Woo hoo, UPS finally came yesterday and delivered my Snowflake Showcase products.  This limited edition suite can be pre-ordered by Demonstrators this month, and will be available to customers in November, but only while stocks last.

In the suite there are two stamp sets Snow is Glistening and Happiness Surrounds, each with 14 photopolymer stamps.  Then there’s the coordinating 20 piece Snowfall Thinlits Dies.  Finally there’s a pack of 20 silver metal snowflakes with a rhinestone centre (10 each of 2 designs), and 12″ x 12″ White Velvet Paper.

I already know I’m going to have fun with all the parts of this suite.  First though I wanted to try out the detailed snowflake tree from Snow Is Glistening.

SNOWFLAKE TREE

The snowflake tree is the largest image in the Snow is Glistening Stamp Set and it’s incredibly detailed.  One of the first things I checked was the edges of the tree.  Every snowflake is complete, there’s no partial snowflakes, which I love.  This means that you can stamp several of this image close together to create a seamless background.

Today I used Pool Party ink to stamp a single tree on the left side on the front of a Whisper White Medium Envelope.  Then I used Soft Suede ink to stamp the tree trunk image.

I also decided to repeat this stamping on a layer of Whisper White Card that I’d use to line my card base.

HEAT EMBOSSED TREE

For the front of the card I thought I’d see how the detail on the tree would hold up if I heat embossed it.

I began with a piece of Night of Navy Card and wiped it with an Embossing Buddy to remove any oils and static.  Then I stamped the tree using VersaMark ink and sprinkled it with Silver Stampin’ Emboss Powder.  Next I tapped off the excess powder and carefully removed a few stray specks, before melting the rest with my Heat Tool set on 2 (high).

With the main part of the tree done I turned to the tree trunk image.  I stamped the tree trunk using VersaMark ink but this time sprinkled it with Copper Stampin’ Emboss Powder.  Then I tapped off the powder, removed some stray specks, and melted the rest as before.

I was so pleased with the results of the embossing, the detail on the images was amazing.  All I needed to do now was cut around the tree and trunk with my Stampin’ Trimmer and Paper Snips.

THE CARD AND BACKGROUND

With so much detail on the tree I didn’t want a background that would overpower it .

I started by cutting and scoring a piece of Thick Whisper White Card using my Stampin’ Trimmer.  Then I folded it along the scored line and sharpened the crease with a Bone Folder to create the card base.

Using Multipurpose Liquid Glue (Tombow) I fixed the stamped Whisper White layer inside the card.  Then I used more liquid glue to attach a piece of Pool Party Card in the centre on the front of the card base.

To give the background some interest but keep it subtle I decided to use Vellum Cardstock.  I placed it inside the Sparkle Textured Impressions Embossing Folder and embossing it using my Big Shot and Multipurpose Platform.  Then I set it aside while I worked on the sentiment.

CUSTOM-COLOURED EMBOSSING

The ‘joy’ sentiment also comes from the Snow is Glistening Stamp Set.  To make the sentiment a little more interesting I decided that I wanted to emboss it in Night of Navy.

I began by wiping a piece of Thick Whisper White Card with the Embossing Buddy to remove any oils and static.  Then I inked up the sentiment using VersaMark ink and immediately tapped it onto the Night of Navy ink pad.  Next I stamped onto the Whisper White Card and sprinkled the sentiment with Clear Stampin’ Emboss Powder.  I tapped off the excess powder and removed some stray specks, then melted the rest as usual.  I now had a custom-coloured embossed sentiment.

There’s no die for the sentiment but it wasn’t difficult for me to cut it out with Paper Snips.

FINAL ASSEMBLY

When working with vellum I always assemble my layers in reverse so that I can hide the adhesive.  To do this I simply lay the vellum onto the card base without any adhesive just while I fix the elements to it.  This way I can still get the elements in the right places.

I began by wrapping my tree with some Silver Mini Sequin Trim held in place on the back with Mini Glue Dots.  Then I fixed the tree to the vellum with Stampin’ Dimensionals.

Next I took a length of Night of Navy 1/2″ Gingham Ribbon, folded it in half (holding it together with a Mini Glue Dot).  Then with another Mini Glue Dot I added the ribbon to the vellum.

The sentiment came next, attached to the folded ribbon with pieces of Stampin’ Dimensionals.

Finally I was ready to attach the vellum to the card base.  I flipped the vellum over and placed Mini Glue Dots behind the tree and the ribbon.  Then when I attached the vellum to the card front the adhesive was completely hidden and my project was finished.

I’m already in love with this suite, so be prepared for more sneak peeks to come.

CAN’T WAIT FOR THE SNOWFLAKE SHOWCASE?

The Snowflake Showcase suite of products will be available for customers to order during November, but only while stocks last.  So make sure that you plan to place your order early in November so you don’t miss out.

There is a way to get your hands on Snowflake Showcase products now, and that’s to become an Independent Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator like me.  When you join you can choose up to $165 CAD of products including the Snowflake Showcase suite for your starter kit.  You’ll pay just $135 CAD for your kit with no additional shipping and taxes.

As a Demonstrator you’ll get at least 20% off any subsequent orders you place.  If you choose to take orders from other people you’ll earn at least 20% income on those orders too.  Mind you, you don’t have to sell to others if you don’t want to.  You also don’t have to hold classes or write a blog, I do it because I enjoy it.  If just you want the discount, free catalogues and to buy products before they’re available to customers, that’s fine.

If you think you might be interested but have some questions, just contact me and I’ll answer them honestly.  I’d be delighted to welcome you to my Crafty Canadians team, but it has to be the right decision for you.

Now I’m off to my craft studio to play.  I hope you’ll join me again tomorrow for some more papercrafting inspiration.

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