Some of you may remember the Flood of 2013 but for those of you who don’t you can read about it HERE.   I’m excited to report that almost six months later the restoration is complete!  Carpet is scheduled to be installed today and I’m spending the weekend moving back in to my craft studio!  I should probably put quotes around “studio” because the area shares the space with another one of our living areas but I’ve claimed it as mine and that’s where my classes are held.   My awesome hubby did such a great job spending every available evening and weekend putting it all back together again!  You all, he even put in a bathroom where there was no bathroom before!

Here are some “Before” pictures and I’ll share some “After” pictures next week.

To stay with the theme of my fresh, new space I created a card using the papers from the Fresh Prints Designer Series Paper Stack.  I used the Secret Garden Stamp Set with coordinating Framelits, two of my favorites that are on the Retiring Products List (see stamps here and accessories here).  To give the flowers more depth I “curled” them  with my bone folder then attached them to the card with Stampin’ Dimensionals.  The Fresh Prints papers are so lovely and coordinate with some of my favorite colors; Coastal Cabana, Real Red and Crumb Cake.  I wanted to put a strip of Natural Chevron Ribbon on the card but didn’t have any on hand so I made my own patterned “ribbon” by using a stamp from the Gorgeous Grunge set along with Whisper White ink on a strip of Crumb Cake card stock.

I hope you enjoy the card and have an awesome weekend!

Supplies:

Stamp Sets:  Secret Garden (Retiring) 131940 (W), 129144 (C), Gorgeous Grunge 130514 (W) 130517 (C), A Dozen Thoughts 131056 (W) 131059 (C)

Ink:  Whisper White Craft Ink 101731, Coastal Cabana 131175

Cardstock:  Fresh Prints Designer Series Paper Stack 132996, Whisper White 100730, Crumb Cake 120953

Accessories:  Secret Garden Framelits (Retiring) 12937, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine 113439, Bone Folder 102300, Stampin’ Glitter (Retiring) 102023

Nothing brings a smile quicker than receiving a card or handwritten note, right?  Sometimes life makes us weary and an act of kindness and graciousness towards us can make all the difference!  I’ve been challenging myself to gift someone every week with a handmade card “just because”.   Today’s video features a note card that would be perfect for this purpose.  It’s a quick and simple card that anyone would be delighted to receive.

I hope you enjoy the video and it inspires you to reach out to someone “just because”!

Supplies:

Stamps:  Too Kind 130447 (W) 130450 (C)

Ink:  Jet Black Stazon 101406

Accessories:  2013-2015 In-Color Stampin’ Write Markers 131260, Small Heart Punch 117193 (retiring), Rhinestone Basic Jewels 119246, Stampin’ Dimensionals 104430

Layered cards are my favorite to make – the more, the merrier!  This card has many layers but was a breeze to put together.  I used Crumb Cake card stock for the base and layered it with some Watercolor Wonder Designer Series Paper.  Then I added a Tea Lace Doily, a tag made from Whisper White card stock, a scrap of Crushed Curry Chevron Ribbon and a button from the Brights collection.  I topped it off with a sentiment from the Label Love stamp set that coordinates with the Artisan Label Punch for the sentiment

It was another one of my ditsy days so the dimensions quoted on the video are not correct.  Please use the dimensions listed below.  Also, the Plaid Poodles themselves, Maggie and Soxy, were very vocal while I was filming this video so I apologize in advance for that!

Dimensions:

Card Base 8-1/2 x 5 1/2, Watercolor Wonder Blue Chevron DSP 4-1/4 x 5 1/2, Watercolor Wonder Polka Dot DSP 4-1/2 x 4-1/4

Supplies:

Card Stock:  Crumb Cake 120953, Watercolor Wonder Designer Series Paper 132994, Whisper White 100730

Stamps:  Label Love 130619 (W) 130622 (C)

Ink:  Daffodil Delight 126944

Accessories:  Artisan Label Punch 130920, Tea Lace Doilies 129339, Crushed Curry 3/4″ Chevron Ribbon, Whisper White Baker’s Twine 124262, Brights Designer Buttons 130028

I became a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator because I fell in love with the products and being surrounded by like-minded people.  The quality, value and uniqueness of Stampin’ Up! products cannot be beat.  It’s also the personal service received when you begin a relationship with a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator that sets us apart.  A portion of the Stampin’ Up! Statement of the Heart is, “To love what we do and share what we love, as we help others enjoy creativity . . .”  It is my greatest pleasure to help others express themselves through paper crafting!  I know my Tuesday blog is full of “merchandising”.  That’s because Stampin’ Up! updates on Tuesday with Weekly Deals, New Clearance Items, etc. and I would be irresponsible not to pass these savings on to you.  But beyond selling you product (which of course I would love to do) I hope to inspire creativity and the love for the craft that I have.  If you have any questions or I can help you with any of your paper crafting projects/needs please do not hesitate to contact me.  My email address is Leslie@theplaidpoodle.com

New Weekly Deals Good Thru May 12!

