Enter Now! Retiring Stamp Sets Contest Ends Today!

Stampin’ UP!® will announce the Annual Catalog retiring sets tomorrow, so the deadline is TODAY: April 23^rd!  Here’s what you need to do:

Guess which 10 sets from the current Annual Catalog will be on the retiring stamp sets list.  The person who has the most correct guesses will win a retiring set from my personal collection.

Do not include any of the sets in the Seasonal (Mini) Catalogs, the Hostess Sets or the Ronald McDonald House Charities set.  Just include sets in the main catalog.

If the set comes in clear-mount or another language, only use one name & number.  Variations will count as duplicates and reduce your number of guesses.

E-mail me at mary@3amstamper.com your 10 guesses including stamp set name and product number by midnight (Pacific Time) TODAY.  Only one entry per person, please.

The winner will be announced in Mid-May and will receive their set by the end of August.  In case of ties, each winner will get to pick a stamp set.  First choice will go to the winner who entered earliest.

DEADLINE:  Today!!

Mailing List Subscribers Get to Join My Birthday Club

Every Subscriber on my Mailing List receives a whole range of benefits, including the ability to join my Birthday Club.  Birthday Club Members receive a special Gift Certificate on the first day of their birth month, which they can use at any time during the entire month!  They can use it on any product or service, too, including classes!

To see the whole range of benefits for my Mailing List Subscribers, including the Birthday Club, click here or go ahead and sign up now by filling in the form in the near right column!

Paper Flowers For Home Décor

I was so excited to find out that most of the 2011-2013 In Colors are being moved to the Stampin' Up!® Core Color Families, that I decided to make a bunch of paper flowers to use in Summer-izing my house: Paper Flowers for Home Décor!  I spent yesterday cutting up a bunch of of 12" x 12" Card Stock and Designer Series Paper with the Flower Folds Bigz XL Die (#115970) and my Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine (#113439).  For this particular flower, I used Island Indigo, Wisteria Wonder and Pool Party from the 2011-2013 In Color 12" x 12" Card Stock Assortment (#124328) and the 2011-2013 In Color Patterns Designer Series Paper Stack (#122384).

You need to cut each sheet individually and use the Extended Premium Crease Pad (#117630) so the folds on the flower petals will score nicely and not cut through.  You may have to shim to get the die to cut and score properly, depending upon the material you use.  I had to use one of the thin plastic shims for the Card Stock flowers, then a second shim and folded piece of Stampin' Up! Grid Paper (#102787) when I cut the DSP flowers.  It may vary, depending upon your dies and machine.

The Flower Folds Die is longer than a 6" x 12" piece of paper or card stock, so you need two strips.  Cut one starting at one end and the other starting at the opposite end so that you have at least one of each size flower.  If you are using a piece of paper from the Designer Series Paper Stack, put the adhesived edge at the end of the die so you don't get any undesirable markings or extras on your die-cuts.  However, the paper flowers are large enough that you can easily use them in home décor.

Other Supplies Used:  Vintage Faceted Designer Buttons (#127555); Island Indigo Baker's Twine (#125575); Paper-Piercing Tool (#126189); Stampin' Pierce Mat (#126199); Tapestry Needle or Floss Threader

I cut an extra large flower from Lucky Limeade to use for "leaves".  I also punched two holes in an extra circle of card stock to thread the twine through the bottom, then passed the twine a second time through the holes in the flowers and tied a bow through the button on top.  The petals can still move so you can arrange them to your satisfaction.

To order what you need to make your own Paper Flowers for Home Décor, click on the Order Online Button in the far right column or on any of the product links in this article.  You'll get preferred pricing and Stampin' Rewards™ on qualifying orders!

Have You Ever Felt Like This?

Today I just don't feel like stamping!  Have you ever felt like this?

