100,000 Hits?!

I can't believe I'm approaching 100,000 hits! Wow!! I think that calls for some Blog Candy!

You know the drill... you'll have to leave a comment to be included in the drawing!

Here's what I'm going to do this time... In your comment, please tell me a Stampin' Up! color combination that you've wanted to use but have had trouble with. Then, once I draw the winner, I will create a card using that combination!

I will do the drawing after I return from convention - so be watching for the results on Monday, August 4th! ...and then you'll have to give me a little bit of time to create the card!

I look forward to hearing your combinations - and thanks so much for being a loyal reader of The Stamp Link!

I'm On Showcase!

That's right! It's my first time there, but I'm on the Stampers Showcase today! How exciting!! For all of you non-Stampin' Up! Demonstrators, that is a place on our demonstrator website where we can see cards made by other demos to get ideas and inspiration. Here is the card that's showcased.

...Just had to toot my own horn! :)

Childhood Sock Monkeys

My grandmother made sock monkeys and I remember having one as a kid. When Stampin' Up! showed us this sneak preview stamp set, I knew I had to have it!

He was so much fun to make - with his white paws and tail! I stamped him with Chocolate Chip ink onto Kraft cardstock, cut him out, and then stamped him again onto some Confetti Cream and Ruby Red so I could cut out the appropriate parts to glue down on the Kraft monkey. ...and yes, I used some MORE Textured Old Olive cardstock! Are you tired of this color yet??!

Here's the recipe for this cute little guy:

Stamp Sets: Sock Monkey (NEW!), A Little Birthday Cheer
Ink: Chocolate Chip
Cardstock: Kraft, Chocolate Chip, Textured Old Olive, Confetti Cream, Ruby Red
Accessories: Earth Elements Buttons
Tools: Mat Pack, Paper Piercer, Stamping Sponge, Tag Corner punch, Glue Pen

Just a warning real quick - I won't be posting much over the next week or so. I'll be heading to the Stampin' Up! Convention on the 30th (Yippee!!), but that means I've been hard at work on my swaps. You'll get to see my swap card on August 1st, as I'm going to use it as one of my August Stamp-a-Stack cards! I'm also hard pressed for stamping time because as I mentioned, I have MORE houseguests staying with us... my in-laws (mother-in-law, step-father-in-law, sister-in-law, niece, and nephew). So that means my lovely Stamp Room is being used as a guest bedroom!

But don't worry - when I get back from convention, I'm sure I'll have LOTS and LOTS of things to share with you!! :)

Catalog Sales Event Results

I've got two sets to give away... one is for the highest order and the other is a drawing among the participants (1 chance for every $50 spent).

Here are the results:

Highest Order set goes to Mary!
Drawing set goes to Michelle!

I will contact each of you separately to let you know which sets I have to choose from.

Congratulations! And thanks to everyone who participated in my Sales Event!

Happy Birthday, Sheri!

Yesterday was my sister-in-law's 40th birthday!! I wanted to make a special card for her, but I refused to use black... as I really don't think I'd like black on my own 40th birthday (which is approaching much too quickly!). So I chose a more elegant approach.

I turned to my Color Coach for the colors, and once again, it did NOT let me down!! I really like the look of this color scheme - More Mustard, Old Olive, and Bravo Burgundy. I chose to include a layer of Whisper White to balance out the white surrounding the flower. I scalloped the edge of the Mustard with the NEW Scallop Edge Punch - to appear in the upcoming Idea Book & Catalog, out on August 11th!

Oh, and as I stated in my last Stamp Link Newsletter (you can subscribe down the left sidebar), from now through July 28th, you can RESERVE your very own copy of the new catalog for only $5.00 (plus $2.60 for shipping, if necessary) - that's 50% off the regular price! Contact me before it's too late!

Back to this card... As you see, I used one of my current favorite colors again - Old Olive - and to give the card some more interest, I used the textured cardstock. If you've never tried using it, you really should grab a pack of it and see for yourself the difference it makes. I don't care for it as the base of the card, but I LOVE it for layers!

