The Fruits of Summer

So, yes, I am a Nite Owl. 

I am starting this at midnight. The Man in the Moon is barely visible from the window over my kitchen sink; he's risen so high. Most of the living room lights in the neighborhood are out. 

I am putting away the remains of my tomato sandwich supper.  I was thrilled, absolutely thrilled when offered a few garden tomatoes yesterday from a stamping friend. My husband has purchased some from the market and made sandwiches already, but those were just not real tomatoes; they did not grow in Rich's garden. They were not picked by Rich's hands once they had ripened after the watering and the staking. They just were not real tomatoes. (Rich, by the way, is just a name. I do not know who grew my tomatoes; they came from a New Jersey garden, though.)

One disadvantage (perhaps) to being a Nite Owl is that I am not up for the sunrise very often so I do not get to the farmers markets before they close or the orchards before the sweltering southern summer heat and humidity makes it impossible to function.

So that ripe, juicy home grown tomato and mayo sandwich was so delicious. The simplicity of white bread (stick to the roof of your mouth white bread), slathered with mayonnaise, stuffed with thick slices of tomato generously salted and peppered is summer paradise.

If prepared correctly, you don't even make it to the table to sit and eat it; most of the time you don't even cut it in half and you just may have to eat it standing over the sink. Now, if you think I have lost all of my manners and sense of decorum, you are wrong. This is just how you do tomato sandwiches.

Sorry for a stock photo, but I was already finshed before I even thought about taking a picture. And upon closer inspection of this photo, it appears as though the bread has been toasted! Heresy! Do not toast your bread, please. If you want to add other ingredients and make a different sandwich toast away, use artisan bread and gourmet dressing even.

There was one occasion just a couple of summers back in which the tomato sandwich rules were broken, but for the best of reasons. It was a girls weekend away. We traveled to the mountains of North Georgia. A cozy family cabin was home base for our daytrips. We brought only breakfast foods because we were planning to eat locally all along the way. 

Our hostess supplied fresh tomatoes, mayo and bread. Breakfast! And I added the chips.  We sat around the kitchen table all morning long catching up over tea,  sandwiches and chips. Of course, I was always the last to the table because even though we chatted all night, they still got up with the sun. Someone always has to be last, and I am ok filling that role.

One of the nicest things about our girls get aways is that there aren't any rules.  On our last morning that trip we ate ice cream cake for breakfast. We eat whatever and whenever; we buy whatever. We stop along the road whenever one of us spys an interesting shop or hole in the wall, or food establishment.

Besides tomatoes, I have been thinking about peaches lately. I have not been peach picking; it was on the summer to do list and I thought the grandboys might like to go along. The grandboys start school this week! 

I have been busy crafting peachy cards, though. Perhaps that's driven my appetite. Oh, no; we're coming into everything pumpkin season, I am in trouble!

This card design reminds me of a vintage kitchen tablecloth.

And this reminds me of picking in the peach orchards on Rt. 17

If you haven't had your fill of peaches yet this summer, the You're A Peach Suite is available in the 2021 - 2022 Anual Catalog; see pages 60 - 61 and the gorgeous Designer Series Paper is shown on page 134.  Click on the Shop Now button on this website to shop, or contact me to order. 

You know, that peach stamp could serve as a tomato...

Let's stamp!

 

 For the Beauty of the Earth

If you are around about my age and spent much time in a Methodist church, or probably any church for that matter, these pictures are probably familiar:

Our Sunday worship opening hymn was always one of Praise and Thanksgiving; often one you knew by heart or at least knew it was in the front of the hymnal. And of course the hymn board with its large numbers indicated the number and order of the hymns. The hymn board was a good reason to get to the sanctuary early; book mark all the hymns and readings for the service so you didn't have to fumble around while the organist was already into the first stanza. (Or if you stopped for coffee and donuts you had the prelude during which to book mark the indicated pages.)

If you started your morning worship with "For the Beauty of the Earth", "When Morning Gilds the Skies", or "This is me Father's World", it was goingto be a great day!

I have always been partial to "For the Beauty of the Earth"; the references to nature, to family love, to divine love.

