The Retired List Is HERE!

The Retired List is here!!!!  Click HERE to check out which of your favorites are retiring!!!!!

Petite Pairs and Four Frames Scrap Card

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  I Own That I Am Touchy-Feely
As part of my work life, I do training in corporate environments.  Some of what I teach involves negotiation skills and communication skills.  Invariably I will have someone in a workshop say something about "this touchy-feely stuff" and they say it as if it is a dirty word/phrase.  What is it about the need some people have to devalue that which is "touchy-feely?"  And why do I hurt inside when they do it?  The truth is, I am touchy-feely - I own that!  I do care about the soft squishy insides that we all have - no matter how much we try to hide those vulnerable parts of ourselves.  I don't care what environment you are in - corporate, public, government, university, the privacy of your own home - we are human beings and along with that comes emotions - raw, simple emotions.  I am touchy-feely - it is who I am - and I own it! :)
Today's card was made in an attempt to use up some scraps that were cluttering my craft space :)  Gotta love the inspiration clutter can provide (that's one up-side to not having the cleanest craft space right now!).  As a matter of fact, for the rest of the week I will share 2 more cards I made using the scraps I found hanging around.  I did add a bit of stamping - a greeting from Petite Pairs and the birdie frame from Four Frames.  I pulled everything together by using the spritzer tool with s Soft Suede marker.  I hope you like it :)

Art Journal Pages

Pursuit of Happiness Gratitude Card

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Hit the Reset Button
I used to have a tradition of writing 3 pages every morning in my journal.  The practice was inspired by reading Julia Cameron's book The Artist's Way many years ago.  I found the practice to be very centering - a great way to start the day - a way to remove all of the scattered thoughts from my mind and begin the day with an empty slate.  But somehow, over time, I got out of that habit and replaced that habit with a tour of websites, blogs and email in the morning.  Rather than download my thoughts and begin the day fresh, I was instead filling my head with thoughts - mostly negative thoughts - gathered from news sites.  Not only would I do this checking in the morning, I would find myself double checking, triple checking and sometimes more throughout the day.  It's no wonder I found myself spiraling into a place where I felt out of touch with the whispers of my soul.  So yesterday I decided to hit the reset button.  I took out a blank journal and began my morning with my 3 written pages.  No internet, no news - just me and the page.  I feel better already.  Sometimes you need to hit the reset button.

For today's card I broke out the embossing powder!  I stamped the solid butterfly from Papillon Parade using versamark ink and then heat embossed with white embossing powder.  Next I stamped another few butterfly images on Crumb Cake card stock using a mix of versamark and basic black ink.  I clear embossed these two butterflies and cut them out.  The sentiment is from Pursuit of Happiness - stamped with Marina Mist ink and sponged with Crumb Cake.  A bit of layering and ribbon finishes the card.  I hope you like it!

Summer Silhouettes Thank You Card

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For
Do you remember the U2 song "Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For?"  I've been interpreting the refrain a bit differently these days.  I still haven't found what I'm looking for - literally.  Because how can you find something if you don't know what you are looking for?  Or maybe that's just it - maybe you find all that you need without even looking for it.  Do I have to decide where I want to live and what I want to do with my life?  Or do I just keep doing whatever it is that I am doing and somehow I will find what needs to be found?  As we discuss the whole idea of moving to the mountains I keep wondering - do I want to be a mountain woman?  or do I want to be a farmer?  or do I want to be an artist?  or do I want to be an author?  Do I have to decide before I can take action?  Can you tell I'm confused?  What I do know, is that I don't want to remain in a state of confusion and find myself still "spinning" these thoughts a number of years down the road to find that I haven't done anything at all.  Maybe a mountain top is just what I need - a place to go and be still - be with my thoughts and the sounds of my soul.  For now, that's exactly what I'm looking for :)
Today's card is simple and full of space (a theme of mine lately)!  I used Riding Hood Red ink at full and half strength with an image from Summer Silhouettes.  The sentiment is from From My Heart and was stamped with Early Espresso.  A simple neutrals button with hemp twine adds a finishing touch! :)  I hope you have a beautiful, creative and peaceful weekend!

