A Passion for Stamps

Merci (thank you) Card-Using Retired Accessories & Stamps

Created by Debbie Van Gieson Images © Stampin' Up! 1990-2008
(click on image for larger view)

Now that the RETIRED ACCESSORIES LIST is out and is being updated daily on this site HERE, many products are going fast....if you want some of the products on the list, you really have to work fast because items are being depleted every day. I used almost all retiring products to make yet ANOTHER THANK YOU CARD including the Carte Postale stamp set, Le Jardin Designer Series (double-sided) paper, Antique Brass Hodgepodge Hardware, and of course the In Color River Rock cardstock and coordinating ink pad. Unfortunately, the hardware I used for the embellishments is already sold out (all colors)! There are still lots of accessories left (some at 25% off)  so if you haven't checked out the list yet, click on the links here (or on the left sidebar for Retired Stamps list) and contact me asap so I can *place your order!

The only products NOT retiring in this card are the Simon Lower Letters Chipboard and the Taffeta Ribbon! First, I cut a piece of Le Jardin paper, and attached it to the left side of the card with SNAIL Adhesive. Next, I stamped the decorative motif design from Carte Postale stamp set (LOVE this set and will really miss demonstrating with it!) with River Rock ink on RR paper (tapped off ink on scrap paper to get lighter stamped images).

Next, I traced the letter (face down) onto a different Le Jardin paper, cut it out and  attached it to the letter with a Stampin' Up! Anywhere Glue Stick (GREAT product!) and used the Sanding Block to smooth out the edges and get rid of any excess paper on the letter. I Tied the ribbon on the left and attached a brad from the hardware kit in the center. I adhered the elegant hardware pieces to the bottom of the letter with SNAIL, then attached the letter to the card.

Did you know you can stamp on the Taffeta Ribbon? It's easy with StazOn ink-didn't smear, dried quickly and is permanent! Just don't load up the stamp with too much ink or it will smear and look bold-instead of crisp. I measured where I wanted the two connector pieces and made a dot for both with a pencil on the cardstock. Then I attached one of the hardware connectors with the brad, looped the ribbon thru it and adjusted it so the Merci saying would be centered-used SNAIL to attach the ends of the ribbon underneath, then attached my second connector.

This is an elegant card, in every way! I am so glad the Simon Lower letters are not discontinuing! But I will really miss Le Jardin papers and Carte Postale!

Don't forget about Stampin' Up!'s current Discounted Retiring Accessories Promotion   where you will find  products that are 25% off! This is a great deal....while supplies last!

If you still haven't placed your order for retired stamps and/or accessories, time is running out....take a look at the list today...and check the ONLINE CATALOG for those products you can't live without, before they are gone!


*orders can only be taken for US and it's territories
Links are Highlighted

Thanks for visiting!

Boatload of Love Box in the Bag-a downline gift!

I really enjoy making these Box in a Bag projects (and this is what it is called, because there really IS a box in the bottom of the bag-see the photo below as proof!). To learn more about these, read THIS POST.

Here is another one I made as a gift (shhhhhhh!) for Jan (one of my first level downline) who has been an inspiring leader to her team, a supportive downline member, and most importantly-a dear friend for many years. I hope she doesn't see this before she receives it in the mail! Even if she does, what's IN it will still be a surprise (so I'm not telling you what I'm putting in it!) I'd love to hear your suggestions though!

 

                                                    IMAGES © Stampin' Up! 1990-2008

I had so much fun making this one! I try to make gifts with nautical themes for my downline, because our team name is S.O.S. Team (for S.aving O.verwhelmed S.tampers)..I use images of lighthouses, beachy ocean, tropical, fish (starfish), and boat type images such as life rings and anchors. Sooooo....having explained that, you'll understand why I had to have the Boatloads of Love stamp set  from Stampin' UP! (love that Boat with the life rings and anchor!). As I was going thru my vast assortment of Designer Series papers, I knew as soon as I saw this Cutie Pie paper that this was THE one I wanted to use and the ideas just flowed from that point on... (Its amazing how different the colors and designs are in this package!) I love it when that happens...

