3amStamping Pad

New Stampin' Up!® Catalog-Got Yours?

Stampin' Up!® launched its 2012-2013 Annual Catalog today - did you get yours?  If not, click here to join my catalog mailing list and I'll get one out to you soonest!  In the mean time, take a look:

Only 34 Hours Left...

... until Stampin' Up!® retires a lot of favorite stamp sets and accessories.

Some of the accessories are still available, but they're going fast!  The stamp sets will be all available up until 10:50pm Pacific Time on May 31st.  Don't miss out!  Click the Order Online Button in the far right column and get preferred pricing, too!

Remembering

Honoring the Fallen Heroes.
With Gratitude to Veterans and those on Active Duty or in Reserve.

Many, many thanks.

Good Luck, Indy 500 Racers!

Especially ABC's Dancing with the Stars Season Five Champion, Helio Castroneves!  I'm not a big fan of racing, but I am a huge fan of DWTS!  Helio has also won the Indianapolis 500 before!

I didn't have any Indy Car images handy (the Stampin' Up!® car image retired a few years ago... but it wasn't an Indy Car), so I used the car from the Need for Speed Stamp Set (#122715, wood-mount; #122717, clear-mount).

I also used Melon Scented Stampin' Emboss Powder (#127034) with Always Artichoke from the Regals Collection Craft Stampin' Spots* (#119717), then I found out they're no longer available.  You can substitute by stamping the images with the Always Artichoke Classic Stampin' Pad (#105219), then stamping over them with the VersaMark Pad (#102283).

Other Supplies Used: Lucky Limeade (#122926) and Whisper White (#100730) 8-1/2" x 11" Card Stock; Sincere Salutations Stamp Set* (#115068); Artichoke Denim Jean Ribbon (#125054); Always Artichoke from the Regals Patterns Designer Series Paper Stack (#117154); SNAIL Adhesive (#104332)

What did you think of the race?  Who is your favorite racer?  Please post in comments below!

 

Fill a Little Box with Wishes

One of my most cherished gifts was from my daughter when she was a little girl: a little box of love.  I took this idea for today's project and converted it into a little box of wishes!

Supplies Used: Sincere Salutations Stamp Set* (#115068); Poppy Parade from 2010-2012 In Color Stampin' Write Markers* (#119801) & Concord Crush Classic Stampin' Pad* (#119785); Peach Parfait, Pear Pizzazz & Blushing Bride from 2010-2012 In Color 8-1/2" x 11" Card Stock Assortment (#119797); Glossy White Card Stock (#102599); Fire Circle Rhinestone Brads* (#109110); Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine (#113439); Pillow Box Bigz Die* (#113466-sold out); Finial Press Textured Impressions Embossing Folder* (#115963); Flower Burst* (#114515) & Sweetest Stem* (#114513) Embosslits; Decorative Label Punch (#120907); Sticky Strip (#104294); Bone Folder (#102300)

Tips:  Cut out your Pillow Box first, then emboss it in the Textured Impressions Folder with the crease lines face down.  Pinch the score lines after embossing and crease with Bone Folder as needed.  Use the Bone Folder to burnish the Sticky Strip so it adheres to the flap well.  Leave the box unassembled to attach your embellishments... it's easier to do when the box is flat.

I used random left-over die cuts and punch-outs for the wishes that go inside.  You can also put in treats or notes or trinkets... whatever you like!

The Stampin' Up!® items marked with an asterisk * are retiring as of the 31st and some of them are on sale!  To order, click on the Order Online Button in the far right column or on the links in the supply list and you'll be taken to my Online Store!  You'll get Preferred Pricing, too!!

Announcing: the 3am Stamper's iClub

I am starting my first Virtual Club - the 3am Stamper's iClub - on June 1st.
 
In a nutshell, here's how it works:

• Sign up for the iClub and be put on the club mailing list and receive the latest catalog.
• Place a minimum order of $35 in current catalog product between the 1st and the 10th of the month.
• Receive  my exclusive Online Bonus Class (typically, a $27 value) for the month - with lifetime access! This class is only available to iClub members and will not be offered anywhere else!
• Repeat steps 2 and 3 for 5 more months, then you may quit or continue as you prefer!

To see more details, click this link. Note, the iClub begins June 1, 2012, so there is no Online Bonus Class for May.

Cracked Glass Look on a Card

As promised, here is the complete card I made with the Cracked Glass Look technique from yesterday's post.
As you can see, I left it all-purpose, but you could easily add a greeting in the lower part of the card front!

