Last Day For Last Chance List!

We all love to see the fun, stampy things on a blog post but I also take seriously my job as a demonstrator to keep you informed of promotions and their deadlines.  It's disappointing to miss a sale that you were genuinely interested in!  So I must let you know that today is the last day to order anything from the Last Chance List.

Below you'll find favorite projects made with Last Chance items.  Click them to see their related blog posts.  

This Little Piggy set & In Colors

Bird Ballad Designer Series Paper

Stargazing set

Tea Together and Dies

Painted Harvest and Leaf Punch

Parisian Beauty Suite

I've got LOTS more projects on my blog that feature retiring products, but those were the stampers' favorites.  

Tip: You can search my blog for specific stamp sets by typing the name in the search box.  

Make sure to check them out, because I include pdfs, card recipes, tips and tricks, and photo tutorials in many of those posts.  

Grab your favorite Last Chance Products by shopping my store!

Joy in being creative, community in sharing a common interest, purpose in what we make - this is stamping at its best!  Thank you, friends, for choosing me as your demonstrator!

Splitcoaststampers Card Sketch 789

I have never been one to watch TV other than Jeopardy! every night (yes, every night - I am devoted to that show and determined to be a contestant).  But, saints on skates!  Alaina and I have found ourselves bonding over a multitude of fantastically entertaining fare lately.

Brain Games.

The Masked Singer.

Survivor (I was around for the season when Rob and Amber fell in love and my college freshman was a newborn during Season 2 in the Australian Outback (hands down the best-looking Survivor season)).

I think all that TV watching is messing with my stamping mojo, though, because I found it difficult to make this card, even with the help of this week's sketch from Splitcoaststampers.

When in a stamping funk, my trick is to pull out a small pile of pretties and pile them on my desk.  I use only those supplies to make something.  It helps me focus.  In my pile was: 

• Bird Ballad Designer Series Paper
• Free As A Bird stamp set
• Ornate Frames Dies
• Scalloped Tag Topper Punch
• Noble Peacock Rhinestones
• Metallic Twine & Sequins Combo Pack (sadly, it was announced yesterday that supplies ran out - Petal Pink Metallic Edge Ribbon would be a beautiful substitute)

The Pool Party cardstock seemed too bright so I swiped a Whisper White ink pad across it a few times.  The look is GORGEOUS!  I'm definitely revisiting that trick to make a background for a future project!  The bird and leaves were stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black ink (the ink to use when coloring with Stampin' Blends) and colored with Light & Dark Calypso Coral (bird) and Light & Dark Mossy Meadow (leaves) Stampin' Blends.  

Cutting with Paper Snips: there are no dies for the the Free As A Bird set, but with the right scissors, it isn't hard to cut out the images.  Paper Snips are the best for what we call "fussy cutting" because they are small, which makes them easily maneuvered, and sharp to the tip of the blade.  A blade that's sharp to the tip means small snips and tight turns are a piece of cake!  You don't have to use the entire blade to cut, which makes cuts more precise.

Cutting Tip: move the paper, not your scissors.  Paper Snips are extremely sharp so moving the paper will give you a nice smooth outline that hugs the image.

Vellum always adds a subtle touch when you need "something" but not a lot of it (or you don't know what that "something" is 😂).  The greeting was stamped in Basic Gray ink on Gray Granite cardstock.  Gray Granite is not an "official" color in the Bird Ballad DSP, but that's ok!  Stampin' Up! is the best when it comes to color coordination but there are no stamping police that say you have to stick to the program.

Remember, any order of $35 or more (before shipping and tax) receives the project kits from Tuesday's Live!  Be sure to use Reward Code AHKD9ZWS for orders under $150.  Orders over $150 will get their own Stampin' Rewards plus the project kits.  Place your order by Midnight ET this Friday!

You can find the project sheet for Tuesday's Happy (half) Hour Live projects here.

If you are enjoying The Joyful Stamper site

• Want a catalog and don't already work with a demonstrator you love?  Request a free catalog package by emailing me at nicole@thejoyfulstamper.com or via this form.
• Never miss a beat in the stamping world - subscribe to The Joyful Stamper Stampin' News, a weekly email that specially delivers fun, tips, and specials right to you.  Sign up and get a free exclusive Stampin' News Subscriber pdf tutorial as a thank you!
• Stamping is more fun with pretty products you can count on.  Shop my store anytime to give yourself the best crafting experience.
• You'll love my crafting videos on The Joyful Stamper YouTube channel!  Subscribe while you're there and click the bell so that you always have fresh inspiration.
• Looking for community, a hobby, or a way to make extra money?  My team of My Joyful Stampers has a place for you (and the Starter Kit is the especially ULTIMATE bargain right now)!  Read more here.

Thank you for choosing me as your demonstrator!  I appreciate your business!

