Home >> Blog

As I'm sitting here writing this blog post, I can hear the wind just howling outside.  I had to run some errands today, and the wind did pull at the car.  Glad I didn't have to be outside very long.  This cold weather has to break soon.  It is Spring.  I just don't think Mother Nature has gotten the message.

I've had this stamp set, Pick a Pennant, and have only used it once.  It is probably going to be on the retirement list, so I better dust it off and put it to use.  

The card is most definately masculine with the muted color tones.  To make it more feminine, it's as simple as adding pearls, jewels or Wink of Stella.  

 

Happy Birthday is just to common sometimes.  It's good to switch things up a bit.  I kept the Happy Birthday for the inside.

The pennant stamp had to be lined up perfectly  in order for it to be cutout with the die.  Here's what I did.  Place the stamp on the block, and then place the die over the stamp to line them up together.  Take the die off, stamp the image and then cut out with the die.  Perfectly lined up and super easy to do.  

The words weren't hard, just took a few minutes to do.  If you have the Stamparatus, you can stamp the banner, then line the letters up on the pennant and use the plate to grab the letters.  You can also use this way with the acrylic blocks.

But, if you are like me, you do it the harder way.  I lined up the letters on the Block H and stamped each one individually.  Click on the picture for the card recipe and you can see how I did this.  It will make sense then.

The pennants are cut out with the dies, but not adhere with dimensionals.  If you used one dimensional on each banner piece, it would take a lot.  So, instead, I used a thin trip of the Multipurpose Glue.  I liked how it looked with the banner being cut out versus just stamping on the Whisper White.  

Click on the above picture for dimensions and instructions.

Until next time...Stampin' Always,

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper

  tams# 32354

Product List

 

Pick A Pennant Photopolymer Stamp Set $21.00	Playful Pennants Framelits Dies $26.00	Pick A Pennant Photopolymer Bundle $42.25	Amazing Life Photopolymer Stamp Set $21.00
Fresh Fig 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock $8.50	Basic Gray 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock $8.50	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock $9.75	Smoky Slate Classic Stampin' Pad $7.50
Fresh Fig Classic Stampin' Pad $7.50	Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad $6.00	Layering Circle Framelits Dies $35.00	Stitched Shapes Framelits Dies $30.00
Simple Stripes Textured Impressions Embossing Folder $8.50	Big Shot $110.00	Mini Stampin' Dimensionals $4.00	Liquid Multipurpose Glue $4.00

 

I'm Italian, so I pretty much like almost any kind of pasta.  And the easier, sometimes the better.  

This recipe is a great if you are in a hurry.  It has everyday ingredients and I always have them on hand.  The recipe calls for bacon, but I prefer using pancetta.  If you are unfamilar with pancetta, it is the Italian version of bacon.  I purchase it in the speciality cheese section in the deli area of the supermarket.  It comes diced and I usually purchase several packages and just throw them in the freezer.  

Spaghetti Carbonara

1 lb. thin spaghetti

2 Tablespoons salt

1/4 lb. bacon, or lean salt pork, or I prefer pancetta

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 teaspoon oregano

1/2 teaspoon basil

3/4 cup Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese

3 eggs, lightly beaten

1/4 c up dry white wine (optional)

1/2 teaspoon pepper

Cook the spaghetti according to the directions on the package in salted water.

Meanwhile, saute bacon, or pancetta over low heat until crisp.  Add garlic during the last few minutes.

Add cheese and wine to beaten eggs.

Drain spaghetti and return to pot.  Toss with egg mixture while spaghetti is still hot.  Stir in bacon, and its drippings and pepper.  Mix well.

I had some really good carbonara when we were in Italy on vacation.  It's got to be the atmosphere that makes it so good.  Anyway, this recipe only takes about 15 minutes to make.  Awesome!  Give it a try. 

Until next time...Stampin' Always,

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper

Stampin' Up! has released a whole lot of news recently.  I will try to make it as painless as possible for you.

Stampin' Trimmer

There has been problems in the past with the quality of the blade refills and also with the availability of all the related products.  Stampin' Up! has decided it was time to cut ties and start fresh.  There will be a gap between the current trimmer retiring and when the new trimmer will be available. We will be updated when information is available.  

This means the Stampin' Trimmer and its related products will be on the retirement list.  This will not be featured in the next Annual Catalog.  Currently, there is a limit of 3 refill blades per order.  Once the Retirement List is released, April 14, this will be expanded for a limit of 6.  If you absolutely can't wait, I would suggest ordering right away to ensure you will receive the blades.  

 

Stampin' Trimmer $30.00

Stampin' Trimmer Cutting Blades $6.00

Stampin' Trimmer Scoring Blades $5.00

Stampin' Trimmer Replacement Cutting Mat $4.00

Big Shot

Stampin' Up! has decided to go another way regarding the Big Shot machine.  But, don't worry.  They are working directly with the manufacturer on a new die cutting machine.  The current dies and folders will be able to be used in the new machine, or any manual die-cutting system.   There might be a slight difference in the new dies and folders, but will continue to work in the current machine as well as the new machine.

