Thursday 30 August 2012

IMPORTANT CHANGES ..

With the introduction of the 2012-2013 annual catalogue, Stampin UP! have made a very big change to the Stampin’ Pads.  Here are the details :-

Introducing firm foam pads! They change your stamping experience for the better.

New ink pad images

We know you’re going to love these new Stampin’ Pads--just look at all the exciting benefits listed below:

  • Provide better ink coverage for your stamps!
  • Light-tap stamping produces flawless images! 

In addition, our new Stampin’ Pads

  • Create wonderfully solid images. The Firm Foam releases more ink onto your rubber stamp than the felt pads. When using the Firm Foam pad, your stamp will get an even, solid covering of ink that you may not have been able to achieve with the felt pads. Please note: if you are using the ink pad frequently you may need to re-ink your Firm Foam pad more often. We recommend that you purchase a refill at the time of your ink pad purchase.
  • 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 colour 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 colours, including our exclusive In Colors!

Please note: Five ink colours have undergone formula changes to improve functionality and colour stability with the new firm foam pads. These colours are

  • Basic Black
  • Basic Grey
  • Marina Mist
  • Perfect Plum
  • Tempting Turquoise

All five colours of the reformulated inks have been fully tested and approved. While using the new ink formula in the old Stampin’ Pads is fine, we do not recommend using the old ink formula in these five colours in the new firm foam pads.

We do not recommend using the Basic Black Classic Stampin' Pad on Whisper White or Very Vanilla Card Stock. Instead, we recommend you use the StazOn Ink Pad.

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 colours 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: The closer to the manufacture date, the juicer the pad will be. As the pad ages, this problem will fade. In the meantime, very light tapping will reduce the extra ink on the stamp. You can also use a paper towel to blot the area of the stamp pad that you will be using.

Q: The firm foam on my lighter colour 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 colours, 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 colour will look normal.

Q: When I compare the firm foam pads to my felt pads, some of the colours 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 colour to ensure that the stamped ink colour is true. 

Q: How long will the pad last before I need to re-ink it?
A: The amount you use it will affect how often you need to re-ink. Please keep in mind that these pads release a lot more ink onto your stamp, resulting in a crisp, solid image. Since the pads release more ink, they will need to be refilled more often.

Q: What is the best way to remove the colour 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 that I can share with my customers?
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.
  • Please note: We do not recommend using the Basic Black Classic Stampin' Pad on Whisper White or Very Vanilla Card Stock. Instead, we recommend you use the StazOn Ink Pad.

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.

Q: Can I use the reformulated ink with my Stampin’ Around Wheels?
A: Yes.

Q: My ink pad needs re-inking during a stamp camp. Why?
A: There are several reasons for this:

  • The ink level in the firm foam pads is less than it was in the felt pads because of the slight difference in material.
  • The firm foam has a variation in thickness and density that requires the manufacturer to adjust the ink level.
  • Heavy stamping techniques will use more ink than light stamping techniques.
  • Larger stamped images will use more ink that smaller stamped images. 
  • Large groups of people using the pad at the same time will result in the ink pads needing to be refilled more often.

If you have any questions, please contact me on carole.bryson@gmail.com or call me on 01706 351299/07765 847062

Happy Crafting !

Wednesday 29 August 2012

Autumn ….. I thought it would ..

…… be a break from Christmas !!!!!!!

But its NOT !!!!!!!!!!!! ha ha ha ha ha …. just want to try and fool some of my anti-Christmas-at-the-moment friends – you know who you are girls ahem Denize, Jackie G & Co !!!

acetate layout 1

This layout was made using the flocked acetate sheet from the beautiful Candlelight Christmas designer series paper.  The paper is available in the new Autumn/Winter Catalogue from Stampin Up! which is launching this weekend ! In this set you will receive a set of 12 double sided papers, 2 of which are flocked acetate – the quality is undeniable, believe me !