Here's the recipe for this card:

Stamp Sets: Stitched Exotics, A Little Birthday Cheer
Ink: Bravo Burgundy, Old Olive
Cardstock: More Mustard (regular and Textured), Whisper White, Textured Old Olive
Accessories: Bravo Burgundy Narrow Grosgrain ribbon, Jumbo Eyelet
Tools: Crop-a-Dile, Scallop Edge Punch

I was able to give this card to Sheri in person, as she is staying with us for a few days, along with her son and daughter... and her mom & step-dad! I told you - I'm a regular hotel this month!! Wanna make a reservation?! :)

PS: In a little bit, I'll be posting the "winners" from my Catalog Retirement Sale! I have two free stamp sets to give away! Stay tuned!

Updating the Retiring List

Just wanted to let you know that I will continue to update the Retiring Accessories List so you will be able to see which items are no longer available. They go quick, so if you're interested in anything on the list, DON'T DELAY!!

In addition, my Catalog Retirement Sales Event only has ONE MORE DAY! Contact me by the 24th in order to take advantage of these savings!

For Marelle...

Sometimes a card just tells you who it should be for... and Marelle, this one's for you.Why? Well, many reasons.

First of all, it was Marelle who got me started on this whole blogging adventure how ever long ago it was. She was (and still is) my mentor and inspiration. She used to "proof" my cards before I had any confidence in them, and she answered a zillion and one questions as I got started.

Second, as I made this card tonight, I thought of her. I know her affection for Certainly Celery, and I just thought she'd like this look. I had a hard time getting the photo to look quite right. It certainly doesn't do it any justice... But alas, she'll get it in the mail anyway, so she'll see it in person soon enough.

Third, I always love to tease Marelle with the new stuff that we are getting here in the States!! (she's in Australia) *giggle* This is a new Level III Hostess Set called Happiness Always that will be in the upcoming catalog (out August 11th)! This was my first time playing with this set, and would you believe that these flowers were the result of me just playing around?! It is such an easy set to use... you'll be seeing more of it from me!

Fourth, Marelle definitely lives by this sentiment. She is always striving to make her business better. She has set goals, attained them, and continues to set more. She's not only a creative inspiration to me, but a business inspiration as well.

And finally, just BECAUSE! Marelle is a lovely person, a great friend, and an incredibly talented stamper! If you don't believe me, go see for yourself!

I love ya, Marelle!!

Recipe:
Stamp Sets: Happiness Always (NEW!), En Francais background
Ink: Brocade Blue, Certainly Celery
Cardstock: Brocade Blue, Certainly Celery, Whisper White
Accessories: Certainly Celery Wide Grosgrain Ribbon
Tools: Key Tag punch, 1/16" Circle Punch, Stamping Sponge, Crystal Effects

Retiring Accessories!

Updated August 9th at 7:13am

As we get closer to a new catalog, we also get closer to saying goodbye to some of the things we've grown to love. I've listed the retiring accessories at the bottom of this post.

In addition, Stampin' Up! has placed several of these items on SALE! Click on the thumbnail below to see how you can save 25% on select accessories!

And DON'T FORGET... My Catalog Retirement Sales Event is still going on! You can place these sale items on your order and increase your savings! Contact me before the 24th to take advantage of the extra savings - and the chances to win FREE stamp sets!

Retiring Accessories
Items in RED are no longer available.
* Items in bold are 25% OFF and included in the Discontinuing Retiring Accessories Promotion

