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Previous month:
March 2013
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May 2013

A Class Hit!

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This card was a FAV at my recent All-Occasions Cards Class. We stamped the flowers on Shimmery Cardstock and then quickly scribbled over the flowers with the aqua-painter full of water. The results is a simple Faux Watercolor look.

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The background is Pimrose Petals Core'dinations cardstock, dry embossed and SANDED to expose the light colored core of the cardstock. It looks just like dotted swiss fabric! Try this card.

Supplies List:

  • Stamps: Secret Garden #129141 wood or #129144 clear, Pop-Up Posies Designer Kit  #131395
  • Cardstock: White Shimmery #101910, Pink Pirouette #111351, Primrose Petals Core'dinations #129322
  • Ink: Primrose Petals #126858
  • Punches: Scallop Oval #119856, Extra-Large Oval #119859
  • Big Shot Die Cutting Machine #113439, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder #117335, Aqua-Painter #103954, Silver Glimmer Paper #124005, 3/8" Primrose Petals Stitched Satin Ribbon #126844, Dimensionals #104430

Clockworks

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Today is a guest stamper: Robin Greer, Demonstrator from Delaware. She created a very handsome Father's Day greeting!

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This close up view shows the Pewter Heat Embossing that highlights the texture! Very nice masculine card, Robin!

Supplies List:

  • Stamps: Clockworks #127290 wood and #127292 clear, Delightful Dozen #122650 wood and #122652 clear
  • Cardstock: Naturals Ivory #101849, Not Quite Navy #101722, Early Espresso #119686
  • Ink: Versamark #102283, Not Quite Navy #126971, Early Espresso #126974, Crumb Cake #126975, Soft Suede #126978
  • Accessories: 3/16" Metallic Brads #119741, Big Shot Die Cutting Machine #113439, Houndstooth Embossing Folder #123134, Pewter Embossing Powder #124114, Stampin' Sponge #101610, Dimensionals #104430

Floating Image Card

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Is this magical or WHAT?! The whale is on a window sheet and appears to float above the water!!

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This side view shows the window sheet standing out from the 4.5" X 4.5" card. I cut the window sheet 5" X 1.75" and then creased it. I tucked it behind the Whisper White layer and attached it. Be sure to use Sticky Strip with the window sheet. It's so simple - TRY IT!! I saw this technique demo-ed by Joan Robinson. Thanks for stopping by!

Supplies List:

  • Stamps: Oh, Whale! #129129 wood or #129132
  • Cardstock: Whisper White #100730, Pool Party #122924
  • Ink: Pool Party #126982, Calypso Coral #126983, Basic Black #126980
  • Punches: Word Window #119857, Small Heart #117193
  • Accessories: Big Shot Die Cutting Machine # 113439, Happy Whale Clearlits #129403, Silver Glimmer Paper #124005, 3/16" Metallic Brads #119741, Window Sheets #114323, Oh, Wave! Jumbo Wheel #130105, Sticky Strip #104294

Gone Forever:

SOLD OUT:
124288 Pretty in Pink Card Stock 12 X 12
101722 Not Quite Navy Card Stock 8-1/2X11
105130 Regal Rose Card Stock 8-1/2X11
105125 Certainly Celery Card Stock 8-1/2X11
111352 Baja Breeze Card Stock 8-1/2X11
111348 Ridinghood Red Card Stock 8-1/2X11
100946 More Mustard Card Stock 8-1/2X11
111844  Ink Refill Baja Breeze
105230  Ink Refill Certainly Celery
102295  Ink Refill Pretty in Pink
105221 Ink Refill Bashful Blue
105223 Ink Refill Regal Rose
102949 Ink Refill Not Quite Navy
101962 Ink Refill More Mustard
105226 Ink Refill Bravo Burgundy
109016 Ink Refill River Rock
101879  Watercolor Pencils
119804  Watercolor Crayons – Brights Collection
119802  Watercolor Crayons – Subtles Collection

Show Off Designer Papers

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This clever layout will SHOW OFF both sides of your Designer Series Papers! I cut my Designer Series Paper 3X3" and 4X4"...these measurements divide into the 12X12" paper and makes efficient use of the product. Next, I wrapped each of the Designer Series Paper around the Whisper White cardstock about 1/2" and attached it to the backside of the white. It's sooo simple!