When I read the title of Beauty of the Earth as one of the new Designer Series Papers from Stampin' Up! in the Annual Catalog, what do you suppose was at the top of my first order? That DSP! Along with the stamp bundle of Beauty of Friendship stamps and Beautiful Trees dies. 

It there is a tree stamp or a leaf stamp, it/they are on my list! As Autumn is my favorite season I want to color and stamp and die and cut leaves in every shape and size and color. I am thinking Bumblebee, Cajun Craze, Rich Razzleberry, Cherry Cobbler, Mossy Meadow, Cinnamon Cider (getting a little hungry now) ... use the Stampin' Blends and watercolor pencils. Oh, and the reinkers with baby wipes: fold up a layer of four baby wipes, making a little ink pad if you will. Squeeze a few drops of fall color reinkers randomly onto pad; it will look like a giant mud puddle. Ink up a leaf stamp, or stamp of a tree canopy and then stamp onto your card or scrapbook page ~ magic! So many techniques for coloring...

I wasn't going to start in on the fall stamp projects until the end of the month, but a friend of mine just left for a week in the woods. She has a vintage log cabin in a state park and is planning hikes and lake meanderings and bird trails. I created a journal for her Walden-like experience.

I had been watching demonstrator Kelly Gettelfinger create journals and memory books from paper bags and Designer Series Paper. She even included the clear medium envelopes as photo pages. Journals, like any other kind of paper, call to me. You can find Kelly on Facebook: Always Stampin With Kelly Gettelfinger

So in the middle of several other projects I cleared a space on my work table, pulled up Kelly's video and started in on a journal with a recycled paper bag that I begged off a server in Panera Bread - recycled, brown and green, perfect.

The light and coloring here is terribly dark, sorry. This design from the DSP Beauty of the Earth is dark and rich in Mossy Meadow and Old Olive inks, with touches of Bumblebee. I also used a dark design from the Hydrangea papers which is now retired, as are the lovely stamps.

Tucked away inside in various pockets are journaling cards and photo mats crafted from Stampin' Up! papers and products, several are stamped with nature images. There are four clear envelopes attached by their adhesive flaps. She can add memorabilia or photos,  pressed leaves or journaling inside to display and document her adventure.

It was fun to create! I won't stop with just one. But, I also need to get back to those projects I pushed aside. And I really need to play with all of the elements in the Beauty of the Earth Suite. Check the new Annual Catalog pages 10 -11 for all suite items. In the beginning of the catalog, just like those joyful hymns in the front of the hymnal.

                                                                    Stampin' Up! images

If these products have your name written on them, you can certainly order right here on the blog, just check for Shop Now; or contact me and I will be happy to help you with an order. 

I have more fall ideas coming, so please stay tuned; if you have not subscribed to this blog, please do so. I would love your company.  

And if you know the tune:

For the beauty of the earth, for the glory of the skies,

for the love which from our birth, over and around us lies;

refrain

Lord of all to thee we raise this our hymn of grateful praise.

For the beauty of each hour of the day and of the night,

hill and vale, and tree and flower, sun and moon, and stars of light;

refrain

For the joy of ear and eye, for the heart and mind's delight,

for the mystic harmony linking sense to sound and sight;

refrain

For the joy of human love, brother, sister, parent, child,

friends on earth and friends above, for all gentle thoughts and mild;

refrain

For thy church, that evermore lifteth holy hands above,

offering upon every shore her pure sacrifice of love;

refrain

For thyself, best Gift Divine, to the world so freely given,

for that great, great love of thine, peace on earth and joy in heaven;

refrain

United Methodist Hymnal. Tennessee: The United Methodist Publishing House, 1989

Words: Folliot S. Pierpoint, 1864

Music: Conrad Kocher, 1838, arr. by H. Monk 1861

 In Came the Lady with the Alligator Purse

Mama called the Doctor;

The Doctor called the Nurse.

The Nurse called ...

Did you jump rope to that rhyme when you were little? I loved to jump rope and jump Double Dutch and even Chinese Jump Rope. Back in the day when Phys Ed included square dancing and reels, jump rope teams were also a thing and it had choreographed movements, like synchronized swimming.  And believe it or not, I was on the elementary school jump rope team; we performed inbetween quarters at the Old Dominion College basketball games at the Norfolk Arena, seriously.  Anyone else out there remember?