177 Accents & Elements Build A Flower
177 Accents & Elements Lucky Star
177 Accents & Elements Messenger
184 Acrylic Graph & Grid
163 Card Stock 12 X 12 In Color
163 Card Stock 8-1/2 X 11 Blue Bayou
163 Card Stock 8-1/2 X 11 Groovy Guava
163 Card Stock 8-1/2 X 11 In Color
163 Card Stock 8-1/2 X 11 River Rock
163 Card Stock 8-1/2 X 11 Soft Sky
163 Card Stock 8-1/2 X 11 Wild Wasabi
163 Card Stock 8-1/2 X 11 Purely Pomegranate
166 Card Stock Brushed Copper
163 Card Stock Textured 12 X 12 In Color
167 Cards & Envelopes Gift Whisper White
167 Cards & Envelopes Greeting Whisper White
167 Notes & Envelopes Long Notes
167 Notes & Envelopes Love Notes
167 Notes & Envelopes Pocket Notes*
167 Notes & Envelopes Scallop Notes
167 Notes & Envelopes Gift Notes
163 Classic Stampin' Ink Blue Bayou
163 Classic Stampin' Ink Groovy Guava
163 Classic Stampin' Ink Purely Pomegranate
163 Classic Stampin' Ink River Rock
163 Classic Stampin' Ink Soft Sky
163 Classic Stampin' Ink Wild Wasabi
163 Classic Stampin' Pad Blue Bayou
163 Classic Stampin' Pad Groovy Guava
163 Classic Stampin' Pad Purely Pomegranate
163 Classic Stampin' Pad River Rock
163 Classic Stampin' Pad Soft Sky
163 Classic Stampin' Pad Wild Wasabi
171 Designer Series Paper Azure*
169 Designer Series Paper Bali Breeze
169 Designer Series Paper Berry Bliss
169 Designer Series Paper Cutie Pie
168 Designer Series Paper East Coast Prep*
170 Designer Series Paper Fall Flowers
169 Designer Series Paper Flowers For You*
169 Designer Series Paper Ginger Blossom
168 Designer Series Paper Jersey Shore*
170 Designer Series Paper Le Jardin
170 Designer Series Paper Notebook*
171 Designer Series Paper Olive Press
170 Designer Series Paper Porcelain Prints*
171 Designer Series Paper Prints Almost Amethyst*
171 Designer Series Paper Prints Always Artichoke
171 Designer Series Paper Prints Blue Bayou
171 Designer Series Paper Prints Brilliant Blue
171 Designer Series Paper Prints Certainly Celery
171 Designer Series Paper Prints Close to Cocoa*
171 Designer Series Paper Prints Groovy Guava*
171 Designer Series Paper Prints Lovely Lilac
171 Designer Series Paper Prints More Mustard
171 Designer Series Paper Prints Old Olive
171 Designer Series Paper Prints Pumpkin Pie
171 Designer Series Paper Prints River Rock*
171 Designer Series Paper Prints Rose Red
171 Designer Series Paper Prints So Saffron
171 Designer Series Paper Prints Soft Sky
171 Designer Series Paper Prints Tempting Turquoise
168 Designer Series Paper Spring Break
169 Designer Series Paper Spring Fling*
170 Designer Series Paper Spring Silhouettes
170 Designer Series Paper Western Sky
167 Envelope Confetti Cream Medium
189 Eyelets Basic
189 Eyelets Bold Brights
189 Eyelets Earth Elements
189 Eyelets Fresh Favorites I
189 Eyelets Fresh Favorites II
189 Eyelets Rich Regals
189 Eyelets Soft Subtles
188 Hodgepodge Hardware Pewter
188 Hodgepodge Hardware Antique Brass
188 Hodgepodge Hardware Aged Copper
183 Metallic Art Pencils
179 On Board Accents
178 On Board Blossoms & Basic
178 On Board Ginormous Pieces
179 On Board Simon Lower
166 Mulberry Paper White
181 Punch Box Three For You
180 Punch Handheld Rectangle
183 Pure Color Pencils
191 Ribbon Double-Stitched Blue Bayou
191 Ribbon Double-Stitched Groovy Guava
191 Ribbon Double-Stitched Purely Pomegranate
191 Ribbon Double-Stitched River Rock*
191 Ribbon Double-Stitched Soft Sky
191 Ribbon Double-Stitched Wild Wasabi
190 Ribbon Originals Beachfront*
190 Ribbon Originals District*
190 Ribbon Originals Fairy Tale
190 Ribbon Originals Jersey*
190 Ribbon Originals Sherbert
190 Ribbon Originals Theater
191 Ribbon Striped Grosgrain Wild Wasabi*
182 Rub-Ons Cherished Memories*
182 Rub-Ons Eastern Elegance*
182 Rub-Ons Urban West*
174 Simply Scrappin' Boho Blend
174 Simply Scrappin' Confetti
172 Simply Scrappin' Crew Kids Boy
173 Simply Scrappin' Crew Kids Girl
175 Simply Scrappin' Home Again
174 Simply Scrappin' Rose Cottage
173 Simply Scrappin' Special Delivery Boy
173 Simply Scrappin' Special Delivery Girl
175 Simply Scrappin' Summer Days
175 Simply Scrappin' Tie The Knot
15 Simply Sent Friendly Notes
16 Simply Sent Simple Delights
16 Simply Sent Three Thoughts
197 Stampin'Around Wheel Daisy Field
197 Stampin'Around Wheel Garden Annuals
197 Stampin'Around Wheel Good Dog
197 Stampin'Around Wheel Kisses
197 Stampin'Around Wheel Lily Pad
197 Stampin'Around Wheel Meow
197 Stampin'Around Wheel Mistletoe
196 Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheel Basics Outline
196 Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheel Birthday
196 Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheel Dilly Dally Baby
196 Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheel Dilly Dally Friends
196 Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheel Dilly Dally Party
196 Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheel Leaves A La Carte
196 Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheel Nature Hike
196 Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheel Petals
196 Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheel Rough Texture
196 Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheel Spunky Spots
193 Stampin' Color Index Labels (note - these are still in the new catalog, just with the NEW In Colors...)
194 Stampin' Kids Markers
185 Stipple Brushes
183 Zig Painty

