Today I have another Oh So Eclectic card from this month's technique class which is actually a CASE of the card on the front cover of the current 2017-18 Annual Stampin' Up! catalogue:

The eye-catching front cover was in part what attracted my ladies to the Oh So Eclectic Bundle in the first place, so it seemed only right that we should make some of the cards showcased. I thought I would use today's post to actually talk about ways in which you can use the catalogue to help you on your creative journey and inform the sets that you buy when you shop for Stampin' Up! products.

Here's the low-down on today's card:

CASE The Catalogue - The catalogue is not only the place to find the details for all of the products that Stampin' Up! sells, it is also a valuable resource of tips, tricks and ideas and serves as a source of inspiration in and of itself. It's choc-full of great examples of how many of the products can be used and I always encourage my customers to use their catalogues to their full potential, whether in doing a 'Copy and Share Everything' or 'Copy And Selectively Edit' (both fit the acronym CASE) or to use the ideas as inspiration to create something different entirely. Today's card is my CASE of the one that sits in the middle of the front cover page. I changed out the sentiment for one that I have - I used one from the 'Butterfly Basics' stamp set, a 'go to' for me - but otherwise stayed pretty true to the sample.

A Sample For Everyone - The catalogue might seem a little overwhelming at first glance, with so many stamp sets, tools and accessories and lots of colourful images showing samples galore. The trick is to look out for the clever signposts that are dotted throughout the catalogue that help you navigate your way, whatever type of crafter you are. On pages 6 and 7, there are lots of useful pointers of things to look out for as you browse, whether you are new to crafting or someone looking for more creative freedom. Either way, the catalogue has you covered. Particular signposts that I would encourage you to pay attention to are the 'quick and easy' icon:

Equally, the 'step it up' icon shows how you can start with a simple project, then 'step it up' with additional tools and embellishments:

There are also lots of tips and information panels that describe how to do lots of techniques - invaluable if you don't get to attend a class and benefit from the knowledge of your Stampin' Up! demonstrator in person or aren't able to get online to look something up, read their blog or watch a YouTube video. Last but not least, the 'You Can Make It' panels show you a project and are accompanied by a shopping list of the supplies you will need in order to recreate it yourself. Stampin' Up! really does try and make it easy for you!

One Step Up - So the card above is the first or interim stepped-up version using the Oh So Eclectic stamp set. The central panel is stamped, however it also includes a stamped and diecut flower, a label printed with the Pretty Label Punch and a sentiment from an alternative set, along with some Naturally Eclectic Designer Series Paper, some Pool Party Solid Baker's Twine and some Emerald Envy ribbon. If you are a regular stamper and have lots of supplies, this card is a great example of how you can bring various sets and tools together, yet is still relatively quick and easy to produce. 

Here is the visual summary of the key products used on today's project for you to pin for easy reference:

You can see all of my 'How To' summaries on my 'How To - Tips and Techniques' Pinterest board in case you've missed any. 

I'll be back soon with another 'CASE The Catalogue Cover' card, this time showcasing the bells-and-whistles fully stepped up version using the Oh So Eclectic product suite. Until then, happy stampin'!

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used:

Oh So Eclectic Clear-Mount Bundle	Naturally Eclectic Designer Series Paper	Emerald Envy 5/8" Crinkled Seam Binding Ribbon	Pool Party Solid Baker’S Twine	Metallics Sequin Assortment
Night Of Navy A4 Cardstock	Whisper White A4 Cardstock	Pretty Label Punch	Night Of Navy Classic Stampin' Pad	Berry Burst Classic Stampin' Pad
Lemon Lime Twist Classic Stampin' Pad	Soft Sky Classic Stampin' Pad	Emerald Envy Classic Stampin' Pad	Butterfly Basics Clear-Mount Stamp Set

I've had a few days of rest from blogging as I'm currently taking a well-earned vacation, hence no Paper Players post from me yesterday - the rest of the team have been busy though so do check out their cards for this week's Clean And Simple challenge here.

Today sees the resumption of my holiday blogging schedule - I still have some Oh So Eclectic cards to share with you, so whilst I can't promise to blog every day as I usually do, I will be sharing every few days so do pop by if you are enjoying this series showing the versatility of the Oh So Eclectic stamp set and the co-ordinating Eclectic Layers Thinlits.