Here is the INSIDE-as you can clearly see, there IS a box on the inside at the bottom which explains the name of this project:

Pretty cool, huh? Ok-on to some of the details up close:

Created by Debbie Van Gieson Images © Stampin' Up! 1990-2008

The boat is watercolored with Aqua Painters and Classic Ink Pads on Watercolor Paper, then cut out and added above the scalloped edged bottom. The boat, life rings and anchor are all stamped again, tediously cut out and raised with Stampin' Dimensionals and Crystal Effects for a fun 3-D effect.

Created by Debbie Van Gieson Images © Stampin' Up! 1990-2008

 The clouds are stamped in White Craft ink and embossed. I painted the chipboard letters with white acrylic paint, then used the aqua painter and reinkers to color them blue. The Life rings, anchor and clouds as well as the On Board Lots of Letters Chipboard are all finished off with Crystal Effects to make them "pop".

Created by Debbie Van Gieson Images © Stampin' Up! 1990-2008

I LOVE embellishments and this time I need something more nautical....so here is what I came up with...
I used Textured Wild Wasabi Cardstock and the Round Tab punch, then added eyelets with the Crop-o-dile and looped (retired) Bella Fancy Fibers loosely thru them, knotting them at the ends.  I decided to made the nautical knot with roping (instead of using ribbon) to add to the seafaring touch! 

I am pleased with how this project it turned out!  So--what do you think?

I truly had so much fun making this..I should have made two! As difficult as it will be to give this one-of-a-kind creation away, it was made with love, for someone I admire who is very deserving of special recognition-in case Jan doesn't realize it, she has been a loyal, caring friend and I just want her to know how much I have appreciated our friendship over the years.

Here are the supplies I used to make this project:

Stamps: Boatload of Love
Ink: Wild Wasabi, White Craft, Ballet Blue, Brocade Blue,Versamark Pad, Black StazOn
Paper: Cutie Pie Designer Series, Bashful Blue, TEXTURED Wild Wasabi, Watercolor
Accessories: Crop-o-Dile, Eyelets, 1/4" Circle Punch, Round Tab punch, Crystal Effects, On Board Lots of Letters, Sanding Block, Ballet Blue Ink Refill, White EP, Heat Tool, Aqua Painter, Slit Punch, 1/8" Circle Punch, Sticky Strip, Mini Glue Dots, Paper Snips, SNAIL adhesive, (retired) Bella Fancy Fibers

Non-SU: white acrylic paint, roping

To view all Stampin' Up! products used in this project, visit the Stampin' Up! ONLINE CATALOG. Just click on the photo link on the left sidebar. Fortunately for me, the Boatload of Love stamp set is NOT on the retirement list!!!  It's a great set!

I'd love to hear your comments...don't forget my BLOG CANDY posted awhile ago will EXPIRE at midnight on June 29! Follow the instructions in THIS POST to be in the drawing to win this awesome Stampin' Up! candy I'm giving away at 9:00 a.m. EST on JUNE 30!

Happy Stampin'!

Patriotic Father's Day Card with Chipboard!

Why not honor dad with a patriotic card this Father's Day?

Memorial Day is a day of remembrance, a day of reflection, a day to lift up our thankful hearts to all the brave men and women who have served our country so valiantly. Its a day to honor the service and sacrifice of all those who have fought to preserve the freedoms we now enjoy as citizens of America! We all know somone or have a loved one who has served in the Armed Forces, many who gave their lives for this great country: grandfathers, fathers, brothers, uncles, cousins, friends, neighbors, co-workers and acquaintances have served in the Armed Forces and deserve our respect and honor. Many have relatives currently serving here and abroad who are not able to be here to share in this weekend of remembrance, and they sacrifice and do their part to protect us all and to continue the legacy of our forefathers-to help keep this the land of the brave and the free...My husband, and dad served in the Army, my brother served in the Navy. My grandparents fought for this country.. as many of yours did as well.

Take time to remember our veterans and all those who currently serve in our armed forces this weekend. To read some wonderful tributes that you can share with your children and extended families this holiday weekend-click HERE.

