Clear Mount Rubber Stamps

You  might remember I posted a few days ago about the new Autumn-Winter Mini Catalogue, and how the the stamps are now available as unmounted as well as wood-mounted?  I decided to try out the new Clear Mount system and bought a few sets to see what it was like, and I have to say, I'm impressed.

The stamps are made of the same high quality red rubber and dense foam, with a static cling backing to adhere to clear acrylic blocks (available separately).  Because there's no wood in the package, the stamps are cheaper than their traditional counterparts, and are stored in cases similar in size to a DVD case.

The stamps come with index sheets which you can stick to the back of the stamp if you wish - the index sheets are backed with the same static cling film as the foam - which means that you can see right through your acrylic block and position your stamp exactly where you want it to go.

The cases have full sized images on the front, and the stamp set name and thumbnail sized images on the side so you can see at a glance what stamp is where.

While I love the traditional wood-mounted stamp, these are a really good alternative, especially if you have limited storage space.  And as I said, they're cheaper which means you can buy more LOL.

New Autumn-Winter Mini - with exciting news!

Yes, it's April 1 and you know what that means?!

Aside from April Fools' Day, that is.

A new Mini Catalogue from Stampin' Up!, that's what.

Because Stampin' Up! have decided to change the "catalogue year" to September-August (rather than April-March as it has been since they started out in Australia in 2006), they have brought out an interim Mini Catalogue to get us through the long winter months till September.

And there are some real treats in store for you!

In summary (quite a long summary, but there is a lot to tell you):

• Stampin' Up! now offer the Sizzix Big Shot die cutting system plus a selection of accessories (including some exclusive dies and embossing folders).
• The stamps in the Mini Catalogue (with one exception*) are now available as either the traditional wood-mounted stamps we have come to know and love, or the new Clear Mount system
• Three new punches are released in this catalogue, in a new flat body style you have to have! (and can I recommend the Bird Punch - it's to die for).
• This catalogue also has two new hostess sets, available only until the end of August or while stocks last.
• We have new colours to play with! Three of the current US "In Colors" have been released in Australia for the duration of this catalogue only - so if you have seen samples of Rich Razzleberry, Melon Mambo or Soft Suede on American blogs, you can now get your hands on these colours in ribbon, A4 card, ink and refills.

I have already shown you a couple of sneak previews of some of the things that the Big Shot can do here, here and here - and there's so much more! I can't wait until I get my first big order in so I can show you!

A word about the Clear Mount system ... don't imagine for a moment that this means that Stampin' Up! are going to release their stamps as clear polymer - the Clear Mount means exactly that - the mounts themselves are clear. The stamps are the made using same red rubber as always, however they are backed with a cling film which attaches temporarily to clear acrylic blocks (available in various sizes from Stampin' Up!). So your stamps store in a box the same size as a DVD case, and you can fit so many more on your shelves *g*.

*The exception is the Medallion stamp, which because of its size is only available wood mounted.

So contact me today for a copy of your Autumn-Winter Mini Catalogue, and don't forget the best way to earn FREE goodies is to host your own workshop!

Sneak Peek - New Stuff (part 3)!

The third of my sneak peeks to share with you just a few of the goodies soon to be available from the Autumn/Winter Mini Catalogue (official release April 1).

This is just so cool! If you (like me) love the stamp set "Fifth Avenue Floral", which among other things contains a gorgeous rose stamp, you're going to love this embossing folder!

Here I have taken a tip from Patty's Stamping Spot (wow, what an awesome talent!) and looked at the flower from a whole different angle, so to speak. The result is stunning and so easy when you know how it's done.

And have you noticed? I have been a little adventurous in my colour choices for the last few cards. Here we have Apricot Appeal teamed with Chocolate Chip and Tempting Turquoise (thanks Gail for the suggestions!), with a little Real Red sponged on the flowers.

You will also notice the Scallop Oval Punch - don't forget that while this punch does not appear in a current Stampin' Up! publication, it is still available for order (the code is 114889) along with a select few other items (refer to this post for full details).

Images © 1990-2010 Stampin' Up!®

Supplies used:
Stamp/s: Best Yet (Hostess Set)
Ink: Pretty in Pink, Apricot Appeal, Real Red, Chocolate Chip
Cardstock: Apricot Appeal, Tempting Turquoise, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White
Other: Manhattan Flower Embossing Folder, Scallop Oval Punch, Large Oval Punch, Tempting Turquoise 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Scallop Edge Punch

Sneak Peek - New Stuff (part 2)!

More new stuff for you to admire *g*.

Last time I showed you a card made with the Top Note die and a new set called Vintage Vogue.

Today, it's the die again and this awesome punch (which includes the bird, wing and branch, all in one). And a new colour combination (Old Olive, Apricot Appeal and Chocolate Chip - who would have thought they would look so good together?).

If you would like to see more of the Autumn / Winter Mini Catalogue, email me and I will mail you out a copy.

There is a lot of new stuff in the Mini Catalogue, in fact it's a little larger than usual to fit it all in! And a lot of new innovations as well which I can't wait to share with you!

Images © 1990-2010 Stampin' Up!®

Supplies used:
Stamp/s: Cottage Garden
Ink: Apricot Appeal, Chocolate Chip, Old Olive
Cardstock: Old Olive, Apricot Appeal, Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla
Other: Top Note Die, Extra-Large Two Step Bird Punch

Sneak Peek - New Stuff (part 1)!

My next few posts will be dedicated to providing you all with a little taste of what is coming up in the Autumn/Winter Mini Catalogue next month.

Because Stampin' Up! have decided to change the "catalogue year" to September-August (rather than April-March as it has been since they started out in Australia in 2006), they have decided to bring out a kind of "super-mini" catalogue to get us through the next few months.

And as a demonstrator I am lucky enough to be allowed to pre-order some of the goodies contained therein!

So what do we have coming up? Can't say too much, but perhaps this card will give you a clue ...

See that gorgeous vanilla layer? Wanna know how that was done?

Email me for a copy of the new Autumn/Winter Mini Catalogue and find out!

(or I could just tell you it's an exclusive die made for Stampin' Up! by the lovely people at Sizzix) (but email me for a copy of the Mini Catalogue anyway *g*).

And did you see the colours I used? I have to say, I didn't realise just how good Very Vanilla, Old Olive and Perfect Plum looked together until now. They really suit the vintage look of the stamps, too.

Images © 1990-2010 Stampin' Up!®

Supplies used:
Stamp/s: Vintage Vogue
Ink: Perfect Plum, Old Olive
Cardstock: Perfect Plum, Old Olive, Very Vanilla
Other: Top Note Die