Colourful Seasons Sneak Peek

Are you looking forward to cottage, camping, beach time, or relaxing by the pool? I sure am! This card reminds me of summer, sitting in a beach chair, listening to the waves. If I wasn't dog sitting this weekend, I think I would have gone on a road trip to the beach.

I was fortunate to attend a Stampin' Up! On Stage event, where I was able to view cards featuring products from the new the 2017-2018 Annual Catalogue, which I also received - love it! Everyone in attendance got to play with some new products, and place a pre-order.   fell in love with the Colourful Seasons bundle. I'm thankful to Stampin' Up! for creating a set that can be used year-round.  You'll be able to purchase the bundle on June 1.

As a mixed media artist, I look for ways of creating something unique, whether it's for a card, painting or display - one of a kind works for me! I absolutely love the way this card looks - the die cut Muskoka chair, 'just breathe' sentiment and the background. Details on how I achieved the background are below.

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To make the background on the Whisper White layer, I picked up colour from the ink pad using my clear block.  To avoid getting an edge image, I swirled the Clear Block on my Grid Paper.  To  get the colour onto the paper, I very lightly touched the paper with the inked block, using a circular motion. I repeated that step until I was happy with the look. Remember - you can always add more colour, but you can't remove it, so go lightly.  

 Pool Party ink pad, Clear Block 'E' and my Grid Paper.

Check out this bundle with it's gorgeous images and sentiments, and all those dies, available June 1.  I'm booking now for class and workshop using this bundle.  Contact me now to set up a date.

I hope you'll stop by again - I'll be featuring more cards using this bundle.

Happy Crafting!

Save Big! Retiring Products & Clearance Rack

It's that time of year, when we say goodbye to retiring items that will not be carried over to the new Stampin' Up! Annual Catalogue that will be launched on June 1, 2017. 

In addition to the Retiring Products, you'll want to check out the Clearance Rack.  Items are up to 60% off - WOW!

Who doesn't like great savings!! With many items reduced in price, it's a great time to pick up those items from your wish list!  Don't delay - these items are going fast!

Click on the image below to view retiring stamps, bundles and everything else. 

Click below to view the Clearance Rack.

Happy Shopping!

Sand

Hello

Each day I'm seeing more and more buds on trees and life springing from gardens.  I love spring! To me it represents new beginnings.

My card today is a 'Hello' to spring.  I love the Pool Party cardstock I used for the base of the card and the layer.  It's such a fresh, pretty colour!  For the rest of the card, I die cut the images. Stampin' Up! dies are gorgeous!!  Sadly, the dies I used are all on the retiring list, but still available as of the last time I checked.  Read more about the dies in my Product List further down in this post.

Isn't the little bird sweet!  

Did you notice - no stamping on the card front.  I ran my dies through the Big Shot, adhered them, and added a few Rhinestone Basic Jewels. 

This is the Big Shot - a card makers best friend.  I've had mine for a good five years.  In that time, I've replaced my toaster a few times and my kettle once.  However, my Big Shot, which is used more often than those two appliances, has never failed.  And I'm confident it won't - it is built to last.  Worth every penny!

  This is the product to add to your Starter Kit, and here's why: no shipping fee or tax!

  The Big Shot is $136, and with the Starter Kit, you get to choose up to $165 in products.  Buy the Big Shot, and you still have $29 to spend and again, no shipping fee or tax.  You have nothing to lose, and you never have to sell.  Just enjoy making beautiful cards with your Big Shot.

 * Product List *

Cardstock - Pool Party, Whisper White

Embellishments: Rhinestone Basic Jewels

Adhesive: Fine Tip Glue Pen

Dies:

Now for the broken record part...LOL....these dies are retiring and once the stock is depleted they will be gone forever. Some catalogue items have already sold out.  Use my 'Shop Now' button at the top right of this page to place your order today.

Thank you for stopping by!

Sand

Join Stampin' Up! Canada and My Team

Is your shopping list over $135?

If so, your best value is to join Stampin' Up! as an Independent Demonstrator.

