Summer is all about fun accessories and flip flops, so why not create one of a kind flip flops for yourself, kids or grandkids this summer?  You can find relatively inexpensive flip flops and then just add your Big Shot, and some fun foam and you’ll be all set.

Stampin' Up Supply List

• Accessories: Filigree Brads (112577), Fire Circle Rhinestone Brads (109110)
• Tools: Big Shot Die Cutting System (113439), Daisies #2 Die 114520, Paper Piercing Tool (116631)
• Other: Fun Foam, Hot Glue Gun, Flip Flops

Technique Directions

Using the Big Shot you can create Emboss Designer Series Paper using the Big Shot.

1. Cut out a large daisy of your first color, and the second color.
2. Cut the second largest daisy out of your first color.
3. Cut the smallest daisy out of your second color.
4. To create the daisy, layer the two largest daisies together. If have fun foam with an adhesive back, you can use this to hold the two daisies together. If you don't have adhesive foam, you can use a small dot of hot glue to hold them together. Ensure the layers are staggered as shown above.
5. Add middle daisy as above and add small daisy on top.
6. Take a small scrap of foam and insert into the hole in the middle of your layered daisies. You may want to add a wee bit of hot glue to ensure this piece holds.
7. Add a filigree brad and insert large brad through centre, and then using paper piercer, set brad through stabilizer piece in the middle of the daisies and then butterfly the back.
8. Using hot glue gun carefully add to your flip flops.
9. Repeat all steps for second flip flop.

Have fun with this project. I'd love to see your creations!  To shop now for any of the Stampin' Up supplies used in this project, click below.

If you are anything like me, you take more photos during the summer, meaning you have that much more to scrapbook! It's easy to stay on top of your scrapbook pages with the new Designer Series paper and coordinating Quick Accents. Here's a 6×6 page created using Playdate Designer Series Paper (117168) and Playdate Quick Accents (117172) and a bit of Tempting Turquoise cardstock. 6×6 pages are a fun format to work with as albums are available in this size, or you can easily add them to a 12×12. They are definitely simpler than larger pages as there's that much less space to work with! This page would look cute layered on a 12 x 12 piece of Real Red, So Saffron or Old Olive, and then just add a photo above the border accent and you are all set!

To create this page:

1. Cut Tempting Turquoise cardstock to 6×6.
2. Cut dotted Designer Series Paper from Playdate package to 5.75 x 5.75 and attach with SNAIL.
3. Add star border accent from package at about 1.5 inches from the bottom and trim at edge.
4. Working from right hand side, add letters to spell out summer.
5. Add star accents to the left of your title.

Here's the artwork in this line:

Stampin Up Shopping List

Paper: Tempting Turquoise Card Stock (102067) Playdate Designer Series Paper (117168) , Playdate Quick Accents (117172)

Accessories: SNAIL (104332)

This week's tutorial features a very easy technique to help you use the beautiful patterns in Designer Series Paper.

A PDF version of this tutorial is available by clicking here. That way you can print or save it for future reference.

Stampin' Up Supply List

• Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes (W115370)
• Ink: Early Expresso Classic (119670)
• Paper: Very Vanilla Cardstock (101650), Early Expresso Cardstock (119686), Greenhouse Gala Designer Series Paper (117167)
• Accessories: Vanilla Styled Hodgepodge Hardware(112454) SNAIL (104332), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Wood Sheets (116309)
• Tools: Big Shot Die Cutting System (113439), Clear Circle Die (114533), Paper Snips (103579), Paper Piercing Tool (116631), Mat Pack (105826)

Cardstock Dimensions for this Project

• Early Expresso
  • Card Base:5 x 10
  • Big Shot Circle: 5 X 5
• Greenhouse Gala
  • Designer Series Paper Mat: 4.75 x 4.75
  • Large Piece with Pear Pizzazz and Early Expresso Flowers
• Very Vanilla
  • Scrap for stamped greeting

Technique Directions

This is a super simple technique, but one you probably forget about it as you collect sheet after sheet of Designer Series Paper. Any Designer Series Paper with a bold image such as the flowers on several sheets in the Greenhouse Gala package are perfect for this technique!

