Gretchen Barron

Come to Bethlehem

Hello everyone and welcome to a new Weekend Sketch Challenge from the Stamping 411 Operators! I hope that you had a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving celebration with family and friends this week! The cooking is done and left-overs are packed away and it's time to let yourself relax with a little stamping therapy! And we have just the inspiration for you!

 

As you can see, I took this week's sketch and flipped it on it's side. I also took some liberties with the direction of the focal image and the shape of it .... but then, isn't that what working from a sketch is all about .... using it as inspiration and making it your own!

I began with the beautiful stamp set called "Come to Bethlehem". I stamped it with Black Craft Ink and embossed it with Black Embossing Powder and the Heat tool. Using my brayer, I applied 3 colors of ink until I got the smoky-dusky feel that I wanted for the night sky. Elegant Eggplant is on the bottom, Tangerine Tango in the middle and Pacific Point on the top. The colors blend so that you can't really recognize them, but those are the colors that I applied.

That beautiful, flowing curved line on the bottom of the stamp just begged for some attention so when I trimmed the piece, I used the curve as my guide. I ten mounted it on Basic Black Cardstock and finally on the stunning Silver Glitter paper, increasing the side by 1/4" with each layer and again following the outline of the curve for the bottom edge. I used the Rotary tool in the Cutter Kit to cut the curve on all layers. I added a Basic Rhinestone accent to the star and mounted the entire assembly onto Concord Crush Cardstock. I stamped the sentiment with Versamark Ink and Silver Embossing Powder and used the Heat Tool to heat set the embossing. The Card Base is Bashful Blue.

 

I didn't ignore the inside of the card either. It is embellished with an inside sentiment (something that I rarely do but it seemed to fit for this project. I also applied a small strip of the Silver Glitter Paper to the bottom (love that paper) and a length of Wisteria Wonder Ribbon to finish it off! Click on the image to view it larger. This card is definitely a little different from the norm, but I think it turned out really well. And I love the shimmer of the Silver Glitter Paper and the Rhinestone star ... perfection!

 

If you would like to duplicate this card, here's my measurements to give you a jump start. Building up from the bottom, I used:

1. Layer One -- Bashful Blue Cardstock cut at 5.5 x 8.5", scored and folded to make the Card Base.
2. Layer Two -- Concord Crush Cardstock cut at 3.75 x 5"
3. Layer Three -- Silver Glitter Cardstock cut at 4.25 x 3.25" -- trim the bottom to match the curve
4. Layer Four -- Basic Black Cardstock cut at 4 x 3" -- trim the bottom to match the curve
5. Layer Five -- Whisper White Cardstock cut at 3.75 x 2.75" -- emboss, brayer and trim the bottom to match the curve
6. Inside of Card -- Whisper White cardstock cut at 4 x 5.25" and Silver Glitter Cardstock cut at 5.25 x .75"

 

Well, that about covers it for this project! I do hope you'll find the time to visit the Stamping 411website and check out the card that the other Operators created this week! There is some beautiful inspiration awaiting you! Have a great weekend, everyone ... and Happy Stamping!

Introducing the NEW Inspiration in Action Rewards Program

Inspiration in Action Rewards is my way of personally saying "thank you" to my returning customers. Earn a FREE stamp set of your choice from ANY current Stampin' Up! catalog -- ANY PRICE!

Here's how:

• Place an on-line order OR e-mail me your order to gbarron56@comcast.net
• All orders need to be placed thru me on or after July 1, 2011 in order to qualify.
• For every increment of $50 of product purchased, you earn a point.
• Example: A product order of $49 would not qualify as a point. A product order of $101 would qualify for two points ($50 x 2).
• Individual orders may not be combined to reach a point.
• Product totals exclude shipping & handling, sales tax and any amounts paid toward items in the Hostess Rewards program (including supplements to Hostess Dollars and 50% off items).
• You still earn Stampin' Up! hostess rewards for product orders over $150.
• You will be responsible for tracking your orders and points. CLICK HERE for a tracking sheet!
• Earn 10 points and e-mail me your tracking sheet (or include tracking detail in the body of an email) along with your choice of any stamp set, any price. One customer per sheet.
• I'll confirm your qualifying customer orders and send you a free stamp set in the mail.
• Points expire one year from initial purchase (example: if you place your first order with me on November 21, 2011, you will have until November 21, 2012 to earn all 10 points). Points not used after 1 year, cannot be carried over to a subsequent year in the rewards program.
• After your first year has expired, you can begin accumulating points for your 2nd and subsequent years.