When I was working on my project ideas for today – I decided I didn't feel like stamping, too.  I just played with my Big Shot Die-Cut Machine (#113439) and a whole bunch of 12" x 12" Card Stock and Designer Series Paper.  I'm still working on my project idea, so you won't get to see it until I'm done with it!

In the meantime, I asked you to let me know what you would do with the color combinations I posted yesterday.  Please help me out!  Leave a Comment below with your color combination ideas for those on the Wild Wasabi Color Of the Week page.  I'm have a drawing for a free sample pack of card stock and designer series paper swatches for the Commenters!  The swatches will be at least card-front size.  You can comment here or on my Facebook Page, the3amstamper, or Tweet @3amStamper.   Please post them by April 30^th!

I can't wait to your suggestions!!

(This was supposed to be posted yesterday, but I forgot to push the right button.)

Color Of the Week: Wild Wasabi Combos

I'm glad to see all the color combinations on the Wild Wasabi Color Coach (#120148, English only; #121046, Multi-language) Card have been kept during Stampin' Up!'s 2013 Color Refresh.  Here are the new Color Families-FYI.

I'm drawing a blank today as to what specific occasions the Creative Combination of Wild Wasabi, So Saffron and Perfect Plum or the Sweet Set of Wild Wasabi, Marina Mist and Early Espresso would best be used for.  Can you help me out?  Leave a Comment below and let me know what you would do with these color combinations.  I'll have a drawing for a free sample pack of card stock and designer series paper swatches for the Commenters!  I'm looking forward to your posts!!

The Glitz Goes On With Glitter Added

The Glitz Goes On with this birthday card done in the retiring Pretty In Pink 8-1/2" x 11" Card Stock (#100459).  I paired it with Melon Mambo accents and Rhinestone Basic Jewels (#119246).  I added Dazzling Diamond Stampin' Glitter (#102023) into the Glitz Mix also!

To trim the oval greeting, I pleated Delicate Details Lace Tape (#130966) around the back, leaving the sticky side out.  Sprinkling Dazzling Diamonds Glitter all over the "lace trim" solved the stickiness problem.  If you press the glitter into the adhesive, it will adhere better and then only the true excess glitter will tap off.

Other Supplies Used:  Best of Birthdays (#132929) & Best of Flowers (#133342) Stamp Sets; Melon Mambo Classic Stampin' Pad (#126948); Melon Mambo 3/8" Striped Organdy Ribbon (#129293); Extra Large Oval Punch (#119859); SNAIL Adhesive (#104332); Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430)

So, we've got Rhinestones and Glitter to make sure the Glitz Goes On!  Would you like to keep it going?  Please leave a comment below or e-mail me at mary@3amstamper.com.  And while you're at it – e-mail me your guesses as to which 10 sets will be on the Retiring Stamp Sets list!  You could win a free stamp set from my personal collection!  Click here for all the details!  Contest ends April 23^rd!

Still In A Glitzy Mood? So’s This Celebrate Card In My Digital Studio

Another year, another birthday almost missed!  That's what's so great about it My Digital Studio (#130647, Disc; #130646, Download)-you can create a card, export it to .jpeg and e-mail it (or post it on Facebook) in minutes!!

As I was still in a Glitzy Mood, I used a whole bunch of Basic Pearls & Rhinestones to sparkle up the crown.  I used large rhinestones on the crown tips, medium rhinestones in a row and small pearls accenting the sideways diamonds.  I love not having to worry about the glue on the jewels sticking!  And this card design, if printed, would mail flat!!

Additional Digital Downloads Used:  April Showers Kit (#133472); In Color Add-On Pack (#125187); Seasonal Sayings Stamp Brush Set (#131317)

Everything else is included in My Digital Studio!  If you don't have My Digital Studio yet, how about giving the trial version a test drive for 30 days free?  You can download it now and indulge your own Glitzy Mood in a jiffy!!

Best of 25 Years Promotion: What You Need To Do

Stampin' Up!® is creating a new Clear-Mount stamp set every month this year that features old favorites and an  exclusive new design.  This month's is Best of Butterflies (#133345) and the exclusive image is the one that coordinates with the Elegant Butterfly Punch (#127526).