When you sign up for the Starter Kit, for just $135, you get to choose up to $165 worth of current Stampin' Up! products! Customize your Starter Kit to your needs.  You'll receive a business supply pack valued at $70.  And, there is no tax or shipping - all this for only $135.

Any order you make going forward is discounted 20%.

Must I sell?  You can choose to be your best customer and purchase for the discount, or you can earn income if you choose to demonstrate the products at classes, workshops and parties. To retain the discount, there is a minimum of $400 every quarter.  You can spend this yourself, or if you have customers/friends/family that place orders through you, that money will help contribute to your quarterly minimum.  If you don't meet your quarterly minimum, you simply become inactive. There are no penalties.  

If you do choose to run this as a business, I am here to help you every step of the way! You automatically become a member of my team Sand Angel Stampers. We will learn, share ideas and have fun!

Please consider joining. You have nothing to lose. 

Sign up is easy. 
1. Click on the Join Now image below. 
2. Read the demo-agreement.  
3. Purchase your Starter Kit - up to $165 in products.

I look forward to welcoming you to the Sand Angel Stampers!

            

Gorgeous Grunge Times Two

Yesterday I posted my Top 9 retiring Stampin' Up! products, and today I have two cards to show you featuring the stamp set Gorgeous Grunge, which I used in the background of both cards.

In addition to Gorgeous Grunge, I've used another retiring stamp set & punch called Petite Petals. Check out the different images on the flowers - so pretty! The sentiment is also from a retiring set - Special Reason. I love the simplicity of this card - so pretty!

Card #2 -  A layer of Whisper White, and base of Basic Black cardstock.  Just a wee pop of Flirty Flamingo ink on the flower.  The punches for the flower and sentiment are Pansy and Banner Triple.  I used a sentiment from the retiring set Falling for You,  I love love love the fonts in that set!  

There you have it - two beautiful cards that are quick and easy to make!  

* Reminder *

 Retiring products will be available until May 31, and only while supplies last,  To order any of the products I used, click on the 'Shop Now' icon on the left of my blog.

* Book your Workshop*

Let's make cards together!  I'll will show you how fun & easy it is to make beautiful cards!  

Book a date and time with me, invite your friends.  

No experience is necessary.

Cost per person - $15 for 3 cards, or FREE with a $35 order.

* Product List for Today's Cards *

Stamp sets - Gorgeous Grunge, Petite Petals, Special Reason, Flower Shop, Falling for You

Cardstock - Whisper White, Basic Black Smokey Slate

Ink - Basic Black, Basic Grey, Cherry Cobbler, Flirty Flamingo (retiring)

Punches - Petite Petals, Classic Label, Pansy, Banner Triple

Adhesives - Multipurpose Liquid Glue, Mini Glue Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals

Thank you for stopping by!  I hope you have a lovely weekend.

Sand

My Top 9 Retiring Products

This truly was a tough task to whittle down my Stampin' Up! retiring product list to just nine, There are so many products retiring, I thought you might find it a bit daunting. No worries - I'm here to help!

These aren't in any particular order - I love 'em all!  To help you, I've indicated which catalogue you'll find these in, the name of the item, and the page number.  You can view the catalogues by clicking on the images on the left of my blog, or click on my 'Shop Now' button at the top left of my blog, and start shopping right away.  Good news - some of my faves are up to 50% off!

From the Annual Catalogue

1. Gorgeous Grunge - page 123

One of my all-time favourite stamp sets. It's so versatile.  These stamps are fantastic for texture and backgrounds!  

2. Watercolour Wishes Card Kit - pages 8 & 9

Great choice for beginner stampers! This kit includes everything you need to make 20 amazing cards, and once you've made the cards, you have 12 stamps and 2 ink spots to use over and over!  

3. Banners Framelits - page 193

These are great for sentiments, and as there are several sizes, you can layer your banners,emboss for extra texture, use designer series paper - in other words, loads of possibilities!

4. Owl Builder Punch - page 188

Super cute for many different occasions.  I've used this punch to make cupcake toppers for a baby shower, birthday cards and Christmas cards and tags.

