Sunday, July 28, 2013

Negative Punch - Coloring with Designer Print papers

Card made with Stampin'UP! flower punches and Designer Print Papers
There are lots of ways to use Designer Print Papers ( aka DSP) in a project. On this card the designer print paper was used in 2 ways.
  • The Designer Print Paper provides a frame for the main focal piece
  • And the Designer Print also provides color for the flower
You can probably tell how easy it was to make this card.  I just punched a hole in the white paper with the Blossom punch and then adhered the DSP to the card base and then adhered the white paper with the punched hole over the Designer Print Paper.

For the finish I layered a white circle and the 3 flowers from the Boho Blossom Punch in the open center and topped it off with a Dahlia.  Here's another sample of this use for DSP

This card could take on so many different looks because there are so many different designer print papers available. You could use this concept with any large punch, I'm thinking next about a heart for a wedding card.

DESIGNER PRINT PAPERS
BUY 3 - GET 1 FREE 
now through the end of July

Stampin'UP! has a sale right now on Designer Print papers so you can stock up on papers and make lots of easy cards like this. Click here to See the selection.  The sale is on the $10.95 paper packs.  There are so many designs - AND remember each piece of paper has 2 designs to choose from. Its definitely the time to stock up.

Thanks for stopping by and happy stamping
--Katie

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Washi Tape Wow

Card made with Stampin'UP! Gingham Garden Washi Tape and stamps from the Paper Pumpkin Welcome KitThis card was one of my trades at convention. The card is decorated with Washi Tape. Washi Tape is a new addition to Stampin'UP!'s product line. And if you're like I was, you're probably saying "What the heck is Washi Tape!?"

The quick answer:  Washi Tape is designer printed masking tape.
  • It comes on a roll
  • Its thin and papery and easy to tear off
  • Its a quick way to add a splash of color, use it where ever you'd use a strip of designer paper
  • Its sticky! so no extra adhesive is needed
This stuff is great! The fact that the Washi Tape is sticky means you can use to decorate all kinds of things: light switches, power cords, picture frames, magnets, folders, cell phones . . .

There are lots of designs. The current catalog has two sets of Washi Tape with 3 different designs each.  And you'll find more designs in the Holiday Catalog.

Stampin'UP! Washi Tape: Epic Day  Stampin'UP! Washi Tape: Gingham Garden
Left:  Epic Day Washi Tape
Right: Gingham Garden Washi Tape

Wait til you see the Holiday Catalog with some wonderful Halloween Washi Tape and Christmas Washi Tape. If you are already one of my customers you should have gotten your Holiday Catalog already.  Please contact me if you need one.

Would you like a chance to play with Washi Tape? Are you local to the Madison, WI area? Sign up for the Washi Wow Class either August 7th or 8th and make a bunch of projects. You'll be impressed with the things you can do with Washi Tape.

Happy Stamping
--Katie

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Undefined - New Stamp Carving Kit

Have you ever wanted to make your own stamps?  Now you can.  Stampin'UP! has just released a new product that's a kit for carving your own stamps.  Its called Undefined. Maybe you have a special family logo or a sketch you’d like to have as a stamp. Now you can stamp them. Undefined is Stampin’ Up!’s new stamp carving product line. You define the rubber stamp any way you want.

I made a stamp of my initials. At convention we got the kit for FREE and got to make our own stamps.  Its super easy. I made mine in about 10 minutes. 
  • Draw your image in pencil on paper
  • Transfer the graphite from the paper to the rubber
  • Carve
  • Mount
 
OK, I admit that the artwork is definitely not a "wow". But I was just playing, and doing it quickly because others were in line behind me.  I have all kinds of ideas for more things I want to try and can't wait to dig into some more rubber. 
Watch this video to see how easy it is.



Here's another sample made by my friend Rachel Durtschi. Rachel carved her rubber into the shape of an apple.  Didn't she do a great job?!

