{capture the moment}

Tonight is the Night!

The night we have all been waiting for is finally here!  Can't you just feel the anticipation in the air!  Now is your chance to be one of the FIRST to get to play with all of the amazing paper crafting goodness that we are offering up this month!!!  I wanted to let you know a few things about tonight so you can know what to expect!

The release party begins at 10pm EST on our forum.
Be sure to stop by our forum and enjoy the camaraderie and chit chat about all of our new products.  It's fast-moving and a super duper way to pass the time until you can begin filling your cart.

You can't have a party without a contest.
Tonight we will feature a contest, HERE ON THE BLOG.  There is a post that will go live @ 10:30pm EST entitled "OFFICIAL Release Party Contest" with a question for you to answer.  Share your answer with us and you will be eligible to win:

Our "I Want It All" package
this includes almost the entire September Release (over a $230 value)!

The contest will close at 11:30pm EST and the winner will be chosen via the Random Number Generator.  I will announce the lucky winner here before midnight!

Stamp Set Reveal @ 11pm EST

At 11pm EST I will reveal all of the stamp sets in their entirety here, on the blog.  This way you can have a little time to look at everything and make informed decisions about your purchases.

September Quick Picks/Collections!

For those of you who want it all with just one click!  You can see the full list of quick picks as well as all of the other new merchandise that will be available tonight, HERE!

September in a Nutshell!

You can always see a linked review list for each release on my Previous Countdown page, HERE.  But I have also added the list below, so it's easy to navigate while you are making your shopping decisions tonight.

DAY 1: Wreath for All Seasons & Holiday Spirit Sentiments

DAY 2: Fillable Frames #8 & Peace Be Still, Framed

DAY 3: Year of Flowers: Morning Glories &  Trees With Trimmings, Background Basics: Christmas, Inside & Out: Holiday

DAY 4: Calendar Basics

DAY 5: Everyday Treats

Thanks for stopping by and we look forward to seeing all of you tonight!

Introducing Everyday Treats

It's hard to believe, but here we are on the very last day of the countdown!  And myself along with the entire team has a very special surprise in store for you today!  A second group post showcasing one of our very favorite sets for this month, Everyday Treats.

Everyday Treats is a follow-up set to the popular Holiday Treats set we released a few years ago.  Customers have sent many, MANY requests our way begging and pleading for a year-round version that they could get more versatility from.  Not only does this new set offer year-round opportunities, it also features TWO frame images that coordinate with previously released dies that you probably already have in your collection!  One coordinates with Mat Stack 1 while the other with Mat Stack 4!

The details.

• Everyday Treats will be available for purchase on September 15th.
  
• It will retail for $24.
  
• Everyday Treats contains a total of 23 stamps (2 large Mat Stack frames, 4 (1.75") circular label frames, 6 miniature treat images and 11 titles to interchange with the labels)
  
• The Mat Stack 1 die and Mat Stack 4 die we currently carry will each coordinate with a frame in this set.

Now that we have all the formalities out of the way, let's get onto some projects!

I've always had a thing for bite-size cookies.  You know the ones.  They tuck easily into your mouth with just one bite, perfect with a cup of tea.  Well, I thought I would put together little teacher treats with my favorite miniature delectables.

 

I started out with our Favor It Box #1 Die.  I die cut the box from Pure Poppy cardstock.  I just ADORE how it is one pass through my Big Shot, and it's ready to go!

Both the Favor It Box #1 & Mat Stack 1 dies coordinate with this frame image from Everyday Treats.  I die-cut a piece of Vintage Cream cardstock with Mat Stack 1 and stamped the frame image in True Black.

I selected a "homemade label", also from the set, and stamped it on Vintage Cream cardstock using Pure Poppy ink.  All of the labels in this set coordinate with a 1.75" circle punch, which means they also match all of our OTHER Mat Stack dies as well!

 
There are several "titles" that can be added to the labels to make them appropriate to your project.  Here, I have selected "Sweets", stamped in True Black.

The finished box only took 10 minutes to make from start to finish!  Now how's that for quick & easy!

I tucked a small glassine bag inside holding a few bite-size cookies, tied closed with a bit of Pure Poppy Baker's Twine.

The coordinating card shows how well these frames can coordinate with other sets that can contain 1.75" images.  Here, I have selected something from 2009 Autumn Tags to add to the center of my frame, stamped in Pure Poppy ink.  The sentiment "With Thanks" came from the same set and is stamped in True Black.  I used the popular Moroccan Motifs impression plate on the background, adding a lot of needed subtly texture.

The finished ensemble is adorable, quick to assemble and just FUN to create!  What else can you envision tucking into these little treat boxes besides bite-size cookies??     