Art Journal Pages

A Drive Into The Moutains

Today I thought I would just share a few photos from our drive up to the mountains this past weekend.

The driving was slow on the side roads when you find bystanders like these! :)  It was amazing to watch as these deer floated over fences as if they weren't even there!  So graceful!

We had never seen a black fox and this guy was gorgeous!  After doing a little researching and noticing the white tip to his tail, it seems that these rare black foxes are actually red fox with a genetic twist!  How cool that we got to see him!!!!!

There is something so beautiful to me about a boy and his dog :)  Michael and Buddy got out of the car for a quick leg stretch and I stayed behind and caught this photo :)  It makes my soul smile :)

Penant Parade Mouse Thumbprint Card

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Notice What Brings Lightness To Your Soul
I've been on a bit of an archaeological dig these past few weeks and I've gotta say I haven't been very successful.  What I'm looking for are the relics of who I am.  I'm not sure where I buried myself along the way, but for some reason I feel quite out of touch with what I want and who I am.  A lot of this has been brought up as we contemplate the possibility of moving to the Colorado mountains.  I know that when I was up in the mountains over the weekend, looking at the amazing scenery, I felt a lightness in my soul that I hadn't felt in awhile.  Could it be as simple as paying attention to what brings lightness v. heaviness to my soul?  Yes, as I look out the window of my craft room toward the small city oasis we have created in the backyard, I also feel lightness.  It is nature that I am drawn to - no matter where I am living.  I need to keep digging to see if I can figure out what choices to make.  In the meantime, I will notice what brings lightness to my soul because whatever I do, I need to nurture and sustain that :)
Speaking of lightness to my soul, I am having a lot of fun playing with my fingers are cards!  Today I created a small little love note (3x3) using a River Rock thumb print and some added permanent black marker doodles :)  I also used the sentiment stamp from Pennant Parade.  This is a great little love card to leave on a pillow when I head out on my travels :)  If you love River Rock, don't forget that this color is being discontinued as part of the Stampin' Up! color refresh and will only be available while supplies last!  Don't miss your chance to stock up on your favorites before they disappear!!!!  You can shop HERE if you would like :)

Fabulous Phrases Little Bird Thumbprint Card

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room: It's Time To Regain Focus
I held out for a long time, but on December 31st of this past year, I decided to purchase a smart phone.  I held out for as long as I did because I was afraid that if I purchased one that I would become like all of the people I see around me - especially when I travel.  Head down, fingers moving, never focusing on where they are or what or who is around them.  And I must confess that my fear was properly placed.  Since I have purchased the phone I find myself checking email much more frequently.  I check the internet over and over during the day.  Worse yet, I feel like my ability to just focus on one thing and give that thing my undivided attention, has diminished.  When I read in the news the other day about the helicopter crash that was blamed on the pilot being distracted due to texting, the Universe was definitely trying to reach out to me to remind me that it is time to regain focus - time to work on immersing myself in what I am doing rather than trying to multi-task, simul-task - or whatever the heck you want to call it!  So I'm going to begin today - now - one thing at a time.