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Opening the card shows both sides of the Designer Series Paper! Tip: demonstrators, this is a clever little project design to use up your retiring Designer Series Papers. Polka Dot Parade is not retiring, though.

Supplies List:

  • Stamps: A Round Array #129090
  • Cardstock: Whisper White #101650, Pumpkin Pie #105117
  • Ink: Old Olive #126953
  • Punches: 7/8" Scallop Circle #129404, 1-1/4" Scallop Circle #127811
  • Accessories: Polka Dot Parade Designer Series Paper #126902, 3/8" Old Olive Striped Organdy Ribbon #129291, Dimensionals #104430

Stained Glass Technique

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These grapes are created with the STAINED GLASS TECHNIQUE. First, I stamped the image on Cardstock Vellum using Jet Black StazOn ink. I let it dry a couple of minutes. From the backside, I colored the image with Stampin' Write Markers. DONE! The finished side is the one with the black inked image. The Vellum softens the colors.

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Supplies List:

  • Stamps: Nature's Pace #122660 wood or #122662 clear
  • Cardstock: Very Vanilla #101650, White Vellum Cardstock #101856, Primrose Petals Core'dinations #129322
  • Ink: Jet Black StazOn #101406
  • Accessories: Many Marvelous Markers #119806, Natural 7/16" Trim Ribbon #129287, Big shot die Cutting Machine #113439, Honeycomb Embossing Folder #129378, Extra-Large Oval Punch #119859

Texture time

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Do you save ribbon scraps like I do? Here is a great way to use them...or use up retiring ribbon colors! Punch a large shape into your card front. On the backside, line the edges of the opening with powerful STICKY STRIP. Now weave the ribbon - just like making a POT HOLDER when you were a kid. The Sticky Strip will firmly hold the verticals while you weave the horizonals.

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Just look at all the TEXTURE it creates! I love woven ribbons for baby cards, too. TRY IT!

Supplies List:

  • Stamps: Oh, Whale! #129129 wood and #129132 clear
  • Cardstock: Whisper White #100730, Old Olive #100702
  • Ink: Melon Mambo #126948, Basic Black #126980
  • Ribbon: 3/8" Lucky Limeade Ruffled #122977, 3/8" Striped Organdy in Marina Mist #129292; Melon Mambo #129293; Old Olive #129291
  • Accessories: Big shot Die Cutting Machine #113439, Happy Whale Clearlits Die #129403, 3/16" Metallic Brad #119741, Dimensionals #104430, Sticky Strip #104294

Bow Tutorial

 

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This Bow idea is credited to Elizabeth Price, friend and Stampin' Up! Artisan Award Winner. Today I'll give you tips to create yesterday's CUTE bow which will top a little kraft gift box. Start by carefully opening the glued side of the Kraft Gift Box #124106 and laying it flat.

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Decorate your box by wheeling on a design. Use a ruler as a guide to roll straight. I used Music Notes Wheel #120327.

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Next, punch four ovals and one small circle. I used the Extra-Large Oval Punch #119859, but any size oval will work.

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Use a Bone Folder against your thumb to curve two of the ovals. Snip a fishtail into one end of the other two ovals with any size Square Punch.

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Join the tips of each curved oval with a Glue Dot.

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Put a Glue Dot on the opposite end of each fishtailed oval. Place one folded oval on top matching the edges.

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Line up the tips of the ovals and top with a small circle using a Glue Dot. There is the bow!! You try it!

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Here is my finished Kraft Gift Box with a Calypso Coral sponged flower and Calypso Coral Butterfly!


Cheerful bow!

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Look at this sweet and happy bow!! Tomorrow I'll have a tutorial so you can create this same bow - it's simple! I'm grateful for all your views of my blog!

Supplies List:

  • Stamps: Sassy Salutations #1026705 wood or #126707 clear
  • Cardstock: Marina Mist #119682, Daffodil Delight #119683
  • Ink: Midnight Muse #126860
  • Punches: Extra-Large Oval #119859, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack #118309, 1" Square #124094
  • Accessories: Parker's Patterns Designer Series Paper #131021

Dolled-Up Birthday Kit

Doll-Up KIT

We're excited to introduce our second Submit a Project kit--the Dolled-Up Birthday Kit--voted on by you via our Facebook page. This gorgeous birthday card was created by Chris Gilmore, a manager from Coshocton, Ohio. Congratulations, Chris!

