Welcome to the Stampers Dozen Blog Hop!  We are a group of Stampin' Up! demonstrators that hop together  on the 14th of the month. This month our theme is Something New for the New Year!  We have a new Mini Catalog debuting in January as well as Sale-A-Bration so there is now shortage of new things to share.

I couldn't resist playing with the Adorable Owls stamp set.  This set is part of the Sale-A-Bration offerings starting on January 5th 2023.  What is Sale-A-Bration?  During January and February 2023 with every $50 or $100 you spend (before tax and shipping) you will be able to choose a free Sale-A-Bration product from the Sale-A-Bration catalog.  The Adorable Owls is one of those products available free with a $50 order.

Here I stamped all three of the owls and colored them with Smoky Slate, Fresh Freesia, and Pool Party Stampin' Blends.  The owls were all fussy cut, sadly there are no dies for the owls!  I added a little cake and balloons from the This Birthday Piggy stamp set and cut out using the Playful Piggy Dies.  Last time  I checked the Playful Piggy dies are still available on the Clearance Rack  for $12.40!  What an incredible deal.  The Playful Piggy die set has 18 dies all for $12.40!  Hard to beat that.  

The sweet Fresh Freesia DSP is from another Sale-A-Bration choice, the Dandy Designs 12" x 12" DSP.  This choice is free with a $100 purchase.  The paper pack has 48 sheets: 4 each of 12 double-sided designs.  The colors in this paper pack: Balmy Blue, Calypso Coral, Fresh Freesia, Granny Apple Green, Mango Melody, and Petal Pink.  Here i used 3 different patterns in Fresh Freesia.  

Now it is time to check out the rest of the hop!

Thank you for stopping by!

Free Shipping for one day only December 15th.  Please shop with me here.  

It is time for another Festive Friday Challenge!  National Letter Writing Day is the festivity we are featuring on the Festive Friday Challenge. What is the Festive Friday Challenge?  The Festive Friday Challenge is a bi-weekly challenge that has an Inspo List.  What is an Inspo List?  Every challenge has an Inspo list  aka as an inspiration list, that has 10 items on it and those 10 items were inspired by a particular holiday, celebration or festivity.  You need to use 3 items from the Inspo list on your project.  You do not have to incorporate the festivity into your challenge but if you want to, you can.  Here is a link to more information about how to participate in the challenge.

I was lucky to be able to attend Stampin' Up!'s most recent event, On Stage.  Attendees were given the opportunity to pre-order select items.  One of the items I chose was an upcoming (Jan-Feb 2023) Sale-A-Bration choice,   Adorable Owls.  It is a super cute set featuring 3 different owls and 3 sentiments.  I usually do not like to post sneak peeks this far in advance but the little owl was the perfect size for my project so I couldn't resist using it.

From the Inspo List I used Hello Sentiment, Envelope, Ink, and Embossing Folder.

Isn't he adorable?  I love the bow tie!  Let's dissect the project.

• Basic Black card base- 4-1/4" x 11" scored at 5-1/2".
• Black & White polka dot DSP from Black & White Designs DSP 4" x 5-1/4".
• Black oval -Framed Florets dies.
• Basic White oval-Framed Florets die embossed using the Thanks & Hello folders. 
• Envelope stamp is from a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator Business set that is no longer available but I think it would be an easy one to draw freehand.
• Owl colored using Pool Party, Soft Suede, Real Red, Pumpkin Pie Stampin' Blends.
• Sentiment from the Sending Smiles set stamped on a Stitched Rectangle in Tuxedo Black Memento Ink.
• The itty bitty hearts were cut using the Framed Floret Dies.  I adhered a small strip of Foam Adhesive Sheets to a strip of Real Red Glimmer paper and then cut them out using the heart frame.  These little hearts all puffed up are so cute! 

Inside I added another strip of the polka dots and another, this time much larger Real Red Glimmer heart.  This heart was cut using the Give it a Whirl dies.

For more inspiration, be sure to visit the rest of the  Festive Friday Challenge Design team.

Ann Schach

Beth McCullough

Sharon Hashimoto Burkert-you are here

Melanie Hungerford

Helen Jennings

Melva Peters

Jaydee

Diane Evans 

Joanne James

Thanks for stopping by and I look forward to seeing your challenge card in the Festive Friday gallery!

It is Thursday and time for a new Create with Connie & Mary Challenge.  The challenge alternates between a color and a sketch and this week it is a sketch challenge.

Last week I shared with you a card using the Framed Florets bundle.  I wanted to share another one using the Fitting Florets Designer Series Paper.  This pack of paper along with the other products in the Fitting Florets Collection will become available starting November 1st.  The Fitting Florets DSP will  only be available while supplies last.  I predict it will go fast. 