Supplies Used: Bordering on Romance Stamp Set (#125480, wood-mount; #125482, clear-mount); Pink Pirouette (#111351) and Regal Rose (#105130) 8-1/2" x 11" Card Stock; Flirtatious Specialty Designer Series Paper* (#122360); Basic Gray Classic Stampin' Pad** (#109120); VersaMark Pad (#102283); Daffodil Delight (#119677), Regal Rose** (#105108) and Wild Wasabi** (#120975) Stampin' Write Markers; Sticky Sheets* (#114300); Pretty in Pink 5/8" Satin Ribbon* (#117289); Vanilla Scented Stampin' Emboss Powder (#125590); Embossing Heat Tool** (#100005); SNAIL Adhesive (#104332); Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430)

Items marked with an asterisk '*' are retiring at the end of this month.  Items marked with two asterisks '**' are being reconfigured and will be changed in the new catalog June 1st.

Have you tried the Cracked Glass Look technique yet?  Email me at mary@3amstamper.com and attach a picture/photo/scan of your project.  I'll be glad to share it here!  Plus, if you're on my mailing list, include the list of supplies used and you'll be eligible for my monthly contest.  To sign up for my mailing list, fill out the form in the near right column.

Sticky Sheets Make Antique Cracked Glass Look

Sticky Sheets (#114300-retiring at the end of this month) are a heat-resistant adhesive, so they're great for embossing as well as holding things together!

I was going for a faux tile effect, then decided to do the Cracked Glass look.  The Sticky Sheet gave it a nice aged effect.

Here's how to get it:

1. Stamp and color image on card stock.
2. Adhere card stock face down on Sticky Sheet.  Trim to fit.
3. Remove red liner and coat entire surface with clear embossing powder.  Tap off excess and heat with embossing heat tool.
4. Coat with VersaMark Pad (#102283), then with embossing powder again, then heat and repeat once or twice more.
5. Place "tile" flat in freezer compartment.  Let chill for 20 to 30 minutes.
6. Remove from freezer and bend card stock so that cracks appear.

If you don't get the cracking you like, put it back in the freezer for a few more minutes and re-bend.

I'll show you the whole project tomorrow, so check back.

Got a question about a technique, product or tool?  E-mail me at mary@3amstamper.com or post your question below.  I'll respond directly to your e-mail and post the answer here.

Quick Card With Movers & Shapers Die

I love to make cards quickly and one of my favorite tools is the Movers & Shapers Curly Label Bigz XL Die* (#114506) for the Big Shot Die-Cut Machine (3113439).  It's retiring at the end of this month, along with the companion Magnetic Window Dies: Holiday Windows* (#116821) and Punch Windows* (#115953).
The Movers & Shapers Die cuts a 4-1/4" x 11" card with a window in one pass through the Big Shot.  The die comes with the Curly Label Magnetic Window that you can position anywhere on the card front.  Your card can be top-fold or side-fold, depending upon how you place the window.  Just remember that you are cutting the card face-down, so your window will be on the opposite side of the card front.  I used a 6" x 12" piece of Poppy Parade from the 2010-2012 In Color 12" x 12" Card Stock Assortment (#124338) so I wouldn't have to take the time to line up the card stock on the die.

I attached a 2-1/2" x 4" strip of Peach Parfait from the 2010-2012 In Color Patterns Designer Series Paper Stack* (#117158) embossed with the Finial Press Textured Impressions Embossing Folder* (#115963) I inked with the Poppy Parade Classic Stampin' Pad* (#119782).  I ran SNAIL Adhesive (#104332) close around the opening to position the image I wanted, then pressed it into place and adhered the rest of the piece on the back.

The rest of the supplies used: Vintage Vogue Stamp Set* (#117690, wood-mount; #118598, clear-mount); Whisper White Craft Stampin' Pad (#101731); Vanilla Scented Stampin' Emboss Powder (#125590); Embossing Heat Tool** (#100005); Peach Parfait 1/2" Stitched-Poly Ribbon* (#119264).

As you can see,it's easy to make your own cards quickly with the Movers & Shapers Die.  But it's on the retiring list, so it (and the other items marked with an asterisk*) will be gone by the end of this month or whenever supplies run out, if earlier.  If you already have the die-great, you can still ge the Magnetic Windows to enhance your card-making versatility!  Click one of the links above or the Order Online Button in the far right column to get to my Online Store and receive preferred pricing!

Scrapbook Yourself, Too!

While I've been battling to get my new computer set up and my internet access working, I thought about doing a scrapbook of myself as art therapy.  I found that as I worked to change elements on the page, I relaxed and my frustration went away!

This page was made totally from My Digital Studio (#118108) with nothing added!  I used the Sunny Day Album Template and made a few changes... and there you have it!  A complete page in minutes!  The album templates included in the software make your scrapbooking frustration-free!