 Shop all Weekly Deals HERE!

Retiring Products

Stampin’ Up! is making room for some awesome new stamp sets, new In-Colors and new accessories.  I’ve had a sneak peak at the new stuff and even got my hands on the new catalog (You can get a FREE Catalog HERE).  You are going to fall in love with this year’s offering!  Below are links to the updated Retiring Products List.  Don’t miss out if you’ve had your heart set on something.  If you have stamp pads for the retiring In-Color collection you might think about picking up ink refills for your favorites.

Retiring Stampin’ Up! Product Lists

•  Retiring Stamps (available April 21 through June 2, or while supplies last.)

PDF

• Retiring Accessories (available April 21 through June 2, or while supplies last.

PDF

Clearance Rack

New items have been added to the Clearance Rack recently.  Check them out HERE!

New Arrivals

Click HERE to view all NEW ARRIVALS!

Newest My Digital Studio Downloads

Find the newest digital downlaods HERE!

Below is a video tutorial showing my very first Project Life scrapbook page!  This simplified version of memory keeping is going to be life changing for me!  2014 may just be the year my photos move from my digital devices and into albums for my family to enjoy!  All the work is done for us – the exclusive Stampin’ Up! Project Life products coordinate with the card stock and inks already in the catalog!  No more guessing!  It can be as simple as slipping cards and photos into the pocket pages or, if time allows, I can get fancy with stamps and embellishments.  Check out the current Project Life products available HERE.

Digital scrappers are not forgotten either!  There are many Project Life digital files available for digital scrapbookers and more are on the way.  Check them out HERE.

SUPPLIES:

Stamps:  Photopolymer Project Life Point & Click 135787

Ink:  Jet Black Stazon 101406

Cardstock:  Bermuda Bay 131171, Daffodil Delight 126944

Project Life Products:  Photo Pocket Pages 12″x12″ Variety Pack 135294, Everyday Adventure Card Collection 135298, Journaling Pens Black 135304

It would be my pleasure to assist you in getting your photos organized!  Please e-mail me at Leslie@theplaidpoodle.com with any questions.

A few blogs ago I mentioned that my “Cloud” was full and the reason for that is because I have years of photos on my phone.  It’s time to clean up my cloud and get those pics printed for my family to enjoy.  Perfect timing because Stampin’ Up! is offering the perfect solution beginning today!  Keeping designs fresh and unique is important to Stampin’ Up!, and that’s why they have partnered with the remarkable Becky Higgins to bring you her amazing Project Life products in exclusive Stampin’ Up! colors and designs!

Here’s a look at all the products available for purchase today:

These Project Life products are exclusive to Stampin’ Up! and can be ordered along with Project Life digital files HERE.

Monday night,  Stampin’ Up! Demonstrators had the privilege of attending the first ever Stampin’ Up! Catalog Premiere event in theaters across the United States and Canada.  I was one of the lucky ones who attended the event in Kansas City!  Can you pick me out in the photo below?

It was so much fun to see previews and demonstrations of several upcoming products.  And no one left the theater empty handed – we all received a brand spankin’ new stamp set along with the star of the evening – hot off the press – the 2014/2015 Annual Stampin’ Up! Catalog!

Here’s how I’ve spent several hours since:

How can you get your hands on a catalog?

Demonstrators can order catalogs on May 1st.  I will be shipping them out as soon as I receive them.  If  you’re a Plaid Poodle Preferred Customer you will automatically receive a FREE 2014/2015 Annual Catalog (shipping included) by June 2.  You are a Plaid Poodle Preferred Customerif  you’ve placed an order with me during the last 12 months.  No need to contact me unless you don’t receive your catalog by June 2nd.  If you are not a preferred customer of mine and would like a FREE Catalog I just ask that you pay the Priority Mail Shipping Fee.  Use the sign-up box below to request your FREE 2014/2015 Stampin’ Up! Catalog then click on the Buy Now button to pay for shipping .  Once your  shipping fee is received we’ll ship your catalog to you ASAP! (US orders only please.)

