Match These Colors Monday

A Fun Inspiration

Hi Everyone,

When I look around, I find so many things that remind me of Stampin' Up! colors. I have been part of Stampin' Up! for a long time and I see it everywhere. Today I wanted to share and see if you can guess the colors I saw when I bought a new shower curtain for my bathroom.

Every time I'm in the restroom I continue to look at this shower curtain and call out several Stampin' Up! colors. The design on this shower curtain also had a certain style and I knew just the stamp set I wanted to highlight. 

So what Stampin' Up! colors do you see? I'll give you a hint. 2 of the colors are from the Neutral Family and one is a 2180-2020 In-Color. Wow, those of you who know the colors well are so quick. I won't let you hang too long. 

The lighting in my first picture is deceiving. For my project, I used Smoky Slate, Night of Navy, and Blueberry Bushel. Did you get all three? the Florentine Filigree was the perfect stamp set for this card. I used the Florentine Thinlit Die and a Sponge Brayer to add the background using Blueberry Bushel ink.

The medallion in this set is great! I inked it up with Smoky Slate and then I used a sponge Dauber to daub the center and outline of the medallion. I used the Layering Circle Framelits and Stitched Framelits to cut it out.  Creating this project was so fun. I really like to take something I see and bring it into stamping. 

Thanks again for stopping in today. Comment and share to spread the love of stamping. Also, don't forget that Stampin' Up! is discontinuing many products to make way for the upcoming New 2019-2020 Annual Catalog. The Florentine Filigree Stamp set is one that is retiring. Simply click the "Last-Change Product" icon for more information. Be sure to get your retiring products soon. Many are until supplies last. 

If you are in need of any products you can place an order online. I appreciate you choosing me as your demonstrator. Be sure to use the April hostess code #EUJQYN6X when placing your order. 

If you place a $150 order, don't use the hostess code. You qualify for your own hostess benefits. Please do not mark "No Contact" when you order. I won't be able to contact you to award you with Loyalty Bucks or prizes. Right now is "Double Loyalty Bucks". That means you earn 2 Loyalty Bucks with a minimum $25 order through April. Be sure to use the April hostess code.

Remember that when you order on-line, you can earn "Loyalty Bucks". For every $25.00 you order, you receive 1 loyalty bucks. Collect 20 loyalty bucks and you receive $30.00 free merchandise. Be sure to comment and share this blog. I'd love to hear from you. 

Happy Stampin',

Mary Blocher

The PowerHuff Stamper

Something to Stamp Saturday

Case this Sketch

Magnolia Sneak Peek

Hi Everyone, 

Welcome to my Saturday blog post. I'm so excited to share with you today. I had fun creating a project for Case This Sketch #319 blog challenge. It is a layout challenge and I decided to open up my new products that will be available in the new 2019-2020 Stampin' Up! Annual catalog. 

This is the sketch challenge that is currently on. I decided to pull out the wonderful Good Morning Suite that includes fantastic things. My project includes a wonderful card with a matching envelope. I love the silver borders on them and the envelope liner is beautiful!

This project doesn't use the stamp set or the dies. I focused on the Magnolia Lane Designer Series Paper, the Magnolia Lane Memories and More Card pack, and Magnolia Lane Large Cards and Envelopes. I also added the pretty new scallop laced trim. The saying "You are Loved" was punched out from one of the Memory and More cards with the Pretty Label punch. 

The Magnolia Land Designer Paper is gorgeous! It was so hard to decide which designs to use for this project. The great things is that all of the parts of the suite coordinate in color and design, so everything goes together without you having to figure it out. I used Blushing Bride cardstock as a base for the Memories and More card. It is all ready printed with the flowers and blocked "Thank You". 

It was so fun creating this project for the CTS #319 Sketch Challenge. You can see other projects submitted and even submit your own if you'd like. Thanks again for stopping in for my post today. Share with your friends and spread the love of stamping.

Happy Stampin'

Mary Blocher

The Power Huff Stamper

Finding Inspiration Friday

Mirror Image Technique

Hi Everyone,

Happy Friday and welcome to my Finding Inspiration Friday blog post. It has been a very busy week with my Tuesday Techniques class and a fun Saturday Stampers on Saturday. I have been stamping like crazy and I love it! For my inspiration sharing, I wanted to show you the "mirror image" technique that was focus for my Tuesday class. I hope you enjoy and are inspired to try out this great technique.

For this first project, I used a wood mounted stamp from the Beautiful You stamp set. There are a couple of ways to get the reflection of the girl. For this project, I used a clear block and stamped the image onto the block. Then I lined up the feet of both images and pressed the block onto the cardstock. Using a clear block will give you an image that isn't as crisp and the original, so it's perfect for reflecting in water. 

