A Passion for Stamps

OLDER RETIRED STAMPIN' UP! STAMPS FOR SALE

    















I have decided it's time to stop hoarding all the wonderful Stampin' Up! stamps I own...after 12 years as a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, I have collected quite a variety of stamp sets that have outgrown a place in my Stamp Studio and are now growing in my dining room! I have started a list of stamps I am willing to finally part with which I will add to as I go thru them all. This list is not to be confused with the current RETIRING LIST OF STAMPS & ACCESSORIES that Stampin' Up! provides when they are retired from the CURRENT catalog. This list will be coming out mid June..

To view my list of RETIRED stamp sets that I own and am selling, click HERE.

Happy Shopping!

Passionstamper

Scallop Edged Dahlia Flower

I didn't have enough time to go into detail about the flower I posted with the Free Shipping Special on Friday, but I have a few minutes now, before I have to start preparations for our barbecue picnic today.. we had a slight change in plans-originally our picnic was planned for tomorrow on Memorial Day, but my mom who is 84 requested that we have it today. She is 50 minutes away and would rather not travel home later on Memorial Day when the roads are more crowded. What a gorgeous day it looks like it will be-such a blue sky, a calm breeze and temps are expected to be in the 70's!

By now you've probably surmised that I am totally infatuated with the Dahlia Fold Flower...I think it's so pretty and it's impressive to others who think it's got to be very difficult to make-but it isn't! Just a bit time-consuming if you decide to make 10 or more at the same time, like I did!

I had wanted to make this flower using the scallop punch but kept forgetting to-and ended up making it quite by accident. Instead of grabbing my 1 3/8" circle punch to make the 8 circles for the Dahlia Fold Flower, I absentmindedly picked up my scallop punch! I didn't realize it until after I punched out 8 circles when I started to fold the first one...then it dawned on me that I've seen the flowers made from the scallop punch and they are beautiful! So I was glad I picked up the scallop punch instead!  I wondered how the flower would look if it had a patriotic theme so I went to my Stampin' U! Designer Series papers and selected the polka dots and striped pattern in Rose Red and Brilliant Blue! I think the two patterns in two alternating colors look pretty dramatic together. What do you think?

It was a bit challenging to fold because the scallops don't match up evenly, but I eventually figured it out and they look ok when all the circles are together. I would have liked the edges to come together more closely when I assembled the flower, but I used SNAIL to adhere the pieces and couldn't take it apart and try again. ( I forgot to use my Dotto which is more forgiving than the SNAIL if you have to move things around!)

I love the look of the Pretties Kit flowers as an embellishment for the the center of the Dahlia Flower. I  squeezed a few drops of Rose Red ink refill in the center of a medium sized floral, then used the Aqua Painter to pull the color out to the tips of each petal. After this dried, I inserted the larger Rhinestone Brad in the center, then attached it to a bigger white flower for contrast. I poked a hole in the center of the Dahlia Flower with the paper piercer from the Crafter's Tool Kit and attached the embellishment.

So here is the flower again-now what shall I do with it?

Created by Debbie Van Gieson Images © Stampin' Up! 1990-2008

Well, I do need a thank you card for my daughter's Confirmation Class leader for all her hard work this year with the Confirmands...Confirmation is next Sunday and I guess it comes as no surprise that I offered to make the card. This will make a lovely card for Diana!

I decided to use the same Rose Red polka Dot patterned paper as a background and cut it to 4" x 5 1/4". I'll be attaching this to a folded white card that will be 5 1/2" x 4 1/4"  (but am not attaching it to the main cardstock just yet); I cut the paper to 4" x 5 1/4". To add a contract to the Dahlia Flower and make it really stand out, I used the Coluzzle to make a circle with Whisper White cardstock, then layered the Dahlia Flower on that, and then again onto the polka dot background. I used the large Oval Punch and centered this under the Dahlia Flower. Then I attached this to the white folded cardstock.

