August Release Day 2: More Le Cirque

Welcome back to Day 2 of our August Release. Today we are taking another look at Le Cirque, the Le Cirque Die, and the Scalloped Oval Die. If you missed Day 1 you can find more details about all of these here. Yesterday I showed you how perfect this set was for creating party ensembles. Today, I wanted to show you some totally different looks that really showcase the flexibility of Le Cirque.

First up, how about a super feminine, uber trendy yet classic birthday card.

What I love about this image is how perfect it is for all ages. This could easily be used for a little ballerina's birthday, or an older classy girlfriend. Paired with patterned papers from the Uncommon collection by Authentique, it has such an Audrey-esque vibe. Don't you think?

Here you can see some up close detail of the Scalloped Oval Die and the scalloped oval frame included in Le Cirque. I just love the design range this frame has. Yesterday it was very juvenile in the birthday party decorations, and here it is so sophisticated. It really is a timeless design that fits any design genre. That gorgeous sentiment is a little preview of the set we will be introducing tomorrow.

Next up, I wanted to showcase my favorite image from the set, the elephant.

Isn't that just darling? I die cut the elephant using the Le Cirque Die and then stamped the elephant image. Then I paired it with Pile It On and Kisses & Cuddles. I stamped the journaling line and hung the pennants (which is actually an ice cream cone) from it, all from Pile It On. For my sentiment I paired "Celebrate" from Le Cirque with "Baby Boy" from Kisses & Cuddles. This is one of those cards that is perfect to have on hand as it could be used for a Birth Congrats card or a 1st birthday.

I thought the papers from the Schoolhouse collection by October Afternoon were a perfect match for this image.

That's all I have today, but the Design Team has more for you:

• Elise Durenberger
• Cristina Kowalczyk
• Jinny Newlin
• Kerrianne Gwin
• Lea Lawson
• Savitri Wilder
• Jean Martin - taking a few weeks off, but be sure to stop by and leave her some love anyway

Would you like to win Le Cirque, the Le Cirque Die, and the Scalloped Oval Die? We will be showcasing these goodies both today and tomorrow, so leave me a comment telling me which item you are most interested in so far by 11:59 PM EST August 2nd to enter. I will select one random winner from all comments from Aug. 1st & 2nd. Winners will be posted here.

Thanks for joining us and I hope to see you tomorrow!

August 2011 Release: Le Cirque, Le Cirque Die, and Scalloped Oval Die

Hello, and welcome to Day 1 of our August Release! For those of you that are new to Wplus9, we will spend the next couple of days getting up close and personal with the products that we will be releasing this month. All previewed items will be available for purchase on August 5th at www.wplus9.com.

This month we have 2 new stamp sets and 3 new steel rule dies. Today's set is so much fun! The Circus/Carnival theme is wildly popular at the moment. I have shied away from it...until now that is. Le Cirque is both fun and elegant, whimsical and sophisticated. Right up my alley! I have designed this set in a way that the final style outcome is completely up to you.

Le Cirque

• is a 6x8 clear photopolymer stamp set
• contains 21 stamps; 8 images, 11 sentiments, 1 banner image and 1 scalloped oval frame
• will be available for purchase August 5th for just $19

What would make this set even more amazing? Matching dies of course!

Le Cirque Die

• coordinates with Le Cirque stamp set
• cuts 4 coordinating shapes
• will be available for purchase August 5th for just $9

Scalloped Oval Die

• coordinates with Le Cirque stamp set
• measures approx. 2.25" tall x 2.75" wide
• will be available for purchase August 5th for just $7

Today, I wanted to show you how, when used together, these products are perfect for all things PARTY!

I decided to create a birthday party ensemble for my youngest, Carter. His birthday isn't until February...but now I've got a great head start. First up is a little invitation. I decided to pair Le Cirque with our Vintage Envelope Die

I bought a pack of Recollections tags from Michaels and lo and behold, they fit perfectly into the Vintage Envelope! After cutting from patterned paper and assembling the envelope, I trimmed off the top flap. This left me with a pocket to tuck the tag into. To decorate the outside of the pocket, I die cut a label using the Label Layers 2 Die. I stamped the scalloped frame onto the center, it fits perfectly and creates a totally new look. I die cut my embellishments using the Le Cirque Die, and stamped the elephant, ringmaster and tightrope walker in blue, yellow, and red.

