Today is my 33rd wedding anniversary!  It really seems like we should be a lot older than we are to have celebrated that many years of wedded bliss!  I was 19 when we married – who has the maturity to make that kind of decision at 19?!  I tell people it was the best dumb decision I ever made because I could not imagine spending the years with anyone else by my side!  Bruce’s motto is, “God had a plan.”  Our faith has kept us.  God has gone before us, been in the middle of us and had our backs always.

This is us May 30, 1981:

And this is what has become of us:

Our daughter Ashley, her husband Josh and their son Sam (our grandson – woot woot!), along with our Son Jonathan, his wife Brooke (and a baby on the way – woot woot!).

And we shouldn’t forget these two:

Love my life so much – feeling blessed (and a little weepy) today!  Oh, and since this blog is about paper crafting below is a photo of the card I made for Bruce today.  I used the elements from the May My Paper Pumpkin kit but substituted the stamps to suit the day!

Thanks for strolling down memory lane with me today!

Masculine cards can get a little tricky especially for gals like me who enjoy a whole lot of bling on their cards!  With Father’s Day just a couple weeks away though it’s best to think manly man right?  This card fits the bill with the neutral colors, the sponging and a great stamp set!  Check out the video tutorial below to see just how easy this card was to put together and let me know what you think.

Dimensions:

Card Base = 8-1/2 x 5-1/2 inch Crumb Cake Card Stock

First Layer = 4 x 5-1/4 inch Early Espresso Card Stock

Stamped Layer = 5 x 3-3/4 inch Very Vanilla Cardstock

Third Layer = 3-3/4 x 1-1/2 inch Early Espresso Card Stock

Sentiment Layer = 3-/12 x 1-1/4 inch Very Vanilla Card Stock

Supplies:

Stamp Set:  Gorgeous Grunge 130514 (W) 130517 (C)

Ink:  Crumb Cake 126975, Midnight Muse (retiring) 126860

Card stock:  Crumb Cake 126975, Early Espresso 126974, Very Vanilla 101650

Take your passion for paper, stamps and ink to a new level! Beginning today (for a limited time only) you can choose from one of TWO Stampin’ Up! Starter Kits!

$99 STARTER KIT (choose up to $125 in products)
$50 STARTER KIT (choose up to $55 in products) – FOR A LIMITED TIME. Offer ends June 30, 2014
Choose up to $55 in product. This is a perfect way to REJOIN Stampin’ Up! or “test drive” all the perks of being a demonstrator with no obligation to purchase anything further!

With either starter kit, you can enjoy all Stampin’ Up! demonstrator discounts and benefits! – here are just a few highlights!

• Customize! Choose up to $55 ($50 kit) worth of any Stampin’ Up! products OR up to $125 ($99 kit) worth of any Stampin’ Up! products.
• A 30 percent discount on your first order (minimum $150 order placed within 45 days). The new catalog starts June 2 . . . Imagine getting 30% off all the new goodies!
• A 20 percent discount on all your orders.
• Free Paper Pumpkin Kit included with the starter kit.
• Free registration to our annual Convention (must be registered by the 20th of June and subject to availability). SEE BELOW!
• The starter kit ships FREE (another 10% savings).
• At a minimum, enjoy Stampin’ Up! discounts and benefits through October 31 (the end of the first FULL quarter plus a pending month) with no penalty to drop.
• Renew additional quarters if you reach $300 in purchases or sales.
• There’s no obligation to host workshops or purchase anything further.

Hobby Stampers Are Welcome Here!

READY TO GET STARTED?

 Retiring Items Sale!  

Get your favorite products before they’re gone for good! 

Retiring Stampin’ Up! Product Lists

• Retiring Stamps (available April 21 through June 2, or while supplies last.)

PDF

• Retiring Accessories (available April 21 through June 2, or while supplies last.)

