This is different color version of a card we did for Stamp a Stack. Love this set, nuff said.

Stampin’ Stuff

Stamps: Bliss

Ink: So Saffron and Basic Gray Classic Ink

Paper: So Saffron, Basic Gray, Very Vanilla card stock and Newsprint DSP

Fun Stuff: Tulip Border embossing folder, Decorative Label punch, Basic Pearls

Here is a quick tutorial on how to make  a second layer for your punched image using the same punch.

Start by punching a second piece in a contrasting color. Trim the end pieces while trying to maintain the curve of the rest of the piece.

After trimming both ends, cut the remaining piece in half

I like to use a sparse amount of Tombow Multi glue to attach these pieces.

Adhere the pieces to the back of the stamped layer as shown. You will end up with a shadow effect rather than a full mat. I really like the look and it is a great way to make your punches do double duty.

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Here is another card using the Punch Bunch Saleabration set. Very quick and easy. This color combination is so bright and vibrant! I used the In Color Poppy Parade and Tempting Turquoise.

Stampin’ Stuff

Stamps: Punch Bunch

Ink: Poppy Parade and Tempting Turquoise Stampin’ Write Markers

Paper: Whisper White, Poppy Parade and Tempting Turquoise card stock, Poppy Parade DSP (Hostess pad level 1)

Fun Stuff: Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, Big Shot Machine, 1 3/4 Scallop Circle punch, 2 3/8 Scallop Circle punch, Temping Turquoise grosgrain ribbon 

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The calendar proclaims that spring is here during some of the most unlikely weather.  We don’t need to watch the calendar at our house, as we have our own personal harbingers of spring who come and sit on our back fence and sing a sweet song that lets us know spring is here. They are a lovely bluebird pair who begin their nesting ritual in our back yard, and usually arrive about the same time that Grandpa’s daffodils begin blooming. Spring is official for us when someone yells, ” The bluebirds are back!”  and we all run to the window for a look.

I was thinking of this and realized that these are the type of lovely memories that I want to preserve for my daughters in the scrapbooks that I am making .  More than the birthday parties, family vacations and reunions; I want to share the moments and traditions that help define who we are.  I am a little saddened when I realize that I don’t have a photo of the profusion of daffodils that used to surround my parents house every spring, or either of my daughters giving me that first handful of these prized possessions that would adorn our home for a few short days. No one in our family can look at a daffodil without a myriad of memories flooding the moment. Not only the memories of the blooms themselves; but the quiet times spent beside my father weeding in the garden, or his feigned complaints as he watched the neighborhood children toting his blooms home to give to their mothers.

For my youngest daughter who only knows her grandfather through photos, the stories of his daffodils and the flowers themselves are a symbol of who he was and where she came from. It is important for me to share more than just  photos of him with her. There are many stories about my parents for which there are no photos. Through my stamped artwork and journaling, I can design a page that will still impart a clear picture in her mind. Scrapbooking actually began before there were photos. People just assembled their memorabilia, letters and journaling in memory books. We have taken this tradition from simply preserving memorabilia and photos, to creating works of art that can serve as a biography of a loved one.

Stamping is the perfect medium for this hobby; whether you are creating a memory book, or a framed piece that tells a story of an individual or event. Different colors and techniques can be used to change the tone and texture of the piece.  The images you choose and all of the combined elements of the page work together to help tell the story. These elements can depict time, mood, style and much more.  Don’t despair if you don’t have the perfect photo for a page, your design and journaling can tell the rest of the story. As you improve your scrapbooking skills, you may want to keep a camera always loaded and close at hand so that you can catch a few photos that tell who your loved ones are. Those  little things that show their personality.

Whether a scrapbook page or a card designed especially for a friend, the finished product is only a part of the stamping experience. We gain as much from the creative process that goes into our stamped pieces as the people who receive these gifts. I recently read a quote that summed up what stamping is to me. “Stamping is the continual learning experience, a stretching of the imagination, an expression of self and nourishment of the soul” (unknown).  I am off to nourish my soul. I hope you get to stamp today, as well.

Sweet Summer is definitely what this card evokes. I  get a happy feeling just looking at it! I love the color combo and I love this set paired with this precious design from the Springtime Vintage DSP in the Occasions Mini Catalog. Only 4 more days to Saleabrate though, so get in on this sweet deal while you still can. Earn this set free with a $50 purchase through Thursday, March 31st.

Stampin’ Stuff

Stamps: Sweet Summer and Just Believe

Ink: Black StazOn, Not Quite Navy and Always Artichoke Classic Ink

Paper: Not Quite Navy and Very Vanilla card stock and Springtime Vintage DSP

Fun Stuff: Always Artichoke seam binding and Dotted Scallop Ribbon border punch

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OK, there is a tie for my favorite Saleabration set this year. I love this set, too. This is the Bliss set and the images are beautiful with a vintage flair. Love it!

Stampin’ Stuff

Stamps: Bliss Saleabration set
Ink: Whisper White Craft ink, Crumb Cake and Early Espresso Classic inks
Paper: Whisper White, Early Espresso and Crumb Cake card stock
Fun Stuff: Decorative Label punch, Crumb Cake seam binding, Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz, Basic pearls

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Here is another card using the Sweet Summer Saleabration set.

Stampin’ Stuff

Stamps: Sweet Summer and On Your Birthday
Ink: Regal Rose, Old Olive, Crushed Curry and Pretty in Pink classic Ink and Black StazOn
Paper: Whisper White and Regal Rose card stock, Tea Party DSP
Fun Stuff: Old Olive satin ribbon

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There are so many wonderful things that you can do with a Big Shot machine. I use mine on practically every project I make and the list of projects and crafting uses is extensive since our steel Bigz dies will cut so many materials from paper to fabric to chipboard, magnet sheets, vinyl, metal sheets and more. Beyond the many materials that you can cut, it is multifunctional, because you can also emboss with it. There are tons of Sizzix dies out there, but the Big Shot also works with most other dies on the market as well. This is literally the most versatile tool in a stamp room whether you use it for embossing cards, making quick die cut boxes, cutting quilting squares or making titles for scrapbook pages.

So why am I telling you all of the wonderful reasons to own a Big Shot? Because, this is the absolute best time to get one!! During Saleabration you will earn two FREE stamp sets or other Saleabration products when you order a Big Shot machine. PLUS I am throwing in a $10 discount if you purchase your Big Shot between now and March 31st! So you will get the machine for $89.95 (before shipping and tax) but you will get full value towards your saleabration or hostess items!

Then consider this……….

Add enough goodies to reach hostess benefits and you will take home a bunch of FREE goodies!!

Here is an example order……

Big Shot Machine plus cutting pads and platform $89.95 (but you get credit for $99.95)
Top Note Die $21.95
Bigz Ovals Die $21.95
Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder $7.95

This brings your order to just over $150 to be able to earn hostess credits, so you will now get the following products…..FREE!!

3 Saleabration items valued up to $17.95 each
1 Level One hostess set valued up to $21.95
$15 to spend anywhere in the catalogs (more dies?)

You have just earned over $90 in free merchandise which now makes your Big Shot worth it’s weight in Stampin Goodies!!

Now, if you are still considering those online offers or in store coupons to get your Big Shot, think again. Usually the big box stores exclude the die cutting machines and most online offers that are much less than what I have offered above come with hefty shipping charges. I did a quick search and found that the lowest offers were charging 25% to 27% shipping and that was to ship just the machine without any other goodies.

Come on! You know you want one. If you still need some more enabling, call me! I’ll be glad to help!

As always, to have the $10 off reflected in your order total, you must place your order through me and not in the online store.

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