Get the "Limited Time" Sale-A-Bration products by Feb. 15th!

The "Limited Time" SAB products will only be available through Feb. 15th.  So don't miss out!  I created the following card using the Sky is the Limit set (one of the Limited Time set) and the January Paper Pumpkin kit, Cute Conversations.  The 3-month pre-paid subscription to Paper Pumpkin is on sale during Sale-A-Bration for $55 (shipping included--usually $19.95/mo.), which also qualifies you for a FREE SAB product!

Check out the following videos featuring SAB and Occasions catalog products.  Remember, you can shop anytime by clicking on the "Shop Now" button!  Enjoy!

Beyond Paper Pumpkin

Order and redeem your prepaid Paper Pumpkin subscription for the November kit during the month of October to get a gift from me.  Then bring your kit to my house on November 21st, where we will assemble them together, and make an additional project not included in the kit.  To purchase your prepaid subscription, click on the "Prepaid Subscriptions" link in the sidebar to get the product code.  Then click on the "Shop Now" button to place your order.  Stampin'Up! will send you an email with a code to redeem your subscription.  Go to www.mypaperpumpkin.com to redeem your subscription and enter your information.   Or email me at www.stampinwithmarge@hotmail.com and I can place the order for you and walk you through the redemption process.

I used the stamps from the September Paper Pumpkin kit ("BOO!", the bats and the tree tops in the lower left corner) in this cute Halloween card. The background was made with the splatter stamp from "Gorgeous Grunge," stamping it over and over and rotating it as you stamp until you get the look you're going for.  The bottom of the background is sponged (inspired by SU Demo, Jan Tink).  The Bat body is the owl builder punch and his wings are the large oval punch with 1/3 punched off by the 1 1/4" circle punch (from Pinterest entry by the fabulous Diana Gibbs).

Happy Stamping!
Marge

Paper Pumpkin...a magical paper escape every month....it's creativity in a box!

I'm Paper Pumpkin . . .

I come to your door each month (a fully decked-out creativity carriage). I'll help you to escape your life with some paper fun.

I come in a sweet box, but you'll really love what you find on the inside:

All the stamps, ink, paper, and accessories to create fun projects. Create stuff like cards, journals, décor, and more!

Paper Pumpkin by Stampin' Up! is a new monthly kit program that anyone (even you) can enjoy!

I recently took the plunge and subscribed to My Paper Pumpkin.  Everything you need comes in this cute orange box all wrapped in blue tissue paper like it's from Tiffany!  And each month is a fun surprise!  September's kit contained all the supplies to make these cute burlap treat bags and the tags on the other bags as well (I added the cello bags and ribbon...and the treats).  

The kits even contain exclusive photopolymer stamps created for Paper Pumpkin and any ink spots you may need.  (Your very first kit always comes with an acrylic block to mount your stamps.)  This kit also included orange sequin garland, black floss, mini clothespins, and stickers that match the skull, bat, tree and crow stamps.  All the tags were die cut, so you only had to punch them out.  Easy to follow instructions with color photographs of the completed project are also included.  The whole thing is designed to be completed in about a half hour.

Of course, you don't have to create the projects as designed...run with your own creativity.  Or search Paper Pumpkin in Pinterest to see what others have created with their kits.

If you'd like to give it a try, click on the link provided to order your prepaid subscription in my online store.  You'll then receive an email telling you how to redeem your subscription.  It's so flexible.  Even with a prepaid subscription, you can pause your subscription, then start it up again.  It can all be easily managed through the My Paper Pumpkin website.  Sign up by the 10th of the month to get that month's kit, or pause or cancel by the 10th of the month.  If changes are made after the 10th, they will be affective for the next month.

I hope you enjoy this as much as I have!

Happy Stamping!
Marge

Texture Boutique Embossing Machine While Supplies Last!

Stampin'Up! is partnering with Sizzix to offer the Texture Boutique Embossing Machine while supplies last.  It's cute and compact and for embossing only.  You can get it bundled with our Flower Garden and Stripes embossing folders for $39.95, or alone for $29.95 (includes a pair of embossing pads and a shim).