I then cut just the banner from green cardstock, stamped the banner image and sentiment in Versamark, and them embossed with white embossing powder.

For the insert, I used a little help from my PC. First, I created my text layout using Adobe Illustrator. You can use Word or Photoshop as well. Now, you could print these and then trim and adhere to your tag, but I wanted to try to print them directly onto the tag. I created a little pic-torial to show what I did.

Once I had it printed on the tag, all I had to do was add the little tent image included in Le Cirque, and the Admission Ticket (which has the recipient's name and the date of the party on the back).

How cute is that?!

Next up...the matching birthday card. I started this by creating some fun background paper using the ticket image and many of the sentiments included in the set. First I stamped the ticket image repeatedly in a block pattern using assorted colors. I pulled the colors from the patterned paper that I chose to work with, the A Walk In The Park collection by Echo Park.

I continued until I covered the entire panel. TIP: I start with a larger piece than I will need, this gives me some leftover to use on projects in the future. Then I came back in and stamped my sentiment phrases.

For the focal point, I used the same layout as the invitation, omitting the elephant and tight rope walker, using only the Ringmaster.

While I was at it, I wanted to show you how fantastic the scalloped oval is for creating banners.

Isn't that gorgeous?! Not the lopsided cupcakes...the banner. ;o) Let me show you how easy it was. I started with 3" x 6" rectangles of patterned paper. Scored each 1 inch down from the top, and notch the bottom. TIP: To cut the notches, I stacked all of mine and cut all at once using a craft knife. Add a little removeable adhesive between each layer to keep them from shifting.

Fold tops over ribbon and machine stitch into place. I die cut my scalloped ovals, stamped them with the scalloped oval image, and added my letters I cut using my Cricut.

I just love how fun, festive, and colorful this turned out. Just think of all of the possibilities and different looks you can achieve by just swapping colors and patterns!

Are you aching for some more? Be sure to check out the rest of the design team inspiration:

• Elise Durenberger
• Cristina Kowalczyk
• Jinny Newlin
• Kerrianne Gwin
• Lea Lawson
• Savitri Wilder
• Jean Martin - taking a few weeks off, but be sure to stop by and leave her some love anyway

Would you like to win Le Cirque, the Le Cirque Die, and the Scalloped Oval Die? We will be showcasing these goodies both today and tomorrow, so leave me a comment by 11:59 PM EST August 2nd to enter. I will select one random winner from all comments. Winners will be posted here.

Thanks for joining us and I hope to see you tomorrow!

Inside The Studio: Store Maintenance

Down For Maintenance

Our store will be undergoing some maintenance and software upgrades on Wednesday, July 27th, 2011. During that time there will be periods of time where the store will be inaccessible. We are hoping to isolate all updates to this 12-16 hour window. We appreciate your understanding.

New Release Schedule

If you are signed up to receive our newsletter, you already know that we are moving to a more consistent release schedule. Sneak peeks will begin on the 1st of every month with all products being available for purchase on the 5th of every month. We are hoping you will love the new extended project sneak peeks!

Wholesale

We are currently developing a wholesale plan. Our pilot store is doing very well and we are extremely happy to offer local Jacksonville, FL stampers the ability to purchase Wplus9 stamps at:

Pictures In Time
550 Wells Road # 13
Orange Park, FL 32073
(904) 213-7891

We will continue to keep you all updated on where you can find our stamps locally.

New Products

We are currently in the development stages of adding our next line of products to the Wplus9 family. Stay tuned for more!

Hope you are all having a safe and happy summer!

July 2011 Release Day 4: Group Post

It's Release Day! And can I just say how amazingly excited I am about your response to this release. You are all amazing! There are still a few left, but they are going FAST.

Kerrianne and I had the pleasure of doing a Meet-n-Greet with some Make and Takes at Pictures In Time, a local scrapbook store. It was so much fun, and let me tell you, everyone loved the stamps so much that they cleared us completely out of the product that we had brought along with us! It was so amazing to me to see how impressed everyone was with the quality and the images. Not to mention how COOL and FUN everyone was! I can't wait to hang with them again. Thanks Janet!