You will be able to get all the "Best of 25 Years" sets through March 31, 2014… and if you buy 6 of the "Best of" sets, you may choose another set (from any current catalog!) valued up to $14.95 for FREE!  If you buy all 12 of them, you get to pick TWO free sets.  Just remove the Proof of Purchase Sticker from the sticker sheet (in the red circle) and adhere it to the Best of 25 Years Stamp Set Collector's Card.  You can pick your free set with every 6 stickers you collect!

Be careful, though.  As you can see – the Proof of Purchase Sticker is TINY!  When you get your set, remove the sticker first and attach it to the collector's card.  Then tack the card where you won't lose or forget it while you're waiting to fill it up.

You can see all the "Best of 25 Years" sets by clicking the link.  To order your "Best of" sets, click on the Order Online Button in the far right column or on any of the links in this article.  You'll get preferred pricing and Stampin' Rewards™ on qualifying orders!

Boston Marathon Tragedy: Our Thoughts & Prayers Are With You

Our thoughts & prayers go out to the people of Boston and those affected by the tragedy at the Boston Marathon today.

So sorry for all our losses!

Want to Ease Your Tax Bill Next Year?

Imagine how you can ease your tax bill next year by becoming a Stampin' Up!® Independent Demonstrator with your own rubber stamping, scrapbooking and papercrafting business.  Not only do you get to set your own hours and be your own boss, you can reduce your tax bill while growing your business… or pay your whole tax bill without straining the family budget!

The Stampin' Up! business opportunity lets you earn an income while doing something that's fun and that shares your love of rubber stamping, scrapbooking and papercrafting.  You design your business so that it works for you.  You can choose how much income you want to earn or use the opportunity to socialize, or both!  It's all your business done your way!

Right now, you can become a Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator and receive an extra $30 in free product to keep your investment in your business low!  This offer lasts through May 30^th, so you'll want to find out about the business opportunity right away!

Would you like to find out more?  Give me a call at (707) 695-3571 (leave a message if I don't answer and I'll get back to you as soon as possible) or e-mail me at mary@3amstamper.com and let's chat.  You can also click on the links in the Business Opportunity section of the near right column.  I look forward to talking with you soon!

3am Stamper in the iTunes Store

You can now get 3am Stamper for your iPhone or iPad!  Look for 3am Stamper in the iTunes Store and download it now – it's free!  You'll be able to keep up with everything while you're on the go!

If you're an Android user, you can download from Google Play or right here:

I'll let you know when the Windows mobile version is available.  In the meantime, you can download the web version.

Tabs Make a Difference on the Big Shot Multipurpose Platform

I've talked about using shims with your Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine (#113439), but I haven't really given you much on using the tabs on the Multipurpose Platform that comes with it.  The Multipurpose Platform is the base you use to cut or emboss with Sizzlits™, Embosslits™, Edgelits™, Framelits™, Clearlits™ and Textured Impressions Embossing Folders™.  The basic directions for use are printed on each tab and on the base.  However, I've got some tips for you to make your die-cutting and embossing experience a little easier.

I removed the screws that hold the tabs on the platform and stashed them in a marked plastic bag in case I want to put them back in.  I was finding that I was getting my die-cuts mis-aligned by having to juggle around the tab that hung off one end.  It's much easier to get the thickness I need and control the dies with the tabs separated.

Each die and folder comes with the recommended directions for using it with the platform.  However, you need to adjust (just like with shims) for the thickness of the material you are using.  You never want to have to force the die or folder to go through the Big Shot.  You can break the folder, the die, or even the machine if you're forcing too much!

I love to emboss envelope flaps to match the embossing I use on the card.  When I do, I use NO TABS on the platform because I wrap the envelope around the folder with the flap in between.  Not only does the folder go through the Big Shot easier, the embossed impression isn't as weak and doesn't tear or fray as easily.