Stamp made with Stampin'UP!'s Stamp Carving Kit called: Undefined Stamp made with Stampin'UP!'s Stamp Carving Kit called: Undefined

Stampin'UP!'s Stamp Carving Kit called: UndefinedHere's what's included in the Stamp Carving Kit:
* 2 carving tools
* 3" x 4" rubber
* 3" x 4" foam
* 4 wood blocks (various sizes)
* 1 Island Indigo Stampin’ Write Marker
* 3 postcards
* Instruction sheet
* Stamp image templates
Item #133402 for $19.95

The Refill Kit comes with
* 3" x 4" rubber
* 3" x 4" foam
* 4 wood blocks (various sizes)
* Instruction sheet
Item #134808 for $9.95

I was surprised by how easy it was to carve the rubber. After comparing my wobbly initials with Rachel's great apple sketch I can see the hard part will be perfecting my drawing skills. But its all fun. If you'd like to try you can get your own Stamp Carving Kit HERE and start turning that "undefined" rubber into a masterpiece.

And I'd love to see photos of what you made. Send them to me by email and I'll post them to the blog.

Happy Stamping (and carving)
--Katie



Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Convention Highlights - Room Mate Punch Art Pillow Gfts

So far you've seen 3 of the pillow gifts I made for my convention room mates. 

Monday's gift - our first day in Salt Lake City - was this heart treat.  The heart was because we LOVE stamping.

Tuesday's gift was the flower, because it was a free day for us and we did some sightseeing in Park City.

Wednesday's gift was the elves - because elves are magical and the whole convention experience is magical.

Thursday's gift was this little bear - because it was also my main trade card and Thursday was the first day the swapping started in earnest.
 


Friday's gift was this post-a-note holder - because Friday was the first day we attended sessions where we'd be taking lots of notes.
Punch Art Butterfly Post-It Holder Punch Art Butterfly Post-It Holder Punch Art Butterfly Post-It Holder

Saturday's gift was this bird. Cardinals have a beautiful song and convention has given us all something to go home and "sing" about!
Punch Art Bird Candy Treat Punch Art Bird Candy Treat

On that note I'll sign off for today.  But check back again for more convention highlights. And by the way, everyone who buys the Starter Kit is eligible to attend convention - think about the possibilities. Or sign up here.

--Katie

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Digital Gift Tags

Convention officially starts today - although we've been out here in Salt Lake City for several days now. We have do some stamping and some sightseeing. And we have our own networking and training meetings.  

Monday's post showed my room mates Joyce and Lori packaging up gift bags. Joyce has quite a large downline and she likes to give gifts to everyone who attends convention. This year the gift is samples of some of the new embellishments in the new catalog.

Stampin'UP! is such a great organization to be part of. There are so many ways a new demonstrator is supported. The company has its training of course. And you'll have the support of the person you sign up with. Attending convention is also a great way to learn about new product, get creative ideas and network with other crafty folks.

Here's a close up of the gift tag on Joyce's goodie bag. She made this using Stampin'UP!'s digital stamping program, which is called My Digital Studio. Its super cute and on the back has a printed message with a thank-you for being part of her group.  

Have you been thinking about joining Stampin'UP!? I'm part of a group of women who meet once a month to trade ideas and we'd love to have you join us. If you're local to Madison Wisconsin you are welcome to attend some of our meetings as my guest. 

Its always a great time to join because financially its such a great deal. You pay $99 and get to choose $125 worth of product. You get an additional $65 worth of business supplies for free and the shipping is FREE too.  

And when you join now through August you get a FREE Creative Bundle.   Join Now and you'll get to choose 1 of 4 Creative Bundles for free. If you are already one of my customers you should have gotten your Holiday Mini Catalog in the mail this week.  Contact me if you didn't get one and want one.

