Welcome to the Inspire, Create & Share Blog Hop!  This month the theme is Sale-A-Bration.  Sale-A-Bration starts on January 3 and runs until March 31, 2019.  During Sale-A-Bration you can choose  a free gift from the Sale-A-Bration brochure for every $50 (US dollars before shipping and tax) purchase.  This year  there are SO many great choices.  You can choose from stamp sets, specialty paper, dies, kits, DSP and embellishments.

It was a difficult trying to decide what to use for the blog hop. I finally decided on the Hello Cupcake stamp set and the Organdy Ribbon combo pack.

January is a time I need to  replenish  my supply of birthday cards and the Hello Cupcake stamp set is perfect for that.  This 10 piece photopolymer set is a great mix of images and sentiments. Here I stamped it in Balmy Blue and So Saffron.  One of the reasons I chose this color combination is that I could add the cute little bow which was made from another Sale-A-Bration choice, the Organdy Ribbon Combo Pack.  This pack of ribbon has 1/4" organdy ribbon in 5 colors, Balmy Blue, Daffodil Delight, Grapefruit Gove, Highland Heather, and Lemon Lime Twist.  These colors also coordinate with the Gingham Gala 6" x 6" DSP in the Occasions catalog.  

If you need quick and cute birthday cards, the Hello Cupcake stamp set is a sweet choice!  Now it is time to hop on over to see what Cynthia at a Crowning Creation has created for you.

If you are not currently working with a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator and would like a copy of the Occasions and Sale-A-Bration brochures, please contact me and I would be happy to send them to you. 

Product List

Hello Cupcake Photopolymer Stamp Set [149714] $0.00	Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad [147084] $7.50	So Saffron Classic Stampin' Pad [147109] $7.50	Balmy Blue Classic Stampin' Pad [147105] $7.50	Real Red 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [102482] $8.50
So Saffron 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [105118] $8.50	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [100730] $9.75	Gingham Gala 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper [148554] $11.00	Rectangle Stitched Framelits Dies [148551] $35.00	Organdy Ribbon Combo Pack [149623] $0.00

In just a few days the Blended Seasons stamp set , Stitched Seasons Framelits, and the Blended Seasons bundle  will no longer be available to purchase.  I have enjoyed playing with this bundle of products and if you have purchased it you know that it is a set that can be used and enjoyed all year long.   

I am particularly fond of this gorgeous floral stamp.  The flowers are big and so fun to color.  On today's card I used the Watercolor Pencils Assortment 2 and an Aqua Painter to color in the image.  I am unsure what the future availability is for the Watercolor Pencils 2.  All I can say for sure is that they might be available in the future but if you like to color I would advise you to get them now.   I used the Night of Navy, Gorgeous Grape, and Crushed Curry  pencils to color in the flowers and Garden Green to color in the leaves.  All of these colors are available in the new Assortment 2.  

Remember that Bonus Days will also be ending soon too!  What are Bonus Days?  In August for every $50 purchase you will get a $5 coupon that you can use in September.  

Not to be Missed, these fabulous August promotions

*Color Your Season-Limited edition bundle

*Bonus Days-Earn in August, Spend in September

*As the Ink Dries online Hostess Code special gift- Share What You Love Artisan Pearls

Product List

Blended Seasons Clear-Mount Stamp Set [149016] $39.00	Jet Black Stazon Ink Pad [101406] $9.00	Watercolor Pencils Assortment 2 [149014] $12.50	Gorgeous Grape 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [146987] $8.50	Highland Heather 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [146986] $8.50
Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [100730] $9.75	Layering Ovals Framelits Dies [141706] $35.00	Subtle Dynamic Textured Impressions Embossing Folder [143706] $10.00	Aqua Painters [103954] $17.00

I am in a clean and simple card making mode.  There is nothing difficult about these card.  The hardest thing is getting the sentiment straight and I used the Stamparatus so even that was a cinch.

The sentiment is from the Soft Sayings card kit.  I used the same sentiment on all these cards.  Using the Stamparatus is great, once I had the sentiment  positioned I could use it on all the cards.  The butterflies were colored using the Old Olive Stampin' Blends (light and dark) and the Pool Party Blends (light and dark).

I covered the butterflies with Fine-Tip Glue pen to create the shiny and slightly dimensional look of the butterflies.  

The roses were colored using the Old Olive Stampin' Blends (light and dark) and the Daffodil Delight Stampin' Blends (light and dark)

The birds were colored using the Pool Party Blends (light and dark) and the dark Daffodil Delight Stampin' Blends.

It is hard to see that there is a layer of Wink of Stella on each bird.   You could easily package these cards in an Acetate Card box.   The cards are quick and easy to make and would be a great gift.