  PDF

Neutrals Designer Series Paper Stack Item # 130132
3-1/2 Inch Circle Originals Die Item # 121811
Sweet Buttons Embosslit Die Item # 121813
Natural Composition Specialty Designer Series Paper Item # 126917
Full Heart Punch Item # 119883
Typeset Alphabet Bigz Die Item # 127553
Stripes Textured Impressions Embossing Folder Die Item # 123128
Spring To Life Kit – Digital Download Item # 133026

My Paper Pumpkin

Subscribe to My Paper Pumpkin and receive a kit delivered to your door each month – you are billed when the kit ships.  You may also order pre-paid subscriptions to My Paper Pumpkin in the length of your choice (1, 3, 6 or 12 months).  When you order you will be given a redemption code to redeem on mypaperpumkin.com.

Don’t forget to check out the New Arrivals and the

Clearance Rack as well!

Okay folks, this is my first attempt at using the new Stampin’ Blendabilities markers. These exclusive alcohol-based marker sets, come in a 3-pack of light, medium and dark shades (of the same color ) and provide your projects a more saturated look with blended colors.  Stampin’ Up! is currently working with their manufacturer to determine when the markers will be made available for purchase to our customers but as a Demonstrator I was allowed to pre-order select colors.  The man in brown delivered my box of goodies today and I couldn’t wait to open these up and give them a try!  The stamp set is called In This Together and will be available when the 2014/2015 Stampin’ Up! Catalog goes live on June 2nd.  If you would like a catalog find out how you can get one for FREE HERE!

Supplies:

Stamps:  In This Together 133866 (W) 133869 (C) Available June 2nd!

Ink:  Momento 1432708 Available June 2nd! Stampin’ Blendabilities Availability to be Determined

Card Stock:  Rich Razzleberry 115316, Brights Designer Series Paper Stack 130134

Accessories:  Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack 133787 Available June 2nd!, Rhinestone Basic Jewels 119246

These cute little favors each hold one of my favorite things – chocolate!  They are made using the Top Note Bigz Die that when folded in half is the perfect size for tucking in a Ghirardelli chocolate square.  Each of the gals who attended my May Seasonal Style Card Class had one sitting atop their class packet.  If you live in the Kansas City area and are interested in attending a class visit my Stampin’ Up! website here and click on the Events link for details.

Here is the video tutorial for making the Top Note Die Party Favor:

SUPPLIES:

Stamps:  Collage Curios 129102 (C) (Retired – no longer available)

Ink:  Crisp Cantaloupe 131176

Card Stock:  Crisp Cantaloupe 131298, Watercolor Wonder Designer Series Paper 1329974, Whisper White 100730

Accessories:  1″ Circle Punch 119868, 3/4″ Circle Punch 119873, Top Note Bigz Die 113463, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine 113439

Retired List Blowout Sale

Get excited! Stampin’ Up! is currently offering a 25%-50% discount on many of the retiring products, not including those products that are no longer available. This will be live on May 22, but you have to act fast, as this special offer is only available until June 4, 2014. If you missed out on a product the first time, this is your last chance to get it before it’s gone for good!

SHOP RETIRING ITEMS HERE!

The watercolor effect on this card was created using Stampin’ Up! Clear-Mount Blocks and Stampin’ Write Markers.  I used the Secret Garden stamp set – one of my fav’s that is retiring but is available through June 1st while supplies last.  See the video below for this technique’s “how to”.   Get your Picasso on and give it a try – you won’t believe how easy it is!

SUPPLIES:

Stamps:  Secret Garden 129144 (C), Too Kind 130447 (W) 130450 (C)

Ink:  Stampin’ Write Markers 2013-2015 In Colors 131260, Stazon Black 101406, Coastal Cabana 131175

Card Stock:  Whisper White 100730

Accessories:  Clear Mount Block C 118486, Whisper White Baker’s Twine 124262

I created this card for a sketch challenge.  It started with an idea in my head and many tweaks later this is the result!  The card is  4-1/4 x 4-1/4 inch square made with Whisper White card stock and the Fancy Foil Designer Vellum from the Occasions Catalog.  To make it extra fancy I embossed the sentiment by masking a stamp from the Love You to the Moon stamp set and used a VersaMark stamp pad and the Gold Stampin’ Emboss powder.

