Congratulations, Heidi! Join Heidi in becoming a member of the Paperinkle Team – just $99!

Congratulations go out to Paperinkle’s team member, Heidi!

Heidi is a new demonstrator with Stampin’ Up! but she has already sold her first $1,000 in product and promoted to Senior Associate. So I thought making a card with some of our brand new product and giving her a great product sampler was a perfect way to celebrate! I can’t show you all of the great products in the sampler, however, I can give you a sneak peek by sharing her card!

New products available June 1st!

Join our Paperinkle team and get in on the fun –  I love spoiling my team members and customers both near and far!

Our new catalog is available now and orders begin June 1st!  But as a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator,  I can get my hands on some of the product early and that is always fun! Now is a great time to join Stampin’ Up!  For just $99 you can build your own starter kit by choosing $125 in current Stampin’ Up! product!  Your choice of product combined with the business starter pack is a total value of $190 and is yours for just $99! Product Kit Suggestions


join stamping up demonstrator

It’s recital time and that means… Bows!

My daughter is a fabulous dance teacher  - ok I admit it, I am slightly biased !  So, she spends a good portion of her Spring months preparing for recital. It’s crunch time for her with a huge recital coming up this weekend so she is adding rhinestones to costumes and crafting hair bows. Check these creations out…

Stampin Up! 2012 Retired List is Here!

The new catalog is right around the corner so that means, it’s time to reveal the 2012 Stampin Up! Retired Stamp List!

You have until May 31st or while supplies last to get your favorites. But remember, it’s until supplies last so if there is something you just can’t live without – order today!

Stampin’ Up! News – New Catalog coming out soon!

The New Catalog for Stampin’ Up! is less than two months away  - so now is the time to  get on my mailing list!

Annual Catalog

  • The annual catalog will run from June 1, 2012 through May 31, 2013.

Seasonal Catalogs

  • The Occasions, Summer, and Holiday Mini Catalogs will be replaced by two seasonal catalogs called the Holiday Catalog and the Spring Catalog.
    • The first Holiday Catalog will run from August 1, 2012 through the beginning of January, 2013
    • The first Spring Catalog will run from the beginning of January, 2013 through May 31, 2013.

Spring has Sprung Special! Gift with your online order now through April 2nd!

It’s vacation time  - so while I am away taking some time to play –  here’s a special just for you!  Place any online order through me and get double points in the Paperinkle Reward Club!  That’s right earn free stuff even faster!  But wait, there’s more!

Place an order of $50 or more and you will receive double reward club points and a make and take card kit to create 4 cards with envelopes.  Can’t get enough of Stampin’ up?  Well then, place an order of $100 or more and you will receive double points, a make and take kit to create 4 cards with envelopes, a sampler pack of 6 6×6 sheets of DSP.  Still want more? The go online and place an order of $150 or more and you will receive hostess benefits which start at $25 in product, double points, a make and take kit to create 4 cards with envelopes, a sampler package of 6 6×6 DSP and a sampler of items from our new Summer Smooches line – just as soon as it becomes available. And with the double points at $150 purchase you’ve earned your first Paperinkle Rewards Club Award with your very first purchase!

Place your order by 11:59 pm MT on March 31 and you will also receive 1 free sale-a-bration item for each $50 you purchase.  But hurry – this offer lasts only as long as my vacation – so get your orders in before April 3, 2012! To get this special offer, please make sure you are in my online store through Stampin’ Up! www.stampalot.stampinup.net

 

 

 

Hurry – the offer for free Designer Series Paper is about to end!

Now is a great time to become a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator!  Not only do you get to pick the items for your starter kit, and get more than $300 worth of Stampin’ Up! Product for the special kit price of $125 but you also get free DSP or a digital download each month for the rest of this year –  but only if you join by March 31, 2012!  And when you join my Paperinkle team in March 2012, and sell $1000 of product by the end of the year, I will give you a brand new Big Shot !  Now that’s a deal!