Here is the patriotic Father's Day card I made for my dad featuring On Board with Chipboard-this month's Stampin' Up! special!:

Created by Debbie Van Gieson Images © Stampin' Up! 1990-2008

SUPPLIES:

Stamps: Dad's Day (page 112 of 2008 Spring-Summer Collection)
Ink: Craft White, Rose Red
Paper: Rose Red & Brilliant Blue Designer Series papers, Brilliant Blue Cardstock, Whisper White
Accessories: Iridescent Ice EP, Heat Tool, Fire Circle Red Rhinestone brad, Crop-o-dile, Anywhere Glue Stick, Designer Label Punch, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, Dimensionals, Crystal Effects, Rose Red ink refill, paintbrush (non-SU), Silver Hodgepodge Star, On Board Chipboard Accents, SU Envelope

I made an insert for the envelope with Designer papers to match the card.  It's different from any other card I've made for my dad...let me know what you think!  I love using the chipboard...and what a great deal Stampin' Up!'s has right now-chipboard at 25% off with a $35 order!  Time is running out for this special, so be sure to order your chipboard today! (and get FREE SHIPPING if you order from this demonstrator, Debbie Van Gieson-by 11:00 p.m. Monday May 26, 2008!)

Have a great stampin' day!

Passionstamper

Chipboard Jumbo Clips!

Here is another project I did last year using the round chipboard discs from On Board Accents to make these fun jumbo clips:

I sandwiched the jumbo clip between two of the chipboard circle disks and used Crystal Effects to bond them together! There were a variety of punches used to make these clips. Punch art is so much fun! Another day I'll post a bunch of samples I made last year at one of my upline's meetings in Sparta NJ...

Do you have punch art you would like to share? If you send me your favorite, I'd be happy to feature you here on my blog with your creation! Leave me a comment or e-mail me your creation.

Have a great stampin' day!

Passionstamper

CHIPBOARD-and Tart & Tangy set!

I'm experimenting with Stampin' Up!'s chipboard and found that when you pop out the round discs from Stampin' Up's! On Board Accents, the 'negative' that's leftover makes a terrific shadow box effect when layered on to a card! I tend to hoard things, so I just couldn't throw this away! These are the chipboard pieces I'm referring to:

From these chipboard negatives, I made these cards:

Created by Debbie Van Gieson Images © Stampin' Up! 1990-2008

I demonstrated this card and it was a hit as one of the two Make & Take projects we made at my April demonstrator team meeting! (I had trouble deciding whether I wanted lemons, oranges or limes so I made two cards!)

To make this card you will need the following Stampin' Up! supplies:

SUPPLIES

STAMPS: Tart & Tangy, Pretty Petals, Circle of Friendship

INK: Summer Sun, Only Orange, Green Galore, Groovy Guava IN color, White CRAFT ink, Basic Black

Paper: Basic Black, Groovy Guava IN color, Summer Sun, Whisper White

Other: On Board Accents Chipboard, Stampin' Write Markers: Real Red, Cocoa, Hunter Green & Glorious Green (for apple), Garden Green (for cherries); Stampin' Dimensionals, Mini Glue Dots, Wasabi & Groovy Guava Double Stitced Ribbons, 1/2",  1",  & 1 1/2" Circle Punches; Sanding Block

INSTRUCTIONS FOR CARD

1. After punching out the circles (save for another project), I sanded off the nubs with the sanding block around outside of chipboard and inside each circle.

2. There are so many ways to color and decorate chipboard it's hard to make a decision which to use. For this technique, I finally decided to color the chipboard with white Craft ink. I placed the chipboard down on scrap paper, then turned the pad over and applied the ink to the chipboard repeatedly until it was colored evenly with white ink. It takes a long time for the Craft ink to dry but if you get impatient, you can speed the process up a bit by using your heat tool to dry the ink!

3. Next, I inked up a lovely floral background stamp called Pretty Petals, with the Groovy Guava Classic ink pad. These background stamps are large, so it's easier to lay your stamp down rubber side up, and press your cardstock or in this case chipboard face down on top of the stamp. Place a piece of scrap paper on top, then rub with your palms to get a good design transfer to the chipboard.  The effect is very soft using this color....

4. Cut a piece of white cardstock about the size of the chipboard (or slightly smaller). Lay the chipboard over the paper then with a pencil, lightly mark the inside of each of the circles with four small lines-so you know the placement of where your stamped image will go.

