This Just In!! Our new 2013 Color Refresh!! and FREE Shipping!!

This just in: Color Refresh!!!

First... before I share with you the color changes (keep your pants on!). I want to say when I saw them...I was both happy and sad. I hate to see favorites go (espicially when you have just purchased a new pack of card stock in that particular color). But I agree with Stampin' Up! in keeping up with what is trending and fresh. I find too that when I rearrange/organize my color families I am eager to play and become familiar with all of the changes. Besides my stampin' closet is needing a make-over. Wanna see my stash??
Only if you ask nicely!


One of my favorites that retired a few years ago was Crushed Curry...and recently I mentioned that and what do you know?? That one is returning!! Yay!!

So..here they are:

Dicontinuing:

• Regal Rose
• Pretty In Pink
• Bashful Blue
• Certainly Celery
• Baja Beeze
• Riding Hood Red
• Bravo Burgundy
• Not Quite Navy
• More Mustard
• River Rock

Stock up now on your favorite colors and don't forget to include Ink Refills if you already have the ink pads! Here is a list of the new and returning colors that will be available on June 1st:

• Bermuda Bay (returning from a few years ago)
• Calypso Coral (In Color staying)
• Wisteria Wonder (In Color staying)
• Pear Pizzazz (returning from last year)
• Soft Sky
• Pool Party (In Color staying)
• Blushing Bride (returning from last year)
• Crushed Curry (returning from last year)
• Island Indigo (In Color staying)
• Smoky Slate

Here is a video that showcases the new collections (the curtains in the background look like Crushed Curry!! (Just click the link)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOoCRT0Ux2w&feature=player_embedded#t=1s

Also...be sure to take advantage of FREE SHIPPING April 6th-April 8th!!
You can place your order through my online store by clicking the logo below or you can contact me to place your order!

Please let me know if you have any questions!!

Have a great day, I will be back later today to post a few goodies!!
Erin

website: www.erinsstampart.stampinup.net
email: stampingwitherin@yahoo.com

Nature Walk Birthday card and gift

Ummm...first of all~ where is Spring? Have you seen it? Felt it? Not here!! Here in Virginia our warmest day on record was actually in January...can you believe that??

So...they say that if we make it through this week...warmer weather is just around the corner...keeping fingers and toes crossed (no not really...I need my fingers to STAMP!!)

Hope you enjoyed the previous post about Easter treats, just a few more to share with you that I had hoped to post sooner. Oopsy!! The kids went back to school today so Momma's been busy!

Here are a few more sweet treats:

These are marshmallow rabbit Peeps, that were covered in chocolate and sprinkled. My daughter Regan and I made them for some friends.
Here is a close-up:

I also wanted to share with you some cookies made with our Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamps (sold on pg. 161 in the Idea Book & Catalog).

These cookies used the Occasions set (127081) that includes a rabbit, flower and shamrock.
My friend/downline Anne Butterfield made these...aren't they cute?? They were delicious too!!
When you order the Cookie press stamps, recipes and tips are included. The size of the stamp measures 2 3/4". I want to share with you the recipe that she used..enoy!

Annie Pugh's Sugar Cookies
1 cup sugar, 3 cups flour, 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon
salt, 1 cup butter, 1 egg, 3 tsp evap milk, 1 tsp vanilla

Cream sugar and butter, add wet ingredients and then flour,powder and salt...of course butter is at room temperature
Just add colored sugar on them if desired

Butter frosting recipe (for cut- outs)
6tbs butter (room temp)
1lb powdered sugar (which is a box or 4 3/4 cups)
1/4 cup evap milk
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
Note: if you are making reindeer..the perfect color combo for food coloring...we call it "toast" is
1 drop green food coloring
4 yellow drops
3 red drops of food colors = toast

Now you have all our Sugar Cookie secrets....it wasn't a secret though!

(Thanks Anne!!!)

Now...Easter is over and as I have said it before (a million times)...it's SPRING!! Isn't it???

We are all anxious to be outside in the fresh air and sunshine. The flowers start blooming and trees start budding. Animals too awaken. We look forward to longer days, planting our flowers and vegetable gardens and walking on the lush carpet of green grass, barefoot! Doesn't that sound just about right??

It inspired me for my next creation..my girlfriends birthday is today (Happy Birthday Shelly!!)

So..I went to my stash of stamp sets and grabbed Nature Walk (121997 C).
Here is the first card I came up with~ icky..I hate it.