1. Select the paper you'd like to work with, and then identify three flowers or other elements you'd like to work with.
2. Carefully cut them out using your paper snips.
3. Layer on focal point (such as the circle used here) with Stampin' Dimensionals.

Finishing Touches

1. Fold card base in half.
2. Create circle out of Early Expresso Cardstock using Clear Circle Die and the Big Shot.
3. Layer selected flowers onto circle using Stampin' Dimensionals.
4. Stamp greeting in Early Expresso Classic Ink on Very Vanilla Cardstock. Trim to fit hardware.
5. Attach greeting to circle/flower panel only on the left side of the greeting using a Stampin' Dimensional. This will help stabilize the hardware piece on your card. Then set and then attach hardware using Paper Piercing Tool and brad, only on the left.
6. Attach circle panel to card mat with SNAIL, and then attach right hand side of greeting, and set right hand brad.
7. Affix entire panel to finished card with SNAIL.

Next week, I'm off to Utah for Stampin' Up!'s annual convention! I just can't wait. I have 150 cards made to exchange with other demonstrators and just have to finish up some last minute things! I'll have my laptop with me and try to update the blog a bit with some fun updates!

If you’d like to learn more techniques like this one, consider joining my monthly stamper’s club. Each month we learn new techniques and it’s a great way for you to figure out what supplies you like, don’t like and what you absolutely must have.

Vintage is definitely one of the hottest trends right now in stamping and scrapbooking, and this year's Idea Book and Catalog is packed full of amazing new vintage products. If you go to page 124 in the catalog, you can check out the Vintage Suite, which inspired this project, as it uses the Newsprint Designer Series Paper (117166), and the color combination of Basic Black, Cherry Cobbler and Very Vanilla.

This project also uses the new Perfect Punches (W117022/C120516) stamp set which is a definite must-have stamp set as all the greetings coordinate with different punches!

Step by Step Directions

For the Bitty Box:

1. Using the Big Shot cut out a Bitty Box out of Basic Black Cardstock.
2. Fold on all score lines, and add sticky strip to the last pieces of the side flaps, as these will fold in and hold your box together.
3. Put aside the assembled box, and then punch out one scallop circle with the 2 3/8 Scallop Circle punch, and two scallop circles with the smaller Scallop Circle punch. Crumble your circles and then flatten them out.
4. Take paper snips and cut into each scallop to create petals. Do this on all three scallop circle.
5. Clear your area and then spray all three circles with a mixture of rubbing alcohol and Champagne Shimmer Paint. (Mix them together in a spray bottle from the Dollar Store.) Allow to dry.
6. Punch out a ½ Circle out of Basic Black Cardstock. When circles are dry, layer them so the large scallop circle is on the bottom and the other two on top and adhere them all together using SNAIL. Attach basic black circle on top. Finish off by adding a Clear Rhinestone Brad. Curl up edges on flower to create dimension.
7. Attach flower to box with Stampin' Dimensionals.

For the Bitty Card:

1. Create card base by cutting a 2 x 4 piece of Cherry Cobbler Cardstock and folding it in half.
2. Stamp "my friend" greeting in Cherry Cobbler Classic Ink on Very Vanilla Cardstock. Cut out with Curly Label Punch.
3. Punch out small flower using the flower punch from Itty Bitty Shapes Punches. Attach to piece with greeting using SNAIL. Set small Clear Rhinestone Brad through centre of flower.
4. Attach finished greeting/flower piece to card base with Stampin' Dimensionals.

Stampin' Up Supply List

• Stamps: Perfect Punches (W117022/C120516)
• Ink: Cherry Cobbler Classic (119669)
• Paper: Basic Black Cardstock (121045), Very Vanilla Cardstock (101650), Cherry Cobbler Cardstock (119685), Newsprint Designer Series Paper (117166)
• Accessories: Clear Rhinestone Brads (113144), SNAIL (104332), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)
• Tools: Big Shot Die Cutting System (113439),Bitty Box & Envelope Die (115967), Paper Snips (103579) , Curly Label Punch (119851), 2 3/8 Scallop Circle Punch (118874), Scallop Circle Punch (119854), Itty Bitty Shapes Punches (118309), ½ Inch Circle Punch (119869)

This size of box is perfect for four Hershey's nuggets, or any other small treat. It would also fit some special jewelery beautifully as well. The Big Shot makes projects like this a snap by doing the cutting and scoring for you! To order the Big Shot, Bitty Box & Envelope Die, or any of the items featured above, please visit my online store by clicking here.