I chose a simple "thank you" from believe it or not, the All Holidays stamp set! It's nice for this card because it fits perfectly on white cardstock punched with the small Oval Punch! I then used the large Oval Punch with brilliant blue cardstock to layer the saying onto, then attached this slightly to the right over the white oval punched area of the polka dot paper. This sets the saying off and really makes it stand out!  This is what the final card looks like:

Created by Debbie Van Gieson Images © Stampin' Up! 1990-2008

I hope Diana likes it! I will use the polka dot paper to line the envelope as I have in other posts...

I really need to start getting the food ready for the party...thanks for looking! Have a great day!

Passionstamper

Patriotic Father's Day Card with Chipboard!

Why not honor dad with a patriotic card this Father's Day?

Memorial Day is a day of remembrance, a day of reflection, a day to lift up our thankful hearts to all the brave men and women who have served our country so valiantly. Its a day to honor the service and sacrifice of all those who have fought to preserve the freedoms we now enjoy as citizens of America! We all know somone or have a loved one who has served in the Armed Forces, many who gave their lives for this great country: grandfathers, fathers, brothers, uncles, cousins, friends, neighbors, co-workers and acquaintances have served in the Armed Forces and deserve our respect and honor. Many have relatives currently serving here and abroad who are not able to be here to share in this weekend of remembrance, and they sacrifice and do their part to protect us all and to continue the legacy of our forefathers-to help keep this the land of the brave and the free...My husband, and dad served in the Army, my brother served in the Navy. My grandparents fought for this country.. as many of yours did as well.

Take time to remember our veterans and all those who currently serve in our armed forces this weekend. To read some wonderful tributes that you can share with your children and extended families this holiday weekend-click HERE.

Here is the patriotic Father's Day card I made for my dad featuring On Board with Chipboard-this month's Stampin' Up! special!:

Created by Debbie Van Gieson Images © Stampin' Up! 1990-2008

SUPPLIES:

Stamps: Dad's Day (page 112 of 2008 Spring-Summer Collection)
Ink: Craft White, Rose Red
Paper: Rose Red & Brilliant Blue Designer Series papers, Brilliant Blue Cardstock, Whisper White
Accessories: Iridescent Ice EP, Heat Tool, Fire Circle Red Rhinestone brad, Crop-o-dile, Anywhere Glue Stick, Designer Label Punch, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, Dimensionals, Crystal Effects, Rose Red ink refill, paintbrush (non-SU), Silver Hodgepodge Star, On Board Chipboard Accents, SU Envelope

I made an insert for the envelope with Designer papers to match the card.  It's different from any other card I've made for my dad...let me know what you think!  I love using the chipboard...and what a great deal Stampin' Up!'s has right now-chipboard at 25% off with a $35 order!  Time is running out for this special, so be sure to order your chipboard today! (and get FREE SHIPPING if you order from this demonstrator, Debbie Van Gieson-by 11:00 p.m. Monday May 26, 2008!)

Have a great stampin' day!

Passionstamper

PASSIONSTAMPER'S MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND FREE SHIPPING SPECIAL!

DAHLIA FOLD WITH SCALLOP PUNCH, D.S. Papers & Pretties Kit!  by Passionstamper
Artwork © Stampin' Up! 1990-2008

With the Memorial Day Weekend  upon us, and the specials Stampin' Up! is offering plus my special shipping offer, you can do your crafting shopping FROM HOME instead of dealing with the crowds to get the sales...you will save on gas, pay no shipping and save on time so you can do what you really want-which is to be with your family and friends this holiday weekend!  I'm kicking off the holiday with a *FREE SHIPPING OFFER thru Monday May 26 11:00 p.m. EST on any Stampin' Up! purchase of $60 or more from Stampin' Up!'s 2008 Spring/Summer Collection or Occasions Mini Collection catalogs! (see side panel for link to main catalog)

the Occasions Mini Collection 2008 Catalog (which would normally be retiring on May 31st) has been EXTENDED until June 30!  Click HERE  to view it!