Here's another Oh So Eclectic card from my technique class last week featuring a fun technique that I introduced my ladies to for the first time: 

Here's the low-down on today's card:

Faux Textured Embossing - Are you wondering which embossing folder I used to create my Oh So Eclectic embossed flowers? You'll be guessing for a while - as the answer is none at all! Texture is an important feature on a card, with the layers and crinkled ribbon additional textural components, however it can be achieved in other ways too. I introduced my class to the concept of faux texture embossing, where you create a pattern, usually using a repeating shape, from lots of diecuts. This gives the suggestion of embossing and adds an additional layer of texture. The trick is to ensure your shapes are adhered securely to your base. Running the whole piece through a Big Shot with new cutting plates also helps to embed the diecuts into the base.

A Crinkle of Berry Burst - I added some pleats of the new crinkle ribbon in Berry Burst to my card; this ribbon is so soft and ties beautiful bows. I like the effect of the crinkle ribbon but always feel like I need to iron it before use!

A Pop Of Lime - Again I used one of the sentiments from the Oh So Eclectic stamp set on my card, this time stamping in Night of Navy on Lemon-Lime Twist for a pop of colour.  

Here is the visual summary of the key products used on today's project for you to pin for easy reference:

You can see all of my 'How To' summaries on my 'How To - Tips and Techniques' Pinterest board in case you've missed any. 

I'll be back soon with another card that uses the Oh So Eclectic product suite. Until then, happy stampin'!

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used:

Oh So Eclectic Clear-Mount Bundle	Naturally Eclectic Designer Series Paper	Peekaboo Peach A4 Cardstock	Night Of Navy A4 Cardstock	Night Of Navy Classic Stampin' Pad
Soft Sky Classic Stampin' Pad	Whisper White A4 Cardstock	Lemon Lime Twist A4 Cardstock	Lemon Lime Twist Classic Stampin' Pad

Good evening one and all! I've spent today officially doing 'boy's things' but just wanted to check in with you for a quick share of another of the sample cards from my technique class earlier this week using my Oh So Eclectic Bundle - take a look:

Here's the low-down on today's card:

Many Eclectic Layers - As I showed you in the card I shared with you on Monday, the Eclectic Layers Thinlits can be used in a number of different ways: a number of them can be used nested, or alternatively just the border edge can be used  - as I've done with my pair of blue stamped flowers here - or even just the detailed section can be used alone. If you cut the detailed dies out of acetate, you can use your diecuts as re-usable stencils for either sponging or creating texture with embossing paste. Here I used mine as a stencil to sponge a two-toned flower pattern across my background to add some colour and interest. There really are so many different options when it comes to creating with these thinlits! 

Two-Tone Watercolour Flower - To create my two-tone blue flower, I inked my stamp in Soft Sky then added some Night of Navy with a sponge dauber to the centre of the stamp before stamping it. This produces a blended, almost watercoloured effect, similar to the flowers on the panel of Naturally Eclectic paper that runs down the centre of the card. 

Three Little Words - I used one of the sentiments from the Oh So Eclectic stamp set on my card and placed it straight across the middle of my card front. Sentiments aren't the main focus for this stamp set, however it's useful to sometimes have some small ones to balance out the other busier elements of a card.

Here is the visual summary of the key products used on today's project for you to pin for easy reference:

You can see all of my 'How To' summaries on my 'How To - Tips and Techniques' Pinterest board in case you've missed any. 

I'll be back tomorrow with another card that uses the same set with a different technique. Until then, happy stampin'!

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used:

Oh So Eclectic Clear-Mount Bundle	Naturally Eclectic Designer Series Paper	Peekaboo Peach A4 Cardstock	Peekaboo Peach Classic Stampin' Pad	Berry Burst Classic Stampin' Pad
Night Of Navy A4 Cardstock	Night Of Navy Classic Stampin' Pad	Soft Sky Classic Stampin' Pad	Embossing Buddy	Versamark Pad
White Stampin' Emboss Powder	Whisper White A4 Cardstock

I've had a full day today with a group of lovely ladies at my extended technique class. I'll be sharing more of those cards in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, today I'm sharing a card for this week's challenge over at CAS(E) This Sketch that also uses the current colour palette over at Fab Friday:

I was intrigued by the lovely Hannelie's sketch this week and whilst my instinct was to run a mile at the five bright colours over at Fab Friday, I suddenly had an idea that worked perfectly for me when I combined both challenges - take a look:

 Here's the low-down on today's card:

Summer Seasonal Layers - I decided to use a bright, white adirondack chair diecut cut with my Seasonal Layers Thinlits for the silhouette motif - complete with cooling lemonade drink on the side for the focal point of my card. It's the perfect fit with that summery colour palette too.

Block That Colour - The five summer colours of the Fab Friday colour palette could be a challenge to use on a single card without them becoming overwhelming. The sketch though allows them to be used for big, bold blocks of colour that have impact whilst balanced by the large expanse of white space that surround them.  Perfect!