I’m so excited that the Fancy Foil Designer Vellum from the Occasions Catalog is being carried over into the 2014/2015 Stampin! Up! Catalog!  If you’re a Plaid Poodle Preferred customer a copy of the 2014/2015 Stampin’ Up! Catalog along with an In-Color bookmark and Wish List is on it’s way to you!  You’re a preferred customer if you’ve placed an order with me within the past 12 months.  If you’re not a preferred customer learn how you can get your FREE catalog HERE.

 SUPPLIES:

Stamps:  Love You to the Moon (available until June 1, 2014)  133140 (W) 133143 (C)

Ink:  VersaMark 102283

Card Stock:  Whisper White 100730, Gold Foil Sheet 132622, Fancy Foil Designer Vellum 133363

Accessories:  Gold Stampin’ Emboss Powder 109129, Gold Baker’s Twine 132975, Extra Large Oval Punch 119859

Retiring Stampin’ Up! Product Lists

Retiring items are available for order through June 1st.  Visit the links below for a complete list of remaining items.

• Retiring Stamps (available through June 2, or while supplies last.)
  • PDF

• Retiring Accessories (available through June 2, or while supplies last.)
  • PDF

Weekly Deals

SHOP WEEKLY DEALS HERE!

 New Arrivals

Check out all New Arrivals HERE!

Clearance Rack

SHOP ALL CLEARANCE ITEMS HERE!

Fabulous!

Today’s Fabulous card is made with three Fabulous new In-Colors and a Fabulous new stamp set from the 2014/2015 Stampin’ Up! Catalog!  The 2014/2016 In-Color card stock and inks were among a selection of preview items Demonstrators were able to order before the catalog goes live on June 2nd.  I’m just crazy over them!   This card uses the Blackberry Bliss, Hello Honey and Mossy Meadow card stock and inks.  The Work of Art stamp set I used was received by all Demonstrators who attended the Live Catalog Premiere Event in April.

If you’re a Plaid Poodle Preferred customer a copy of the 2014/2015 Stampin’ Up! Catalog along with an In-Color bookmark and Wish List is on it’s way to you!  You’re a preferred customer if you’ve placed an order with me within the past 12 months.  If you’re not a preferred customer learn how you can get your FREE catalog HERE.

Retiring Stampin’ Up! Product Lists

There’s just two weeks left to order Retiring Items.  Visit the links below for a complete list.

• Retiring Stamps (available through June 2, or while supplies last.)
  • PDF

• Retiring Accessories (available through June 2, or while supplies last.)
  • PDF

Weekly Deals

• Perfect Pennants Bigz Die Item # 123126
• Etcetera Designer Series Paper Item # 130129
• This And That Epic Day Designer Series Paper Item # 130814
• Flower Garden Textured Impressions Embossing Folder Die Item # 123113
• Tasteful Trim Bigz Die Item # 120893
• 3/16 Inch Corner Punch Item # 119871
• BBQ Blitz Ensemble – Digital Download Item # 130863
• Retro Fresh Designer Journaling Tags Item # 133526

 New Arrivals

Introducing Endless Birthday Wishes Photopolymer Set!

NEW! Stampin’ Up! Photopolymer Stamp Set – Endless Birthday Wishes, Item #137553, $13.95. The handwritten font and the versatility of these sentiments are perfect for birthday cards.  Recommended clear block sizes are A, B, and G (sold separately).

What makes photopolymer (transparent stamps) so great?

• They’re entirely transparent for perfect placement every time!

• Produce crisp, even images.

• Can you say sticky? (Don’t worry; in a good way.) These stamps stick amazingly well to Stampin’ Up! Clear Blocks

They are clearly a great choice!

Check out all New Arrivals HERE!

Clearance Rack

The theme for May’s Seasonal Style Class was masculine cards.  We made three cards and a gift bag.  I’m particularly fond of this card that I cased from another Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator, Sarah.  It uses one of my favorite stamp sets – Lovely As a Tree.  I like the texture from the embossed card stock and the Burlap Ribbon.  The coordinating gift bag is perfect for tucking in some sweet treats, fishing lures or golf tees for your favorite guy!

Here is a video tutorial for the bag.  Enjoy!

Gift Bag Dimensions:

Score 5 x 11-inch piece of Crumb Cake card stock in portrait mode at 1-1/2 inch.  Turn it to landscape mode and score at 1, 4, 5, 6, 9 and 10 inches.