But, back to the gators. I have never had an alligator accessory. However, as I was about to leave for my freshman year at school (college), my aunt took me shopping for a few things. School wardrobes included dresses and heels. Sunday dinner in the dining hall mandated dresses, as did Presidents Receptions and every collegiate ceremony.

So I went off with dark green sling back heels that matched the thin green belt on my deep green dress festooned with swirling autumn leaves. Those were no tiny print leaves but monstrous sized leaves that did seem to swirl as I walked. The ensemble came from Thalhimers. I loved that dress; I cannot remember any other dress from my four years away.  So, no alligator, but resplendent green.

Today, I tooled my own alligator purse:

and shoes.

In the past few years I have pulled down several purses and hats from the top closet shelf, resigned for the church bazaars and thrift sales. I used to enjoy having a variety of purses, not just for a season but for particular outfits and events. Shoes, hats, and even gloves were great fun to collect; vintage hankies, too. 

Today, switching out pocketbooks can be a disaster. Ooops! My checkbook must be in my other pocketbook. Ha! As if anyone uses checkbooks anymore. I used to have small purses for church and social events, just large enough to carry keys and a hanky and a check or a credit card. Then came cell phones, too big for my petite purses. Oh! The complications and frustrations of dressing to go out.

So, now when I think I want a new little purse, tote, clutch or wallet, I play with paper and scissors and and whip up fashionable little accessories with Stampin' Up!'s Dressed To Impress Stamps and Dies.  

Which lovely, playful or bold Designer Series Paper 'fabric' from the new Annual Catalog would you choose to create your Summertime bag? Look over all of the Designer Series Paper choices (pp. 130 -134).

Don't forget the Specialty Papers in the back of the catalog (p.135); choose from vellum and foil. Maybe the Pearlescent Paper, covered in opal rounds for an evening out. Or the Artistry Blooms Sequins covering an evening bag for festive beach celebration? 

I created my faux alligator bag and shoes with the new Designer Series Paper Assortments in InColors 2020- 2022, choosing Evening Evergreen.

I think we need a fashion show! 

Head to my catalog just to the right and Shop Now! The stamp set is titled Dressed to Impress, item number 158321 and the coordinating dies are All Dressed Up, item number 151665. Then just finger through all of the trims and embellishments (pp. 139 - 143) and let out that inner fashion designer. 

Most of all, have fun!

If you scrapbook or keep illustrated journals, these flat dies woud be terrific embellishments for documenting shopping trips (Harrods?!), cruise wardrobe, beach bags, weddings; let your imagination go! 

Let's stamp!

 I Hear the Ice Cream Truck!

Did the ice cream truck used to come through your neighborhood, drive slowly down the street until a gaggle of youngsters ran to stop it?  Do you remember what tunes it played? 

The Smithsonian's  National Museum of American History collection includes a 1938 Chevrolet White Good Humor Truck. probably from Boston, MA.

 

photo pictured on www.si.edu/newsdesk/snaps

According to cultural history, Harry Burt of Youngstown, Ohio produced the Good Humor Bar in 1920, a vanilla ice cream bar covered in chocolate and frozen on a stick.  It was the wooden stick that revolutionized the way ice cream became easier to eat and enjoy. And the cherry on top? Burt began selling his patented cool treat from trucks rather than push carts.  Now the ice cream truck drivers could drive as far and as long as they wanted, unhindered by the manual pushing of those wooden carts.

Something I did not know until I began reading about the ice cream trucks and their music boxes, before Burt's trucks, ice cream men used to sell Penny Licks, a small bowl of ice cream that the customer licked clean. The bowl was returned to the vendor who rinsed it out from his cart and filled again for the next customer. Hmmm .... could have been the reason Burt had his men drive white trucks and wear white uniforms.

Confession ~ I did not grow up with ice cream trucks. There were soda fountains in drug stores and there were High's Ice Cream Shops in Norfolk.  