This card features the Winter Memories stamp set, the Holiday Frame embossing folder and Cherry Cobbler Core'dinations card stock--all currently available in the Holiday Catalog.  It's perfect for using the Texture Boutique Embossing Machine!

Another cool new product being offered currently .... Talking Tags.  Use a free app available for your iphone or android to record a personal message on the label and attach to cards, invitations, gifts...anything!  The recipient downloads the same free app to receive the message.  How cool is that!  Buy 'em by the sheet.  You get 10 tags for $7.95.

Happy Stamping!
Marge

Last Chance to Sale-A-Brate

We are down to the last 2 weeks of Sale-A-Bration!  You have until March 31st to take advantage of the great Freebies available for every $50 in product you order during this promotion.  Check out the catalogs by clicking on the links in my sidebar.  And remember, you can order anytime online!



Here are 2 more cards made using the Fresh Vintage stamp set from the Sale-A-Bration Mini Catalog.  These were 2 of the 5 cards that we made at my 10-10-20 class last week.  The DSP is Twitterpated from the Occasions Mini, which is good through the end of April.


My next class is scheduled for this coming Tuesday, March 20, at 7 p.m. or Wednesday, March 21, at 10 a.m.  There are still spots available in both sessions.  Contact me asap to hold your spot.



Spring Class Schedule

Tues., March 20, at 7 p.m. or
Wed., March 21, at  10 a.m.

Tues., April 3, at 7 p.m. or
Wed., April 4, at 10 a.m.

Thurs., April 19, at 7 p.m. or
Fri., April 20, at 10 a.m.

Thurs., May 3, at 7 p.m. or
Fri., May 4, at 10 a.m.

Thurs., May 24, at 7 p.m. or
Fri., May 25, at 10 a.m.

Thurs., June 7, at 7 p.m. or
Fri., June 8, at 10 a.m.

Happy Stamping,
Marge Thuen

Everybody Loves FREE stuff!! New MDS FREE 30-Day Trial!

Not only is Stampin'Up! giving away lots of Sale-a-bration (SAB) FREEbies now thru March 31st, but they have just announced that you can get a FREE 30-day trial download of My Digital Studio, their paper-crafting software!  You can download this software now through my website (see link).  Once the trial is over, you may purchase the downloadable or disc version.  You will receive a registration key after your purchase (either via e-mail/digital or with the physical product).  Simply open the trial version and enter that key to continue using the program.

The cards below are from my recent Tons of Techniques class at the end of January.

I used the Owl Builder Punch to create this cute owl and his Snowbuddy.  The background is created using a brayer and sponging techniques.

I'm having lots of fun using the new products from our Occasions Mini catalog....This card uses the Apothecary Art set with the matching Labels Collection Framelits, the Adorning Accents edgelits die and coordinating embossing folder, waffle paper and Twitterpated DSP.

This card also uses the Twitterpaded DSP, and the second edgelit from the Adorning Accents edgelits die pack.  The coordinating embossing folder pack also includes the embossed scallop that you see over the edgelit (3 in the pack).  The set used is Fresh Vintage, a SAB item, FREE with a $50 order!

Happy Stamping!

Marge Thuen 

New Occasions Mini and Sale-A-Bration!

I've been having lots of fun playing with some of the great new products in Stampin'Up!'s new Occasions Mini Catalog.  You can view it online from the link in my sidebar.

AND Tuesday, January 24th, is the first day of Stampin'Up!'s biggest promotion of the year....SALE-A-BRATION (SAB)!!!  Check back here to view the SAB mini catalog online.  There are so many great products that you can get FREE...1 item for every $50 (net) that you spend!  What a great time to host a workshop since everyone can get FREE stuff!!!  There's even a special bundle available to hostesses whose workshop sales reach $400 or more (in addition to all the regular great hostess benefits).  AND get a super-cute Stampin'Up! tote bag with an order of at least $150.

Love stamping so much that you want to get a discount on your stamping products?  Join the Stampin'Up! family of demonstrators during SAB for ONLY $125....AND get a FREE paper pack or digital download every month for the rest of the year!