Wild About Pumpkin Pie!

I have a couple colors that I'm really "digging" right now... Old Olive (as shown in a recent post) and Pumpkin Pie. Not necessarily together, mind you! ...but hey, that could work? In any case, here's another card I created before my Scottish guests arrived, and it's full of Pumpkin Pie!

My favorite part is the lion's head. I stamped the lion three times - twice with Apricot Appeal and once with Pumpkin Pie - and then cut out the different pieces to layer it together. The pieces are raised up with Dimensionals to give it a 3D look. Here's a better view:

There's no other tricks... so here's the recipe!

Stamp Sets: Wild About You, Paisley background
Ink: Pumpkin Pie, Apricot Appeal, Basic Black
Cardstock: Pumpkin Pie, Basic Black, Apricot Appeal, Whisper White
Accessories: Narrow Grosgrain ribbon in Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie, and Apricot Appeal

Oh, and the Retiring Accessories List will be posted tomorrow (Monday), so stay tuned and I'll keep you informed!

The 20th Card

With all that's been going on around here (and, by the way, I'm still not done with houseguests... had my cousin's family here the other night and I've got my in-laws all coming next week!)... I haven't had a chance to follow up on the challenge I issued in June! Remember how I stated that I would send out 20 cards in June? Well, I did it! I showed you most of them, but here's the last one that went out. It was for a dear friend of ours who lost his mother in a tragic accident.

There's no real tricks here, so I'm just going to leave you with the recipe.

Stamp Sets: Fresh Cuts, Close as a Memory
Ink: Mellow Moss, Bravo Burgundy
Cardstock: Mellow Moss, Always Artichoke, Bravo Burgundy, Whisper White
Accessories: Bravo Burgundy eyelets, Bravo Burgundy Grosgrain ribbon,
Tools: Crop-a-Dile, Stamping Sponge, Photo Corners Punch

July Ribbon Share

I don't think I've posted this information here on my blog yet... my July Ribbon Share is in full swing! I've got several groups already full, but I don't want to leave anyone out! It was mentioned in my latest Stamp Link Newsletter, but if you don't subscribe, then you wouldn't know. You can subscribe by following the link down in the left sidebar, by the way.

In any case, I'm doing the other 8 colors of Narrow Grosgrain. This includes Basic Black, Very Vanilla, More Mustard, Pretty in Pink, Bravo Burgundy, Night of Navy, Bashful Blue, and Mellow Moss. You will receive approximately 3 yards of each color for a total of $12.00. If you are interested in participating, I'll need to know by July 20th! Anyone in the US can participate - demonstrator or not. Contact me right away and I'll send over an invoice.

Now for a card using one of these colors. I made this one before my Scottish guests arrived... I'm still just trying to get caught up!

I watercolored this beautiful butterfly with my Watercolor Wonder Crayons and an Aquapainter using mostly Elegant Eggplant. The image comes from Touch of Nature which is going to retire in a couple weeks. The sentiment was colored with Stampin' Write Markers so I could make the "One" part stand out. Of course, those Rhinestone Brads are attention-getters all on their own!

Recipe:
Stamps Sets: Touch of Nature, One of a Kind
Ink: Black StazOn, Basic Black & Elegant Eggplant Stampin' Write Markers
Cardstock: Old Olive, Basic Black, Bali Breeze DSP, Watercolor Paper
Accessories: Basic Black Narrow Grosgrain ribbon, Ice Rhinestone Circle brads
Tools: Large Oval punch, Cutter Kit, Watercolor Wonder Crayons, Aquapainter

Happy Birthday from Sarah!

