A First for Paper Pumpkin!

I travel at least once a month for my Scottish import business and having a kit that I can tuck into my laptop bag just in case I have time to craft is amazing!

I've been a Paper Pumpkin subscriber since the beginning - five years! - and although I do have a few kits that I still haven't completed, I so look forward to seeing what the next month will bring! Yes... it's hard for me not to know what's coming, so I appreciate when Stampin' Up! gives us little sneak peeks - especially THIS sneak peek!

OMGosh I am SO flippin' excited June's kit coordinates with a product suite from the upcoming 2018-2019 annual catalog! While I can't tell you which one (yes, I know it stinks... but if you were a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, you would know, too), I can tell you... if this Paper Pumpkin kit deserves an award, it would be a... ummm... nope, can't tell you - that would give it away! I'm so mean! Tee hee!

If you're not already a subscriber, be sure to sign up by June 10 to get this fun kit that will have you doing high kicks!

Delightfully Detailed Samples

Welcome back! The other day I mentioned I would show you the samples I created for OnStage last month using the Delightfully Detailed suite... and here they are (a day late, but here, nonetheless)!

Delightfully Detailed Laser-Cut Specialty Paper colored with Mint Macaron (returning color) by using the "direct to paper" technique. Touches of Nature Elements have been colored using Stampin' Blends. The happy birthday greeting from the Detailed with Love stamp set was embossed using Versamark and White embossing powder. 

**Please note that some of these items are not yet available for ordering since they are a sneak peek from the upcoming 2018-2019 Stampin' Up! annual catalog. 

This sweet card was created using the Delightfully Detailed Note Cards, Delightfully Detailed Laser-Cut Specialty Paper, Mint Macaron and (another returning color) Blackberry Bliss ink. The ink was sponged using daubers, then embellished with 1/8" Fresh Fig ribbon and Whisper White 5/8" Polka Dot Tulle ribbon. The trio punch from the same suite was used to punch a hole for the ribbon. 

I used a bit of Whisper White cardstock under the Delightfully Detailed Laser-Cut Specialty Paper on the previous card, which was used as a mask and created a beautiful background for this card. Basically, one technique created elements for two cards! The card was finished off with Whisper White 5/8" Polka Dot Tulle Ribbon and Faceted Dots. 

Again, using the Delightfully Detailed Laser-Cut Specialty Paper as a mask, I sponged Whisper White Craft Ink on the back of this card element. I then flipped it over, turned it around, and adhered it to the card base. The sentiment was stamped, punched, layered, then adhered to the base.

One of my favorite cards, I CASEd the design from Krista Frattin of The Crafty Carrot Collective. I wanted to showcase the Delightfully Detailed stamp set without using the Delightfully Detailed Laser-Cut Specialty Paper. I just love the subtle texture and clean design of this card!

I hope you've enjoyed a few of the samples I created using items from the Delightfully Detailed suite! If you're interested in receiving a catalog so you can see all the other amazing items Stampin' Up! has coming out June 1, let me know!

Beyond My Comfort Zone

Have you ever done something to take you out of your comfort zone? I did, last month, in Las Vegas. No - not that! I presented at Stampin' Up!'s OnStage Local, which is a conference or mini-convention of sorts for Stampin' Up! demonstrators.

If you don't know me well, then you don't know that I have extreme anxiety. I'm also shy. And an introvert. That's kinda like the trifecta of being uncomfortable. But, I overcame my fears (with the help and encouragement from friends and family), I stepped out of my comfort zone and walked out on stage!

Of course, I was up last... not good for my anxiety, which worsened the closer it got to my call time. And it didn't help that my feet were killing me (thanks, new shoes). In fact, I asked Trevor, the stage manager, if I could take my shoes off and carry them on stage with me. "I'm not going say you can't..." I love that guy! He made me feel so much more comfortable - especially when he offered to carry the garbage can on stage just in case I needed to use it (yes, I teased about that during rehearsals and right before going on). I think everyone thought I was joking when I walked out and said, "Hi! I'm Diana Tillery and I'm a mess!" Seriously... I was.