For the next three projecst, the Stamparatus and a Silicone Craft Sheet was used. I used the Animal Outings Stamp set. To get a mirror image of the animals, you set up your Stamparatus as usual. Then you place the Silicone Craft Sheet on the Stamparatus. Ink up your image, and then stamp it right onto the Silocone Craft Sheet. You can ink up a couple of times to get a really crisp image. Then place your cardstock over the image on the mat. Without re-inking the image, press the image back down and press well. When you lift up the plate and cardstock, your mirror image will be there ready to use. It's important to have the stamped image on both sides of the cardstock because of a punch or die that will cut them out. That's why the Stamparatus works great. You end up with the front and back perfectly matched.

This project was inspired by Cindy Brumbough I loved how she used the Wood Crate Framelit Dies to act as boxes for the cats to play in. The Nine Lives Stamp set is so fun. The technique to get the reverse of the cat is just like the giraffe card. I used the Stamparatus and Silicone Craft Sheet technique. I love these cats!

These purple pigs really are my favorite from class. Amanda Fowler created a purple pig card using the mirror technique that inspired me. For this project, you want to be sure to mark the center of your cardstock so you can be sure to get the pigs snouts just about touching. A piece of scrap can help. In fact, Amanda has a video for her card, so it's easier for you to see it.

Stampin Up! has so many stamps that work perfectly for the "Mirror Image" stamping technique. You can get inspired by visiting Pinterest for "mirror image" ideas. I hope you are inspired to pull out some of your sets and try out this technique. Once you start, you begin to see all the possibilities. How about the motorcycle from One Wild Ride Stamp set or the great station wagon from the Country Livin' Stamp set.

Both of these great stamp sets are on the "Retiring List" this year. They are only available through May, so don't miss out on these sets or any other products going out at the end of May. Thanks so much for stopping into today. I hope you have found some inspiration.

If you are in need of any products you can place an order online. I appreciate you choosing me as your demonstrator. Be sure to use the April hostess code #EUJQYN6X when placing your order. 

If you place a $150 order, don't use the hostess code. You qualify for your own hostess benefits. Please do not mark "No Contact" when you order. I won't be able to contact you to award you with Loyalty Bucks or prizes.

Remember that when you order on-line, you can earn "Loyalty Bucks". For every $25.00 you order, you receive 1 loyalty bucks. Collect 20 loyalty bucks and you receive $30.00 free merchandise. Be sure to comment and share this blog. I'd love to hear from you. 

Happy Stampin',

Mary Blocher

The PowerHuff Stamper

Must Have it Monday

Discontinuing Stamps

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for stopping in this Monday as I share some of my favorite stamps, inks, and papers that are on their way out of Stampin' Up! catalogs. Stamps are available through May, but everything else retiring is while supplies last. I have already stocked up on my favorite papers, so I hope you are inspired to get those items that are on your wish list too. 

The first stamp set I am so sad to see go is the Dear Doily set. Here is a wonderful card using the Dear Doily Set. I just love the different choices and sizes of the doily stamps.

The next set I want to share about is the Birthday Cheer Stamp set. There are so many ways to use this for fantastic celebrations.

Here are a couple of projects I created for my classes and events. This first project was inspired by another demonstrator Becky O'Donnell

Well I wanted to save the best for last to share. My favorite set that is being discontinued come out the the Annual Catalog. It's called Sunshine Sayings. It has many, many sayings and a die set that coordinates called Sunshine Wishes. It is awesome!

These three product spotlights are the ones I just can't believe are going out to the pasture :) I hope you have been inspired by the products and samples to take out your favorites and stamp. Remember that the stamp sets are available through May, but everything else, including the dies are while supplies last. As you see a couple of the dies are already sold out for these, so don't miss out on anymore! For the most update available products click the "Last-Chance Products" picture below.

If you are in need of any products you can place an order online. I appreciate you choosing me as your demonstrator. Be sure to use the April hostess code #EUJQYN6X when placing your order. 

If you place a $150 order, don't use the hostess code. You qualify for your own hostess benefits. Please do not mark "No Contact" when you order. I won't be able to contact you to award you with Loyalty Bucks or prizes.

Remember that when you order on-line, you can earn "Loyalty Bucks". For every $25.00 you order, you receive 1 loyalty bucks. Collect 20 loyalty bucks and you receive $30.00 free merchandise. Be sure to comment and share this blog. I'd love to hear from you. 