So now you can see what I do for art therapy: make scrapbook pages and color my hair!  My hair coloring with turquoise dye is art therapy for my hairdresser, too!  What do you like to do for art therapy?  Please post in comments below!

Having Computer Issues

Sorry to be so sporadic lately, but I'm installing a new system and getting it to work. I hope to be back to normal in the next couple of days.

Thank you for your patience and understanding!

Happy Mother's Day!

For all you Moms, As-Good-As-Moms and Mr. Moms:  Happy Mother's Day!  And keep up the great work!! 

I made a photocard template that is also a scrapbook page - the Happy Mother's Day message is on the inside!  This was done with My Digital Studio (#118108) Digital Design Software as it comes in the box!  No additional Digital Downloads!

Try digital designing yourself with the My Digital Studio Express (#129600) free 30-day trial!  It's a streamlined version that lets you get started without a lot of extras, so you get to learn the mechanics before you go shopping for more!  Just click the preceeding link, then let me know what you think in Comments below!

Mother's Day Matchbox

Fill this box with a tiny trinket or two and watch Mom's eyes light up!  It's easy to make with your Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine (#113439) and 6-1/2"x 5-1/2" pieces of card stock!

Here's the view looking straight down on the top:

Be sure to line up the card stock pieces with their die-cut lines on the Matchbox Bigz XL Die (#114890), they should touch edge to edge.  When you are ready to emboss the wrapper, make sure the short side flap is outside of the embossing folder.  This gives you better adhesion.

Supplies Used: Teeny Tiny Wishes Stamp Set (#115370); Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine* (#113439), Matchbox Bigz XL Die* (#114890); Finial Press Textured Impressions Embossing Folder* (#115963); Concord Crush Classic Stampin' Pad* (#119785); In Color 2010-2012 Smooth 12" x 12" Card Stock Assortment* (#124338); Fleurettes II Crocheted Flowers* (#115604); Fire Circle Rhinestone Brads* (#109110); Sticky Strip (#104294)

The products I marked with an asterisk are still available, but limited as they will be retiring the end of this month.  I'll miss them, won't you?  To make sure you don't miss out on getting your favorites on the Retiring List, click on any of the preceeding links or on my Order Online Button in the far right column!  You can browse and shop - and get preferred pricing!

Idea for Teacher (or Anyone) Appreciation

Since it's National Teacher Appreciation Week, I thought this card would be a good one to send to a teacher friend.  It will also work for other special people!

Inside, you can write "That's What You Are!" or similar sentiment to show appreciation.

I originally designed this card to show you the bow made from the Pleated Satin Ribbon (Stampin' Up!® doesn't have it in the new Annual Catalog--but it could show up in the Holiday Seasonal Catalog in August - stay tuned!).  An easy way to pleat your own ribbon is to use SNAIL Adhesive (#104332) and pinch the pleats together, then sew with a very sharp needle.  SNAIL doesn't leave as much of a residue as Sticky Strip (#104294) and your ribbon stays softly folded rather than sharply creased as with the Fabric Adhesive Roll (#122194).

Other Supplies Used: Mouthwatering Stamp Set (#125675, Wood-Mount; #125677, Clear-Mount); Notes & Details Stamp Set (#122022, Wood-Mount; #122060, Clear-Mount); Very Vanilla (#101650), Baja Breeze (#111352) & Tangerine Tango (#111349) 8-1/2" x 11" Card Stock; 2010-2012 In Color Patterns Designer Series Paper Stack (#117158);  Neutrals Craft Stampin' Spots (#119719); Baja Breeze (#111833) and Early Espresso (#119670) Classic Stampin' Pads; Tangerine Tango Stampin' Emboss Powder (#123106); Embossing Heat Tool (#100005); Word Window (#119857) & Modern Label (#119849) Punches (I did not link to the retiring products that are being reconfigured-I think you'll like the new ones better!)

Got a question about a product or tool?  E-mail me at mary@3amstamper.com or post your question below.  I'll respond directly to your e-mail and post the answer here.

The Top Three Things I Love About Teaching

It's National Teacher's Day in National Teacher Appreciation Week!  Thanks to all you teachers out there!

This got me to thinking about the things I love most about teaching artistic rubber stamping & scrapbooking, and here are my Top Three:

#3 - Designing a project and practicing making it so I can teach you the best and easiest way to do it.

#2 - Showing you that yes, you are absolutely creative!

and

#1 - The look on your face when you've completed the project successfully and your friends are praising you!

Talk about job satisfaction!  I get this every day with my Stampin' Up!® Independent Demonstratorship!  Want to find out more about creating your own job satisfaction as a Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator?  Just click on the Having Your Own Business link in the near right column or e-mail me at mary@3amstamper.com.