Wrap cards around the embossing folder the same way, with the front face down in between the folder.  You may need to use a little painter's tape, masking tape or Post-It™ to hold the card stock in place if you are embossing just part of the card front or if the design requires a specific alignment.  Place it on the platform with no tabs and run it through, just like with the envelope.

I keep a set of Standard Cutting Pads (#113475) just to use with Textured Impressions Embossing Folders.  Cut marks on the pad can "texture" the card stock or envelope with marks you may not want.  The same thing can happen with Edgelits and Framelits.  I keep one of my cutting pads unmarked for the back or non-cutting side of the dies and use the other pad just for the cutting side.  I turn the cutting side pad around so it warps evenly – the Big Shot pressure warps it on one cut, then "unwarps" the pad on another cut.

Try these tips and see if you find your use of tabs easier to manage.  To order extra Cutting Pads or the Big Shot, Dies or Folders, click on the Order Online Button in the far right column or on any of the product links in this article.  You'll get preferred pricing and Stampin' Rewards™ on qualifying orders!

In A Glitzed Up Mood with So Saffron Page

I got inspired to do this scrapbook page to showcase hand-drawn portraits of two of my grandparents when I did the Glitzed Up Thanks A Bunch Card.  My Color Of the Week, So Saffron, complements the drawings perfectly and the use of Basic Gray adds a vintage touch that will go with the 1890's style.  I'll re-post when I find the pictures to insert!

Of course I couldn't let the page go with just Delicate Details Lace Tape (#130966) and Rhinestone Basic Jewels (#119246).  I added a layer of Silver Glimmer Paper (#124005) to set it off.  I also tinted the Lace Tape with a Stamping Sponge (#101610) and Basic Gray Classic Stampin' Pad (#126981).  You do need to let it dry thoroughly before you apply the tape.  I let it air-dry for an hour or so, but a few minutes on the low setting of the Heat Tool (#129053) will do as well.

Other Supplies Used:  Everything Eleanor Stamp Set (#124162, Wood-Mount; #124164, Clear-Mount); So Saffron (#105118) & Basic Gray (#121044) 8-1/2" x 11" Card Stock; Basic Gray/Basic Black 1-1/4" Two-Tone Ribbon (#129295); SNAIL Adhesive (#104332); Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430)

I edged the photo mats with the Basic Gray Pad and direct-to-paper scraping across the pad because I didn't want as much of a vintage touch as the sponge adds.  However, my pad was too wet and I got more on my edges than I wished.  Be warned!  If your pad is too wet for what you want to do, blot it with a paper towel (or stamp off your image) and you should get the color intensity you prefer.

This All Glitzed Up So Saffron Scrapbook Page is an example of the type of project I do in my Online Bonus Classes for my iClub.  The iClub is a buying club where you purchase a minimum of $35 between the 1^st and the 10^th of each month, then your Bonus Class is sent to you when your order is placed.  Sign up now for the 3am Stamper's iClub beginning May 1^st.  To find out more and join, see the details here.

Retiring Stamp Sets Contest Continues

Stampin' UP!® will announce the Annual Catalog retiring sets on April 24^th.  To honor the retirees,  I'm continuing to hold my contest, but the deadline is now April 23^rd!  Here's what you need to do:

Guess which 10 sets from the current Idea Book & Catalog will be on the retiring stamp sets list.  The person who has the most correct guesses will win a retiring set from my personal collection.

Do not include any of the sets in the Seasonal (Mini) Catalogs, the Hostess Sets or the Ronald McDonald House Charities set.  Just include sets in the main catalog.

If the set comes in clear-mount or another language, only use one name & number.  Variations will count as duplicates and reduce your number of guesses.

E-mail me at mary@3amstamper.com your 10 guesses including stamp set name and product number by midnight (Pacific Time) on April 23^rd.  Only one entry per person, please.