Happy Stampin',

Mary Blocher

The PowerHuff Stamper

Something to Stamp Saturday

Case This Sketch Challenge

Hi Everyone,

Welcome to my stamping Saturday. Today I'm happy to share a project created for the CTS#218 Sketch Challenge. When you are having a hard time deciding on your project, check out the great sketch challenges that are posted. That will help in your designing. This challenge is a "Retro" Challenge. That means is it was a challenge of long ago and has come back. 

For my project, I was thinking of my husband. His birthday is right around the corner and the Geared Up Garage stamp set and coordinating products was a perfect choice. We love to go to classic car shows and my husband has a '67 Barracuda. It doesn't drive, but is a fun thing to work on. The card base is Smoky Slate and I paired that with Grapefruit Grove and Basic Black. I hope you like my project. You can see many more entries at the CTS#218 Blog post for this challenge.

One thing to note is that the DSP with the fun road signs is retiring. This is the time that Stampin' Up! releases the "discontinued list". It includes retiring products from the current catalogs. From my project, that is the only discontinuing item that won't be available in the future. You can see all of the other products retiring by clicking below. If there are any papers, inks, or other accessories you want, please order them ASAP! These are while supplies last and go quickly.

Right now, through May, you can get a 10% discount on the Geared up Garage Stamp set and coordinating dies when you purchase at a bundle price. Both will be in the brand new Annual Catalog, but not in a bundle price. They would be purchased separately. Any of the current bundles will be broken up and sold separately.

This May, you’re in for a treat. Paper Pumpkin has teamed up with Shelli Gardner, Stampin’ Up!’s board chair and cofounder, to deliver you a very special Paper Pumpkin kit. It’s exclusive, collectible, and one of a kind. Die-hard Paper Pumpkin and Stampin’ Up! fans won’t want to miss this special edition.

The look and feel of this kit is all Shelli. It’s elegant, feminine, and so full of springtime details that you’ll probably just want to take a walk, breathe in the fresh air, and then go home and stamp every card in the kit. And the box it comes in? We predict that you’ll be keeping it . . . like . . . forever. Wait and see. Check out this video for more information on this fantastic kit.

Want to get this wonderful Paper Pumpkin Kit in May? Simply click to join.

Thanks again for stopping in to see my Daisy Lane post. 

If you are in need of any products you can place an order online. I appreciate you choosing me as your demonstrator. Be sure to use the April hostess code #EUJQYN6X when placing your order. 

If you place a $150 order, don't use the hostess code. You qualify for your own hostess benefits. Please do not mark "No Contact" when you order. I won't be able to contact you to award you with Loyalty Bucks or prizes.

Remember that when you order on-line, you can earn "Loyalty Bucks". For every $25.00 you order, you receive 1 loyalty bucks. Collect 20 loyalty bucks and you receive $30.00 free merchandise. Be sure to comment and share this blog. I'd love to hear from you. 

Happy Stampin',

Mary Blocher

The PowerHuff Stamper

Wonderful Wednesday

Daisy lane Stamp Set

Hi Everyone,

I'm so glad you decided to stop in today. It is an exciting time with the anticipation of the new 2019-2020 Stampin' Up! Annual Catalog. Many demonstrators went to the On-Stage Event where we all go the new catalog and the Daisy Lane Stamp set. I then received the Birch Background stamp in Prize Patrol. I decided to put both sets together and see what I could create.

For this project, I used the Notecards and Envelopes. I think these make the perfect sized project for something quick and easy. Crumb Cake was used for the Birch Background Stamp. I stamped off for a lighter background. How cute are the daisies? I stamped them onto the card front with Flirty Flamingo. Then I stamped 2 more on scrap whisper white and punched them out with the large Daisy Punch. 

In the Daisy Lane Bundle, there is a small daisy punch as well. This set will coordinate with the current Daisy Delight Stamp Set. 

Before we can get too excited about the new products coming out in June, I wanted to share with you the most exciting news. The Last-Chance is on for the retiring products and the May Paper Pumpkin Kit has just gotten taken over by Shelli Gardner.

Each year, Stampin' UP! releases the "Retiring Products" list, so customers can plan to get their wish list items before they are gone. The best way to know what is retiring is to visit my store for the most up to date information. Many products will be gone before you know it, so don't delay. 

This May, you’re in for a treat. Paper Pumpkin has teamed up with Shelli Gardner, Stampin’ Up!’s board chair and cofounder, to deliver you a very special Paper Pumpkin kit. It’s exclusive, collectible, and one of a kind. Die-hard Paper Pumpkin and Stampin’ Up! fans won’t want to miss this special edition.

