I’ve never before shown a picture of my craft room but since an area of it is clean and organized, today is the day! We’ve recently moved and I’ve been working hard to get my craft room set up in between upacking the rest of the house. Priorities, right?
We’ve lived in our “new” house in Southern California for a little over three years. We bought it as a second home so that we could be near our grandchildren. Our other home is also in California in the Central Valley and for the past three years we’ve been going back and forth between our two homes. It’s been difficult to do so we decided early this year to sell our Central California home. We lived there for 28 years and our children were very young when we first moved in, so I’m sad to say goodbye to our house and the area. Our house will officially close in a few weeks.
I’m so lucky to now have a HUGE craft room. Before we bought our house (actually when we first looked at it), I got so excited imagining what my craft room would look like in this room – my husband never even got a chance to claim the room. 🙂 I loved my craft room in our other house. It used to be our office and several years ago we converted it to just my craft room. My husband spent long hours making a table for me that fit along one wall. When we began our move we decided we wouldn’t take the table as we didn’t think it would survive. The more I thought about it, I really wanted to take it with us. I am happy to say that it did just fine during the move. I’ve been using multiple fold up tables as my work area so having my beautiful table in my room makes me very happy!
My desk rarely looks like this. When I’m creating, stuff is flying everywhere! It looks so pretty and pristine now!
I used my Brother P-touch to label many of my drawers and baskets. I am still getting used to my room and where I’ve put everything so the labels are really helping me find things quickly.
I’ll show more pictures of my room once I get other areas cleaned up and organized!
I currently have an ordering special! For every $50 purchase (before shipping/tax) at my Stampin’ Up! online store, you can choose a free stamp set. This offer is good until September 30th. Click here to read all the details!
To visit my Stampin’ Up! online store, click here!
Last week I starting writing this post on the Layering Circles Framelits and yesterday the Layering Ovals Framelits went on sale for 25% off the regular price (this price is good until Wednesday, September 21st). The information in my post can also apply to the Ovals Framelits, which are at such a great price!
I will be always be honest with you and with that being said, I’ll mention that I was very disappointed that so many of our punches retired last spring. I’m still disappointed. Many of the ones that I’ve used for years, such as the Scallop Oval and Small Oval punch have retired. In June, four different sets of Framelits for the Big Shot debuted in the Annual Catalog and they were intended to take the place of many retired punches.
I love my Big Shot and use it every single time I’m in my craft room but I find it easier to stay seated while I’m crafting and just grab punches. I find that I’m jumping out of my seat more often, but, maybe that’s a good thing! You can’t deny that there are so many more layering options with these new Framelits and that is a definite plus. The set below comes with 16 dies! I’m not sure I’d want to store that many punches!
I bought the Layering Circle Framelits (as well as the Layering Squares and Layering Ovals Framelits) when they first came out but I finally used the Circle Framelits just a few weeks ago. Why? They were a bit intimidating! So many pieces, which ones layer with which . . . . . I just kept avoiding using them.
So, I came up with several ideas to make using them a breeze. As you can see below, I numbered the circles 1-8 and the scallops 1-8. I keep track of the measurements I use on all of my projects and this will make it so much easier to recreate them if I can just refer to the numbers I used.
There’s one thing though that I wish I had done differently. In my head I thought that as long as they were numbered, it would be fine but I wish I had laid them all out in front of me from largest to smallest and THEN numbered them.
Next, I cut all of the pieces out using two different colors, one for the scallops and the other for the circles and I numbered each one according to how I numbered them above. Then I placed them on two different rings. I have the sizes in sequential order on the rings but the numbers are not in order. It really isn’t a big deal, but I would have preferred that they be in order.
Now it will be easy to see which pieces layer together! The rings kind of get in the way with the smaller circles and scallops but I think it will work. And I imagine that the more I work with them, it will become second nature as to which ones I need.
I hope this has helped you out if you’ve purchased any of the new Framelits or if you are considering this purchase. We have four different layering options and I’ll list all of those sets below. Remember, the Ovals are on sale but the sale price isn’t reflected in the product list below. If you click on it, you’ll be taken to my online store and you’ll see the sale price there (until September 21st)!
I currently have an ordering special! For every $50 purchase (before shipping/tax) at my Stampin’ Up! online store, you can choose a free stamp set. This offer is good until September 30th. Click here to read all the details!
To visit my Stampin’ Up! online store, click here!
Starting today and continuing until Friday, September 30, 2016, for every $50 purchase (before shipping/tax) at my Stampin’ Up! online store you will receive a free retired stamp set from me. Place a $100 order (before shipping/tax) and I’ll send you two stamp sets, etc.