Now, let me show you all of the other possibilities that this set holds!  Hop on over to all of our design team blogs to see their amazing creations with this set!

CLICK HERE to read more from Betsy Veldman. 

CLICK HERE to read more from Dawn McVey. 

CLICK HERE to read more from Debbie Olson. 

CLICK HERE to read more from Erin Lincoln. 

CLICK HERE to read more from Heather Nichols. 

CLICK HERE to read more from Kim Hughes. 

 CLICK HERE to read more from Lisa Johnson. 

CLICK HERE to read more from Maile Belles. 

 

CLICK HERE to read more from Melissa Phillips. 

CLICK HERE to read more from Michelle Wooderson. 

CLICK HERE to read more from Niki Estes. 

Didn't the entire team do an AMAZING job with this set?!?!?  It makes me want to get in the kitchen and start baking!  And I am definitely getting geared up for all of the wonderful things I can make for friends and neighbors during the holidays this year!  Do you have something that you traditionally make for others during any point in the year?  Do you see this set being helpful in packaging up those treats?  Was there a particular project that struck a chord with you tonight?  We would love to hear your initial thoughts!  We have a fantastic prize package up for grabs!

• Everyday Treats stamp set
  
• Holiday Treats stamp set
  
• Mat Stack 4 die
  
• Mat Stack 1 die
  
• Fine Linen Felt
  
• Pure Poppy Felt
  
• Terracotta Tile Felt

This contest will end tonight at 11:30pm EST, Tuesday, September 14th.  Only one comment per person please.  One randomly selected winner will be announced by midnight EST on our September Release Winners page.  Thank you for stopping by and good luck!

 

Alli Miles has brand new creations to share with you using Holiday Spirit Sentiments.

Beth Silaika is showcasing Trees With Trimmings.

 

THANK YOU SWEETS ENSEMBLE

• STAMPS: Everyday Treats (available September 15th), 2009 Autumn Tags
  
• INK: True Black, Pure Poppy
  
• PAPER: Vintage Cream, Pure Poppy, Kraft
  
• OTHER: Favor It Box #1 die, Mat Stack 1 die, 1.75" circle punch, Moroccan Motifs impression plate, true black grosgrain ribbon, small glassine bag, pure poppy baker's twine.
  
• FINISHED SIZE: 4.25" x 5.5" (card) 3.5" x 3.25"

Introducing Calendar Basics

For a few years now I have been thinking about the best way to go about creating the ultimate collection of products to enable stampers to create their own customized calendars.  I felt like it was most important to make the process quick and easy, because if you are anything like me, you start on a project like this and don't follow through to the end because there are TWELVE pages to complete after all!

Well, the thought process is finally complete with every detail executed perfectly, bringing you the Calendar Basics line of products.

It all starts with a stamp set.  The Calendar Basics stamp set includes everything you need to customize our line of pre-printes calendar products (more about those in a moment).  All twelve months are covered in not one, but two different fonts.  

There are small design elements that can be used to accent the monthly headings, giving you many ways to customize the look of your calendar.  

There are holiday icon images to designate which day a particular holiday falls on.  

There are even elements that allow you to create a custom title for the cover of your calendar project.  

The years 2011-2020 are covered so you will be able to get lots of use from this set for years to come.  

There are sentiments that allow you to use the month titles in your everyday card making.

Myself along with the rest of the team will be showing you how all of these images work together to create calendars and more, but first the details.

The details.

• Calendar Basics stamp set will be available for purchase on September 15th.
  
• It will retail for $24.
  
• Calendar Basics stamp set includes a total of 62 stamps (12 month titles in a block font, 12 month titles in a script font, 10 yearly titles (2011-2020), 8 complementary design elements, 9 holiday/event icons, 6 cover title elements and 5 sentiments)

Now I am assuming that many of you may be like me and have shied away from calendar projects in the past because of how labor intensive they tend to be.  Well, that was the old way of creating calendars.  With our pre-printed calendar pages and the help of an amazing die, you can complete an entire calendar in half the time.

First, let me show you the two different types of calendars we will be offering on the 15th.

 

Our pre-printed 2011 Mini Calendar is the quickest way to put together a project.  The pages measure 2.5" square and they are printed on white patterned paper weight paper.  They are designed this size to specifically coordinate with our new Calendar Page Die (more about that below).  The "days of the week" are printed in a light gray across the top of the page, while the numbers are printed in black.

I designed the pages so there is the perfect amount of space at the top to add your own month title, allowing you to keep everything color coordinated within your project.  To help this project be time efficient, I added a code in the lower right corner of each page that let's you know what month the page is for.  For example, the January page has the code "PTI JAN2011".  These pages make it SO quick and easy to put together your own project in a matter of minutes, but still give you the flexibility of customization.