Now let's get on to my favorite day of the month...GROUP POST DAY!

1. Jinny Newlin

Ooooh Emmm Geee. Love, love, love what Jinny's done here! Her patterns and color palette really evoke that French Country feeling. Her bow? Come on! Please I want to know how she does it. The little tag with the split Merci Beaucoup is the perfect finishing touch.

Kerrianne Gwin

Kerrianne's ultra feminine but simple card is just perfect. The addition of the lace and pearls to the dress form add just the right amount of texture and interest. This card has mass production potential written all over it!

Lea Lawson

What a fantastic example of an "out-of-the-box" approach to the dress form! What strikes me is how flawlessly Lea has worked this vibrant color palette with the vintage dress form bringing it so up-to-date.

Savitri Wilder

I want this card. I want to display it where everyone can see it. I just love the way Savitri has paired C'est La Vie and Hope Seed Co. to create this little scene. This would make such a wonderful series of prints.

Elise Durenberger

Have you seen this yet? No really, have you been to Elise's blog to see all of the photos of the AMAZING mini-book she has created using the Vintage Envelope Designer Die? Go. Now. Please.

Jean Martin

Jean has done a wonderful job of showcasing the beautiful potential for creating/adding to patterned paper that C'est La Vie has. Did you notice the ghosted images she has added to her patterned paper in the background? Mwah!

Cristina Kowalczyk

Is anyone else craving some Fruit Stripe gum? LOL Cristina does a fabulous job of showcasing an alternative to color the lined flower images from Hope Seed Co. by incorporating color banding. The added interested really creates a perfect backdrop for the simple sentiment.

So there you have the wrap up. Thank you so much for joining us for another fantastic release! And thank you to the wonderful Wplus9 Design Team for providing such amazing inspiration!

Don't forget to check if you were one of the lucky winners of our June Release on the Winner's Page

July 2011 Release Day 3: Full Reveal

Welcome to Day 4 of our July Release. Today is the day that you get to see the sets we are releasing this month in their entirety. All products will be available for purchase on July 10th at www.wplus9.com.

C'est La Vie

Details

• is a 6x8 clear photopolymer stamp set
• contains 14 stamps; 9 images, 4 sentiments and 1 flourished frame
• will be available for purchase July 10th for just $19

Label Layers 2 designer die

Details

• coordinates with C'est la vie stamp set
• measures approx. 2.5" tall x 3.6" wide
• made from lead free American Steel
• will be available for purchase July 10th for just $7

Defining Words

Details

• is a 6x8 clear photopolymer stamp set
• contains 7 stamps; 4 background building images, 2 word blocks, and 1 curly bracket
• will be available for purchase July 10th for just $19

Hope Seed Co.

Details

• is a 6x8 clear photopolymer stamp set
• contains 23 stamps; 4 flower images, 18 sentiment builders and 1 border frame
• will be available for purchase July 10th for just $19

Vintage Envelope designer die

Details

• coordinates with Hope Seed Co. stamp set
• measures approx. 3.5" tall x 2.75" wide when folded and assembled
• made from lead-free American Steel
• will be available for purchase July 10th for just $18

Thank you all so much for your enthusiasm and support. I really enjoy creating and seeing what you all create. Next month's release will be another of my favorites so I am looking forward to sharing it with you!

July 2011 Release Day 2

Welcome back to day 2 of our July Release! I am so thrilled with how much you guys are enjoying the previews so far. Just two more days until the entire release is available for purchase.

So let's continue, shall we. Today, it is my pleasure to introduce Hope Seed Co. and our Vintage Envelope die.

Hope Seed Co.

• is a 6x8 clear photopolymer stamp set
• contains 23 stamps; 4 flower images, 18 sentiment builders and 1 border frame
• will be available for purchase July 10th for just $19

Vintage Envelope Die

• coordinates with Hope Seed Co. stamp set
• measures approx. 3.5" tall x 2.75" wide when folded and assembled
• will be available for purchase July 10th for just $18

When I sat down to design Hope Seed Co., I wanted to capture the elements from those old vintage seed packets, but I also wanted to create something useful. Not just ephemera. So where the flower names would traditionally be, I've swapped them out for the sentiments, "Friendship", "Warm Wishes", "Good Luck", etc... So you can send Good Luck seeds, or Friendship blooms. Each phrase is a separate stamp and many with various versions, so you really can mix and match to your heart's content. You could even fill the generously sized Vintage Envelope with actual seeds or tuck in a gift card.