Holiday Wishes - What sentiment to use on my summery card? I am soon off on my summer vacation and seriously looking forward to whiling away the hours in a chair just like this, with a drink by my side, enjoying the warmth and generally relaxing into my holiday idyll. I created a customised sentiment using the Thoughtful Banners stamp set  - what better way to send someone on their summer travels?

Here is the visual summary of the key products used on today's project for you to pin for easy reference:

You can see all of my 'How To' summaries on my 'How To - Tips and Techniques' Pinterest board in case you've missed any. 

I'll be back tomorrow with another project. I'm hoping for the return of warmer weather here tomorrow as otherwise I will have a couple of boisterous, stir-crazy boys on my hands as we have a friend coming over to play. Wish me luck!   Until then, happy stampin'!

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used:

Seasonal Layers Thinlits Dies	Colorful Seasons Photopolymer Stamp Set	Thoughtful Banners Photopolymer Stamp Set	Whisper White A4 Thick Cardstock	Daffodil Delight A4 Cardstock
Daffodil Delight Classic Stampin' Pad	Berry Burst A4 Cardstock	Berry Burst Classic Stampin' Pad	Lemon Lime Twist A4 Cardstock	Lemon Lime Twist Classic Stampin' Pad
Bermuda Bay A4 Cardstock	Tangerine Tango A4 Cardstock

Monday again - doesn't a new week seem to come around so quickly? I have one James Junior on school holiday as of today, so need to be more organised than ever! Today I'm sharing a card for this week's colour challenge over at CAS Colours and Sketches:

I have been making cards for the second of this month's technique classes and these colours were perfect for another card using my Oh So Eclectic Bundle - take a look:

Here's the low-down on today's card:

Many Eclectic Layers - The Eclectic Layers Thinlits are so versatile: a number of them can be used nested, for example to cut out an outlined veined flower, or alternatively just the border edge can be used  - as I've done to cut out my green-blue stamped flower here - or even just the detailed section as I've done with my other two flowers, to reveal the paper below. There really are so many different options when it comes to creating with these thinlits! 

Naturally Eclectic Watercolour - I'd like to say that the lovely Berry Burst watercoloured background was all me, but I can't take the credit. Well, I can take the credit for choosing this rather lovely piece of naturally Eclectic designer series paper, but that's all! I love it when the paper does all the work!

Layering Colour - I decided to create an unorthodox 'Island Indigo on Lime Green' flower to complete my trio; whilst this might not be the most authentic of flowers, I do think the colours pair beautifully when layered together. I then added a block of indigo for my sentiment and a few glitter enamel dots to complete my card.

Here is the visual summary of the key products used on today's project for you to pin for easy reference:

You can see all of my 'How To' summaries on my 'How To - Tips and Techniques' Pinterest board in case you've missed any. 

Enjoy your day and I'll be back tomorrow with another project. Until then, happy stampin'!

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used:

Oh So Eclectic Clear-Mount Bundle	Whisper White A4 Thick Cardstock	Glitter Enamel Dots	Lemon Lime Twist Classic Stampin' Pad	Naturally Eclectic Designer Series Paper
Island Indigo Classic Stampin' Pad	Island Indigo A4 Cardstock	Embossing Buddy	Versamark Pad	White Stampin' Emboss Powder

Today I've a quick second post - you can see my earlier post for this week's new challenge over at The Paper Players here - with my card for this week's challenge over at The Challenge, which also happens to use the sketch I used for yesterday's card from the team over at The Global Design Project:

I'm really enjoying playing along with the lovely ladies over at The Challenge again. I love those bright flowers and the striped arms of the chair worked perfectly with the sketch and inspired me to create something clean and modern - take a look:

I used my Oh So Eclectic stamp set and co-ordinating Eclectic Layers Thinlits Dies for my flowers, offsetting the layers, and combined with some stripes in black on my white card base, courtesy of the Thoughtful Banners set, which I used for my sentiment too. I added a trio of Berry Burst glittery enamel dots to finish - love these!

Here is the visual summary of the key products used on today's project for you to pin for easy reference:

You can see all of my 'How To' summaries on my 'How To - Tips and Techniques' Pinterest board in case you've missed any. 

I really like this card and prefer it to my first GDP attempt. Funny how sometimes an inspiration photo can make all the difference to your creative direction. I'll be back tomorrow with another project. Until then, happy stampin'!

