Thursday, April 11, 2019

Change is Inevitable

And sometimes it can be very good!

Let's start with my news.  I am moving to another state.  I've been talking about it for a few weeks, but the big day is almost here.  I've been lunching and brunching with all of my buddies, and as we part I get teary.  But I know that this move will be wonderful for my husband and me, as we are moving closer to one of our children.  With kids spread out across the US, and none of them local to us, we are looking forward to being near at least one family.

And this means that my blog, Stampin' Amigos, is going to be on hiatus for a short time.  I will continue to post updates, but as my craft room is being packed up (as I write this - sniff) I won't have many more projects for you until I get unpacked in my new home.

I am also planning to change the name of my blog to Priscilla's Papercrafts, so in the not-too-distant future, don't be surprised to see a new look when you visit.

Please continue to visit!  ðŸ˜Š

And now for other "change" news:

Stampin' UP! has just announced some BIG changes.  At first I was quite surprised, even shocked, but as I began thinking about them, I realized, like my new life in a new state, it's a great opportunity for something new.

What are these changes?




1.  Stampin' UP!'s Stampin' Trimmer is going away.  Yes, you read that right.  One of my favorite tools will no longer be offered in the new catalogs.  And replacement blades and mats will be discontinued as supplies run out.  So if you have a Stampin' Trimmer, you might want to think about purchasing some replacement blades/mats now.

But the good news?  Stampin' UP! is exploring options for a new trimmer.  And if the Stamparatus is any example, I know that whatever they come up with is going to be awesome!



2.  The Big Shot is also leaving!  What?  I NEVER thought I would hear these words.  I've had a Big Shot since Stampin' UP! brought it out 10 years ago, and it's been a staple in my craft room.

But as many of you know, obtaining dies, Framelits and Thinlits, has been challenging these last few months.  So Stampin' UP! has decided to go in a new direction.

Starting with the new Annual Catalog in June, Stampin' UP! will offer a new type of metal die, similar to those with which we are familiar, but slightly thinner and may need a shim to cut with some of the current tools we use (ie. Big Shot).  Embossing folders will also change.  AND Stampin' UP! is looking at a new tool for die cutting and embossing.  So once again, something to look forward to!

Now both of these tools will not be ready in time for the release of the next Annual Catalog, so there will be a bit of a gap before something else is introduced.  In the meantime, you can continue to use your Trimmer and Big Shot just as you always do.  And as soon as a new product is brought to my attention, you can bet I'll be sharing with you!

Change...always disruptive, but so often with positive outcomes.  I have no doubt that my personal change and those of Stampin' UP! will be good ones.  I'm getting excited!


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Wednesday, April 10, 2019

Wednesday's "What's On the Desk?"

Does anyone else have a collection of unused card pieces sitting on/around their desk?  I can't be the only one...

Well, I'm moving in two weeks, and need to pack up my craft room.  ðŸ˜“

Last Friday, two off-duty firefighter friends of my husband came over and helped us move two HEAVY pieces of furniture out of my craft room, down the curvy staircase 😮 and into the garage for a moving sale we were having.  I only had 20 minutes notice that they were on their way, so quickly had to pack up 6 drawers and an embarrassingly large number of items from the top of my desk, throwing everything into boxes.

Moving sale over and furniture gone, I moved two folding tables back into the spots vacated by the original furniture, and tried to reorganize the "stuff" so that I could still create for another week or so.  And that meant looking at left-over pieces:



Sitting in the mess that is now my craft room, I decided I needed to make a thank you card for these wonderful, selfless firefighters.  AND I needed to clean up my desk so I had room to create.  Let's see what I did.


They deserve a medal, so I simply added a piece of Navy ribbon to some left-overs.


And they are #1 for lending a helping hand.

Hmmm...needs a "number" sign:





That's better.  

Now what?  Of course, it's a thank you card, so:


I 💗 the Well Written Framelits dies!  I cut out a bunch of "thanks":



and adhered them over and over to the front of the card.  Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets are the bomb when cutting out these letters!

OK, let's see what we have:


Just needed a word (are) using the Labeler Alphabet, and I completed my card.  

And that was what was "on my desk" this week!  

Just a note:  my apologies for the lousy photos!  I had to dismantle my photo station, so any pics I post for the next few weeks will not look very professional.  But I'll be back soon; please bear with me!  ðŸ˜Š

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Tuesday, April 9, 2019

Need an Idea for Father's Day?

If you are already thinking about Father's Day, it's not too early to look at this, a card created by the artists at Stampin' UP! using the Geared Up Garage bundle:





Don't forget - purchasing the bundle saves you 10%!  Who doesn't like saving 10%?

Order your Geared Up Garage bundle today, and be ready for Father's Day!


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Sunday, April 7, 2019

Simple Vase

Want simple?  Look at this:


It doesn't get much simpler than this card, one we made at my Card Club last month.  It uses the now-retired Sale-a-Bration Foil Sheets, but it would look just as striking with Gold, Silver, Copper or Champagne Foil sheets.

Thick Whisper White is the base, with a stamped sentiment from Abstract Impressions using Tuxedo Black ink.


A Whisper White square, embossed with the Subtle embossing folder sets the stage for this lovely vase of flowers, punched with the Vases Builder Punch.  The stems were just drawn with the Call Me Clover Stampin' Write Marker - easy!  Add a leaf (punched with the same punch) and you're all set.


The white square was layered on a Foil square, which was "embossed" by scoring all four sides at 1/8" on the Simply Scored Board.  Added to the card base, and we were done with our super-simple-but-oh-so-pretty card!

The Vases Builder Punch coordinates with two stamp sets right now, Varied Vases (in the Annual Catalog) and Vibrant Vases.  Check out my cards, below, using the punch with the Vibrant Vases set, currently for sale through the Occasions Catalog.  This totally makes an $18.00 punch SO worth investing in!  

Friday, April 5, 2019

Thinking of You

Here is one of the cards my Card Club attendees made last week:


Isn't it pretty?

Poppy Parade was used as a card base, as I wanted to use some of the FREE Painted Seasons Designer Series Paper that was still available through Sale-a-Bration.  Alas that is now gone, but you could make this card with any small-print DSP.

The Whisper White layer is embossed with the Layered Leaves embossing folder, tying it together with the Granny Apple Green leaves adorning the frame on the front.  These, and the white sprigs, were cut with the Foliage Frame Framelits.


The card comes together with a white oval, cut with the Stitched Shapes and Layering Ovals dies.  The sentiment, from Part of My Story was stamped in Poppy Parade ink and tucked under the oval.

Although some of these items are now no longer available, this card could easily be duplicated with other colors, DSP and inks.  Try it!

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