Getting $125 worth of product for $99 is a great deal, whether you want to make a business of it or not. People join Stampin'UP! for a variety of reasons. Some to start a business and some to buy at a discount. There is no obligation on your part past the investment in the kit.
How long is your wish list? Investing in the Starter Kit is a smart idea.
Contact me with your questions 608-220-3450. I'm happy to help you decide if this would be a smart investment for you.

Happy Stamping
--Katie



Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Hexagon Punch and Designer Papers

Card made with Stampin'UP!'s Sassy Salutations stamp set and hexagon punch.This quick and easy card was made with Designer Print Papers and Stampin'UP!'s new Hexagon Punch. Its a great way to use up small scraps of papers. And the hexagon punch makes an interesting design pattern.

The lay-out of this card is perfect for highlighting a sentiment. Doesn't it almost seem like the line of 3 brads is "underlining" the sentiment?  This sentiment is from a set called Sassy Salutations. The set has 4 large size sentiments in a festive looking font. 

This is a very versatile card design. Depending on which Designer Print papers you choose you can make this card masculine, feminine or turn it into a card for a child.

BUY 3 - GET 1 FREE

How is your supply of Designer Print Papers?  Stampin'UP! has a sale on Designer Papers through the end of July.  All the papers that are $10.95 a package are on sale - buy 3 get 1 FREE.  
Punch art elfJuly is also the month for Stampin'UP!'s annual convention.  I am so excited to be with thousands of other demonstrators sharing ideas and learning new ways to use our products. I'm going to have so much to show off when I get back.  If you are local to the Madison Wisconsin area be sure to check out my class schedule .  You'll get to make some fun projects - and of course you'll get to see some of the samples I'll be bringing back.

Here's one more project using Designer Papers: These little punch art elfs were my "pillow gift" for my room mates today - a candy container of course.  Wouldn't he be cute on a holiday table decoration.  Just a hint of things to come at the September Christmas Card Blitz.  More info coming on that event but local stampers should check your calendars for Sept 21st.


Hope to see you soon
--Katie

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Die Cut Flower Favor

Here is convention "Pillow Gift" number 2.  This morning I gave my room mates a candy flower favor made with die cut flowers. Candy because its just the thing to do. And flowers because today is our day for sight seeing. 

The Salt Lake City area has some really wonderful tourist attractions and each year we come to convention a few days early to get in some sightseeing. The gardens in the Temple Square area are amazing.  My little paper flower just can't compare at all.

But compared with how much work goes into keeping a real garden looking good, my candy flower favor was really easy to make. The flowers were die cut using the Blossom Party Die. They're held together with regular adhesive and the candy is held on with Sticky Strip. Voila!

Wouldn't these be cute as table favors at a shower?  Or left as a little surprise gift on a co-worker's desk?  Speaking of co-workers, yesterday was our day to "work" (i.e. finish stamping all our trades). This is me with my "co-worker" Lori.  Actually, Lori got hers done at home. So this is Lori helping me finish mine.  But now we're done and off to see the sights.

Why not join Stampin'UP! and join in the fun next year?

--Katie


Monday, July 15, 2013

Pillow Gifts for Convention Roommates

Convention is almost here. I'm so excited.  My roommates and I arrived yesterday for a few days of relaxation and stamping before the official event begins.  

This was my Monday "Pillow Gift" to my roomies.  Its a mint decorated with a heart - the heart of course is because we love stamping! And by the way, if you stamp with me at the community centers then you'll recognize the heart mint because I gave this to all my stampers in February.
 
Here we are in our hotel room working on downline gifts. My roommate Joyce is giving samples of new product as gifts to her group. These are my room mates Joyce and Lori packaging up the goodie bags for her downline.

Are you wondering what a "downline" is?  When you join a network marking business like Stampin'UP!  you join through another active demonstrator.  The person you sign-up with is your "upline" and you are their "downline". Its a neat way of providing support to new people who sign up with the company.