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used:

Oh So Eclectic Clear-Mount Bundle	Whisper White A4 Thick Cardstock	Thoughtful Banners Photopolymer Stamp Set	Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad	Glitter Enamel Dots
Tangerine Tango A4 Cardstock	Tangerine Tango Classic Stampin' Pad	Berry Burst A4 Cardstock	Berry Burst Classic Stampin' Pad	Lemon Lime Twist A4 Cardstock
Lemon Lime Twist Classic Stampin' Pad

It's Sunday and time for this week's new challenge over at The Paper Players! It's my wonderful friend LeAnne's turn to host this week and she has a fun colour challenge for us to work with:

Ok, time for confessions first! I saw the colours on the badge and had such a clear idea of what I wanted to make when I was preparing my card that I pulled the colours from my ink caddy and set to work. It wasn't until I started to write this post that whilst I had used monochromatic purples, I hadn't used the three on LeAnne's swatch! I actually used Sweet Sugarplum, Rich Razzleberry and Fresh Fig for my three colours and I didn't have time to remake. So I'm hoping for forgiveness from LeAnne for choosing Fresh Fig instead of Berry Burst and that you can all use your imagination!

I took the opportunity to create a big bunch of flowers using the Beautiful Bouquet bundle - take a look:

Here's the low-down on today's card:

Pick A Bunch - Like most of the team this week, I was drawn to use flowers with this monochromatic colour scheme and decide to ink up my Beautiful Bouquet stamp set and create a bunch of flowers. The thing I love most about this set is the co-ordinating framelits: the Bouquet Bunch Framelit Dies make cutting out the flower heads and stems really easy and enable you to create layered florals with ease. 

A Beautiful Bouquet - In addition to the flower pieces, the stamp set also contains a great selection of sentiments in a lovely combined block and scripted font. I chose one of my favourites for my card today - the perfect greeting for a friend who means a lot that lets them know how you feel. 

The Importance of White - I often talk about the importance of white on cards, usually in the context of 'white space' or clear and uncluttered space, a key feature of clean and simple cards. On today's card white plays an important role as a colour to break up the monochromatic colours and add definition to the flowers themselves. 

I really like this card, even if the colours are not quite what LeAnne had in mind when she set us the challenge!  

Here is the visual summary of the key products used on today's project for you to pin for easy reference:

You can see all of my Product and 'How To' summaries on my 'How To - Tips and Techniques' Pinterest board in case you've missed any. 

Before you reach for your ink and papers, check out what our amazing team has created to inspire you this week:

I look forward to seeing what you create with this week's colour palette. Enjoy the rest of your weekend as it will be over all too quickly; I'll be back tomorrow with another project; until then, happy stampin'!

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used: 

Beautiful Bouquet Photopolymer Bundle	Fresh Fig A4 Cardstock	Fresh Fig Classic Stampin' Pad	Sweet Sugarplum A4 Cardstock	Sweet Sugarplum Classic Stampin' Pad
Rich Razzlebberry Classic Stampin' Pad	Whisper White Solid Baker's Twine	Brights Enamel Shapes	Whisper White A4 Cardstock

Today I've a quick post as I'm playing catch-up to share a quick card that I made using this week's sketch over at The Global Design Project:

I considered all those lines and came up with this card using the new Basics (Pack 3) washi tape:

Super simple, I inset my stripes and used my top mat to frame them, then added a layered flower and sentiment using the Oh So Eclectic stamp set and co-ordinating Eclectic Layers Thinlits Dies. Washi tape is so useful for easy cards and I love that the new ones come in shades of colour across one area of the colour spectrum and are of differing widths. 

I've been making lots of samples using this set in readiness for my technique class that features it next week so have lots more where this came from, including another one using the same sketch that I'll share tomorrow after my Paper Players post.

Here is the visual summary of the key products used on today's project for you to pin for easy reference:

You can see all of my 'How To' summaries on my 'How To - Tips and Techniques' Pinterest board in case you've missed any. 

I'll be back tomorrow with my card for this week's new challenge over at The Paper Players and another project. Until then, happy stampin'!

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used:

Oh So Eclectic Clear-Mount Bundle	Whisper White A4 Thick Cardstock	Layering Squares Framelits Dies	Basics Pack 3 Washi Tape	Soft Sky Classic Stampin' Pad
Bermuda Bay Classic Stampin' Pad	Night Of Navy Classic Stampin' Pad	Night Of Navy A4 Cardstock	Pearl Basic Jewels

I'm having a busy week as the youngest of the James Juniors is on the last week of the school year this week so blogging is having to take something of a back seat whilst I get other work things in order and prepare for the long summer break! I did find time yesterday to make a card for a couple of challenges that I wanted to share with you today. Yes, another scorcher here in the UK today and I'm sharing a Christmas card! My original inspiration was this rather perplexing sketch over at CAS(E) This Sketch:

