A New Beginning

Hello!  And welcome to my new blog.  (Some of you may remember that I used to have a different blog a year or so ago.)  I gave up my past blog because I just didn't feel like I could commit to doing a post every day, but if you want to know a secret, I kind of missed it!  So here I am again with a new outlook ... I will blog when I have something fun to share and when I don't blog, I won't feel guilty about it!

June marked the start of a new Stampin' Up! annual catalog, and might I just say, it is GORGEOUS and filled with SO MUCH fabulosity!  (yep, I'm making that a word)

I thought maybe a good way to get started again with my blogging experience would be to share with you my five favorite things in the new catalog.  So ... without further adieu, here they are in no particular order:

First up ... Project Life:

If you are not familiar with Project Life, it's a super simple way of scrapbooking.  Basically, you just put your pictures and cute pre-printed cards in divided pages (like sheet protectors) and voila! you have a scrapbook page!  (Of course, if you want to add extra pizzazz with embellishments and such, you can totally do that too.)  This is my kind of scrapbooking!  Quick, easy, and the focus is on the pictures, as I believe it should be!

My next favorite?  Blendabilites!

I'll be honest, I wasn't initially super impressed with these ... mostly because I simply did not understand just how much potential they packed!  Blendabilites are alcohol based markers that make blending and shading so easy (even for a novice!)  I haven't had a chance to play with them yet, but I will have some projects to show you very soon with these markers ... so make sure you keep checking back! 

Next up in my five faves is the "Something to Say" stamp set.

Of course, Stampin' Up! exists because of our stamps!  It's the thing we are known for!  I love this set, in particular, because of its versatility.  You have sentiments for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, just to say I love you, encouragement, baby and thank you!  That covers a pretty wide range of card-making needs!  (And it doesn't hurt that they're super cute!)

Speaking of versatility, my next favorite item is our card kits.  If you have ever said to yourself, "I'd like to make cards but I don't have time" or "I want to make cards, but I don't have the money or space for all that stuff", then card kits are for you!  The kit pictured below comes with everything you need (except adhesive) to make 20 cards!  You get the cardstock cut and scored, all the little pieces of printed paper and embellishments, envelopes, ink, this kit comes with seven stamps AND you even get a clear mount block!  Literally, everything you need (again, except adhesive) to make 20 beautiful all-occasion cards!

 



And finally ... last but not least on my list of faves is the hamburger box die.

At first glance in the catalog, it might not strike you as anything exciting ... I mean, it literally cuts out a hamburger box like you would get from a fast-food restaurant.  BUT ... one peek at Pinterest or Google and you will find TONS of super cute ways to use this die ... just look at all those cute animals!  I can't wait to send snacks to my son's class in these cute little boxes!

Okay, my friends, that wraps up today's post.  (I promise they won't ALL be this long!  I'm just excited about this new catalog!)

Wishing you many creative adventures and a blessed day,

Kim