My Favorites From The Stampin' Up! Holiday Catalog

Links will be live at 7:00 AM (MT) when the catalog is open for ordering.

It's now available to order from!  But HOLD ON!!  I have a BOGO Sale of retired product starting this Thursday and going until Saturday.  So browse the catalog, make a list, and then go to The Joyful Stamper Facebook page starting this Thursday, August 6 to grab your retired product FREE.  Read the details here.

My Favorite Suites

Magic In The Night - Item #155122 - page 53

Why I love it: The 12"x12" paper is beautifully elegant and I adore the combination of Pretty Peacock and Blackberry Bliss.  The Metallic Mesh Ribbon is "webby" and, along with the Black Glitter Paper, will add eye-catching sparkle.  The Iridescent Pearls are listed as black, but in person they actually have several hues, depending on the angle you look at them.  The dies in this suite are versatile, cutting 2 labels, a decorative edge lace piece, and an open flower and leaf, along with the bats and spider from its coordinating stamp set (check out the stunning label image)!  I'm SO excited to make ornaments for my Halloween tree, treat holders, my annual Nugget cakes, and more!  Check out the wrapped homemade soap sample on page 54!

Poinsettia Place - Item # 155109 - page 15

Why I love it: Two words - Christmas elegance.  I'm imagining gold embossed poinsettias on Very Vanilla cardstock, or poinsettias in Blushing Bride and So Saffron on the flocked Plush Poinsettia Specialty Paper.  The Beaded Pearls make stunning flower centers AND you can color them with Stampin' Blends! The fonts and greetings are classic and in a beautiful script.  Perfectly sized, they work for both the inside and outside of a card.  The DIES - oh my!  Being able to layer the poinsettia pieces has my mind going to table centerpieces, wreaths, tags, and ornaments!  I am especially excited to make over-the-top tags this year with this suite!

Snowflake Splendor - Item #155115 - page 37

Why I love it: Winter's my favorite season, so how could I NOT love the bazillion snowflakes in this suite?  The stamp set is packed with them and I love the greetings with their mix of handwritten and typed fonts.  There's even a "Happy Hanukkah" in the set, which has been a frequent plea of stampers!  Make sure you check out the gorgeous label die, which cuts away snowflake shapes on the edges.  How pretty would a greeting look framed with that?  The Balmy Blue Glimmer Paper is what I've been die-cutting the snowflakes with and paired with the Blue Adhesive-Backed Gems, they sparkle!

My Favorite Paper

Brushed Metallic cardstock - Item #153524 - page 45

 

Why I love it: It has a subtly brushed look, as if someone went lightly over it with a steel pad.  That saves me from having to do it myself, because that's what I normally do with any foil paper lol!  I'm imagining this embossed with the Winter Snow Embossing Folder for gold snowflakes, or bronze and copper leaves cut with the Gathered Leaves dies.  That would make a gorgeous garland or Thanksgiving centerpiece!  

Gilded Autumn Specialty - Item #153520 - page 45

Why I love it: Mint Macaron, Cajun Craze, and gold foil.  That's it!  Stampin' Up! had me at those three.

  

'Tis The Season 6"x6" - Item #153489 - page 31

Why I love it: This paper has classic Christmas designs and colors that will allow me to make simple and pretty cards.  It will also be great for my holiday scrapbook pages.  I'll be using the Pine Tree punch with this paper pack, too, as the patterns are sized smaller and will show up nicely in the punched tree.  That would make a cute, but easy, gift tag - punch the tree from any of these papers, heat emboss a greeting, add a ribbon and you're done!

Red Velvet - Item #153490 - page 63

Why I love it: Anything I can add to a project that makes someone want to touch it is a favorite of mine.  This velvet paper is definitely touchable.  I love that it can be embossed with our folders, too (the sample card was embossed with the Little Details folder).  Large red velvet snowflakes layered with smaller white ones?  I like that idea!

My Favorite Embellishments

3/8" Embroidered Ribbon - Item #153554 - page 57

Why I love it: I was drawn to the natural color and embroidery details.  When I opened the roll, I was amazed at how soft this ribbon is!  It's the softest ribbon Stampin' Up! has carried that I can remember over the past 20 years.  I will have no trouble using up this spool.  

Wonderful Gems - Item #153536 - page 31

Why I love it: The flecks of gold in the clear and red gems have a light touch of sparkle that will look elegant.  On my more "serious" projects, I don't want to add full-on glimmer paper but I still want that bit of shine.  These gems will do the trick perfectly.

Wonder of the Season Ribbon Combo Pack - Item #153537 - page 31

My Favorite Returning Favorites

Stampin' Up! has brought back its most popular items from last year's Holiday Mini that were often sold out.  That is GREAT news for many stampers that couldn't get them.  The following two bundles are my favorites of the products that are returning.