$5.60 2014/2015 Stampin’ Up! Catalog

Today’s post features two cards using items from the Stampin’ Up! Retiring Lists.  I hate to see them go but know that room is being made in the catalog for some new spectacular things I won’t be able to live without!  I’m attending a special premiere of the brand new catalog tonight – one of the perks of being a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator and I can’t wait!  The new catalog will go live on June 2nd.  In just a few days I will be ordering them and getting them ready to mail out.  Check out my blog post tomorrow to find out how you can reserve a copy for yourself!

We made this card in April’s Stampin’ Style Class.  The class featured girly girl cards just right for all the upcoming Spring occasions – birthdays, wedding showers and Mother’s Day to name a few.  If you live in the Kansas City area and are interested in attending a class check out the Events link on my Stampin’ Up! website HERE.

SUPPLIES:

Stamps:  Remembering Your Birthday 131347 (W) 131350 (C)

Cardstock:  Whisper White 100730, Melon Mambo 115320,  Brights Designer Series Paper Stacks 130134

Accessories:  Dress Up Framelits (retiring) 130101, Hung Up Cute Clips (retiring) 129389, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine 113439, Glue Dots 103683

I received this cute card at a recent SWAP and once again the creator’s name got separated from the card so I apologize to the gal who made this card.  If you’re reading this please let me know so that I can give proper credit because it is a beautiful card!

SUPPLIES:

Stamps:  Tiny Tags (sorry, not longer available) 118592

Ink:  Sahara Sand 126976

Cardstock:  Sahara Sand 121043, Soft Sky 131203, Whisper White 100730

Accessories:  Lattice Bigz Die (retiring) 115958, Hearts Collection Framelits 125599, Linen Thread 104199, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine 113439, Stampin’ Dimensionals 104430

To check out the updated Stampin’ Up! Retiring Items Lists Click on the Links Below:

Retiring Stamps List

Retiring Accessories List

I received this adorable card at a card swap recently and think it is so cute!  There was not a name attached to it so I apologize to the lovely lady who created it but kudos to you!  I love the color combination and especially like the new Hardwood stamp from the Occasions Catalog.  I liked it so much I included it in my order this week.  You bet I’m taking advantage of FREE SHIPPING!!!

I know I’ve been harping about FREE SHIPPING all week long but it is such a great deal that doesn’t come around often – or ever!  I just don’t want  you to miss out.

FREE SHIPPING goes away tonight, Friday, April 25th at 11:50 Mountain Time.

SUPPLIES:

Stamps:  Hardwood 133032 (W) 133035 (C), Starburst Sayings 133182 (W) 133185 (C)

Ink:  Basic Gray 126981,

Cardstock:  Whisper White 100730, Basic Gray 121044, Island Indigo122923

Accessories:  Starburst Framelits Dies 132967, 3/4″ Island Indigo Chevron Ribbon 131151, VersaMark 102283, White Stampin’ Emboss Powder 109132

Enjoy FREE shipping on any orders placed between Monday, April 21 through Friday, April 25 (deadline is 11:50 PM Mountain Time on April 25th.  Stock up because there is no minimum order.  FREE shipping is timed perfectly to coincide with the release of the Stampin’ Up! Retiring Lists.  Retiring products (both stamps and accessories) are only available while supplies last.  Order your favorites before 11:50 PM Mountain Friday to take advantage of the FREE shipping!

Retiring Stampin’ Up! Product Lists

• Retiring Stamps (available April 21 through June 2, or while supplies last.)

PDF

• Retiring Accessories (available April 21 through June 2, or while supplies last.)

  PDF

Woot, woot!  I honestly thought with the FREE shipping this week we might not see any Weekly Deals but Stampin’ Up! never disappoints!  Shop for this week’s Weekly Deals HERE!  And remember – FREE Shipping!

My Paper Pumpkin just gets better and better!  This month’s kit is delightful!  Check out this video to see all the goodies.   Starting today, April 23, you can order pre-paid subscriptions to My Paper Pumpkin in the length of your choice (1, 3, 6 or 12 months).  When you order you will be given a redemption code to redeem on mypaperpumkin.com.

Don’t forget to check out the New Arrivals and the Clearance Rack as well.  Everything is eligible for FREE Shipping – no minimums.  Order as much or as often as you would like between April 21 and April 25 because, you know, FREE Shipping!!!!