Put Good Things for Mom in a Bitty Package!

You know how good things come in small packages?  Make one yourself to hold a gift of special earrings, a delicate necklace, a charm bracelet or even a ring!  You can do it quickly with the Bitty Box & Envelope Bigz XL Die (#115967) and your Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine (#113439)!

You can cut the box and envelope at the same time by laying a 5-1/2" x 7" piece of card stock over the box part and a 5-1/2" x 6" piece of patterned paper over the  envelope part.  You may need to shim the envelope side, but you can do it with one of the shims that comes with the Extended Premium Crease Pad (#117630) on top.

Supplies Used: Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine; Bitty Box & Envelope Bigz XL Die; Extended Premium Crease Pad; Extended Cutting Pads; You're A Gem Stamp Set*, Wood-Mount or Clear-Mount; Neutrals 12"x12" Card Stock Assortment-Soft Suede; Beau Chateau Designer Series Paper*; Rose Red 12"x12" Card Stock*; Pink Pirouette 12"x12" Card Stock*; Rose Red Classic Stampin' Pad; Boho Blossoms Punch; 3/16" Corner Punch; 1/16" Circle Handheld Punch; Rose Red 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon*; Pink Pirouette 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon (around the outside edge-you can't see it, sorry); SNAIL Adhesive; Sticky Strip; Pearls Basic Jewels; Large Pearls Basic Jewels**; Stampin' Dimensionals; Mini Glue Dots

Items marked with a * are retiring at the end of this month and only available while supplies last.  Items marked with ** are carrying over for the rest of this month from the Stampin' Up!® 2012 Occasions Mini Catalog.  I posed my Bitty Box and contents on a piece of Springtime Vintage Designer Fabric (#121817)*.

To order, click on the Order Online Button at the far right or any of the product links above.

Stampin' Up!® Occasions Carrying On...

... the stamp sets, that is!  Stampin' Up! has decided to carry over the 2012 Occasions Mini Catalog Stamp Sets into this month since there's such a short time between the end of the Mini Catalog and the beginning of the new Annual Catalog!  So you have a little more time to make sure you don't miss out on your favorites.  Just click on the catalog icon to browse!

A Golfing Day-Another Page

In my Handy Dandy Brag Book, I've got my grandson, Sean, on the first page.  I think the series of photos I took will work as a mini flip book-for faux animation.  We'll see when it's done and printed.

I designed this with My Digital Studio (#118108) and these additional Digital Downloads: Little Book of Coupons Designer Swatchbook Template (#126158); Play Date Designer Series Paper (#121438); Taffeta Trimmings (#129603).

Since it's National Scrapbooking Month, here's my latest poll on digital designing: Do You Like to Make Digital Scrapbooks?  Please respond below.

 

Online Surveys & Market Research

 

Cutwork Effect with Punches

My guest artist today is Dorothy Rose, who sent me this card that looks to be done entirely with punches or punches & die-cuts.  I love the cutwork effect... and she did it with her favorite images: leaves!

Try the cutwork effect yourself with a border punch or die.  E-mail me a copy to mary@3amstamper.com and I'll post it here!

Take A Breath-Some Goodies Continue

Stampin' Up!® released the 2012 Occasions Mini Catalog Carry-Over list a day early, so you can breathe a little easier while you're shopping the Retiring Lists.  You can download a copy of the list by clicking on this link.

Download 2012OccasionsMiniCarry-Over

I made this Quick Card during my Purple Mood (click for my previous post).  It features items from the Retiring Lists and the 2012 Occasions Mini Catalog that are not on the list.

Occasions Mini Supplies: Mixed Bunch Stamp Set (#125535, Wood-Mount; #125537, Clear-Mount); Dazzling Details Glitter Glue (#124117-carried over from Holiday MIni); Sweet Shop Jelly Bean Brads (#125587)

Retiring Supplies: Elegant Thank You Stamp (#114484); 2011-2013 Textured 12" x 12" Card Stock Assortment (#124386); 2010-2012 In Color Patterns Designer Series Paper Stack (#117158); Concord Crush Classic Stampin' Pad (#119785); Mat Pack (#105826); Paper Piercing Tool (#116631)

Other Supplies: Whisper White 8-1/2" x 11" Card Stock; Wisteria Wonder Classic Stampin' Pad (#122936); Decorative Label Punch (#120907); Blossom Punch (#125603-carrying over from 2012 Occasions Mini);Sponge Daubers (#102892); SNAIL Adhesive (#104332)

If you have all your favorites and want to see the new Stampin' Up! 2012-2013 Annual Catalog right away, e-mail me your phone number and I'll get you on my list after we talk.