The next session of VIP Club starts in September!  I am starting a new Club on Saturdays (morning or afternoon, depending on interest).   This is a techniques focused group who has a lot of fun!  

Last year we tried embossing paste, marbling, re-inker spread, fancy folds, light up cards, brusho and embossing tricks.  This year, we plan to try embossing mats, the string technique, bleaching, impossible cards, multi-colored embossing, and tarnished foil (subject to change based on what is the current trend!).  

There are only 5 openings, so contact me to claim your spot!  

At card classes, I often hear ladies arrive and claim to have forgotten something at home.  While I try to provide most of the supplies, I do ask you to bring the following to make the cards of the month:

1. Adhesive of choice (I recommend snail; and don't forget a refill in case you run out!)
2. Scissors (I recommend snips)

At the last class, ladies mentioned it would be beneficial if I put together a list of supplies that would be helpful, but not required,  to have to reduce the wait time while their neighbor fussy cuts!

1. Specialty adhesive (glue dots, dimensionals, liquid glue, tear & tape)
2. Trimmer (since the SU trimmer is too big to bring, consider the one from Creative Memories or the Tiny Trimmer from Michaels)
3. Adhesive remover (SU doesn't sell this anymore, but you can find elsewhere)
4. Bone folder (to help fold cards cleanly, even though I score for you with the Scoring Tool) 
5. Clear blocks (the D block is the most common; just make sure to label yours with a Sharpie or washi tape)
6. Black marker (the Stampin' Write is common, but the Journaling Pens are great for drawing fine lines)
7. Stampin' Pierce Mat (to be used under photopolymer stamps to get the best image)
8. Paper Piercer (to help poke out the pieces from your die cuts)

If you have these, collect them in a bag and grab and go next time you come to class!

This month, our VIP group made cards using embossing tricks.  All three cards were CASEd (Copy And Share Everything) from youtube videos.  Below are the three cards we made, with the corresponding video.  

1. Cathy (the host of the month) found a cute card on Facebook using double embossing (dry and heat embossing).  No embossing buddy needed!  Just ink the embossing folder up with Versamark before running through the Big Shot.  Then sprinkle with gold embossing powder.  It spread a little, but the finished look was perfect.  Lastly, we used Blends (Stampin' Up!s alcohol markers, currently unorderable due to high demand, but will be back with several new colors on June 1st!).  Also, the Metallic Edge Ribbon with gold trim (which is caring over next year) was colored with a Calypso Coral Blend marker!  
2. The Black Ice technique is all the rage right now...and so easy to do!  You just need StazOn ink (returning next catalog!), Versamark, and clear embossing powder!  I used the Beautiful You stamp set, which is not only carrying over, but a new stamp set with similar images is being added.  Think wedding and baby shower!   Make sure to heat set after stamping AND after embossing.  
3. And the Cracked Glass technique was worth a try, but I can't say I'll be doing it again anytime soon.  I love the card, but 6 layers of clear embossing powder makes for an expensive card :)  After you crack your glass, Melinda used Basic Gray ink and a dauber to fill in the cracks to really make them stand out.  Beautiful!

This was the last VIP Club for 2017-2018.  
We'll be resuming again in September, and I am thinking about adding another Club session each month.  
It's a great way to try new techniques in a smaller setting.  
We make 3 cards, in exchange for a $25 order, with your turn to be the host one month to earn free product!  
​Let me know if you are interested in joining the fun!  

Stampin' Up! announced at OnStage over the weekend that they are doing a Color Revamp
with the new catalog (coming June 1)!  
They have previously announced they will do a refresh like this every 3-5 years,
and it has been 5 years, so I was expecting this and am SOOO excited!
​ Here are the colors leaving, so if you like any of these, stock up fast before they are gone!  
​
Good-bye to:
1. Chocolate Chip
2. Marina Mist
3. Tempting Turquoise
4. Soft Sky
5. Always Artichoke
6. Wild Wasabi
7. Tangerine Tango
8. Pink Pirouette
9. Rose Red
10. Wisteria Wonder
11. Elegant Eggplant
12. Perfect Plum
13.  Island Indigo

These former In Colors are coming back!
1. Flirty Flamingo
2. Blackberry Bliss
3. Mossy Meadow
4. Poppy Parade
5. Coastal Cabana
6. Mint Macaron

And 10 NEW Core Colors will be added, in addition to the 5 new In Colors!  Stay tuned for more information!  

Now, on to the stamps and such!  Here are the lists of what is retiring!  

Stampin' Up! has introduced a new product called Brusho!  Brusho is not a new product, but Stampin' Up! has partnered with the company to offer 5 colors of amazing crystal color.  Just make sure you cover your work surface and have some paper towels available!  I was a little nervous to try, but in reality, these are nothing but fun!

Here are the three cards I created for my VIP Club to make.  Each card used a different paper to which the Brusho was applied.  The butterfly card is on Shimmery White, the landscape card is on Watercolor Paper, and the celebrate card is on the Springtime Foils DSP.  Once the Brusho is applied, Aqua Painters and Spritzers are a must to get some of these fun effects.  

Try out Brusho and you won't regret it!  And if you purchase, I have a pack of colored push pins for you!