Today’s video tutorial features items from the Retiring Products Lists.  The products are available while supplies last only.  If there is something you’ve had on your wish list, now is a perfect time to go for it because Stampin’ Up! is offering FREE shipping through Friday, April 25th.  CLICK HERE FOR ALL THE DETAILS!

The Secret Garden Stamp set with coordinating Framelits are so versatile!  A few blog posts ago I used the stamps and Framelits to create an Easter card.  See it here.  I liked it so much that I used the same layout but changed up the sentiment for these three cards.  A breeze to create and now I have several on hand for any occasion that may arise!

Here is a video showing how easy this kind of card is to create.  Enjoy and let me know what you think!

Measurements:

Card Base:  Whisper White  8-1/2 x 5 1/2 scored at 4-1/4

Layers:  Designer Series Paper Stack 1 x 4-14, Rich Razzleberry 3 x 4, Whisper White 2-3/4 x 3-3/4

Sentiment:  Scraps of Whisper White and Rich Razzleberry

Supplies:

Stamps:  Secret Garden 131940 (W) 129144 (C), Delightful Dozen 128547 (W) 122652 (C), Too Kind 130447 (W) 130450 (C), Hey There Friend Sentiment from My Paper Pumpkin kit – Subscribe HERE.

Ink:  Rich Razzleberry 126950, Daffodil Delight 126944, Old Olive 126953

Accessories:  Secret Garden Framelits 129372, Basic Jewel Rhinestones 119246, Extra Large Oval Punch 119859, Stampin’ Dimensionals 104430

SHOP FOR ALL ITEMS 24/7 HERE!

OM-Gee Stampin’ Up! keeps the good news coming!  Last week’s announcement about Project Life had me doing somersaults and now an entire week to save on shipping!  Even better, the FREE shipping  coincides with the release of the Retiring Products List!  A perfect opportunity to order your favorites right away!

Don’t hesitate . . .  All items on the Retired Lists are while supplies last and FREE shipping ends Friday, April 25th!

ps  I didn’t literally do somersaults but in my heart I did – that counts doesn’t it?

Click here to download the Retiring Stamps List.

Click here to download the Retiring Accessories List.

Easter is my favorite holiday and I wanted to stop by and wish you all a very blessed Easter!  I will be spending the morning in church celebrating the reason for my faith and hope – Jesus!  Then it’s off to brunch with family.  And, oh boy has the Easter Bunny been busy filling baskets with all sorts of goodies and treats!  That little rabbit even had time to create this cute gift set to present to someone special at brunch today.  Don’t you love how that floppy eared fellow coordinated everything!?

This gift bag is inspired by one my awesome up-line Angie created.  I changed it up a bit and used the Blossom Petals XL Punch to create the flower.  The punch is on sale for 60% off while supplies last. It can be found in The Clearance Rack HERE.

Sign up for my mailing list to receive the PDF project instruction sheet for this gift bag.

INK
126982 Pool Party

CARD STOCK
130134 Brights Designer Series Paper Stacks
100730 Whisper White

ACCESSORIES & TOOLS
121006 3/8” Glimmer Brads Brights
121808 Blossom Petals XL Punch (Clearance Rack)
103683 Glue Dots
129399 Tea Lace Doilies
104294 Sticky Strip
122334 Simply Scored Scoring Tool
104430 Dimensionals
102300 Bone Folder
119882 Scallop Edge Border Punch

Venetian Romance Designer Series Paper Item # 130144
Regular Price: $10.95
Discounted Price: $8.21

Needlepoint Border Textured Impressions Embossing Folders Item # 129383
Regular Price: $7.95 US
Discounted Price: $5.96 US

Adorning Accents Edgelits Die Item # 125595
Regular Price: $9.95
Discounted Price: $7.46

Night Of Navy 1/4″ Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon Item # 126874
Regular Price: $4.95
Discounted Price: $3.71

Natural 5/8″ Cheron Ribbon Item # 132982
Regular Price: $6.95
Discounted Price: $5.21

Anywhere Glue Sticks Item # 104045
Regular Price: $3.95
Discounted Price: $2.96

Outer Space Stampin’ Around Jumbo Wheel Item # 126938
Regular Price: $8.50
Discounted Price: $6.38

Floral District Photobook Template – Digital Download Item # 127211
Regular Price: $17.95
Discounted Price: $10.77

SHOP WEEKLY DEALS HERE!

SHOP CLEARANCE RACK ITEMS HERE!

SHOP NEW ARRIVALS HERE!