Instructions

1.  Stamp and die-cut three ornaments from the Ornament Keepsake bundle using real red and gumball green inkpads.

2. Stamp and cut out the large label from the Everything Eleanor stamp set using real red.

3. Cut three strips of paper from the Candlelight Christmas designer papers. Make the varying lengths and widths.

4. Punch out a gumball green label with the designer label punch.  Also cut out another label, but push the short end  back into the punch, and punch a { sign.

5. Adhere your layers as shown in my layout.  I added some real red grosgrain ribbon.  To do this, I put on some red sticky strip, and pleated the ribbon in the ‘normal’ way, and then crossing and twisting it over.  To ensure the ribbon laid flat, I put glue dots under the folds.

6. Cut some thin strips of very vanilla cardstock, and add your journalling.

7. To adhere the stamped and cut out baubles, I threaded a darning needle with bakers twine.  I wrapped the twine around the top of the bauble, and then poked the needle through the acetate.  I brought the twin down the back of the page following the same line of twine at the front, and then taped down the end at the back of the bauble so that the twine on the back didn’t show.

8.  Adhere the { sign and the green decorate label as shown. 

9. Add a real red grosgrain bow, your title using whatever medium you prefer -  and voila !

If you would like to place an order for any of the products used in this layout, please contact me on carole.bryson@gmail.com or call me on 01706 351299

KEEP YOUR EYES PEELED ON SATURDAY FOR THE ONLINE LINK TO THE NEW AUTUMN/WINTER CATALOGUE !

Happy Crafting !

Tuesday 28 August 2012

Seriously … it is …

….. time to be thinking of getting those Christmas cards started !  Despite much protestation yesterday to my Christmas post, I’m here again with more projects using the AMAZING, NEW Ornament Keepsake bundle. 

On Saturday, Stampin UP! are launching the new Autumn/Winter catalogue, and this amazing stamp set and die set is just one of the amazing new products that is in the catalogue, and is being offered as a bundle (15% off the price if buying as a bundle) from SU! themselves. 

Contact me on carole.bryson@gmail.com or 01706 351299/07765 847062 if you would like a catalogue (£1.50 towards costs) or if you have any questions Smile)

card 1card 2

DON’T FORGET – ONLY 4 MORE DAYS TO ORDER FROM THE SPRING/MINI CATALOGUE !

Happy Crafting !

Monday 27 August 2012

Its beginning to look a lot like ….

Christmas !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Sorry, but it had to be done ! Smile

This is my version of the Stampin Up! Christmas Ornament that is on the front cover of the NEW Autumn/Winter Catalogue. 

xmas decoration 1

Make a mental note to come back and view my blog on Saturday morning, as I will be posting the link to this amazing NEW catalogue – I promise you, you will NOT be disappointed !  You will also see some SPECIAL offers from Stampin up! within the catalogue, so keep your eyes peeled for SU! bundles !

I will be offering lots of different bundles and shares – so make sure you are one of the first to get your hands on ALL these amazing new products.

DON’T FORGET – THREE lucky people who place an order from 1st September until the 30th September, will win a £10 gift voucher (chosen at random),

I will be posting more projects during the week using this bundle  – so please come back !

If you want to purchase a catalogue (nominal £1.50 towards postage and costs), or if you wish to place an order from the current Main Catalogue or Spring/Summer catalogue, OR, if you just wanna good old chat ….. Smile then please contact me on carole.bryson@gmail.com or 01706 351299/07765 847062

Happy Crafting !

Sunday 26 August 2012

Its a Treasure Hunt !


Treasure Hunt time !

Are you ready for a Treasure Hunt? Through the Late Night Stamper group that I am a part of, one lucky person will win $150 worth of Stampin' Up products provided by Sherrill Graff.  It doesn't matter what Country you are in, everyone is welcome to join in - so please take part in the fun !  

All you have to do is look through the demonstrators' websites looking for their clues. The clues may not be at the top of their blogs because they will continue to post to their blogs so you might have to do some searching. 

You will have until October 31 to send me your list of 50 participating demonstrators and their clues. When I receive your list by email, carole.bryson@gmail.com, I will enter your name to win the big prize 
of $150 of Stampin' Up supplies of your choice.