Thought it might have been neat in the beginning...to sort of sew the two ripped sides together..but when I added ribbon..all I could see were laces (and that was even before I added the eyelets!!) Remember those?? Eyelets that is?? I have a stash of them...at least I used a few here (lol). So I used my Pool (almost wrote 'poop') Party Seam binding ribbon along the top and added the linen thread and a tag....not sure if I will trash it..or let Regan give to one of her friends. Like the old Life commercials...give it to Mikey...he'll eat it. In this case...give it to Regan~ she'll like it!

Then it was back to the drawing board...I still knew I wanted to use this set.
Well....my determination paid off...never give up!!

Supplies
Stamp Set: Nature Walk (121997 C), From My Heart (126557 C)
Card Stock: Very Vanilla, Not Quite Navy, Baja Breeze, First Edition Specialty DSP (121878)
Ink: Whisper White, Not Quite Navy, Versamark
Access: Vintage Faceted Designer Buttons (127555), Big Shot (113439), Framed Tulips embossing folder (121809), dimensionals (104430), basic pearls (119247), glue dots (103683), heat tool (129053), pewter embossing powder (124114), linen thread (104199), Very Vanilla seam binding ribbon (120999), stamping sponges (101610), sticky strip (104294), Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz (118772), Color Spritzer tool (107066), Crumb Cake stampin' write marker

Here is an angled shot to show the popped up cage:

Can you tell I was feeling the blue tones?? So....after I sat back and smiled I remembered something else I had wanted to try...it would be the perfect matching gift!!

I ran out to the fabric store...with card in hand and found some pretty darn close synthetic fabrics to Not Quite Navy. Here is the beauty I made....and the little eggs inside are our basic pearls!!

CUTE!!
Here it's on my hand...so you can see IRL the size:

Click here for a tutorial.
NOTE: I didn't use a lighter....I used something even easier...our heat tool!!! You're welcome!!
Here is the box I made using the Bigz XL Bitty Box & Envelope die (retired)

Inside:

That's it for me today...hope you enjoyed. Leave me a comment and make a girl smile :)
Let me know if you have any questions..take care and happy stampin'!

-Erin

Shop Online 24/7 (even in your P.J.'s)
website: www.erinsstampart.stampinup.net
email: stampingwitherin@yahoo.com

Easter Treats, let the daffodils bloom!!

Spring?? Easter??
Maybe you have been trapped under blankets of snow~ugh! Or perhaps living in the warmer climates where flowers and trees are already in bloom. (If so...I am incredibly jealous!!)
Here in Virginia the weather has hopefully made up it's mind and will concentrate on warming up. Just this past Monday we had another quick storm that left about 6" of that white stuff in its wake.

Whichever the case...'SPRING' has officially SPRUNG!! (YAY!!)
This Sunday is Easter Sunday and I have some treats to share with you, the kids are now on spring break and I have a cute little project that I had them make, I'll share that with you tomorrow. 

First are these adorable Peep pops! They are almost too cute to eat...well almost!!

CUTE!!!
These were CASED/inspired by the wonderful Shelli Gardner.
Here are a few more pictures..

Close-up:

Note: This supply list contains ingredients used in all of these projects, let me know if you have any questions!!

Supplies
Stamp Set: Everybunny (122707 C), Spring Sampler (125512 C)
Card Stock: Very Vanilla, Sahara Sand
Ink: Basic Black, Whisper White
Access: Big Shot (113439), First Edition Specialty DSP (, Large Oval punch (119855), Scallop Oval punch (119856), 1/16" circle handheld punch (101227), linen thread (104199), Itty Bitty Shapes Punch pack (118309), 1/8" Daffodil Delight taffeta ribbon, basic rhinestones (119246), dimensionals (104430), glue dots (103683), stampin' sponges (101610), 1" circle punch (119861), 1 3/4" scallop circle punch (119854), 1"x8" cello bags (124134), 4"x6" cello bags (102757), Vanilla Flower trim (126869), small oval punch (120908)


Here is another quick treat using our 1"x8" cello bags. (124134)

 Quick and easy!!

You know mason jars are everywhere and being used for all sorts of handmade gifts. Check out this idea found on Pinterest (LOVE that site!)

I shredded some CS and stuffed it down into the bottom of the jar, added my chocolate bunny and held the ears while I dropped in some robins eggs. Voila!!

Here is the tag:

Lastly I made some cute little boxes.

Here is a video tutorial on how to make the box, they hold a Reeses Peanut Butter Egg perfectly!!

