This image is from the new catalog that will be unveiled on July 1st.   The set is a level 1 hostess set called Because I Care.   This is one beautiful set!  I know you will want it in your stamping collection.  Think about having a party or a catalog party so you can be among the first to own it! 

Here's a quick way to color in a line image like this one.  First I colored in the image with markers, I used Elegant Eggplant for the flowers and Old Olive for the stem.  Stamp it on a piece of cardstock (I used Whisper White). 
 

Use a blender pen and go over the images.  I do this pretty quickly and do not pay too much attention to where I am coloring.  There will be some white space which is good and some areas that will be darker than others.  These are all good things.

 

See what I mean?  I think it looks more natural this way.   Doesn't it look like your really did something?    Here's the finished project.
 

Stamps:  Because I Care
Paper:  Lovely Lilac, Elegant Eggplant Whisper White, cardstock vellum for the butterfly
Ink:  ELegant Eggplant and Old Olive markers, Black ink pad
Extras:  Elegant Eggplant grosgrain ribbon, Stampin'UP! Beautiful Wings embosslit die 

Remember, I am still offering a free gift (stamp sets, ribbon, paper) from my basket when you place a $50 order or more in June.  You will also get a block on the 50/50 board.  You can order online or give me a call!

Thanks!

Here's another fun way to use the Petal Die for the Big Shot. 
 

Yes, you can make it into a BOX!  It really is easy and here's how you make it.

You will need to cut out 4 of the petal cards.  On each one cut off one of the flaps.
 

 Overlap the flaps and glue.  Make sure you have them all adhered to each other in the same direction and side. 

Before you do the next step go ahead and decorate the box sides.  Believe me it is so much easier to do it now vs once the box is put together.

Glue the last flap and complete the box.  Now fold down the flaps and seal it so it looks like this.
 

Decorate to your hearts content.

 Do the same to the bottom and you have a box!  Pretty nifty huh?  Okay now do you need the die?   

Yes, it is true the Petal Card die is on the Last Chance list.  Here is an idea I saw at SU!'s leadershop meeting and thought it was such a clever way to use this die.
 
A gift card fits perfectly inside.  How is this made you ask?  Well, let me show you.

First cut 2 of the cards.
 

Run one of the cards through the crimper.  This will be the bottom.  You need to run it through the crimper to make it a little narrower than the top.

Seal up 3 sides of the bottom card, well don't really seal it up but secure the flaps forming a pocket.

Cut off one of the flaps of the other petal card and secure one flap making sure you leave a pocket.
 
You are done except for decorating the holder.  
Here's what I used to make my gift card holder:
Big Shot:  Petal card die (retiring soon!)
Paper:  The DSP is from a retired Scrappinkit and the cardstock is Kiwi Kiss a retired In Color, Baja Breeze (this one is coming back with the new catalog!)
Punches:  XL Flower punch, 1 3/8' circle punch, 1 1/4" circle punch
Stamps:  Think Happy Thoughts (retiring soon!)

Want another idea on how to use the Petal card die?  Check back tomorrow but also go and check out the Last Chance list and the Clearance Rack on my website.

Congratulations Jerri B!!  You are the winner of the Picture This stamp set for answering the questions correctly from this post. 

I have been busy getting ready for all the new colors, papers and stamps.  My stamp room is a mess but I still found a little space on my table to ink up a new stamp.  This set is a level 1 Hostess set called Because I Care.  It is so easy to stamp with and I predict it is going to be a popular choice.   Remember you cannot purchase hostess sets so make sure you contact me to schedule your party or join a hostess club. 

 
Stamps:  Because I Care and Oval All
Ink:  Pretty in Pink, Melon Mambo, Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive, Black Stazon
Paper:  Very Vanilla, Basic Gray, Rich Razzleberry
Big Shot: ***Vintage Wallpaper**** embossing folder (this is another must have)
Punches:  Large Oval and Scalloped Oval

We will be using this set at the next class Goodbye and Hello Stamp a Stack on June 24th.  There will be a mix of retiring and new products used.  If you are interested in my upcoming classes please check my calendar or go to my website.   While you are there make sure you check the online store especially the Clearance Rack!

Earlier in the month I had an Elements of Style class.  You know it is one beautiful stamp set.  Don't know what  set I am talking about?  The set is on page 12 and 13 of the Summer mini catalog.  I think it lends itself to black and white cards,  which I love.  Here are a couple of the cards we made in class.

 
See the itty bitty hummingbird?  (Click on the cards for a closer look).  We used some shrink plastic and shrunk the stamped image down.  It has been a while since I have played with shrink plastic and it was so fun.   You know it is one of those things that is just amazing to watch even if you have seen it done before.

I am having a class using the set Watercolor Trio later in the month.  You can check out my class listings here.  Have a great one and stamp something cute and tell me about it!

One of the stamp sets that really caught my eye in the Summer mini is Punched Posies.  The good and bad thing about this set is that is is a  level 2 hostess set.  This means you cannot purchase it but the good thing is that you can receive it FREE if you have a qualifying workshop.  I love how it coordinates with the punches and it is such a happy set. 

I pretty much cased the sample in the mini catalog for one of the projects my hostess clubs made this month.  I figured why mess with something that is already so cute?! 

 

Let's play a little game.  Leave me a comment  with a list of 6 things that are different between my sample and what is in the mini catalog.  The first correct answer will get the level 1 hostess set Picture This.   

Please check out the Clearance Rack in my Online Store.  There are some fabulous deals. 

Like the card says, Thanks!   See ya tomorrow!

So, have you checked out the Last Chance lists?  Did you notice that on the Last Chance Accesories list there were a lot of punches listed?  If there was a check mark in the reconfigured block that means it will be back but in the newer punch style.  One of my favorite punches is being retired, the Trio Flower punch. 

I use this punch a LOT!  It is a great size and is just one of those punches that comes in really handy for punch art.  I was looking through my punch book and was surprised at how often I used it.  Here is a sample I don't think I shared before that uses the Trio Flower punch.

I hope you thought geranium as soon as you saw it.  I used the trio flower punch a lot on this card. The nice thing about the punch is that it punches out 3 of the same flower so getting all those flowers punched for the geranium did not take long at all.  I also used the scallop circle and 5 petal flower punches.   I know that I also made some lilacs using the Trio Flower punch.  Don't miss out on this punch call me or order online through  my website.