Scroll down to see some great projects that we made at the last Tons of Techniques class using products from the new Occasions Mini and Sale-a-bration (sneak peak!).  If you live in or around the Morris County, NJ, area and would like to join me, my next class is scheduled for this Thursday evening, January 26th, and Friday morning, January 27th.  Or check the link to my class schedule.  Space is limited so let me know asap.

The focal point on this card is created using the Frosted Window technique.  The set, Bordering on Romance comes from the Occasions Mini and coordinates with the new Adorning Accents Edgelits Dies and Textured Impressions Embossing Folders.  The frame was made with the new Framelits Dies - Labels Collection that coordinates with the Apothecary Art stamp set.  Other Mini caty products used here are Blushing Bride Pleated Satin Ribbon and Twitterpated DSP.  I love the color combo in that new DSP!

Sale-a-Bration Sneak Peak -- The stamp set used here is Fresh Vintage from the SAB mini.  Other SAB products used here...Everyday Enchantment DSP and the Everyday Enchantment Ribbon & Brad Pack.  These 3 products make up the special bundle available to hostesses whose workshop reach $400!!  The border under the greeting was made with the Labels Framelits Die.  Thank you to Patty Bennett for the idea.

This is a hybrid card (that means that part of the card is made using digital elements).  In this case, the medallion was made using elements from the stamp brush version of P.S. I love you (also available as a stamp set in the Occasions Mini) in MDS (My Digital Studio) printed on our Whisper White card stock.  The advantage of digital stamps...you can make them any size you want!  The background was made by spraying the Blushing Bride Smooch Spritz (from the Occasions Mini) over a stencil made with the Lace Ribbon Border Punch.  A piece of that stencil was used as the border on this card...it ends up with a beautiful shimmer.  Got this idea from the Stampin'Up! demonstrator website video technique area...one of the perks of being an SU demo!  It's hard to see from this photo, but I used Crystal Effects on the chocolate dipped part of the strawberry and Cherry Cobbler Dazzling Details (another Occasions Mini product) on the scallops of the medallion.

I often look at lots of samples online to get inspired to create class samples, and sometimes it's difficult to remember who's creations inspired me the most.  I rarely CASE (copy and share everything) a project exactly, but if any of these projects appear to have been cased from a project on your blog, let me know, so I can give you credit.  

Happy Stamping!

Marge Thuen

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

 It's hard to believe that we are already 2 days into the year 2012!  Hopefully you had a wonderful holiday and a good start to the new year.  Life was very busy for us the last few months of the year with our daughter, Anna, playing Max, the dog, in the Christian Drama School play about the Grinch (a spin-off of the Grinch who Stole Christmas).  She did a fantastic job, along with the whole cast.  I get involved in costuming and helping backstage, so needless to say, my Christmas cards didn't quite get done (since the performances were the weekend before Christmas this year)!  So scroll down to see a couple of cards that we did in our year-end classes as well as one other card that may end up being next year's card.  Why not be ahead for next year!

REMINDERS...

Tomorrow, January 3rd, is the last day to order from the Holiday Mini Catalog.

January 5th is the last day for the Clearance Rack Blitz.  Check out the fantastic deals through my online store.

Technique Classes in January and February...

* Thursday, Jan. 12 @ 7 p.m. or Friday, Jan. 13 @ 10 a.m.

* Thursday, Jan. 26 @ 7 p.m. or Friday, Jan. 27 @ 10 a.m.

* Tuesday, Feb. 7 @ 7 p.m. or Wednesday, Feb. 8 @ 10 a.m.

* Thursday, Feb. 23 @ 7 p.m. or Friday, Feb. 24 @ 10 a.m.

Happy Stamping,
Marge

This actually uses the digital version of the Christmas Lodge set from the Holiday Mini Catalog.    It's hard to see, but I put Dazzling Diamonds glitter on the roof and overhang to add some sparkle.  The embossed border was resized to frame the image.

This is a side-step card with the new "Snow Much Fun" set in the main catalog.  The background was made by running vellum cardstock through the Big Shot with the Snow Burst embossing folder from the Holiday Mini. 

