Tracey Stamps

Scalloped Congratulations

During convention, UPS gifted the demos present with the set Say It with Scallops, this year's Ronald McDonald House set.  You can see my excitement here.  :-) This set makes wonderful little medalions and is great for making effortless 3x3 note cards.

Also note that I used a wheel on this card.  My downline Tiffani would be sooo proud!  It's See You Around to be exact.  I find I like the wheels that add a general pattern or texture the most... they hide how horrible I am at getting those things straight!

The wheel is just one example of how I'm pushing myself to try new things lately.  I am living out of my comfort zone.  I can feel the changes in myself already.  It's a little awkward sometimes (kind of like me), but I'm finding it very rewarding.  I want to encourage you to try something new today or do something you wouldn't normally do.  Mix a few crazy colors in a card.  Say hi to the person standing next to you in line.  It will be a good thing!

Stamp Sets:  Say It with Scallops, See You Around (jumbo wheel)  Ink:  Riding Hood Red, Pacific Point, Creamy Caramel (marker)  Paper:  Kiwi Kiss, Pacific Point, Whisper White  Accessories:  Riding Hood Red Striped 5/8" grosgrain ribbon

Blooms of Friendship

Hi there!  What a beautiful day it is here in Connecticut!  After doing a few errands the kids and I headed to the playground.  We stayed an hour and a half... would have been longer, but there was a major diaper failure.  The baby ended up riding home with just a fresh diaper on!  Ack!

I thought I would share this 3x6" card we made at my New Year's celebration.  It uses the new set Eastern Blooms.  This set is quickly becoming one of my favorites.  It features several different styles of flowers, making it very easy to use for any occasion.  It also has a Classy Brass template to match it, so there are even more possibilities for your projects.

I found the layout for this card in the first few pages of the Idea Book.  I simplified it quite a bit.  To make the squares I used our largest punch (1 3/8") to punch out the flowers and created the mats using my tabletop paper cutter (1 1/2").  I also used the tabletop paper cutter to create the 1/8" Pink Pirouette strip on the bottom of the card. 

The tabletop cutter is wonderful for trimming off even the tiniest slivers.  I frequently use it to even up the edges when the layers of a project aren't quite the same size.  It doesn't fray your paper like a personal trimmer will under 1/4".  It can also handle up to 3 layers of cardstock, although you will get the best, most accurate results with one layer.

Hope you are having wonderful weather where you are.  I just love the changing seasons, so look for more autumn cards and projects coming from me.  Have a wonderful day... and don't forget to sign up for my newsletter!

Stamps:  Eastern Blooms, Fundamental Phrases  Ink:  Tangerine Tango, Pink Pirouette, VersaMark  Paper:  Kraft, Tangerine Tango, Pink Pirouette, Whisper White

Messy Fun

This week I tried a messy new technique.  Well, the technique isn't new, but I finally tried it!  It's the Shaving Cream technique.  I found the tutorial here on SplitcoastStampers.  It was messy, but very fun and I loved the results.

I used the colors Pink Pirouette, Regal Rose and Pumpkin Pie to create my marble-ized piece of cardstock.  Since I was just trying out the technique for the first time, I used small pieces of cardstock.  They were just large enough to make accents, although next time I will make a larger piece to be a background.

I'm very happy with my new little note card.  It's just the right size to hand to someone randomly, just to brighten their day.  That is what this whole thing of making cards is about, isn't it?  I hope you have a great day yourself!  ~:-)

Sets: Absolutely Fabulous, Canvas  Ink:  Pumpkin Pie, Basic Black  Paper:  Pumpkin Pie, Pink Passion, Whisper White  Accessories:  Flower Fusion, Silver Brads

Fall Feeling Thanks

True Friend came out in a mini catalog about a year ago (the first with die cut stamps).  I hemmed and hawed about getting it and as soon as the mini period ended I was wishing I had bought it.  Isn't that always how it happens?  Anyway, I was very happy when it made the catalog.  Now I am finally getting around to using it!

I'm getting ready for autumn here so these colors are really appealing to me.  I used Brocade Blue with the more traditional colors of fall (More Mustard, Old Olive, and the new Riding Hood Red) to try and retain a late summer feel.  I think it works!

The only slightly tricky part of this card is the flower.  I started by stamping the whole thing in Old Olive and trimming it out, not worrying about the details on the bloom.  Then, after cleaning my stamp, I inked the bloom in More Mustard.  Then I very carefully rolled it in Riding Hood Red, starting and ending at the stem.  This took a little practice to get right.  In the end, I stamped 3 of the bloom on my cardstock (and numerous others on my scratch) and picked the one I liked best.  I trimmed it out used the brad to connect it to the stem.  Just like that!

Stamp Sets:  True Friend  Paper:  More Mustard (textured), Brocade Blue, Whisper White  Ink:  Brocade Blue, Old Olive, More Mustard, Riding Hood Red  Accessories:  Riding Hood Red 5/8" Striped Grosgrain ribbon

A Note

to those on my feed.

I've moved!  And I was stealthy about it!  Did you notice?  If you keep track of web addresses, I am now at http://traceystamps.typepad.com and it is good.

I hope you are preparing for a great weekend and I'm praying for those in Ike's path.  ~:-)

Online Ordering!

It's live!  As of about 2 hours ago, Stampin' Up!'s online ordering is live!  Woohoo!

There are a few particulars... if you want to get the best price, make sure to order through my (or your demo's) business website.  It is possible to order from Stampin' Up! directly, but the prices are higher.

So, to begin your shopping, head over to my business website (the link is also at the top of the right column) and then click "Shop Now".  The products are divided into categories and it's very easy to browse.  There are tons of samples and ideas.  Each sample comes with a shopping list - just check off the items you need and add them to your cart.  Best of all, you can earn Stampin' Rewards on your order... that means free stuff!

I am working at using this great tool in my business, so keep an eye out.  You never know what may be coming!

Have a great day!  ~:-D