The Dolled-Up Birthday kit includes the following:

  • Dolled-Up Birthday Photopolymer Stamp (1)
  • 8-1/2" x 5-1/2" Crumb Cake Cardstock (6 pieces)
  • 2" x 4-1/4" Very Vanilla Cardstock (6 pieces)
  • Very Vanilla Medium Envelopes (6)
  • Tea Lace Paper Doilies (6)
  • Dress Up die-cuts (6)
  • Soft Suede Classic Stampin' Spot (1)
  • Vanilla 5/8" Flower Trim (6 pieces)
  • Sponge Dauber (1)

Get everything you need to make six cards for only $15.95 (item 133913)!*

To assemble one card, follow the instructions below:

  1. Place the stamp on clear-mount block D or H rubber side up and ink with the Soft Suede Classic Stampin' Spot.
  2. Stamp "Happy Birthday" at the bottom of the card front.
  3. Ink the Sponge Dauber with Soft Suede ink and gently antique the doily and the edges of the dress form.
  4. Adhere the pieces to the card front in this order:
    • Doily
    • Very Vanilla Cardstock
    • Dress form
    • Flower

*Adhesive not included


Beach Weather

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The EXCLUSIVE Stampin' Up! "Dress Up Framelits" can also make swimwear! Here is the secret: cut the skirt off about 2" below the shoulders and use a 3/4" Circle Punch for the leg openings. Quite simply! Now YOU try it!

Supplies List:

  • Cardstock: Whisper White #100730, Crumb Cake #120953, Bashful Blue #111352, Marina Mist #119683, Baja Breeze #111352
  • Punches: Extra Large Oval #119859, Small Oval #120908, 3/4" Circle #119873
  • Accessories: Marina Mist 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon #119257, Big Shot Die Cutting Machine #113439, Dress Up Framelits #130101, Square Lattice Embossing Folder #119976, Dimensionals #104430, Polka Dot Paraded Designer Series Paper #126902

 


Foxy!

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This is a Stampin' Up! Ala Carte or single stamp offering. This design just made me smile!

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I added patterns and a sweet arrow clip to emphasize the sentiment!

Supplies List:

  • Stamps: Hello, Foxy! #132677 Clear mount only
  • Cardstock: Very Vanilla #101650, Pumpkin Pie #105117
  • Ink: Basic Black #126980
  • Accessories: Parker's Patterns Designer Series Paper #131021, Natural 7/16" Trim Ribbon #129287, Cute Clips #129389, Brights Collection Designer Series Paper #117155

Memo Board Tutorial

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I needed a MEMO BOARD for more card display area in my stamping office. My supplies: 32" X 40" foam core board, fabric, ribbon, buttons, strong thread & needle, ruler, scissors, duct tape, hot glue gun, 3M Command Strips for hanging.

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After pressing the fabric, I laid the board on top of it and trimmed the fabric 2" larger than the board on all sides.

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I laid out my Stampin' Up! Pool Party 3/8" Ruffled Ribbon 8" apart in a diagonal grid pattern, working from the middle outward to do the longest strips of ribbon first.

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I anchored each ribbon with duct tape as I worked to keep them in place.

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I laid out my Stampin' Up! Brights Designer Buttons at each ribbon junction.

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Using heavy quilting thread, all I needed was ONE stitch thru all layers to hold each button in place.

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I flipped everything over and "tried" duct taping the edges to the back.

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The duct tape didn't stick as firmly as I wanted for my warm, humid climate. I replaced it with high temp hot glue on both fabric and ribbon ends pulling snugly around to the backside of the board. Much better for this particular fabric!

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Lastly, I hot glued another smaller button of a different color to each large button.

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Using 3M Command Strips, I attached my NEW MEMO BOARD to the wall. Now it's time to fill it with inspirational ideas! I'm very happy with the results and my office has much more vertical display area! How did I do??


SOLD OUT: Not Quite Navy Cardstock is sold out and will no longer be available. It is retiring. PLEASE check your reinkers and cardstock supplies for all retiring colors mentioned in my previous post. Order now because they will sell thru and NOT be re-stocked! Buy Now - Don't Cry later!!

