A Touch From the Heart

Dreaming of a Nice Spring Day

 Once again, I was beating the winter blues by stamping cards that remind me of Spring!!  

I created this picnic scene using my brand new stamp set called Picnic Parade.  It's a Level 2 hostess set in the Occasions Mini catalog. 

How do you earn a level 2 hostess set?  Well, it's easy when you book a workshop with your friends, family and neighbors.  If the sales of your workshop equal at least $300, you can get this Picnic Parade stamp set for FREE!!!  In addition, with that $300 workshop you (as the hostess) gets to select one Sale-a-bration item for FREE. 

The card is so simple to make.......

I selected this set in the Clear Mount option.  I love how I can create a scene using Clear Mount stamps.  I place all of the stamps that I want in the scene (with the exception of the mushrooms and flowers) on a large acrylic block.  I ink up the images all at the same time and stamp onto my Whisper White cardstock.  I then go back and fill in the empty spots with the mushroom and flower stamps.

I colored in the images with my Stampin' Write markers and an aquapainter.  I simply scribble on one of stamp set cases and pick up the ink with my aquapainter.  Concentrate the darker color near the lines and fade towards the center.

For the sky, I sponged the cardstock with Bashful Blue ink.

For the grass, I first sponged the cardstock with Certainly Celery ink and then stamped the splatter stamp from Itty Bitty Backgrounds with the same ink.

The base card is Barely Banana, and I ran the front of the card through my Big Shot with the Perfect Polka Dots Impressions Folder.

Before adding my focal image, I took two 1" x 5 1/2" pieces of Certainly Celery cardstock and punched one edge with the Scallop Trim Border Punch.  This punch is one of this year's Sale-a-bration freebies and can be yours with a $50 purchase.

The finishing touch is some 1/4" Whisper White grosgrain ribbon tied into a classic knot.

If you would like to earn the Picnic Parade stamp set for FREE by hosting a workshop, I encourage you to call or email me to get your workshop date scheduled on my calendar.

I make handstamped invitations for your guests with new products to get them into the stamping mood.   

If you don't live near the Chaska, MN area, can you still hold a workshop?  ABSOLUTELY!!!  We can book a catalog workshop.  I will send you a catalog.  All you need to do is show the catalog to your friends, family, co-workers and neighbors.  If you collect $300 in orders, you can choose this Picnic Parade stamp set for FREE!!!  You will also earn a FREE catalog shopping spree!!!!

If you would like to learn more about hosting a workshop or if you would like to schedule one, I would love for you to send me an email!!!
 

Until next time....Happy Stamping everyone!!!!

How to Assemble Clear Mount Stamps

1.  When you open the Clear Mount stamp case you will find the die cut rubber and image labels.

2.  Pop the die cut rubber out of the rubber sheet (do not remove the paper backing yet).

3.  Look at your label sheet.  The side with the slit in the middle of each image should face up.  Using this slit, carefully remove the paper backing from the label.

4.  Remove the paper backing from the stamp.  Place the stamp on the label sheet (making sure to match up the stamp and the label opening).  Press down.

5.  The last step is to lift off the stamp.  This is what it will look like. 

You are now ready to stamp.  It's easy!!!  Place the stamp on the clear acrylic block and press down with moderate pressure for a few seconds.  Ink up your stamp and stamp away!!!!

I am very excited about the Clear Mount option.  It allows me more storage room, and I love how I can get a better feel for where my image will be on my cardstock.  Love this!!!!!

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.  I am here to help!!!

If you don't have a demonstrator and would like to order Stampin' Up! products, click HERE to place an online order. 

Clear Mount Rubber Stamps

 
I am VERY excited to announce that starting with the Occasions Mini Catalog, you have a choice when you order your stamp sets:  Wood Mount or Clear Mount.

Both options offer the same wonderful red rubber images you know and love.  The difference lies in how they are mounted.

The Wood Mount option is how Stampin' Up! has made stamps for the past 20 years.  The rubber is die-cut.  You pop out the rubber images and permanently mount them on a wood block.

The brand new Clear Mount option (shown in photo above) allows you to use the rubber images on clear acrylic blocks.  Many demos and customers alike have been asking for this unmounted stamp option for a while now.  Stampin' Up! has been working on your requests didn't want to release a product until it was just right.

The Clear Mount stamp set arrives in a DVD-like case.  The stamp set name and images in that stamp set are printed on the spine of the case.  On the front of the case you will find actual size images so you know exactly what stamps are in the case.   One of the perks of the Clear Mount option is how much room it will save you in your stamp cabinet/drawer/shelf.

How do the Clear Mounts stick to the block?  Well, both the stamp and the label have a cling material on them.  I am going to totally date myself here, but do you remember Colorforms?  It kinda reminds me of that philosophy. 

How do I stamp with Clear Mount stamps?  After assembling the stamps (I will show you this on my next post), remove the stamp from the stamp case.   Place the stamp on a clear acrylic block and press down with medium pressure for a few seconds.  Ink up the stamp as you normally do and stamp.  After stamping, clean stamp and place back into stamp case.  It's that easy!

Now, I know there's been some information on the internet about Clear Mount stamps.  I didn't want to post anything until I tried them firsthand.  They arrived last night, and I can honestly say, that I am in L-O-V-E.

They were very easy to assemble.  I chose to place the label on the back of the stamp (you don't have to if you don't want to).  So when I place the rubber on the clear acrylic block, I can see exactly where I am stamping.  I love this.  

Clear Mount stamps are available starting January 5th.  Both the Occasions Mini and Sale-a-bration stamp sets give you the choice of Wood Mount or Clear Mount.

Ohhhhhh....forgot to tell you this one.......Clear Mount stamps are cheaper than Wood Mount.  You do need to purchase acrylic blocks, but that is a one time purchase.  Stampin' Up!s acrylic blocks are grooved just like the wood you are used to.  Some acrylic blocks on the market have sharp edges.  Ouch!!!!  Stamping isn't supposed to hurt!!!

Okay.....I've taken up enough of your time!!!!  I will be back tomorrow with a photo tutorial on mounting the Clear Mount stamps.  I also have my Stamping 411 Color Challenge card........it's a sneak peek of a stamp set in the Occasions Mini (one of my Clear Mounts stamp sets).

Until tomorrow....Happy Stamping everyone!!!