Look! Birthday cards are still trickling in! Here's one I received in the mail yesterday from a fellow SU! demonstrator. This was made by Sarah Groven, and you can see more of her work on her team blog.

What impresses me most about this card is that I would've never dreamed of using Pumpkin Pie and Always Artichoke together, but they look fabulous! Isn't that the strangest thing? What sounds weird in your head looks great once it's carried out! Sarah used one of my favorite sets - Blossoms Abound - which is getting ready to retire. Boo hoo! She also used a sentiment from Stem Sayings. The Photo Corners punch up in the right-hand corner does a great job of filling in that blank space. Great card, Sarah!!

Retirement Sales Event Starts NOW!

I've been talking about it... and now it's time! From July 15th through the 24th, I will be holding a Catalog Retirement Sales Event! This is a chance for you to grab all those retiring sets that you can't live without! Keep in mind, however, that my sale applies to ALL catalog merchandise, not just retiring items. Here are the details:

Order $50,
receive 5% off!

Order $100,
receive 10% off!

Order $150,
receive 15% off PLUS
a Hostess Level I stamp set of your choice and
$15 in additional FREE merchandise!

Order $200,
receive 15% off PLUS
a Hostess Level I stamp set of your choice,
$20 in additonal FREE merchandise, and
a FREE Idea Book & Catalog (to be released August 11)!

Order $250,
receive 15% off PLUS
a Hostess Level I stamp set of your choice,
$25 in additional FREE merchandise, and
a FREE Idea Book & Catalog (to be released August 11)!

Order $300,
receive 20% off PLUS
a Hostess Level I OR Level II stamp set of your choice,
$35 in additional FREE merchandise, and
a FREE Idea Book & Catalog (to be released August 11)!

...In addition, for every $50 you spend during my sale (before tax & shipping), you will receive one chance in a drawing for a FREE stamp set from my stash. The drawing will be held on June 25th and the winner will be notified via e-mail with a listing of the stamp sets I have available.

...and finally, the person with the highest merchandise total (before tax & shipping), will ALSO receive a FREE stamp set from my stash!

Contact me right away to take advantage of this Sales Event! I only do this once a year, and I've never offered a 20% discount before!!

The fine print:
I need to receive payment in full by 10pm on July 24th in order to participate in this sales event. Payment can be made via PayPal or credit card. This sale applies to current Catalog merchandise only - not my Ribbon Shares, already retired stamp sets, etc. Your order amount is the total of the merchandise before tax, shipping, and free items. This sale applies to US residents ONLY as I cannot ship across International borders.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Welcome Baby Paul!

Although I have been so grateful for all the cards I've been able to show you these last couple weeks, it's also nice to finally begin showing you my own work once again! I made this card a while back in anticipation of my friend Melanie's new baby. She had him on July 3rd, and with all that's been going on over here, I haven't had a chance to pop in and see them until today! But oh, what a cutie he is!!

I made this card using the Year After Year and Sweet Thing stamps sets - BOTH of which are retiring in a few short weeks! I also used the Classic Alphabet which has already retired. I watercolored the elephant with Watercolor Wonder Crayons, and roughed up the edges with the Cutter Kit.

Mel, he's simply adorable... enjoy every moment with him!

Recipe:
Stamp Sets: Year After Year, Sweet Thing, Classic Alphabet (retired), Warm Words
Ink: Bashful Blue, Old Olive, Black StazOn
Cardstock: Bashful Blue, Brocade Blue, Summer Picnic DSP, Naturals White, Watercolor Paper
Accessories: Linen Thread, Bashful Blue Taffeta Ribbon
Tools: Cutter Kit, Watercolor Wonder Crayons, Aquapainter, Word Window punch

Happy Birthday from Ali!

Here is the final birthday card I received... (unless any others are on their way!). This one comes from Alison and you can view more of her work by visiting her blog! I'm so excited for Ali, as she will have a card published in the November issue of Paper Crafts Magazine! I can't wait to see it!

On this card, Ali used the Embrace Life and Tres Chic stamps along with Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose, Soft Sky, Certainly Celery, and Very Vanilla cardstock. The little pink flowers were made with the Boho Flower punch and they have a dab of Crystal Effects in the center. I also like how she used the Color Spritzer on the pink background.

Another great card! Thanks, Ali, for helping me celebrate!