Recent Class

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This masculine design is from a recent Male Mail Class. Barb Faulkner from South Beloit, WI sent me the idea and it fit the class perfectly!

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I especially like this little banner treatment! The 3/4" X 3/4" Petite Curly Label Punch will be in the NEXT catalog! Please be sure to stop by SATURDAY to see the tutorial I've been working on!

Supplies List:

  • Stamps: Ciao, Baby! #129645 wood or #129648 clear, Beyond Plaid #129201 wood or #129204
  • Cardstock: Sahara Sand #121043, Very Vanilla #101650, Not Quite Navy #101722
  • Ink: Not Quite Navy #126971, Cherry Cobbler #126966
  • Accessories: Petite Curly Label Punch #129405, Natural 7/16" Trim Ribbon #129287, 3/16" Metallic Brads #119741, Dimensionals #104430, Big Shot Die Cutting Machine #113439, Honeycomb Embossing Folder #129378, Parker's Patterns Designer Series Paper #131021 Parker's Patterns

Ink reformulated

 

                 

Basic Black Classic Ink Pad 

After months of testing and working with our vendor, we are ready to provide you with a status report!

What's changed?
As mentioned in our last current update, we have accepted a formula with our supplier that shows improvement. The new formula has a reduced dye concentration that will allow it to better absorb into the cardstock. Reducing the concentration didn't change the rich black color we all know and love; it only affects how the cardstock takes the ink.

What about drying time?
Because the ink absorbs better into the cardstock, it will dry in under a minute in some cases. It can take longer depending on the run of your cardstock and the age of your ink pad. If you are using an old ink pad, one of the refills with the improved formula will rejuvenate your pad. Also keep in mind that larger stamps or a more solid image may require a longer drying time.

What's the deal with Whisper White Cardstock?
We initially discovered that our specification tolerance is too broad, meaning that there is a broad variance in ink absorption and drying time. Our Whisper White Cardstock is not a custom cardstock for Stampin' Up! like our other cardstock colors, so we don't have control over its tolerance. We have since requested that our supplier provide us with cardstock within a tighter range of tolerance. Still, our tests proved that the new ink formula works better on most, not all, of our Whisper White Cardstock. The performance of the ink depends on the run of the cardstock. It is not possible to tell when a packet of Whisper White Cardstock was produced. If you are concerned with the quality of your cardstock, we recommend using StazOn ink, instead of Basic Black.

What if I need to exchange or return my Basic Black Classic Stampin' Pad?
If you have experienced problems with your Basic Black Classic Stampin' Pad and you purchased it from me, contact me at [email protected] with the date of purchase and the LOT NUMBER from the back of the pad. If you did not purchase thru me, please contact your demonstrator.

When can I get my hands on the improved Basic Black ink?
The improved Basic Black ink pad and refill are currently being sold. Surprise! Remember, depending on the Whisper White Cardstock you are using, you may still experience smearing and high drying times. We recommend that you use StazOn instead of the Basic Black Classic ink pad.

We are pleased with these results so far. Not only has our Basic Black ink formula improved, but the testing process has also shown us how to make improvements to the quality of our Whisper White Cardstock. We will continue to see improvement in the future.


A Round Array

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"A ROUND ARRAY" new stamp set of 8 little scallops coordinates with the 7/8" Scallop Circle! They are perfect partners for sweet greetings! This stamp set is a 2013-2014 Catalog sneek peek available now - find it under NEW ARRIVALS in my online store. IT's FUN!

Supplies List:

  • Stamps: A Round Array #       wood or #129090 clear
  • Cardstock: Daffodil Delight #119683, Very Vanilla #101650
  • Ink: Calypso Coral #126983
  • Accessories: This & That Epic Day Designer Series Paper #130814, 7/8" Scallop Circle Punch #129404, Scallop Oval Punch #119856, 3/16" Brights Brads #119740, Dimensionals #104430

Fine Feathers

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Today is another simple, fast NOTECARD! These handy pre-packaged Stampin' Up! Notecards are way UNDER-USED!