I had three big fears going into my presentation... tripping and falling (both kinda go together), forgetting everything I was supposed to say (I had a script, but couldn't use it), and cussing (yes, I have no filter at times). Well, I'm happy to report that I didn't fall and although I forgot my actual script I was able to remember enough and improvise, hitting on all the important points of this amazing suite. Oh, and the last part about cussing? I did... backstage when it was over. I'm so grateful my mic was off (something I didn't think about until a friend said thank goodness it wasn't on when I told her what I did LOL)!!

I presented the Delightfully Detailed Suite, which will be available in the new 2018-2019 Stampin' Up! catalog June 1 (or you can get your hands on this suite early if you join my team by May 31 - shameless plug, I know).

I'll be posting samples tomorrow, but I thought I'd leave you with one - just to tempt you to come back (full transparency!). I think the Delightfully Detailed Laser-Cut Specialty Paper is my all-time favorite item since becoming a demonstrator. I'm so grateful this product suite was chosen for me... and I'm even more grateful to have been chosen as a presenter. So incredibly grateful.

Make it an amazing day, and step out of your comfort zone.

Let's Get Hopping - Three of a Kind

Welcome to another edition of Let's Get Hopping! You probably just arrived from Nina McMillan. Such a beautiful set of cards, right? Oh how I enjoy hopping with these talented ladies! I get so inspired and want to CASE each of their cards!

Sometimes it's hard to sit down and create a card... but to sit down and create three cards? Nearly impossible! However, it's not so hard when you use the same pack of Designer Series Paper and a couple of embellishments. I love being able to create quick and easy cards, and I feel so accomplished if I can make more than one at a time. Life has been crazy, after all!

These cards were created using the Floral Phrases stamp set and the "soon-to-be-retired" Fresh Florals Designer Series Paper Stack, coordinating 1/2" Finely Woven Ribbon, and matching Bitty Bows. I'm thrilled the colors are carrying over for another catalog, but I'm going to miss these accessories. As of this morning there are still some available, so you should head over to my online store and put some in your shopping cart! (Shameless plug, I know.)

Want to know a little secret? I actually tied a little Whisper White Bakers Twine around the center of the ribbon. Why? Because I wanted that "gathered" look under the Bitty Bow so it looks like the bow was tied from that ribbon... it didn't look quite right completely flat.

I've used the same layout on each of the cards, but changed the sentiment and color scheme for each. My purpose was to show how easy it is to make a variety of cards using minimal supplies - and one stamp set. These would make a lovely gift for Mom - or that special lady who has been like a mom to you. Perhaps I'll give these to my Tia Tanya as a just because gift. Just because I love her.

Now hop on over to see what Carolynn Sander has created! I know it's something amazing!!

Floral Phrases Clear-Mount Stamp Set [141767] $18.00	Fresh Florals Designer Series Paper Stack [144131] $22.00	Fresh Fig 1/2" Finely Woven Ribbon [144132] $7.00	Tranquil Tide 1/2" Finely Woven Ribbon [144136] $7.00	Lemon Lime Twist 1/2" Finely Woven Ribbon [144135] $7.00
Twine Baker's Whisper White [124262] $3.00	2017-2019 In Color Bitty Bows [144217] $8.50	Fresh Fig 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [144242] $8.00	Tranquil Tide 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [144246] $8.00	Lemon Lime Twist 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [144245] $8.00
Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock [140272] $7.00	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [100730] $9.00	Basic Gray Archival Stampin’ Pad [140932] $7.00	Basic Black Archival Stampin’ Pad [140931] $7.00	SNAIL Permanent Adhesive [104332] $7.00
Glue Dots [103683] $5.25	Stampin' Dimensionals [104430] $4.00	Stampin' Trimmer [126889] $30.00