If you haven't ordered from this great little catalog yet, you don't know what you are missing! It's  a delightful collection of new limited time stamp sets, bright spring samples, and terrific new accessories! With my free shipping offer, this would be the perfect time to check it out!

But wait...if you combine Stampin' Up!'s current specials with this free shipping offer, you can save even more!

Only until May 31st, when you spend $35 on any Stampin' Up! products, you'll get 25% off all On Board chipboard products from pages 178-179 of the Spring-Summer Collection 2008! Click HERE to view the flyer with all the details! (be sure to check back later for my Patriotic Father's Day card using CHIPBOARD!)

Stampin' Up!'s On Board chipboard is die-cut, acid free and is designed to coordinate with many of Stampin' Up!'s stamp sets and accessories! Use it to embellish projects, create custom greetings, decorate your scrapbook journals and so much more!

and that's not all!

if you purchase a Stampin' Up! Cutting Mat (see page 184 of main catalog), you will get a FREE hobby blade!

So when you are getting together with friends and family this weekend for the backyard barbeque, or opening the pool, why not pool together some orders-with only $150 in orders, you will qualify for HOSTESS BENEFITS-and everyone will enjoy FREE SHIPPING!

 oh, one more thing....

I haven't had A CONTEST in awhile-how would you like to earn a FREE product when you place your order?

If you are the:

-FIRST PERSON to place an order during this special, you'll be able to select any punch valued at $5.95 on page 180 of the main catalog as a free gift from me!

-the 4th person you'll receive your color choice of a FREE spool of 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon! (value $4.95)

-the 8th person you'll receive a FREE package of clear   buttons! (value $3.95)                          

-the 12th person you'll receive a FREE White Signo Uni-Ball Gel Pen! (value $3.95)

-the 15th person you'll receive a FREE Package of Hemp Twine! (value $2.50)

But hurry...this offer expires on Monday at 11:00 p.m. EST!

To place an order via PayPal (credit card or debit card) e-mail me your order and request a PayPal invoice! It's that easy....

So....what are you waiting for?

HAPPY SHOPPING!

Have a fun and safe holiday weekend!

Passionstamper

*orders taken in USA only; applicable tax on full retail value will apply

Chipboard Jumbo Clips!

Here is another project I did last year using the round chipboard discs from On Board Accents to make these fun jumbo clips:

I sandwiched the jumbo clip between two of the chipboard circle disks and used Crystal Effects to bond them together! There were a variety of punches used to make these clips. Punch art is so much fun! Another day I'll post a bunch of samples I made last year at one of my upline's meetings in Sparta NJ...

Do you have punch art you would like to share? If you send me your favorite, I'd be happy to feature you here on my blog with your creation! Leave me a comment or e-mail me your creation.

Have a great stampin' day!

Passionstamper

SCALLOP PUNCH POSY EMBELLISHMENT!

Do you enjoy making embellishments as much as I do?

I love learning how to make new embellishments that can be added to scrapbook pages, cards, and 3-d items...on this year's SU cruise, Pam Morgan of Stampin' Up! demonstrated a pretty flower embellishment that I used on the card below:

Created by Debbie Van Gieson Images © Stampin' Up! 1990-2008

I learned about this from  Catherine Harwood, a demonstrator who featured the embellishment with a May Day Basket she made. I decided to give it a try and just LOVE it! This technique is so easy-you won't believe it! Yet the result looks like it was complicated to make, doesn't it?