My first project does just that.

I've created a matching card and gift card holder. So cute and so easy to make. I started by stamping the frame and my sentiments onto a white rectangle of cardstock. I could have stamped this directly onto the envelope, but I knew I wanted to matte it with patterned paper.

Since I wanted to pop my flowers up, I stamped the poppy image onto a separate piece of cardstock so that I could color and trim it out. Again, I could have stamped this directly, but then I couldn't pop it up. ;o)

Next I die cut the Vintage Envelope. This die is just perfect. So many uses, I've even cut the top off and used a 1" circle punch at the top to create a library card pocket. Two-for-one! The score lines are perfect and work beautifully on thin patterned paper as well as thick cardstock.

To assemble the envelope, fold along score lines and use a strong hold adhesive. The quarter inch Tacky Tape is the perfect width a strong.

Next I die cut another Vintage Envelope from patterned paper. I used the front and the flap to decorate my plain white envelope. I just love the detail on the flap, don't you?

For my matching card, I used the same poppy image and a couple of different sentiments. Omitted the border frame and stamped everything directly onto a rectangle. I added another die cut flap to the top and rounded the bottom corners. Then I used a couple of border punches to add a few of the beautiful patterns from Echo Park's For The Record collection. L.O.V.E.

Next up, a little number using C'est la vie, Defining Words, Hope Seed Co., and just a bit of Brothers & Sisters thrown in for good measure. I started by stamping the Friend Synonym text background across the bottom half of my card. I added a bit of cream crocheted trim and black twill wrapped with some twine. I added a little "Thankful" label from Hope Seed Co..

For my focal image, I used another of the flowers included in today's set, matted with the Label Layers 2 die and matching frame from C'est la vie.

And another variation using a similar layout/idea. This time I stamped the poppy image repeatedly to create my background paper. I then added a Label Layers 1 die with the All Occasion Label die. This is a smart sophisticated look for those of us who a)can't color, b)don't like to color or c)don't have time to color. LOL

Finally, I just wanted to share a sweet tag. I used the Friend Synonym text block from Defining Words along with the crown from C'est la vie. Add a little distressing, some seam binding and a key trinket and you've got a vintage treasure. I added the little "For You, With Love" on my mini tag from Damask Frames.

And that concludes Day 2 my friends. I have just touched the tip of the iceberg in regards to the crafty potential here. Be sure to visit the Design Team for even more ideas and inspiration:

• Elise Durenberger
• Cristina Kowalczyk
• Jinny Newlin
• Kerrianne Gwin
• Lea Lawson
• Savitri Wilder
• Jean Martin

Tomorrow we reveal the entire release. But today we are giving away Hope Seed Co. and the Vintage Envelope die! Would you like a chance to win them? Leave a comment by 11:59 PM EST July 8th and I will select one random winner from all comments. Winners will be posted here. Good luck, thanks for joining us, and I hope to see you tomorrow!

July 2011 Release Day 1

Welcome to Day 1 of our July Release! I appreciate you all hanging in there for our delayed release, but we will certainly not disappoint (at least I hope not!).

For those of you that are new to Wplus9, we will spend the next couple of days getting up close and personal with the products that we will be releasing this month. All previewed items will be available for purchase on July 10th at www.wplus9.com.

So let's get started, shall we? You may have noticed that I have been really practicing this whole shabby chic style lately. Well, it has been for good reason. I couldn't very well illustrate and sell a set that I couldn't use, could I? This first set goes out to all of those shabby chic-ers who's creations I envy and drool over.

C'est la vie

• is a 6x8 clear photopolymer stamp set
• contains 14 stamps; 9 images, 4 sentiments and 1 flourished frame
• will be available for purchase July 10th for just $19

I'm having so much fun with this set! I'm telling you, it is like the sampler platter of vintage images. This first card is a little bit shabby meets a little bit retro with a twist of bold.

