This post was part of the SUDSOL blog tour on August 1st (Judi Carpenter Stamps)

Welcome to my blog! I am so glad you came to visit me. I just participated in the SUDSOL New Catalog Blog Tour. SUDSOL is a membership site for Stampin' Up! demonstrators to share business and stamping with each other to help us grow our businesses! If you are a demonstrator, I invite you to check it out and get a free 2-week trial! If you are not a demonstrator but are thinking about it - this is just one of the fantastic ways to help your business grow! When you check out the trial - I invite you to view more of my samples in my SUDSOL Gallery!

This was my first blog tour, so I was a little nervous. I shared some new catalog projects I completed recently. They were made specially for my 2010 Convention roommates and I was so pleased with how they turned out. And my roomies said very nice things about them, so I hope you will enjoy seeing them, too.

Now on to my new catalog projects! I started by altering a "cow-print" journal, which can be obtained anywhere school supplies are sold and which are on sale right now for incredibly low prices, so I hope you'll try one if you haven't already. Here's my journal:

These journals are amazingly easy and fun to make. I first used the Vintage Wallpaper Textured Impressions embossing folder on pieces of Basic Black and Real Red cardstock. Then I gently sponged Basic Black ink on the Real Red piece to highlight the embossing and sponged the edges. The Basic Black 5/8" Satin Ribbon is the perfect tie for the journal. I secured the ribbon (it wraps all the way around the journal) in front with a Jumbo Antique Brass Eyelet using the Crop-a-Dile to punch the hole and set the eyelet (amazing tool, that Crop-a-Dile!). I apologize for the photo. I'm pretty new to the photo process and still learning. I'm planning to get better!

I used the Newsprint DSP to layer behind the stamped image, which is embossed with gold. I also used the Scallop Trim Border along the side of the Real Red cardstock layered there. I really like the way it looks with the Artistic Etchings stamps, don't you? I also sponged the Newspring DSP edges with the new Crumb Cake ink, which I think is just perfect for creating an antiqued look. I have to admit that I am not usually a fan of the "vintage" look, but I am falling in love with these sets now.

Here's a closeup of the Real Red 'flower' accent:

I stamped the image on the Real Red cardstock, then distressed it and crumpled it until it separated. That's one of the new Antique Brads in the center. They are perfect for the Vintage look!

You'll note that I also customized a pen for the journal. So easy and so effective. I sponged the Newsprint DSP with Crumb Cake ink before I rolled it around the ink thingy. You'll find a way better photo of the pen below.

My next project is a small purse-size note pad that was really fun to make. Take a look!

It measures 3 1/4" x 4 1/2." I covered it with Basic Black cardstock, layered with sponged Newsprint DSP, then stamped on Very Vanilla, sponged with Crumb Cake ink and layered on Basic Black punched with the Scallop Trim Border punch again. Notice that little stripe along the left side? That's the new Stampin' Up! 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon in Basic Black; I sponged it to give the white stripe an antiqued look. Of course, I used Crumb Cake, which may soon be my favorite ink pad!

My final project was a sticky note holder that will stand on your desk, awaiting your command to keep note of something important. I made it with a couple of 4" x 4" chipboard coasters. Take a

look:
Again, lots of sponging with Crumb Cake ink. Of course, I used my distressing tool, too, as well as some Basic Black 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon sponged with Crumb Cake. You can also see the pen better in this photo. Don't you think that little tag really adds a lot to this sweet little project? It's a Mini Vintage Tag and can be found on page 186 of the 2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalog for just $4.95 for 12 tags; they have a lovely shimmer look. Check 'em out!

When I finished these projects, I decided they really weren't quite as 'antiquey' as I wanted, so I sprayed them all with the new Smooch Spritz in Log Cabin, first placing each item in my Color Catcher, which I consider a crucial accessory item for the sprays. That is, unless you really enjoy cleaning up your stampin' space! I speak from experience, unfortunately. The sprays are really fun, but you do need to be careful.

Here's a complete list of product used to complete my ensemble:

Stamps: Artistic Etchings, Notably Ornate

Ink: Basic Black, Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Versamark

Paper: Basic Black cardstock, Very Vanilla Cardstock, Real Red cardstock, Newsprint Designer Series Paper

Accessories: 5/8" Basic Black Satin Ribbon, 1/8" Basic Black Taffeta Ribbon, Linen Thread, Gold Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Antique Brads, Jumbo Eyelets in Antique Brass, Crop-a-Dile, Cutter Kit (to distress the cardstock), Scallop Trim Border Punch, Stamping Sponges, Log Cabin Smooch Spritz, Color Catcher, Mat Pack

Non SU! items: journal (8 x 10 inches), mini journal, 4 x 4 chipboard coasters, binding machine and coils, Pentel RSVP pen, sticky note pad

You may check out the Stampin' Up! items and place an order by clicking on the appropriate box at the top of my blog. Or email me or give me a phone call. I'll be pleased to be your creative coach! And I'd love to show you these projects in person if you live in or near the Decatur, Illinois, area.

I hope you have enjoyed your visit to my blog and that you liked my projects.

Judi Carpenter

Comments

Great projects! Love altering those journal(ing) books. They make great gifts! Your post-it note holder is a charmer and would look good on any desk. TFS

Posted by: Brenda H | August 01, 2010 at 11:02 AM

I was lucky enough to receive this complete package in the SUDSOL gift swap at convention. I was so very excited to get it. Thank you Judy for such a lovely gift.

Posted by: Debra Brown | August 01, 2010 at 01:56 PM