This was my swap card for my downline meeting in April. I used the following Stampin' Up! products to make the card:

Stamps: Stem Sayings, Circle of Friendship, Polka Dots
Ink: Versamark, Garden Green, Rose Red
Cardstock: Whisper White, Pretty in Pink, Celery, Rose Red & Flowers for You designer paper
Accessories: Scallop Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals, Crafter's Tool Kit, Pretties Kit, Mini Glue Dots, Brad, White Tafetta Ribbon, SNAIL, White EP, Heat Tool, 1" & 1/2" punches, Flower Fusion

Did you notice I used Circle of Friendship again? I just realized that I use it quite a bit so it must have become a favorite sayings set of mine!

I used one of the green flowers in Flower Fusion, and just cut some of the flower petals, to make the leaves. I stamped the curvy saying onto cardstock, then trimmed it to look like the stem. The background is made with the Polka Dots set and embossed (love that look!).

Now to make the flower:

1. Using the scallop punch, punch 3 scallops from the Flowers for You Designer Series paper (I have also used this paper alot in projects lately!) and one punch from white cardstock.  I will really miss this designer paper if it retires from the Spring/Summer catalog (but I know there will a replacement I'll probably fall in love with too)
2. Each scallop will be cut differently, as instructed below:
   • Cut a slit between two petals of one scallop just to the center. This will become the bottom petal.
   • Cut out one section (or petal) of another scallop (like a pie or triangle shape) only to the center. This will become the middle petal.
   • For the last scallop, cut out three petals (or pie shapes), This will be the top petal.
3. The white scallop does not get cut-as the flower "sits" on this piece on the card.
4. Fold up each scallop so the two sections next to the cuts overlap-you can use SNAIL, mini glue dots or Tombow adhesive to assemble each piece.
5. Next, Catherine thought of a clever way to attach whatever you decide to use in the center. For my card, I used the Tafetta ribbon, and a flower and 1/2 pearl for the center. The "trick" is to use a brad and paper piercer from the Crafters Tool Kit. Here is how Catherine explains it: "First, slightly flatten the bottom center of each petal -- just put your thumb or finger inside the pointed part of the assembled scallop "petal" and push down a little to flatten. Use paper piercer from Crafter’s Tool Kit to pierce a hole in center of each layer. Push a small brad through the center of a 4” piece of Taffeta Ribbon -- THEN --thread the brad legs below the untied ribbon through the petals, starting with top one, then center one, then bottom one. Spread the brad legs to secure the flower and shape as desired." Isn't that clever? Love it, Catherine! I topped mine with the 1/2 pearl and a mini glue dot!

I attached my flower to the white scallop at the top of the stem and voila! There you have it! Thanks Catherine, for the inspiration and sharing the steps to this adorable embellishment that Pam created!

So-what do you think?  I will be teaching this as part of a class in June, so if you are in Northwest NJ, you just may want to sign up to learn this and many other exciting techniques! I'll be updating my class schedule soon, so check back again!

Mother's Day Card-Dahlia Fold!

I really love the Dahlia Fold so much that I decided to make my mother's day card for my mom using this flower...I have leftover Petal and Paisley Designer Series Paper and wanted to do something with it. (This paper is now retired from Stampin' Up!'s line).

I made a square card that would fit into a 5 1/2" x 5 1/2" envelope. When opened, the card looks like a book, with 3 eyelets holding it together. I forgot to take a photo of this...and the card is off in the mail to my mom...sorry! I'll describe what I did-hopefully this makes sense! Basically I cut a piece of Whisper White and Soft Sky Cardstocks (the back side of the card is made with Soft Sky) 5 7/8" x 5 3/8", and scored at 1/2" from the longer side of both pieces. This makes two little flaps that go on the inside of the card. The eyelets on the inside flaps hold the card together.

Here is a photo of the card and matching envelope:

Created by Debbie Van Gieson Images © Stampin' Up! 1990-2008

and one of just the card:

 Created by Debbie Van Gieson Images © Stampin' Up! 1990-2008

This paper is double sided, so I created a matching envelope using the pink floral design you see here on the card. I think it gives a card such a polished look and makes it more elegant to line the inside of the envelope with these papers! Here is the envelope:

I lined the inside of the card with this pink floral paper too, and stamped the saying from Morning Soft which says:

'It is not how much you do, but how much love you put into the doing that matters.'