  Don't forget to register for this Saturday's GARAGE SALE….tons of stamp sets, paper, ink, refills, ribbons and accessories to choose from! You don't want to miss it. RSVP today 

One of the best things about the new Idea Book & Catalogue are the hostess sets. There's 11 new sets as well as a package of 6×6 paper and a very cool card kit, all of which you can earn for free by hosting a workshop! Summer is the perfect time to hostess your party to take advantage of the excitement of all the new stamps, paper, ink and more in the catalog.

The set used on this card is a Level 1 Hostess Set called Because I Care, which means it is only available to you if you host a Stampin' Up party OR you spend $200net! This card features two of the new In Colors, Concord Crush and Blushing Bride, as well as a returning In Color called Baja Breeze. Check out the Scalloped Rectangle – that's a new Clearlit for the Big Shot.

Step by Step Directions

1. Cut Baja Breeze card base to 8.5 x 5.5 and fold in half.
2. Cut Concord Crush Cardstock to 3.75 x 5 inches and run through Big Shot using the Square Lattice Embossing Folder.
3. Add Whisper White Organza Ribbon to embossed piece by tucking edges around the back, and attach to card base using SNAIL.
4. Cut 3.5 x 2.75 piece of Whisper White Cardstock and stamp Hydrangea image in Baja Breeze Classic Ink.
5. Cut 3.75 x 3 piece of Baja Breeze Cardstock and attach stamped image with SNAIL.
6. Run a piece of Blushing Bride through Big Shot using Clearlit Scallop Rectangle.
7. Stamp greeting in Baja Breeze on scrap of Whisper White cardstock; punch out with Designer Label punch and attach to scallop rectangle with SNAIL.
8. Attach flower panel to cardbase with Stampin' Dimensionals. Layer greeting panel on top of flower panel using Stampin' Dimensionals (you may need to double them up on the bottom part).
9. Take Two-Way Glue Pen and add randomly to flower image, sprinkle Dazzling Diamonds over top and tap off excess.

Stampin' Up Supply List

• Stamps: Because I Care (Level 1 Hostess Set)
• Ink: Baja Breeze Classic (105209)
• Paper: Whisper White Cardstock (100730), Baja Breeze Cardstock (111352), Blushing Bride Cardstock (119796), Concord Crush Cardstock (119792)
• Accessories: Whisper White Organza Ribbon (114319), Two-Way Glue Pen (100425), SNAIL (104332), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Dazzling Diamonds (102023)
• Tools: Big Shot Die Cutting System (113439), Square Lattice Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (120175), Scallop Rectangle Clearlit (118872) Designer Label Punch (119862)

To earn this lovely stamp set for yourself, contact me to schedule your workshop today. To order any of these new products, please visit my online store by clicking here.

Don't forget about my JULY SPECIALS!

 If you've seen the New Idea Book and Catalogue, then you've probably spotted the set used on this card called Artistic Etchings (W118517/C120573).  It includes a series of images which have a vintage flair, but are very versatile for lots of different projects.  This is a quick and easy card which features this set, along with the fabulous new Cherry Cobbler Classic Ink (119669) and Cardstock (119685), which is a great addition to the Regals Collection.  I can't wait to make holiday cards with it!

Step by Step Directions:

1. Cut Cherry Cobbler Cardstock to 5.5 x 8.5 and fold in half
2. Stamp medallion image in Cherry Cobbler Classic Ink on card base
3. Cut out Top Note out of Crumb Cake Cardstock, and stamp Eiffel Tower image in Early Expresso Classic ink and "postcard" greeting (from Winter Post) in Cherry Cobbler Classic Ink.
4. Set brads (from Neutrals package) with paper piercer as shown
5. Adhere Top Note to card base with Stampin' Dimensionals 

Artistic Etchings is part of the "Vintage" Suite in the new catalog, which has a ton of products you are going to fall in love with.  I can't wait to get my hands on the accessories from this line including Antique Brads (117273), Vintage Trinkets (118764), and Victoria 5/8 Crochet Trim (118481). Another item in this line that I am really excited about for you scrapbookers out there is the new 12 x12 Designer Printed Albums – including the sweet Real Red Polkadot Album (119809).  There really is something for everyone! 

