Welcome to the Grand Vacation Achievers Blog Hop for March.  As I write this, I am working on my flight arrangements with the travel agency for this amazing trip I earned to Thailand.  I can't believe that I'm going to Thailand!!  **squeal**  My heart skips a beat just thinking about it...I am so thankful and humbled for all the wonderful people in my life that helped me to achieve this awesome incentive trip...all costs covered by Stampin' Up! Thank YOU ALL sooo very much for your continued love and support throughout my journey as your demonstrator. This months theme for the hop is a "Last Call for Sale-A-Bration".  Let me tell you....I am in LOVE with the project I'm sharing with you!

You may be starting from here at my blog, Lori Mueller - Stampin' Dreams, or you may have come here from the previous person to me on the list. Please be sure to click the person after me to move along the blog hop. If you get off track at any time, the full line up below will help you move along from blog to blog.

This came together pretty easy, since I was concentrating on only using the 2016-2018 In Colors (Dapper Denim, Emerald Envy, Flirty Flamingo, Peekaboo Peach, and Sweet Sugarplum) cardstocks and Designer Series Paper Stack.  I created a bundle of 50 cards for a "Chemo Care Bag" project.  A friend of mine was putting together bags filled with necessities (kleenex pack, chap stick, warm socks, crossword puzzle books, bottled water, etc.)  As a survivor, this occasion pulled on my heart-strings to contribute a handmade card that could be kept for self-inspiration, or to give to someone special in their life.  The bundle pictured below was taken before I finished them for the event, but look at how easy the whole layout renders any sentiment to fit the occasion...Thank You, Welcome aboard new team members, Happy Birthday....you name it.

What perfect timing of today's hop as Stampin' Up! announced ANOTHER release of products you can earn for FREE with every $50 purchase (before shipping and tax).  There are seven (7) current items (much loved products) from our catalogs that have been added to the Sale-A-Bration freebie selection plate.  One of the newly announced items just so happens to be what I'm showcasing to you today....the 2016-2018 In Color Cardstock pack.  YEAH!!  I love it when things fall into play for me.

Thanks for taking part in our blog hop. With so many amazing ideas and inspiration filled with bling that sparkles and shines throughout the hop, you won't want to miss a single one! Remember you are currently at (Lori Mueller's -- Stampin' Dreams blog), so please check the blog hop line up below and be sure to click the next blog participant's name on the list.

Blog Hop Participants

Hello, hello crafty stamper friends!  I'm so happy that you are here to check out our Creative Inking Blog Hop for the month of March!  How many of you have strips and scraps of Designer Series Paper that are left overs from another project?  If you say 'no me', then I need to be following you to see what you do with them.  HaHa!!  If you say "Me-Me-Me", then I have a GREAT project that you are going to love!  In fact, that is this month's theme...showcasing Stampin' Up!'s amazing designer series paper. I couldn't believe how easy this card came together AND helped me use up some of my extra pieces of 2016-2018 In Color Designer Series Paper stack.  WOOT!!  I can't wait to show you!

You may be starting from here at my blog, Lori Mueller - Stampin' Dreams, or you may have come here from the talented Sandy Mott's blog. Please be sure to click the 'Next' button (found below) to move along the Creative Inking blog hop. If you get off track at any time, the full line up below will help you move along from blog to blog.

 
I was creating projects for a card class last week featuring the Beautiful You stamp set and all of the 2016-2018 In Colors (Dapper Denim, Emerald Envy, Flirty Flamingo, Peekaboo Peach, and Sweet Sugarplum).  I love all of the colors independently, but incorporating them all into one project was super exciting!

Creative Tips:

• Due to the weight of the cardstock, plus designer series paper, plus the focal point, I chose to use the Whisper White Thick cardstock as my base.  It measures 5-1/2" x 8-1/2" and scored at 4-1/4".

• The Designer Paper strips were all leftovers from another project and I purposely chose to matte them with contrasting colored cardstock from the same 2016-2018 In Color family.  Can you see how I'm showcasing all 4 different patterns from the paper stack?  Mounting them with a contrasting In Color really brings out the vibrant color of the different patterns.