The details.

• The 2011 Mini Calendar will be available for purchase September 15th.
  
• They will retail for $2 each.
  
• Each 2011 Mini Calendar contains all twelve months, each page measuring 2.5" square.
  
• They are printed on quality white 80lb. paper (the same paper we use for our patterned paper).
  
• The 2011 Mini Calendar coordinates with the Calendar Page Die, available separately. 

Now a bit more about the aforementioned Calendar Page Die.  This die measures about 5-1/4" x 6-1/2", creating pages that will fit perfectly in our Calendar Cases.  The small tabs will hold the 2011 Mini Calendar pages perfectly in place and add an extra design element that eliminates the need to do any matting or layering.  This helps to keep the pages thin so that they can all fit in the Calendar Case.

  

I love the concept of this die because all you need to do is stamp a pattern or image directly onto the cardstock, slip in the mini calendar page and you're done!  Quick, easy and FUN!!!!!  

The details.

• The Calendar Page Die will be available for purchase on September 15th.
  
• It will retail for $16.
  
• The Calendar Page Die measures about 5.25" x 6.5" and the pages it creates fit perfectly in our Calendar Cases.
• The 2011 Mini Calendar pages can be inserted underneath the tabs for calendar creating efficiency.
• Any 2.5" block can be inserted behind the tabs for use in both card making and scrapbooking.  Think of the amazing, quick & easy mini book possibilities!

For those of you who enjoy making larger scaled calendars that allow you space to write notes and reminders each day, our 2011 Large Calendar is just what you need.  These loose, unbound calendar pages measure 8.5" x 11" and are printed on heavyweight 120lb white cardstock.  This is an even HEAVIER weight than our Stamper's Select White cardstock!

The 2011 Large Calendar pages allow you plenty of room at the top to add photos or stamp images directly to the page.  You can add just the month or finish it off with flourishes or other embellishments from the Calendar Basics stamp set.  Stamp images can be tucked into different date blocks to note birthdays, anniversaries and holidays.  The 2011 Large Calendar pages also feature the same month coding as the mini calendar in the lower right hand corner, making it easy to keep track of what month which page is for.

The details.

• The 2011 Large Calendar will be available for purchase September 15th.
  
• They will retail for $7 each.
  
• Each 2011 Large Calendar contains all twelve months, each page measuring 8.5" x 11".
  
• They are printed on quality white 120lb. cardstock (this is a heavier weight than our Stamper's Select White Cardstock!)

Now, if I haven't tempted you enough already, let me tell you all about a THIRD way you can utilize the Calendar Basics stamp set!

Are you familiar with the concept of a birthday calendar?  The premise behind a birthday calendar is that you have a permanent page for each month with a listing of the birthdays you want to remember each year.  You use the same calendar every year, so it is an amazing organizational tool and/or gift.

The concept I came up with allows you to easily store a few cards along with each month and house it all together in a sturdy, long-lasting binder.  Plus you can put your effort into making a really cute cover for the binder rather than each individual page since the work is practically done for you.

The Birthday Calendar Pages arrive flat and scored just to the right of the list portion of the page as well as three hole punched for the binder.  There is space at the top of the list for you to add the month with the Calendar Basics stamp set.  The idea is for you to fold the list flap over and adhere just the top and bottom with Scor-tape and create a pocket for cards each month.  

The details.

• Birthday Calendar Page sets will be available for purchase September 15th.
  
• They will retail for $7 each.
  
• Each Birthday Calendar Page set contains twelve pages (for twelve months), each page measuring 8" x 10.25".
  
• They are printed on our Stamper's Select White Cardstock.
  
• Birthday Calendar Page sets coordinate with our Kraft Binder, which will be available for purchase separately (more information below).

We are also selling the three ring binder to store the Birthday Calendar Pages in.  It is similar to the binder we currently sell to house the Color Couture line of products, minus the logo printed on the cover.

The details.

• The Kraft Binder will be available for purchase September 15th.
  
• They will retail for $8 each.
  
• The Kraft Binder is a three ring binder that measures 7.25" wide and 9" tall.

So, are you as excited as I am about ALL these amazing goodies!  Let me show you what myself and the rest of the team has created with this incredible product line! 

 
I thought I would start out today's post with one of the customized Birthday Books that you can create with these products.

 
I embellished the cover of the Kraft Binder with a strip of Ocean Tides cardstock stamped with Turning a New done in Fresh Snow Ink.  The title is die-cut using the Mat Stack 4 die from Stamper's Select White cardstock.  All of the elements within the title are images from the Calendar Basics stamp sets, allowing you to customize your project inside & out. 

