We're just HOURS away from being able to get all the shiny new pretties from the annual catalog! I'm SUPER excited and you'll see my favorites below. Samples are what everyone loves to see, so my top picks are showcased at their finest!
The link to the online version is live on my Catalogs page so if you don't have a copy in hand, head over there to check it out. You can also request a catalog package from me using the form on that page.
Top Pick #1 - Posted For You bundle
Pages 81 and 168 in the catalog
The sketchy, hand-drawn images in this set stir up my color-lover's heart! The artwork has open spaces and so a variety of coloring tools can be used - watercolor pencils, ink pads with sponge daubers, Stampin' Blends, Stampin' Write Markers - FUN! I also love that the images are smaller, which means they won't take forever to color. You can add dashes and dabs of color here and there to create really pretty cards! The sweetly scripted font of the versatile sentiments ("Sending love your way", "happy birthday", and "Just a note") has a delicate touch I adore.
The Rectangular Postage Punch that's part of this bundle means you can easily add fun details with a quick punch. Punches are very popular in my classes and this is one I highly recommend getting.
Top Pick #2 - Flowers For Every Season DSP
page 148 in the catalog
Really the entire Flowers For Every Season Suite is a winner, but the PAPER - just WOW!!! Check out the samples to see how it's used as background pieces, or as horizontally layered strips (that's a great way to use up scraps).
The Flowers For Every Season DSP features ALL the new In Colors plus Poppy Parade and Whisper White. Have you met the new In Colors yet, by the way?
They seem like a mix of everything! You could go bright with them, or use them for fall cards, or even go vintage (Cinnamon Cider, Just Jade, and Bumblebee is a combination I'm eager to try). It's really all in what other colors you pair them with. I LOVE that versatility!
Top Pick #3 - Peony Garden Suite
page 82 in the catalog
*sigh* What's NOT to love about this collection? It's soft, gentle, and quiet. The paper collection has subtle, pretty patterns and the square doilies feature a beautiful lattice design in transparent vellum. The Elegant Faceted Gems, Gray Granite Shimmer Ribbon, and Dainty Diamonds 3D Embossing Folder let you step up your card with minimal effort. Those embellishments and tools do all the work for you!
Sympathy cards are an unfortunate part of our stamping and often the hardest cards to make. When I saw the Peony Garden suite, those kinds of cards were immediately what I thought of. No more struggles with what image or colors to use! This suite sends exactly the right comforting message.
Top Pick #4 - Zany Zebras
page 104 in the catalog
And then there are these cute critters. What do I need to say about them? They're fun, they're adorable, I don't own a single zebra stamp, and I must have them! And a PINK zebra (well, Magenta Madness, officially)?!?! IN LOVE!
The stamp set is offered alone on page 104 in the catalog, but it's also part of a kit in the Beginner Brochure on pages 8 & 9. If you're looking for a place to start, that brochure is where to go. The kits have everything you need to make the pictured cards. It's the perfect way to dip your toe in the stamping waters to see if it's for you.
Top Pick #5 - Blossoms In Bloom Bundle
page 51 in the catalog
Confession: I didn't notice this set until I went back to look at the catalog samples. This card above made my jaw drop. It's both dies in the bundle layered. And the explosion of color? That was done with some ink pads and Water Painters (our new brushes that hold water in the barrel and come in 3 tips). **Tip: if you ever want to know how a catalog sample was made, just ask me! I can tell you the tools, colors, techniques, etc.**
The card on the bottom is also made with the Blossoms In Bloom Bundle. What grabbed my attention was the color scheme - So Saffron, Smoky Slate, Blackberry Bliss, and Bumblebee. Color combinations are what I struggle with so it's often what catches my eye first about a project. It's also why I love to share color combinations and sketches and tips with my stamping friends - because having a place to begin makes stamping more enjoyable!
How did my Top 5 Picks compare with yours? Let me know in the comments! Also let me know if any of my Top 5 are ones you love, too! I LOVE hearing what you think!
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