Welcome!

 Welcome to my new blog!  I'm glad you're here.

I have tried blogging for my Stampin' Up! business before, but those times I didn't have a vision for my blog.  This time I do!

Several things I am always looking for are fun folds for my cards, different techniques using the stamps and ink I already own, and ways to use patterned paper.  Stampin' Up! calls patterned paper Designer Series Paper or DSP.  I'll refer to it both ways.  SO I want my blog to be a place where you come to for inspiration and to learn about these specific topics.

I like to show simple stamping as well.  Stampin' Up! defines this as using only stamps, ink and paper.  The home office gives us a challenge every month with a theme to use on our projects.  Each month they may include another item like DSP, ribbon, or a punch.  If you are new to stamping, don't own a die cut machine or want to create with fewer supplies, try doing a search on the internet using #SimpleStamping, then select 'images' from your search engine.  It's fun to see what others have created!

Fun Folds:  While I enjoy creating all cards, sometimes I just want to do something different with my Stampin' supplies.  This is the simplest fun fold I can think of--you add one score line to a standard A2 card.  Refer to my blog post here for more detailed information and a few ideas.  

Techniques:  Some techniques you'll see on my blog in the near future include embossed resist, the baby wipe technique, and fun uses for your ink pads.

Patterned Paper/DSP:  Most of the DSP you purchase from Stampin' Up! is 12"X12".  I used to find it overwhelming to work with, so I learned to cut it down either to 6"X6" or directly into pieces that would fit on a card front.  My One Sheet Wonder templates will be using 6"X6" pieces of patterned paper and cutting them in various ways to create card pieces.  

SYOPP:  Stamp Your Own Patterned Paper is my acronym for stamping your own patterned paper with the stamps, ink and plain paper your own. I rarely purchased pre-printed patterned paper at the beginning of my stamping adventure.  That has changed, but I still enjoy seeing how I can create my own papers.

#SimpleStamping:  Simple doesn't have to mean boring, easy or truly simple.  To add interest to your card, try adding an extra paper (card stock) layer.  Or stamp your greeting on a separate piece of card stock and lift it up on Dimensionals©.  I just thought of this card --it is actually #SimpleStamping.  

Final thoughts, I am currently doing Facebook Live videos every Monday at 7:30PM CT on my Facebook page.  If  I don't have technical issues, I upload these videos to YouTube.  I am also doing YouTube videos every Wednesday.  These videos premiere at 7:30PM CT.  I hope you'll join me across the web!  Last thing, if you aren't getting my newsletter, please sign up for it.  As of now, I am sending out 2 newsletters in a typical month.  If Stampin' Up! springs a special on us, I may add a third.  In my newsletters, I talk about what's going on with Stampin' Up! and with my business, and I try to include a project you won't find other places.

Thanks for joining me here!  Sue