Look for this picture . . .




Followed by a clue . . .
 Perfectly Preserved Bundle

Happy Hunting!

If you have any questions, just email me at carole.bryson@gmail.com

I hope you really enjoy looking at the different blogs for some really great stamping ideas.


Late Night Stamper WEB RING

Who loves offers ?

Reminder - DON'T FORGET - The last time that you can place an order from the current Summer Mini Catalogue is THIS Friday (tea time 31st August). If there is anything on your wish list, then please make sure that you order it, as anything from this Catalogue might not be available again.
The NEW Autumn/Winter catalogue from Stampin Up!
…….  is launching on the 1st September. If you would like to own your own copy of the new Catalogue, then please contact me to order one on carole.bryson@gmail.com - Due to having to send out quite a few catalogues during a launch, and due to increased postal costs, I need to ask for a £1.50 contribution towards these costs.
FREE OFFER - I will randomly generate three winners for a £10 gift voucher for everyone who requests a catalogue, and then places an order during September. Every order placed from the 1st September until the 30 September will have a chance to win one of the three prizes !
If you have any questions, then please don’t hesitate to contact me on carole.bryson@gmail.com OR call me on 01706 351299/07765 847062
Ribbon Shares 
Pleated Ribbon Share – Due to popular demand, I’ve opened another pleated ribbon share, so if you would like to get your hands on this ribbon before it retires, then contact me immediately.  You will receive 1m of each of the four colours.
COST:  £5.95 posted !
Seam Binding Ribbon Share – you will receive 14m ribbon - 2m of each colour; always artichoke, baja breeze, cherry cobbler, crumb cake, pear pizzazz, rose red and very vanilla
COST:  £11.50 posted.  Ready for posting.
Happy Crafting !

Thursday 23 August 2012

Last for now …. I promise !

These are the last projects from the Merry Moments Scrapbook Kit (for now).  Although I still have heaps and heaps of stash left from the kit – be warned, this kit is addictive !!!
I added the black cardstock rather than using the Basic Grey in the kit, just because I thought the black showed the other colours off better.  These cards were literally thrown together in minutes as everything is already co-ordinated for you.  I added a stamped greeting, pearls and twine, but other than that, everything is from the kit !
As always, don’t forget that the last time that you can order from the Summer Mini Catalogue is the 31August.  I will be placing one last order at tea-time, so please contact me by then at carole.bryson@gmail.com

Wednesday 22 August 2012

Continuing with the …..

Sneaky Peaks … here are two layouts that I made STILL using a new scrapbook kit from the soon-to-be launched Autumn/Winter catalogue, called Merry Moments.

As you can see, this kit is NOT just for Christmas …. I’ve completed a second layout of my brothers wedding just to prove how adaptable this kit is.

Tomorrow, I will be adding a selection of Christmas cards – yes, STILL made using the same kit, and I STILL have shed loads left over !!!

merry moments layout 1merry moments layout 2

DON’T FORGET to browse those Summer Mini Catalogues before 31st August – NOT everything is guaranteed to follow into either of the two new catalogues.

To place an order, please contact me on carole.bryson@gmail.com or 01706 351299

Happy Crafting !

Tuesday 21 August 2012

Autumn/Winter Catalogue–sneaky peak

This album has been made using a new scrapbooking kit, Merry Moments,  from the NEW Autumn/Winter Catalogue, which is launching on the 1st September !  Although these papers are supposedly Christmas papers, I hope you will agree that they can be used for any occasion.

I have challenged myself to use every single scrap of paper from the kit, to see just how many projects I can make using it – so make sure you pop back often to check up !  In the kit, which costs just £18.95, you will receive 3 lots of 12x12 co-ordinated cardboard stickers, 6 sheets of lush double-sided papers and 8 sheets of cardstock that colour co-ordinate with the kit.

Album 1album 2album 3 album 4album 5album 6

Aren’t they lush ?!!!

DON’T FORGET !