Summer is here and here's a colour combo for perfect for the summer! Tempting Turquoise, Melon Mambo and So Saffron make for a bright and sunny combination, and it happens to work perfectly with the Island Oasis Designer Series Paper and the Tropical Party Stamp Set in the Summer Mini!

Directions for this Card

1. Cut Tempting Turquoise cardbase to 5.5 x 8.5 and fold in half.
2. Cut So Saffron cardstock mat to 4 x 5.25.
3. Cut Confetti White cardstock to 3.75 x 5 and Island Oasis paper to 3 x 5.
4. Stamp coconut image in Chocolate Chip on Confetti White, punch out with 1 3/8 circle punch. Color with classic ink using blender pens as shown.
5. Punch 1 3/4 circle out of scrap of Tempting Turquoise. Attach coconut to larger circle with SNAIL.
6. Attach Island Oasis to Confetti White cardstock mat with SNAIL. Attach Melon Mambo ribbon by attaching ribbon on back with SNAIL.
7. Stamp Happy Graduation in Melon Mambo in upper left hand corner. Attach this panel to So Saffron mat, and then card base with SNAIL.
8. Add coconut image to card by attaching with Stampin' Dimensionals.
9. Take 2-Way Glue Pen and add to umbrella, cover with Dazzling Diamonds and tap off excess.

With the arrival of summer comes the New Idea Book & Catalogue! The new catalogue launches July 1^st, and let me tell you it is packed full of great new stamp sets and accessories that I can hardly wait to share with you! If you'd like to receive a catalogue for free, you can book a Chicks & Chocolate Class in my stamping studio featuring all new products and colours from the catalogue.

Contact me to book your fun night! 

Stampin' Up Supply List

• Stamps: Tropical Party (W118515W/C120081), Teeny Tiny Wishes (115370)
• Ink: Melon Mambo Classic (115656), Chocolate Chip Classic (100908), So Saffron Classic (105213), Tempting Turquoise Classic (100814)
• Paper: Tempting Turquoise Cardstock (102067), So Saffron Cardstock (105118), Confetti White Cardstock (102028), Island Oasis Designer Series Paper (117173)
• Accessories: Melon Mambo Polkadot Grosgrain (115611), Dazzling Diamonds (102023), 2-Way Glue Pen (100425), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), SNAIL (104332)
• Tools: Blender Pen (102854), 1 3/8 circle punch (104401), 1 3/4 circle punch (112004)

It's an exciting week this week – only two more sleeps until we can all order from the 2010/2011 Idea Book!  The new catalogue is always a bit bittersweet, especially as we'll be saying goodbye to lots of stamp set on June 30th including the two used on this card, Very Thankful (115338) and Sprinkles (115076).

Sprinkles is a great little set for doing backgrounds, and Very Thankful includes four thank you stamp sets in varying styles, and best of all, $2 from the sale of this set goes to Ronald McDonald House! 

This card features Sprinkles stamped in the background for a tone on tone effect with Rose Red Classic Ink on Rose Red cardstock. The image was stamped in Basic Grey and colored in with classic ink in blender pens.  Easy peasy! 

To order these sets, along with any of the others that are gone as of tomorrow, click on my signature below and have your order shipped to your door anywhere in Canada.

Less than two weeks to go until the awesome stamp sets on the Retiring List are no longer available! Have you reviewed the list and make sure none of your favourites are leaving? Avoid disappointment and make sure you order any of those sets by June 30^th.

This card features two retiring sets – Best Wishes & More (111602), and Stem Sayings (115078). I am always a little bit sad to see sets retire, but that means there's lots of new stamps coming our way in the new 2010/2011 Idea Book and Catalogue! It has some amazing sets in it that I can promise you'll fall in love with!

Speaking of retiring sets – here's some links to older posts that feature retiring sets which I will miss as well:

Boho Backgrounds

Warm Words

Garden Whimsy

Click on my signature below to shop right away for the last chance sets before they are gone!

A Little Bit of Magic is available in both wood (118613) and clear (120033):