Friday, April 27, 2012

Occasions Mini Catalog

I can't believe I almost forgot!

The Occasions mini catalog expires Monday!
See the catalog HERE if you don't have a hard copy to look through.

With all of the retiring lists coming out, I feel like this month has been shadowed by that.  So this weekend would be the perfect time to place an order.  If you know that you would like anything from the Occasions catalog before it's gone, you might as well check the retiring lists Stamps and Accessories and Decor Elements to add to your order.  Another good thing to check out right now is the clearance rack.  There are some products at GREAT discounts!  Also remember when you reach $150, you receive the hostess benefits of $25 worth of FREE products!  So make sure to check that catalog, retiring lists and clearance rack before it's too late!

To begin your order head to my online store HERE or contact me.


Thursday, April 26, 2012

New Ink Pads


Stampin' Up is changing their ink pads come June 1st.  It will be the same awesome, flip-top case design but instead of felt it will feature firm foam pad.  This is going to change your stamping experience for the better!

Look at all the exciting benefits listed below:
  • Provide better ink coverage for your stamps!
  • Light-tap stamping produces flawless images!
  • Pad stays juicier for longer resulting in better ink pad longevity!
In addition, our new Stampin' Pads
  • Have a crisply printed, glossy label on the top of the pad that is easier to read and that will not fade or chip off!
  • Come with color name labels in all four languages (English, Spanish, French, and German)-just choose your language, peel it off the back, and add it to the side of the pad for easy identification!
  • Use the same patented flip-top case design that stores the inking surface upside down, so the pad surface stays moist!
  • Are available in all colors, including our exclusive In Colors!
New Firm Foam Pads FAQs

Q: Why did we switch from felt pads to firm foam pads?
A: We have worked very hard to improve the functionality of our Classic Stampin' Pads. The firm foam allows for better ink coverage; plus it stays juicer and lasts longer.

Q: Do old Classic Stampin' Ink Refills work with the new firm foam pads?
A: Yes, with the exception of Basic Black, Basic Gray, Marina Mist, Perfect Plum, and Tempting Turquoise, which have been reformulated to work with the new foam pad material. We do not recommend using old ink refills in these colors with the new firm foam pads.

Q: Before I use my firm foam pad, do I need to tap it and massage the ink around?
A: No. The firm foam pads are ready for use immediately. The best stamping technique with the firm foam pad is light tapping.

Q: My pad is too wet. What should I do?
A: We suggest using a paper towel to remove some of the ink. The amount of ink in each pad is carefully monitored in production to ensure the two-year shelf life.

Q: The firm foam on my lighter color pads looks blotchy. Is this normal?
A: Yes. The blotchiness is caused by the characteristics of the pad material. It does not affect the stamped image.

Q: When I first stamp with certain colors, my images seem a lot darker. Why is this happening?
A: When stamping with your old pads, you had to work hard to get even ink coverage on your stamp. With the new firm foam pad, the stamp gets a lot more ink on it so when you stamp, your image will appear darker. Once your stamped image dries, the color will look normal.

Q: When I compare the firm foam pads to my felt pads, some of the colors don't seem to match. Why is this?
A: The firm foam and felt will not match exactly. Ink reacts differently to different materials. We have quality checked each ink color to ensure that the stamped ink color is true.

Q: What is shelf life of the firm foam pads? How long will the pad last before I need to re-ink it?
A: Shelf life is two years from the manufactured date, which means if you do not use the pad for two years, it should remain well saturated. If you use the pad frequently, the pad may need to be re-inked before the two years.

Q: What is the best way to remove the color labels from the bottom of the ink pad?
A: Start at the right bottom corner (just above the barcode) and slowly peel the corner up by removing both layers.

Q: Which end of the case do you apply the label to?
A: The label goes on the end where you open the case.

Q: If the ink pad becomes saturated with ink or liquid, will it cause the label to fall off?
A: No, the label should not be affected. However, like most labels, if you pick at it or try and remove it, it may start to peel up.

