Deadline

I know you've seen this already, but I wanted to remind you that this bargain offer ends today. This stamp set, Fresh Cuts, is a sneak peek set that will be available in the new catalog in August. The card is also a sneak peek, die cut card that is on special if you order the stamp set. Receive 15 cards and envelopes for just $5! And they are beautiful. If you decide to go for it today, you can schedule a free workshop to create cards with this combo. Free use of my inks and embellishments! Just call me, because today is the Stampin' Up! deadline for this special offer. Enjoy!

Dee Tollaksen

Glitter glitter everywhere

Ahhh, sweet retirement. . . well, Stampin' Up! regularly retires many of our products to make room for NEW and FABULOUS products. This card is composed of Purely Pomegranate and Wild Wasabi cardstock, both from our "In Color" collection. Since they will be leaving us at the end of July, it is time to stock up, if they are some of your favorites. I taught this glitter technique last night at a demonstration for my friend Iris. Just use the 5-petal punch to punch the Whisper White cardstock, cover the opening with packing tape and spoon Fine Cosmo Glitter on the sticky side of the tape. It doesn't matter how careful you are when using glitter, it just has a life of it's own, and you will find a little shimmer on your clothes and skin after crafting with it. Not necessarily a bad thing!

Enjoy the heat and humidity of summer. Arlington Heights, Illinois is certainly cooking now!

Dee Tollaksen

Summer time

Everyone is making popsicles these days, and here is my version. Cool, crisp and refreshing, using a little watermelon from the Sun Fun stamp set and the scallop punch creatively to take a bite out of this treat! So glad our stamping community is filled with creative people who can think outside the box!

Dee Tollaksen

Friday Freebies

Sometimes simple is best. This Designer Series paper is available FREE as a hostess gift when a demonstration has qualifying sales. The stamp images are from "Sweet Dreams" which is also a FREE hostess gift stamp set! If you would like to receive this stamp set and/or designer series paper, I would love to give them to you! Just email me and we can set up a demonstration for you and your friends, at your place or mine!

Dee Tollaksen

Fresh Cut update

Mmmmm. These cards are just too cute. The white card is die cut, the petals just pop out when you are ready. I used Old Olive card stock, stamped the background image from the new "Fresh Cuts" stamp set and embossed with clear embossing powder. Then I adhered it inside the card, giving it a peek-a-boo feel. The pretty leaves and "for you" sentiment are from the same stamp set. Then a pretty matching felt flower with a brad to hold it all together. Truly, the possibilities are endless. Stampin' Up! is discounting the card set -- just $5 for 15 cards and envelopes! when purchased along with the stamp set. And I will throw in a free workshop when you purchase through me. June 30 is the last day of the deal. Did I mention that this is a "sneak peek" from the upcoming summer catalog/idea book? Can't wait!

Dee Tollaksen

Competition? What competition?

Stampers, I have seen the competition, and it ain't no competition at all! A couple customers and I attended a class at the only scrapbooking chainstore in the area. The subject matter looked interesting and the samples looked awesome, so we bit the bait and paid for the class. What a disappointment. The 12 students squinted from their spots at the work tables to see the 19" TV at the front of the room while Liz from the home office demonstrated the technique. The live instructor hadn't even tried the technique. The products provided to practice the technique didn't work and the packs provided by "the home office" were incomplete and damaged. I'm not even going to mention the stamps that hadn't been cleaned from a previous class. All in all, I think I know how to use acetate better. I know that clear acrylic stamps, sta-zon and acetate are a recipe for failure. I love Stampin' Up! glossy white paper, and Archivers doesn't have anything even close. Shoot me an email and I'll be happy to set up a class for you with acetate, sta-zon and brayer techniques on glossy paper.
Happy Stamping, Dee Tollaksen

Survived Friday the 13th?

I couldn't bring myself to acknowledge the "bad luck" superstitions of Friday the 13th, but I had so much fun playing cards and having lunch with friends, that I am reconsidering! Want to join in the "good luck?" Email me and give me your phone number and I'll call you to take your order. Spend over $50 from the Stampin' Up! catalog and I'll give you 13% off your order. This offer good for the next 24 hours: sale ends midnight Saturday, June 14.

Summer Fun

I just love this filmstrip technique, and it is so simple with the Stampin' Up! spiral punch. Summer seems to be here, finally, and this card just says it all -- summer breeze, water, waves, sand and beach fun. There are no actual beaches here in Arlington Heights, but I can dream. . .

Dee Tollaksen

Testing, one, two, three. . .

Stamping fans, this is a test. This is just a test. For the next minute or so, I want to thank you for reading my blog! I have a brand new, never used, stamp set from Sell-a-bration that I will award to a random reader. Just leave me a comment to this post, and your name will be put in a hat and I'll let my daughter pick a name as the winner of this darling flowery set. You have two days to post, so Wednesday, June 4 at 8 pm--I'll pick a winner. If you feel that I do not have your email to contact you if (when) you win, remember to check back here sometime Thursday to see who won. Good luck!
Dee Tollaksen

COLOR

COLOR??? Yes, I'm shouting. Yes, the card appears to be somewhat loud! And that ribbon seems to have a destination other than the one I had in mind. After seeing the photo, I went back and adhered that ribbon more securely. It's not going anywhere anymore. No sir. I love to CASE cards: Copy And Steal Everything. Most stampers consider it a complement. But this is an original. Hope you like it.

Dee Tollaksen

Voila!

Photography doesn't do justice to the vibrant color this chef is wearing and the background color of this card. The long story is: the Sociology class my daughter is in, held a mock wedding. She arranged for the wedding cake. It was a huge success and now the baker needs to be properly thanked. I'm sure this chef will do the trick! Viola!

Dee Tollaksen

Soft & Lovely

Ever hear of a "blast from the past?" Well, this card is more like a breeze, from the past. I was asked to help come up with a card that has no layering and no embellishments, but is still beautiful, and I pulled out this little elegant beauty from last summer, using a hostess set that has since retired. Hope you like it, and see the possibilities for using current sets. The technique would be "reverse masking."

Dee Tollaksen

eScape Special Package from Stampin' Up!

Everyone loves a great sale, and since you're here, I'm guessing you love a great Stamping Sale! Stampin' Up! is offering an eScape Sale during June: a special bundle of products at 25% off to let you escape the E -- electronic communication. So, give a card or send a card in June and save! Here are the products:
Love Notes assortment
Circle of Friendship stamp set
Rose Red Classic Stampin’ Pad®
Very Vanilla 5/8" grosgrain ribbon
$30.00 for a $40 value!
Just shoot me an email if you want more details!
dtollaksen@wideopenwest.com

June First, warm weather--yippee!!

I saw this darling daisy on the Stampin' Up! website recently, created by Karin Miller. Couldn't resist copying it. I made it my own with a few alterations, but it is beautiful, and the credit goes to Karin. Pick-a-Petal stamp set is so versatile, if you don't have it, you ought to!

Dee Tollaksen