5. Flourishing Phrases - pg 49

 I love  variety of sentiments in this set.  It's kind of like one stop sentiment shopping! Plus the image stamps are beautiful.  In addition to great stamps, you can bundle it with Flourish Thinlits and save 10%

6.  Pop of Pink Specialty Designer Series Paper - page 172

Using these papers will instantly glam up your cards - the paper is gorgeous!  Pair this up with the coordinating cardstock - Basic Black, Whisper White and Melon Mambo (my fave!)  and you're going to create stunning cards!

From the Occasions Catalogue

7. Special Reason Bundle - page 42

Pretty, pretty, pretty!  The flowers are so pretty! With this stamp set & thinlit bundle you'll love experimenting with different colours and layering.  

8. Balloon Adventures Bundle - pages 4 & 5

You can make cards for any age group with this stamp set.  It's a fun set!  And, bundle the stamp set and thinlit dies, and your cards will be a huge hit!  You also save 10% when you bundle.

9. Falling Petals Textured Impressions Embossing Folder - page 51

If you've fallen in love with this embossing folder, please do not delay.  It will sell out quickly.

Delicate and pretty for all your special occasions.

These products are only available until May 31, and only while supplies last. To avoid disappointment, I urge you to place your orders asap.  

I hope I've helped to make your shopping a bit easier. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to  contact me.

Happy Shopping 

Sand

ps...if you've read this far, here's the reason why I have a top 9 rather than a top 10.  I thought I might say it's because I like to be different, not go with the flow, and so on. However, I confess, it's because I couldn't get another image to upload.  I'm not a techy....clearly...hahaha..

Saying Goodbye - Lovely Lace

Over the next few weeks I'll be featuring some of the retiring products from the Occasions & Annual Catalogues.  We'll be saying goodbye on May 31 to many products, however you can still purchase them while supplies last.

For this card, I used one of my favourite embossing folders that is retiring - Lovely Lace.  It's absolutely gorgeous!  I wanted to keep this wedding card elegant and simple, so I've used Whisper White for the base and layer and, for just the right amount of bling, I die cut the 'love' (from Sunshine Wishes Thinlits) in Dazzling Diamonds Glitter Paper.

To purchase these products,simply click on the 'Shop Now' button on the right side of my blog.

Thank you for stopping by!  Happy Crafting!


Sand

Dare to Use Your Wings

I have a little notebook, and in it I write words and phrases that inspire me.  So, last night I was flipping through the pages when I was struck with one of those ah-ha moments - the phrase 'Dare to Use Your Wings' would be perfect for a piece I had all but finished about a week ago.  I know, I know - a couple of posts ago I said this: 'I may set this, and my other work-in-progress art pieces aside...because...my new Stampin' Up! goodies are set to arrive soon, and my attention will be on paper crafting for a bit'.  Well, a girl can change her mind, right? The answer is yes!

Without further ado, here's my new painting.  I really wish the colours in this pic were as vibrant as they are in person.  Hmmm....perhaps I will take the time to read the manual for my new camera.

I love this piece!  Do you?  

Are you ready to break free and fly?  Use your wings! 

Try each day to do something, and even if that something is small, it will enhance your life.  Step out of your comfort zone.  I did just that recently when I taught card making to new stampers.  Was it my finest moment - nope, but I've learned from that experience. 

Ohhh, and my new Stampin' Up! goodies from the not yet released catalogue arrive this week. Eek! Happy dance!  I'll post some cards featuring brand new SU stamps and embellishments soon!

New around here:

I've added a 'Shop Now' link on the right panel of my blog, which enables you to shop the Product Lines, Catalogues and the Retiring Products! 

That same 'Shop Now' takes you to my Stampin' Up! website.  It's a work in progress.

Thank you for stopping by!  I'd love to hear from you!

Happy Crafting

Sand

Stampin' Up! Retiring List - Don't Miss Out!

Just a quick blog post to let you know the retiring list from Stampin' Up! is out now and items are while supplies last!

Please don't delay - place your order with me as soon as possible!

To see the list, click on the image below.