 
The companion stamp set also has elements to decorate the spine of your birthday book.  I discovered that the Tea for Two label die works nicely with this image.

Now, a bit more about those Birthday Calendar pages I was telling you about earlier.  They come pre-punched and scored, ready to fold into the pocket pages.

 
All you need to do is add a few pieces of Scor-tape at teh top and bottom...

 
and when you fold it over, it becomes a pocket to hold cards for each month.

As I mentioned earlier, there are stamp titles for each month.  Here I stamped it in Spring Moss and then added one of the small flourishes from the set in Ocean Tides.  I love how I can easily carry over my color scheme from the cover to the interior pages this way.

 
There is a small "HB" (Happy Birthday) and "AN" (Anniversary) to be used to mark which days have a birthday or anniversary associated with them.  You can then fill in the appropriate name next to each date.

 
Once all of the pages are complete, they tuck beautifully inside the binder together.

 
Not only would this make a wonderful gift for someone, full of birthday cards, it would be a great way to treat yourself since you ARE after all a card maker! 

 
Now, how about a project using the mini calendar?  I started by die-cutting 12 Calender Pages with the Calendar Page Die, using 12 different colors.

 
I matched up a color with each month and then stamped the month titles in the coordinating color.  For February I used Melon Berry.

 

I decided to stamp all of my pages with Friends 'Til the End using Fresh Snow ink.  After doing so, I was able to go through and insert the mini calendar pages with each appropriate color.  All twelve pages tuck nicely into the calendar case.

 
To finish the project, I created a wrap around cover for the calendar.  There is a special stamp in the set that is specifically designed to be used on calendar case spines.  Here it is, customized with the year "2011".  As I mentioned earlier, the years 2011-2020 are included so you will get nearly a decade of use from the set.

 
I punched out 3/4" squares from the scraps leftover from die-cutting the calendar pages and stamped each one with Friends 'Til the End, then arranges them in an eye appealing color-block pattern on the cover.  I lovethe way this turned out!

 
The finished case looks professional & polished!  It's little details like the cover of this calendar, that really take a project to the next level!

Now how about some MORE Calendar Basics projects & inspiration from the team!

CLICK HERE to read more from Betsy Veldman.

CLICK HERE to read more from Dawn McVey.

CLICK HERE to read more from Debbie Olson.

CLICK HERE to read more from Erin Lincoln.

 

CLICK HERE to read more from Heather Nichols.

CLICK HERE to read more from Kim Hughes.

CLICK HERE to read more from Lisa Johnson.

CLICK HERE to read more from Maile Belles.

 

CLICK HERE to read more from Melissa Phillips.

CLICK HERE to read more from Michelle Wooderson.

CLICK HERE to read more from Niki Estes.

I hope you have thoroughly enjoyed everything that myself and the entire team have put together for you today.  The Calendar Basics collection is an absolute JOY to work with.  I always thought the idea of making a calendar was daunting until now and I hope you will join me in discovering just how fun these types of projects can be!  Not to mention what amazing gifts they can create!  

We would love to hear your initial thoughts about the Calendar Basics line-up.  Have you made calendars before?  Does it seem like this system will streamline the process for you?  Have you avoided calendars in the past and this product line has inspired you to jump in with both feet?  Which type of calendar are you most excited about creating?  We have an AMAZING prize package up for grabs, which you could have a chance at winning just for leaving a comment!

• Calendar Basics stamp set
  
• Calendar Page die
  
• 2011 Mini Calendar page set
  
• 2011 Large Calendar page set
  
• Birthday Calendar page set
  
• Kraft Binder

This prize package is valued at over $60, so you won't want to miss out on having a chance to play along!  This contest ends at 7am EST, Tuesday, September 14th.  Only one comment per person please. One randomly selected winner will be announced by noon EST on our September Release Winners Page.  Thanks for stopping by today!  And good luck! 

 

Alli Miles has more inspiration to offer using Holiday Spirit Sentiments.

Beth Silaika is showcasing another sample using Trees With Trimmings.

Becky Oehlers has a project featuring Framed that you won't want to miss.

