Friday, May 29, 2015

Stampin' Addicts Blog Hop--2015-2017 In Color

Welcome to the next stop on the Stampin' Addicts In Color Blog Hop.  If you have been following the hop from the beginning you just came from Krystal's Cards .  If you started here, don't worry it will loop all the way around so you will get to see all the blogs on the hop.  



I probably say this every year, but I am IN LOVE with the New In Colors!  I simply adore them all.  I chose Tip Top Taupe to feature on this hop.  I love the diverse uses this shade can have.  It can be a neutral to help balance the other colors.  It is perfect for masculine or sympathy cards.  It also just has a classy look when used on its own.  Well, you came here to see the projects, so here they are.

To really show off this color, I went with monochromatic cards.  First, I have a gift set for you.  These are simple to make, but have just the right amount of WOW to make someone truly smile when they receive them.  I used my diagonal score plate to create the criss cross design on both.  The bag was made with the New Gift Bag Punch Board.  TIP: Score the lines on the bag after you cut the shape and before you assemble the box.  The flower is done in two layers.  I stamped onto Vellum Cardstock, punched it out and layered it on the same flower in Whisper White.  I used lots of Pearl Accent Jewels to dress up this gift set.  And what about that Lace Trim?  I challenge you to pick just one to order.  Yeah, that's what I thought.  I got them all too.  



My last project for you is a subtle card for our hard working soldiers.  The FA in my blog address is for the Army Field Artillery.  To help tone the brightness down on the Whisper White I sponged the areas with a little Tip Top Taupe.  My favorite part of this card is the Linen Thread to simulate the barb wire found on most fences surrounding military training areas.  I am so glad this stamp set has been carried over for another year.  

Enjoy the rest of the Blog Hop.  Next is Watermelon Wonder with Twila.
       


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Thursday, May 28, 2015

Cherry on Top Pinwheel Card

Can you tell how much I love the Cherry on Top color scheme by now?  They are so bright and perfect for all things birthday/celebration.


I showed you a Pinwheel card a couple weeks ago.  It was made using an 8 x 8 piece of paper.  I was curious what it would look like if I made them with the 6 x 6 pieces from the Designer Series Paper STACKS.  Of course I used a piece from the Cherry on Top DSP Stack.  I scored it with my Diagonal Scoring plate on all four sides at 2-1/4".  The mat in the middle is 3" square.  I might have been able to go a little bit larger, but had a 3" piece sitting on my work space already.  ;)
The outside and inside uses the Build a Birthday Stamp Set again.  I also used the 5th roll of Cherry on Top Designer Washi Tape (#138384).  The Watermelon Wonder bow is done with the Bow Builder Punch (#137414)

Be sure to stop by tomorrow for the Stampin' Addicts In Color Blog Hop!  I can't wait for you to see what we have all done with these fabulous additions to the Stampin' Up! Colors!

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Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Birthday Wishes Candles

Today I have another take on a birthday card using items from the Build a Birthday Stamp Set (#138646) and Cherry on Top Collection.

The layers of the cake can easily be turned on their side and used as candles.  You can also cut pieces from Designer Series Paper.  I chose to use the Cherry on Top Designer Washi Tape (#138384).  The great thing about the washi tape is the natural look it gives when you tear off a piece.  This works great for candles.  I also used washi tape from this set for the dots below the sentiment.  I stamped th sentiment and cut out the flames from the Build a Birthday set.  The background is embossed with the Decorative Dots Embossing Folder (#133520).

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Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Build a Birthday Sneak Peek

We are officially one week away from the premier of the 2015-2016 Stampin' Up! Catalog.  I can't wait for you to see all of the wonderful things it contains.  As a demonstrator, I was able to pre-order several stamp sets.  The Build a Birthday Stamp Set (#138646) jumped straight at me.  It is a two-step stamping set with images to build pictures.  The most common thing to build is a cake.

I got the color combination for my card from the new Cherry on Top Designer Series Paper Stack (#138443).  The Cherry on Top DSP Stack contains several of the new 2015-1017 In Colors.  I used Watermelon Wonder, Cucumber Crush and Bermuda Bay on the Tip Top Taupe pedastal. There are 3 paper stacks this year, sized at 6 x 6.  This makes them perfect to cut down for card fronts or smaller projects.  Don't worry Stampin' Up! still has 12 x 12 Designer Series Paper.  In fact they have 9 NEW packs in the catalog starting June 2nd.

