OH BABY!

Today's card is once again a mix of both old and new Stampin' Up! products with a piece of something "borrowed." No, it's not a wedding card! It's a welcome to this world card for a new baby girl!

I previously mentioned that I would be using up my various retired items, because I'm old school and my upbringing mantra was, "waste not - want not." Be mindful of what is in your craft drawers, and replicate the best you can...sometimes a "case" with a twist is the best outcome! The borrowed piece that I referred to is the ribbon feature. It's not a Stampin' Up product, but something I had on hand in my ribbon box. It adds just the right touch of embellishment to accent the girly nature of the card. Originally I had begun the card vertical, but with the help of my stamping guest yesterday we found the layout worked much better horizontal...thanks Deb! I love to sit and play around with my card design layouts at night after the kids are tucked in, but it is so fun to create with others too! Recently I taught a workshop with ten women where everyone produced 12 cards. At the beginning of class I predicted to all of my guests,  "there are 120 cards being made today, and I bet you all not one will look the same." In the end I was right, but it never ceases to amaze and delight me. Oh baby!

Product Information + Order Numbers : 

Stamp Set: Sweet Essentials (Wood-mount 132085, Clear-mount 126457) Flower Shop (Wood-mount 130939, Clear-mount 130942)

Paper: Whisper White (100730) Melon Mambo (115320) retired Pretty in Pink retired & retired Design Collection polka dot 

Ink: Melon Mambo (126948)

Cool Tools: Big Shot (13439) Large Scallop Edgelit ( 127019) Houndstooth Embossing Folder (123134) Perfect Polka Dot Embossing Folder (117335) Fancy Flower Punch (118073) 3/4" Circle Punch (119873) 1" Circle Punch (119668)

Perfect Touch: Subtle Candy Dots (130933)  Stampin' Up! dimensionals (104430) Retired fabric and non Stampin' Up! ribbon 

Blog Hop!

Welcome to the Stampin' Pretty Pals June Blog Hop! Today's Blog Hop is inspired by Stampin' Up!'s newly released 2013-2014 catalog. Are you ready to be inspired and amazed? When I see my fellow pals handiwork I am always filled with inspiration.

The Crafty Bandit is stop number 20 on the Blog Hop. You should have just left stop number 19 - Diane Roberts at   Score at Four and a Quarter. If so, you are in the right spot! In case you get off track, the full blog lineup is posted below, and it will help you move along from blog to blog so you see all the participating paper crafters. 

You haven't left my site yet...but I MISS YOU ALREADY!

Can you spot what is from the new catalog on this card? I have very limited product from the new catalog as my order is not scheduled to arrive until today. Thank goodness I pre-ordered a few items so that I could be part of today's Blog Hop! Having been raised in a large family (15 children to be exact!) I have a hard time not using up all my old goodies ~ Waste Not - Want Not ~ was a rally of my upbringing. Therefore, you'll always find me putting all of my 'scraps' and older products to good use!

Product Information & Order Numbers  

Stamp Set: Really Good Greeting (Wood-mount 130330, Clear-mount 130333) NEW

Paper: Baked Brown Sugar (130022) NEW Coastal Cabana (130024) NEW Daffodil Delight (119683) Whisper White (100730) Quatrafancy SP (130141) NEW

Ink: Island Indigo (126986) Pumpkin Pie (126945)

Cool Tools: Paper Piercing Tool (126189) Big Shot (113439) Circles #2 Originals (114526) Peekaboo Frames Bigz L (124587)

Perfect Touch: Daffodil Delight 1/4" Stitched Grossgrain Ribbon (126872) Antique Brads (117273) Pearl Basic Jewels (119247)  Stampin Dimensionals (104430) 

The next stop on the hop is number 21, which is Rae Harper at Wild West Paper Arts. Thank you  for visiting The Crafty Bandit, and I look forward to hearing your comments and feedback on today's card and my cards to come. See you soon & have a wonderful day! 