The Summer Mini finishes on the 31st August – so if you have anything on your wish list such as our fabby twine, amazing pleated ribbon etc. etc., then order it quickly !  Double check through the catalogue that there is nothing on your wish list that you ‘need’ …. its not guaranteed that anything will continue into the NEW Annual catalogue in October.

Contact me on carole.bryson@gmail.com OR 01706 351299 to place your order/s.

Happy Crafting !

Sunday 19 August 2012

Customer Appreciation … Prizes !

What a busy time it has been lately at the Hearts Headquarters.  My house has looked like Alton Towers due to having repair work on the chimney and a new roof. 

The Project Manager decided that he wanted to join me in our bedroom Surprised smile, and somehow slipped and came through the bedroom ceiling !  Thankfully, there wasn’t too much damage done, but it delayed all the works until the ceiling was re-plastered.  I can now report that it looks like new again, and that my bedroom has been re-decorated for free – yay !  The scaffolding has thankfully been removed, and I can now work on the garden … I know, it DOES need it ! 

On Thursday, I had four different sets of workmen in the house.  Two decorators doing said bedroom, one plumber checking that the gas out-flow (or whatever it is called) hadn’t been damaged, and checking all the other gas appliances.  One door person putting on a new back door (complicated by having a complicated alarm system that had ‘things’ screwed into the wooden door that couldn’t be transferred into a UPVC door), and lastly, a  selection of scaffolders removing Alton Towers from the house structure !  It was mad I tell you !

scaff1

Anyway …. on to more relaxing things ………

This amazing layout was made by one of my customers, Ruth Bolton.  She has kindly shared the instructions for this layout, and they are to be found below.

clip_image002

If you are a customer of mine, then please email me with any projects that you have made – you DO NOT need to include instructions.  Once a month, I will randomly select a project, and I will not only put it on my blog to share with my readers, but you will also earn a £10 gift voucher to spend on anything that you like from the current catalogue/s.  I’d call that a ‘win-win’ situation !  So please, email me at carole.bryson@gmail.com with your amazing Stampin Up! projects !!

Instructions - (it may help to keep referring to the above picture)

Resources needed:

  • *  1x photo 6” x 4” b&w
  • *  1x cream card stock
  • *  1x roses and umbrella paper
  • *  1x yellow and white paper (with brown line and flower border)
  • · 1x yellow patterned paper
  • · 12” blue ribbon
  • · Stamping up basic grey ink pad
  • · Trimmer
  • · Craft knife
  • · Scissors
  • · Glue
  • · Foam pads

1. Cut out all the flower and brown line border from the yellow paper, so you’re left with a long strip with only yellow showing between the brown lines. Now cut the right hand side flower group away so you should now have the boarder, but in 2 pieces. Ink edges of both pieces. Put to one side

2. cut the roses and umbrella paper in half 6” x 12” MAKE SURE YOU DO IT LENGTH WAYS as you will need to use the pocket watches on the reverse side, put this piece to one side safe you don’t want to cut into this piece yet.

3. The piece you are left with you are going to cut down 6” x 9”, ink the edges and stick on to your cream card stock 2” in from left side and 1 ½ “ from the top. Once this is stuck down you can now stick down the brown lined part of the boarder you cut out before making sure you butt the flower edges to top corner of the card its important you get this piece as straight as u can.

4. Now cut a piece from the yellow and white paper you have left 4” x 8” also cut a one 1” x 8” but use reverse side for this one. Ink edges attach the yellow and white (4” x 8”) to your Layout 3” up from bottom and 2 ½” in from left side. Attach the yellow strip on to this one 4” up from bottom and 1” in from right.

5. Position and attach your photo at a slight angel use the flower part of the boarder you haven’t used yet as a guide so you will know that it will slightly overlap you photo when you attach it later.

6. Attach foam pads to the back of the flower part of the boarder, we are now going to carefully line this up with the boarder already attached, it is important you take your time with this to make sure it matches correctly.