I started with a 4-1/4" x 11" Balmy Blue CS.  I love this color combination of Balmy Blue, Night of Navy and Polished Pink!  In the past Balmy Blue was a color I never used much but this color combo has changed that.  I was pretty faithful to the sketch and used both the Layering Circles and Stylish Shapes dies to cut the circles.  The floral image was colored using Balmy Blue, Night of Navy, and Polished Pink Stampin' Blends.   I stamped the sentiment by carefully inking up one line at a time and cutting each out using the Sending Dies.  The little Polished Pink gems are from the 2021-23 In Color Opal Rounds.

Inside I added a left over strip of the Fitting Florets DSP and another flower from the Framed Florets stamp set.  I know I mentioned this before but the stamp set and the dies have the same name!! I love that I only have to remember one name.  It is a little thing but helpful one.

Thanks for stopping by and remember the Fitting Florets Collection will be available Nov. 1,

Place a $50 order through my online store and receive this bundle (13 tutorials!!)  as a thank you.  You can also purchase the tutorial bundle for $15.00.  Please contact me ([email protected]) if you would like to purchase the tutorial.

It is Thursday and time for the Create with Connie & Mary Challenge.  This week it is a super fun color challenge.

You know I love a Black, White, Gray with a pop of color palette.  I chose for my two colors Poppy Parade and Old Olive.

Are you wondering where that sentiment and images are from?  They are part of an early release that will be available for purchase in November.  It is the Framed Florets bundle.  This bundle will also be in the upcoming 2023 January-June Mini Catalog.  In November there will additional items available which make up the Fitting Florets Collection.  I will share more about the whole collection soon.

The flowers from the Framed Florets stamp set were colored using Poppy Parade and Old Olive Stampin' Blends and cut using the Framed Florets dies.   Did you notice?  The dies are named the same as the stamp set!  I am so happy about this change.  No more having to remember the name of the stamp set and also the name of the coordinating dies.   

The oval frame (cut using the Framed Florets dies) has embossed details around the edge.  So cool!  There also is another oval frame in the die set that is a little more ornate and I can see a lot of layering of ovals on my future cards.  

• Basic Black card base is 4-1/4" x 11" scored at 5-1/2".
• Basic White layer is 4-1/8" x 5-3/8".
• Metallic & Shimmer Specialty Paper is 4" x 5-1/4".

This is the first time I am using the Metallic & Shimmer Specialty Paper.  Isn't it beautiful?  I am looking forward to using the other colors in the pack, Evening Evergreen and Cajun Craze/Pumpkin Pie.  

Inside I added a strip of the Metallic & Shimmer Specialty Paper and another bloom from the Framed Florets set.  If you would like to learn how to get the Framed Florets bundle and the rest of the Fitting Florets suite early, please  contact me and we can chat about the different options available to you.

Thank you for stopping by and be sure to check out what colors the rest of the Create with Connie & Mary Design team chose for this week's challenge,

It is Thursday and time for a new Create with Connie & Mary Challenge.  This week we have a sketch challenge, #CCMC711.  When I saw this sketch I immediately knew I wanted to use the Sending Smiles stamp set which will debut May 1 in the upcoming 2022-23 Annual Stampin' Up! Catalog.

Before I go into more detail about the card I made, here is the sketch.

It is a great sketch and so versatile.

I also used all the new 2022-24 In Colors on this card.  These new colors are so good!  It doesn't happen often but I like every single one of the new In Colors.  Which one is your favorite?  Right now I am so happy to have a bright and happy turquoise back, yay for Tahitian Tide!

This stamp set not only has beautiful flower images but lots of great sentiments.  The "Sending" can be stamped or die cut and the connecting sentiment stamps are:

• smiles across the miles
• all the good luck your way
• sunshine to brighten your day
• love & big hugs
• a note of thanks
• a card to say hello
• comfort and strength

I used Basic White, Basic Black, and Daffodil Delight CS.  The rectangles were cut using the Stitched Rectangle dies.  The little black dots are Classic Matte Dots.  These dots come in 4 colors (Basic Black, Basic Gray, Very Vanilla, and white) and in 2 sizes.  The ribbon is the Black & White Gingham ribbon.

Thank you for stopping by and be sure to check out what the other members of the Create with Connie & Mary design team created for this challenge,

I hope I haven't shared this with you before.  I did a quick search and didn't see it but it feels familiar.  This card features the beautiful Art Gallery bundle that is in the 2021 January-June Mini catalog.

A simple card in some of my favorite colors.  The flower is stamped in Real Red ink.  The outline image was stamped full strength and the fuller image was stamped off once.  The stem is stamped in Old Olive ink and both were cut out using the Floral Gallery dies.  I added a few dots to the center of the flower using a Basic Black Stampin' Blend.