Final Blog Hop Line Up List: 

1. Penny Nichols at Sierra Stampin!
2. Linda Callahan at Stampin' Seasons
3. Shannon Hokanson at Paper Works
4. Maggie Mata at Maggie Made Cards
5. Lynn Hoyt at cattaildesigns
6. Susan Itell at Simple Stampin'
7. Kerry Willard Bray at Stampgoodness
8. Angie Blake at Angie's Musings
9. Shannon Jaramillo at ezpeasycards.com
10. Debbie Crowley at expressivelydeb...
11. Nicole Watt at Pixel Maven's Retreat
12. Amy L. Lazzell at Just a Thought...Cards by Amy
13. Sherrie Gross at Stampin' Sunshine
14. Katy McGloin at Just Fun Stampin
15. Patti Macleith at Papercrafts by Patti
16. Nicole Picadura at Scraps & Stamps
17. Dawn Tidd at Tiddbits from Dawn 
18. Brian King at Stamp with Brian
19. Diane Roberts at Score at Four and a Quarter
20. Martie Pollard at The Crafty Bandit
21. Rae Harper at Wild West Paper Arts
22. Mary Fish at Stampin' Pretty
23. Barb Furlong at The Love of Stamping
24. Peggy Noe at Prettypapercards.com
25. Nancy Gleason at My Stampin Space

A fun way to show you care

As I noted in my last post, Father's Day honors not only men who have fathered biological children, but also any man who has taken on the role of father or been a male mentor figure. In order to tailor this card to be suitable for a broad range of recipients it simply states "Happy Father's Day." The inside of the card has blank space to add a stamped message or a handwritten note, which gives the opportunity to personalize the message and the meaning of the card.

Utilizing another favorite layout of mine, I added a little ribbon and brads, which allowed the card to remain masculine. The unique fold of the card gives it an extra-special occasion feel. It also creates a  3-d nature, that when coupled with the fun paper patterns give this Father's Day card a playful and cheery sense! All items used to make the card are in the current catalog except for the brads. I hope you enjoy this simply stated, fun, and aesthetically clean card!  

Product Information + Order Numbers

Stamp Sets: Delightful Dozen (Wood-mount 128547, Clear-mount 122652)

Paper:Early Espresso (119686) Crumb Cake (120953) Very Vanilla (101650) Gingham Garden (129310)

Ink:Early Espresso marker (119680) Crumb Cake marker (120967) Pear Pizzazz marker (1312660

Cool Tools:(n/a)

Perfect Touch:Early Espresso grossgrain ribbon (126871) 

A card to show your appreciation!

Half way through the work week already? How did that happen? I have heard several times this week, 'Oh, my gosh it is June already!' Summertime is just about here, and the arrival of June means we celebrate Fathers Day! I would like to honor and celebrate the men in our lives who are fathers. Not only men who have fathered biological children, but also any man who has taken on the role of a father or male mentor figure. This card gets the message across LOUD and clear! Whether it's your father or a father that you know, this card is a great way to let a special man in your life know what a wonderful job he is doing!

As I am awaiting my order of goodies from the new Stampin' Up! catalog, I am putting to use the newly retired design paper. This one 'World Spectacular' has award ribbons printed on the paper, which complement the card's message perfectly. I have used this layout a few times, and its versatility is fast making it one of my go-to card design options. Depending upon the choice of colors and message it can be simple, frilly, masculine, or intricate. It ALWAYS says you're special to me. 

Product Information + Order Numbers : 

Stamp Set: You're Amazing (Wood-mount 126720, Clear-mount126722)

Paper: Basic Black (121045) Cherry Cobbler (119685) Very Vanilla (101650) DSP World Specacular (n/a)

Ink:(n/a)

Cool Tools: Heat Tool (129053)

Perfect Touch:Black Embossing Powder (109133)

And the Winner is...

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Brenda was the random winner for a grab bag of papers and goodies! She wrote, "I love the Island Indigo card. It is so bright and cheerful. Would make anyone have a wonderful day!!" Thank you all for your comments! It was fun for me to see the cards through your eyes. I also received a few emails regarding the cards and the blog, which I included in the random drawing as well. My stamp club was on Saturday, and my Open House Sunday... I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend! I am looking forward to creating some Fathers Day cards this week - stay tuned ...

Miss You Already

What a great stamp message. Sometimes I get that "I miss you already" feeling when I hang up the phone after talking to certain people that brighten my life, when I travel without my family, when I've spent time with my daughter and she has just left for the airport, and after spending time with dear friends that I only connect with on rare occasions. This is a quick and easy card, which shares a hard to express sentiment. Tell somebody you miss them - already!