Check out all the great projects you can make with starter kit products. US_Starter_Kit_Sample_Sheet_0611-web

Want more information –  send me an email or click on the join our team link below for all the details!  vicki@paperinkle.com

Ready to sign up?  It’s easy go online and join my team today!

 

 

Technique Thursday: Stamping on Cookies

It’s March and almost St. Patrick’s Day ! Today’s Technique Thursday features Stampin’ on Cookies! 

Yep, it’s hard to believe that St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner but it’s a great excuse to surprise a friend with a homemade treat!

With a home baked cookie, a 4×6 cellophane bag, a piece of designer series paper, a doily cut from the big shote and a stamped embellishment you can pull together a great little gift. If you add a piece of cardboard behind the designer paper it makes for a more stable package.

Check out this one!Stampin' Up! Cookie Press Stamps

This cookie was made using Stampin’ Up! Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamp. The set comes with three stamps, perfect for Spring and two cookie recipes.

Tips and Tricks

Cookies come out best when the dough is thoroughly chilled. All you have to do is roll the dough in a ball and stamp it to squish it right on your baking sheet.  I’ve also had the best luck with recipes that do not have a leavening agent in them (think shortbread).

Here’s one of my favorite recipes:

Stamped Cookies

Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
2 Tablespoons Honey
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond or orange extract
2 3/4 cups all purpose flour
colored sugar
Beat the butter in a large mixing bowl with electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add sugar and beat until combined. Beat in egg, honey and vanilla until combined. Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer on medium speed. Stir in any remaining flour with wooden spoon. Shape dough into 1-inch balls, throughly chill, then place 1 1/2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Spray  cookie stamp lightly with nonstick cooking spray or brush with oil. Wipe off excess. Dip cookie stamp lightly in granulated sugar. Press the stamp firmly on ball till it’s about 1/4-inch thick. If you would like the colored sugar to appear only on the impression of the cookie stamp, wipe off excess sugar with your fingers before stamping cookies.
Bake at 375° F. for 6 to 8 minutes or until bottoms are lightly browned. Cool on cookie sheet one minute. Remove cookies and cool on wire rack. Makes about 36 cookies.

Leave me a comment and share your favorite recipe or St. Patrick’s Day treat or creation! 

 

What’s Up Wednesday! It’s time to sign up for Sip and Stamp!!

Live in the Raleigh area?  Looking for a fun Girl’s night out?  Join us for our next
Sip and Stamp –  we will enjoy beverages, light appetizers, great conversations, a few good laughs and make some terrific  craft projects to top it all off.

To make sure we can easily accommodate everyone and have plenty of room to craft, evenings are limited to the first 12 participants.   Classes are $20. Registration and pre-payment (via paypal: Vicki@paperinkle.com) required 7 days in advance.

April 21st, 4pm -7pm, April Showers Bring May Flowers  Sip and Stamp

In addition to light appetizers and non-alcoholic beverages, the sipping sampling includes: Plum Wine Cocktails, Prosecco and Bellini’s

Stamping Sampler:  Create a Bouquet of Paper Flowers and two spring themed cards

Sip and Stamps are limited to 12 people to make sure we have plenty of room to craft.

For more details – please email me Vicki@paperinkle.com

To RSVP by April 14, 2012 and join the fun: payment accepted through paypal, Vicki@paperinkle.com

 

Tip or Tool Tuesday! Crop-A-Dile

 

The Crop-a-dile (item number 108362) is a must have for your craft tool kit. Crop-A-Dile - by Stampin' Up! It is easy to use and punches holes through card stock, chipboard, fabric, leather, and other thick materials. You can punch holes through the top of a tin bucket then thread ribbon through for a great new look. You can also add eyelets to a leather belt or or snaps to your latest sewing creation.  It’s also great for punching a hole in an iPod case that you can then thread your headphones through!  But have you ever thought about using it to dry emboss?

Here’s a fun tag made with Wisteria Wonder and the Tea Shoppe Stamp set from our Occasions Mini. Can you spot the dry embossing made by the crop-a-dile around the edges?  All you need to of is use the eyelet setter and press indents into the card stock.