Happy Birthday from Tabitha!

Well, I'm very sad to report that my lovely Scottish houseguests have flown back to their own soil... and as Forrest would say, "That's all I have to say about that." (if I said any more I'd get emotional all over again).

Here is another fantastic birthday card I received! This one is from Tabitha, and you can see more of her talent by visiting her blog - I am completely flattered to be on her short list of blogs she "must" visit every day! What an honor, Tabitha!

I really like this card... I don't have this stamp set, but it makes me want it! The "...is for Birthday" part is on the inside matted the same way the "B" is here on the front. These colors are Soft Sky and Blue Bayou - both about to retire, so get 'em while you can because they look so fabulous together as you can clearly see! The patterned paper on the bottom is the Blue Bayou Prints , the stamp set is Just B, and the ribbon is the Blue Bayou double stitched grosgrain. This is a wonderful monochromatic card, Tabitha - I've even had compliments on it as it's been sitting here next to my computer waiting to be published!

If I'm not mistaken, I have just one more card to show you, and it's the one I just received a couple days ago from Ali. Then I promise to get back to showing you cards made by yours truly!

Happy Birthday from Seletta!

I only have a few short hours left with Audrey and her family... as I write this, they are peacefully sleeping in on their last morning in America. In just a bit, I need to prepare a nice pancake breakfast for them... and then it will be time for those painful goodbyes...

In the meantime, I also still need to show you a few more cards I've received for my recent birthday! Here's a gorgeous one from Seletta!

She used one of my favorite stamp sets on this one - Blossoms Abound - which is going to retire in just a few short weeks! Look how she glitzed it up with some chunky glitter! She also did a faux tile background which looks fabulous behind the blossoms! Seletta, thank you so much for helping me celebrate my birthday!

...off to heat up the griddle!

Happy Birthday from Jennifer!

I only have a couple more days with our friends from Scotland... *sob* We've had so much fun and I'm not ready for it to end. Just 5 years ago TODAY, Audrey and I met... (ONLINE, remember?!) and look at us now! If it weren't for that big ocean between us, we'd be inseperable.

Now for another card I received - and LOOK! It's another blue and red one! That may just be my new favorite color combo! This one comes from Jennifer Greeley and you can view more of her fabulous work by checking out her blog!

For this card, Jennifer used the For a Friend hostess stamp set and the Sprinkles stamp set. The colors are Ruby Red, Soft Sky, and River Rock, along with some Western Sky DSP. Some Whisper White narrow grosgrain ribbon finishes it off. I just love it!! Thank you so much, Jennifer!!

Now for some business items I've been neglecting... as you've already discovered, I did not send out a July 1st Stamp Link Newsletter. When our guests depart, I will get to work on that. But here are some things to keep in mind:

Current Ribbon Share: My July Ribbon Share is the other 8 colors of Narrow Grosgrain ribbon (we did the first 8 in June). So July includes Basic Black, Very Vanilla, More Mustard, Pretty in Pink, Bravo Burgundy, Night of Navy, Bashful Blue, and Mellow Moss. The share includes 3 yards of each color for a total of $12.00. If you are interested in joining the share this month, please send me an e-mail and I will send you an invoice. I need those requests no later than July 20th!

Catalog Retirement Sales Event: I promised you a sale, and it's getting closer! Remember the dates of my sale will be from July 15th through the 24th. The structure of it will be very similar (but maybe a little better!!) to the sale I held last year, and you can read those details in this post. My upcoming Newsletter will have it all detailed for you, so if you have not signed up to receive it, do so by following the "Stamp Link Newsletter" link on the left sidebar.

Blog Candy: I promised a bit of blog candy for the wonderful people who sent me birthday cards so I wouldn't have to "work" too hard while my guests are here! I will be doing that drawing by the middle of next week, so stay tuned! As of right now, the participants of that draw are (in no particular order, and I have yet to show you two of these cards): Melanie T., Janet P., Cindy R., April W., Jennifer G., Pattie S., Seletta H., Tabitha A., Darleia C., and Marelle T. Please let me know if I've left anyone off the list!! Edited to Add: I just received a beautiful card from Ali M., so she will be included in this list as well!

I think that's it for now... or else it's all I have time for! I've got bacon & eggs to make just now! Again, please be sure to sign up for my Stamp Link Newsletter if you haven't already, as I'll have an issue going out by Monday or so.