The winner will be announced in Mid-May and will receive their set by the end of August.  In case of ties, each winner will get to pick a stamp set.  First choice will go to the winner who entered earliest.

DEADLINE:  April 23^rd

Color Of the Week: So Saffron Thanks A Bunch All Glitzed Up

With all the excitement this past weekend, including the announcement of the Retiring Colors, I've had to carry over So Saffron as my Color Of the Week.  Today's card adapts one of the color combinations on the Color Coach (#120148, English only; #121046, Multi-language) Card to include Lucky Limeade, a retiring color.  The card combo is So Saffron, Rose Red and Wild Wasabi.  I've substituted Lucky Limeade.

This Thanks A Bunch Card features Delicate Details Lace Tape (#130966) and Rhinestone Basic Jewels (#119246) to glitz it up!  The Lace Tape is self-adhesive and coated, so any inking you want to do on it will be pale.  But it looks great as is!  I punched holes with a retired circle punch so I could lace ribbon through the card front.  If you don't have any of those punches on hand, most office supply stores carry handheld circle punches ranging from 1/8" to 1/4" in diameter.  The Lace Tape made it easy to line up the holes for threading ribbon and the row of Rhinestones for glitz!

Other Supplies Used: Friendship Preserves Stamp Set (#127910, Wood-Mount; #127913, Clear-Mount); So Saffron 8-1/2" x 11" Card Stock (#105118); Lucky Limeade 8-1/2" x 11" Card Stock (#122926); Rose Red Classic Stampin' Pad (#126954); Big Shot Die-Cut Machine (#113439); Window Frames Collection Framelits™ (#129021); Lacy Brocade Textured Impressions Embossing Folder™ (#127819); Lucky Limeade 3/8" Ruffled Ribbon (#122977); Sponge Daubers (#102892); SNAIL Adhesive (#104332); Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430)

To order what you need to glitz up your own projects like this Thanks A Bunch Card, click on the Order Online Button in the far right column or on any of the links in this article.  You'll get preferred pricing and Stampin' Rewards™ on qualifying orders!

2-Way Glue Pen: Tips and Tricks

The 2-Way Glue Pen (#100425) is a handy adhesive to have around.  You can use it for quick fixes as well as gluing paper together, just make sure you have enough time for the glue to dry!

Get your 2-Way Glue Pen started by pumping the tip until it fills with glue.  The tip should turn blue when it's filled and ready to use.  Paint strips of glue along the edges of the paper or card stock you want to adhere, then smooth them together.  Wipe off excess glue if you use too much.  Use thin coats to minimize buckling.  The glue dries clear.

Dot, draw or write with the Glue Pen, then coat with glitter to add sparkle!  Tap off the excess glitter and store for re-use.  Dazzling Diamonds Stampin' Glitter (#102023) is iridescent and translucent, so you can use it over any color and glitz it up for any reason!

Coat a punch-out or sheet with the Glue Pen and let it dry thoroughly.  It's removable and repositionable!  Be extra sure to use a thin coat or the glue will stick too much and pull off some of your paper when you remove it.

The 2-Way Glue Pen can also be used to make a tear-off pad from a small stack of paper.  Stack your paper and hold the sheets together with binder clips or clamps.  Pump up the Glue Pen and coat the top edge of the stack.  Let it dry thoroughly and you have a paper pad you made yourself!  The glue in the 2-Way Glue Pen doesn't give you the proper coverage to make a pad of paper with a cardboard backing, but it works great (and quickly) for making unbacked pads.  Try it and make yourself a stash of scratch paper pads!

Got a question about a product or tool?  E-mail me at mary@3amstamper.com or post your question in Comments.  I'll respond directly to your e-mail and post the answer here on www.3amStamper.com.

Only 24 Hours Until My Mailing List Subscribers Get Their Free Gift

It's a special tutorial that combines stitchery and stamping, complete with patterns and templates!  It's getting e-mailed tomorrow, April 9^th, at 1:00pm Pacific Time. The free gift will only be going to my Mailing List Subscribers who are active on my Mailing List.