Here’s some other features & benefits of the Crop-A-Dile:

Silent eyelet setter and heavy-duty hole punch
Punches 3/16″ and 1/8″ holes
Punches easily through card stock, chipboard, fabric, leather, and other thick materials Top block includes

3/16″ eyelet setting spring-loaded post with concave setting surface

1/8″ eyelet setting spring-loaded post with flat setting surface Base block includes

3/16″ eyelet flare Medium flare 1/8″ eyelet flare

Be sure to read the instructions that are packaged with the Crop-A-Dile. Failure to follow usage instructions can damage the Crop-A-Dial and may void the manufacturer’s warranty.

Don’t be intimidated by the Crop-A-Dile’s appearanceCrop-A-Dile - by Stampin' Up!—it’s actually very simple to use. You just need to remember a few things:

Make sure you use the correct settings when you set eyelets (see the instructions that come with the packaging to see the proper way to set eyelets). If you put the eyelet in upside down and then set it, it will crimp onto your Crop-A-Dile instead of onto your card stock.

The Crop-A-Dile will punch through materials such as chipboard, leather, and thin tin, but won’t punch through stronger metals, such as stainless steel.
The top block is lettered, and the base block is numbered. For setting A1 for example, you would set the top block to A and the base block to 1.

Punching Holes

The hole punches have adjustable guides so you can set the depth that you want to punch holes, from 1/8” to 1” from the edge of your paper. Simply turn the screw on the hole punch to loosen the guide, slide the guide to the desired depth, and then tighten the screw.

What’s your favorite use for the Crop-a-Dile? 

MDS Monday! MDS Happy Birthday Card

Check out this great MDS Birthday card I received from Stampin’ Up!  And the best part, it came with an extra discount just for being a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator – just one of the many benefits!

Friday Favorites! Stampin’ Up! Pleated Ribbon

I love Stampin’ Up! Ribbon and find that it is great for not only embellishing cards but for all kinds of other ribbon crafts as well. The grosgrain lends itself perfectly to making corkscrew ribbons

Curly Corkscrew Ribbon, sold by the strip

and plenty of adorable barrettes.

 

 

 

 

 

However, some of my favorite ribbons are the new Pleated Ribbon by Stampin’ Up!  Not only does is come in great colors like Pear Pizzazz, Riding Hood Red, Blushing Bride and Baja Breeze but with it’s pleated texture it adds a flirty touch to any craft project.  But hurry!  Stampin’ Up! Pleated Ribbon is only offered in the Occasions Mini Catalog now through April 30th!  To order stop by my online store or if you are ready to try a sampler pack you can order a share through me today! 

Technique Thursday! Lining Envelopes

Lining an envelope to go along with a matching card is a fabulous finishing touch. I find the easiest way to line an envelope is to create a template from a envelope

Step 1, use extra envelope as a template

like the one you want to line. Simply pull it apart,

Step 2, pull apart envelope

trim off the bottom and sides,

Step 3, cut apart envelope- remove bottom and sides to leave remaining piece as liner template

then use that as a pattern and cut your liner to match your card.

Step 4, Use template to trace pattern on designer paper, cut out for liner

It just doesn’t get much easier than that!

Step 5, Cover back of liner with dots of snail adhesive, slide into envelope

 

What’s Up Wednesday! The Retired Elegant Soiree DSP – What a fun find!

I came across a package of one of my favorite retired designer series papers –  Elegant Soiree!  It coordinates beautifully with Baja Breeze, Soft Suede, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla and Basic Grey. The matching stamp set Always Elegant (120477 c, 116976 w) Always Elegant - Clear-Mount Stamp Set - by Stampin' Up! and wheel Elegance (120325)Elegance Standard Wheel - by Stampin' Up! are still available and provide endless opportunities to create classy cards!

Elegant Soiree also works well with the Apothecary Art set (125527 c, 125525 w)Apothecary Art - Clear-Mount Stampwhich is what I used to create this card!