CASEing the Sale-A-Bration Catalog

When you want to stamp but you don't know where to start (or you don't feel like thinking up something), just open your Stampin' Up! catalog!  They do a fabulous job filling it with beautiful samples, all for our inspiration.  

On page 14 of the 2020 Sale-A-Bration catalog, in the top left corner, is a gorgeous card and it's meant to feature the Stone 3D Embossing Folder.  However, I don't have that folder so I did a simple little trick that still adds texture.  Read on for the details!

I started with a Calypso Coral card base, cut to 5-1/2"x8-1/2", scored and folded in half at 4-1/4".  Next, I cut a 5-1/4"x4" piece of Calypso Coral cardstock and used a Stampin' Spritzer to mist it with water.  The water makes the cardstock soft for what I did next - I crumpled it into a ball!  Don't be gentle, either - squeeze it tight, unfold it, then crumple it again.  This is one time you WANT all those folds and wrinkles!

Use a Heat Tool to dry it, or you can set it aside to dry naturally.  Next, use a Stampin' Sponge to lightly dab Versamark ink in random spots on the wrinkled cardstock.  Sprinkle on Gold Stampin' Emboss Powder, then melt with a Heat Tool.  Stunning!  And yet another technique where imperfection adds to its beauty (see another one here).  The best adhesives for attaching a piece like this are either Mini Glue Dots or Stampin' Dimensionals.

Now add a 5-1/2"x1" Petal Pink cardstock strip.  Tie Petal Pink Metallic Edge Ribbon around the card in a bow.  Go big with that bow!  This ribbon is gorgeous and we want it to get noticed.  Die-cut a label from Stitched So Sweetly dies in Petal Pink cardstock and stamp the sentiment from Free As A Bird in Early Espresso ink.  Attach to the card with Stampin' Dimensionals.  Add three Pearls underneath the sentiment.  Last, use Paper Snips to cut an image from a piece of Bird Ballad Designer Series Paper and glue with Multipurpose Liquid Glue.

Click the image for the tutorial to pin, save, or print.

Stamping is supposed to be FUN, so if coming up with original designs is stressful for you, DON'T!  Just pull out your Stampin' Up! catalogs and find something to recreate.  You can copy the sample exactly, or change a couple things based on what you have in your stamping area.  

***Tip: if you see a sample in the catalog that you need more help deciphering what the concept artist did, email me your question.  I LOVE stamping and would be thrilled to help you have an enjoyable journey!***

Remember, any order of $35 or more (before shipping and tax) receives the project kits for today's Live!  Use Host Code AHKD9ZWS and be sure to place your order by Midnight ET this Friday!

If you are enjoying The Joyful Stamper site

• Want a catalog and don't already work with a demonstrator you love?  Request a free catalog package by emailing me at nicole@thejoyfulstamper.com or via this form.
• High-quality stamping products make your crafting experience better so don't cheat yourself!  Shop my store for your crafting supplies!
• Never miss a beat in the stamping world - subscribe to The Joyful Stamper Stampin' News, a weekly email that specially delivers fun, tips, and specials right to you.  Sign up and get a free exclusive Stampin' News Subscriber pdf tutorial as a thank you!
• You'll love my crafting videos on The Joyful Stamper YouTube channel!  Subscribe while you're there and click the bell so that you always have fresh inspiration.
• Looking for community, a hobby, or a way to make extra money?  My team of My Joyful Stampers has a place for you (and the Starter Kit is the especially ULTIMATE bargain right now)!  Read more here.

Thank you for choosing me as your demonstrator!  I appreciate your business!

The Free As A Bird Episode

I did something goofy while in Las Vegas.  Before going to bed Friday night, I set the alarm on my iPad for 6:50 AM.  OnStage was the next day and I wanted to make sure I didn't sleep in and miss it!  Well, when the alarm went off the next morning, I struggled to wake up, but I did manage to get out of bed.  I stood there swaying with fatigue for a few seconds, thinking through the fog, "Something doesn't feel right."  Then it hit me - my iPad clock was still on Eastern time, not Pacific, and so it was really 3:50 AM, not 6:50!  Glad I realized that before making it all the way out of the hotel 😂 I would have had my choice of tables at OnStage, wouldn't I?

I took a break from Christmas to use Bird Ballad suite products to make a simple card.  It looks complicated, but it really isn't - a small amount of coloring and a bit of fussy cutting with the Designer Series Paper taking center stage.  The piece of Very Vanilla Scalloped Lace Trim accented with a Bird Ballad Trinket adds such a dainty, vintage touch!
Here's the Card Recipe so you can make it:

Free As A Bird Designer Series Paper: 4-1/4" x 5-1/2" 4-1/2" x 1-3/4" Basic Grey: 4" x 3/4" (for sentiment, trimmed smaller after stamping) Whisper White: 6" x 1-1/2" to stamp leaves 2" x 4" to die-cut Stitched Nested shape Thick Whisper White: 4-1/4" x 11" for card base Very Vanilla Scalloped Lace Trim: 2-1/2" piece Stampin' Blends: Light & Dark Old Olive, Crumb Cake, Petal Pink Ink: Basic Grey, Memento Tuxedo Black Embellishments: Free As A Bird Trinkets
Shop the Bird Ballad Product Suite (stamp and die bundle is on sale!)
Basic Gray Ink Pad (on sale until Friday!)
Basic Gray Cardstock (on sale until Friday!)