Q: What are some additional features of the new firm foam pads?
A: See additional features below:
  • The firm foam is nice and flat and will not become wavy.
  • The firm foam material does not imprint on the stamp images like the felt pad sometimes did. However, because the firm foam material is a foam base material, the stamp image can momentarily leave an imprint on the pad, which can transfer to a second stamped image. By inking your stamp on different areas of the pad or waiting momentarily for the ink to rise back to the top, you can easily avoid this situation.
  • The firm foam material is soft and has a nice bounce to it. It's not hard like the felt is.
  • The ink lay-down (how the ink is absorbed into the card stock) is even, not blotchy, and dries quickly. It has an increased opacity and stamps solid images beautifully.
Q: Will the ink color collections include the newly formulated five colors (Basic Black, Basic Gray, Marina Mist, Perfect Plum, Tempting Turquoise) during the preorder in May?
A: They will include the new formulations of Basic Black (Neutrals) and Marina Mist (Subtles). However, if you are planning on purchasing the Neutrals, Subtles, or Brights ink color collections, we recommend you wait until June 1, at which time the new ink formula will also be available in Basic Gray, Perfect Plum, and Tempting Turquoise.

Q: Will Stampin' Spots use the new firm foam pad?
A: No. Stampin' Spots will remain the same.

Q: Can I use the reformulated ink with my Stampin' Spots?
A: Yes.

I hope this post has answered your questions and concerns with this big change.  It really seems to be something that will make your projects even better!  Leave me a comment and let me know what you think.

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

2012 Retired Lists

Click HERE to Get HTML









Well I'm sure you've heard by now that Stampin' Up is revamping their annual catalog which means A LOT of their current products are being retired or changed. They have released both lists for stamps and accessories that you can begin to order by clicking on the following link: Shop Now while supplies last

Don't be surprised when you notice some of the products.  They are revamping certain products, in particular our ink pads, so they are discounting the current products to make room for the new and improved products.  (I will be posting more about these changes in other posts so stay tuned)  Keep in mind that the products are only available while supplies last and can be ordered until May 31st.  Also, some accessories are discounted so make sure to order those immediately since at these prices, they won't last long.

Contact me if you have any questions.


Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Purses

I have been wanting to try making these purses using the new Petite Purse Bigz L Die.  This die you can order during the Summer Smooches promotion for only 1 more week than you will have to wait until the new catalog comes out in June.
125606 Petite Purse Bigz L Die $32.95
How cute is this?!


This die is perfect for a lot of different reasons.  It would just make the cutest bridal shower favor which will hold candy, lipstick, jewelery, many different things.  I will take a few more pictures when I get home so you can see the actual size and what it can hold.  (I took these while sitting at the craft fair this weekend and didn't think about it until I wrote this post)

All you have to do to make this purse is to run the die through the Big Shot.  Once the paper is cut, assemble with adhesive, put handle on than decorate.  I chose to use a button and white bakers twine for a simple but adorable finish.  You can do lots of different things to customize this purse how you want it to look but I kept mine simple just to show you.

If you want to order this die make sure to do so by April 30th or you will have to wait until June 1st to get it again.  Order by going to www.brittnysmith.stampinup.net







Friday, April 20, 2012

Candles, Candles and More Candles



April's class is going to feature how to decorate candles like this to display in your home or use as gifts.

During this class you will learn about heat embossing and stamping to create one of a kind candles.

Date: Sunday, April 29

Time: 2:30-4 pm

Location: My home in Castle Shannon, PA

Cost: $10 for you to make and take home 3 different candles.
        FREE if you bring a friend or spend $25 that night

RSVP by Friday, April 27 to reserve your spot at www.brittnysmith.stampinup.net or call or email

I hope you can join me to make candles with stamps and ink!

Going, Going, Gone

I'm finally back from my vacation and wanted to quickly post the retired stamp list.  I would love to provide you with some inspiration but after returning to work on Thursday and preparing for a craft fair this weekend, I haven't had time to craft much myself.  I'm hoping to do some after this weekend.

If you haven't heard, Stampin' Up! is making a HUGE change to their annual idea book and catalog.  They are making it much smaller (and cheaper, ya!!) which means that A LOT of the stamp sets are retiring.  Here's a list of the sets that if you want and don't have them yet, make sure to order them through my site before May 31st because who knows where they will go once they are gone!

PDF of retiring stamp sets

Download and print so you have this handy when you place your next order at www.brittnysmith.stampinup.net 

Have a great weekend!