Cardstock: Basic Grey, Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake

Ink: Basic Grey, Crumb Cake, Baja Breeze

Punch : Oinking Hearts Border (117649)

Big Shot Framelit Labels Collection

Very Vanilla Satin Seam Binding

And the best part –  I still have some retired Elegant Soiree 6×6 paper for sale!  Interested?

All the details are available here! 

Tip or Tool Tuesday! Let’s Get Sticky with it…

 

Adhesives!  There are so many out there so how do you choose? Check out this chart which is also found on page 206 of the Stampin’ Up! Idea Book:

 

To adhere paper to paper when you are making cards there are several choices:

Snail Adhesive, Sticky Strip,  Multi purpose liquid glue, dotto (temporary hold), 2 way glue pen, glue dots and anywhere glue sticks.

My two favorites are Sticky Strip and Snail Adhesive:

Sticky Strip - by Stampin' Up!
Sticky Strip 104294
Price: $6.95
This super-strong adhesive will hold together a box or pouch like a dream! It won’t lift, curl, distort, warp, or wrinkle. You can also use it to adhere other craft-related embellishments, such as beads, glitter, or embossing powder.■ Double-sided, pressure-sensitive acrylic adhesive.
■ Acid free
■ 1/4″ wide
■ 10 yards
■ Comes in a zippered plastic bag for convenient storage
Snail Adhesive - by Stampin' Up!
Snail Adhesive 104332
Price: $6.95
SNAIL Adhesive (simple, neat, affordable in-line) applies a controlled amount of adhesive directly to your project, so your hands and work area never get sticky. A small amount creates a strong bond, so your cartridge lasts a long time. We also have refills that slip right into the cartridge, so you’ll never find yourself without your SNAIL. You’ll love the adhesive, and it’s a great price, too!■ 472” of double-sided adhesive
■ Great for cards, scrapbooks, or other art projects
■ Keeps fingers and art pieces free from messy glue
■ Refill cartridges sold separately
■ Permanent; creates a strong bond

MDS Monday! Everything Easter!

Did you know that with My Digital Studio, you can create an Easter celebration right from your computer?  This great new download includes  basket boxes for favors; belly bands perfect for wrapping eggs, silverware, or napkin rings; table tents; an oversized 3-D egg centerpiece (simply score in half vertically and attach multiple together), and an Easter invitation photo postcard.  You can order the instant download to get started today! 

Everything Easter Ensemble -- Digital Download
Everything Easter Ensemble – Digital Download 129363
Price: $14.95
This download was added on 2/7/2012Download includes:
* 5″ x 3-1/2″ double-sided postcard designer template
* 7-page 11″ x 8-1/2″ décor designer template
* 9-page 8-1/2″ x 11″ décor designer template
* 18-piece stamp brush set
* 9 Designer Series Paper patterns
* 30 embellishments
* 1 punch
* Elements included individually for use on other coordinating projects
*Imagery coordinates with traditional Everybunny Stamp Set
Coordinating colors:
Basic Black, Blushing Bride, Certainly Celery, Crumb Cake, Daffodil Delight, Island Indigo, Lavender Lace, Pool Party, Pumpkin Pie, Very Vanilla, Whisper White

 

Big Shot Saturday! Half Cut Flip Card

TThe Big Shot and Labels Collection Framelit Dies are  perfect for creating a creative, fast easy and fun half cut flip card. To get this great look, you just need to place the acrylic cutting pad over the part of the card you want to cut.

This card uses:

Cardstock: Pool party, Calypso Coral

DSP: Sweet Shop

Stamp Set: Perfectly Penned

Big Shot Die – Framelits Label

 

I started with an 11″ x 4.25″ piece of pool party card stock and scored it at 5.5″ and 8.25″.

Next I lined up my labels framelit on the 8.25″ score line

and then covered the half that I wanted to cut with the acrylic cutting pad. Ran it through the big shot, decorated and done!

Friday Favorites! It’s Your Day!