As you can see...the common element used in all of these projects is the Daffodil Delight 1/8" taffeta ribbon. The inspiration came from the yellow peeps...but hopefully now the daffodils can bloom!! I hope that wherever you live..that you are surrounded by warmth from either sunshine, family or friends!

Please let me know if you have any questions!

~Erin

Shop Online 24/7 (even in your P.J.'s)
website: www.erinsstampart.stampinup.net
email: stampingwitherin@yahoo.com

St. Patty's Day treat

Guess what gang?? I didn't use any 'Spritz' on today's projects!! I know...can you believe it?? Well...to be honest you'll see that I used a wee bit of the Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint (mixed with rubbing alcohol)...but that's different!! (LOL)

I figured I would post earlier in the day so I wouldn't peter out...just ran 3.7 miles and I am a wee bit tired...the other day I saw a picture that a friend had posted on Facebook that read "I will run till I don't jiggle". I'm not sure why it made me laugh, but it was today's motivation. Anyway,on to today's goodies:

This card was pretty simple, very soft and elegant. It uses just a bit of the new Tea for Two DSP....which is such a shame it's SO pretty!! That's okay...it just means I have a lot left over to make more goodies!!
Here is a close-up, the vellum butterfly is stuck with one glue dot...and you can't even see it!!

Supplies
Stamp Set: Elements of Style (120045 C), French Foliage (121166 C)
Card Stock: Sahara Sand, Very Vanilla, Tea for Two DSP (129311), Vellum (101856)
Ink: Lucky Limeade. Versamark pad
Access: heat tool (129053), Pewter embossing powder (124114), Elegant Butterfly punch (127526), Decorative Label punch (120907), antique brads (117273), Very Vanilla 1/2" seam binding ribbon (120999), sticky strip (104294)

Anyone making corned beef and cabbage this weekend?? I am planning on making enough Saturday to have leftovers on Sunday. My husband and I are in a bowling league Sunday evenings...so I will be eating it twice!! From a lot of people I have heard it both ways: Love it...or hate it.
I LOVE it...the smell when it fills the house makes my tummy growl! Yum!! I also being from New England...add turnips to mine. The only time I eat them actually...an odd taste. I remember when I was young my mom would tell me to just add more butter to my 'potato' I thought it was the nastiest potato ever!! Funny how your taste buds change as you mature (yes I have matured!)

So in honor of St. Patrick's Day I have used this stamp:

It is featured on pg. 24 in the Spring Catalog called Lucky Day.
Note: This is only available as a wood mount stamp (129177 W) for $6.95.

Here is a treat to give teachers, kids neighbors...really anyone but remember to pinch them if they aren't wearing any green!!
Note: I used the Garden Green Marker to color just the LUCK~ cute!!!
This idea came from Kimberley Morris. Thanks Kimberley!! Inside it holds a Ghirardelli chocolate~ this one happens to be Dark & Mint (YUM!!)

Supplies:
Stamp Set: Every Little Bit, Lucky Day
Card Stock: Basic Black, Very Vanilla, First Edition Specialty DSP
Ink: Versamark pad, Crumb Cake, and Stampin' Write Markers in Garden Green, Basic Black & Real Red
Access: heat tool (129053), Gold embossing powder (109129), Ticket Duo Builder punch (126883), linen thread (104199), sponge daubers (102892), Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint (116806), Vintage Trinkets (118764), Word Window punch (119857)

Here is another picture:

and the back:

Please leave me a comment if you like what you  see...or if you have any questions!! Take care and see you next time!!
-Erin

Shop Online 24/7 (even in your P.J.'s)
website: www.erinsstampart.stampinup.net
email: stampingwitherin@yahoo.com

CC417 'Get Whale Soon'

Hope this post finds that you are doing well...no illnesses to speak of, no injuries and hopefully NO MORE COLD WEATHER!! It was a beautiful weekend here in Winchester, Va. Both Saturday and Sunday were close to 60 (give or take a couple degrees) and SUNNY!!! Before you know it..it will be allergy season and time to start mowing the grass!! Yay(well...not the allergy part)!

Yesterady I didn't get any stamping done...was kinda pooped after a visit from my personal trainer. Then my maid came and cleaned the house...then a chef made came and made a delicious dinner...Ha! Then I woke up!! So when the evening had ended..I enjoyed a glass bottle of red and watched the finale to the Bachelor.

Today however is a different story, I decided it was time to make some St. Patty's treats. Those I will share with you tomorrow. Along with a video perhaps...we'll see. I visited SCS and looked up the color combo for some inspiration.

