321 Stamp: Launching Creativity

You can Stamp Clearly Now! New Photopolymer Stamps from Stampin' Up!

I'm excited about a new clear, see-through stamp option to go with our awesome rubber-mount and clear-mount stamps -- photopolymer which has the advantage of really staying clear and not yellowing!!

Here are details and a look at the first stamp set that we're offering in this new material.

We've searched long and hard for just the right material to be able to introduce completely clear stamping. And we've found it. We're excited to announce that we now have wood-mount, clear-mount AND photopolymer stamps! The new photopolymer will be an addition to our stamp line and will appeal to all types of stampers. Our top-quality photopolymer has just enough give to create a perfectly stamped image every time and with the introduction of our firm-foam pads, let's just say they're meant for each other! Photopolymer stamps will also be unique, fun designs that will inspire you and provide more versatile options you may not see in our traditional wood- and clear-mount stamp options.

What makes them so great?

• They're entirely transparent for perfect placement every time! 
• They are durable. The photopolymer material is designed to last. 
• Can you say sticky? (Don't worry; in a good way.) These stamps stick amazingly well to our clear blocks.
• They're age tested. They won't yellow or cloud up over time. 
• They use FDA, food-safe material. How far can you stretch your stamping creativity? 
• We could go on, but we'll let you try them for yourself.

They are clearly a great choice.

Here's the info on the first set -- an alphabet set where you can mount the individual letters to stamp words!

Item #132956 (You can order online through my Order Online link in the upper right!)

Designer Typeset Photopolymer Stamp Set

Recommend clear blocks A, B, G, F, and I. Purchase separately

Includes 57 pieces. (Don't faint! This is a good overwhelming feeling.)

$13.95

The Fine Print

• Photopolymer stamps will be offered on a trial basis. Based on popularity, we hope to release more photopolymer stamp sets over the coming months.
• At this time we don't plan on offering a line of photopolymer sets as expansive as our wood-mount and clear-mount lines.
• Available on all order types beginning March 1, 2013. Not available in wood-mount or clear-mount.
• All photopolymer will be packaged in cello bag w/insert, but don't forget you can store them in our clear cases.

Q: How long will each stamp set that's released be available for purchase?
 A: Since this product line is being offered on a trial basis and is not currently included in our catalog, we won't have a standard amount of time that each set is offered. We'll let you know when each set is no longer available as well as when new ones become available.

Here's a video about the new addition -- if you stick it out through the fun banter about "what is photopolymer" you'll get to see the set's versatility in action with the option to stamp a whole word -- or individual letters!

 

Holiday Greeting from Stampin' Up

No matter what holiday(s) you celebrate this time of year, Stampin' Up's home office staff wanted to wish you a very creative holiday. They made this amazing video for all of us -- the demonstrators, customers and recipients of all our handmade goodies.

Enjoy -- and share!

Take Your Greetings High Tech with Talking Tag & A New Way to Add Texture

With Talking Tag, you can send a gift that is uniquely you. Talking Tag is a message label you can attach to cards, invitations, gifts . . . anything! Personalize birthday cards, Christmas gifts or even record quick instructions for a project. Now your pictures really can say a thousand words!

How to send a voice message:

1. Download the FREE TalkingTagT App on you smartphone from talkingtag.mobi, iTunes® or Google PlayT.
2. Adhere the message tag to your card or gift.
3. Open TalkingTagT App and scan the code.
4. Record your message (recording starts immediately, so make sure your ready!).

You will have the opportunity to listen, re-record, cancel, or confirm your message after you've completed recording it. Each label allows up to 60 seconds of a greeting, song, or product message.

To play the message, recipients will need to download the app and scan the code.  Messages are saved for two years, so they can listen to it over and over.

How to Buy Talking Tags:

Buy 'em by the sheet from my online store or from me directly! You get 10 tags for just $7.95 (item 129723).

Here's a video about how it works:

 

Now here's news of another new item for Stampin' Up -- a smaller Sizzix machine that will use embossing folders to add texture to your paper crafting projects.

Due to our partnership with Sizzix, we are pleased to be able to offer a test run of the Texture Boutique Embossing Machine in our North American markets. We have 4,000 available to be sold only while supplies last. If this product test goes well, we may offer the Texture Boutique again in the future.

The Texture Boutique works with Textured Impressions Embossing Folders to transform ordinary cardstock, paper, metallic foil, or vellum into an embossed, textured masterpiece. This machine embosses only; it does not die cut.

'Tis the season of giving, and the Texture Boutique makes a wonderful gift for anyone who wants to create their own elegant embossed art. To help you with your gift-giving needs, we're offering a special value bundle that saves you $5.90. If you prefer, you can also purchase the Texture Boutique alone. Looking for stocking stuffers? Pick up some additional embossing folders.