A Walk in the Park, Snakeskin (?) and 15 years!

What a gorgeous spring day! Pippin enjoyed his walk at Huron Natural Park today.  If you're new to my blog, Pippin is a three year old Sheltie, who always attracts lots of attention wherever we go, probably because he's such a friendly dog, and he's pretty!  

 See what I mean - pretty!

Speaking of pretty...here's my daughter Erin, with Pippin.

Erin, her boyfriend Eric, and Pippin

A super creepy stump, but kind of awesome, eh!!

I thought these looked interesting.

Silly Pip, clearly enjoying a cool down in the car on the way home.

Happy pup!

On to my next topic - snakeskin.....or not.  It's a bit of a giveaway when you can see the dots of paint around the edges of this pic.  I altered a technique that uses grippy drawer liner and wow, I love the result.  As for the 'snakeskin' colours, well, those might end up different. Not sure yet 😊 Always a mystery...hehehe.  I may set this, and my other work-in-progress art pieces aside....because....my new Stampin' Up! goodies are set to arrive soon. and my attention will be on papercrafting for a bit.

Okay...last topic of the day!  Yesterday I attended a Stampin' Up! conference called OnStage 2017, and it was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!   Having received a hot-off -the-presses copy of the 2017-2018 Annual Stampin' Up! catalogue, I'm on cloud 9!  I've scoured the catty from cover to cover several times, taking in all the wonderful stamp sets, papers, dies, embellishments and more!  Sadly, I can't share any of the pics with you quite yet, but I will say this - you are going to fall in love with the A-M-A-Z-I-N-G (yes, I said it again) products.  

It's the 15th year of Stampin' Up! being available in Canada. Yay!  Above is one of the goodies everyone at the conference received. 

I'm so glad I went to OnStage!  What a fabulous fun-filled day!  We had the privilege of making cards using some of the new products from the 2017-2017 catalogue. One word - awesome!

I hope you had a fabulous weekend!

Happy Crafting!

Sand

Dear You....

On this not so sunny day, I was thinking about flowers and birds and ended up creating my favourite piece to date.  Generally, I mix a bunch of layers of colours and textures, but today I kept it simple. The background is a mix of gold, white and light beige, and it looks kind of antiqued.  From my stash of words I had previously cut from some books, I found the word Dear and at that point I knew what I wanted to say.  Dear You, Believe in Your Wings,  Be Your Peaceful Wonderful Sweet Self.  Live and Love, and Forget Me Not.

To say I'm overjoyed with this piece would be an understatement!  I'd love to know your thoughts on it, so please feel free to leave a comment.  By the way, are you following LollyandSand on Twitter and Instagram?

Short post today....time to make a veggie chili - yum!


Thank you for stopping by!  Happy Crafting!


Sand

Cheers!

Wow, here we are, almost at the end of another weekend - a lovely weekend with mild temps and sunshine.  Sunshine somehow lifts the spirits!

I have a simple card to show you today.  To get the funky colours on those little birds, I took a scrap of paper and sponged the ink in uneven rows alternating.  No overthinking, just laying down colours, then die cutting the birds.

The only stamping on this card is the sentiment 'Cheers', the tiny stars and inside verse. The rest was die cut - easy peasy.  This is another card that came together super fast. Be sure to visit my blog again soon because I'll have a card that is mostly stamped and yes, also super fast to make!

Here are the products I used for this card - all from Stampin' Up!

Dies:
Birds & Blooms
Flourish Thinlits
Balloon Pop-Up **
Stitched Framelits

Stamp Set:
Love Sparkles **

Cardstock:
Basic Black
Whisper White
Melon Mambo

Ink:
Melon Mambo
Tangerine Tango

**these are from the Occasions Catalogue, which you can view by clicking on the catalogue image on the top left of my blog.  The annual catalogue is just below and you can view it as well by clicking on the image.

This is one of those days where I did a bunch of this and that.  Made the card, started another mixed media piece, was outside for a while, and all in all had a laid back kind of day!  I hope you had a great weekend!

Thanks for stopping by!  Happy Crafting!

Sand