And there are lots of good reasons to join Stampin'UP! 
  1. If you want to start a business then Stampin'UP! is a fun way to make some extra money. And just like any other business the amount you make depends on how much time you put in.
  2. If you just want a discount on product - then definitely buy the Starter Kit and "join" Stampin'UP! You don't have to do parties or try to sell the product. Two of my downline  joined Stampin'UP! just for the discount and have formed a "buyer's group" with their friends. Contact me for more details on this idea.
  3. Would you like to be part of an active group of creative people to share ideas?  My group in the Madison Wisconsin area meets regularly to swap projects and trade idea.
There are other perks too - like access to exclusive websites with ideas for making projects and using the product. Contact me for information on how you can get started. Or click here to Join Now.

And we get to order from the catalogs a month before they go live to the public. In fact the goodies we're packaging here are all from the new Holiday Mini Catalog.

Speaking of the new Holiday Mini Catalog: If you are one of my customers you should be getting your new Mini Catalog in the mail soon.  If you are not one of my customers and would like the new Holiday Mini then contact me so I can send you one.  You'll be able to order from it starting August 1st, when it will be posted on-line. And of course you can see the Main Catalog on-line now.

I'll be posting more convention shots all this week so check back often to see whats going on and see our swap cards.

Happy Stamping
--Katie

Saturday, July 13, 2013

Flower Shop Pansy

Card made with Stampin'UP!'s Flower Shop Stamp Set and Sassy Salutations stamp set.My yard is so full of flowers right now I could probably start my own flower shop!  Bergamot, spiderwort, lilies, yarrow, cosmos, marigolds, geraniums, and pansies! I've been fertilizing and even my mother-in-law's tongue is blooming.  Anyway, its providing lots of inspiration for my card creations. 

I wanted something simple here - so only 2 colors.  Then to dress it up I layered the center of the flowers. My ink pad was a little "juicy" so the lines came out really dark and it needed something to lighten it up.

These fun little flowers are from a new stamp set called Flower Shop.  All the stamps in that set are the same size and a similar shape because they're designed to coordinate with the new Pansy Punch
Stampin'UP!'s stamp set: Flower ShopStampin'UP! Pansy Punch
I love the fact that Stampin'UP! has so many coordinating punches and stamp sets.  And even better, you can save money by getting them as a "bundle".  You save 15% when you buy this bundle.  And you can get the bundled stamp set and punch in either clear mount or wood mount.

Here's another way to save.  Do you use Designer Papers?  During July when you buy 3 packages you get a 4th package FREE!  You can browse all the Designer Papers here.  The Buy 3 Get 1 Free deal is on the $10.95 packages.  

Get your Stampin'UP! supplies on-line here. And remember that on-line orders that aren't part of a hostess event earn my Customer Rewards points.  Read the Rewards Details here.

Thanks for stopping by and Happy Stamping
--Katie

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Hey There - Are You a Fan of Craft Kits?

Card made with stamps from Stampin'UP!'s monthly craft kits: Paper PumpkinDo you like Craft Kits?  Did you know that Stampin'UP! has a monthly craft kit!  Its called "Paper Pumpkin".  Each month's kit has all the supplies you need to make a cute project. Its always a surprise (cards, mini album ???), you never know what you'll get. 

Each Paper Pumpkin craft kit comes with everything you need - you just supply the adhesive.  And by everything that's exactly what I mean. You'll be getting little 1" square ink pads and stamps and pre-cut paper and the embellishments. More than enough to complete the projects.  I'm saving all my stamps and little ink pads. 

If you don't already have a lot of Stampin'UP! products this is a great way to slowly build up a supply of the ink colors.  Those little ink spots can be re-inked just like a regular ink pad. 

I'm finding so many other uses for the little stamps that come with the kits. The chevron pattern background on this card was from one of the kits and the sentiment came with the Welcome Kit. When you join the Paper Pumpkin Monthly Craft Kit you will get this sentiment in your first month's kit.  After that everything is a surprise - I can't wait to see what's in my kit this month.  

