The New Catalog is Here!

Today is an exciting day, and I am just now able to sit down and write a quick post!  The new 2013-2014 Stampin' Up! Catalog is here!

Believe me, you will LOVE this catalog!  My wish list is very long, and I am sure yours will be, too.  Tons of gorgeous stamps, fabulous accessories, and great tools every paper-crafter needs.  You can view the new catalog on my website http://nancyamato.stampinup.net. 

I have been busy getting ready for my New Catalog Open House tomorrow afternoon.  If you are local to the Baltimore area, send me a quick email if you are interested in attending. 

I will post photos tomorrow of our Make & Takes and other fun things!  See you then!

New MDS Downloads

Hello!  I wanted to let you know about the wonderful new My Digital Studio downloads just released this week. 

This first download is called "Family Spotlight Ensemble" (catalog #134508. $19.95). 
Download includes:
* Invitation greeting card template (5-1/2" x 4-1/4")
* Thank you greeting card template (5" x 3-1/2")
* 28-page easel recipe book (5-1/2" x 6-1/2")
* 11-page décor template (8-1/2" x11")
* 55-piece SVG stamp brush set
* 3 Designer Series Papers
* 25 embellishments

Features:
* Digital exclusive
* Everything you need to throw the most memorable family reunion yet
* Templates for invitations, table tents, game, iron-ons, and recipe book
* Make an impression with tea towels, tote bags, and recipe books for the whole family

Colors:
Basic Gray, Marina Mist, Ruby Red, Soft Suede, Summer Starfruit, Wild Wasabi

Once you have that fantastic family reunion, you can remember all the fun with this next MDS download, the "Family Spotlight Photobook Template" (catalog #134596, $17.95). 

Download includes:
* 26-page photobook designer template
* 12-piece SVG stamp brush set
* 7 Designer Series Papers
* 28 embellishments

Features:
* Digital exclusive
* Perfect for documenting your family reunion
* Capture all the fun and awkward moments
* Perfect keepsake or gifts
* Coordinates with the Family Spotlight Ensemble

Colors:
Basic Gray, Marina Mist, Ruby Red, Soft Suede, Summer Starfruit, Wild Wasabi

The third digital download for this week is called "Potluck Frameables" (catalog #134694, $4.95).  These fun frameables can be used as is with the Bermuda Bay, Basic Gray, and Crushed Curry background colors OR you can change them to coordinate with your kitchen.  These frameables would make a cute gift for a bridal shower or a housewarming, don't you think?

Download includes:
* 3-page designer décor template (8-1/2" x 11")
* 6-piece SVG stamp brush set

Features:
* Digital exclusive
* Fun set of framable art for your kitchen
* Leave as-is for a nice pop of color or change the backgrounds to suit your space

Colors:
Basic Gray, Bermuda Bay, Crushed Curry

You can order any of these downloads 24/7 online at http://nancyamato.stampinup.net.  Shopping in your jammies was never so easy -- lol! 

I have been organizing my craft room and playing with some new goodies from the BRAND NEW Stampin' Up! catalog, so be sure to stop back for some sneak peeks soon!  I am getting ready for my New Catalog Open House next weekend.  If you are in the Baltimore area, contact me for more info. 

 

RemARKable Best of 25 Years Blog Tour: Best of Butterflies

Welcome!  This month's stamp set is Best of Butterflies (#133345, $14.95). 

When I think of butterflies, I cannot help but think of them flying from flower to flower in my garden.  So, both of my cards feature curved wings on the butterflies. 

My first card features some "sneak peek" items from the new 2013-2014 Catalog, too!  I stamped each butterfly in the new 2013-2015 In Colors:  Crisp Cantaloupe, Pistachio Pudding, Baked Brown Sugar, Strawberry Slush, and Coastal Cabana. 

This image coordinates with our Elegant Butterfly punch, so it was easy-peasy to cut them out.  I used a bone folder to give the wings a slight curve, then attached the butterflies onto the embossed Whisper White card stock with a Stampin' Dimensional.  And, yes -- that is a brand new embossing folder you see!  It is called Modern Mosaic, and it has a coordinating stamp set and punch in the new catalog -- woohoo!  Here is a closer look:

The base of this card is also a brand new color:  Smoky Slate.  It is such a great neutral and I LOVE IT!  Be prepared to see lots of fun projects using this great new color.

