Magnolia's Place: May 2018

Tuesday, May 29, 2018

New Ink Pad Design

Why new ink pad case? The case’s manufacturing mold was about to expire. We can only use a mold a limited number of times before we need to replace it, so we chose to improve it!

What’s better about the case?
Using research, focus group feedback, we discovered a few things that could improve the design of the Classic Stampin’ Pad case. We wanted the new case to:

Be less confusing to open. Opening the new ink pad case is now more simple and intuitive—just insert your thumb in the lip at the front of the case and lift it to open.
Have a tighter fit between the lid and the base. With the new design, the lid doesn’t accidentally become disconnected, which was a common problem with the old case style. With use, the lid will be easier to slide open and close.
Be stackable. The ability to stack the cases makes them easier to store and transport. We designed a nub in each bottom corner that fits nicely into the dimple on the top of another case. Tip: Removing the label stickers from the bottom of the case (after applying the needed labels to the case) also makes the ink pads stack a little better.

We’re introducing a new color sticker you can place on the inside of the case, so you can easily distinguish the ink’s color when the case is open.

We improved our ink formula because we noticed that our old ink would sometimes bubble, especially on new pads and with lighter colors. When this happened, the ink wasn’t as even and smooth when stamped as we’d like to see it. The improved ink formula will:

Reduce ink bubbles.
Help you get a smooth coating of ink on the stamp.
Help lay down the ink better.

Beginning with the 2018–2019 Annual Catalog, all ink refills will have the improved ink formula. Also, if you or a customer recently received an ink refill and it has the new branding label, it contains the improved ink formula.

New Catalog is Almost Here!!

Only 3 more days!! Friday, June 1st

Monday, May 28, 2018

Everything's Coming Up Roses

tams# 23020

Product List

Abstract Impressions Photopolymer Stamp Set

[147513]

$26.00

Springtime Impressions Thinlits Dies

[146326]

$29.00

Abstract Impressions Photopolymer Bundle

[148348]

$49.50

Soft Sea Foam 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[146988]

$8.50

Petal Pink 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[146985]

$8.50

Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

[100730]

$9.00

Vellum 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

[101856]

$8.00

Melon Mambo Classic Stampin' Pad

[126948]

$6.50

Lovely Lipstick Classic Stampin' Pad

[147140]

$7.50

Shaded Spruce Classic Stampin' Pad

[147088]

$7.50

Gold Metallic Thread

[138401]

$3.00

Rhinestone Basic Jewels

[144220]

$5.00

Stampin' Dimensionals

[104430]

$4.00

Leaf Punch

[144667]

$16.00

Thursday, May 24, 2018

Stampin' Up! Taglets

Whew! It was a lot of work, but I got all done. If you'd like any of the sets of framelits, you can use the links below to downline the files.

print them on vellum cardstock
cut out with the appropriate framelits
punch holes with 1/8" hole punch
string them on ball and chains

When you have your taglets complete, you can easily see what size you'd like to use. Hold them up to stamped images, or a space on a card design and easy peasy!
Layering Circles Framelits

Layering Ovals Framelits

Layering Squares Framelits

Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Color Selection Tools

A bit more about the color selection process. Two tools I use a LOT are, my cardstock deck, and my designer series paper swatch book. Initially I made the swatch books to show customers what patterns were available in the various packages. However, I soon found out that I was using them a lot as I designed cards and other projects. I made cardstock decks for my customers. If you'd like to make one of your own you can download the file here.

As I looked at the list of colors found in this DSP (designer series paper), I looked at my cardstock deck and tried to decide which ones to use. I ended up selecting Petal Pink and Soft Sea Foam. I NEVER would have thought of using these two colors together had it not been for the colors in this pretty paper:) The two pieces of DSP measure 2-1/4" x 3" and 2-3/4" x 4." The card sketch I used is pictured below as well.

tams# 22942

Product List

Petal Pink 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[146985]

$8.50

Soft Sea Foam 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[146988]

$8.50

Garden Impressions 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper

[146289]

$11.00

Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

[100730]

$9.00

Abstract Impressions Photopolymer Stamp Set

[147513]

$26.00

1" Circle Punch

[119868]

$13.00

1-3/4" Circle Punch

[119850]

$18.00

Stampin' Dimensionals

[104430]

$4.00

Calypso Coral Classic Stampin' Pad

[126983]

$6.50

Petal Pink Classic Stampin' Pad

[147108]

$7.50

Color and Design

I've got to talk to y'all about color. One of the things that is the most fun is to choose and coordinate colors in a project. I designed this card using a card sketch. The first thing I chose was the pretty designer series paper called Garden Impressions. I love the fact that I have coordinating inks and cardstocks. It looks better when you are using night of navy ink and night of navy cardstock as opposed to two random blues. Plus, when I thought about it this morning, it's just plain FUN. I looked at the colors used in the paper (Night of Navy, Mango Melody, Shaded Spruce, Soft Sea Foam and So Saffron) which are listed in the catalog and on the packaging. It made the selection process simple and fun.

I begin by thinking of the cardstock colors I wanted to use, Night of Navy and So Saffron, then thought of what colors I'd like to use for the flowers and stems. So Saffron as the base color for the flowers and Mango Melody for the darker highlights. Soft Sea Foam for the stems and Shaded Spruce for the darker highlights. Then I began thinking of what to put in the circle part of the sketch. I could have stamped a flower and cut it out with a circle framelit, or I could use the flower thinlit that coordinates with this set. As you can see I chose the thinlit and accented it with pearls.

tams# 22926

Product List

Abstract Impressions Photopolymer Bundle

[148348]

$49.50

Abstract Impressions Photopolymer Stamp Set

[147513]

$26.00

Night Of Navy 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

[100867]

$8.00

So Saffron 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

[105118]

$8.00

Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

[100730]

$9.00

Garden Impressions 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper

[146289]

$11.00

Night Of Navy Classic Stampin' Pad

[126970]

$6.50

So Saffron Classic Stampin' Pad

[126957]

$6.50

Mango Melody Classic Stampin' Pad

[147093]

$7.50

Soft Sea Foam Classic Stampin' Pad

[147102]

$7.50

Shaded Spruce Classic Stampin' Pad

[147088]

$7.50

Pearl Basic Jewels

[144219]

$5.00

Basket Weave Dynamic Textured Impressions Embossing Folder

[146841]

$0.00

Tuesday, May 22, 2018

Flowers on a Rainy Day

In between rain showers I've been creating with this beautiful floral set. It will be available in the new catalog on June 1. My husband is an avid gardener and I so enjoy all the beautiful flowers and trees in our yard. This product suite makes me feel right at home.