5. You will use all the stamps in the Tart & Tangy set except the strawberry. Stamp the slice in orange, green or lemon-stamp 2 or 3. I used Stampin' Write markers to color the apple and cherry directly on the stamp. Stamp the images inside the penciled circles you made earlier, then erase the guidelines.

6. Attach the chipboard to the stamped images with SNAIL, then layer onto black cardstock cut slightly larger than chipboard. Attach this to bottom of Groovy Guava card front. Stamp saying of your choice from the Circle of Friendship stamp set, with black ink onto white cardstock., and punch out with 1" circle punch. Stamp saying again onto Groovy Guava cardstock then punch out with 1/2" circle punch. Layer this onto larger circle with dimensionals. Punch out a circle from Summer Sun cardstock with 1 14" circle punch.  Layer saying on top then attach to center of chipboard with adhesive.

7. Cut Wasabi DS ribbon to 4 1/2", attach to top of card then trim. Tie bow from Groovy Guava DS ribbon and attach to center of wasabi ribbon with mini glue dot.

It's hard to see the dimension from the photo, but the finished card does have a "shadow box" event. There is no waste of this product when you use the leftover (negative) pieces in other stamping or scrapbooking projects!  This whole card can be added to a scrapbook page for added dimension! Have fun! I'd love to see your creations using the leftover chipboard pieces...and as always, I'm interested in your comments too! If you are interested in any of the products used to make this card, please email me !

Thanks for looking,

passionstamper

Chipboard-9x9 Clipboard Photo Frame

Still need some gift ideas to make? Here's one I also did for our S.O.S. Team Camp using once again, D.S. papers...I love them! This time products from the Fall-Winter 2008 Collection that I used are Le Jardin D.S. papers, the new 9x9 clipboards and the Chipboard, plus one of our In-Color ribbons Wasabi Double Stitch! This project makes a nice gift and doubles as a photo! I didn't use a real photo, but made a quick copy with regular copy paper, just to show how it can be used as a picture frame you can hang on the wall!

Here it is clipboard without the photo insert...

   

and here it is with the photo insert!

I have no clue why these photos are coming up so small, but if you click on them, they get huge! I must have edited them differently...

At the top of the frame over the clip is actually a butterfly (if you look closely you will see it). I decided to play around with the hardware, Pretties flower and punches to make it. This is a fun project to do and it doesn't take too long to do either. You can't see it in the photo but there is also a subtle hint of glitter swirled lightly around the background papers for a touch of sparkle!

Have you tried using any of Stampin' Up!'s clipboards yet? FUN project! Why not order the products you need then give it a try? My 6th Christmas Special and instructions for this 9x9 Clipboard Photo Frame are HERE.

Wishing You Cheer!

Clipboard featuring "Wishing You Cheer" stamp set from page 33 of the 2007 Fall-Winter Collection from Stampin' Up!

TODAY, November 3 is the lAST DAY  to purchase an adorable four piece Stampin' Up!® set called "Wishing You Cheer" at a 20% discount!

This set can be used to made such nice things...

For example, this is an adorable ornament made by Jennifer Meyer using this set along with the On Board Trimmings Chipboard from the Holiday Mini Catalog:

Isn't this adorable?

This 4-piece set set is terrific for the holidays for card and tag making as well as ornaments and other home decor projects! It's also a bargain at the discounted price of just $11.16 plus tax and shipping (Regular retail price-$13.95)! The 4-piece set includes the following images:

a snowman, a holiday tree, a great greeting stamp and snow

E-mail me by 11:00 p.m. E.S.T. TO ORDER  the "Wishing You Cheer" stamps
to receive the 20% discount!

Interested in learning to make holiday projects like these? This is just one of many holiday projects we'll be making at our November Holiday Gifts & Home Decor Classes  so if you are in the local Sussex County New Jersey 07419 area, be sure to sign up for one of these classes taught in Hardyston NJ. Registration deadline is coming up soon-to register, go to my Stampin' Up! website Events Page for class dates and times.

Stampin' Up!® PAPER PARTY PROMOTION!

Stampin' Up! is having a Paper Party Promotion to kick off the upcoming holiday season! This month's Stampin' Up! Special of the Month is a Buy Three Get the Fourth-FREE Deal...three of what, you ask?  Why-Stampin' Up!® Designer Series Paper packs! This is a great way to get four packs of the same paper, or a variety-just in time for card-making, gift wrapping & tags, and scrapbooks for the holidays! 