 Today's card is a build on the one I shared on Friday.  I had so much fun using my thumb print to create a bird I decided to create 2 :)  I once again used Bashful Blue for the birds and combined the birds with words from Fabulous Phrases.  I added the little heart from Itty Bitty Bits using Pretty In Pink ink.  Just a reminder...Certainly Celery, Bashful Blue, Not Quite Navy and Pretty In Pink are all colors I used for this card and they are all being discontinued as part of Stampin' Up!s color refresh.  Don't miss the chance to purchase your favorite discontinued colors - they are disappearing fast!  Shop HERE now! :)  p.s. Happy Tax Day :)

Petite Pairs Thumbprint Card

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Use Your Fingers! :)
I had done a few One Stamp Wonder videos in the past - trying to use only one stamp and then other supplies hanging out in the craft room that would serve as stamps.  Today I realized that one of the best supplies that I could use as a stamp was sitting at the end of my hand!  When was the last time you used your fingers directly in your stamping or other art projects?  I remember how much fun finger painting was - why did I ever stop????  Your fingers are there for a reason...use them :)

For today's card I only used one stamp - a greeting from Petite Pairs that I stamped using More Mustard.  I then inked my thumb with Bashful Blue ink and pressed it down onto the Whisper White card base!  I took a marker and drew in the tail feathers, legs, beak and eye.  I colored the tail feathers with a Bashful Blue marker and the beak with More Mustard.  So tweet :)  Both More Mustard and Bashful Blue are colors that are being discontinued as part of Stampin' Up!s color refresh.  Right now, all retiring/discontinued color products (i.e. ink, paper, ribbon, accessories, etc.) are available only while supplies last.  Order your retiring colors NOW!  I hope you have a beautiful and creative weekend - how can you use your fingers to create a card?????

New Wood Mount Cases Coming Soon!!!!

Stampin' Up! is introducing new wood-mount stamp set packaging! These new cases are similar to our clear-mount boxes and fit perfectly on the shelf right next to them. They also have the images and stamp set name on the spine to make your search for the right set even easier.
Starting May 31 all wood-mount sets will come in this new packaging.  Empty cases will be available with the launch of the new catalog.  That means you can transfer all your old sets to these new boxes! There will even be a template for you to create your own label for your old stamp sets (available May 31). A pack of four half-size cases (3-3/4" x 5-1/2") will sell for $4.95 and a pack of four full-size cases (7-1/2" x 5-1/2") will be $6.95.
Get ready for all the exciting new products in the catalog--especially the new wood-mount boxes!

Make A Monster Birthday Card

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Who I Am Is A Question I Am Still Trying To Answer
Do you ever find that the way your are living your life does not seem to match up with the image you have of yourself?  I've been struggling with that very issue lately as Michael and I consider the idea of moving into the mountains.  For some, the decision would be a simple one.  For us (as with most of our decisions) it is not as simple.  We really want to think through it and consider what it would mean for us.  The idea of living in a more rural area definitely appeals to us.  And yes, the prospect also meets my need for space (as I mentioned yesterday).  We are pondering issues such as different weather, altitude, drive times, convenience.  Of course, the decision isn't as complex as it might have been many years back since now there are more supermarkets and necessities that have been brought to the areas we are looking at.  But it's not just the idea of moving that has my thoughts in a whirl.  It is also the question of who I am.  Am I a "mountain girl?"  I don't feel that I am a city girl and yet I live a bit like one...so am I a city girl?  Or, is the woman I feel I am on the inside the one that wants to break through and breathe in the mountains?  Yes, the question of who I am is one that I am still trying to answer!
For today's card I pulled out Certainly Celery, Not Quite Navy and Baja Breeze - all colors that are being discontinued with Stampin' Up!s color refresh.  Beginning on April 4, 2013, all retiring/discontinued color products (i.e. ink, paper, ribbon, accessories, etc.) areavailable only while supplies last.  Order your retiring colors NOW!  I stamped the monster from Make A Monster onto Certainly Celery card stock, cut it out and adhered it to the Ivory Neutrals card with dimensionals.  Three circles were punched with the 1" circle punch and adhered to the card.  I then stamped the letters from the Simply Serif mini alphabet and punched them out with the Itty Bitty trio punch pack circle punch.  The word "happy" is from the happy birthday stamp in the From The Heart stamp set.  I hope you like it!

Bombs Away Birthday Photopolymer Stamp Set Is Available!