This uses the set "Come to Bethlehem" from the main catalog.  The image and scalloped border were embossed using the new Pewter embossing powder from the Holiday Mini Catalog, and the sky was "salted" which  gave it a mottled look.

This card incorporates the large star and saying from set "The Sounding Joy" from the Holiday Mini.  The image and greeting were embossed with Pewter embossing powder, and the background was brayered.

FREE Big Shot!

For the month of October Stampin'Up! is offering a FREE Big Shot die cutting and embossing machine to anyone who joins the SU family!  If you already have the Big Shot, you can choose $100 worth in additional product...that would mean new dies and embossing folders to me.  This is such a great offer!  The Big Shot has to be one of my favorite "go to" tools.  I have a difficult time making a project that doesn't use the Big Shot in some way.  It's such an easy way to add interest to any project or card.  If you haven't tried one, come to one of my classes and I guarantee you'll be using it for at least one project (next class is this Thurs. evening or Friday morning--call or e-mail me asap if you're interested).

The card above uses the Square Lattice embossing folder with the Big Shot as a background.  The focal point was created using the Simply Soft hostess set and colored with a marker layering technique perfected by fellow Stampin'Up! demonstrator, Karen Barber.

Also for the month of October, buy 2 Simply Sent Kits and get a FREE coordinating stamp set!  See my Stampin'Up! website or click on the sidebar link for details. 

Have a great day!

Experiment with Vellum

I was experimenting with vellum techniques the other day and came up with the following samples using products that you can find in our new Stampin'Up! Idea Book and Catalog.  You can see it by clicking on the link in the sidebar.


Vellum is an easy way to add a classy look to your project, and there are lots of fun ways to use it.

This card uses the new "Snow Much Fun" set and 2 new in-colors, Wisteria Wonder and Pool Party.  The background is a piece of vellum cardstock that has been run through the Big Shot with the Petals-a-plenty embossing folder and layered onto Pool Party cs.  Sort of gives it a cool, frosted ice look.

This card also uses the "Snow Much Fun" set.  The snowman and tree are stamped with Staz-on ink, dry embossed "freestyle" (anything I wanted to pop out) on the back, and colored with markers on the back as well.  I then colored the buttons, hat band, nose and Christmas ornaments on the front, then re-colored with a Versamark pen and embossed with clear ep.  I didn't have white brads, so I embossed silver brads with white ep.

You can learn techniques like this at my Tons of Techniques classes.  Check out my updated class schedule using the sidebar link.

Also, check out all the great new products in the Holiday Mini Catalog!

Happy Stamping!

Marge Thuen

Only 3 Days Left...

...to take advantage of the buy 3, get 1 FREE promotion. Buy 3 packs of designer series paper and get the 4th absolutely FREE. There are lots of great DSP packs retiring in the Summer Mini, as well as some great new ones in the new Catalog & Idea Book. Now's the time to stock up!

...to order from the Summer Mini Catalog (deadline 8/31). The card below was created using the digital version of the "Sail Away" stamp from the Summer Mini; however, it could easily be recreated using the stamp itself.

The next card was created using another summer mini set called "Touch of Kindness. The background was made using a double embossing technique and DSP printed from the "Strength & Hope" digital kit. The flower was made using a faux mother of pearl technique and the center is a filigree brad, embossed with white ep.

...to order the Stength & Hope stamp set. When you purchase this set or the digital kit, Stampin'Up! will donate $2 to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. The digital kit includes 12 Designer Series Papers and 10 embellishments in addition to the 4-piece stamp brush set. Click on the link in the sidebar for details.

The following 2 samples were created with a new set, "Nature's Pace," from the brand new Idea Book & Catalog. The first one also uses the new embossing folder set, "Designer Frames," and they are both embellished with the new Wisteria Wonder 3/8" Ruffled Ribbon (available in the 5 new in-colors). You can see the beautiful new catalog, including the new in-colors, by clicking on the sidebar link.

Only 3 days left!!!

....to get those Stampin'Up! retiring sets and accessories you can't live without! Check out the lists of retiring products through the links in my sidebar.

We are saying goodbye to "Sock Monkey" and "Sock Monkey Accessories" which includes this cute little rattle, a graduation cap, and more. There's also "More Sock Monkey Accessories," which is retiring as well.