These pretty 12 x 12 papers have double-sided designs featuring Stampin' Up! patterns and colors. Each package contains 12 sheets, 2 each of 6 double-sided designs. There are ten various themes to choose from in the Fall/Winter Collection  and don't forget to check out the pretty Holiday Harmony Designer Series (also double-sided) paper offered in the Holiday Mini Collection  which will be available only thru the end of November! I love the selection Stampin' Up! has come out with...here is a project I created for a class I offered recently-a scrapbook in a box, using Le Jardin D.S. paper. To find out about other classes and upcoming events I offer, visit my Events Page of my Stampin' Up! website!

This is the box closed. It is embellished using Stampin' Up! On Board Accents Chipboard, various punches   including the very popular Scallop Circle Punch and also a lovely Rhinestone Brad in the center of the embellishment!

When opened, the pages spill outward-with plenty of space for alot of photos and journaling!

None of the pages are attached-they are each decorated with D.S. paper (that is Buy 3-Get 4th FREE right now!). It's all ready for me to add fall photos and journaling for a wonderful "box of memories" or, this would make a very nice holiday gift for that special someone...(if I can part with it!)

I made a coordinating card to go with it to:

The stamp sets used in the card are Illuminations and Season by Season. The "C" in Cherish is embossed and raised so it stands out. The Illuminations stamp set is so pretty and elegant looking!

During November, I will be featuring some of these papers at my demonstrations and classes to give you other great ideas for these wonderful papers...

To view all the Designer Series papers now, you can go to your own Stampin' Up! Catalog or this
ONLINE CATALOGS link to shop.

HOLIDAY
WISH LIST:   Would you like to add Designer Series papers to a holiday wish list? Follow these steps:

1. Just download this document : HOLIDAY WISH LIST

2. Jot your items on the wish list and complete the form.

3. Add your contacts so I can follow up with them later! This is THE BEST way to get stamping and scrapbooking supplies YOU want for the holidays this year!

TO PURCHASE THE PAPER PARTY PROMOTION SPECIAL NOW, select four Designer Series Papers from the Fall/Winter Collection or the holiday paper in the Holiday Mini Collection-you pay only $9.95 each for the first three packs (plus tax and shipping)-the fourth is FREE! The promo code for this product special is 111878.  To order, E-MAIL ME.

DOUBLE THE PLEASURE-DOUBLE THE FUN!

I created a post the updates about Stampin' Up!'s NEWS along with a card the other day, but unknowingly deleted it!!! I couldn't re-do it that day, so here is a short quick version of the exciting upcoming changes:

1. SU! will be coming out with TWO main catalogs a year, starting in July 2007! This means MORE stamps AND accessories, MORE often and DIFFERENT HOSTESS SETS every six months! The JULY 2007 catalog will be called Fall/Winter 2007 Collection and the JANUARY 2008 catalog will be called Spring/Summer 2008 Collection...
2. Mini Catalogs will be reduced from four to two a year: Holiday 2007 Mini Collection and Occasions 2008 Mini Collection!
3. There will be TWO retiring lists offered each year!
4. Although the Spring catalog will NOT have Fall/Winter sets in it, you will still be able to view them online and order them. IN Colors will remain the same in both catalogs, and will change annually.
5. There will also be a Collections Preview Catalog showing what will be coming out in the new catalog!
6. You'll enjoy twice the inspiration eac year, as EACH catalog will feature all-new samples, and hundreds more samples will at your fingertips!
7. Sell-A-Bration will NOT be held in January-February 2008...but don't worry! The same promotion will be held, but at different times each year!

I'm excited to offer fresh new stamps and accessories every six months now!

If you haven't held a workshop yet in January, or attended one of my Sell-A-Bration Card Camps, Mystery Hostess Workshop (coming up this weekend) what are you waiting for? You can also host an ONLINE CATALOG PARTY with only $150 in purchases so tell your friends to check them out, choose a FREE Sell-A-Bration set with each $50 order, and earn yourself an extra FREE set when you collect $300 in orders...it couldn't be easier! To find out more contact me-I'll take care of the rest! I can only take USA orders...Canadians must go thru a Canandian demonstrator. Learn more by checking out the HOSTESS PROGRAM on my website.