Monday, April 9, 2012

Vacation

My husband and I are taking a vacation to celebrate our 5 year anniversary without the kids!!  I'm excited to spend some much  needed alone time with my hubby but sad I'll be leaving my boys for a week.  They will be in great hands with my mom though.  They just love her and staying at her house is such a treat for them.  I'm sure I'll get them back all spoiled and have to whip them back in to shape but that's what grandparents are for! :)

I wish I had tons of posts to keep you updated during this week that I'm gone, but I just didn't plan very well.  So I will be gone for the week and hopefully back to posting when I get back.

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Favorite Product

<p>I just happened to be at my moms today and her May issue of CardMaker magazine came in the mail. I usually only flip through real fast to see if there are any cute card ideas. Since I had a little extra time, I sat down to flip through the whole magazine.</p>
<p>Boy was I surprised to see our cookie stamps on the editors favorite products section!&nbsp; I love when I see our products in magazines because they truly are the best and everyone needs to know about it. I'm shocked how little people know or have never heard of Stampin' Up! before.
And these cookie stamps have become one of my favorite products as well. The cookies have such a cute image once they are baked. I'm really hoping Stampin'Up! continues to bring out new cookie stamps.


Tuesday, April 3, 2012

April Q&A

Fancy Framelits Folds
Q: I’ve seen some cards with fancy folds made using the Labels Framelits. How do you do that?

Fancy Framelits Fold

A: The new Hearts and Labels Framelits Dies for the Big Shot have been a huge hit! There are so many great ways to use them, besides the obvious layered frames. You can use them to cut edges of cards into shapes, make window cards, make cards with fancy folds, and so much more! One of my favorite fancy folds cards is a Z-fold card. It’s extra fun because of a cut with the Label Framelits that makes the main image flip to the inside when you open the card!

Here’s how you can make this fun Z-Fold Flip card:

Fancy Framelits Folds

Step 1: Cut a piece of 8-1/2” card stock in half to get a 5-1/2” x 8-1/2” card body. Score at 4-1/4” along the 8-1/2” side to create the folded card. Next fold the front of the card in half. You can do this by folding the edge of the card back towards the fold of the card or by scoring first at 2-1/8” and then folding the edge of the card back towards the fold of the card.

Step 2: Turn the Multipurpose Platform to Tab 2 and place it onto the Big Shot with a Cutting Pad on it. Unfold the card body you previously scored. Place a Label Framelits (the 3rd largest works well) centered over the fold on the card front. Place the top Cutting Pad only over half of the Label Framelit so the Cutting Pad edge is lined up with the fold line on the center of the card front. Carefully hold the sandwich in place and run through the Big Shot. Only the part of the Framelit with the Cutting Pad over it will be cut.

Step 3: Fold the card and decorate the Framelits section with other Framelits layers and stamped images. When the card is opened the image flips to the inside of the card. Use Texture Impressions Embossing Folders to add embossing to cut Framelits for even more detail and interest!

Have fun experimenting with this great Z-Fold Flip card using the Framelits Hearts Collection, too!
© CraftyPerson Production. Images © Stampin' Up!

Monday, April 2, 2012

Summer Smooches

Stampin' Up! is running a promotion just this month that features items from the 2012-2013 Idea Book and Catalog that you can order early. 

Picture of the items you can order now!

Here are the items that you can order this month and not again until the new catalog comes out in June. 

Item
Description
Price

125495
Bright Blossoms Wood-Mount Set
$16.95

125497
Bright Blossoms Clear-Mount Set
$12.95

125409
Summer Smooches Designer Series Paper
$10.95

125583
Daffodil Delight 1/2" Seam Binding Ribbon
$10.95

125411
Summer Smooches Designer Fabric
$9.95

125589
Summer Smooches Fabric Designer Brads*
$6.95

125626
Summer Smooches Décor Stencil*
$7.95

125606
Petite Purse Bigz L Die
$32.95

129919
Summer Smooches Photobook Template
$17.95

129601
Summer Smooches Digital Kit
$9.95
*These items are only available through this month and will not be carried in the 2012-2013 catalog.


Here's a card featuring products from this Summer Smooches sneak peek promotion.

If you would like to order any of these items, you may do so through my online store: www.brittnysmith.stampinup.net  Remember you can order these now but won't be available until the new catalog at the beginning of June.  Also, the fabric brads and stencil WILL NOT be carried in the catalog since they are doing away with the decor elements.  If these are items you would like, make sure to get them before the end of April.