They are still working out the details of the new Die-Cutting and Embossing machine, so it won't be ready for the new Annual Catalog.  There will be dies and embossing folders available to use in the current machine as well as the new.  There might be a slight difference in the way the sandwich is made.  I'm sure more information will be released closer to the next Annual Catalog. 

 

Big Shot $110.00

Big Shot Magnetic Platform $40.00

Big Shot Platform $26.00

Big Shot Embossing Mats $15.00

Standard Cutting Pads $11.00

Precision Base Plate $25.00

I absolutely love my Big Shot and cannot imagine how they could improve upon this.  This is the product reveal that I am really excited to see.

Paper Pumpkin

For those who don't know what Paper Pumpkin is here's a brief description.  It is a subscription kit that is all inclusive.  Inside  the subscriber receives everything to complete cards or even 3-d projects,  stamps, inks, paper and all.  For whose who like to craft, but don't want the expense of buying individual supplies or coming up with their own individual ideas, Paper Pumpkin is the perfect kit.

Because of the added postage expense, there is the need to increase the price to insure the quality remains the same.  If you are interested in purchasing the kits, you can preorder at the current price.  The subscriptions can be purchased in 1, 3, 6 or 12 month increments. 

 

This is a whole lot of information that I tried to keep it very condensed for you.  On the bright side, the Retirement List comes out April 14!  It's time to get ready for the new Annual Catalog and new product!  And don't forget the new In-Colors are also coming!  

As more information come in, I'll keep you posted.  

Until next time...Stampin' Always,

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper

 

Did anyone do anything fun this past weekend?  I sure didn't.  Yesterday I had to work and this morning my hubby came back from California.  He's very happy that there are no travel plans in the near future for him.  That it, for work.  Going to see Megan in England doesn't count.  We went out for lunch today, and that was it.  I spent time in my stamp room getting ready for club on Tuesday.  So glad I don't work that day because I'm not ready.  Oops.  Not to worry.  I'll be ready with time to spare.

This is one card that we will be definately making Tuesday.  

I totally stepped out of my comfort zone with this card.  Purple is not a favorite of mine.  I like it, but just don't gravitate towards it at all.  And notice, I used not just one purple, but two!  The base and Happy are Highland Heather and there are two strips of Gorgeous Grape.

Several years ago, I wouldn't have paired any purple with green, but look how well the go together! The green is Soft Sea Foam which helps to soften the colors of the card.

I used Stampin' Blends to color the "Happy" and the banner.  If you don't have the Blends, you can always use the ink pads and blender pens.  

For another touch, there is a brad in in the I of Life.  I've had these and never used them.  What was I saving them for?  Don't know.  You could use  a pearl if you don't have the brads.  You might even be able to color the pearl with the Stampin' Blend marker.  I know that work on the epoxy embellishment, so I don't see why they wouldn't work on a pearl.  

We will be making this card in club Tuesday.  I'm always worried if they are going to like what I design for them.  Don't think that will ever change.

Click on the above picture for dimensions and instructions.

Until next time...Stampin' Always,

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper

tams# 32224

Product List

 

Amazing Life Photopolymer Stamp Set $21.00	Highland Heather 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock $8.50	Gorgeous Grape 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock $8.50	Gingham Gala 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper $11.00	Soft Sea Foam 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock $8.50
Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock $9.75	Basic Black 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock $8.50	Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad $6.00	Dark Soft Sea Foam Stampin' Blends Marker $4.50	Dark Highland Heather Stampin' Blends Marker $4.50
Basic Brads $4.50	Stampin' Dimensionals $4.00	Paper-Piercing Tool $4.00

 

Several weeks ago, it was my birthday and I wanted to share a super cute gift and card I received.  

Isn't this just adorable?  I always liked this stamp set, Lemon Zest, but never got it.  Sigh...my loss.

You can't help but to notice the card and picture match.  That is so my friend.  She's very matchy matchy.  Gotta love it. 

Now, I'm not positive of all the materials that were used.  The yellows are probably Crushed Curry and Daffodil Delight and the green looks like Old Olive.  For the patterned paper, I wish I knew what it was, if it was Stampin' Up! at all.  I looked on the current DSP, and I didn't see anything that resembled it.  Oh well.  

Wouldn't this picture be adorable with a bowl of lemons?  I have it in my stamp room, but I have to get something to go along with it. It's got me thinking.

Have a great weekend!

Until next time...Stampin' Always,

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper 

The countdown has started until we see Megan again.  Today is 21 days.  Hopefully the time will go by fast.  We did talk today on the phone.  That always makes me feel good.

I created this simple card today.  Out came the Rooted in Nature Bundle.  