-Mother Teresa

I know my mom will appreciate this card-and she won't believe I made that flower myself! I posted this once before, but in case you missed it, I did another post about the Dahlia fold and also provide a website with great photo instructions of how to do the Dahlia fold. Here is the post with that information:

http://www.debbiestamps.com/passion_for_stamps/2008/03/dahlia-fold-get.html

These are the supplies I used to make the card:

Stamps: All Holidays (page 146), Morning Soft (page 99) for inside saying

Ink: Blue Bayou IN color (page163)

Paper: Petals & Paisley D.S. Paper (retired), Whisper White, Blue Bayou, Sky Blue (IN color)

Accessories: Large Aqua Rhinestone Brad (Ice circle), Pretty in Pink Taffeta Ribbon, Corner Rounder, Bone folder, Pretty in Pink eyelets (3) on inside, slot punch

I'd love to hear what you think about this Dahlia Fold and what you've made with it...please leave me a comment with a link to your creations! I may pick YOUR creation and feature it on my blog! Come back soon and I'll have my Father's Day card up...

If you are a mom, I hope you have a wonderful Mother's Day with your families!

Passionstamper

CHIPBOARD-and Tart & Tangy set!

I'm experimenting with Stampin' Up!'s chipboard and found that when you pop out the round discs from Stampin' Up's! On Board Accents, the 'negative' that's leftover makes a terrific shadow box effect when layered on to a card! I tend to hoard things, so I just couldn't throw this away! These are the chipboard pieces I'm referring to:

From these chipboard negatives, I made these cards:

Created by Debbie Van Gieson Images © Stampin' Up! 1990-2008

I demonstrated this card and it was a hit as one of the two Make & Take projects we made at my April demonstrator team meeting! (I had trouble deciding whether I wanted lemons, oranges or limes so I made two cards!)

To make this card you will need the following Stampin' Up! supplies:

SUPPLIES

STAMPS: Tart & Tangy, Pretty Petals, Circle of Friendship

INK: Summer Sun, Only Orange, Green Galore, Groovy Guava IN color, White CRAFT ink, Basic Black

Paper: Basic Black, Groovy Guava IN color, Summer Sun, Whisper White

Other: On Board Accents Chipboard, Stampin' Write Markers: Real Red, Cocoa, Hunter Green & Glorious Green (for apple), Garden Green (for cherries); Stampin' Dimensionals, Mini Glue Dots, Wasabi & Groovy Guava Double Stitced Ribbons, 1/2",  1",  & 1 1/2" Circle Punches; Sanding Block

INSTRUCTIONS FOR CARD

1. After punching out the circles (save for another project), I sanded off the nubs with the sanding block around outside of chipboard and inside each circle.

2. There are so many ways to color and decorate chipboard it's hard to make a decision which to use. For this technique, I finally decided to color the chipboard with white Craft ink. I placed the chipboard down on scrap paper, then turned the pad over and applied the ink to the chipboard repeatedly until it was colored evenly with white ink. It takes a long time for the Craft ink to dry but if you get impatient, you can speed the process up a bit by using your heat tool to dry the ink!

3. Next, I inked up a lovely floral background stamp called Pretty Petals, with the Groovy Guava Classic ink pad. These background stamps are large, so it's easier to lay your stamp down rubber side up, and press your cardstock or in this case chipboard face down on top of the stamp. Place a piece of scrap paper on top, then rub with your palms to get a good design transfer to the chipboard.  The effect is very soft using this color....

4. Cut a piece of white cardstock about the size of the chipboard (or slightly smaller). Lay the chipboard over the paper then with a pencil, lightly mark the inside of each of the circles with four small lines-so you know the placement of where your stamped image will go.