Gather Together Bundle - Item #153036 - page 47

Why I love it: It's classic fall with images I can use coloring techniques on.  Rock 'N Roll with the leaf, or applying multiple colors with sponge daubers; coloring the pumpkins with Stampin' Blends; or how about quick watercolor washes?  This bundle was well-loved by me last fall and will be again.  I used up all the fall paper from last year and I can't wait to use the Gilded Autumn paper and Brushed Metallic cardstock with this bundle this year.

Merry Moose Bundle - Item #153015 - page 27

Why I love it: It's a moose.  Does anything more need to said?  Okay - how about the Buffalo Check background stamp with the moose?  

Shop the Holiday Mini Catalog!  And don't forget about my BOGO Retired Product Sale August 6 - 8!

If you need a copy of the catalog, request one here and I'll immediately send a package to you.

BOGO Sale!  August 6 - 8  

Get the details.

August Reward Code

Use when shopping my store to earn a $50 shopping spree!

If you are enjoying The Joyful Stamper site

• Request a catalog package here, if you don't already have a demonstrator you love.
• Subscribe to Stampin' News, a weekly email that delivers fun, tips, and specials right to you.  Get a free exclusive Stampin' News Subscriber pdf tutorial as a sign-up thank you!
• Shop my store and to save money check out the Clearance Rack and Discounted Bundles.
• Use this month's Reward Code to earn points towards a $50 shopping spree - read the details here.
• Join me every Thursday at 11 AM ET for my weekly Happy Half Hour Live stamping show on my Facebook page.  

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!

Holiday Catalog Packages Ready To Ship!

This has been a FUN week of deliveries - both my box of Holiday Mini Catalogs and my pre-order arrived!!

One of my favorite "jobs" as a Stampin' Up! demonstrator is creating fun catalog packages for my customers.  They are the heart and soul of my business and I want them to know it!  When putting the packages together, I think of the kind of catalog package I'd love to get.

If you'd like one and you don't already work with a demonstrator you love, don't be shy!  Request one here!  I got a little excited when I saw this catalog (it's my favorite holiday one ever) and ordered LOADS to send out.  It kept running through my mind, "People HAVE to see this!  There's so much great stuff in here!"  My favorite is the Halloween suite followed closely by the poinsettia suite (dies that create layered pointsettias?  Yes, please!).  Just ask for a package and it'll be on its way this week to you.

My pre-order also arrived!  All 3 pages of it!  Again, I got a little excited by what I saw in the catalog.  I'm sharing it ALL this Thursday at 11 AM ET on my Facebook page so don't miss it.  Can you tell how giddy I am?  Like, clapping my hands giddy!  This is entirely inappropriate behavior for a 45-year-old woman......

but not for a stamper with a box of brand new Stampin' Up! goodies!  😁

Don't forget to join me this Thursday to see all the loveliness!

Shop from now through August 3 to earn $5 coupons - no limit!  And you can earn Joyful Stamper Rewards, too!

If you are enjoying The Joyful Stamper site

• Request a catalog package here, if you don't already have a demonstrator you love.
• Subscribe to Stampin' News, a weekly email that delivers fun, tips, and specials right to you.  Get a free exclusive Stampin' News Subscriber pdf tutorial as a sign-up thank you!
• Shop my store and to save money check out the Clearance Rack and Discounted Bundles.
• Use this month's Reward Code to earn points towards a $50 shopping spree - read the details here.
• Join me every Thursday at 11 AM ET for my weekly Happy Half Hour Live stamping show on my Facebook page.  

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!

My Top 10 Picks From The Holiday Catalog

This holiday catalog is one of my favorites ever in the 20 years I've known Stampin' Up!  I get that there are budgets to stick to, though, so I'm listing my Top 10 Picks for you.  How do my favorites compare to yours?  If you don't have a catalog to browse along with me, email me and I'll send out a free catalog package to you.

1. Garden Green 3/8" Double-Stitched Ribbon (pg 7 item #150434)

This is part of the Toile Tidings suite but I want to use it with the pine tree images from the Perfectly Plaid stamp set.  It would also look great with your Halloween projects.  The stitching is what I love most about this ribbon.  It looks classic and interesting.










2. Toile Tidings Glitter Enamel Dots (pg 7 item #150433)

I see so many fun uses for these!  Again, they are in the Toile Tidings suite, but I am going to pair them with the snowman images in Snowman Season.  How about green glitter dot buttons on a snowman?  Or red glitter dot berries on a Christmas topiary made with the Beauty & Joy set?









3. Wrapped In Plaid suite (pg 13 item #153326)

I am crazy about this suite!  I had an online class last month using just about everything pictured.  The warmth and coziness of the plaid pattern plus the rich colors are inviting.  The pine tree punch means easy mass-production of holiday cards - just stamp, punch, and glue!  The gold mini pizza boxes can hold gift cards, a beautifully decorated cookie, or fine chocolates.  Stuff stockings or give as hostess gifts!









