Have you checked out the product suites in the 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog?  The product suites are designed to inspire you and save you time when you are designing with various products.  For example, matching stamp sets, designer series papers, accessories, fabric and more.  You'll find a number of these product suites throughout the new catalog.  They are trendy and provide amazing inspiration!

One product suite is called Beau Chateau.  I used the Beau Chateau Designer series paper (on sale this month) for a hostess club project last night.  I used one accessory from the suggested product suite – the textured impressions embossing folders set. 

The Elements of Style stamp set is reflected in some of the designer series paper – thus it is a perfect stamp set to use on the card. 

Isn't the embossing folder just the bomb?  I love how it highlights a focal point on the card.  You get two of these folders in the package – a rectangle and an oval.  Here I used the oval and highlighted how the wide oval punch works perfectly inside the impression.  If you look really closely, you'll see that I used the vanilla shimmer smooch spritz.  This is another perfect accent – it so reminds me of vintage – and especially my great grandmothers wall paper.  I'm also very excited to have soft suede ribbon.  I love using this color and this is the first time that we have had ribbon in that color!   YEAH!!!!

OK, I hope you enjoyed this card. . . I'm off to the fair today.  If you are in the area, you'll want to stop by and see me!  Remember, I have a gift for you if you mention that I told you so!

Blessings!

Isn't this cute?   This was one of my favorites from a swap with fellow demonstrators (I'll post the name of the demo when I return home).  I love this card for so many reasons;

• colors – hmmm  Old Olive and Rich Razzelberry with a little Crushed Curry thrown in for accent
• it has texture – most of you know I LOVE texture!
• it's a card that a moderately experienced stamper can re-create – that's from me the queen of copying!
• those are all great but, most of all this card will definately give the person that receives this card the message that you really care about them – and I love making people feel great!

Off to the card – It is a stamp set from the Summer mini catalog called Elements of Style (I got it free from Stampin' Up!).  Here's a few pointers;

• ladies – dig out your crimper – the background is crimped!  Now we forgot about this lovely piece of texture in our creative places too often!
• Love the top note die - it is so versatile!  Here you'll cut two – 1 in whisper white and 1 in crushed curry – you can cut both at once with the Big Shot!
• Stamp the image with staz on ink and color away – two ways to add color – aquapainter and reinker from your ink case or watercolor crayon!
• don't forget about the hardware!  It adds such a cute accent – the vellum cardstock inside it just adds to the elegance of the card

Don't forget to join me for the Mini Catalog open house on Saturday, May 8 9:30-12:30 – you'll see more like this!

Stampin' Blessings!