It's been swirling around in my creative subconscious for days and I was keen to play along as I love their sketches but when combined with this week's challenge over at Stamp Ink Paper I finally found my answer  - take a look:

My 'Star of Light' stamp set to the rescue! This stamp set has to me one of my most-used Christmas sets last year and worth it for that fabulous swirl of trailing sparkle alone in my opinion. Some background sponging and a white glimmer star, cut using my Starlight Thinlits Dies, completes the picture. I even remembered to take a photograph of the inside to show you, so that you can see how the greeting follows on:

A card that took longer to execute than to explain, but I guess that's the beauty of the creative process! If you don't have this set, I can definitely recommend it; buy both the stamp set and co-ordinating thinlits this month and you will not only be able to get a head start on your Christmas cards, you'll get a £5 voucher to spend next month too!

Here is the visual summary of the key products used on today's project for you to pin for easy reference:

You can see all of my 'How To' summaries on my 'How To - Tips and Techniques' Pinterest board in case you've missed any. 

I've a busy couple of days ahead but promise I'll be back soon with another project. Until then, happy stampin'!

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used:

Star Of Light Photopolymer Stamp Set	Starlight Thinlits Dies	Soft Sky A4 Cardstock	Soft Sky Classic Stampin' Pad	Bermuda Bay Classic Stampin' Pad
Island Indigo Classic Stampin' Pad	Dazzling Diamonds Glimmer Paper	Embossing Buddy	Versamark Pad	White Stampin' Emboss Powder
Rhinestone Basic Jewels

Today I'm here with a post that should have gone live on Saturday but appears to have had some scheduling issues - but it's news that's too good not to share! First things first: BONUS DAYS ARE BACK! Do you remember this promotion from last year? It was so successful, Stampin' Up! have decided to repeat it this year.

For every £45.00 you spend between 1 July and 31 July (before delivery), you’ll get a £4.50 Bonus Days coupon that you can use between 1 and 31 August . Since our new annual catalogue has only been out a month ago, you will probably still have some items on your wish list and this is a great opportunity to shop from it and make savings when you shop again in August with your coupons!

There are some details in terms of small print that you need to take note of, as follows: 

• Promotion period: 1–31 July 2017
• Redemption period: 1–31 August 2017
• An email address is required to participate in this promotion; Bonus Days coupon codes can only be delivered via email.
• It is strongly recommended that you both save emails containing their Bonus Days coupon codes AND write down the coupon codes in a safe place. Codes cannot be resent if the email is lost, and lost codes cannot be recovered.
• Bonus Days coupon codes can be redeemed for any product, excluding Starter Kits.
• There is no limit to the number of coupons you can receive per order or throughout the duration of the promotion.
• There is no limit on the number of coupons you can use on an order during redemption.

This is such a great promotion - I get to buy even more from my wishlist, then as a demonstrator I can use my coupons in August against my pre-order from the new Autumn-Winter catalogue - woohoo!  For customers there is also going to be the early release of a new exclusive Christmas bundle called 'Carols Of Christmas' for sale from 1 August, so you could get started early with some  and use your coupons to get a great deal!

Don't forget if you are placing an order online to also include this month's hostess code JG7PHQKR to receive a free thank you gift from me too!

Here is a sneak peak of the exclusive bundle available from 1st August - you can choose to spend your coupon on this bundle or any other items of your choice!

Can't wait until 1st August to get your hands on this great new stamp set? Well, there's more! All of us at Stampin' Up! miss Christmas so much that we decided to have another one right now with a fantastic offer for anyone out there who would like to join my team this month! 

Between 1 and 31 July, every new recruit gets an Essentials Gift Pack (worth 63,50 € / £47) plus the Carols of Christmas Stamp Set (worth 24 € / £18) from the upcoming autumn/winter catalogue added to their starter kit for free! This means that new recruits will get products and business supplies worth a whopping 262,50 € / £195 for just 129 € / £99 with free shipping!

Here's what's included in the Essentials Gift Pack:

This is a great collection of basic items that along with your starter kit will enable you to hit the ground running and easily run your first event and share your love of stamping with a friend or two. 

Here's a close-up of the Carols of Christmas stamp set:

There has never been a better time to join Stampin' Up!: we are at the beginning of a new quarter, so you will have a full 6 months before you need to meet your first quarterly minimum, and the run up to Christmas is a great time to build a business if you're looking to earn or boost your income doing something that you love. I am always keen to hear from people thinking about joining my team - why not give me a call to discuss what it could mean for you?

That's all from me today; happy shopping, knowing that you get a spending spree next month too!