It's hard to see, but the tree is stamped with Versamark and embossed with the Copper Embossing Powder.  It's so easy to do, but packs a big impact. 

I tried doing the words the same say, but I had trouble reading all the words.  Instead, I used Tranquil Tide.  On the Soft Sea Foam, it looks great.  A simple ribbon at the top, and your card is done.  

Soon the retirement list will be coming out.  That's always a sad day.  That means the In-Color from 2018-2019 colors will definately be on that list.  If you want any markers, ink pads, ink refills or cardstock I wouldn't hesitate to place an order.  Once we sell out of those items, they will be gone.  

  Click on the above picture for dimensions and instructions.

Until next time...Stampin' Always,

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper

 

Product List

 

Rooted In Nature Clear-Mount Stamp Set $42.00	Nature's Roots Framelits Dies $39.00	Rooted In Nature Clear-Mount Bundle $72.75	Soft Sea Foam 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock $8.50
Tranquil Tide Classic Stampin' Pad $7.50	Versamark Pad $9.00	Copper Stampin' Emboss Powder $5.00	Heat Tool $30.00
Big Shot $110.00	1/4" Copper Trim $6.00	Mini Stampin' Dimensionals $4.00

 

This is NOT an April Fools Day Joke.

Starting today, you can order the new modular storage solution - Storage by Stampin' Up! And it's available for ordering starting today!

It is a free-standing system that you design based upon your personal needs.  Storage by Stampin’ Up! is designed to store and showcase your Stampin’ Pads, Stampin’ Ink Refills, Stampin’ Blends, Stampin’ Write Markers, Watercolor Pencils, and other accessories.

Here are some other benefits about this system:

• Keeps products organized, tidy, visible, and trackable at all times.
• Ensures that your Stampin’ Pads, Stampin’ Write Markers, and Stampin’ Blends are all stored horizontally, as recommended.
• Designed to be stylish, durable, compact, stackable, and modular.

• Blends in naturally with most home decor with its white neutral color.
• Stacks vertically and can be arranged to fit practically any flat workspace.
• Easily assembled and disassembled for rearrangement and/or cleaning.

Here is a configuration chart if you want to look at the specific products. 

    

Don't worry about them going away any time soon.  This system will be featured in the new 2019-2020 Annual Catalog.  No order limits apply to the system.  If the supply starts to get too low during the initial ordering, Stampin' Up! might turn off the ordering for them, but not to worry.  They will be back.  

Until next time...Stampin' Always,

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper

  

 

It's time for vacation.  Well, soon it will be.  We booked some of our travel plans this weekend.  We are going to see Megan in England!!!   One part of our vacation is going to Amsterdam, Holland.  We are going late April which is perfect time to see all the tulips in Holland.   Megan and I are so excited to see the tulips.  There are several places around Amsterdam to see the tulips, so now we have to narrow down where exactly we want to go.  Oh the choices we have to make.  

The tulips have been on my mind, so here's my card.

The tulips are from the Varied Vases stamp set and the pitcher is from Country Home stamp set.  Both sets I haven't used in a while. 

I actually have a pitcher just like this on my table with red tulips in.  These tulips are Rich Razzleberry, but close enough.  They are still beautiful.

The pitcher is stamped in Smoky Slate and had to be fussy cut out.  It wasn't too bad except for inside the handle.  Take your time and you will have no problem cutting out the inside.  I also used Wink of Stella on the entire pitcher, because... why not?

The Birthday Wishes is from Itty Bitty Birthday stamp set.  After it was stamped and punched out, I didn't like how it looked.  It was just a little too long for that space.  I decided to cut it in half and now they look like two arrows pointing different directions.  I kind of like it.    

The patterned paper is from Country Lane, which is unfortunately retired.  If you have a small scrap, dig it out and use it!  Or, you can also use a different embossing folder for the texture.  The Mint Macaron piece is embossed with the Tin Tile embossing folder.  Finally got to use that one too!

I can't wait to see the real tulips in Amsterdam!!  It will be an experience we won't ever forget.

Click on the above picture for dimensions and instructions.

Until next time...Stampin' Always,

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper

tams# 32014

Product List

 

Varied Vases Photopolymer Stamp Set $26.00	Country Home Photopolymer Stamp Set $21.00	Itty Bitty Birthdays Cling Stamp Set $23.00	Country Lane 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper $11.00	Mint Macaron 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock $8.50	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock $9.75
Mint Macaron Classic Stampin' Pad $7.50	Rich Razzleberry Classic Stampin' Pad $7.50	Smoky Slate Classic Stampin' Pad $7.50	Tin Tile Dynamic Textured Impressions Embossing Folder $10.00	Rectangle Stitched Framelits Dies $35.00	Big Shot $110.00
Paper Snips Scissors $10.00	Nature's Twine $9.00	Classic Label Punch $18.00	Stampin' Dimensionals $4.00	Fine-Tip Glue Pen $7.00