• The image was watercolored using a Stampin' Up! Aqua Painter brush and Sweet Sugarplum ink.  Now the focal point can be matted on any of the In Color choices, but I selected Peekaboo Peach and die cut it out using the Stitched Shapes Circle Framelits.  Add Stampin' Dimensionals to the back and wait to apply.

• The key to eliminating frustration for placement of the matted strips is to set your layers (without adhesives on the back) onto the card front until you reach the desired spacing.  THEN add your focal point with dimensionals to the center of the layered strips.  TIP:  Make sure to add more than just a couple of dimensionals to the back of the focal circle so that you are sure to 'catch' all matted layers.  Flip the whole ensemble to add your favorite adhesive to the back.  I used Multipurpose Liquid Glue as I knew that there would be no budging of layers if my Fast Fuse or Snail wasn't working correctly.

• Ink up the sentiment from the Beautiful You stamp set using Archival Basic Black ink, stamp and die cut using the Stitched Shapes Square Framelit die.  Only add a dimensional to the lower corner so that it sets equal height to the center focal image.

• I chose not to add any other embellishments due to all of the designs in the various designer series paper.  The centering the stamped image focal point helps tone down the busy-ness of the various patterns, but still pulls them together into a nice arrangement.
  .
   

And, there is my rendition for using up those left-over pieces of Designer Series Paper.  I am sooo pleased with how it came together.  Because I have many more strips to use up, I plan to make a few more of these cards but want to change the colors of the focal point circle and watercoloring.  I hope you will give it a try.

I'm anxious to jump on this "Designer Series Paper Showcase" to grab my own inspiration from the rest of the group.  You'll want to make sure and hop on over to Dena Rekow's blog...she is one creative cookie, I tell you. Click on the 'Next' button and you'll be at your next stop.  If you get lost or sidetracked, please come on back and follow the list of participants shown below.  Have fun filling your inspiration bucket...don't forget to come back real soon.  :)

Creative Inking Blog Hoppers 

 

From the bottom of my heart, many, many "thanks" to you for you stopping by to visit me.  I love all of the visits; and it warms my heart to read your thoughts you share with each comment.  If you haven't already, please share my love for papercrafting and invite your friends to stop by.  Click on the subscribe button to my blog (within the sidebar) so that you don't miss a single post.  I love what I do; and, I can't express enough how very passionate I am to share my love for papercrafting with you.

 

Have you earned your ticket to my event?  Hurry, time is running out!

Sale-A-Bration Celebration is an exclusive FREE event!

Get your exclusive invitation to this event by doing one of the following:

• Spend $150 with me during Sale-A-Bration (January 4th – March 31st)
• Host a party, workshop or private class during Sale-A-Bration (Hostesses earn $25 MORE* during Sale-A-Bration!)
• Join my Stampin' Up! Family during Sale-A-Bration between January and March, 2017

 

 

 

So how do you get your Sale-A-bration items for FREE?  I've created a shopping list to create my Beautiful You Designer Series Paper card:

 

 

 

I would love to have you join me for the after Sale-A-Bration Celebration.  All of the details can be found in this blog post.

 

 

 

 

 

Everyone that subscribes to a 3-month or 6-month Prepaid Subscription using the Hostess Code FPSJQKKT will receive an equal share of the Stampin' Rewards earned.  PLUS, you'll earn the FREE Sale-A-Bration gift(s), too!   So, the more Stampin' Rewards we earn, the more rewards in free product I will pass on to YOU!  Online shopping code Ends March 31st.

If you are so excited to start receiving Paper Pumpkin in your mailbox and want a full year (12-month prepaid) subscription, you will want to keep all of the Stampin' Rewards for yourself.  **squeal**

 

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Thank you for Shopping with Lori

• SHOP | VIEW: Stampin' Up! Annual 2016-17 Catalog online
• SHOP | VIEW: Stampin' Up! 2017 Occasions Catalog online
• SHOP | VIEW: Stampin' Up! 2017 Sale-A-Bration Catalog online
• Clearance Rack -- Select products up to 60% off!
• Save 10% on a large selection of Stampin' Up! Bundles
• Save 10% on Occasions Catalog Product Bundles
• Subscribe to your creative escape with Paper Pumpkin
• Orders of $30 or more receive Dreamers Loyalty Rewards Points, accumulate and redeem for free stamps...print your copy!
• STAMPIN' REWARDS:  Orders over $150 receive $15+ additional free product (you do not want to use the Hostess Code noted above...this is so YOU receive the Hostess benefits).