Just letting you know that Stampin' Up! has come out with another photopolymer stamp set!  Why might you want to give photopolymer stamps a try?

• They're entirely transparent for perfect placement every time! 
• They are durable. The photopolymer material is designed to last. 
• Can you say sticky? (Don't worry; in a good way.) These stamps stick amazingly well to our clear blocks.
• They're age tested. They won't yellow or cloud up over time.  

The Bombs Away Birthday (Item #133411) photopolymer stamp set is available now!  Shop HERE to get yours today!

Papillon Potpourri Thank You Card

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  I Am Attracted To Space
The dictionary defines space as "a continuous area or expanse that is free, available, or unoccupied."  Lately I've been craving it!  Inside, outside, even in my card design - I am feeling a need for space.  We actually went to look at a house in the mountains the other day and what attracted me most was the view of the wide open expanse - the space - uncluttered, free.  Yes, I am continuing my journey with my cluttered living space and the need for space - not in terms of more room for my stuff - but in terms of that expanse - is what is driving me.  Right now, I am attracted to space!
For today's card I decided to leave lots of white space and play with some of the colors that will be retiring for Stampin' Up!s color refresh.  I began with a Whisper White card base and stamped the butterfly from Papillon Potpourri using River Rock ink.  The greeting from From My Heart was stamped using Bravo Burgundy.  Both River Rock and Bravo Burgundy are colors that are being discontinued with the color refresh.  Beginning on April 4, 2013, all retiring/discontinued color products (i.e. ink, paper, ribbon, accessories, etc.) are available only while supplies last.  Order your retiring colors NOW! 

Happy Birthday Book!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Make Something Special To Commemorate Someone Special!
Yesterday was Michael's 40th birthday and I decided to put together a small book to celebrate the day!  My first thought was to make the book a place where friends and family who were joining us for birthday dinner could share some words of wisdom on turning 40.  Then I decided to cast a wider net and send messages to friends and family who don't live in Denver or weren't going to be able to join us for the celebration.  They emailed me their thoughts and I printed them out and included them in the book.  Michael's mom came up with the idea of adding pictures to the inside of the book and she did a wonderful job of scanning and emailing some great photos (yes, those naked baby pictures too!).  The book was a big hit!  It made me realize how wonderful it can be to make something special to commemorate someone special :)

I'll Be Back Later Today...Or Tomorrow!

Taxes, drywall and car issues are taking up quite a bit of my concentration, time and energy these days!  I hope you all had a wonderful weekend and I hope to be back later today or tomorrow with a creative project for you!  One of these days I'll be able to share some before and after pics of our bathroom remodel...I am happy to report we have a main floor toilet again ;)

Free Shipping!!!!!

Stampin' Up! is offering FREE shipping on EVERYTHING April 6-8 (excluding expedited orders)! That's right. There are no minimums or limits and all order types qualify (customer, demonstrator, workshop, online). Did we mention that the free shipping is on everything?  Place your order HERE NOW!

Free shipping starts: Saturday, April 6, 2013; 12:00 AM (MT)

Submit orders by:

• Phone: Monday, April 8, 2013; 6:50 PM (MT)
• OEX or online: Monday, April 8, 2013; 11:50 PM (MT)

