Top 10 Must-Have Stamp Sets!

I've been a demonstrator 13 years and I don't think I've been more excited about a new Stampin' Up! catalog before now. I love just about everything about it and in it! I love the layout, the color revamp, the samples... everything is so bright and cheery! But do you want to know what new items I'm most excited about? Check out my top 10 list of must-have stamp sets (in alphabetical order - because I just can't decide which one I love most)!

Accented Blooms (page 21) - I love sets that coordinate with punches. Don't get me wrong... I love Framelits, but punches are quick and easy - and with my life lately, I thrive on quick and easy! And you know how much I love my Stampin' Blends! The line art flowers are beautiful and scream COLOR ME!!

Animal Outing (page 29) - This set was a giveaway at Stampin' Up! OnStage and I LOVE it! I'm just excited it's a bundle with Framelits. Okay, yes, I do love fussy-cutting, but when I don't have much time to sit down and craft, Framelits come in extra handy!

Another Wonderful Year (page 23) - A few years ago a customer mentioned, "You can never have enough 'thinking of you' cards." It's true. Thinking of you can be used for virtually any occasion - saying hello, I'm sorry you're sick, sympathy, or just lifting someone's spirits. But this set is more than just "thinking of you." There are many more all-occasion greetings. This stamp set will definitely inspire a card class!

Bokeh Dots (page 153) - I've been wanting to do the bokeh technique for a while now, but just haven't had the chance. I can't wait to get this set, which I know will make the effect effortless!

Detailed with Love (page 39) - Actually, everything in the Delightfully Detailed Suite - I'm a bit partial to this suite since it's what I presented at OnStage Local in April (see the post from last month).

Friendly Expressions (page 54) - I LOVE this set for all of the greetings, but one, in particular, caught my eye... Life is tough but so are you. If that doesn't say it all, I don't know what does. I know a few people who have gone through a tough time lately (who hasn't) and they need to know they are tougher and can get through anything!

Healing Hugs (page 110) - In my mind, hugs heal just about everything. Aside from sending a card, it's the one gesture that genuinely shows someone how much you care. So why not send a card that sends a virtual hug?

Itty Bitty Greetings (page 46) - I was a tiny bit sad when Teeny Tiny Wishes retired, but this is a fun (and dare I say better) replacement! Stampin' Up! has taken its predecessor and refreshed it with fun, new fonts and greetings!

Painted Glass (page 165) - Another set that's part of an amazing suite! When I saw this demonstrated at OnStage in April, I just knew I had to have it! Honestly... I can't even explain why, but it just called out to me. It's so regal and elegant. Perhaps it reminds me of Westminster Abbey - which I fell in love with when I was 10 years old. So maybe it's nostalgia that draws me to it. Who knows? And who cares? I just love it!

Varied Vases (page 45) - This stamp set (which could be bundled with coordinating punch) was inspired by Million Dollar achiever Mary Fish. Mary describes her style as simple and pretty - which it is. But I describe it as elegantly understated - in a big way. I hope that makes sense. I think Mary's style is amazing and she demonstrated this fun and versatile bundle at OnStage in April. Check out one of Mary's blog posts for inspiration on this set!

Honorable mention...

Picked for You (page 171) - The only reason this set didn't make the Top 10 list of must-have stamp sets is IT DOESN'T HAVE AN APPLE CORE! What??? I know! So my maiden name is Core and we have always used an apple core as our family "logo" so I was excited when I saw this set... but sad when there was no apple core. It doesn't make sense to me, especially since the greeting you are terrific to the core is included. I will order this set, as I have an older Stampin' Up! set with an apple core, that will pair well with this greeting.

So what do you think? Fun sets, aren't they? Which stamp sets are on your top 10 list?

If you need a 2018-2019 Stampin' Up! annual catalog, be sure to let me know. If you're not local to me (in Southern California) then I'll mail you a copy... and maybe I'll tuck something fun inside the envelope.

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!