---

DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS?  Please holler if you do.  I love and appreciate your comments.

ARE YOU A FACEBOOK FAN?  I would love it if you would "Like" my Lori Dreams Stampin page.

DO YOU CRUISE PINTEREST?  If you enjoy Pinterest, you can find my creations on Pinterest, too.

 

 

What supplies do you need to create this project? All the items used are from Stampin’ Up! and can be bought through my online store HERE or click on the items below. A printable supply list is available as well!

 

Product List for Beautiful You – Designer Series Paper Card

Beautiful You Wood-Mount Stamp Set

[143004]

$39.00

Beautiful You Clear-Mount Stamp Set

[143637]

$28.00

Dapper Denim 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[141414]

$8.00

Emerald Envy 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[141415]

$8.00

Flirty Flamingo 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[141416]

$8.00

Peekaboo Peach 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[141417]

$8.00

Sweet Sugarplum 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[141418]

$8.00

Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock

[140272]

$7.00

Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

[100730]

$9.00

2016-2018 In Color 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[141413]

$8.00

2016-2018 In Color Designer Series Paper Stack

[141408]

$22.00

Stitched Shapes Framelits Dies

[145372]

$30.00

Layering Squares Framelits Dies

[141708]

$35.00

Big Shot

[143263]

$110.00

Stampin' Trimmer

[126889]

$30.00

Aqua Painters

[103954]

$17.00

Basic Black Archival Stampin’ Pad

[140931]

$7.00

Sweet Sugarplum Classic Stampin' Pad

[141395]

$6.50

Stampin' Dimensionals

[104430]

$4.00

Liquid Multipurpose Glue

[110755]

$4.00

Fast Fuse Adhesive

[129026]

$10.00

Good morning stampers and paper crafters!  Thank you for visiting my share of the Stamp It Blog Hop. This month's theme is one that everyone is very familiar with...Spring or Easter.  Well, maybe anyone living in the Northeastern part of the U.S. may not be able to see any signs of spring with all the snow they got, but let's hope we can instill warm thoughts.  There are so many ways to celebrate Spring and or Easter...with a card, banners, treat boxes, cupcake toppers, party favors...you name it. 

If you have been traveling along the Stamp It Group Blog Hop, you may have come here from team blogger, Pam Nichol's blog.  If this is your very first stop, I want to thank you so much for stopping to visit me. If you like to skip and hop and happen to get off track, the full blog lineup below will help you move along from blog to blog so you see all of the amazing creations.

My project share today displays a little of both....Spring and Easter.  They kind of go hand-in-hand....like the Basket Bunch!  Super CUTE stamp set that is available in the Occasions catalog (page 18), and it comes as a bundle with the coordinating Basket Builder Framelits Dies!  I love it when all my work is 'cut out' for me!  teehehe

Creative Tips:

• I have found myself doing this a lot lately....adding a coordinating cardstock layer with texture.  The Brick Wall embossed layer is a separate piece of cardstock cut 1/8" smaller than the cardstock front.  The reason I do this is so that my card front is clean and smooth when you open the card, instead of seeing the reverse side of the embossed layer.  Just something about that makes me happy.

• The Sweet Sugarplum checkered piece of designer paper comes from the Succulent Garden Designer Series Paper pack.  I tore the top and bottom edges to add a little rustic look and a change in texture from the Brick Wall embossing.

• The little Easter eggs were stamped using Tip Top Taupe ink and watercolored with my Aqua Painter brush using Sweet Sugarplum, Flirty Flamingo, So Saffron, Bermuda Bay and Peekaboo Peach Stampin' inks.  NOTE:  Tip Top Taupe is part of the 2015-2017 In Color family that is set to retire at the end of May 2017.  If you don't have this color, I suggest you get it before quantities run out.  I love the softness of this 'brownish' color, as you can see with the eggs and sentiment.