Gift Bag Supplies:

Stamps:  Chalk Talk 130631 (W) 130634 (C)

Ink:  Old Olive 126953, Crumb Cake 126975

Card stock:  Crumb Cake 120953, Very Vanilla 101650

Accessories:  Chalk Talk Framelits 129983, Fancy Fan Embossing Folder 127751,  1-1/4″ Burlap Ribbon 132140, Old Olive 1/8-inch Taffeta Ribbon 119256, 1-3/8″ Circle Punch 119860, Big Shot Die Cutting Machine 113439

The renovation is over and I’m finally back in my craft studio and wanted to share a few “after” photos.  (View “before” photos HERE.)  I spent Mother’s Day weekend moving my stuff back in.   It’s so much fun having everything neat and tidy and organized!  Wonder how long it will last?  I’m an “Oscar” when I’m working (more about that HERE)!  There’s a lot more Stampin’ stuff to move in and I’m on the lookout for more storage pieces but for now I’m enjoying having my kitchen table back!

The move in timed perfectly for the May Seasonal Style Card Class to be held in the new space.  Here’s a photo of the ladies present at the Monday afternoon class.  They all look like they’re enjoying themselves right?!

I would love to hear about your craft space – where do you get your craft on?

Some of you may remember the Flood of 2013 but for those of you who don’t you can read about it HERE.   I’m excited to report that almost six months later the restoration is complete!  Carpet is scheduled to be installed today and I’m spending the weekend moving back in to my craft studio!  I should probably put quotes around “studio” because the area shares the space with another one of our living areas but I’ve claimed it as mine and that’s where my classes are held.   My awesome hubby did such a great job spending every available evening and weekend putting it all back together again!  You all, he even put in a bathroom where there was no bathroom before!

Here are some “Before” pictures and I’ll share some “After” pictures next week.

To stay with the theme of my fresh, new space I created a card using the papers from the Fresh Prints Designer Series Paper Stack.  I used the Secret Garden Stamp Set with coordinating Framelits, two of my favorites that are on the Retiring Products List (see stamps here and accessories here).  To give the flowers more depth I “curled” them  with my bone folder then attached them to the card with Stampin’ Dimensionals.  The Fresh Prints papers are so lovely and coordinate with some of my favorite colors; Coastal Cabana, Real Red and Crumb Cake.  I wanted to put a strip of Natural Chevron Ribbon on the card but didn’t have any on hand so I made my own patterned “ribbon” by using a stamp from the Gorgeous Grunge set along with Whisper White ink on a strip of Crumb Cake card stock.

I hope you enjoy the card and have an awesome weekend!

Supplies:

Stamp Sets:  Secret Garden (Retiring) 131940 (W), 129144 (C), Gorgeous Grunge 130514 (W) 130517 (C), A Dozen Thoughts 131056 (W) 131059 (C)

Ink:  Whisper White Craft Ink 101731, Coastal Cabana 131175

Cardstock:  Fresh Prints Designer Series Paper Stack 132996, Whisper White 100730, Crumb Cake 120953

Accessories:  Secret Garden Framelits (Retiring) 12937, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine 113439, Bone Folder 102300, Stampin’ Glitter (Retiring) 102023

Nothing brings a smile quicker than receiving a card or handwritten note, right?  Sometimes life makes us weary and an act of kindness and graciousness towards us can make all the difference!  I’ve been challenging myself to gift someone every week with a handmade card “just because”.   Today’s video features a note card that would be perfect for this purpose.  It’s a quick and simple card that anyone would be delighted to receive.

I hope you enjoy the video and it inspires you to reach out to someone “just because”!

Supplies:

Stamps:  Too Kind 130447 (W) 130450 (C)

Ink:  Jet Black Stazon 101406

Accessories:  2013-2015 In-Color Stampin’ Write Markers 131260, Small Heart Punch 117193 (retiring), Rhinestone Basic Jewels 119246, Stampin’ Dimensionals 104430

Layered cards are my favorite to make – the more, the merrier!  This card has many layers but was a breeze to put together.  I used Crumb Cake card stock for the base and layered it with some Watercolor Wonder Designer Series Paper.  Then I added a Tea Lace Doily, a tag made from Whisper White card stock, a scrap of Crushed Curry Chevron Ribbon and a button from the Brights collection.  I topped it off with a sentiment from the Label Love stamp set that coordinates with the Artisan Label Punch for the sentiment

It was another one of my ditsy days so the dimensions quoted on the video are not correct.  Please use the dimensions listed below.  Also, the Plaid Poodles themselves, Maggie and Soxy, were very vocal while I was filming this video so I apologize in advance for that!

