Stampin' Blends are COMING - November 1

Stampin' Up! is introducing their new line of Alcohol Blending Markers - Stampin' Blends - in 12 exclusive Stampin' Up! colors and they'll be available for you to order November 1st!!  So watch for full details coming soon!  In the meantime check out their beauty.  We demonstrators were able to pre-order and play - and that is what I've been doing!

I've been using the images from the "Just Add Color" designer series paper in our annual catalog - and just look how beautiful these colors come out!  You can also stamp and color - but be sure to use Memento ink - as our Basic Black does not work with alcohol inks.  And a tip - either heat dry the Memento - or let sit several minutes before coloring to be sure it is perfectly dry.  Then it works great!

Besides their beauty - they coordinate perfectly with our current colors - so each card you make looks so nicely finished!

After I finished the entire 12"x12" sheet - I just cut it apart and added to layers on my cards - popped on a sentiment and a bow - and DONE!

What a fun, relaxing, creative way to color - be sure to get your hands on them as soon as you can!  ~Maureen

FREE cards with purchase - check it out!!

So since I moved to Prescott a few months ago I've been offering an online ordering bonus - order from me online (details below) and when you reach each $100 in merchandise purchases (cumulative) I will send you a set of four completed notecards and envelopes.  It has been so much fun creating these each time - but I keep forgetting to take pictures before sending.  Also, now a few more are getting near that $100 mark - so I decided to do a set for each month and post them!  Here are the cards you will get now through the end of October if you hit a $100 mark -

All of these cards are made using the new Lighthearted Leaves set from the HOLIDAY catalog, and it is rapidly becoming my new favorite set. 

I LOVE to color - so this is right up my ally - but, watch over the next couple weeks to see more ideas with this set that are not as labor intensive.  Although, with the new popularity of Zentangling and adult coloring books - I have an idea a few of you like to color as much as me.

So if you get to that $100 merchandise threshold (cumulative) - you'll get all four of these cards promptly sent out to you in the mail as a thank you.  NOTE: they may vary just a little as each will be handmade by me.  No need to let me know when you reach that threshold, as I keep track - but 1) you must use a current hostess code - the current code is E4PJJTPF and is valid through Monday, October 5.  Then watch for me to issue a new code. 2) you must allow contact with me as your demonstrator (there is a place you can click for no contact, and if that happens, I do not know how much you have purchased.)  That's it!

You can order now at www.stampingwithmaureen.stampinup.net where you can also check out the current catalogs.  See yesterday's post for more info on how to make the most of your ordering.  See you all soon!! ~Maureen

Just some of the products used to make these cards -
 

Lighthearted Leaves Photopolymer Stamp Set

$26.00

Clear Block Bundle

$67.00

Stampin' Pierce Mat

$5.00

Whisper White Note Cards & Envelopes

$6.00

Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad

$6.00

Wild Wasabi 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$7.00

Night Of Navy 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$7.00

Tangerine Tango 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$7.00

Bermuda Bay 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$7.00

Hello Honey Classic Stampin' Pad

$6.50

Challenge from our downline meeting...

Trying to catch up on my posting - so far behind.  This retiring and packing is hard work - lol!  So the creative challenge at our last downline meeting was to create a card using an image designed for coloring and show an alternative way to color it now that blendabilities are no longer available.  So here were the entries - 

Heidi's card with a broad-stroke watercolor wash and a few splatters.

Paula's card with watercolored image of tulips.

Sarah's flowers using a puddling watercoloring technique.

Close-up of Sarah's image.

All of these cards are beautiful and show that using Stampin' Up's inks, pads, brushes, and aqua painters you can achieve amazing looks on your hand-crafted cards.  Hope you enjoyed and got some inspiration!  ~Maureen