New Stuff, FREE Stuff and Swap Cards!

Here is a picture of some of the free things I have gotten from Stampin' Up the past month. I love it when they give me free stamps and stuff! The company is so good to it's demonstrators, that is another great reason for you to join my team! I got the 6 new colors of ink pads and cardstock and 13 markers, the 6 new colors and 7 from the past In Colors that are returning as permanent (at least until the next color renovation) colors to our palet. Since there were problems in production (not Stampin' Up's fault) they gave everyone a new hostess stamp set called Because I Care. That helped me be more patient while I waited :~)

I also got 2 free stamp sets from the Sale-a-Bration promotion we did Jan-March. I could have ordered something sooner but I wanted to wait until I could get some of the new sets when the catalog pre-0rder came out. I ended up getting an alphabet set and a level 3 hostess set. I used the alphabet set on the July layout that I will be posting in a few days, keep your eye out for it!

As much as I like to get free goodies, I love to give them away too! I'm going to be giving away free stuff starting June 30. I'm getting my post ready for the details of my 35th wedding anniversary give away. I have ink pads, markers, reinkers, wheel cartridges and stamp sets - 35 gifts for you! Check back Wednesday to see how you can earn free Stampin' Up products too. These products will be retired but they still work!

In the mean time, enjoy a few of the swap cards I got last week at my Stampin' Up team meeting. There were lots of cards with that beautiful free set Because I Care. I love that hydranga, I'm seeing so many ways to color the flower, I can't wait to try them all! The pink and purple hydrangia is from Sue Erickson. She used the 2 colors of ink to show the highlights and shadows as well as the different colors you can get from hydrangias depending on the soil, sun and moisture. Her flower is beautiful on a Crumb Cake embossed background.

Top right is another beautiful card. the creator didn't put her name on the back which is a shame, it is so beautiful I'd love to give her credit. I love how she made a lacy border and used the little long stamp in the Because I Care set down the middle of it.

The other 2 cards weren't signed either but show some other great ways to use this stamp set. Notice the background blue paper on the lower right one? It is stamped with a single hydrangia bloom stamp from the set. did I mention that I really like this set that I got free, hey, you can get it free too! It is a level 1 hostess set!

4 more swap cards and then I reckon I'll go start supper. Another no-name card on both the left ones, isn't the top on nice with it's neutral colors and simple design? And the talented lady who made the lower left one did a great job of coloring the Courage stamp. On the right side, the beautiful card on the top was made by Stacy Bowers. She used the new Greenhouse Gala paper and the Friends Never Fade stamp set which are both so pertty but her ribbon treatment makes this a fantastic card! I need to get my sewing maching out to use on cards more often!

The last card is a fun card that Linda Cathey cased from Mary Fish. I love the lollipop flower with the butterfly sitting on it, what a fun touch. I like how she embossed the Old Olive paper with the polka dot embossing folder before cutting the leaves and stems from it. Very nice touch.