But stuck in my memory is a short little girl with bangs, in a dress, holding a grape popsicle out of the window of a monstrous sherbet green Pontiac of the late 50's (I had to kneel on the front seat to even reach the window). And I can see my brother standing at the ready with the garden hose to wash down the sticky purple streaks on the side of the car. 

My best friend's mom made popsicles in the freezer for us; I can remember tupperware-like molded ice treats. She also froze Kool Aid in small paper cups and added that stick to hold on to. 

I have just have to say, ice cream sticks and popsicle sticks do little to prevent a mess when eating, especially for children.  Right?

 

Well, one neat way to enjoy these treats today 

is with April's Paper Pumpkin kit, So Cool. 

Not from the ice cream man, but from Stampin' Up!, this paper crafting kit is delivered to your door and it includes supplies to craft 12 colorful, fun shaped cards with coordinating envelopes. This is a perfect kit to share with the youngsters in your life: grandchildren, students, Sunday School children ~ make the cards with children, send the cards to children, or order an entire kit for children to have and craft on their own. 

                   Take a look here:  https://youtu.be/5kN4485fYdQ.

I am ready to treat anyone and everyone who orders the April Paper Pumpkin So Cool kit to an icy treat (a gift certificate to your favorite ice cream shop) ~ you must be a new or returning Paper Pumpkin customer and order by April 9.  There is an orange Paper Pumpkin button to your right on this blog for your convenience in ordering;  please list me as your Demonstrator when prompted. Of course, I am also happy to order for you if you wish ~ just call or email me with your order. 

And if you need more really cool treats, Stampin' Up! has a new suite of products,  Ice Cream Corner. Choose from a stamp set of 18 images and sentiments, an Ice Cream Punch, Designer Series Paper featuring refreshing colors and treats, coordinating ribbon and a package of multi-colored Sprinkles embellishments. The colors in the suite coordinate with the Paper Pumpkin kit, too! 

                as pictured in the Stampin' Up! Mini Catalog January - June, p. 48

The suite product is available through June and may be ordered here or with me. This is a happy stamp set on its own, even if you do not order the Paper Pumpkin kit (I think I see a future class using this suite).

So, what's your favorite cool treat? I love most anything that has the word chocolate or brownie attached to it:  Brownie Sundae, Rocky Road, Belgian Chocolate Gelato, and I have stories about each flavor, recent stories even!

But what I treasure the most about ice cream is the memory of watching the Wonderful World of Disney on Sunday nights with an ice cream sundae that Daddy made: simply vanilla ice cream, chocolate syrup and peanuts. 

Let's stamp!

  I ❤ Stampin' Up!

              

I know, stating the obvious. But seriously, I do love Stampin' Up! 

Why? Well...

I am addicted to paper (and sugar, but Stampin' Up! has little to do with sugar), all kinds of paper. Salesman's receipt books were like magic slates to me when I was little and my daddy was a sales manager ~  an intriguing size, lined, perforated AND carbon paper! 

Paper used to be everywhere: wallpapered rooms, paperback books, Sunday comics, drawing paper, paper bags, magazines, wrapping paper ~ ooh, the stationery and school supply aisles in Rose's Five & Ten.

So really, is it any wonder that I have to have all the Designer Series Paper that Stampin' Up! creates? Am I a hoarder, no, but sometimes I am a little apprehensive about cutting into that last precious piece of my favorite paper.  I do think Stampin' Up! has wonderful designs and the quality cannot be beat.

Truthfully, I can open the catalog to almost any page, point to any item pictured there and say  'that's why I love Stampin' Up!'.  Especially if I open to the pages with Die Cuts and Embossing Folders!

I  ❤  Stampin' Up!  Demonstrators ~ some of my new best friends are fellow demonstrators.  I have met them online, in meetings, at corporate conferences,  at dinners, in lines at the ladies rooms. My demonstrator friends and acquaintances are generous and genuine and I consider myself fortunate to associate with them and to learn from them. And not to be sacrilegious, but whenever two or more are gathered, there is guaranteed fun. 

