The Best of 25 Years!

This year Stampin' Up! turns 25 years old! To celebrate we have launched FIVE limited edition collections of some of the favourite stamp images from the last quarter century! This month sees the turn of the Best of Flowers - and the set is available until 31st March 2014. They are fabulous images, and even better, each set contains one never-before-seen image!

Here is my creation using the gorgeous never before seen daisy image, which matches the 1-1/4" scallop circle punch exactly - we love product coordination!

Here is the whole set:

It is available in clear mount and is priced at £13.95 - each month will have a different theme set released - any guesses to what it will be?

There are also TWO sneak peeks on this card of brand NEW products from the catalogue which is release on the 2nd July 2013! Not long to wait now...

The gorgeous Artisan Label Punch, and a stamp from the set 'Really Good Greetings'
Do you like them? I do!

That's all from me, except to say that the usual Tips and Tricks Tuesday post on the 2nd July will be replaced with a post about the NEW catalogue - I can't wait!

Happy Crafting,
Becky

Tips and Tricks Tuesday - Perfect Positioning

I am a perfectionist. There is no doubt about it, I like to have things just right, and never more so than when I am stamping! The Stamp-a-ma-jig is the perfect tool to keep you from ever ruining a whole project with a crooked image or sentiment again! 

I know many of you out there have these fabulous gadgets, but keep forgetting the best way to use them, so here is a reminder for you, and some top tips to streamline your stamping process too... 

1. Align the imaging sheet into corner of tool. Ink up stamp, then align stamp block with the corner of tool. Stamp onto the imaging sheet.
2. Position the stamped imaging sheet over the card stock where you want the image to appear.
3. Keeping imaging sheet in place, fit the corner of the tool to the imaging sheet. Keeping the tool still, now remove the imaging sheet. Ink up stamp then align stamp block with the corner of the tool. Stamp onto your project!

I hope that all helps you as a quick reminder! 

Here is a wedding card I made for a friend that uses the Stamp-a-ma-jig to position the various layers on the cake:

Now one of the annoying things I find is when I am positioning a number of stamps - I keep having to clean off the imaging sheet... BUT you can make your own permanent imaging sheets by using Stampin' Up! window sheet and some StazOn ink!

I use these sheets for sets I use often, and just keep the sheets in the case with the stamps. Please remember this only works for WOOD mounted stamps!

Here's how to make them:

1. Cut your window sheets to a size that is proportional to the stamps. I like to use pieces that are roughly 4" x 3" but it is entirely up to you.
2. Use the steps outlined above, but replace the imaging sheet with your piece of window sheet. Make sure to stamp using StazOn ink or the images will rub off!
3. Don't forget that you can add a stamp to each corner of the window sheet - 4 stamps a sheet!
4. I like to place a dot on the corner of the wood block, that fits into the corner of the imaging tool - this helps me to remember which way round the stamp needs to go!

Well that's all from me, Happy Crafting!

Stampin᾿Up! Supplies

Stamp-A-Ma-Jig	Wedding Words Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheel	Make A Cake	Punch Pack
Basic Rhinestones Jewel Accents	Card Stock A4 Soft Sky	Whisper White A4 Card Stock	Crumb Cake A4 Card Stock
Soft Sky Classic Stampin' Pad

Tips and Tricks Tuesday - Super Scraps

We all have them. Admit it. Those tiny little scraps of paper that are just too nice to throw away, or a size that you are 'sure' you can use for Something...

Well something has arrived!

Let me introduce you to the patchwork scrap card:

They are dead easy to make:

1. Grab a selection of offcuts and scraps of paper in a variety of patterns and colours. Don't worry if they don't all quite match perfectly, or even slightly - it's part of the charm!
2. Choose a design - keep it simple, and in 'block' shapes. Try searching online for ideas and inspiration - I searched 'patchwork bird house' but other great ones are 'patchwork cupcake / owl / teacup'.
3. Starting from the biggest shape, hand cut out a scrap of about the right size. Hand cutting gives a wonderful not-quite-perfect feel which is exactly what you are looking for in this type of project.
4. Draw faux stitching around the edge of each piece of paper - a black or brown fine nib is perfect. If you are feeling very adventurous you could even try sewing around the shapes for real - just be careful they don't tear too much.
5. Mount the shapes onto your card to compose the final design. Add any finishing details such as ribbon or buttons and Voilà! 

A little close up of some of the detailing for you.

I have roughed up the edges of my card to add to the rustic feel, and there is a great little tool in the spring/summer catalogue that is perfect for the job:

Each of the notches contains a fine blade, but as they are recessed, it is safer to have around the house, and much easier to use! Let me know if you need one, or search for distressing tool at my new online shop!

Check it out at www.craftingbecky.stampinup.net it's full of all sorts of goodies, but please bear in mind it is still a work in progress... ...Let me know your thoughts!

Happy Crafting, Becky.

Stampin᾿Up! Supplies

Bird Punch	Stampin' Distress Tool	1-1/4 Inch Circle Punch	Polka Dot Parade Designer Series Paper
Brights A4 Card Stock	Basic Black Stampin' Write Marker	Calypso Coral Baker's Twine	Naturals White A4 Card Stock