"Lots of Bots" is also retiring, as well as the texture plate used on the lower half of the card below, which reminds me of the bark of a tree. It is part of Texture Plates kit #4.

Remember, you can order these online anytime between now and the end of the day on June 30th through my Stampin'Up! website.

Don't miss out!

Happy Stamping,

Marge Thuen

New Summer Mini Catalog!

There's a new Summer mini catalog out. Check out the link in the sidebar to view all the fun new products, like triple-layer punches! My upcoming classes will feature many of the cool, new products and sets from this catalog. See my Class Schedule link for dates and times.

A few items are still available from the Occasions mini, like the Build a Cupcake punch used to create these cute little purses (also used the jewelry tag, large oval and 3/4" circle punches).

Check the Occasions Mini carryover link to view other items still available for purchase.

Check out all the current promotions in the sidebar... There are currently only $5 and $10 grab bags available in the grab bag special. Also, color retrofit kits are only available until the end of the current catalog year (June 30th). This is your last chance to add only the new colors to your watercolor crayons and pastels.

Spring is Blossoming!

Spring is here (so they say), and so is a sneak peek of a brand new stamp set and gorgeous new DSP (designer series paper) that will be in the next Stampin'Up! catalog coming out in July. So during the month of April, you will be able to buy these brand new products with a purchase of at least $20. Click on the link in the sidebar for full details, and then click on over to my website and the Shop Now section to place your order. Remember, this is only during the month of April, and then they will not be available again until July!

Also, check out the Clearance Rack (link in the sidebar) for some great online "Grab Bag" deals while supplies last!

Tons of Techniques

Our last "Tons of Techniques" class was a lot of fun. Here are the projects we made. We used sets from the Occasions Mini and Sale-a-bration Mini. The first card was made with the Create a Cupcake set and coordinating punch. The fun texture of the icing was created by embossing the Tombow multi-purpose glue!

The next card uses the Clearly for You set. The focal point uses the Faux Silk technique, and the background was made with a technique called Texture Plate Smoosh (from the Technique Junkie newsletter).
The next 2 cards are examples of Embedded Embossing. Class participants were given a choice between these cards.....no one could choose, so we made both! The first card uses images from the Sale-a-bration set, Punch Bunch. The technique used on the focal point of both cards is called Neutral Shadows (from the Technique Junkie newsletter).
The second card uses the Plane & Simple set from the Occasions Mini. Each card uses the same technique for the background just a little differently.

Be sure to sign up for the next Tons of Techniques class, scheduled for Thurs., April 28th, 6:30 p.m. or Fri., April 29th, 10 a.m. Space is limited, so contact me today at the e-mail address above to reserve your spot.

Sale-A-Bration.....only a few weeks left!

There are only a few weeks left to take advantage of all the Freebies you can get with our Sale-a-bration promotion. The deadline is March 31st. Contact me today to schedule a workshop or place an order. Or link to my website to shop online.

This card is made with the sets, "Sweet Summer" and "So Happy For You" (the greeting), and Ice Cream Parlor designer series paper, ribbon and button from the Sale-a-bration mini catalog.

Let's have cake.....cupcakes, that is!

Our next class, Create a cupcake, is this Thursday, March 10th, 6:30 p.m. and Friday, March 11th, 10 a.m. We will make cards that use the "Create a Cupcake" set and the coordinating Build a Cupcake punch from the Occasions Mini Catalog. We won't necessarily be making cupcakes! Rsvp by Wednesday, March 9th.

The following cards were projects from our last "Tons of Techniques" class which focused on watercoloring. The first card is from the Occasions Mini Hostess set "Slice of Life". We used Stampin'Up!'s Stampin-write markers scribbled on an acrylic block, and picked up the color w/ a blender pen to apply.

The next card is made using the "A Flower for All Seasons" set, which is one of the sets you can choose as your Sale-a-bration Freebie! It also uses the Ice Cream parlor DSP and a button from the Ice Cream Parlor ribbon and buttons pack; also SAB Freebies! We colored using SU's watercolor pencils and Sans Odor Oil w/ blending stumps.