Don't forget to shop the Online Extravaganza sale in my online store, now through this Friday the 22nd only!  Get discounts on select ink pads, cardstock, and bundles.  Click here to see what's on sale.

Project Sample Ideas Plus Last Day for DSP Sale

Did you ever get a coupon for something you love to use and maybe even needed?  Then go to the store or shop online for said item and checkout?  And remember later that you had an amazing coupon for that item you forgot to use?  UGH!!  Not a pleasant feeling.

I don't want you to experience that here.  I want you to feel like a smart shopper who remembered to use her coupons, who remembered the awesome sale!  Which is why you need to know that many stamping-related things are down to their final 24 hours.  Today is it!

  
Check out these samples below that use some of this gorgeous paper!

Mini house photo album; click here for post

 Birthday card using DSP scraps; click here for post

 Bird Ballad notecard set; click here for post

 Bird Ballad notecard set; click here for post

 Bird Ballad notecard set; click here for post

 Bird Ballad notecard set; click here for post

Kindness card using die-cut Bird Ballad DSP scraps 

Click here for post.

Bird Ballad and Dinoroar

 Magnolia Lane and Garden Lane 

Pressed Petals and Come Sail Away

 See a Silhouette and Follow Your Art

 Woven Threads and Perennial Essence

It's also the last day to get a free tutorial for this amazing Halloween wreath!!

Use Host Code RCRTAFKX  if you order is under $150 to receive this tutorial.  If your order is $150 or more, do not use the host code - you'll get the tutorial AND Stampin' Rewards (free Stampin' Up! product of your choosing)!

I put together a very detailed, step-by-step tutorial with lots of photographs.  You'll love it and you are going to love this wreath!  I was showing it to everybody when it was finished because I was so excited!  Click the image below for the supply list.

Don't forget to use Host Code RCRTAFKX if your order is under $150!  That is how I know you want the tutorial.  If your order is $150 or more, do NOT use the host code and you will get the tutorial AND free Stampin' Up! product of your choice (Stampin' Rewards)!

 Thank you so much for the opportunity to earn your business!  I love bringing you tutorials, tips and techniques, and fun project ideas.  Your orders are what make it possible to do so!  Thank you!

I Am Grateful...

• that Honeycrisp apples and apple cider have appeared at my local farmer's market
• that it's cool enough at night to drink hot green tea and hot chocolate
• for our local library, its incredible librarians that I've gotten to know over my lifetime (I live where I grew up), and the knowledge I've gained from all its books
• for authors that are ambitious enough and curious enough to write biographies and historical accounts
• for the crazy middle school cross country runners I coach
• for my backyard clothesline 
• for the pleasure of sleeping on sheets dried on my backyard clothesline
• for the swing under the huge tree in our front yard
• that my oldest girl is enjoying her college freshman year
• for Cherry Coke being a surprisingly acceptable substitute when the local pizza place is out of Dr. Pepper

Do you ever make quick little lists, either mental or on paper, of things for which you feel warm gratitude?  Or maybe its specific people for which you are grateful.  In which case, do you tell them?  It's easier for me to write rather than say what I'm feeling, so I send cards to express my appreciation.

I used the Magnolia Blooms stamp set from Stampin' Up!'s Beginner Brochure along with a color scheme of Petal Pink and Basic Gray to make this thank you card.  I thought the pattern from the Bird Ballad Designer Series Paper (DSP) pack looked pretty with the flower image. 

Stampin' Blends alcohol ink markers were used to color the flower and leaves.   And how gorgeous does the delicate edge of the Ornate Frames die look with the font of the sentiment?! 

I had customer thanks yous to send out, so I made several.  I hope they love these!  

Tip to easily create the DSP triangles

 - cut 2 squares or rectangles of any size from DSP (you can use dies, punches, or a paper trimmer)

 - cut first shape from bottom left corner to top right corner, with desired pattern facing you

 - cut second shape from bottom right corner to top left corner, with desired pattern facing you

 - adhere to cardstock, as shown on my cards (I glued mine to Petal Pink and Whisper White cardstock panels)

Magnolia Blooms set item #152729

Stampin' Blends alcohol markers

Bird Ballad Designer Series Paper item #149592 (part of the Buy 3, Get 1 Free DSP sale!)

       --------------->Click here to see other cards made with this paper

Ornate Frames dies item #150664

Don't forget to use September Host Code RCRTAFKX for a free 10-page Halloween wreath tutorial

Thank you for shopping with me!  I so appreciate your orders!  

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