Product Information + Order Numbers : 

Stamp Set:Really Good Greetings (Wood-Mount 130330, Clear-Mount 126547) For the Birds (Wood-Mount 132001, Clear-Mount 126407) Road to Happiness (Wood-Mount 132572, Clear-Mount 126547)

Paper: Daffodil Delight (119683) Very Vanilla (101650) Cherry Cobbler (119685)

Ink: Cheery Cobbler marker (119681) Basic Black marker (100082) 

Cool Tools: Heat Tool (129053) Owl Builder Punch (118074) Decorative Label (120907)

Perfect Touch: Versamark Pad (102283) Cherry Cobbler Emboss Powder (122949) Stampin Dimensionals (104430)

One Stamp + Two Very Different Cards

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Automatic friends! Has that feeling ever happened to you? You meet someone, and you instantly know that you two were meant to be friends!? Of course you have! And this card is a great way to let them know. One card is made with the Island Indigo card stock base, and the other is made with Daffodil Delight. The Island Indigo features one of the new design series papers (Gingham Garden), while the latter shows you a great way to use up the scraps of newly retired DSP (Floral District). I hope that we can become automatic friends too!!!  :)

Which card do you like better and why??!

Leave me a comment, and I will pick a random winner for a goodie bag of Stampin' Up! paper samples - both new and retired. 

Product Information + Order Numbers :​

Stamp Set: Road to Happiness (Wood-Mount 132572, Clear-Mount 126547) 

Paper:Island Indigo Melon Mambo Daffodil Delight Tangerine Tango

Ink: Basic Black marker (100082) Melon Mambo marker (121074) Daffodil Delight marker (119677) Not Quite Navy marker (100059) Pear Pizzazz (131180) Tangerine Tango marker (120974) Real Red marker (100052)

Cool Tools:Heat Tool (129053) Scallop edge Border Punch (119882)

Perfect Touch: Daffodil Delight Ribbon (119254) Heat and Stick (100625)  Dazzling Diamonds (102023) Bitty Buttons (118761) Subtles Designer Buttons (119745) 

​

Hats off to the many grads...

Someone special in my life will be graduating next week, thus I wanted to create a non-traditional card for the occasion. Intentionally not engaging with the typical, 'Celebrate', 'Congrats', or 'You Can Move Mountains,' I wanted the message to be straightforward and meaningful. Simply stating, 'Just continue to be you, and it will make a difference.' We all have choices in our lives, and sometimes our paths change even when we have not made the choice. My special graduate was let go from his job of 29+ years after his company downsized. Although this was not his choice, he confidently walked down a new path by choosing  to go back to school and start a new career. He rocked it, Phi Theta Kappa, and I couldn't be more proud. Hats off to all of you that are graduating, or have someone you know celebrating this honor! What a glorious achievement!

Product Information + Order Numbers

​Stamp Set: Pursuit of Happiness (Wood-Mount 121907, Clear Mount121970)

Paper: Very Vanilla 101650) Sahara Sand (121043) Raspberry Ripple (126842)

Ink:Stayzon Jet Black (101406)

Cool Tools: Big Shot Die-cutting Machine (113439) Woodgrain Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (127821)

Perfect Touch: 3/8" Stitched Ribbon (126845)

Sometimes Less is More...

Due to its color combination and elegant serif font, this simple card stands out. It shows how small touches can pack a real punch!

The black, pink, and white really pop out at you...then you add the gingham and it feels like a celebration! I just can't decide if the celebration should be a picnic in a park, or a romantic candlelit dinner in my favorite Italian restaurant ~ those are the images that come to my mind when I look at this card. Easy, peesy, quick & breezy ~ my new favorite saying for cards that just pull together in a blink of an eye. Sometimes I am making a card on my way out the door to work, for something I literally needed yesterday. However, I still want it to look like I spent time on making it special ~ this card fits the bill...

Product Information + Order Numbers :​

Stamp Set: Blooming with Kindness (126420)

Paper: Melon Mambo (115320) Whispr White (124302) DSP Gingham Garden (129310) DSP Series (117155)

Ink: StazOn Jet Black (101406)

Cool Tools: Fancy Flower (118073) 2 3/8" Scallop Circle (118874) Scallop Trim border (119882) Big Shot Die-cutting Machine (113439) Perfect Polka Dots Folder (117335) 

Perfect Touch: In Color Dahlias (127556)

Cheers!