Our 3rd project used the "Peace Within" set. We colored using SU's watercolor crayons and a mix of blender pens and aquapainter.

If you are interested in taking a class, but can't make the scheduled date, contact me to arrange a class at a time more convenient for you.

Nature Walk

Our last class was based on the Nature Walk stamp set available in the new Occasions Mini Catalog. Here are the cards we made...all inspired and/or CASEd (copy and share everything) from other SU demonstrators' ideas.

This card was inspired by a card created by demonstrator, Cherie Franklin. I made only minor changes, although the Designer Series Paper (DSP) I used for the stamped panel in the center of this project was actually printed from My Digital Studio (MDS) onto Whisper White cs. The advantage....everyone in the class can have the same piece of DSP. The maroonish piece of DSP, punched with the border punch was also printed on WWcs from MDS. The Framed Tulips embossing folder is available in the Occasions Mini Catalog.

I CASEd this card from a card by demonstrator, Kay Kalthoff. The shadow stamp behind the images in this card was actually made with a clear acrylic block.

This card was inspired by a card created by demonstrator, Holly Krautkremer, and posted on stampinaddicts.com/gallery. This card requires very little stamping and is accented with basic pearls (get 150 in a pkg for $4.95).

This card was CASEd from a card by demonstrator, Jodi Kutz. The first 3 projects went so quickly that we picked this card out and made it as a bonus. That's the advantage of coming to class...all your supplies are already cut a ready to stamp and assemble!

Check out my Stampin'Up! website for the schedule of future classes. (www.stampinwithmarge.stampinup.net)

Happy Stamping,

Marge

Petal Cone Bigz L Die

The Petal Cone Bigz L Die is new in the current Occasions Mini Catalog which you can see by clicking on the link on this page. I've seen many adorable samples created with this die used in so many different ways. This was my valentine to my husband (and a similar one for my daughter--filled, of course, with chocolate!), inspired by a number of different samples I found, but mostly, thank you to Andrea Walford and the Paper Crafters Library for your video tutorial with great tips on how to use this die.

The decorative band is embossed using the Big Shot and SU's Finial Press embossing folder, sponged with Cherry Cobler die ink, and then the pad was scraped across the top of the embossed image. Even the half scallop under the flap and the banner are part of this die. The LOVE note was created using My Digital Studio (MDS) with the "Filled with Love" download, and printed on my Brother inkjet printer on Whisper White cs.

As I get time, I will be playing with this die and posting some new projects.

Happy Stamping,

Marge

Stampin'Up! Online Spectacular!

From November 22-30 get spectacular deals in my online store!

FREE shipping on order of $150 or more!

50% off My Digital Studio!

50% off Designer Fabric!

And much more!

Click on the link to my Stampin'Up! website and choose the "Shop Now" button in the upper right corner, or click on the link to the left to see a list of the products that are on sale. Sign in or Create a new account to order online.

Only have a few items to order...if you live close to the Parsippany/Morris Plains area, you can e-mail your order to me and I'll add it to mine (I'll be placing an order on Nov. 30th). If the order adds up to $150 between all of us, you get FREE shipping!

I've been having fun with "My Digital Studio (MDS)." This ornament was created using MDS. Everything--the background paper, the stamped image, the greeting--was printed on my inkjet printer from MDS. I decoupaged the paper and greeting medallion to a painted paper mache' ornament. I printed out 3 copies of the stamped image (it can be sized to fit the ornament in MDS) and colored them using watercolor pencils and sans odor oil and a blending stump. The image is

cut out, layered and finished with Crystal Effects.

The cute little snowman ornament was created the same way!

The adorable butterfly box somewhere on this page (Sorry, I have no idea where the photos are going to land on this blog!) was created using MDS also (the butterflies are cut with my Sissix Big Shot). I printed the Designer Series paper onto our Whisper

White card stock with my inkjet printer to form the box. I think the colors came out pretty close (colors

will vary depending on your printer).

I then printed Designer Series paper onto plain copy paper to make the flower.

MDS can be used for way more than scrapbooking...and it's 50% off right now!

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Marge