Product List

Painted Glass Clear-Mount Bundle [148362] $42.25	Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad [132708] $6.00	Pool Party Stampin' Blends Markers Combo Pack [144605] $9.00	Old Olive Stampin' Blends Markers Combo Pack [144597] $9.00	Daffodil Delight Stampin' Blends Markers Combo Pack [144603] $9.00	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock [140272] $7.75
Basic Black 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [121045] $8.50	Stamparatus [146276] $49.00	Rhinestone Basic Jewels [144220] $5.00	Basic Black Solid Baker's Twine [141682] $3.00	Clear Wink Of Stella Glitter Brush [141897] $8.00

Beautiful Bouquet stamp set and the coordinating Bouquet Bunch framelits are some of my favorite returning products.  Today I have paired them up with some of my new favorites,  the Delicate Lace Edgelits and the 6" x 6" Designer Series Paper.

I started by cutting a base of stems in Mossy Meadow and then adding the different flowers to create my bouquet.  All the flowers are Whisper White card stock stamped or sponged in Bermuda Bay, Blushing Bride, or So Saffron.   Once the flowers were attached I added additional leaves in Mossy Meadow.

The card base is Crumb Cake card stock.  I used the Neutrals stack of 6" x 6" DSP for the striped layer and the lacy polka dot border.  Having the 6" x 6" Designer Series packs is a must have.  No matter what color you choose, you will have coordinating DSP when you purchase these paper packs.  The sentiment is from the Varied Vases stamp set.  Love that  font!

Product List

Beautiful Bouquet Photopolymer Stamp Set [143666] $27.00	Varied Vases Photopolymer Stamp Set [146644] $26.00	Bermuda Bay Classic Stampin' Pad [147096] $7.50	Blushing Bride Classic Stampin' Pad [147100] $7.50	So Saffron Classic Stampin' Pad [147109] $7.50
Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad [132708] $6.00	Crumb Cake 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [120953] $8.50	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [100730] $9.75	Mossy Meadow 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [133676] $8.50	Blushing Bride 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [131198] $8.50
Delicate Lace Edgelits Dies [147053] $29.00	Bouquet Bunch Framelits Dies [143659] $30.00	Layering Ovals Framelits Dies [141706] $35.00	Crumb Cake 3/8" Classic Weave Ribbon [144162] $7.00

I have always loved the look of stained glass.  I was pretty excited to see the Painted Glass suite.   

I colored in this panel from the Graceful Glass 6" x  6" vellum using Stampin' Blends and then embossed the panel using Clear embossing powder.  This gave the panel a shiny glass like look.  Using the Stained Glass thinlits I cut out a frame to place over the vellum.  I layered the panel on Pool Party card stock to accentuate the stained glass panel.   Isn't the sentiment beautiful?  I love the mix of the fonts. 

Hope you are having a wonderful Sunday.  Let me know if you have any questions about this card, stamping, or Stampin' Up!  I would love to help you.

Another stamp set that I am sad to see retire is Garden in Bloom.   This is a great set to show off Two-Step stamping.

Product List

Garden In Bloom Photopolymer Stamp Set [139433] $25.00	Picture Perfect Birthday Photopolymer Stamp Set [145519] $17.00	Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad [132708] $6.00	Pink Pirouette Classic Stampin' Pad [126956] $6.50
Blushing Bride Classic Stampin' Pad [131172] $6.50	So Saffron Classic Stampin' Pad [126957] $6.50	Wild Wasabi Classic Stampin' Pad [126959] $6.50	Pink Pirouette 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [111351] $8.00
Wild Wasabi 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [108641] $8.00	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [100730] $9.00	Tutti-Frutti Adhesive-Backed Sequins [145609] $7.00

At long last I have a tutorial for the pocket/envelope card I shared on this post.  Let me first show you the card we will be making together.

1. Cut a piece of Marina Mist cs 4-1/4" x 11" and score it at 5-1/2". Cut on the diagonal from the top of the score line to the bottom corner.
2. Cut a piece of Sweet Soiree Specialty DSP 4-5/8" x 6".  Cut on the diagonal and score along one side at 1/2".   
   Fold on the score line and snip off the piece of DSP that extends over the edge of the diagonal. 
3. Apply Tear and Tape to the edge of the DSP and secure it to the edge of the Marina Mist cs.  Place a strip of Tear and Tape along the bottom edge of the Marina Mist cs.                                                                                           
4. Fold the Marina Mist cs over the Tear and Tape.  Place a strip of Tear and Tape along the bottom edge of the  inside of the Sweet Soiree DSP.                                                                                                             Secure the DSP down over the Marina Mist cs.  You now have the pocket for your card.
5.  Cut a 3-7/8" x 5-3/8" Marina Mist cs piece and a 3-3/4" x 5-1/4" Whisper White piece for the inside card. 
6. Decorate the front of the pocket.   If you are wondering, I cut out the cake from one of the papers in the Sweet Soiree DSP.                                                    

Product List

Happy Birthday Gorgeous Photopolymer Stamp Set [143662] $21.00	Marina Mist Classic Stampin' Pad [126962] $6.50	Marina Mist 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [119682] $8.00	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [100730] $9.00	Powder Pink 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [144244] $8.00
Sweet Soirée Specialty Designer Series Paper [145564] $13.00	Stitched Shapes Framelits Dies [145372] $30.00	Layering Circle Framelits Dies [141705] $35.00	Powder Pink 1/2" Finely Woven Ribbon [144134] $7.00

If you have any questions please feel free to leave me a comment.  This is a fun card to make and to show off some of the beautiful Designer Series Paper that Stampin' Up! has to offer.  