A toast is in order... for such a successful launching of The Crafty Bandit! Cheers! My card today was made with all of you in mind. Cheers to new beginnings ~ new friends ~ new adventures! Not only does that encompass this blog today, but it begins at home with the support of my husband. It includes my children that have adapted to me spending time in my creative space. It spreads to my stamping club group of six who were there from the word go, to my first outside order (Janet, I hope to meet you at one of my classes someday), to the woman I met at a scrapbook getaway in April (hi Deb)...traveling an hour and a half for my first two classes in June. Like wild fire it spreads to my Stampin' Up! community. My fearless leader Mary Fish, and her right arm Kris Kilcoyne and all the talented, generous, and supportive group of pals anyone could ever wish for. My daytime coworkers that see and hear card this and card that all day long...to the few ladies out there that have my cards in their shops; may you know how appreciative I am of your belief in my talent ~ Cheers! And to you Kate ~ there are no words for my gratitude for your love, support, encouragement, and help ~ Cheers!

Product Information + Order Numbers

Stamp Set: Happy Hour (Wood-Mount 126640, Clear-Mount 126642)

Paper:Soft Suede (115318) Whisper White (100730)

Ink: Staz On Jet Black (101406) Soft Suede Marker (120973) Riding Hood Red Marker (120971) Blush Blossom Marker (100037) Gumball Green (126861)

Cool Tools: 1 3/8" Circle (119860) 1 3/4" Scallop Circle (119854)

Perfect Touch: Linen Thread (104199) Dazzling Diamonds (102023) 

Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

THANKS!

A big THANKS! to Mary Fish for highlighting my card today as her guest stamper & a big THANKS! to you for stopping by to check me out. You can never have too many Thank You cards on hand. It is my favorite occasion-card to give, because every day is a good day to say Thank You to someone. The recipient will be thanking you for their lovely card with a special meaning.  Made from the heart, this is a quick and easy card to put together and is a great opportunity to put your scrap pieces of paper to work. A vintage looking card for all of my new friends ♥

Product Information + Order Numbers :​

Stamp Set: Vintage Verses (n/a Sale-A-Bration item)

Paper: Early Espresso (119686) Baja Breeze (111352) DSP Everday Enchantment (126154)

Ink: Early Espresso Embossing Powder (128980) 

Cool Tools: Big Shot Die-cutting machine (113439) Scallop Squares Duo Bigz (120903) Curly Label Punch (11985) Large Scallop Edgelit (127019) Piercing Tool (126189)

The Perfect Touch:Dazzling Diamonds (102023) Rhinestone Basic Jewels (119246)

Never Really Retires

I wanted to take a moment before I began my Memorial Day Weekend to pay tribute to all of the brave men and women who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom. To say Thank You to our soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen, both past and present, and their families, whose lives are affected everyday by their choice to serve. Once a soldier ~ Always a soldier. That's just the way it is ~ a soldier never really retires.

Stampin' Up! is currently promoting it's Retiring Stamps that will no longer be available to purchase after June 3rd. As you can see from my card today, Stampin' Up! stamps never really retire. This is the 2001 'God Bless America' special edition stamp, and it looks and stamps as if it were newly purchased. That's just the way it is ~ a Stampin' Up! stamp never really retires! 

God Bless America and God Bless Our Soldiers 

Transitions...

Stampin' Up!'s catalog transition is a BIG deal. Out with the old & in with the new - kind of reminds me of ringing in the New Year now that I think of it. Today's card has me transitioning some of the new products in with the current (not officially "old" yet) products. I have "sneak peeked" a splash of Quatrefancy Specialty paper alongside the current First Edition Specialty paper. The card stock is also a sneak peek of the new 2013-2015 In Color  'Coastal Cabana'. The happy birthday blimp from the  'Moving Forward' Hostess-only stamp set is stamped in the newest addition to the Brights collection 'Bermuda Bay'. It is gently sponged around the edges in the newest Neutrals collection color 'Smokey Slate'. The embossed clouds are sponged with Stampin' Up!'s new Subtle colors 'Soft Sky'. I added a touch of embellishment with buttons from the current Neutral collection that resemble the design on the Quatrefancy paper. I love how the word innovations sits below the blimp on the bottom left hand corner. Could easily be given to a male or female -  young or old - it is a birthday card that works for anyone - my kind of card! 