That pretty well explains it! If you have questions, don't hesitate to contact me. Otherwise, have fun shopping!

 

 

The Holiday Extravanganza Sale Begins TODAY -- Save up to 60% until November 30th and 24 Hour Sale TODAY ONLY!

SAVE 20 to 60% on Stampin' Up! products! The Stampin' Up! On-Line Extravaganza Sale is here. Click HERE to begin ordering online! The On-Line Extravaganza Sale ends Nov. 30.

• Here's a PDF link to everything on sale during the On-Line Extravaganza.
• There is no minimum purchase required to participate in this promotion.
• For product bundles, you must use the bundle item numbers provided. Bundle discounts will not be applied if individual item numbers are used.
• Additional products from current catalogs may be purchased on the same order.
• Discounts range between 20 and 60 percent.

24 HOUR SALE TODAY ONLY!!! For the next 24 hours, take advantage of a 20% discount on two of Stampin' Up!'s hottest new products, Simply Scored Scoring Tool and Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamps. The 24 hour sale ends at midnight MST today!

Item	Description	Retail Price	24-Hour Sale Price
122334	Simply Scored	$29.95	$23.96
125152	Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamps	$16.95	$13.56

EARN FREE STAMPIN' UP STAMPS! CLICK HERE to learn more about my Inspiration in Action Rewards Program. It's my way of saying thank you to my frequent shoppers!

Thanks so much for stopping by today and Happy Shopping!

Holiday Extravanganza Sale Begins TOMORROW!!!

You won't want to miss this one! The annual Stampin' Up! Holiday Exgtravanganza sale begins tomorrow, November 21st! While the sale runs through Wednesday, November 30th, there will be a special 24 hour sale for TOMORROW ONLY!

Sale prices are valid for orders placed through my online store or directly through me by e-mailing or calling me! Check in tomorrow for all the details. Some of the GREAT savings offered will include FREE  digital downloads valued at $40 when you buy My Digital Studio Express, 60 percent off select Designer Fabrics, and 30 percent off an exclusive ribbon bundle!

Join me back here tomorrow for the Holiday Extravanganza sale!

Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge

Hello eveyone and welcome to a new Saturday Sketch Challenge from the Stamping 411 Operators!

I made this week's card fast and easy with Holly Berry Bouquet Specialty Designer Series Paper, the Big Shot and the Snow Much Fun Stamp Set!

 

The colors are Real Red, Garden Green, Whisper White and Certainly Celery 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon. I colored in the snowman with Watercolor Pencils and blended them with a Blender Pen. I used the Big Shot to cut the Modern Label mat and the Scallop Square frame. The Whisper White Focal Image Cardstock is cut at 2.5" square.

 

Super quick, easy, fun and adorable! What else could you ask for, especially at this busy time of year!

 

Don't forget to check out the Stamping 411 Website to see what the other operators have been up to this week. Thanks so much for stopping by and I do hope you'll come back soon for more ideas and inspiration!

 

Multi-Cultural Birthday Kids Scrapbook Layout

 

Hello everyone and Happy Saturday! I'm so excited to share with you the scrapbook layout that I created for U Stamp with Dawn & Friends Knock Out Punches 2011!!! Just look at this fun layout with it's bright colors and happy little people with sweet personalities! You can get all the details for this and dozens of other "knock out" projects by subscribing to Dawn's latest Online Class. Believe me, it packs a powerful punch and will give you months of project ideas and tutorials! Have fun and Happy Scrapping!

 

Celebrate Today with a Cheerful Treat!

Now you may think by my title today that I am recommending you celebrate today with a rich and decadent chocolate pie or an ooey, gooey turtle cake or something equally disastrous to your caloric intake! No so, my friends!