I ❤ Stampin' Up! because somewhere inside of me there is a teacher that did not major in education (even though I attended Virginia's best known school for such a degree), but loves to teach outside of the classroom. 

I love sharing my love for paper crafting.  My classes take place anywhere there is a table or two ~ in my dining room, your dining room, church social hall, library, museum. I get as excited as my stamper does when she's astonished with what she's created. 

Some of my other new best friends are my stampin' friends. 

 

I ❤ Stampin' Up! because as a demonstrator, the company gives me a discount ($) for shopping with them! Who doesn't like a discount? I joined eight years ago for the discount and have stayed because of the community of my Nite Owls team of demonstrators, my demonstrator friends and colleagues, the company staff and my Stampin' Friends in my classes.

 

I whole heartedly invite you to consider joining me and Stampin' Up! Scroll back to the top of the post and select Join the Fun for more details.  Then contact me and we can chat about it. 

I ❤ Stampin' Up!

 Deaming in Green

I am still dreaming about my next trip to Ireland, some day in the future. I can't help it, I have had only wonderful experiences there and I can drink in that countryside all day - and the towns and cities, too, for that matter.

Twice my husband Dave and I have sailed into the port of Cobh, once named Queenstown in honor of a visit from the British Monarch Queen Victoria. And to greet us, the towering spire of Saint Colman's Cathedral. The woodwork, the tile, the stained glass windows, the pipe organ (undergoing restoration)  ~ magnificent. Construction was begun in 1868 and completed in '79 and it was concecrated in 1919.

It is fitting I think for a catherdral in a harbor to include a depiction of Jesus calming the waters.  When I visit I always lift up a prayer beneath that window for my oceanic ventures. I am sure my prayers have not been the only ones as Queenstown/Cobh was the last port of call for the HMS Titanic on her maiden voyage April 11, 1912. Titanic boarded 123 passengers in Cobh; 79 perished. 

  

Commemorating  HMS Titanic ... In special memory of the Irish emigrants and all those who lost their lives in this great tragedy.   

The Queenstown Heritage Center located at the cruise piers/train station tells the Titanic story, along with the stories of thousands of emmigrants leaving the Irish shores for the US shores and Ellis Island. Although questioned by historians, the story is told of a young Annie Moore traveling with her two brothers as the first emmigrants to leave Queenstown, arriving in New York on January 1, 1892.  A happy ending ...

May your days be blessed with happiness and safe adventures.

This little card was reworked a couple of times for you ~ it requires a wee bit of math and there was a fiesty little leprechaun stealing me hearts and playing with me stamp. 

I used a surprising combination of Pear Pizazz and Granny Apple Green colors and designs from the 6 x 6 Designer Series Paper Assortments. It takes only a bit of paper, scraps almost, to create the windmill. 

I cut 2 Pear Pizazz squares  2 7/8; 2 Whisper White squares at 2 3/4.

Layer a white on a green, twice,  and place one new square diagonally on top of the other.

Choose 2 coordinating designs of DSP and cut a 2 5/8 sqaure from each.

Cut each 2 5/8 square into fourths for 8 8 squares.

Start at top point and adhere one square, on teh diagonal, guiding it into the corner  ~

glue down only the right side.

Alternate the 7 remaining squares  - the last will slide half way under 

your first placed square.

I created the shamrocks by punching the reverse side of one of the DSP patterns 

with a heart punch (retired ~ use any die or framelit that will fit, or draw and cut).

Lucky golden gems sparkle from the middle of the shamrocks. 

I think there is still one other rework in the furture of this greeting card.

But I think I need a nice cuppa of strong Irish black tea before I continue. And maybe a little something on the side ...

Care to join me?

Don't forget, you may order any Stampin' Up! supplies right from this blog ~ 

click on Shop Now! I am also happy to order for you if you'd prefer. And I am happy to make any suggestions, should you need. 

Let's stamp!

Stampin' Up!'s Impressionist Art Gallery

Stampin' Up!'s Impressionist Art Gallery

I love that Stampin' Up! has produced almost a museum of floral paintings in their recent collections of Designer Series Paper. Last Winter/Spring during Sale-A-Bration many remarked on the likeness of Monet's waterlilies in paper designs, the DSP was titled Lily Impressions.  And in the year's Annual Catalog was a DSP pack titled Perennial Essence ~ more soft Monet and Renoir-like images. I, along with other demonstrators I suspect, framed individual sheets of 12 x 12 DSP and have them hanging in our craft spaces ~ instant art.