Product Information + Order Numbers

Stamp Set: Moving Forward (Wood-Mount 126320, Clear-Mount 126322)

Paper: Coastal Cabana (131297) First Edition Specialty (121878) Quatrafancy Specialty (130141)

Ink: Bermuda Bay (131171) Smokey Slate (131179) Sky Blue (131181)

Cool Tools: Big Shot Die –Cutting Machine (113439) Scallop Squares Duo Bigz (120903) Cloudy Day (127022) 

The Perfect Touch: Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430) Neutrals Designer Buttons (119743)

'CASE-ing'

If you are at all familiar with Stampin' Up! you are in the know that there are TONS of cards showcased on numerous blogs and websites. One could spend hours upon hours admiring the handiwork of stamping/card enthusiasts worldwide. You know you've come across something special when you see a card that makes you smile, and the thoughts start racing, "Do I have that stamp? Do I have that color ink? Do I have that punch? Do I have that paper or something similar? Hmmmm...how big is that - 1" or 1-1/4"?

Fondly known as "CASE-ing" - Copy And Share Everything! This was one of those cards that started out as a CASE, but ended up unique by the time it was finished. Being short on materials that exactly matched the original, I wound up using a different color paper, a different punch, adding new words, and voila you have what I call  a 'Plan B' card! And the new rendition still made me smile...

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Product Information + Order Numbers

Stamp Set: Field Flowers (Wood-Mount 122760, Clear-Mount 122762)

Paper: Summer Starfruit (126839) Very Vanilla (101650) Tempting Turquoise (102067) Melon Mambo (115320)

Ink: Tempting Turquoise (126952) Melon Mambo (126948)

Cool Tools: Piercing Tool (126189) Big Shot Die- Cutting Machine (113439) Blossom Party Originals (115971) Postage Stamp (122334) Vines Embossing Folder (n/a Sale-A-Bration item)

The Perfect Touch: Rhinestone Basic Jewels (119246)

Just a little something...

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This is a card I made tonight to say Thank You to my daughter Kate for all of her help getting this website up and running. I LOVE YOU!

Product Information + Order Numbers

Stamp Set: Seasonal Sayings (Wood-Mount 131937, Clear-Mount 128009) Patterned Occasions (n/a Sale-A-Bration item)

Paper: Very Vanilla (101650) Real Red (102482) Chocolate Chip (102128)

Ink: Real Red (126949) Chocolate Chip (126979) Pacific Point Marker ((120968)

Cool Tools: Decorative Label (120907) Small Heart (117193) 1-3/4” Scallop Circle (119854) Piercing Tool (126189) Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine (113439) Delicate Doilies Sizzlits L (126999)

The Perfect Touch: Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430) Large Basic Pearl Jewels (125577)

Hello + Welcome!

Welcome to my website! How perfect that it is a Monday for my first "official" posting. First day of the work week, first day of the school week and first day of the web week!  I thought it fitting that I post my first card I ever shared with the public, which I posted as a guest stamper on Mary Fish's blog on February 3rd, 2013. It was close to Valentine's Day, but I didn't want to do the traditional - red - be my valentine - love you forever - card. My sister shared the card on her website, and called me soon after to see if I wanted to sell it...I have been busy trying to keep the orders filled ever since. 

It is a very busy time at Stampin' Up! as they are winding down their current catalog, and gearing up for the new catalog sales to begin on June 1st. Don't miss out on the stamp sets that are retiring, and will no longer be available after June 3rd. 

Currently, I am quite busy getting ready for my Open House scheduled for Sunday, June 2nd from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. This event will be an opportunity for anyone who is interested to get a chance to see who, what, and where all of the card-making happens, and to come see, look, and learn! In addition, I will begin offering monthly classes the third weekend of each month beginning in June. I am hoping to share what I have learned, and to ignite a spark  that will inspire the artist within you. It all started with that magical crayon and a piece of paper oh so many years ago!

Product Information + Order Numbers

Stamp Set: Pursuit of Happiness (Wood-Mount 121907, Clear-Mount 121970)

Paper: Marina Mist (119682) Rose Red (102544) Basic Black (121045) Whisper White (100730)

Ink: Basic Black (126980)

Cool Tools: Decorative Label (120907) Scallop Trim Border (118402)

The Perfect Touch: 3/16” Metallic Brads (119741) uniball Signo Gel Pen (105021) Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430)