CC417 is the 'Color Combo' for the day: 'A Certain, Bashful Delight'...cute!!! Yes, they are indeed some 'springy' colors but as I started thinking about what I was going to make, I first thought 'baby'. Funny how you start with an idea and it goes in a completely different direction! The dessert option was to add a critter of sorts (butterfly, dog, cat etc.), so I went with a whale~ that's a critter right??

This card I made for my mom, she broke her foot/ankle and is in a cast and wheelchair. Ouch! 
Supplies
Stamp Set: Oh, Whale (129132 C)
Card Stock: Sahara Sand, Very Vanilla, Daffodil Delight, Bashful Blue, Certainly Celery
Ink: Bashful Blue, Cerainly Celery, Whisper White
Access: Big Shot (113439), Happy Whale Clearlits die (129403), linen thread (104199), Basic pearls (119247), Vintage Faceted Designer buttons (127555), stamping sponges (101610), glue dots (103683), dimensionals (104430), Needlepoint Textured impressions folder (129383), 3/4" circle punch (119873), large oval punch (119855), scallop oval punch (119856), scallop edge border punch (119882)~ and one more thing...can you guess??

Ahhh yes...you guessed it..I used the Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz AGAIN!!

Until next time,
Erin

Shop Online 24/7 (even in your P.J.'s)
website: www.erinsstampart.stampinup.net
email: stampingwitherin@yahoo.com

Another two to share....and it's Friday!!

Yahoo!! It's Friday...not sure what that means exactly for me but I am EXCITED!! Mostly I think because the spring season for baseball starts tomorrow. My youngest son Aiden (age 11) will be playing and he has his first practice tomorrow. The fields are probably too wet from the last snow we had...but the cages are fine and he too is ready. Hard to believe that it's here...I remember last year there were a couple of late evening games early on in the season that were a wee bit too chilly for me! He's such a good sport about it...get it...sport?? Oh...I know...I 'think' I'm funny!

Anyway...this morning I was scared I wasn't going to be able to post anything...slept wrong or worked out too much yesterday and my neck is stiff. Hard to stamp when you can't turn your head...all I can do is look down! But here I am~ posting away and sharing with you what I made today.

It uses a couple of sets, which work well together. Not sure if there is a stamp set that I don't like...but I sure do have my favorites!! Anyway...I grabbed the first set...a favorite (Artistic Etchings) stamp set...stared at it for a few minutes wondering what I was going to come up with and started with the card base..Summer Starfruit. This is probably one of my favorite colors, remember Crushed Curry?? It sadly retired...but this is pretty close. Anyway...then I grabbed a piece of First Edition Specialty DSP, cut it at 2" and stamped on it. Then when I was about to place it on the front of the card...I didn't like it (too wide). So...I cut in 1/2 and the piece on the right I stuck to a Soft Suede back (same size) and popped it up with dimensionals.

Love the dimension...here is another picture.

Inside:

My name is Erin Barker and I am a 'Spritz-a-holic'. Yes indeed...I find myself always thinking a project needs just one more element...one final touch. I can't hold back...I grab the Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz and SPRITZ away!! But today someone tried to intervene...


Ah ha~

Who is this you ask?? This would be Oscar....my very sleepy kitty!

 I need my box!! Oscar...give it back!! I felt bad removing him...but momma needs to 'spritz'..you understand right??

Supplies
Stamp Set: Artistic Etchings (120573 C), Collage Curios (129102 C), French Foliage (121166 C)
Card Stock: First Edition Specialty DSP (121878), Very Vanilla, Summer Starfruit
Ink: Summer Starfruit, Soft Suede, Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Versamark pad
Access: Stampin' Write marker Crumb Cake, linen thread (104199), dimensionals (104430), Color Spritzer tool (107066), stampin' sponges (101610), postage stamp punch (122344), 1 " square punch (124094), Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz (118772), heat tool (129053), silver embossing powder (109131), key (retired)


This next card is one I made for my brother's birthday (his was the day after mine). And yes...you guessed it...I spritzed it!! You can really see the shimmer from the flash. Ahhhh..just looking at it makes me smile!

I used a couple of retired goodies...the copper embossing powder and key tag punch. Shhh!! I just had too!! This image is from the stamp set called Feeling Sentimental (129630 C) available as a FREE item from 'Sale-a-Bration'. Remember for every $50 you spend you get to choose a FREE goodie!!