 

BIRTHDAY BOOK

• STAMPS: Calendar Basics (available September 15th), Turning a New Leaf, Text Style II
  
• INK: Fresh Snow, Spring Moss, Ocean Tides
  
• PAPER: Ocean Tides, Spring Moss, Stamper's Select White
  
• OTHER: Birthday Calendar page set, Kraft Binder, Medium Scalloped Border Die, Spring Moss Swiss Dot Ribbon, Mat stack 4 die

CALENDAR CASE

• STAMPS: Calendar Basics (available September 15th),Friends 'Til the End
  
• INK: Fresh Snow, Melon Berry, Lavender Moon, Spring Rain, Spring Moss, Simply Chartreuse, Ripe Avocado, Terracotta Tile, Dark Chocolate, Ocean Tides, Aqua Mist, Sweet Blush, True Black
  
• PAPER: Kraft, Melon Berry, Lavender Moon, Spring Rain, Spring Moss, Simply Chartreuse, Ripe Avocado, Terracotta Tile, Dark Chocolate, Ocean Tides, Aqua Mist, Sweet Blush, Stamper's Select White
  
• OTHER: Calendar Page Die, 2011 Mini Calendar page set, Calendar Case

Introducing Trees With Trimmings, Inside & Out: Holiday and BB: Christmas

Onto Day 3 of the countdown!  It's hard to believe that the week is already half over!  I have a total of FOUR stamp sets to introduce to you today between two posts, so be sure to scroll all the way down and don't miss any of the new goodies!

The first set I am introducing is Trees With Trimmings, designed by Beth Silaika.  This is a set just packed full of images and sentiments perfect for creating several different varieties of holiday projects.  This tree set contains several different shapes & patterns applied to basic tree silhouettes.  Not to mention the smaller companion images  you can use to decorate the tree if you desire.  The sentiments in the set use a fabulous font that is a true classic.

The details.

• Trees With Trimmings will be available for sale on September 15th.
• It will retail for $24.
• Trees With Trimmings contains a total of 27 stamps (10 trees, 10 small companion images and 7 sentiments)

 

We are also introducing a new tree die.  While it doesn't coordinate with this new Trees With Trimmings set, it DOES coordinate with the elegant flourish tree from the previously released Tree Trimming Trio set.  It is a perfect, classic tree shape that can work well alone or with the coordinating stamp image.

The details.

• The Christmas Tree Die will be available for sale on September 15th.
• It will retail for $7.
• The Christmas Tree Die coordinated with the flourish tree image from Tree Trimming Trio.  The die measures 4" tall and  3" wide.

 

The next set I am introducing today is Background Basics: Christmas by Lisa Johnson.  True to our entire Background Basics series, the background building images int his set are truly versatile and some will even have year-round uses.  She even snuck in a few small individual images that multiply the number of possibilities at your disposal.  

The details.

• Background Basics: Christmas will be available for sale on September 15th.
• It will retail for $15.
• Background Basics: Christmas contains a total of 10 stamps (5 background building strips & 5 companion images)

 

Lisa has also designed a pad of patterned paper that coordinates with some of the patterns in the aforementioned Background Basics: Christmas set.  The collection is playfully entitled Sugar Plum and it's unconventional color scheme is such a treat to use!

The details.

• The Sugar Plum Paper Pad will be available for sale on September 15th.
• It will retail for $8.
• The Sugar Plum Paper Pad includes 6 sheets each of 6 patterns.
• It contains the colors Fine Linen, Plum Pudding, Spring Rain, Pure Poppy, Simply Chartreuse, Harvest Gold & Fresh Snow.

Lastly, I am thrilled to introduce one of the most highly requested sets for this holiday season, Inside & Out Holiday.  I was able to assemble a beautiful set that features both elegantly poignant verses along with adorable, whimsical sayings perfectly scaled for the interior of your cards.

The details.

• Inside & Out: Holiday will be available for sale on September 15th.
• It will retail for $24.
• Inside & Out: Holiday contains a total of 13 stamps (9 large-scaled interior card sentiments & 4 strip sentiments)

Now that all of the formal introductions are done, let me show you some of my creations with them!

 

For my first project I decided to use an unconventional holiday color scheme of Spring Moss, Sweet Blush & our new color, Fine Linen.

I stamped two of the trees from Trees with Trimmings onto Stamper's Select White cardstock using Spring Moss ink.  I then trimmed them out with a ruler and craft knife which was so easy to do since it was all straight lines.

I die-cut the Tag Sale #1 die from Sweet Blush cardstock and then ran it through my Big Shot with the Background Basics: Diamonds Impression Plate.  I snuck a piece of scrap Spring Moss cardstock back through with the Tag Sale die to create the reinforcement ring.

For a fun border, I stamped this strip from Background Basics: Christmas in alternating colors of Sweet Blush & Spring Moss.  I then stitched down the center of each strip with my sewing machine.

For the background I repeatedly stamped this zigzag strip, also from Background Basics: Christmas, using Fresh Snow ink onto Fine Linen cardstock.