The look and feel of this kit is all Shelli. It’s elegant, feminine, and so full of springtime details that you’ll probably just want to take a walk, breathe in the fresh air, and then go home and stamp every card in the kit. And the box it comes in? We predict that you’ll be keeping it . . . like . . . forever. Wait and see. Check out this video for more information on this fantastic kit.

Want to get this wonderful Paper Pumpkin Kit in May? Simply click to join.

Thanks again for stopping in to see my Daisy Lane post. 

If you are in need of any products you can place an order online. I appreciate you choosing me as your demonstrator. Be sure to use the April hostess code #EUJQYN6X when placing your order. 

If you place a $150 order, don't use the hostess code. You qualify for your own hostess benefits. Please do not mark "No Contact" when you order. I won't be able to contact you to award you with Loyalty Bucks or prizes.

Remember that when you order on-line, you can earn "Loyalty Bucks". For every $25.00 you order, you receive 1 loyalty bucks. Collect 20 loyalty bucks and you receive $30.00 free merchandise. Be sure to comment and share this blog. I'd love to hear from you. 

Happy Stampin',

Mary Blocher

The PowerHuff Stamper

Make it Monday

Stamp Band Technique Challenge

with a Prize

Hi Everyone,

Thanks so much for stopping for my Make it Monday blog post. My blog today brings some great projects with a fun "Stamping Band Technique". The technique is really easy and can double as a "Masking Technique". For the projects I'm going to share today, I was inspired on a couple of my projects by some other demonstrators. I hope you enjoy them.

For this bright and fun card, I used the Dear Doily stamp set from the Stampin' Up! Occasions catalog. To get this look, you simply need a thin strip of some paper that can tack down and stay in place. For most of the project, I used extra large Post-it Notes that are wider than the cardstock. This really makes it easy to line up using your grid paper lines. From there, you simply stamp your doily stamps and when you remove your strip, you have a perfect place to stamp your sentiment. 

This project was inspired by Janet Wakland from ReMarkably Created. Notice that on this project, the stamping is reversed from the first card. This time, you use 2 Post-it Notes at the top and then at the bottom to only expose a section in the center of the card. Then I used the Healing Hugs stamp set to repeatedly stamp the flower in the open space on the cardstock. The delicate lace die really makes this project. 

This project was inspired by Helen Read from All Things Stamping. This "Stamping Band" technique also uses the Post-it Notes to mask off most of the card base. Then the grass looking feature was created using a clear block and different sized rubber bands as a stamp! After the stamping, I used the sponge brayer to sponge Balmy Blue across the "grass". Here is an image for different ways to put the bands on your block.

Okay, I have to tell you that I think this next project is my favorite one from my technique class. I love monochromatic (one color) project. I decided to show my participants how you can use other things to make a "Stamping Band". 

Highland Heather and Gorgeous Grape were used to get this fantastic card. For this project, there isn't need for Post-its. I used a strip from the Delightfully Detailed Laser Cut Specialty Paper as a stencil. Then I used the Sponge Brayer with Highland Heather to add color. I repeated this twice and then stamped the flourish in Gorgeous Grape.

Your Chance to Design and Win

Are you inspired to try your own "Stamping Band" project? I would love to see what you create, so I am challenging you to create a project, and submit it for your chance to win. 

Here are the Details:

• Create a card using any of the "Stamping Band" techniques I've shared today. 
• Upload your project and send it to me at lennyandmary1@msn.com or mail it to me. Simply message me and I can share my mailing address, so you can mail your project.
• Have your project submitted no later than Saturday, April 27th to be entered into the drawing to win the Stampin' Up! Sponge Brayers. Included are 2 handles and 4 sponges for endless creativity. 

• The winner will be chosen on Sunday. Hey, you can't win if you don't participate. Give this technique a try. I'd love to see your creation!

Thanks so much for stopping in today. Please share so we can spread the love of stamping. 

If you are in need of any products you can place an order online. I appreciate you choosing me as your demonstrator. Be sure to use the April hostess code #EUJQYN6X when placing your order. 

If you place a $150 order, don't use the hostess code. You qualify for your own hostess benefits. You also earn free Sale-A-Bration products. Please do not mark "No Contact" when you order. I won't be able to contact you to award you with Loyalty Bucks or prizes.

Remember that when you order on-line, you can earn "Loyalty Bucks". For every $25.00 you order, you receive 1 loyalty bucks. Collect 20 loyalty bucks and you receive $30.00 free merchandise. Be sure to comment and share this blog. I'd love to hear from you. 

Happy Stampin',

Mary Blocher

The PowerHuff Stamper