• If you like to add 'dimension' to your crafts, but not as much as a Stampin' Dimensional produces, add some Stampin' Glue Dots!  That's what I did to the basket and handle.  They have a little thickness to them that will raise your die cut 'just enough' off of the focal area.

• When there is no nice way to line up a sentiment, cutting it up to separate the words is a great solution.  This sentiment was inked using Tip Top Taupe and popped up on the focal square using Stampin' Dimensionals.  Solution solved!  YEAH!

There are 29 images in the Basket Bunch stamp set.  Sooo many ways to have creative fun.  Don't you just love it when you have the freedom to create how you feel?  LOVE it!

For more Spring and Easter themed inspiration, make sure you visit the other Stamp It Group members' blogs to see what projects they have to share.  Thanks for stopping by....stop back again real soon.

STAMP IT BLOG HOP GIVE AWAY

Good Luck!! One very lucky person will win this awesome Oh Happy Day Card Kit...this give away includes the stamp set, too!  To enter, you must leave a comment on any Stamp It Blog Hop Post....AND, you must include the correct hash tag...#stampitcontest.

Blog Hop Participants

Don't forget...when you leave your comment for your chance to win this amazing kit, I love to read them.

CONGRATULATIONS to our February Blog Hop Winner!

Diana Hernandez

 

Sale-A-Bration Celebration is an exclusive FREE event!

Get your exclusive invitation to this event by doing one of the following:

• Spend $150 with me during Sale-A-Bration (January 4th – March 31st)
• Host a party, workshop or private class during Sale-A-Bration (Hostesses earn $25 MORE* during Sale-A-Bration!)
• Join my Stampin' Up! Family during Sale-A-Bration between January and March, 2017

 

Need an idea?  Start with my Basket Bunch Spring-y Easter card project:

 

 

I would love to have you Celebrate Sale-A-Bration with me?  All of the details for my exclusive Sale-A-Bration Celebration can be found in this blog post

 

---

Thank you for Shopping with Lori

• SHOP | VIEW: Stampin' Up! Annual 2016-17 Catalog online
• SHOP | VIEW: Stampin' Up! 2017 Occasions Catalog online
• SHOP | VIEW: Stampin' Up! 2017 Sale-A-Bration Catalog online
• Clearance Rack -- Select products up to 60% off!
• Save 10% on a large selection of Stampin' Up! Bundles
• Save 10% on Occasions Catalog Product Bundles
• Subscribe to your creative escape with Paper Pumpkin
• Orders of $30 or more receive Dreamers Loyalty Rewards Points, accumulate and redeem for free stamps...print your copy!
• Use Hostess Code FPSJQKKT to get a FREE GIFT from me when you order $50 or more.
• STAMPIN' REWARDS:  Orders over $150 receive $15+ additional free product (you do not want to use the Hostess Code noted above...this is so YOU receive the Hostess benefits).

---

DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS?  Please holler if you do.  I love and appreciate your comments.

ARE YOU A FACEBOOK FAN?  I would love it if you would "Like" my Lori Dreams Stampin page.

DO YOU CRUISE PINTEREST?  If you enjoy Pinterest, you can find my creations on Pinterest, too.

 
What supplies do you need to create these projects? All the items used are from Stampin’ Up! and can be purchased through my online store HERE or click on the items below. A printable supply list is available as well!