Here are some of the things I like about being a member of the Paper Pumpkin Craft Club.
  • Everything is prepared - I don't have to measure anything
  • I get a photo of the sample - so I don't have to be creative, the plan is there
    but I can be creative if I want!  I can use the supplies any way I want if I am feeling creative
  • I like collecting the little ink pads.  Much less expensive than buying the full size pads and I can still use them to ink all my other stamps. Plus they're easier to travel with!
  • I love collecting the little stamps and finding other ways to use them.  
  • The kits are quick to make and since everything is ready to go I don't need a large work area.
Are you thinking a monthly craft kit might be fun for you? Is this sounding good?  Here's a couple of more pluses!
  • Its only $19.95 a month - and that already includes shipping.  Of course there'll be tax on top of that, but here in Wisconsin its only $21.05 with the tax
  • I can change the number I order any month.  When my niece comes to visit I can order 2 kits and when I'm hosting my craft group I can order 8 kits and when I go on vacation I can order 0 kits for the month I'm gone.

If you'd like to sign-up too just go to http://mypaperpumpkin.com 
But do it TODAY if you want to get the kit this month.  
You need to order by the 10th to get the kit that month
If you order after the 10th you won't get your first kit until the next month.

PAPER PUMPKIN??
No - you are not making pumpkins
and Yes - I know - the name is mis-leading.
logo for Stampin'UP!'s monthly craft kit: Paper PumpkinIts a take-off on the concept of Cinderella.
. . . The Fairy Godmother turned a pumpkin into something special and you'll turn the kit contents into something special.

Click HERE to sign-up.  And be sure to choose Katie Johnson of Stoughton Wisconsin as your demonstrator because I send out a monthly email with photos of extra ways to use the stamps and other product you get in the kits.


Happy Stamping
--Katie


Saturday, July 6, 2013

Simple Butterfly Card

This is one of the simplest cards I've posted in a long time. The card uses 2 punches, a sentiment and some designer paper.

Stampin'UP!'s two butterfly punches go so nicely together. The Elegant Butterfly punch and the Bitty Butterfly Punch. Add some rhinestones to dress it up and Voila! What a fun use for scraps of Designer Paper.

And did you know that Stampin'UP! currently has a sale on Designer Papers.  Buy 3 get 1 FREE.

All the Designer Print Papers that are $10.95 a package are part of this sale.

Do you need a butterfly punch? or 2? When you order on-line your product will be sent directly to your house. AND  when you shop with me you earn Customer Rewards Points - check out the details here.

This sale goes through June. Thanks for stopping by and remember to browse through those Designer Papers.

Happy Stamping
--Katie




Friday, July 5, 2013

Sign Up Now to Get This Month's Craft Kit

Did you know Stampin'UP! has a monthly craft kit?  It goes by the name of "Paper Pumpkin". Here's the concept behind the name: Remember the Fairy Godmother in Cinderella? She turned the pumpkin into a wonderful coach for Cinderella's journey.  Well these kits can work "magic" for your creative journey. And like a Fairy Godmother, the kit comes with everything you need: stamps, ink, paper (pre-cut), ribbon, buttons, what ever . . .   You just supply the adhesive.

Here are a few projects from recent month's kits.

You'll have more than enough supplies to make the suggested project, in fact you'll have left overs. And of course save the stamps and little ink pads.  You can use them on other projects.  And, to help you out, I send out a monthly email with ideas for additional projects you can make with the kit contents. This is a bonus that goes out automatically to everyone who subscribes to the kit through me.

Here are some of the other projects I've made using the stamps in the kit.

To get in on the fun this month just subscribe by the 10th. As soon as I see that you are subscribed you'll get an invitation to the Pumpkin Extras emails.