Texture Boutique Bundle
Item 132700
$39.95 (a $45.85 value)
Includes

• Texture Boutique Embossing Machine, 1 Pair of Standard Embossing Pads, 1 Mylar Shim
• Flower Garden Textured Impressions Embossing Folder-Stampin' Up! exclusive
• Stripes Textured Impressions Embossing Folder-Stampin' Up! exclusive

Texture Boutique Embossing Machine
Item 132657
$29.95
Includes

• Texture Boutique Embossing Machine, 1 pair of Standard Embossing Pads, 1 Mylar Shim

And here's another video about this item:

 

Whew -- that's lots of news but it's all exciting. And you will want to check back tomorrow, Nov. 16 -- as I will have news about our upcoming Online Sale Extravaganza just in time for the start of the holiday shopping season.

Stampin' Up's New Paper Trimmer is Here!

Introducing the new and improved Stampin' Trimmer! Although paper trimmers are a common crafting tool, this trimmer was designed exclusively by paper crafters for paper crafters-and because it was made by Stampin' Up!, you know it's a cut above the rest!

I was so excited to get to pre-order one a couple of weeks ago and test out the new feaures. I love it and am so glad it's available to everyone starting today!

Features of the All-New Stampin' Trimmer

• An extra-wide 6-1/4" cutting base and an extended 14-1/2" ruler
  • The extra-wide cutting base provides a large work area and is marked in 1/4" (4 mm) increments, allowing for small measurements. 
  • The right-side grid helps you measure and cut very thin strips.
  • The extended cutting arm has a stabilizing leg to provide a sturdy and steady cutting surface for longer cuts. 
  • When fully extended, the extended cutting arm sits flush with the trimmer base, providing more accurate and consistent measurements across the entire surface.
  • The cutting base and track include a full ruler, incorporating measurements down to 1/16" and grid lines that mark each quarter inch. 
  • All rulers and measurements on the base are printed under a plastic cover so your measurements won't wear off.
  • The base has nonskid feet, which keeps the Stampin' Trimmer securely in place on your work area.
• A full 12" cutting and scoring track
  • The extra-long cutting track has space at the top and bottom so you don't have to take the cutting and scoring blades out when you're not using them. 
  • The track gives you enough space to cut or score a full 12" (30.5 cm) without having to remove or switch out handles. 
  • The cutting track locks in place for secure storage or transport. 
  • The track includes an insertion point for cutting and scoring blade handles so you can easily insert handles into the cutting track.
• Specially designed handles and cutting track to ensure straight cuts
  • The hook on the scoring and cutting blade handles keeps the handles stable so the cuts are as straight as possible.
  • Handles come in two colors: dark for cutting, light for scoring. 
  • The precision tip on the cutting blade allows you to pinpoint precisely where you're cutting.
  • The point on the side of each handle shows you where the blade will cut, making it easy to see exactly where your cuts and scores will begin.
• Storage compartment under base
  • The storage compartment holds scoring and cutting tools such as a Bone Folder, Simply Scored Stylus, extra scoring and cutting blades, and even business cards. 
  • Separate compartments within the storage compartment keep your tools organized, and the clear cover makes it easy to see what you've stored.
• Product details: item 126889; $29.95

Here's a video that lets you learn more about all these great features.

 

The other very exciting news that starts today is that hostesses who reach the $450 hostess level from now through Dec. 16 get to choose a free set of ink pads in the Brights, Subtles or Regals family in addition to their other hostess benefits -- and this same offer of a free set of ink pads applies to anyone who signs up with me as a demonstrator during that time! It's so great that Stampi' Up is offering this awesome deal. Let me know if you have questions about the demonstrator opportunity -- it's something that is fun to do as a part-time or full-time business or as a hobby so you get a discount on your own supplies.

Christmas Pop up card from the catalog

Had to share this great video made by Stampin' Up for a very cute card in the catalog. Enjoy! 

Pure Bliss

One of the most popular free Sale-a-bration stamp sets is Bliss. So much fun for vintage looks. I wanted to share a video from Stampin' Up's Shannon West with some beautiful ideas for this great set.

 

Big Shot Letterpress plates - A how-to video

I've always loved the look of old printing -- the ink was virtually embossed into the page with a Letterpress machine. Printing has come a long way -- but that antique look is now prized in crafting projects because the vintage look is so in right now. Stampin' Up's new Letterpress plates for the Big Shot give you that look.

I'm still playing with my new Letterpress plates -- because once you practice a little it works well (and the more porous the paper, the better so our watercolor paper works well). There's a bit of a learning curve, primarily because you're working with a plate that you've inked with Craft pigment ink -- and then carefully laying paper onto the inked plate -- and not having it move or smear as you roll it through the Big Shot die cutting machine. The result is a look that's "debossed" with the ink pressed into the image. So it looks a lot like a stamped image -- but it's indented into the paper slightly. For those who love to experiment and get "artsy", it's a fun new way to stretch your Big Shot machine.