 

 

Although tasty treats have their place, the cheerful treat I'm showcasing today is none other than the Cheerful Treat Designer Series Paper, a hostess exclusive item in the Stampin' Up! Catalog. Bright and cheery in tones of Melon Mambo, Pink Pirouette, Concord Crush, Bashful Blue and Lucky Limeade, this paper can lure you out of a funk without adding one single calorie to your meal plan or one solitary ounce to your hips! Now, how's that for satisfaction?

 

 

I thought it would be perfect for today's Stamping 411 sketch, especially with the addition of this gorgeous three-layer butterfly and some glitzy glitter brads! Supplies used for today's card include: Lucky Limeade and Whisper White Cardstocks, Glitter Brads, Self Adhesive Basic Pearls, Stampin' Dimensionals, Cheerful Treat DSP, the Perfectly Penned Stamp Set and the Big Shot and Butterfly Die.

 

 

Want to recreate this card or use it as a framework for creating your own? Here are some measurements to get you started:

1. Layer One -- Cardstock cut at 5.5 x 8.5", scored and folded to make your Card Base
2. Layer Two -- DSP cut at 4 x 5.25"
3. Layer Three -- DSP cut at 1 x 5.5"
4. Layer Four -- Cardstock cut at 2.25 x 3.75"
5. Layer Five -- Cardstock cut at 2 x 3.5"
6. Layer Six -- Embellish with Die Cuts or Punched pieces of your choice

 

So, what do you think? Not bad for something with absolutely no calories, eh? Well, if I haven't tempted ... er, inspired, you enough, you'll want to be sure and check out the projects created this week by the rest of the Stamping 411 Operators! There's something there for every culinary taste!

Thanks so much for stopping by! I do hope you'll visit again soon! Until then ...

November's Scrapbook Club Kit -- Give Thanks!

Hello everyone! It's time to reveal the November Online Scrapbook Club Kit.  This month's kit is all about Giving Thanks! In beautiful jewel tone colors, you can celebrate the fall and Thanksgiving seasons with inspirational quotes and lovely embossed Die Cut Leaves as you preserve your precious family memories and photos.

Here's the information on my Online Scrapbook Club:

I’m now offering Scrapbook Kits, available for individual purchase or as part of a 6 or 12 month club membership. Each kit includes supplies you need to complete an 8.5 x 11” 2-page layout – cardstock and paper, embellishments, die cuts, etc. Each kit will also include extra supplies and layout suggestions so that you can create a 12x12 double-page layout USING YOUR OWN 12X12" CARDSTOCK!

Included with each kit is an instruction page with photos and ideas for adapting your layouts to either 6x6 or 12x12” formats. (Note: adapting the layouts to 12x12 size require the use of your own 12x12" cardstock - this is the one item not received in the kit). Note: Scrapbook Kits will not include stamped images but may, from time to time, include printed graphic images and texts. Any stamp sets or stamped images used in the kits must be purchased separately. Instructions for each kit will include names and ordering information for stamp sets used in the photos.

The November Give Thanks Kit (pictured above) includes: Old Olive, Cajun Craze, More Mustard, Cherry Cobbler and Whisper White cardstocks, a printed page which includes the Title Block and several inspiration quotes, a packet of 25 Die Cut and Embossed leaves, and ribbon to make the layout as shown. There are enough extra supplies included to adapt the layout to a double-page 12x12 spread, using your own 12" cardstock. Tips, photos and instructions are included to show you how you can adapt your pages to either 12x12 or 6x6" formats.

Tools and Supplies Needed for the Give Thanks Kit include: SNAIL adhesive, a paper cutter, paper snips, Cherry Cobbler Classic Ink pad and a sponge and Stampin' Dimensionals. No stamp sets are required for this layout.

 

 

You can participate in my Online Scrapbook Club

Three Different Ways!

Individual Kit Purchase -- Purchase anytime. Price for kits ordered individually is $7.95 per kit plus an additional $3.00 for S&H. If ordering multiple kits (not as a club membership), please e-mail me first for reduced shipping fees. Click HERE to view my Scrapbook Page Online Catalog with all the current kits available. More will be listed soon!