Dimensions:

Card Base 8-1/2 x 5 1/2, Watercolor Wonder Blue Chevron DSP 4-1/4 x 5 1/2, Watercolor Wonder Polka Dot DSP 4-1/2 x 4-1/4

Supplies:

Card Stock:  Crumb Cake 120953, Watercolor Wonder Designer Series Paper 132994, Whisper White 100730

Stamps:  Label Love 130619 (W) 130622 (C)

Ink:  Daffodil Delight 126944

Accessories:  Artisan Label Punch 130920, Tea Lace Doilies 129339, Crushed Curry 3/4″ Chevron Ribbon, Whisper White Baker’s Twine 124262, Brights Designer Buttons 130028

I became a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator because I fell in love with the products and being surrounded by like-minded people.  The quality, value and uniqueness of Stampin’ Up! products cannot be beat.  It’s also the personal service received when you begin a relationship with a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator that sets us apart.  A portion of the Stampin’ Up! Statement of the Heart is, “To love what we do and share what we love, as we help others enjoy creativity . . .”  It is my greatest pleasure to help others express themselves through paper crafting!  I know my Tuesday blog is full of “merchandising”.  That’s because Stampin’ Up! updates on Tuesday with Weekly Deals, New Clearance Items, etc. and I would be irresponsible not to pass these savings on to you.  But beyond selling you product (which of course I would love to do) I hope to inspire creativity and the love for the craft that I have.  If you have any questions or I can help you with any of your paper crafting projects/needs please do not hesitate to contact me.  My email address is Leslie@theplaidpoodle.com

New Weekly Deals Good Thru May 12!

 Shop all Weekly Deals HERE!

Retiring Products

Stampin’ Up! is making room for some awesome new stamp sets, new In-Colors and new accessories.  I’ve had a sneak peak at the new stuff and even got my hands on the new catalog (You can get a FREE Catalog HERE).  You are going to fall in love with this year’s offering!  Below are links to the updated Retiring Products List.  Don’t miss out if you’ve had your heart set on something.  If you have stamp pads for the retiring In-Color collection you might think about picking up ink refills for your favorites.

Retiring Stampin’ Up! Product Lists

•  Retiring Stamps (available April 21 through June 2, or while supplies last.)

PDF

• Retiring Accessories (available April 21 through June 2, or while supplies last.

PDF

Clearance Rack

New items have been added to the Clearance Rack recently.  Check them out HERE!

New Arrivals

Click HERE to view all NEW ARRIVALS!

Newest My Digital Studio Downloads

Find the newest digital downlaods HERE!

Below is a video tutorial showing my very first Project Life scrapbook page!  This simplified version of memory keeping is going to be life changing for me!  2014 may just be the year my photos move from my digital devices and into albums for my family to enjoy!  All the work is done for us – the exclusive Stampin’ Up! Project Life products coordinate with the card stock and inks already in the catalog!  No more guessing!  It can be as simple as slipping cards and photos into the pocket pages or, if time allows, I can get fancy with stamps and embellishments.  Check out the current Project Life products available HERE.

Digital scrappers are not forgotten either!  There are many Project Life digital files available for digital scrapbookers and more are on the way.  Check them out HERE.

SUPPLIES:

Stamps:  Photopolymer Project Life Point & Click 135787

Ink:  Jet Black Stazon 101406

Cardstock:  Bermuda Bay 131171, Daffodil Delight 126944

Project Life Products:  Photo Pocket Pages 12″x12″ Variety Pack 135294, Everyday Adventure Card Collection 135298, Journaling Pens Black 135304

It would be my pleasure to assist you in getting your photos organized!  Please e-mail me at Leslie@theplaidpoodle.com with any questions.