Friday, August 20, 2010

Stampin' Up! Punch Caddies Not Available

We have discovered serious quality issues with the Punch Caddies that can not be resolved. Rather than deliver a defective product, we chose to halt production.
We are disappointed that we cannot offer the Punch Caddies for sale. But because of our ongoing commitment to providing you with the highest quality products, we simply cannot allow this product to go live. If you have additional questions about this matter, we’ve prepared a brief Q&A:

Q: What were the quality issues with the Punch Caddy?
A: Through usability testing we discovered problems with the functionality of the Punch Caddy, as well as issues with materials and aesthetics that did not meet our standards.

Q: Will you offer a Punch Caddy in the future?
A: We have no immediate plans to manufacture the Punch Caddy as it is currently designed. We will possibly look into an equivalent product in the future, but we do not have any firm plans to do so at this time.

Q: Why don’t we get a different vendor to produce the Punch Caddy?
A: The problems with the punch caddy are in the design, molds and materials. Even if we selected another vendor, it would not be possible for them to manufacture a product that would meet our quality standards.

Q: Why are items that are not yet for sale included in the Idea Book & Catalog?
A: The timelines of the Idea Book & Catalog and product development sometimes overlap, and some products are still in development when the catalog goes to press. At the time of printing, we have assurances from our vendors that the products will be ready at or shortly after catalog launch. As the Idea Book & Catalog is the Stampin’ Up! storefront, including them in the catalog provides them with the broadest exposure—much more than they would receive if we were to launch those products independent of the Idea Book & Catalog. Unfortunately, in the case of the Punch Caddy, difficulties arose that will prevent it from being offered at all. Future print runs of the 2010–2011 Idea Book & Catalog will not feature the Punch Caddy at all.

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Another Lorna inspiration.

Wow is it hot today. I have no idea what the temp is today but it is definitely HOT!! So what's better than making a cool card. Once again Lorna Rande's photos have inspired me to try and recreate the beauty Lorna has captured in one of her photos. Unfortunately my camera is still acting up. I think I need a new memory card, and my skill is no where near that of Lorna. This picture doesn't do this card justice nor does it show the detail and sparkle of it. However I still want to share it with you.
If you are interested in checking out Lorna's work you can find her photos here.

Card recipe:
Stamps: Pocket silhouettes, Season of friendship, Season of joy
Paper: Basic black, More mustard, Whisper white
Ink: Sahara sand, Basic black, Craft white, More mustard, versamark.
Accessories: Sponges, Stamp a ma jig, white gel pen, blender pen, basic black stampin write marker, gold embossing powder, heat tool, Champagne mist shimmer paint, 2"x1-3/8" Oval extra large punch, scallop oval extra large punch, ribbon from my stash.

Sponging and masking and more sponging and masking

I'm really enjoying this technique and the wonderful effects you can achieve with something as simple as a few sponges, ink and post it notes for masking. Hmmmm thinking I should have a class of just this technique. This little gal is from "Summer by the sea" one of the very first sets) I bought through Stampin'Up! I was sooo sad when she retired. Every once in a while I like to pull her out and see what I can come up with. I think this one turned out fairly well.

Card recipe:

Stamps: Summer by the sea
Paper: Crumb cake, Night of navy, Rose red, Whisper white
Ink: Basic black, Wild wasabi, Rose red, Crumb cake, Baja breeze, Night of navy, Blush blossom
Accessories: Sponges, post it notes, blender pen, dimensionals, 1" circle medium punch.

Lovely as a tree.




Another favorite stamp set, and another Michelle Zindorf case. If you have time to go check out Michelle's blog I promise, you won't be disappointed. Michelle's projects are amazing!! Go check it out here.

Card recipe

Stamps: Lovely as a tree
Papers: Basic black, Tempting turquoise, Whisper white
Ink: Baja breeze, Tempting turquoise, Night of navy, Basic black
Accessories: Sponges, white gel pen, basic black stampin write marker,curly label extra large punch, brads

Love this little guy.




Is he not the cutest racoon ever!! The "Under the stars" stamp set is so versatile and great for all kinds of occasions and projects. Today I decided to try and case a super cute card I saw on Michelle Zindorf's blog. I did change it up a bit and I hope you all like it.

Card recipe:

Stamps: Under the stars, Upsy daisy
Paper: Night of Navy, Old olive, whisper white
Ink: Old olive, Sahara sand, Basic black, Baja breeze, Pacific point, Night of Navy
Accesories: Square lattice embossing folder, sponges, post it notes for masking, white gel pen, eyelets.