The Fine Art Floral Suite in the current January - June Mini Catalog this season was at the top of my shopping list because of the Designer Series Paper. It took me back to Amsterdam/Netherlands and my first visit to the magnificent Keukenhof Gardens tulip display. Can you imagine approximately 64 acres of 7 million flower bulbs?! 

Keurkenhof Gardens  Lisse, Netherlands

I am going to be hard pressed to cut into this DSP; I will need a pack to save, because you know that's what paper addicts do. Oooh, I even see a glimpse of Van Gogh - like dark blue and yellow. Oh, and  something like the American Impressionist Childe Hassam's paintings of Celia Thaxter's Garden on Appledore Island in Maine, east of Portsmouth, NH

The Fine Art Floral Suite graces the cover of the Mini Catalog.

 

How does SU create such artisitic papers? 

We had a Stampin' Up! artist hand-paint canvases with beautiful florals and textures in classic Stampin' Up! colors. We then took those canvases, photographed them, and made them into this unique designer series paper.

And now it is our turn to don a beret and smock and release our inner artist ~ seriously it is so easy when the paper does all the work. But along the way, let's play. The suite calls for 2 and 3 step stamping and even gold leafing.

Try various color combinations like Flirty Flamingo and Poppy Red, Poppy Red and Merry Merlot, Purple Posey and Highland Heather. Mix up reds, add yellows.  Try blues. Stamp the lighter color first, then the darker, then some gold!

Oh, but be careful with the Gilded Leafing! Don't sneeze ~ don't breath and DO NOT turn on the ceiling fan! The leafing is very light and is packed tightly in small, irregular pieces. It is truly easy to work with and produces quite the effect.

 

I did not use leafing on this card, but stamped twice and embossed ~ the embossing folder is appropriately named Painted Texture and is part of the Fine Art Floral Suite. 

For me, this suite is akin to wandering through an art gallery, any art gallery   ~ civilization at its best. I consider myself truly blessed to have spent countless Sundays in art museums with my mother and to have found kindred spirits to continue seeking out these special spaces and exhibits. 

Sister Wendy (Wendy Beckett, British nun and art historian 1930 -2018) offered:

    

     A country that has few museums is both materially poor and spiritually poor ... museums, like theatres and libraries, are a means to freedom.

Give yourself the excuse to pick up this stamp suite, or pieces of it, and play. The sentiments are simple, but cover a variety of occasions. And if all else fails, frame a sheet or two of the dsp for your own art gallery. 

Find the 'Gallery Map" on pages 32 - 34 in the Mini Catalog. You may order directly from this website, or contact me to help you place an order. 

I would love to see what you create!

Let's stamp!

 

Daisy, Daisy

What could be better than a combination of a perfect punch and oh-so-gorgeous Designer Series Paper? Not much, at least not in my Stampin' Up! world!

If you have read any of my posts or seen any of my cards, you know that I am addicted to paper. When I as able to preview the new designs at Stampin' Up!'s OnStage gathering for demonstrators last spring, I fell in love with the nostalgic Birthday Memories papers ~ the entire bundle ~ but it was those papers with the sweet little girl and the parade of animals!! And with thinlits that matched the characters ... I was melting in front of that display kiosk.

And then I saw the Daisy Delight Papers. Does anyone not like daisies? Perhaps it is not your favorite flower, but the sweet and simple, cheerful daisy always makes me smile.

One birthday Mama gave me a lovely little etched glass pitcher filled with daisies. I was overjoyed. Today that pitcher is filled with vintage buttons I have collected over the years.

My bridesmaids carried daisies, white and peach (101 years ago)  and the soft watercolory coral daisy design reminds me of those bouquets and the bridesmaids' printed and pleated peach floral gowns.

With such spectacular papers, cards are so easy to design; let the paper do the work!