6-Month Club Membership – Join anytime – $57.95 for 6 double-page layouts (8.5 x 11”) sent once each month for 6 months. This is a $10 savings over the individual purchase price. Your subscription begins in the month that you join the club.

12-Month Club Membership – Join anytime -- $110.00 for 12 double-page layouts (8.5 x 11”) sent once each month for 12 months. Your subscription begins in the month that you join the club. This is by-far the best deal with a savings of $21.40 over the individual purchase price. PLUS!!! 12-month club memberships receive a FREE 6x6” Stampin’ Up! Album of your choice (choose from 4 possible designs), a $10.95 value (mailed with your second club membership layout). Total value of the 12-month Club Membership is $142.35

The Monthly Club Kit will be promoted on my blog during the first week of each month. Club Kits are shipped out around the 10^th of each month.

Additional Scrapbook Kits (not as part of the Club Membership) will be listed several times each month and are available for individual purchase at any time. Click HERE to view my Online Scrapbook Kit Catalog.

Additional Club Membership Benefit – Scrapbook Club Members Receive a 10% discount on any Stampin’ Up! Orders placed through me (via e-mail or phone) during your Club Membership period.

Payments – Payments for Club membership subscriptions, individual Page Kits and Stampin’ Up! Orders are typically made through PayPal and can be ordered by clicking on the PayPal buttons at the bottom of this post. If you would like to use another payment method (Cashier’s or Personal Check), please contact me directly by e-mail. Additional time for check clearance may be required.

Please Note: Club Membership is limited to US Customers ONLY. Individual kits may be shipped internationally for an additional fee. Please make arrangements by e-mail before ordering.

So, what do you think? I hope you're as excited as I am and just wait until you see some of the kits that will be coming to you soon! Get your membership started today by clicking on the PayPal buttons below!

12 Month Club Membership

Choose your FREE 6x6 Album:

1 - Cherry Trim (from the Holiday Mini Catalog)2 - Chateau Memories3 - Expresso Classic4 - Polka Dot Party

 

6 Month Club Membership

 

Individual Purchase of the Give Thanks Scrapbook Kit

Thank You, Cora Beth Godsey!

Today's card is inspired by Cora Beth Godsey on the Waltons! Remember that classic TV show from the 70's? LOL, well, I have a confession to make! I love to watch those old episodes. Life seemed so simple and uncomplicated then, at least in the 1 hour doses that we saw on TV!

 

So, as I sit and stamp, I often have the DVR playing taped reruns and the other day, Cora Beth Godsey was all dressed up in a black suit with a big pale pink flower on her lapel and the cutest little black hat with pink trim. I needed some color inspiration at that moment and poof ... there it was!

 

 

This is my recreation of Cora Beth's suit - LOL! It's also my Stamping 411 Challenge card for this weekend! What a great sketch that Selene created for us this week!

 

 

For my paper rendition, I used the sumptuous Mocha Morning Specialty Designer Series Paper. This black on black flocked pattern is so beautiful. I truly believe it would make a gorgeous suit! Contrast is provided with Pretty in Pink cardstock, 1 1/4" Striped Ribbon and ink. I added a little two-tone butterfly (die cut with the Big Shot and the Beautiful Wings Embosslet), a flower rosette (created by basting one edge of the ribbon and then pulling it tight and tying it off) with a button and pearl embellishment. The Stamp Set is Just Believe (one of my all-time favorites) and I added Self-Adhesive Basic Pearls for the finishing touch.

 

 

I don't know how I would have done living in the post-depression era 1940's (no computers or blogs, no Stampin' Up! products, no microwaves or TV or air conditioning), but I sure love to escape to that simpler time once in a while! Thank you, Cora Beth Godsey!

 

 

And thank you, for stopping by my blog today. I hope that I was able to offer a little inspiration for your stamping projects! Don't forget to check out the other Stamping 411 Operator projects! You won't be sorry you did!

 

If you love to watch the Waltons (or any of the classic TV shows of a few decades ago) drop me a comment and let me know I'm not the only one! Gotta go ... I recorded another Walton's episode today!