Let's give this stuff a try.

Happy Tuesday, Part 2!

Boy, Caden is sleeping like a trooper these past two days!  He's just getting over a head cold, so I guess I shouldn't be surprised, but I am.  Since he was taking a nap when Eric left for work, I thought I would rip open some of my new paper and play.  I must say, I was amazed.  I had never used any Stampin' Up! products before (I know, crazy right?), and I don't think I will ever want to use anything else again.  This could be a significant problem, considering the number of other products I have stored in my craft room, but I'm sure I'll figure it out!

Here's what I loved: 1) The stamps' images come out so crisp and clear.  I must admit I was a little nervous when they came unmounted in the clear boxes, but it was worth it!  The stamps didn't smudge like so many others do, especially the clear acrylic ones.  (These seem a little extra smooshy to me.) 2) The ink is on a firm pad and dries quickly.  This again prevents the smooshing problem I've had with so many other products, and eliminates the issue of ruining my images by accidently smearing them before they are dry.  As an added bonus, the lid is attached to the ink pad.  It's designed that way to keep the ink near the surface of the pad, since it stores the pad upside down, but in addition to that ingenious reason, it kept me from losing the lid on my messy craft table and digging for it for five minutes!  Sweet! 3) The paper is perfect for stamping.  Ironic, I know, *insert sarcastic eye roll here* but it's true.  I haven't stamped on any of the colored cardstock yet, but I can tell already that I am going to use a LOT of Whisper White.

So here it goes.  My first two projects using the Stampin' Up! products:

This first card uses an image from the Fun & Fast Notes set stamped with Chocolate Chip Classic Ink on Whisper White cardstock.  I colored the image using Stampin' Pastels. The layer is Always Artichoke and the base is So Saffron, both from the Rich Regals collection.

This second card (cased from a sample image of a card) uses images from the Eastern Blooms set and a sentiment from the Tiny Wishes set.  The flowered branch is stamped in Chocolate Chip, the flower is stamped in Melon Mambo, and the sentiment is stamped in Certainly Celery (all Classic Ink pads).  Again, I used Whisper White, Always Artichoke, and So Saffron.  (Can you tell they love alliteration at Stampin' Up!? ;)

I accomplished both of these cards from start to finish in less than forty minutes, and that includes looking over the products and running up and down the stairs to fetch needed-but-forgotten items like scissors! (Chalk another one up for New Mommy Brain...)

I had fun putting both of these cards together, and I can't wait until I have more playtime!  I'm also really looking forward to incorporating my Cricut and Stampin' Up! products into projects for myself soon, so check back Cricut lovers!

Thanks for stopping by, and let me know what you think about my first two creations!  

Until next time,

Jessica