Here's a cute card I made with VERY PUNNY, just one of the five Sell-A-Bration sets you can earn for FREE (or a Simply Scrappin' kit!):

                                                    

Stamps: Very Punny (SAB), Brushstroke Alphabet

Cardstock: Whisper White, Basic Black, Loves Me Designer Papers

Ink: Classic Basic Black

Other: Black Gingham Ribbon, Stampin' Write Markers, On Board Accents, Stamping Sponge, Mini Glue Dots

I love this Designer Paper! On Board Accent is the circle ("like no utter" cow is stamped on it). The bow is simple to do-simply apply strip of ribbon to background. Then tie a separate bow and attach to ribbon with mini glue dot!

All products highlighted are from Stampin' Up! (click for specifics on products!) Created by Debbie Van Gieson

Images

GIFT FROM SHELLI & Chipboard Coaster Box

Stampin' Up! demonstrators received a lovely and unexpected SURPRISE for Christmas from the Co-founder and CEO of Stampin' Up!-Shelli Gardner!  She sent us all one of the stamp sets from the upcoming Spring Mini Catalog-Polka Dots & Paisley! I have been waiting for an opportunity to play with this very cute set, so here is my first project: A Chipboard Coaster Box:

                         

This is a sample of a upcoming class project! It was also a project I did with my S.O.S. Team group at a demo camp. The box features Sarah Designer Series Paper & Spring Bouquet Flower Punch from Stampin' Up!  This makes a great note paper holder, pen holder and even works great when filled with tissue paper or a gift in a cello bag! 

I think this set will be very popular-I know it already is with me! I'll be working on more projects with this set and can't wait to place my order for the Spring Mini Sets-they are AWESOME, and you are going to LOVE them! Did I mention that you can order from the Spring Mini Catalog starting March 1 thru JUNE? That's right! In my next post I'll update you on some other changes Stampin' Up! is implementing!   If you would like to receive a hard copy of the Spring Mini Catalog, contact me and I'd be happy to send one along to you. Otherwise, you will be able to view it online which can be accessed from the link found under my Stampin' Up! Links... starting March 1!                                                                                             

Stampin' Up!'s annual Sellabration begins TOMORROW-on the first day of 2007! To learn more about what Sellabration is...click here. Basically, you can select one of (5) limited-time only new stamp sets or one new Simply Scrappin' Kit for FREE with every $50 purchase from any current catalog! You can also receive these sets if you HOST A WORKSHOP too! Visit my Stampin' Up! website to learn more about all the hostess benefits you can receive...

Don't have a Sellabration catalog? To view it online, just click here. If you would like to receive mini catalogs from me every quarter, you can sign up for this and also receive my free newsletter, with the link to the left.

The Sellabration (SAB) sets are really great this year (not that they weren't other years...they just get better and better!) I couldn't wait to get the sets! I needed to come up with a card for a swap I was doing with my S.O.S.(Saving Overwhelmed Stampers) Team of demonstrators and was playing around with the Very Punny set and the adorable new Loves Me Designer Papers in the SAB catalog... and came up with this cutsie card!

I used Brushstroke Alphabet for the U and R. The main cow was stamped onto background paper, colored and attached to a round On Board chipboard accent. I laid this over a row of black Gingham ribbon then attached a gingham ribbon. The trio cows were stamped onto Whisper White cardstock and colored with Markers, then layered onto the background strip and voila! A simple and easy card!

Check out some of the other cards from the SOS Team swap in the photos to the right...they are all terrific!

I will be hosting a Sellabration Card Camp in January using all the Sellabration stamp sets-to learn more about the camp, view my Events Schedule link!

I'm also hosting my third Annual Winter Card & Gift Camp coming up in early January and a 12 x 12 Year In a Day Scrap Camp later in the month-you can learn more about these events by  checking out my Stampin' Up! Events Calendar...

Well, it's hard to believe it is New Year's Eve...and another new year will soon be here! I want to wish you a safe and enjoyable evening and much health and joy in the year ahead! Talk to you again in 2007!

I