Fluttering On Bye

I must say I will be sad to see some of our great long standing colors flutter away like butterflies this summer, but I can't wait to try out the next hottest batch of colors. It is like a super In-Color release, except they'll be around a lot longer...even better. Speaking of In-Color, the hot news on those is that they will now be around for two years instead of one and 5 new In-Colors will be released annually!

So today's card pays tribute to some of our parting colors: Summer Sun, Taken with Teal and Sage Shadow. What a better way to pay tribute than with beautiful butterflies (not to mention that I just got this embosslit and had to use it!). So here are the ingredients for this oh so simple card:

Stamps: Well Scripted
Paper: Summer Sun, Taken with Teal, Sage Shadow, Whisper White
Ink: Taken with Teal
Accessories: Sizzix Big Shot, Beautiful Wings Embosslit, Mini Glue Dots

The Color Renovation Unveiled

Many of you may have already seen the color changes that will be occurring. From what I hear, many stamping sites are a buzz with the change. In case you have not been privy to these changes, I wanted to make sure you have a place to see what all the excitement is about. As I think I mentioned the other day, I can't wait to get them in my hands! Feel free to email me with any questions regarding the Color Renovation.

Birthday Sketch Challenge

Recently, we had a demonstrator sketch challenge and this was my sample I contributed. I so love these colors together! I used them in a couple samples that I did for my display board and fell in love with the combo. I think this combo will also start making an appearance in my kids' scrapbooks!

Are you wondering about the diagonal striped paper? I used the striped paper from the Thoroughly Modern DSP and cut it at an angle to get diagonal stripes. It is a great way to add additional variety to your designer series papers.

So here are my ingredients:
Stamps: Party Hearty
Paper: So Saffron, Soft Suede, Taken with Teal, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White, Thoroughly Modern DSP
Ink: So Saffron and Pumpkin Pie Classic Pads, Taken with Teal and Pumpkin Pie Stampin' Write Markers
Accessories: Pumpkin Pie Corduroy Buttons, Linen Thread, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, Modern Label Punch, Sizzix Big Shot, Lots of Tags Die

Color, Color, Color!

I am so excited to share with you the news that Stampin' Up! released today. As of July, we will have a "Color Renovation". In this Color Renovation, we will say farewell to some old favorites but be welcoming back some of our favorite In Colors from the past few years. I know some of you are going to be so excited to see what will be returning! We also will be introducing several new colors. I can't wait for you to see them. You will see them popping up in my blog early this summer! Watch for some hints in the samples I post before then to see which In Colors we will be welcoming back.

Spring Is In the Air

As I listen to the birds singing their song in my backyard, I think a nice spring card is appropriate for today. I made this card for my aunt last week. All of a sudden, I had a desire to try Pretty In Pink, Ruby Red and Barely Banana together. Love what I got!

Here are the ingredients:
Stamps: Flight of the Butterfly
Paper: Pretty In Pink, Ruby Red, Barely Banana Whisper White
Ink: Pretty In Pink, Ruby Red, Barely Banana
Accessories: Butterfly Punch, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Mini Glue Dots

A Simple Page with Stamps

This post is long overdue. I have been wanting to post a scrapbook page for a while. This page is so simple! This is actually my second of this style. I took my grandparents wedding photo for the page. The Bella Bleu Designer Series paper is great for heritage pages. The ribbon I used is retired, but there are other ribbons that would coordinate just as well with the page. I will eventually use the area below the "Love" to journal. Here are the details:

Stamps: Lovely Letters Alphabet
Paper: Not Quite Navy, Very Vanilla, Bella Bleu Designer Series Paper
Ink: Not Quite Navy Craft
Accessories: Dressed Up Ribbon Originals® (Retired), Long Board, Big Shot Die Cutter, Serif Essentials Alphabet Die

Creativity Rut

First, I must start out by saying I am so sorry that it has taken me so long to post. I have been in a bit of a creative rut, and I don't like to post CASEd work on my blog. With spring somewhat in the air, it has given me a bit of a creative surge. I already have my next 2 posts ready to go after this. So you should expect some new material next week :). My current creative state seems to be in the simple stage. So I think the things I will have to offer will be easily duplicated for you all. Also, be on the look out for my first scrap post.

This card gave me the opportunity to try out a set I purchased this winter and just could not break out until the buds began to bloom. The colors for this one came from a demonstrator color challenge of Cameo Coral, Apricot Appeal, Lavender Lace, Certainly Celery and Whisper White. I used the Cameo Coral subtly...see if you can spot it!

Stamps: Herb Expressions
Paper: Apricot Appeal, Lavender Lace, Certainly Celery
Ink: Certainly Celery Classic Pad, Cameo Coral Marker
Accessories: Color Spritzer Tool, Big Shot Die-Cut Machine, Frame Oval Scallop Die, White Uni-ball® Signo Gel Pen

Hostess Gift

I am feeling bad that it has been a while since I last posted. Today you may notice some changes in my blog template. I am still working on making the background appealing without taking away from the content, which is most important. So please excuse the background while it is "under construction". I wanted to let you know that you can now view my blog directly from my Stampin' Up! website at www.amyhoffman.stampinup.net

Today, I thought I'd share the gift that I gave to my hostess this past weekend. The flower that I used on the bag will be one of the flowers featured in my May Flowers class. If you are interested in the class, let me know and I will work with those interested when scheduling a date.

Simple Birthday

This was my card for a demonstrator "Clean and Simple" challenge to use no layers for a card. This is proof that it you can accomplish a polished looking card without layers. While this type of card will not be my norm, I shall add it to my occasional repertoire.

Here are the minimal ingredients:
Stamps: Happy Moments
Paper: Whisper White
Ink: Rich Razzleberry, Bermuda Bay, Crushed Curry (mostly markers-some water coloring)
Accessories: Ruler, Water Color Brush

Not My Usual Color Scheme

For some reason this week, I seem to be focusing my blog posts on color. This sample was created using a color challenge I got from my fellow Stampin' Up! demonstrators to use white, black and grey. I was hesitant at first but was so happy with my results. Sometimes you need to step out of your color zone of comfort and see where it may take you. Try these colors out on your projects today and you may be pleasantly surprised!

Here is what I used:
Stamps: Vintage Labels, Vintage Vogue
Ink: Whisper White Craft
Paper: Whisper White, Basic Black, Basic Grey
Accessories: White Embossing Powder, Big Shot Die Cutter, Little Leaves Die