Watch this video to see the Letterpress in action and for some tips about how to keep the paper in place as you roll through the Big Shot. Another trick is to work with a slightly larger piece of paper then the final size you'd like -- then you can trim your image after it's been "Letterpressed" and straighten it up on the paper if needed. I've found that I get pretty lucky laying it on the inked plate though.

 

Scrapbooking Stampin' Up Style

I wanted to share this great idea video for summer scrapbooking featuring Stampin' Up's Carrie Cudney -- and it features some of the items that can earn you a free package of specialty Brads during May. The Current Specials link on the right takes you right to the list of stamp sets that qualify for the freebie -- and also a list of the brads you can choose from. This applies for online orders as well as orders placed at my events this month.

New Summer Mini Catalog Goodies

Sorry to have been such a stranger on my blog that past month — it's been a busy time plus I was away last week on the Stampin' Up demonstrator reward trip cruising the southern Caribbean. I'm home and so excited about the new summer mini catalog. There are great new stamps and accessories available now through the end of August. You can watch this short little video that gives you a sneak peek at several of the new items. Enjoy!

Scallop Trim Border Punch Valentine & Punch Tutorial Video

NOTE: This is the post to check and read to get lots of tips on using the Scallop Trim and Pinking Hearts Border and Corner punches.

I love the new stamps and punches on this card! The I (heart) Hearts set from the Occasions Mini Catalog is so easy to use. I actually have it in our new Clear Mount version and love how easy it is to stamp the black dotted heart first on this card and then add the pretty red heart by looking right through the beautiful Clear Mount acrylic block. Plus see that great DVD sized storage case? I can fit more stamp sets on the shelf! Our cling stamp images are fabulous red rubber with a nice sponge backing and then a vinyl cling image layer that makes the stamp cling to the block. All of the smaller black hearts were stamped with images from the set and then punched out with the Heart to Heart (trio of hearts) punch or the new Small Heart punch (item #117193 in the Occasions). The greeting is the new Well Scripted set from the Occasions mini where you'll also find the hearts. This is the pretty valentine card that guests are making at my home workshops this month.

Now on to the beautiful scallop lace punches! The corner version called Scallop Trim Corner (item #118870) is found in the Occasions mini and the coordinating straight edge is a punch that you can get free right now from the Sale-a-bration booklet with a $50 purchase (item #118402). (It will eventually be for sale in our next big catalog in July -- it says that right in the SAB booklet, but why not get it now for free?!)

There is a little learning curve with any new punch so you'll want to practice with these. But it's worth it as these also are a new slimmer design that folds shut and locks so they take up less storage space. There are some sizes of mats that just line up perfectly to make a nice edge. On this card I started with a black card stock piece that was 3 & 13/16" square. That's just a tick mark past 3 & 3/4". Punch the corners first and then they line up perfectly with the picture guides on the straight edge Scallop Trim Border punch so you can fill in.

Other sizes will give you a complete set of scallops but may require you to punch more than once to fill in between corners. Those sizes include: 4 & 3/4" square; 4 & 1/4" square; 3 & 1/4" square; 2 & 7/8" square; 2 & 3/8" square; and 1 & 15/16" square which lets you punch only the corners to make a pretty mat. You can of course combine a shorter length on the top and bottom of a mat and a longer measurement on the sides and make a perfect;y edged rectangle. Just practice. I find that because there is no v-shaped corner stop you want to make your corners using the punch upside down and using the paper edge guides and then also looking to make sure your corner is in at a nice right angle.

Here's a link to a great blog from fellow SU demonstrator Gretchen Barron who has some wonderful photos of the squares above -- and who calculated these sizes. UPDATE: The fabulous Gretchen has also calculated sizes that work easily in the Pinking Hearts border and corner punches and you can click here to see those. As Gretchen explains, we all might use the punches a little differently in practice, so experiment and see what works best for you. I like using the border punches right side up and the guides pictured on the front when I can -- and then I'll punch from the back as needed when filling in empty space.With the corner version of these punches, I find I need to use them upside down so I can make sure my paper is in the corner at a nice right angle. There is no corner V-stop -- and that's for a reason. You can actually use the corner punch in a row along the edge of your card stock to get a neat triangle lace look. I also love just punching the corners of a mat for a pretty look that reminds me of a quilt block.

SU demonstrator Anne Beale also has shared some great photos and tips on using the Scallop Trim and Pinking Hearts punches and since I believe in sharing and not re-creating a good thing, just click here to see her ideas.

Want to make a mat in a size not listed? Here's a video created by the Stampin' Up home office that demonstrates another way of using these. You start with a larger piece and then design the size as you go.

To see photos of the technique that Bonnie demonstrated in the video, click on the file name I've uploaded at the end of this paragraph for a photo tutorial of how to make the mat where you punch, then measure and cut as you go. Take a look, practice and it's easier than you might think.Download Border & Corner Punch How to