Product List for Spring-Easter Basket Bunch card

Basket Bunch Photopolymer Stamp Set

[143186]

$21.00

Basket Bunch Photopolymer Bundle

[144731]

$46.75

Old Olive 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

[100702]

$8.00

Sweet Sugarplum 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[141418]

$8.00

Tip Top Taupe 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[138336]

$8.00

Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

[100730]

$9.00

Succulent Garden Designer Series Paper

[142778]

$11.00

Tip Top Taupe Classic Stampin' Pad

[138325]

$6.50

Sweet Sugarplum Classic Stampin' Pad

[141395]

$6.50

So Saffron Classic Stampin' Pad

[126957]

$6.50

Bermuda Bay Classic Stampin' Pad

[131171]

$6.50

Flirty Flamingo Classic Stampin' Pad

[141397]

$6.50

Peekaboo Peach Classic Stampin' Pad

[141398]

$6.50

Basket Builder Framelits Dies

[143228]

$31.00

Layering Squares Framelits Dies

[141708]

$35.00

Brick Wall Textured Impressions Embossing Folder

[138288]

$8.50

Aqua Painters

[103954]

$17.00

Paper Snips Scissors

[103579]

$10.00

Stampin' Trimmer

[126889]

$30.00

Big Shot

[143263]

$110.00

Linen Thread

[104199]

$4.50

Stampin' Dimensionals

[104430]

$4.00

Liquid Multipurpose Glue

[110755]

$4.00

Glue Dots

[103683]

$5.25

At this time, you are now ready to hop on over to Melissa Davies’s blog.  You won't want to miss traveling on as I know that she will have something adorable to share with you.  If you prefer to work your way backwards, you can jump back to Justin Krieger's blog.  Either way, be sure to work your way through all of the blogs so you don’t miss a thing!

Blog Hop Participants

1. Lori Mueller <---- You are here...YAY!!
   
2. Melissa Davies
3. Marisa Gunn
4. Jennifer Hill
5. Tina Rackley Riddle
   
6. Crystal Komara
7. Kelly Acheson 
   
8. Lisa Altman 
   
9. Sue Plote 
   
10. Rick Adkins
11. Jeanna Bohanon
12. Maria Willis
13. Renee Ondrajka 
14. Pam Staples 
    
15. Andrea Tracy-Tucker 
    
16. Megan Thompson 
    
17. Justin Krieger 

I am very grateful to everyone that stops to visit me... I appreciate you and all of your wonderful support of my favorite stamping business.  I love the visits; and it warms my heart to read your thoughts you share with each comment.  If you haven't already, please share and invite your friends to stop by.  Oh, and subscribe to my blog so that you don't miss a single post.  I can't express how very passionate I am to share my love for papercrafting with you.

 

---

 

Sale-A-Bration Celebration is an exclusive FREE event!

Get your exclusive invitation to this event by doing one of the following:

• Spend $150 with me during Sale-A-Bration (January 4th – March 31st)
• Host a party, workshop or private class during Sale-A-Bration (Hostesses earn $25 MORE* during Sale-A-Bration!)
• Join my Stampin' Up! Family during Sale-A-Bration between January and March, 2017

 

Need an idea?  Start with my Cool Treats – Birthday Bash card project:

 

 

 

 

 

All of the details for my Sale-A-bration Celebration can be found in this blog post

 

---

Thank you for Shopping with Lori

• SHOP | VIEW: Stampin' Up! Annual 2016-17 Catalog online
• SHOP | VIEW: Stampin' Up! 2017 Occasions Catalog online
• SHOP | VIEW: Stampin' Up! 2017 Sale-A-Bration Catalog online
• Clearance Rack -- Select products up to 60% off!
• Save 10% on a large selection of Stampin' Up! Bundles
• Save 10% on Occasions Catalog Product Bundles
• Subscribe to your creative escape with Paper Pumpkin
• Orders of $30 or more receive Dreamers Loyalty Rewards Points, accumulate and redeem for free stamps...print your copy!
• Use Hostess Code FPSJQKKT to get a FREE GIFT from me when you order $50 or more.
• STAMPIN' REWARDS:  Orders over $150 receive $15+ additional free product (you do not want to use the Hostess Code noted above...this is so YOU receive the Hostess benefits).

---

DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS?  Please holler if you do.  I love and appreciate your comments.

ARE YOU A FACEBOOK FAN?  I would love it if you would "Like" my Lori Dreams Stampin page.

DO YOU CRUISE PINTEREST?  If you enjoy Pinterest, you can find my creations on Pinterest, too.

What supplies do you need to create these projects? All the items used are from Stampin’ Up! and can be bought through my online store HERE or click on the items below. A printable supply list is available as well!