Happy Birthday from Pattie!

Here's a fantastic card I received from a new friend in Houston - Pattie! She had the idea for this card for a long time, and then executed it brilliantly!

The gifts on the front are framed by square metal tags, and she used some Cutie Pie DSP as wrapping paper. Then she tied some Silver metallic thread around them. They are attached to a piece of vellum, which is sandwiched between the Saffron and Bashful Blue cardstock...

...and then the packages are repeated here on the inside with two other patterns of the DSP! Isn't it fabulous?! Her sentiment is on the inside of the card.

Pattie, you did a great job - I love to see new ideas like this! Thanks for all the work you put into it!

Happy Birthday from Janet!

Here's another great birthday card I received! This one is from my good friend, Janet, who also happens to be on my team. She joined Stampin' Up! last year and is so very talented, as you can see here:

There is just something about the combination of a soft blue and a vibrant red that I really like (see this post for another one). Janet used Soft Sky, Blue Bayou, River Rock, and Real Red, along with some stamps from the Big Bold Birthday set. I'm assuming she used the Coluzzle to cut the big red circle, and then attached it to the DARLING cupcake using some Soft Sky double stitched grosgrain ribbon and a Rhinestone brad. Just beautiful, Janet! I love it!!

I still have a few more to show you this week - which is perfect, because I still have another week with our precious friends. We are having the time of our lives and I know that Saturday will be a very, very sad day for me... I won't even think about that now.

PS: To answer a comment about Darleia's card, those flowers are from True Friend.

Happy Birthday from Darleia!

This gorgeous card travelled a very long way to cheer up my day! This is the work of the talented Darleia, up in Alaska!

Darleia used a lot of great embellishments on this card - from Rhinestone brads, to Rub-ons, to Paper Piercing, the Cutter Kit, and my favorite Old Olive Wide Grosgrain ribbon! The flowers are raised up with Dimensionals, which adds to the layered look. The colors are Only Orange and either Rose Red or Purely Pomegranate - can't quite tell, but either would look terrific! Fantastic card, Darleia! This was a lot of work. Thank you so much!!

Happy 4th of July, everyone! I still have several more cards to show you, so stay tuned!! ...you've all been SO supportive in sending me these great cards so I can visit with my dear friends. We're having a fantastic time together!!

Happy Birthday from April!

Oh, I'm having such a wonderful time with our friends!! It's hard to steal a few minutes to do a post, but I've received several more birthday cards, and I want to show them to you! Here's a wonderful card I received from April, a good friend of mine here in Texas.

Isn't it fun? She used one of my favorite sets - Baroque Motifs! You can never go wrong when you use that set! Although this looks very similar to Pale Plum, that's not exactly the color she used. The brown could be Chocolate Chip - and the combination of Pale Plum and Chocolate Chip would be stunning as well! April - great card! And thank you for your kind words inside... it was good to see you at the last Stamp-a-Stack! Hope to see you again soon!

Hodgepodge Hardware on SALE!

Happy July to everyone! I know that because it's the 1st of July, I would normally have three new Stamp-a-Stack cards for you... but I have decided (with great reluctance) that I will not be holding a Stamp-a-Stack in July. Not only do I have houseguests for the next two weeks, but then I have a cousin and his family coming to stay for a night, and then I have my sister-in-law and her family, as well as my mother-in-law (who's coming to watch the kids for me while I attend the Stampin' Up! convention later this month!). So, all of this means that I will only have one week with just my own family in the house during this entire month! I love it, don't get me wrong!! But trying to plan and hold a Stamp-a-Stack, let alone designing the cards, is just not going to be possible this month.

BUT... I've also decided that instead of the Stamp-a-Stack, I will be holding another Catalog Retirement Sale this month! I did this last year - see this post to read the details from that event. I will do something similar this time, and I'll be sharing those details in the next few days. What I can tell you right now is that I will hold this event from July 15 - July 24 (the time in which I will not have houseguests!), so stay tuned!

For now, let me share with you that Stampin' Up! has just announced a special promotion on Hodgepodge Hardware! From now until supplies last, you can purchase the soon-to-be-retired Aged Copper, Antique Brass, or Pewter Hodgepodge Hardware for 25% off! Instead of $27.95, the cost is only $20.96! Contact me if you'd like to take advantage of this great sale!