The sentiment, from Trees With Trimmings, was stamped on Spring Moss cardstock and heat embossed with Filigree White Embossing Powder.  I then punched it out with a 1-1/4" circle punch.  Don't you just love the Fine Linen color paired up with pastels?  I think it is a perfect complement!

I used a sentiment from  Inside & Out: Holiday on the interior of the card, stamped in Smokey Shadow ink.  I was then able to add some of the individual dots from Background Basics: Christmas on top of the sentiment, carrying over my color scheme of Sweet Blush & Spring Moss.

I tied the tag off with a small scrap of 1/4" silk ribbon and trimmed the ends with pinking shears as an added detail.

This next project uses more of a traditional color scheme of Ripe Avocado & Scarlet Jewel.

I stamped the tree from Trees With Trimmings in RIpe Avocado ink and then added these small snowflakes from the same set with Scarlet Jewel ink.

I created a background on Scarlet Jewel cardstock using another strip from Background Basics: Christmas, stamped in Versamark.  Isn't it so fun?!?!

After the tree was stamped, I used the Woodgrain Impression Plate on the entire focal point.

I used Inside & Out: Holiday once again on the interior of this card.  The sentiment was stamped in True Black and then I added the small snowflake from the front above and below in Scarlet Jewel.

The "Happy Holidays" on the cover of the card is also from Inside & Out: Holiday, showing that the set doesn't JUST have to be for interiors.

Now for a super simple & clean project I call Peaceful Tree.

This text tree image is one of my favorites from Beth's new set and I had been dying to try heat embossing it. 

 

So I did just that with Filigree Clear Embossing Powder and I love, LOVE, love the results.

Underneath the tree I added a strip of text created with a Christmas themed verse from Background Basics: Christmas, stamped in Smokey Shadow.  I also wrapped a bit of Rustic Jute Button Twine around the block and finished it with a bow.

Inside & Out: Holiday is again featured on the inside.  The sentiment is stamped in Smokey Shadow and the "Merry Christmas" is clear embossed on a narrow strip of Ocean Tides cardstock.

So simple, but still a show-stopper.

Fo my next project, I thought I would dig out Lisa's new paper pad, Sugar Plum.  The bright vibrant colors are sure to be a big hit!

For the focal point, I stamped a tree from Trees With Trimmings using Simply Chartreuse ink onto a Fillable Frames #8 die-cut mat.  The "Holiday Greetings" sentiment from Signature Christmas was a perfect fit and stamped in True Black as well.

You'll find Inside & Out: Holiday back at work here.  This sentiment from the set is stamped in True Black ink.  I also added small strips of the Sugar Plum paper above and below.

A piece of Pure Poppy Satin Ribbon is tied around the front focal point to help make the project more cohesive.

Now, how about that Christmas Tree Die I mentioned earlier?

I die-cut some SImply Chartreuse felt with this new die.  Can you say IN LOVE!!!!!!

I created a mat layer using Vintage Cream cardstock as well as a strip of Fine Linen stamped with the text from Background Basics: Christmas in Haystack.  I stitched the felt tree in place using my sewing machine, carefully moving back and forth to create something reminiscent of a garland.

I then hand-sttiched a few buttons in place to represent ornaments.  Think of all the fun color combinations you could create!  I chose to use Melon Berry & Harvest Gold.

Inside & Out: Holiday was used again here.  This time the sentiment was stamped in Haystack, with "Merry Christmas" added with Melon Berry.  The small tree at the top is from Places, Please and it is stamped in Spring Moss.

The card base is created from Kraft cardstock.  I stamped a single strip of the smallest dots from Polka Dot Basics II at the top and bottom of the front using Vintage Cream ink.

One of the reasons I designed this tree die was because I had had an idea since the release of Tree Trimming Trio to create small tabletop trees as home or table decor.  Now that the Christmas Tree die has officially arrived, we can ALL make these cuties in just a matter of minutes.

I started by die-cutting four trees from Ripe Avocado cardstock.

I then scored them all in half.

I adhered them together, front to back, to create this tree.  It will need a small stand to remain straight.  I found the easiest thing to do is cut a 1/2" strip of paper and create a ring about 1.75" in diameter.  The tree will set perfectly in it without any fancy cuts or tabs.

To embellish the tree, I simply used glue dots to adhere various Pure Poppy buttons.  You could also create your own, custom garlands with beads, ribbon or buttons.  You can punch ornaments from Tree Trimming Trio stamp set and add them to the tree.  You can cover the tree in glitter or just gilt the edges to make it look like a gently snowfall has just taken place.  Whatever you decide, these are a fun activity that both experienced stampers, novices and even kids will enjoy!