Honestly, I owe thanks to Pinterest and friends for the above designs that I used for a recent Play Date. I believe it was the first class for which I relied on basically one stamp set ~I did add Beautiful You stamp set in there after a friend showed me how to 'dress' her with a daisy.

So since we are talking about dresses and I love paper dolls, let me show you more of the daisy dress.

I used the new Berry Burst ink and papers as the class was held just as the new catalog and InColors were arriving. Of course, use any color that you would like, or suits your needs. This is very Berry Burst with matching ribbon (1/2" Finely Woven Ribbon) and Fresh Florals DSP in berry, plus the berry Stampin' Write Marker.

I usually stamp and then cut, and layered two ovals from Whisper White and Berry Burst Card Stock.

The entire dress and hat were colored with Berry Burst. Either aqua painters or blender pens create attractive shading.

The 3D skirt was created with one stamped Berry Burst daisy on Whisper White and  punched with the new daisy punch. And here is where your seamstress skills come into play: cut apart the daisy into segments of three petals, two petals. two more petals and one left over petal.

I built my dress in layers right on top of the stamped image. My tip: take the three petal segment and place flat over girl's skirt and out stretched leg first, using your glue adhesive of choice. Then build up your skirt using the remaining petal segments.

Accessorize with diamonds or pearls at the waist.

Wink of Stella can add even more glimmer.

I added a strip of ribbon across the middle of the DSP panel and then popped up the berry oval with Stampin' Dimensionals.  And the entire panel was then layered on a Whisper White card base.

You are welcome to borrow this idea, colors and all, but play with your favorite colors and accessories ~ there are so many options!!

Shop till you drop

Stampin' Up! has just released the Retiring List, including not just stamp sets, but inks, embellishments,  accessories and Designer Series Paper.

As I am addicted to paper, I think it is important to always have a good supply of DSP on hand. Sometimes it's that little sliver or square of DSP that makes the card. All current DSP is on the retiring list. Some of it is on sale. But truthfully, SU DSP is always a great buy - quality paper, double sided, strong, smooth colorful with a capital C, and occasionally with a glint of foil.

Stampin' Up! just really makes the best papers. Buy it and use it!

Do you know where to find the Retiring List? From my website  www.upallnightstampin.blogspot.com, select Shop Now and then Retiring. But hurry, product is going fast. 

Shopping is one of my least favorite activities, chores,  actually.  Clothes shopping is the worst. I  need a personal shopper to help me with color and separates and sizes. Sometimes my daughters will help, thankfully.  They are usually brutally honest, and they are a good influence coaxing me to spend money on myself. 

But how frustrating to find skirts and no suitable tops. Or need a medium and all left are XS and XL. I just hate it!

I will, however,  shop for the grandchildren's clothes. Money is no object then and the sweeter the outfit the better. Even boy's clothes are fun to shop for ~ plaids and sweaters, sun hats and swim suits. Love it!

Give me an antique shop or a bookstore and I am in heaven ~ or used books in the antique shop or antique mall. Seriously, are there two more alluring words than antique mall?! Perhaps tea room, but it's  close. 

I can say that I  have absolutely no difficulty shopping in the Stampin' Up! catalog. Do you? Didn't think so!

You only have until May 31 to shop from the Annual and Occasions catalogs, along with the retiring list and the clearance rack.  I would find it hard to believe that you have bought everything from your wish list. Do check your list against the retiring list first. If an item is retiring,  jump on it! Please don't wait to see if it will be discounted.

IF you do indeed have all that you need,  great, because there will be one pre-release from the new annual catalog coming in May!! I will have all the details soon.

In the meantime, check your supply of DSP.  Don't  have any? Choose a package and begin to use it. Your card bases are usually 4 1/4 x 5 1/2. Cut a piece of DSP  4 X 5 1/4 room layer on the base. Then design and stamp on a piece of Whisper White cut to 3 3/4 x 5 ... layer it. Add some twine or ribbon or a few sequins... let that gorgeous DSP  shine!

Now, if you need a personal shopper for Stampin' Up!, I have got you covered! Allow me to get you started with stamps, inks and PAPER! And now before everything is gone!