Note: I heat embossed the bicycle image first using the Stamp-a-Ma-Jig to place it perfectly on the raised embossed border, then I stamped it again using Early Espresso ink, then again without re-inking the stamp stamp a third time to achieve the lighter look.

Supplies
Stamp Set: Feeling Sentimental (129630 C)
Card Stock: Naturals Ivory, Early Espresso, Island Indigo
Ink: Early Espresso, Versamark Pad
Access: Big Shot (113439), Textured Impressions Needlepoint border embossing folders (129383), linen thread (104199), Sycamore Street ribbon and button pack (130812), copper brad (retired), Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz (118772)

That's it for today...about to pop some more ibuprofen and have a glass of wine...don't judge me!

Have a great weekend!!
-Erin
Shop Online 24/7 (even in your P.J.'s)
website: www.erinsstampart.stampinup.net
email: stampingwitherin@yahoo.com  

My two beauties!!

I know that I have once again been MIA~ and for that I'm truly sorry!! Here is a little bit as to why...February is always crazy since it's a short month and loaded with birthdays...including my own!! But then recently...I became REALLY sick! That terrible stomach bug that has been going around?? The 'oh so lovely' Norovirus?? Even the Queen got it! It was horrible...I seriously thought I was going to die! Thank goodness its over and I am feeling human again! The only blessing in disguise was that I lost a few pounds!!

Then the computer in the basement...went kaputz (not sure how you spell that). This past weekend it was repaired and today I am in the basement...installing  My Digital Studio, stamping and LOVING it!!

Yesterday we had a beautiful snowstorm that left us with a blanket of white snow (almost 7"). It was so pretty to see in the morning, but the temperatures went above freezing during the afternoon and it melted as quickly as it fell. So luckily for me the kids only had an hour delay!! Is that mean?? I did feel bad~ the forecast was originally calling for 12-18" of snow!! I figured they would be home all week!

Oh well...bring on SPRING!!

I wanted to share with you what my dear friend Marie made for my birthday:

Yummy Red Velvet cupcakes...made too look like roses!!

Aren't they amazing?? Too pretty to eat!! She is crazy talented!! I know she said that she saw the idea on Pinterest, but if I were to try it..I know that it wouldn't even come close to hers. Thanks again Marie!!!

This is the "thank-you" card that I made for her.

Supplies
Stamp Set: Blooming with Kindness (126422 C), Everything Eleanor (124164 C)
Card Stock: Basic Gray, Very Vanilla, First Edition Specialty DSP (121878)
Ink: Summer Starfruit, Gumball Green, Crumb Cake, Basic Gray
Access: Silver Glass Glitter (120995), dimensionals (104430), 2-way glue pen (100425), Big Shot (113439), Apothecary Accents framelits (127003), Flower Trim (126869), Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz (118772)

Lately I have been on a Very Vanilla kick...instead of using Whisper White~ not sure why...but oh well!!

My other beauty I have to share with you today features the new Soda Pop Tops (129388)...LOVE them!! These are sold on pg.24 in the current Spring Mini catalog. You get a total of 16 (8 ea. of 2 sizes). A total must have...not only to be used on cards and scrapbook pages. But crafts galore!! I have seen necklaces...magnets..etc. Just hop on Pinterest for some ideas!!

 
Here is another angle to show that I cut the leaves out of the Very Vanilla CS background piece and placed the First Edition Specialty DSP behind it. I like the way it turned out.

Supplies
Stamp Set: Secret Garden (129144 C), Decorate a Daisy (125991 C)
Card Stock: Very Vanilla, Wild Wasabi, First Edition Specialty DSP (121878)
Ink: Marina Mist, Soft Suede,
Access: Big Shot (113439), Secret Garden framelits (129372), Little Leaves Sizzlits (114511), linen thread (104199), Soft Suede 3/8" taffeta ribbon (122967), dimensionals (104430), sticky strip (104294), Basic Pearls (119247), Fancy Fan embossing folder (127751), 1" circle punch (119868), Soda Pop tops (129388), Sycamore Street Designer buttons (130923), glue dots (103683)

Note: How cool is this?? Pay close attention to the Soda Pop top...I flattened it by running it through the Big Shot!!
Here's how: Using the Multi-Purpose Platform without any tabs, place a clear plate then the cap on it face down and cover with clear plate. Ta-da!!

Until next time~ stay well,of course stamp and think warm thoughts!!

BIG hugs,
Erin

Shop Online 24/7 (even in your P.J.'s)
website: www.erinsstampart.stampinup.net 
email: stampingwitherin@yahoo.com