Just Believe and Pursuit of Happiness Mini Book

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  I'm Learning More And More That It's The Inside That Counts
What you write inside a card or journal.  What you fill your home with.  The kind of person you are on the inside.  As I walk Buddy in the morning, I stare at homes and, at times, wish I could just move into a different one.  Of course, I pause and ask myself "Why?"  And the answer is always the same - I think that inside each one of those beautiful homes is a huge empty space - no clutter, no signs of life, just wide open space that you can breathe in.  Yes, I know, I'm delirious!  Each of those homes likely is filled with all kinds of stuff and all kinds of people and even if I did find one that was a big empty space, I have no doubt I would fall prey to filling it with all the stuff I wouldn't have the time or patience to sort through before moving!  I know that beneath all the clutter that I have created there is a gorgeous home waiting for me right here!  In this very office where I am typing this post - somewhere beneath all the papers, books, computer cords and knick knacks, there are some beautiful walls and a gorgeous wood floor.  Hmmm, maybe my home is like someone who is trapped in a heavy body.  Knowing inside that if my home could just lose the weight, it would be free and flowing and exploding with possibility!  I wonder if I could figure out a weight-loss regimen for my house?  Where do I begin?  Ah - the same as I would begin if I were dealing with body weight - start to become conscious of what I am putting in my body...start to become conscious of what I am bringing into my house.  Then I can start figuring out how to exercise - how to discipline myself to take this stuff and truly give it a workOUT!!!!!  Yes, I'm learning more and more that it's what's on the inside that really counts and I'm really to take a long hard look at that and keep working on it!  Wish me luck!!!

I decided to create another little mini book - this time using Basic Grey card stock and some silver glimmer paper!  I ran a small strip of the card stock through the Big Shot with the Chevron embossing folder to create some texture.  Next, I stamped the floral image from Just Believe and cut it out and added a bit of dazzling diamonds.  I am coming to the conclusion that I enjoy dazzling diamonds more than dazzling details because it dries more quickly with the use of 2-way glue.  I then punched out three butterflies from the Creped Filter paper.  Some punches work better than others - this one seemed to do okay and I like how this looks layered.  I just glued the three together in the center and glued it to the front of the mini book before adding the adhesive rhinestones.  The sentiment is from Pursuit of Happiness.  My next mini book is going to be one suggested by my friend Helen - a mini book to keep track of my journey with clutter!  Thanks for the idea Helen!  Hopefully I will create it over the weekend and be able to share it with you all next week!  Maybe I can even get my act together and create a video on how I've been making these mini books so that you can make one for yourself too!  Have a beautiful weekend!!!!!

Color Refresh - A Comparison Of Some Of The Shades of Blue

In case you are wondering how Soft Sky and Bermuda Bay compare to some of the colors that will be retiring (I'm gonna miss you Baja Breeze!), here is a quick sample using some of the incoming and outgoing colors...Let me know if you have questions about any of the other incoming colors!  Keep reading to find out more about Stampin' Up!s Color Refresh:

Beginning on April 4, 2013, all retiring/discontinued color products (i.e. ink, paper, ribbon, accessories, etc.) will be available only while supplies last.  Order your retiring colors NOW!  And remember, free shipping is going on April 6-8, 2013, which would be a great time for you to get your favorites before they are gone! (Free shipping is for North America only.)

This and That

Your life is: Awesome. Quirky. Exciting. Perfectly messy. And happening really fast. So we're happy to introduce our newest product line that lets you capture it all on-the-go. This and That will debut in the 2013-2014 annual catalog, but we're giving you and everybody else the chance to get it now.  You can also... Enter to win a free trip!!!!!

Item	Description	Price
131268	Epic Day This and That Journal	$10.95
130814	Epic Day This and That Designer Series Paper	$10.95
130133	Remember This and That Rotary Stamp	$5.95
131271	Epic Day This and That Designer Stickers	$4.95
131269	Epic Day This and That Designer Washi Tape	$4.95
133350	Epic Day This and That Bundle Includes the five This and That products listed above. Only available in a bundle until April 30.	$32.08 15% Off Retail Value!

Read On . . .

We're introducing the line with these five products, but we'll be adding more This

and That stuff as time goes on.
 

Bundle Dates: March 23-April 30 (remember the items that come in the bundle

will be available in May and in the new catalog, but we're

only offering the discounted bundled until April 30).  

 

Bundle ordering deadlines:  Phone: Tuesday, April 30, 2013; 6:50 PM (MT)

or online: Tuesday, April 30, 2013; 11:50 PM (MT)