day...how about ANY day??!!

Click for full image

I made this card using the Stampin' Up! Hearts Collection Framelits Dies and the More Amore Designer Series Paper.  This DSP is also available as a digital download if creating with My Digital Studio is more your style! You can try this product free for 30 days.

If you look closely, you'll also see where I used the Adorning Accents Textured Embossing folder for the Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine. My color scheme is Pool Party, Real Red, Very Vanilla, and Primrose Petals from our 2012-2013 In Color Collection.

I think this will make a great wedding card for a special couple...what do you think?

Don't worry if you have "Valentine" stamped on your handmade card. Just stamp another sentiment onto a coordinating piece of card stock and then punch out with one of our fabulous punches.

 

Happy stamping!

Anne Brown  The REAL Stamp Maven  contact me  Stampin' Up! Demonstrator