7. Now with the other piece of 12”x6” cut out the pocket watches being careful not to cut in to the other feather swirls as you will also cut some of these out. Once the watches are cut out attach to your layout with foam pads using my picture to help with positioning also use my picture to help u choose what other swirls and flowers u may want to use as u can see I used quite a few including some of the small pink roses from the roses and umbrella paper. What you cut out and use is up to you it’s your layout, you may want to use more or less than me. Some you will stick flat with others layered on top using foam pads. You also will need to position and attach the blue ribbon.

8. Give your layout a title, I looked for quotes to do with love and time to fit with the photo and the pocket watches.

Isn’t this layout amazing ?!!  Don’t forget -  if you are a customer of mine, and you have a project that you have made using Stampin UP! products, then email me on carole.bryson@gmail.com with your project, and you could be in with a chance of earning a £10 gift voucher !

Don’t forget – if you spend £60 on a single order this month, then you will receive the beautiful Reason to Smile stamp set for FREE !

AUGUST

Happy Crafting !

 

Monday 13 August 2012

Sneaky Peak …..

…. of the cards that we will be creating this Saturday (18th August) at my Crazy Christmas Stamp-a-Stack Event.

There are now only 4 PLACES LEFT – so if you want to reserve your place, you will need to contact me before Wednesday at carole.bryson@gmail.com or call me on 01706 351299.

Collage1

The cost is £25 and includes all the products you will need to complete AT LEAST 16 Cards and refreshments!  ( excludes lunch and adhesive).  You will need to bring a basic tool kit, a craft mat and a paper cutter.

The event is being held at Turf Hill Community Centre, Neston Road, Rochdale, Lancashire, OL16 4XW from 10am until 2pm.

Don’t forget – contact me as soon as possible to reserve your place !

 

Sunday 12 August 2012

Oooops …..

… the Summer Mini Catalogue finishes on the 31st August – so don’t forget, if there is anything that is on your wish list from the Summer Mini – THEN NOW IS THE TIME TO ORDER IT !   As yet, I am unsure what is, or will, continue into the new Annual Catalogue in October … I do know for definite that the gorgeous Pleated Satin Ribbon will NOT be continuing. Sad smile

I am currently running a share of this - 1m of every colour (pear pizzazz, riding hood red, blushing bride and baja breeze) for £5.95 including postage.  I am going to run this as a continual share up until 30 August, so if you want to order one of the shares, then please contact me as soon as possible on carole.bryson@gmail.com or call me on 01706 351299.

Pleated ribbon 2  sample 7 LAYOUT 4

LAST CHANCE TO ALSO ……

Attend the Crazy Christmas Stamp-a-Stack, this Saturday 18th August @ Turf Hill Community Centre, Rochdale, OL16 4XW from 10am – 2pm.

Apart from having heaps of fun in great company, you will be making AT LEAST 16 Christmas Cards (4 each of 4 designs).  The cost is £25 for the day and includes everything you will need to make all of your cards, refreshments and a goody bag. (excludes adhesive).

Please contact me no later than Tuesday evening to reserve your place.

SPREAD THE COST, AND EARN AS YOU GO ….

In the current climate, I appreciate that it is expensive to buy non-essential products – therefore, why not consider joining one of my stampers groups.  Due to the popularity of my groups, I have been asked to set up another group starting next month, SEPTEMBER. 

By spending £15 (plus P&P) over a 10 month period, you can earn shed loads of FREE products for one of the months.  You will be the ‘virtual’ hostess (you don’t need to do anything except browse the catalogue, and select your free goodies) and AT LEAST £25 worth of goodies Smile   All delivered to your door.

During the duration of the group, you will receive all the FREE catalogues that are launched (this current year in particular, that means you will receive THREE free catalogues).  I also run special offers for my Stampers Groups, and offer a FREE raffle every month to the group.

If you are interested in joining the new group, or would like more details, then please contact me on carole.bryson@gmail.com or call me on 01706 351299.

And here is a quick project reminder of the fabulous Summer Mini products – remember, this catalogue finishes on 31st August……. happy crafting !

012  card 1 word  card 3 (2)

sample 5 LAYOUT 2  sample 10 LAYOUT 7 sample 12 DOOR HANDLE

LinkWithin

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...