Your order can be a combination of Annual& Holiday catalog products as well as items on the Clearance Rack. Your order must be a minimum of $50 before tax/shipping. Be sure that you can see my name (Tracy Bradley) in the upper right hand corner of the ordering page. Remember to use the HOST CODE BZ6JNCNX Here’s an example where you will be prompted to enter the host code.
Below, I will list all of the stamp sets that are available. Immediately after you place your order, email me your top three stamp set choices. In order to be fair to everyone, please do not email me before you place your order. I will try to honor your first choice whenever possible but please understand that certain stamp sets may go more quickly. I’ll let you know via email which stamp set(s) you’ll be receiving. Once a stamp set has been spoken for, I will remove it from the list.I do have several of some stamp sets so you might notice that a set is still on the list even though I contacted you that you will be getting that particular one.
The stamps sets will either be clear mount or photopolymer (no requests please).
If you choose NO CONTACT when placing your order, I will be unable to send your free stamp set as Stampin’ Up! will not release your name and address to me.
Sorry, but this offer is only open to U.S. customers and only available through Tracy Bradley
If you are having trouble ordering online, I am happy to do it for you. I will need your credit card information.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask!
This is the third and final week of Special Offers from Stampin’ Up! This week it’s all about Project Life and the Layering Ovals Framelits Dies AND they are all 25% off! I especially love when Big Shot accessories go on sale!
If you would like more information about any of these products, click HEREto visit my Stampin’ Up! online store.
Ready to place an order? Click here to go to my Stampin’ Up! online store. My September Host Code is: BZ6JNCNX
At checkout, you will be asked to enter the Host Code. Use it and I will send you a small gift! At the end of the month I will close the code and split the Shopping Rewards with everyone who used it. If your order is $150, please do not use the code. You will receive your own Shopping Rewards from Stampin’ Up! Questions? Don’t hesitate to send me an email.
The Stampin’ Up! Clearance Rack has been updated. Lots of goodies, such as embossing folders, punches, Big Shot accessories, ribbon, embellishments, stamps . . . . . .
I don’t know how much inventory they have on hand so if you see something that appeals to you, I would grab it!
At checkout, you will be asked if you have a Host Code. My September Host Code is
BZ6JNCNX
Use it and I will send you a small gift! At the end of the month I will close the code and split the Shopping Rewards with everyone who used it. If your order is $150, please do not use the code. You will receive your own Shopping Rewards from Stampin’ Up! Questions? Don’t hesitate to send me an email.
Today’s card is one that I made weeks ago but am just now sharing. It started as an experiment to see the different looks I could get by stamping the flowers in different ways. I knew I wanted the flowers to have a watercolor effect but I wasn’t quite sure the best way to achieve that look. I tried putting ink from my stamp pad directly onto a large acrylic block and then spraying the block with a fine mist of water. I then tapped my stamp onto the block but by the time I stamped it onto my paper, it was too watery looking.
Here’s what I did to achieve the results I liked. First, I inked my stamp in the stamp pad and then sprayed my stamp three times with my water mister. If I did it more than that, it was too watery and I didn’t like the look I achieved with less than three spritzes. Of course, each water mister will perform differently. I found that if I then stamped my paper with a light touch, I liked the effect better than pressing down hard. If you decide to give this a try, I recommend experimenting as I did. You’ll find what you like best!
I fussy cut each flower out with my paper snips and then added a White Perfect Accents to the center of each one. The Pacific Point flowers were adhered to my paper with Snail and the Cucumber Crush one has a Stampin’ Dimensional on the back.
I’ve listed the supplies I used below. I did NOT use the Thinlit dies that go with the Flourishing Phrases stamp set. I’ve listed the bundles though in case you are interested in a 10% discount if you purchase them together.
Product List – Click on any of the products below for more information or to place an order at my Stampin’ Up! online store. Questions? Please feel free to send me an email: tracy@stampingwithtracy.com
This week our Gold Binder Clips are 25% off! They normally sell for $7.00 but you can purchase them for $5.25 until Wednesday, September 14, 2016. There are 10 in each package.
Here are some cute ideas from both the Holiday Catalog and the Annual Catalog using the Gold Binder Clips!
Click here to visit my Stampin’ Up! online store and purchase your own set of Binder Clips!
Stampin’ Up! is offering a new selection of Special Offers this week!
Here’s an example of a project using the Gold Binder Clips, which are on sale until next Wednesday. The bag was for a sweet girl’s 1st birthday, little Marigold. The “M” was added at the last minute and I used a retired Big Shot product (Little Letter Thinlits). Below you can see the project without the letter attached.