If this post doesn't get you in the Christmas spirit, I don't know what will!  How did you like all of today's projects?  Do you have a favorite?  We would love to hear your initial thoughts about all of these products!  You could have a chance at winning an amazing prize package just for sharing your comments!

• Trees With Trimmings stamp set
  
• Christmas Tree die
  
• Tree Trimming Trio stamp set
  
• Background Basics: Christmas stamp set
  
• Sugar Plum Paper Pad
  
• Inside & Out: Holiday stamp set

This prize package is valued at over $100, so be sure to play along!  This contest will close at 7am EST, Monday, September 13th.  Only one comment per person please.  One randomly selected winner will be announced by noon EST on out September Release Winners page.

Thanks for stopping by today, and don't forget to scroll down for a second post!

Lisa Johnson has some creations today using all of these new goodies.

Beth Silaika is showcasing her Trees With Trimmings set today.

Alli Miles is offering up inspiration using Holiday Spirit Sentiments.

Heather Nichols is featuring both of her new sets, Peace Be still & Fillable Frames #8.

Becky Oehlers has something new to share using Framed.

Dawn McVey is showcasing some additional ideas using this month's Color Couture download.

 

MERRY & BRIGHT CARD

• STAMPS: Trees With Trimmings, Background Basics: Christmas, Inside & Out: Holiday (available September 15th)
  
• INK: Fresh Snow, Spring Moss, Sweet Blush, Smokey Shadow
  
• PAPER: Fine Linen, Stamper's Select White, Sweet Blush, Spring Moss
  
• OTHER: Tag Sale #1 Die, Filigree White Embossing Powder, 1/4" Silk Ribbon, Background Basics: Diamonds Impression Plate, 1-1/4" Circle Punch (EK Success), sewing machine
  
• FINISHED SIZE: 4.25" x 5.5"

HAPPY HOLIDAYS CARD

• STAMPS: Trees With Trimmings, Background Basics: Christmas, Inside & Out: Holiday (available September 15th)
  
• INK: Ripe Avocado, Scarlet Jewel, True Black, Versamark, Tea Dye Duo
  
• PAPER: Ripe Avocado, Scarlet Jewel, Vintage Cream, Kraft
  
• OTHER: Woodgrain Impression Plate
  
• FINISHED SIZE: 4.25" x 5.5"

PEACEFUL TREE CARD

• STAMPS: Trees With Trimmings, Background Basics: Christmas, Inside & Out: Holiday (available September 15th)
  
• INK: Fresh Snow, Versamark, Smokey Shadow
  
• PAPER: Kraft, Ocean Tides, Rustic White
  
• OTHER: Rustic Jute Button Twine, Filigree Clear Embossing Powder
  
• FINISHED SIZE: 6.5" x 4.25"

HOLIDAY GREETINGS CARD

• STAMPS: Trees With Trimmings,  Inside & Out: Holiday (available September 15th)
  
• INK: Simply Chartreuse, True Black
  
• PAPER: Sugar Plum Paper Pad, Pure Poppy, Stamper's Select White
  
• OTHER: Fillabe Frames #8 Die, Spring Rain button, clear rhinestone (Kaiser Craft), Pure Poppy Satin Ribbon
  
• FINISHED SIZE: 4.25" x 5.5"

FELT TREE CARD

• STAMPS: Background Basics: Christmas, Inside & Out: Holiday (available September 15th), Places Please, Polka Dot Basics II
  
• INK: Haystack Palette, Melon Berry, Tea Dye Duo, Vintage Cream
  
• PAPER: Fine Linen, Vintage Cream, Kraft
  
• OTHER: Christmas Tree Die, Simply Chartreuse Felt, Melon Berry & Harvest Gold Buttons, sewing machine
  
• FINISHED SIZE: 4.25" x 5.5"

TABLE TOP TREE

• PAPER: Ripe Avocado, Harvest gold, 2009 Bitty Dot Basics (Kraft)
  
• OTHER: Christmas Tree Die, Pure Poppy Buttons, glue dots, Fiskars medium star punch
  
• FINISHED SIZE: 5.5" tall and 3" wide

Introducing Year of Flowers: Morning Glories

I always enjoy getting to introduce the latest Year of Flowers set to you!  They are so fun to use and add so much to any project!  This month's flower, the Morning Glory, is certainly no exception.  I just adore how this image turned out and the depth & detail it conveys.  Definitely one of my favorites that I've drawn thus far! It also features sentiments that are interchangeable between all of the sets as well as "month" stamps that can be combined to make a calendar.

The details.

• Year of Flowers: Morning Glories will be available for purchase on September 15th.
  
• It will retail for $15.
  