The Last Chance list(aka the Retiring products list) has been released and one of the stamp sets on the list is Birthday Blooms.  This set is one I have always loved to color.  Over the next few weeks I will share with you some of my favorite products that are on the Last-Chance list.  One thing you need to know is that the stamp sets on the Last-Chance lists will be available until May 25 and after that date they will be available while supplies last.  The accessories, DSP, tools, etc are available while supplies last and in fact there are a few things that are already unavailable.  Anyway, on to what I made using the Birthday Blooms stamp set.

If the layout looks familiar it is because I used the same sketch as yesterday's cards.  

Product List

Birthday Blooms Clear-Mount Stamp Set [140658] $19.00	Versamark Pad [102283] $8.50	Calypso Coral Classic Stampin' Ink Refill [122934] $3.75	Pear Pizzazz Classic Stampin' Ink Refill [131160] $3.75	Basic Black 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [121045] $8.00
Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [100730] $9.00	Shimmery White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [101910] $8.00	Powder Pink 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [144244] $8.00	Silver Foil Sheets [132178] $4.00	Sweet Soirée Specialty Designer Series Paper [145564] $13.00
Silver Stampin' Emboss Powder [109131] $5.00	White Stampin' Emboss Powder [109132] $5.00	Aqua Painters [103954] $17.00

If you like to color, you might want to consider getting the Birthday Blooms stamp set before it is no longer available.  

Need more ideas on ways to use this stamp set?  Go here,  here, here, here,  and here.  It really is a beautiful stamp set.  Thanks for stopping by .

I received a card featuring this fun fold from Megan at the November OnStage event.  I changed it just a little bit to make it a gift card holder and also added a belly band.  The basic fold is the same.  Thanks Megan!

I used my favorite Petal Passion paper.  I fussy cut around one of the flowers and colored it using Rich Razzleberry and Old Olive Stampin' Blends.  The sentiment is from the Picture Perfect Birthday stamp set and can I put my request in for a whole sentiment set using this font combination?  

I used the dies from the Lots to Love Box Framelits to cut the slits that hold the gift card.  These little dies makes it so easy to make gift card holders.

Product List

Picture Perfect Birthday Photopolymer Stamp Set [145519] $17.00	Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad [132708] $6.00	Rich Razzleberry Stampin' Blends Markers Combo Pack [144602] $9.00	Old Olive Stampin' Blends Markers Combo Pack [144597] $9.00
Daffodil Delight Light Stampin' Blends Marker [144586] $4.50	Basic Black 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [121045] $8.00	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [100730] $9.00	Petal Passion Designer Series Paper [145589] $11.00
Rich Razzleberry 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [115316] $8.00	Lots To Love Box Framelits Dies [145653] $33.00	Layering Ovals Framelits Dies [141706] $35.00

Do you still need some convincing that you need to get a package of the Petal Passion DSP?  Here are some other samples that you can check out here,  here, and here.

Time for the Create with Connie and Mary Challenge #503.  This week it is a Color Challenge.  Can you guess the colors?

If you guessed Night of Navy, Tranquil Tide and Crumb Cake, you are correct!

These colors are prominently featured in the True Gentleman Designer Series Paper aka DSP.  Love the plaids, stripes and patterns especially those glasses!  When I saw the glasses I knew I wanted to use the paper with the sentiment from the Bird Banter stamp set.    I have had so much fun with those fun birds and their sentiments.   

I stamped the bird in Tranquil Tide ink and used a blender pen to do a little shading.   The beak and shadow was colored in using Crumb Cake ink and the head feathers with Night of Navy ink.  Very quick and easy to do.  

I wanted to tie in the Crumb Cake color a little more so I finished it off with the Crumb Cake 3/8" Classic Weave ribbon.  This ribbon is one of my favorites.  It is soft, easy to tie, and makes great bows.  

Are you wondering how I got that border around the Lots of Label framelit?  I used the #4 die ( #1 being the smallest label).  I cut one out of Very Vanilla and another out of Tranquil Tide.  I cut the Tranquil Tide label in half and used it to create the layer around the top and bottom of the Very Vanilla label.

Cut a strip of Tranquil Tide cs.  The width doesn't matter, I cut mine around 1/2" wide.   The length of the strip needs to be at least twice as long as the length of the label.   Attach the strip to the side of the label  and cut the length matching up with top layer.  Repeat on the other side.

I hope you will join in the Challenge.  Be sure to go to the Create with Connie and Mary blog and check out what the other members of the design team created.