I also used a brand new Hostess stamp set called Banner Greetings.  So, a fun card using the Best of Butterflies stamp set AND some sneak peeks all in one! 

My second project was inspired by the Monarch Butterfly stamp. 

I stamped this image with Stazon Black ink on Whisper White card stock, then I colored it in using the Tangerine Tango Stampin' Write Marker. I used my Paper Snips to cut out the butterfly (I just cut off the antennae), then I gave the wings a little lift with the bone folder. I stamped the butterfly a second time onto a square of Whisper White card stock and colored it again with the Tangerine Tango marker. I used a tiny bit of the Liquid Tombow glue along the body of the butterfly to attach the cut out butterfly on top of the second butterfly.  Here is a closer look:

I hope you enjoyed seeing my cards as much as I enjoyed making them for you today!  And now it is time to visit Linda Bartolucci and see what she created this month -- I bet is is beautiful!  Just click on this link:  www.inkstampandscrap.com or on the icon below.

RemARKable Stamp of the Month Blog Tour: By The Tide

Hello!  I was so happy to see this new stamp set in the Occasions Mini Catalog.  We travel to Maine each summer, and I just love the lobster image in this set.     

By The Tide
#129117, $27.95 Wood Mount
#129120, $19.95 Clear Mount

These images are perfect for "masculine cards" so I used it for this Father's Day gift card holder.  I got the idea from a recent Card Maker magazine, and I changed it up just a little to give it a nautical look. 

The Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine was used to tie a bow
 around the Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding Ribbon,

I stamped the images on a 7 x 2 1/2" piece of Whisper White card stock,
then cut it at 2" and 2 1/2" to get the three pieces to layer onto Night of Navy.

This is perfect for a gift card to my hubby's favorite place for a coffee!

Here are the supplies I used for this Gift Card Holder:
Stamps:
By The Tide
Delightful Dozen
Paper:
Whisper White
Night of Navy
Crumb Cake
Cherry Cobbler
Ink:
Night of Navy
Crumb Cake
Cherry Cobbler
Accessories:
Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding Ribbon
Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine
Decorative Label Punch
1/2" Circle Punch
3/4" Circle Punch
Sticky Strip
Stampin' Dimensionals

I hope you enjoyed this project!  And, here's a little hint -- you will see more of this stamp set from me since it was carried over in the new 2013-2014 Catalog -- yippee!

Your next stop on the blog tour is Linda Bartolucci's blog, http://www.inkstampandscrap.com/. 

Best of Brides and Babies

Best of Brides and Babies  #133482  $14.95

It's a new month, and that means there is a new "Best of 25 Years" stamp set!  This month features brides and babies and is just as cute as can be!  I remember when these stamps were originally released.  (smile) 

This set is a great one to have on hand all year long since weddings and babies are year-round events.  I cannot wait to get my hands on this set and start creating!  I have several ideas for projects that I will make for the RemARKable Stampers 25th Anniversary Blog Tour on June 16th. 

You can order this stamp set online through my website http://nancyamato.stampinup.net.  Use Hostess Code CP9HHVH6 and receive a special gift from me! 

Remember, as a special incentive to collect the Best of stamps, Stampin' Up! is including a collector's card and 25-year proof of purchase sticker with every Best of set. Collect six stickers, and send it in to redeem a FREE set of your choice valued up to $14.95! Free sets must be redeemed no later than April 30, 2014.

My Digital Studio Special

From May 1 - June 15, 2013 you can save money when purchasing My Digital Studio (MDS) Digital Content and Print Products. 

Digital Content includes: ALL ensemble, calendar, photobook, and swatchbook digital content.
Print Products include: ALL photobooks, swatchbooks, cards, tags, individual pages, and calendars.
You can order digital and print products through my website http://nancyamato.stampinup.net.  Use Hostess Code CP9HHVH6 at the end of your order and receive a special gift from me! 

NOW is the time to get some fabulous digital content and create those projects!  I will be using My Digital Studio to document the trip I took today to Washington, DC.  It was a gorgeous day, and we did lots of walking and sight-seeing.  Here are some photos from our day:

Jefferson Memorial across Tidal Basin

Statue of Thomas Jefferson

Washington Monument
(Currently under repair due to earthquake damage)

I think these photos will be part of a great swatchbook that will remind us of all of the memorials we visited (and all of the walking we did!).