Click the Pumpkin Image to subscribe now
and to get the emails on how to use the extras
      be sure you choose Katie Johnson
of Stoughton Wisconsin as your demonstrator

Happy Stamping
--Katie

Thursday, July 4, 2013

Digital 4th of July Card

Happy 4th of July!

This card was made using Stampin'UP!'s digital crafting software.  If you're not familiar with this software its called My Digital Studio. See samples of projects made with MDS HERE.

The reason I made this card digital instead of with paper is because the colors are more vibrant on the black background. With real paper the ink tends to sink into the paper and on a black background the fireworks wouldn't stand out as much. Don't you think a 4th of July card needs to really "pop".

Wondering about printing?  With the My Digital Studio program you have 2 printing options.  You can print your projects on your printer at home or order professionally printed copies on-line.  With this card I'd have them printed because with the black background they'd use way too much printer ink. 

Today really is a day to relax and celebrate and I hope you are able to enjoy it with friends and family.  For me part of the relaxing is sitting in my craft area and doing a little creating - both real and digital.

One of the advantages of digital crafting is that you don't have supplies spread out everywhere. You can hop on the computer and spend a few moments getting something started, there's no mess to clean up and you can easily come back and alter things without having wasted any project materials.

Does digital crafting sound like something fun? I think the program is really fun to use. You can buy it on-line and download it immediately. And its only $19.95 for the whole program! Get your copy HERE.

Happy Stamping and Happy 4th of July
--Katie

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Photoplymer Stamps


Did you know Stampin'UP! has clear stamps?  Not just clear mount, but actually clear stamps.  They are made from a photopolymer material. Stampin'UP! has quietly been releasing 1 photopolymer set a month for the last 5 months. They are not in the regular catalog but you can see them and buy them on-line here.

What makes them so great?
  • They're entirely transparent for perfect placement every time! 
  • They are durable. The photopolymer material is designed to last. 
  • They're sticky, these stamps stick amazingly well to our clear blocks 

Stampin'UP!'s top-quality photopolymer has just enough give to create a perfectly stamped image every time. Photopolymer stamps are unique, fun designs that will inspire you and provide more versatile options that you may not see in our traditional wood- and clear-mount stamp options. Be sure to watch this video from the home office below to see what I mean.  I love how she changes the shape of the stamp.

As she says in the video: They are clearly a great choice.

check this out


I have the set she's using and have just had time to ink it up and try it.  I tried lining up the rows like she did on her first project and it really works - I'm impressed.  Now I need to finish a card with the piece to share. Sorry, that's not very professional of me, but you'll just have to wait to see my projects with this stamp set.

Happy Stamping
--Katie

Quick Links

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Buy 3 - Get 1 FREE: Designer Series Papers

Stampin'UP!'s July 2013 Designer Print Paper sale
Stampin'UP!'s current promotion is on Designer Series Papers.  

Card made with Stampin'UP!'s Mixed Medley stamp set and Designer Print Papers
Designer Printed Papers are wonderful! You can use them for so many things.
  1. Designer printed papers make a really pretty background layer  like on this card and this on circle lay-out
  2. Some printed papers are so pretty you want to use them as the focal piece, like on Dad's vest
  3. You can use strips of designer prints as accents on a project
  4. You can "color" your image by stamping on Designer Print Papers (like this snowman's hat and scarf) and today's card
 Do you like the prints on this card?  The leaves are a little more obvious because I didn't stamp on them. The flower is also a print paper and with the flower image stamped on the Designer Paper it really has a soft mottled look. 

So, grab your catalog or check out the on-line version here.  You'll find the Designer Papers on pages 151, 153 and 154.

Buy any of the regular Designer paper Packs 
(not the stacks and not the specialty papers)
 and when you choose 3 you'll get a 4th one FREE!  

 Free is good!  You can have tons of fun playing with Stampin'UP! Designer Print Papers.

Thanks for stopping by
Happy Stamping
--Katie