All the Whisper White CS was embossed using the Tasteful Textile 3D Embossing folder.  This folder has become my go to for a subtle textured background.  The sentiment is from the Art Gallery set and  is heat embossed in white embossing powder.  The fun shaped label is from the Floral Gallery dies.   The two strips of black cardstock were from my scrap bag.  I use a lot of Basic Black cardstock so I have a lot of scraps. I really like the thick and thin strips. 

I have just a few more things to do this morning  before I can stay  home and be cozy.  Thanks for stopping by!

Welcome to the Inspire, Create, Share Blog Hop.  This month the theme is Thankfully Yours.  We can all use thank you cards, right?  I hope you won't be disappointed but the only thing I am using from the Butterfly Gala set is one of the sentiments.  My idea was to share a quick and easy card and also give you a little sneak peek of what's coming in January.  

This thank you note uses the DSP and a sticker from the Most Wonderful Time Product Medley.  The card base is 4-1/4" x 11" scored at 5-1/2".  The Real Red layer is 3-1/4" x 4" and the DSP is 3" x 3-7/8".  The DSP is then cut to 3 strips measuring 1" x 3-7/8".  The sentiment is from the Butterfly Gala set stamped on Whisper White CS and cut out using the Stitched Rectangle dies.  The Whisper White layer is 4" x 5-1/4" embossed using the Tasteful Textile 3-D embossing folder.  Love the Real Red Sheer ribbon!

This one uses the Ornate Garden Specialty DSP found in the 2020-21 Annual Catalog.  Love this fresh floral with Early Espresso and the super cute Gingham Bumblebee ribbon.

The next cards all use the Flower & Field DSP.  Where do you find this DSP?  This DSP will be available during Sale-A-Bration.  This year Sale-A-Bration is a little different.  There will actually be 2 Sale-A-Brations!  Double the fun and free gifts!  The first Sale-A-Bration period is January & February 2021 and this lovely paper is one of the free gifts with a $50 purchase. This is one of those packs of paper that I love both sides of the paper.  There are fun floral designs on one side and the other more classic patterns like polka dots, stripes, chevrons.  

Don't you love the florals and the polka dots?  The colors in the Flower & Field DSP pack include Basic Black, Bumblebee, Cherry Cobbler, Flirty Flamingo, Granny Apple Green, Just Jade, Misty Moonlight, Petal Pink, Pool Party, Poppy Parade, Pumpkin Pie, Shaded Spruce and So Saffron.  Lots of beautiful colors that all play well with each other.

I love this color combination of Basic Black and Pool Party.   So fresh and happy!

Simple thank you cards that spotlight the beautiful patterned paper.  These cards come together quickly, the hardest part is deciding which one to use and that is a great problem to have.

Now it is time for you to check out what the talented Deb Naylor has created for you!

Thank you for stopping by!  

The Year-End Close Out has started!  Check out what is on the list HERE.  Lots of deals on the list so be sure to shop early for the best selection.  

Here's a little sneak peek of a bundle that will be available starting November  3rd.  It is called the the Quite Curvy bundle.  This bundle will be featured in the January-June 2021 Mini Catalog, but starting November 3 you can get it before the official release.  In addition you can also purchase the Curvy Christmas stamp set (available November 3 until January 4) and the Classic Christmas 6" x 6" DSP.  

The card base is Flirty Flamingo.  Before the edge was cut, the front was embossed using the Dainty Diamond 3D folder.  Here I used one of the curved edge dies to create the fun curve and punched out circle edge.  The flowers were stamped twice and cut out to create the beautiful garland.  The garland was colored using Old Olive and Flirty Flamingo Stampin' Blends.The cute little bird in the middle covers up where the 2 garlands meet.  There are 3 bird images and coordinating dies in the bundle and on this sample I used 2 of the birds.  

Four of the six sentiments in the  Quite Curvy stamp set are curved which is fun and adds an extra bit of whimsy. The little birds were colored using Pool Party Stampin' Blends and finished with Wink of Stella.  Interspersed among the flowers and leaves are Gold Metallic Pearls.  

This little bird decorates the bottom of the card and also acts to help keep the card closed.  The front edge slips in behind the bird's head and is easily released to open the card.

Check out the flyer for more information about the Curvy Celebrations products.

I have a little sneak peek for you!  Yes, it is a sneak peek from the 2020 August-December Mini Catalog, the  Life is Beautiful stamp set.  This stamp set is extra special since it is Lee Ann Gref's Million Dollar Sales Achiever set and it was a great fit for the Festive Friday Challenge!

I knew I wanted to use pink and brown from the Inspo List but what would the third item be?  I found my answer in the Life is Beautiful stamp set.