I used the large dress form included in the set, trimmed it out, adorned it with a scrap of ruffled eyelet lace and finished it with a mulberry rose. These images look perfect with the patterned papers from October Afternoon and Crate Paper. For my sentiment I added some phrases from K&Company and the Friend sentiment from A Special Lady.

This next pair of cards started from the same piece of calendar paper from Crate Paper (seen naked at the bottom of the above card).

I used my distress inks, many of the images from C'est la vie, and Defining Words (more on that in a bit), to create my own collaged paper with a very vintage feel.

I broke my sentiment into three parts for added interest. I started by painting a naked piece of canvas with white acrylic paint. Once it was dry, I added the flourish from this set above and below my sentiment, Mon Cher Ami "My Dear Friend". I added a little tonic label from Pink Paislee along with a little sentiment tag "Get Well" from Hope Seed Co. (more on that tomorrow).

I used the other half of the paper I created to make a baby card. The bird's nest included in C'est la vie seemed perfect for a Welcome Little One card to me. Paired with the bird cage and epoxy button from Pink Paislee and they look made for each other. Don't you think?

Next up, it is my pleasure to introduce you to a set I've been waiting for. A background building text set that covers it all: script, typewriter font, synonyms and definitions!

Defining Words

• is a 6x8 clear photopolymer stamp set
• contains 7 stamps; 4 background building images, 2 word blocks, and 1 curly bracket
• will be available for purchase July 10th for just $19

I'd also like to introduce the first new die this month.

Label Layers 2

• coordinates with C'est la vie stamp set
• measures approx. 2.5" tall x 3.6" wide
• will be available for purchase July 10th for just $7

This is probably my personal favorite of the day. I started by stamping the "Friend" definition script background in chocolate.

For my focal point, I die cut a piece of patterned paper from the Uncommon collection by Authentique using Label Layers 2. I then stamped the smaller dress form from C'est la vie onto a 1.75" circle. I added the sentiment from Spring Post and tied it with a little twill before adhering with foam tape. So simple, yet sophisticated.

So there you have Day 1. I told you this was a good one! I hope you are as excited as I am. Be sure to stop by the rest of the Design Team to see more from these sets:

• Elise Durenberger
• Cristina Kowalczyk
• Jinny Newlin
• Kerrianne Gwin
• Lea Lawson
• Savitri Wilder
• Jean Martin

Would you like to win C'est la vie, Defining Words, and Label Layers 2? Leave me a comment by 11:59 PM EST July 7th to enter. I will select one random winner from all comments. Winners will be posted here.

Project Supplies

Tried & True
Stamps: C'est la Vie, A Special Lady (Wplus9)
Ink: True Black Archival Ink (Ranger), Acrylic paint (Ranger); Brilliant Blue (Stampin' Up!)
Cardstock: Rustic White (Papertrey Ink)
Patterned Paper: October Afternoon (Five and Dime collection); Crate Paper (Portrait collection)
Other: Embellishments (K&Company); Mulberry Rose (Recollections)
Fibers: Ruffled Eyelet Lace (Simplicity); Twine (Martha Stewart)

Mon Cher Ami
Stamps: C'est la Vie, Hope Seed Co. (Wplus9)
Ink: Stampin' Up!; Tim Holtz Distress Ink; Acrylic Paint (Ranger)
Cardstock: Papertrey Ink
Patterned Paper: Crate Paper (Portrait collection)
Embellishments: Pink Paislee (Butterfly Garden collection); Mulberry Rose (Recollections)
Fibers: Papertrey Ink; Canvas (craft supply)

Welcome Little One
Stamps: C'est la Vie, Kisses & Cuddles (Wplus9)
Ink: Stampin' Up!; Tim Holtz Distress Ink; Acrylic Paint (Ranger)
Cardstock: Papertrey Ink
Patterned Paper: Crate Paper (Portrait collection)
Embellishments: Pink Paislee (Butterfly Garden collection)
Fibers: Papertrey Ink; Canvas (craft supply)

For You Friend
Stamps: C'est la Vie, Defining Words (Wplus9)
Ink: Stampin' Up!
Cardstock: Papertrey Ink
Patterned Paper: Authentique (Uncommon collection)
Fibers: Papertrey Ink
Other: Label Layers 2 steel rule die (Wplus9)