4. Let It Snow suite (pg 19 item #153386)

This has FUN all over it!  Puff paint to make snowy scenes that are touchable...a punch to build your own snowman...an embellishment kit with felt snowballs (shaker card, anyone?) and felt elements for your snowmen...and a set of dies to create darling little curvy keepsake boxes!  This suite alone could make all your holiday cards, tags, and small gifts packaging.  Adorable! 






5. God's Peace stamp set (pg 28 item #150479)

I got this set because of the ability to color the larger candle image and for the sentiments that reveal the true meaning of Christmas for me.  I also love the fonts.  I've already made several cards with this set, using three ways to color this image (watch for them in an upcoming post).  The holly garland at the top left makes a perfect border on a card, or as a decorative touch to an envelope flap.







6. Paper Pumpkin monthly kit (pg 36 item #137859 for 3 month subscription)

The October and November Paper Pumpkin kits feature holiday cards (October) and gift packaging tags (November).  You can have a handmade Christmas that is easy, fun, and done with Paper Pumpkin kits!  Each kit is all-inclusive, with stamps, ink, instructions, and all supplies cut and ready for you to turn into something magical!  See my Paper Pumpkin page here for the colors of these special holiday kits and to subscribe.






7. Christmas Countdown Project Kit (pg 38 item #150703)

Start or continue a holiday tradition by creating this interactive countdown calendar together. Then fill it with all kinds of treats and treasures to make the countdown to Christmas a time of anticipation!  You could also gift it to a friend by stuffing the drawers with goodies related to a favorite pastime of theirs.  There are so many clever uses for this project kit!







8. Most Wonderful Time Product Medley (pg 39 item #150705)

If you get just one thing to make all your holiday projects this season, make it this medley.  It's packed with stamps, paper, dies, and accessories!  You get 48 6"x6" sheets of paper; gold foil card fronts; sticker sheets; gold faceted stars; tinsel trim; and more!  It is a fantastic value!










9. Gather Together Bundle (pg 47 item #153036)

Take a look at my blog and you'll see loads of projects I've already made with this bundle - fall banners, paper strip pumpkins, and fall cards!  My October Host Code is good for free card kits using this bundle, with any size order.  This set has images that would be stunning with watercoloring techniques or blender pens.  The fonts are the #1 reason I got this bundle, though - I love saying thank you in such a pretty way!  






10. Beauty & Joy stamp set (pg 51 item #150518)

This set was an impulse purchase for me!  I loved that I could make topiaries for all seasons, including Christmas.  You could use Stampin' Write markers to color directly on the stamp to produce a variegated image (with the leaves one, it's stunning!  Watch for a future post showcasing that technique).  








Were any of these on your Top 10 list?  Let me know in the comments what your favorites are from the Holiday Catalog and thank you for shopping with me, Nicole Steele The Joyful Stamper! 

Free fall card kit with any size order in October.

You must use the Host Code, no exceptions please.

Spiders, Halloween, and the Holiday Catalog, Oh My!

I saw a spider give birth today!  

Let me back up.  When we returned from vacation, I left our cooler out to dry.  Several days later, I picked it up to clean it and saw inside our cooler hundreds of teeny, tiny little creatures scurrying around a rather large and intricate web.  I peered closer and realized they were newborn spiders!  Hundreds of them!  And a little to the left, on the other side of the cooler, was Mama Spider hiding under a leftover water bottle.  She was big.  Big.  BIG.  Since my Mama Human had taught me to never kill a spider, and I did not have the heart to kill hundreds of her precious babies, I left the cooler alone.  It was clear she had given birth just hours before I found her - the poor thing was exhausted, as any postpartum mom would be, especially one that had just delivered hundreds of tiny offspring.  And now I and my family have the privilege of watching how a spider raises her brood.  Incredible!

It's possible you don't share our fascination with Mama Spider and her babies.  Maybe you prefer your spiders and webs on paper and stamps.  On July 23, us Stampin' Up! demonstrators get to see the online Holiday Catalog and on August 1, we get to order from it.  I will soon have REAL PAPER spiders and webs and all things Halloween in my craft area (notice I said "area" and not "room"...someday I will show you just how small of a space I craft in).  Customers join the fun September 1.  You don't have to wait, though.    

You can have spiders and webs and Halloween (and Christmas and fall and Thanksgiving) on July 23, too.  AND you can have $155 of product with free shipping for just $99.  Plus a $10 coupon to use on your Holiday catalog pre-order in August.  Plus you can be a Joyful Stamper - and who doesn't want to be both joyful and a stamper?  They are the best kind of people!  Sign up here, read more here, or contact me here.  

It would be an honor to meet you and to have you on my team!  Please consider it!