To receive this free gift, you must be on my Mailing List at the time I send it out.  There are two steps to joining:

1. Fill out the form at the right
2. Click the link in your confirmation e-mail.

That's all you need to do, but you must do both steps before 1:00pm Pacific Time on Tuesday!  Join & confirm now and get started with your Welcome Gifts, then your free gift will arrive in your Inbox right on time!

Last Day for FREE SHIPPING

The Free Shipping Weekend ends TODAY!  You'll receive free shipping on any order, no matter what size!  Sorry, this doesn't include expedited shipping, but normal shipping, is all free!!  Today's the last day you can get free shipping on any order you place, either online or with me directly!

Remember to stock up on any of the retiring colors that are your favorites!  You'll want to make sure you order Card Stock, Designer Series Paper Stacks and Stampin' Ink Refills before supplies are gone!  And don't forget the Neutrals (#119805), Regals (#119803) and Subtles (#119802) Collections of Watercolor Wonder Crayons are still available, but only while supplies last.  I will continue to update the status of these products on my Facebook Page.

Take advantage of FREE SHIPPING right now!  Just click on the Order Online Button in the far right column to browse and shop!  If you order from me directly, I'll need you to call me no later than 9pm Pacific time at (707) 695-3571.

Color Of the Week: So Saffron Friends Forever Card

I used the Sweet Set Combination of So Saffron, Riding Hood Red and Soft Suede from the Color Coach (#120148, English only; #121046, Multi-language) Card to show off a quick and easy technique you can do with your Big Shot Die-Cut Machine (#113439).

All you need to do is:

1. Fold an 11" x 4-1/4" piece of So Saffron 8-1/2" x 11" Card Stock (#105118) in half.
2. Choose the card front and place only one-third of it face down in the Chevron Textured Impressions Embossing Folder™ (#127749).  Use removable tape or Post-It™ Notes to hold it in place, if necessary, then emboss with the Big Shot.
3. Wrap ribbon around the edge of the embossing and add embellishments and greeting!

It's ready to go!!

Other Supplies Used:  Hearts Aflutter Bundle (#131098, Wood-Mount; #131097, Clear-Mount; includes the Hearts a Flutter Stamp Set #129249, Wood-Mount; #129252, Clear-Mount & #130159 Hearts a Flutter Framelits™); Stacks of Wishes Stamp Set (#126430, Wood-Mount; #126432, Clear-Mount; exclusive for Host/Hostesses only); Beautiful Wings Embosslits™ (#118138); Riding Hood Red (#126968) & Soft Suede (#126978) Classic Stampin' Pads; Neutrals (#119703) & Regals (#119701) Stampin' Write Markers; Riding Hood Red 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon (#122988); Rhinestone Basic Jewels (#119246)

If you'd like to make this or a similar project and earn free catalog merchandise (including exclusive hostess stamp sets and accessories like one that I used), let's plan a PlayShop together.  (PlayShop stands for first we Play with my stuff, then we Shop!)  Give me a call at (707) 695-3571 or e-mail Mary Varley at mary@3amstamper.com and let's chat.  I look forward to tailoring the project to you!

In 48 Hours, I’m Sending a Free Gift to My Mailing List

It's a special tutorial that combines stitchery and stamping, complete with patterns and templates!  I'm sending it out by e-mail on Tuesday, April 9^th, at 1:00pm Pacific Time.  The free gift will only be going to my Mailing List Subscribers who are active on my Mailing List.

To receive this free gift, you must be on my Mailing List at the time I send it out.  There are two steps to joining:

1. Fill out the form at the right
2. Click the link in your confirmation e-mail.

That's all you need to do, but you must do both steps before 1:00pm Pacific Time on Tuesday!  Join & confirm now and get started with your Welcome Gifts, then your free gift will arrive in your Inbox right on time!