The elements I used pink, brown, and circles!  Love the different sizes and shading of the circles.  The stamp set is a Distinktive set and I further emphasized the shading by stamping  the circles once and without inking stamped again.  Now I realize I also have circles in the In Color DSP!  

This is a 9 piece photopolymer stamp set.  I love that you can use this set all year round by changing the colors you use.  Here I used Magenta Madness and Early Espresso.  

I stamped part of the tree on a Stitched So Sweetly scalloped rectangle in Early Espresso ink and the dots in Magenta Madness.  The sentiment is also from the Life is Beautiful stamp set.  The tiny flowers were punched using the Confetti Flowers Border punch in Whisper White and Magenta Madness and finished with a rhinestone center.  I also used 2 designs from the 6" x 6" In Color DSP and finished it with Magenta Madness In Color Ribbon.

If you do not have a demonstrator you are working with and would like a catalog, please contact me.  Remember Bonus Days are ending soon!

Product List

Life Is Beautiful Photopolymer Stamp Set [154871]	Early Espresso Classic Stampin' Pad [147114]	Magenta Madness Classic Stampin' Pad [153117]	Early Espresso 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [119686]	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [100730]
2020–2022 In Color 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper [153070]	Confetti Flowers Border Punch [152723]	Stitched So Sweetly Dies [151690]	Magenta Madness 1/4" (6.4 Mm) 2020–2022 In Color Ribbon [153623]	Rhinestone Basic Jewels [144220]

Are you ready for s sneak peek?  This year the Annual Catalog pre-order list demonstrators were able to order from was amazing!  I don't think there was a set, bundle, accessory, paper, that I didn't want. The ability to pre-order products is just one of the many perks available to demonstrators, I love it.  Being a demonstrator is a topic for another day.  You know you can contact me anytime for information.

Back to the sneak peek.  One of the bundles I ordered was the Jar of Flowers bundle.  This bundle is a photopolymer stamp set and punch.  The punch is a Mason jar and there are also Mason Jar Shaker Elements that coordinate.  So cute!  The stamp set also has 4 flower arrangements for the jar.  I chose to focus on the beautiful flowers for my first card.

Aren't these sunflowers so happy and cheerful?  Instead of putting them in the jar I stamped the flowers down the side using Early Espresso ink on Very Vanilla cardstock.  I used a mix of Pumpkin Pie, Mango Melody, Daffodil Delight, Old Olive and Soft Suede Stampin' Blends to color the image.  This floral arrangement is fun and quick to color.  

I wanted to add a little something more to the card so I watered down some Early Espresso ink and created the splatters using an Aqua Painter.  I don't do that often but maybe I should.  I like the randomness of the splatters.  The sentiment is from the Butterfly Gala set stamped in Early Espresso ink.

I added some Linen thread and a few Gold Metallic pearls to finish off the card.  Here are the sizes of the cardstockI used.  

• Very Vanilla Thick Cardstock 4-1/4" x 11" scored at 5-1/2"
• Early Espresso Cardstock 4" x 5-1/4"
• Very Vanilla Cardstock 3-7/8" x 5-1/8"

Hope you enjoyed this sneak peek and look for more,as we countdown to June 3 and the official launch of the 2020-21 Stampin' Up!® Annual Catalog!

Need a 2020-21 Annual Catalog?  If you have made a purchase from me in the past 6 months you should have received a catalog from me.  If you are not a current customer and do not have a Stampin' Up!® demonstrator please contact me.

Thanks so much for stopping by today! All of the products I used on this card are listed below. You can click on any of the photos to go directly to my Stampin’ Up!® online store.  

The Host Code for May is 2PKGY6S7  When you place a Stampin' Up!®  order using this code I will send you a project tutorial.  If your order is $50 or more I will also send you 2 card kits with a tutorial and a completed sample as a thank you gift. 

Please do NOT use the host code if your order is over $150 (before tax and shipping). You will earn host rewards from Stampin’ Up! AND you'll also receive a project tutorial and a gift from me. 

Product List

Jar Of Flowers Photopolymer Stamp Set [152515]	Butterfly Gala Photopolymer Stamp Set [148580]	Early Espresso Classic Stampin' Pad [147114]	Pumpkin Pie Stampin' Blends Markers Combo Pack [144599]	Mango Melody Combo Pack Stampin' Blends [147945]
Daffodil Delight Stampin' Blends Markers Combo Pack [144603]	Old Olive Stampin' Blends Markers Combo Pack [144597]	Soft Suede Stampin' Blends Markers Combo Pack [147273]	Very Vanilla 8-1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock [144237]	Very Vanilla 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [101650]
Early Espresso 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [119686]	Aqua Painters [103954]	Linen Thread [104199]	Metallic Pearls [146282]