One of the great things about being a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator is the opportunity to attend convention each year – its a fun filled time filled with friends, make-and-takes, lot’s of great ideas, and card swaps. Here’s a card we did as a make and take last year. It also makes a great template that is versatile to use for other stamp sets and designs:

Stamps: Raining Flowers Set (122765), It’s Your Day Set (123682)

Card Stock: Lucky Limeade (5.5″x 8.5″ scored at 4.25″ and folded in half), Whisper White (3.5″ x 4.25″ and another piece 2″x4″)

Classic Ink Pads: Basic Black, Cherry Cobbler, Island Indigo, Lucky Limeade and More Mustard

Accessories and Tools: Island Indigo 3/8″ ruffled ribbon; 5″, Old Olive 1/8″ taffeta ribbon, 5″; Pearl basic jewels, Stampin Dimensionals, mini glue dots, snail adhesive, bone folder, 1/2″ circle punch, paper snips, stamp-a-ma-jig, staples and stapler

Want more detailed instructions?  Sign up for our mailing list and you will receive them with the March Paperinkle Press! 

 

 

What’s Up Wednesday! It’s a Leap Day Special!

It’s Leap Day in a Leap year which only occurs in years divisible by four. So let’s celebrate and I will give you 25% off of any orders place through me by midnight tonight!  The 25% off applies to your product order (before shipping and tax). To take advantage of this great deal – email me:  Vicki@paperinkle.com your order, your shipping address and your preferred method of payment (Paypal or Visa, Mastercard, American Express or Discover).  And I will contact you with all the details to finalize your order. It’s that easy!

Remember – you will earn a stamp in the Paperinkle Rewards Club for each $30 product order (before tax and shipping)  so now is a great time to start moving towards free rewards!

Love our products so much you can’t decide what you want? Then you should join Stampin’ Up!  Become a Stampin’ Up Demonstrator as part of the Paperinkle Team during this Leap Day special and, in addition to the great special from Stampin’ Up! (a discounted kit and free DSP or MDS download each month you place an order in 2012), I will give you your choice of any stamp set in the current catalog after you place your first workshop or demonstrator order.  Combine that with your ability to pick the products that make up your kit and for $125, you can get close to $400 in product!  Now that’s a leap year worth celebrating!  Sign up here today, but hurry this is a leap day special! 

Tip or Tool Tuesday! Card Sizes and Measurements

Do you ever waste valuable craft time trying to remember measurements of standard card types?  If so, this post is for you!

Here’s a quick and easy reference guide:

Card Sizes from a Sheet of 8.5″ x 11″ Cardstock

A single sheet of 8.5″ x 11″ cardstock could create any of the following:

  • 1 folded card – 5.5″ x 8.5″
  • 2 single sided cards (postcard style) – 5.5″ x 8.5″
  • 2 folded cards  - 4.25″ x 5.5″
  • 2 gatefold cards (both edges folded into the middle) – 4.25″ x 5.5″
  • 2 tall cards (ideal for invitations or ‘checkbook style’ cards) – 2.25″ x 8.5″
  • 4 single sided cards (postcard style) – 4.25″ x 5.5″
  • 4 small folded cards (suitable for place settings) – 2.75″ x 4.25″
  • 8 small single sided cards (suitable for place setting holders) – 2.75″ x 4.25″

Folded Card  - 4.25″  x 5.5″ is one of the most common sizes  - here’s a handy template to help with cutting layers:

Standard Notecard 4.25 ” x 5.25″
Width “ Height “
.25″ layers 4.25 5.5
4 5.25
3.75 5
3.5 4.75
3.25 4.5
3 4.25
2.75 4
2.5 3.75
2.25 3.5
2 3.25
1.75 3
1.5 2.75
1.25 2.5
1 2.25

MDS Monday! Customer Question -So how do I learn to use My Digital Studio?

My Digital Studio comes with a quick start tutorial which makes it easy to get started right away.  There’s also a great website, mydigitalstudio.net, which features training instructions and videos as well as projects to make with step by step instructions. Training starts with beginning techniques and works up to the advanced ones so you can master the program, one step at a time. You will be an expert before you know it and never feel overwhelmed!  Still not sure, try it out for free with this 30 day free trial:

My Digital Studio 30 day free trial