I've had a busy day today, amongst other things shooting a video to share with you my absolute favourite new products from the new Stampin' Up! annual catalogue out tomorrow; but you're going to have to wait until tomorrow to see that!

For anyone reading this with children of school age, you will no doubt be looking forward to (or dreading - it depends on your perspective!) the long summer holidays that wigiftll be with us in a few weeks time. With that in mind, I've been making some teacher thank you cards for both of my children to take in and give to their teachers along with a small token of appreciation for their help and support throughout the year. I'll share the gift nearer the end of term, but today I thought I'd share the first two cards I've made. here is the first one:

This is a CASE of a Jen Arkfeld card that I saw on Pinterest and was perfect to use up some of my leftover Storytime DSP. This paper showcases some great images from childhood that make lovely teacher thank yous or even 'best friend' cards and requires very little actual stamping. Having made the above card, I then made a second one that had more of a masculine feel - perfect for my son to give to his teacher:

I even used a strip of the handwriting paper in the background, as this has been one of his key areas of focus this year and something I'm sure his teacher will remember him for!

I hope you like these cards; I have a few more ideas for teacher thank yous that I will be sharing in the next week or so, interspersed with lots of great projects using products from the new annual catalogue. Back tomorrow with the official launch of the new annual catalogue - I can't wait!

Until then, happy stampin'!

Stampin' Up Supplies:

Stamps: For My Family

Cardstock: Pool Party, Very Vanilla, Midnight Muse, Storytime DSP

Ink/Stampin' Write Markers: Midnight Muse

Tools: 1 3/4" Circle Punch, 2 3/8" Scallop Circle Punch

Finishing Touches: Natural Linen Thread, Brights Designer Buttons, Sycamore Street Buttons (Sale-a-bration - retired)

Two posts from me today - the first to announce the new 'Best of' set for July - Best of Butterflies. Following last month's launch, to celebrate its 25th anniversary, Stampin' Up! is releasing a new 'Best of' stamp set featuring 3-4 past favourites and one brand new design, each month until October. Each set costs £13.95 and will be available to purchase until 31 March 2014 (clear mount only). The box to the right of my blog page will show the current stamp set - the set for July is called 'Best of Butterflies' and features the following delicate butterfly designs:

I will have some samples using these stamps to share with you in due course, but if you can't wait to get your hands on them, then drop me a line at [email protected] and I will happily place an order for you.

Also, this month's card class will feature last month's 'Best of Flowers' stamp set. This month's classes are scheduled for Monday 15th and Wednesday 17th July; we will be making one card using each of the stamps and the cost of the 2 hour class is £10. If you would like to attend, do drop me a line or give me a call for more information.

Back shortly with another post; until then, happy stampin'!