The Crafty Stamper:

You know how cars always seem to come out a year ahead of time? Well, Stampin' Up!'s In Colors seem to do the same thing! The 2009 In Colors will come out August 11th. I've seen them, they're great but I'm sad to see this year's group go. August 10th is the last day that the 2008 In Colors are available. And paper and ink are on the only items that will be gone. Any other accessory that has those luscious colors will be discontinued as well. The official retired accessory list will be revealed on July 21st and will be 'while supplies last'. But, we're pretty smart here in the Craft Cubby and know that these items will certainly be on it. Get 'em while you can!

Soft Sky and Blue Bayou featured here and Purely Pomegranate below! Don't for get about Wild Wasabi, Groovy Guava and River Rock! So pretty...

This link will give you a list of all the In Color 08 accessories from the Spring/Summer Collection catalog. Be sure to check it out and let me know if you want anything before it's GONE!

Download in_colors_08.pdf

Posted below is an article about Stampin' Up!'s amazing Hodgepodge Hardware Kits. These three kits will be discontinued as of August 10th or while supplies last AND they've been discounted at 25% off! So let me know if you want one today!

~ Heavy Metal Redefined ~
Hodgepodge Hardware Kit from SU!
By Colleen Kidder

Buckles, Clasps, Hinges and Rings . . .
These are a few of my favorite things!

Embellishments add personality and flair to cards, scrapbooks and 3-D stamped art by enhancing the style and beauty of rubber stamps. Most embellishments are the final touch, while others become the building blocks for the project. Some of my favorite embellishments are old-fashioned metal items like buckles, clasps, and toggles. I also love to use hinges, hooks, picture holders, and other fascinating metal bits but finding these has always presented me with a bit too much of a challenge. No more scavenger hunts for me!!

The Hodgepodge Hardware kit by SU! will provide you with the ability to enhance all your creations without having to search 'hither and yon.' The Hodgepodge Hardware kit contains an assortment of shaped clips, label holders, ribbon charms, buckles, fasteners, and photo anchors you can use on cards, scrapbook pages, handmade books, and other gift items. With approximately 138 pieces of hardware plus 100 matching brads, this kit is an outstanding value at $27.95! (Now discounted to $20.96 while supplies last!) The kits come in three different finishes: aged copper, antique brass, and pewter.

Adding the look of metal to your stamped art is a craze that is here to stay. So start with a theme of stamps to build a card or scrapbook page layout. Coordinate inks and papers for your desired look. Stamp, color and arrange your project. Organize your metal embellishments in a preferred manner. And once you’ve determined the placement, adhere items to your project using Crystal Effects, Glue Dots, brads or eyelets. Now let’s get started. Here are a few of the ways I have found to decorate my stamped art with these little 'heavy metal' wonders.

Buckles:

    * Great for enhancing obvious things like pants, purses or to even outfit Santa's big belly on your Christmas cards this year!
    * For something a little different try stamping or printing your saying directly on the grosgrain or gingham ribbon. Then string ribbon (or several ribbons together) through the buckle like a belt. What a great way to add a greeting to your card or to created page titles for your scrapbooks!
    * Use a buckle as a frame to highlight a letter at the beginning of a title by placing the first letter of the title inside the center of the buckle. Allow the rest of the title to fall outside the buckle.
    * Buckles could be just the right size to slip over an organdy ribbon border to add accent and create interest.

Clasps and Clips:

* Use as a unique way to attach an element to your page.
* Metal clips can be used to hold ribbon, journaling, tags or photos in place.

Picture Hanger Hooks:

    * Hang mini tags from small sewing hooks that have been sewn to your page.
    * Place two hooks opposite each other on the page and attach a string of wire with beads between the two hooks for a decorative border.
    * Add a set of hangers to a folded card to reveal a hidden note or memorabilia.
    * Attach hinges to your design with brads or eyelets.

Photo Anchors:

    * Attach picture holders to your page with an eyelet or brad and then hang tags, photos, or even letters from the triangles.
    * Tie ribbon or fibers to the triangles and attach the picture holder to the bottom of a photo mat as a dangling decorative embellishment.
    * Use photo anchors as photo corners to adorn the edges of a special photograph.
    * Photo anchors can be used to hold multiple ribbon strands in place beautifully along a border.

Nameplates:

    * Use nameplates to identify places or people in a photograph.
    * Nameplates can be used to add emphasis to and hold the greeting for your cards.
    * String hemp or fancy fibers through the name plate and create a beautifully placed border for your scrapbook page or card.
    * Call attention to a photo by placing the nameplate directly on top of an area or the photo.
    * For the truly creative among us, cut out part of the photo and insert into the nameplate and create your own Mother’s necklace. String several pieces together, add some beads and a bracelet clasp and you'll have a wonderful way to showcase your kids.

As you see, the possibilities are endless. So be one of the first to order the new Hodgepodge Hardware kit from SU! Unlock that little latch and let your imagination step out to play. Never has metal or Hodgepodge looked this good!!

c) Copyright Colleen Kidder 2004. Cannot be reproduced in any way without permission.