5. You will use all the stamps in the Tart & Tangy set except the strawberry. Stamp the slice in orange, green or lemon-stamp 2 or 3. I used Stampin' Write markers to color the apple and cherry directly on the stamp. Stamp the images inside the penciled circles you made earlier, then erase the guidelines.

6. Attach the chipboard to the stamped images with SNAIL, then layer onto black cardstock cut slightly larger than chipboard. Attach this to bottom of Groovy Guava card front. Stamp saying of your choice from the Circle of Friendship stamp set, with black ink onto white cardstock., and punch out with 1" circle punch. Stamp saying again onto Groovy Guava cardstock then punch out with 1/2" circle punch. Layer this onto larger circle with dimensionals. Punch out a circle from Summer Sun cardstock with 1 14" circle punch.  Layer saying on top then attach to center of chipboard with adhesive.

7. Cut Wasabi DS ribbon to 4 1/2", attach to top of card then trim. Tie bow from Groovy Guava DS ribbon and attach to center of wasabi ribbon with mini glue dot.

It's hard to see the dimension from the photo, but the finished card does have a "shadow box" event. There is no waste of this product when you use the leftover (negative) pieces in other stamping or scrapbooking projects!  This whole card can be added to a scrapbook page for added dimension! Have fun! I'd love to see your creations using the leftover chipboard pieces...and as always, I'm interested in your comments too! If you are interested in any of the products used to make this card, please email me !

Thanks for looking,

passionstamper

EXCITING NEW STAMPIN' UP! SPECIALS FOR MAY!

A special message to all my readers: I am so sorry if you have been having trouble viewing my blog recently. It took some extensive detective work the past few weeks before I finally located the problem (html with one of my posts) that was causing folks using Internet Explorer as their browser, to only be able to view the banner and picture on my blog-with everything else being white, including all the posts!  I am very happy that this is no longer a problem. Thanks to Debbie M., a demonstrator friend who brought this problem to my attention. I myself use Firefox, and until Debbie questioned me about this situation, I wasn't even aware of it. Thanks, Deb!  Now you know why I haven't been able to post! I have quite a bit of catching up to do!

Sincerely,

Passionstamper

STAMPIN' UP! MAY SPECIALS!

Guess what? I have some GREAT NEWS! The wonderful OCCASIONS MINI COLLECTION has been extended UNTIL THE END OF JUNE! The new catalog won't be coming out until August, so you will be able to order the amazing stamps and products from this mini catalog for an extra month! How cool is that!

STAMPIN' UP! also has some COOL SPRING SPECIALS for MAY! Are you ready for this? Here they are:

• only for the month of May, if you purchase $35 in other product, you get 25% off all On Board chipboard products in the current  Spring-Summer 2008 catalog! You can check out what the chipboard looks like in the catalog HERE.

• Another May special is the Combo Pack Special-you get a FREE Hobby Blade, when you purchase a Cutting Mat! Both of these products are perfect tools to assist you if you want to cut chipboard into custom sized pieces and designs...if you are a crafter, these tools are invaluable for a variety of projects!

• Last but not least, there is a wonderful opportunity to get some free stuff when you sign up with me and join our demonstrator group, the S.O.S. Team! (s.aving o.verwhelmed s.tampers!). How would you like:

a FREE HODGEPODGE HARDWARE TIN (a $27.95 value) PLUS 20% OFF THE STARTER KIT!

Contact me if you would like more information about any of these May specials! And remember, on the first of every month, you can always go to my Stampin' Up! website to learn what the new Stampin' Up! monthly specials are if I don't post them here for some reason! Visit my website at www.stampwithdeb.stampinup.net and more specifically, here is the link to the Promotions: http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/stampwithdeb/promotions . 

It's GREAT to be back to bloggin' again! Be sure to check back tomorrow, for some CHIPBOARD samples, along with other goodies in the posts ahead!

Happy stampin'!

passionstamper