It was an extremely cloudy day when I tried to photograph this project so please forgive the bad lighting!
Product List – Click on any product below for more information! You will be taken to my Stampin’ Up! online store.
I love the look of ink blending and I’ve been practicing, a LOT. I love creating backgrounds with lots of color although I admit there’s a definite learning curve. I’ve tried using a variety of tools to get the coverage I want but I realize it will take practice. You can use sponges or an Ink Blending tool (non Stampin’ Up!). With the Ink Blending Tool, you need to be careful that the rim of the foam doesn’t leave marks on your paper. You can see the marks on my piece below.
But it isn’t a concern with this card because the Detailed Floral Thinlits (the Whisper White piece on top of my ink blending) covers any imperfections! I was able to use this one colorful piece for both of my cards.
On a side note, when I was a kid, they used to sell an ice cream treat called Missiles. Today they call them something different but they will always be Missiles to me. The colors I’ve used remind me of that yummy treat (Melon Mambo, Daffodil Delight and Watermelon Wonder). Anyone else remember them??
Normally I would have shied away from using such a detailed Thinlit because it can be very difficult to get all of the little pieces out. But, in the Annual Catalog, a new item was added that makes it very easy to remove the paper, the Precision Base Plate (below). This plate is used instead of the bottom clear plate you would normally use. You can watch the video below that shows how to use the plate. You’ll also see a cute card at the end of the video!
In the video you’ll see the regular Multipurpose Platform being used which as you can see, works well. In the new Annual Catalog a new Big Shot Platform was introduced to specifically help with thin dies and I did use this platform to make my card.
I adhered my Whisper White piece, cut out with the Thinlit, directly to the ink blending paper which I then adhered to a base of Watermelon Wonder. The stamp set, Floral Phrases is part of the Floral Boutique Suite which pairs with the Thinlits. They are perfect together! You can purchase the Detailed Floral Thinlits and Floral Phrases together as a bundle and save 10%. I’ve included each of the bundles (wood and clear) in my product list below.
Thanks so much for stopping by today!
Product List- Click on any of the items listed below for more info or to place an order! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact me!
Special Offers are here! You can save 25% on select annual catalog products through September 21st! Each week there will be new discounted products to choose from. See below for what’s available this week (new items will be posted next Thursday)! For more information about a product or to place an order just click on any of the pictures below. As always, if you need additional information, feel free to email me: tracy@stampingwithtracy.com
You can now order from the Holiday Catalog!! If you’d like to take a look at it online, click here! If you don’t have a demonstrator and would like a complimentary copy, email me and I’ll get one right out to you: tracy@stampingwithtracy.com
Here’s a sampling of some of the cute products inside the catalog!
You can purchase the Cookie Cutter Builder Punch separately but it is also offered as a bundle with this stamp set for a savings of 10%. (page 6 in the Holiday Catalog)
The Cookie Cutter Builder punch also coordinates with this stamp set. Too cute!!!!
To see all that the catalog has to offer, click here!
The Holiday Catalog is almost here (it goes live on Thursday, September 1st)! I know, it’s still August and it seems kinda early to be thinking about the holidays, but they will be here before you know it! Don’t let the cover fool you, there are many more items in the catalog besides Christmas ones. If you’ve ordered from me in the last year, I’ve sent a catalog off to you! You should have received it by now but if not, I’m sure it will be there tomorrow. If you don’t currently have a demonstrator and would like a copy, let me know!
Demonstrators are able to preorder items from the catalog early (isn’t that a perfect reason to become a demo??) and one product that immediately caught my eye were the beautiful Fancy Frost Sequins (Soft Sky, Sweet Sugarplum and white gold). They are sooo pretty!
As I sat down to make a birthday card for a sweet little girl turning ONE, I knew that the sequins would be perfect for a shaker card! This is an item that can be used all year round, not just during the holidays.
I started out embossing a piece of Sweet Sugarplum cardstock with the Confetti embossing folder. As you can see from the photo below, the center area is not embossed. I was able to find the perfect size oval in the Layering Ovals Framelits (this set includes 15 dies) to cut the center out.
I attached a window sheet to the front and used our new Foam Adhesive Strips to create the barrier to hold the sequins. After adding the sequins, I put another window sheet over the top.
It’s hard to tell from my photo, but I cut the number one out with our Dazzling Diamonds Glimmer Paper. Very sparkly in person. All of the supplies I used to create my card are listed below. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me!
Thanks for stopping by!
Product List- Click on any of the products and you’ll be taken to my Stampin’ Up! online store. Per Stampin’ Up!, I haven’t listed the Fancy Frost Sequins since the catalog isn’t live yet.