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I trimmed off 1/4" of the length and width of the notecard so I could frame it and it would still fit the envelope. SIMPLE. QUICK. Keep these handy little notecards in your stash!

Supplies List:

  • Stamps: Fine Feathers #1226515 wood or # 126517 clear, Sassy Salutations #126705 wood or #126707
  • Cardstock: Whisper White Notecards #107311, Soft Suede #115318
  • Ink: Basic Black #126980, Soft Suede #126978
  • Accessories: Early Espresso Baker's Twine #123124, Color Spritzer Tool #107066, marker

Elegant Notecard

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This is a small, but mailable note created with Stampin' Up! Notecards. They are pre-cut and scored - perfect for beginners or cards-in-a-flash.

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I sponged the scalloped edge and then gave the shell a shot of shimmer. The Shimmer Formula: one inch of shimmer paint in the Spritzer, then fill with 70% rubbing alcohol, shake. It's Girly-Beachy-Elegant!

Supplies List:

  • Stamps: By the Tide #129117 wood or #129120 clear
  • Cardstock: Notecards & Envelopes #107311, Very Vanilla #101650
  • Ink: Crumb Cake #126975, Pink Pirouette #126956
  • Accessories: Silver Glimmer Paper #124005, Fan Fair Designer Series Paper #126918, Crumb Cake Seam Binding #122332, 2-3/8" Scalloped Circle Punch #118874, 2-1/2" Circle Punch #120906, Frost White Shimmer Paint #116854, Stampin' Spritzer #126185
  • Spritzer

Newsy NEWS!

FREE SHIPPING!!! Hurray!!

APRIL 6-7-8, 2013 only

All Orders, No minimums, No limits!

 

Stampin' Up! has just announced a COLOR REFRESH! It's always exciting to have new colors to jazz up your current images!! Colors that are exiting will sell through and NOT BE RE-STOCKED. Therefore, CHECK YOUR REINKERS to make sure you can reink any retiring colors! Stock up on cardstock and accessories to match any retiring colors. DO IT NOW while the shipping is FREE. Some supplies will run out.

 

COLOR REFRESH

 for 2013-2014 Annual Catalog beginning May 31, 2013

Color refresh


Orchid Heaven

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My hubby and I headed out for a day trip 60 mile north to Orchid-Mania near Myakka City, FL. It was my first visit and I was impressed!! 50,000 Orchids!!

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Florida's warmth and humidity are perfect for orchids. After keeping 2 alive and showing new growth, I was ready to buy more. I really wanted them all because they are so exotic!! Thanks Angie for suggesting this trip - it was FUN!! If you live in Florida check them out at:

http://www.orchid-mania.com


By the Seashore

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This layout is simple & unique. I used my Stampin' Up! Extra-Large Oval Punch to cut out the curve that cradles the image.

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Supplies List:

  • Stamps: By the Seashore #126530 wood or #126532 clear, Sassy Salutations #126705 wood or #126707 clear
  • Cardstock: Very Vanilla #101650, Baja Breeze #111352, Soft Suede #115318
  • Ink: Soft Suede #126978
  • Accessories: Extra-Large Oval Punch #119859, 3/16" Metallic Brads #119741

My OUTSTANDING North Star Stampes for March 2013:

**Judy Trigg of Rockford, IL
**Linda Niemeyer of Rochelle, IL

Great job sharing the Stampin' Up! Opportunity gals! Claim your prize within the next 7 days. CONGRATS!!!

Easy Collage Stamping

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This versatile design is from my recent Male Mail Class. The French Foliage Stamp Set of 6 images is a GREAT "go to set" for many occasions!

100_3291 I inked up a plain, empty acrylic block with Crumb Cake ink and stamped it as a "faux layer," which gives an area to group the images. Then, using ONLY Garden Green ink, all the other images were added. The leaf was stamped TWICE with just one inking which gives two shades of the same color. This is a quick card - TRY IT! Find more masculine card ideas by clicking "MALE CARDS" in the right  column. Stop by again!

Supplies List:

  • Stamps: French Foliage #120845 wood or #121166 clear, Teeny Tiny Wishes #115370 wood or #127802 clear
  • Cardstock: Very Vanilla #101650, Crumb Cake #120953, Garden Green #102584
  • Ink: Crumb Cake #126975, Garden Green #126973