Favorites from Regionals

I attended the Stampin' Up! regional convention in Minneapolis on February 12th.  I learned some cool techniques (punch frame, ribbon poker, ways to use clear stamps and blocks) and did some swapping.  I was nervous about swapping, but I loved it. 

I decided I would go through the swaps I received and pick my five favorites.  Unfortunately, not everyone put their name on theirs, so there are a couple I don't know who to give credit to.

Here are my five faves, in no particular order:


I love bright, happy colors and this one does the trick.  It makes be think spring/summer.


This one, done by Julie Frakie of New York Mills (MN), is an awesome guy card.  I tend to struggle a little bit with guy cards because I have a lot of flowers and butterflies.  I'm pretty sure I'm going to get this set and copy this card.  Nice job Julie!


This a beautiful sympathy card by Linda Flemming of Janesville (MN).  The lace and the pearl are just the right embellishments to finish it out.


This card by Peggy Weyrauch of Ray (ND) combines two of my favorite colors--Pacific Point and Early Espresso.  It is simple, yet elegant.  The embossed flowers give it wonderful dimension.  (Disclaimer--she's also my sister.  :-)


This card was simply stunning.  The background was stamped with French Filigree (my favorite background stamp) and then embossed with Elegant Lines.  The bow was created with the new petal punch.  A fabulous example of thinking outside the box. 


It was hard to pick favorites from so many wonderful swaps.  This event has given me some fabulous ideas to try, so check back soon.

Crimp my style

I love the crimper!  It is a fabulous tool for adding texture.  Sometimes when you stamp something on a blank piece of paper, you think "it needs something else, but I'm not sure what."  If you're not sure what, try running it through the crimper.  I did that with both pieces of vanilla on this card and it added just the right texture to take it to the next level of wow.

Can it be used for more than just Christmas?

How do you pick a stamp set?  When you're considering buying a stamp set, what do you look for?  Cuteness?  Reminds you of someone?  So-and-so would like this?  Upcoming holiday?  You just like it? 

I have bought many stamp sets because I liked them and had absolutely no use in mind.  I just liked them.  And many of them would sit in the drawer unused.

With a rougher economy I have started putting a little more thought into how I choose my stamp sets and how I can use my current unused ones.  I ask myself some questions.  Can it be used for multiple occasions?  Can it be used for multiple people?  Can it be used in multiple seasons?  You get the idea.

One of my favorite stamp sets is Autum Days.  It is very versatile and can be used for many different occasions and holidays.  Here is an example:

 

I posted this same card in November using different colors for Thanksgiving.  I could use this same design over and over, just changing colors to match the holiday or occasion. 

There are also other great stamps in this set.  The pheasant and wheat stocks lend themselves wonderfully to more masculine cards because, let's face it, some guys don't like butterflies.

Now I'm not saying don't buy a set unless you can use it for lots of different things.  There are definitely some single-use sets out there.  But if you think it is a single-use set, maybe take another look at it.  Wouldn't the hearts in that Valentine's set make a great butterfly or flower?  Would that Christmas stamp make a great winter birthday card?  If I use markers and only color part of that stamp, could I make a sweet baby card?

Take another look at your sets.  I bet you will discover some new uses.

Paula Harms
Stampin' Up Demonstrator

Got a Baby, Need a Bag

Now to the "Sacks" part of my blog.  I recently participated in a vendor show as a Thirty-One consultant.  I was amazed at how many times I was asked if we had a Diaper Bag.  Although not labeled a diaper bag, we have an amazing bag that would do the job.  I would have loved to have an Organizing Utility Tote when my son was still a baby instead of the standard diaper bag I carried.

This is such a versatile bag, especially with seven outside pockets.  It works as a diaper bag, cleaning bag, organizing bag, and the one I love most of all--STAMPING BAG!  I have room for everything so I can cart my project upstairs to the kitchen table or keep it together downstairs.

If there is a crafter on your Christmas list that seems to have everything, maybe they don't have one of these yet.  Ho ho ho!

Click on the Thirty-One link under Recommended Links to shop on my website.

Let's Get This Party Started

Who loves to stamp?  I do! I do!  Who loves bags and purses?  I do! I do!

Welcome to Stamps and Sacks!  This will be a weekly (or sometimes more often) updated site with projects, pictures, ideas, suggestions, and sometimes just random thoughts.  I hope you find it entertaining and inspiring.

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, I tend to pause a little more and consider what I'm thankful for--the list is extensive.  Why not send a card to some close friends or family members just to let them know they're on your list?  I realize Christmas is coming and you'll be sending cards to the masses, but take some time, maybe after the meal when everyone is digesting or watching football, to send a personal note to someone that can't be with you or to those lucky enough to be in your presence.  Amidst all the chaos, it's nice to know that someone cares.

This is a card idea I got from my upline, but I don't remember where she got it.

Have a super-fantastic-wonerful-terrific day!