• Year of Flowers: Morning Glories contains a total of 5 stamps (1 large flower and 4 sentiments)
  
• The sentiments are interchangeable with the other stamps in the Year of Flowers series: Violets, Daffodils, Sweet Peas, Lily of the Valley, Roses, Larkspurs and Gladiolus.

I also get to introduce our latest impression plate to you, Background Basics: Diamonds.  It coordinates with it's name sake stamp set and is neutral basic that will coordinate with almost anything!  I am currently obsessed with this new plate and have to stop myself from using it on every single project I create!

The details.

• The Background Basics: Diamonds impression plate will be available for purchase on September 15th.
  
• It will retail for $16.
  
• The Background Basics: Diamonds impression plate measures 5.75" x 4.5".
  

Just wait until you see what I have created with these new products!

Heavenly Blue morning glories are my absolute favorite, so I decided to use their color scheme as the theme for my first project.

I stamped the morning glories image with Black Noir ink onto Stamper's Select Cardstock.  Don't you just love all the detail?

I selected Enchanted Evening & Ripe Avocado Copic Trios to color the image.  I went back in with a bit of Colorless Blender  to add highlights to each bloom and did dome shadows with T1.

The sentiment, also from Year of Flowers: Morning Glories, was added with True Black ink.

I added a few white dots to the centers with a white gel pen.

These look almost as though they could jump right off the page.

I was itching to heat emboss the morning glories image and these are my results.

I started by heat embossing the large morning glories image with Filigree White Embossing Powder on Lavender Moon cardstock.

I then heat embossed the sentiment (also from Year of Flowers: Morning Glories) on a strip of vellum cardstock.  The strip was wrapped around to the back of the cover and adhered there so no adhesive shows.

I customized my 1/4" silk ribbon with a Copic marker and tied it around the vellum strip.

The kraft card base is stamped with Polka Dot Basics using Fresh Snow ink.  I love the softness of this card and am already thinking about what other pastels I could recreate it in!

This last card uses an untraditional color scheme for Morning Glories, but I love it all the same.

I started by stamping the morning glories onto a piece of Terracotta Tile cardstock that has been cut out with our Mat Stack 3 die.

I was then able to assemble my layers.  First, a Rustic White card base, followed by another layer of Rustic White cardstock that has been embossed with our new Background Basics: Diamonds Impression Plate.  A strip of Dark Chocolate cardstock was adhered across the center of the card followed by the floral mat layer.

The sentiment (from Through the Trees) was stamped on a strip of Kraft cardstock using Dark Chocolate ink.  I also swiped a bit of the Tea Dye Duo inks around the edges.

The finished piece is simple yet has enough detail to keep the eye moving and interested.  I love it when a project works out like this!            

I hope you enjoyed all of this creative goodness today.  This set, as well as all the other Year of Flowers sets, are an absolute joy to work with and I hope it shows!  We would love to hear your initial thoughts on this set and we have a great prize package up for grabs just for sharing with us!

• Year of Flowers: Morning Glories stamp set
  
• Background Basics: Diamonds impression plate
  
• Background Basics: Diamonds stamps set

This contest will close at 7am EST, Monday, September 13th.  Only one comment per person please.  One randomly selected winner will be announced by noon EST on our September Release Winners page.  Thanks for stopping by and good luck!

You want to miss Debbie Olson's amazing creations using the Year of Flowers: Morning Glories set!

  

BLUE THANK YOU CARD

• STAMPS: Year of Flowers: Morning Glories (available September 15th)
  
• INK: Black Noir Palette
  
• PAPER: Stamper's Select White, Enchanted Evening
  
• OTHER: Ripe Avocado & Enchanted Evening Copic Trios, Colorless Blender & T1, white gel pen (Uniball Singo)
  
• FINISHED SIZE: 6.25" x 4.25"

GRATEFUL CARD

• STAMPS: Year of Flowers: Morning Glories (available September 15th), Polka Dot Basics
  
• INK: Fresh Snow, Versamark
  
• PAPER: Kraft, Lavender Moon, Vellum
  
• OTHER: Filigree White Embossing Powder, RV32 Copic Marker, 1/4" silk ribbon
  
• FINISHED SIZE: 4.25" x 5.5"

SYMPATHY CARD

• STAMPS: Year of Flowers: Morning Glories (available September 15th), Through the Trees (sentiment)
  
• INK: Vintage Cream, Dark Chocolate, Tea Dye Duo
  
• PAPER: Rustic White, Terracotta Tile, Dark Chocolate, Kraft
  
• OTHER: Background Basics: Diamonds Impression Plate, Mat Stack 3 Die
  
• FINISHED SIZE: 4.25" x 5.5"