Stamping each of the cake layers from the stamp set onto the pedestal stamp image is easy with the Photopolymer stamps.  There are several images you can put on top of the cake.  I chose the 3 flags image.  The little flowers are from the Tree Builder Punch (#138295).  I added Rhinestone Jewels (#119246) to give it a little sparkle.

TIP:  Do NOT over saturate your stamp pads when reinking them.  It may cause the ink to puddle on your stamps and fill in little details when you stamp.  (See bottom cake layer above)

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Monday, May 25, 2015

Celebrate Baby!

I pulled out the Celebrate Today Stamp Set (#137138) from the occasions catalog.  This stamp set is wonderful for birthday cards and other reasons to celebrate.  The stamp set contains words useful for wedding, graduation, and baby also.  I decided to go with a baby card today.


I stamped the solid balloon image in So Saffron and stamped the "baby" banners in Calypso Coral on top.  The set also comes with the accessories to put a bow, string, tail or basket on the balloon.  There is a coordinating set of framelits (#137362) to help cut out many of the shapes.  You can save 15% by purchasing the stamp set and framelits as a bundle (#138869).  I created the stars side with the Confetti Stars Boarder Punch (#135861) and put a piece of Gold Foil Sheet (#132622) behind to show through instead of the Pear Pizzazz card base.

While I made this card in a gender neutral color scheme, it could very easily be done with pinks, blues, or nursery colors.  All of the products I used are available today and will carry over into the new catalog starting June 2nd.

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Friday, May 22, 2015

Last Day of School--Project Life

How much simpler has Memory Keeping with Project Life made my life?  Incredibly.  Yesterday was the last day of school.  I am sure you can guess I am one of "those" parents who takes a photo with the teacher each school year.  Normally I might post it online or just load it into my computer.  On some future day I would go through photos and look at all the times past of my children growing up.


NOW, with Project Life I am enjoying those photos sooner and more often.  I printed them out and immediately put them into a Project Life Photo Pocket Page (#135294).  I grabbed a few cards from the (retiring June 2nd) Playground Card Collection (#135300), wrote a few words down with my Journaling Pen (#135304), slid them into the pockets and DONE!  I added a few of the pieces from the Playground Accessory Pack.  With three kids I put a piece of washi tape from the pack to show which cards went with which photos.  I can slip my page into my Leather Album (#135292) and I have the rest of my day to enjoy LIFE and make more MEMORIES!

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Thursday, May 21, 2015

May Paper Pumpkin Kit

I hear the cutest thing each month.  "Mom, your Paper Pumpkin box is here!"  My son loves to get the mail and he will come running in with my surprise box each month.  He knows me so well.  I LOVE my son and I love my little orange box.

This month's kit was perfectly timed.  Our last day of school is here and I had not decided how to gift wrap the end of the year teacher gifts.  Wouldn't you know it there were 4 gift bags and 6 cards in this months kit.  A fabulous deal for my $19.95 and it came straight to my door.  While the initial thought it to use these gift bags for Birthdays, I think all teachers like to CELEBRATE the end of the school year and all the wonderful things their students accomplished the past year.


It took me just a few minutes to stamp and assemble three gift bags for the teachers, then I stamped one of the cards just to have a birthday card on hand.  (Who couldn't use a last minute birthday card in their stash?)

A little bit later I sat down and made a few alternate projects with the kit.  I made 5 different cards with the contents of the kit and a few scraps of materials I had laying around.

Here is one of the cards.  To see the other 4 cards you will need to do one of two things......
1) Subscribe to Paper Pumpkin.  Once I see you have started your subscription, I will send you the invite to join my Facebook Paper Pumpkin Patch.  There you will get to see the alternate projects I have made with each monthly kit.  I will also share links to videos and other things Paper Pumpkin.
2) Come to a Paper Pumpkin Workshop at my Stamp Studio.  Each month I gather with my local subscribers to assemble kits together.  You can check out my display boards and even stamp a project for yourself

DON'T MISS OUT ON THIS PROMOTION---
ENDS JUNE 10, 2015!
New Subscribers get 50% off their first two months of Paper Pumpkin when they use the Promo Code SAVE50.  Go to PAPER PUMPKIN before June 10th to start your subscription and take advantage of this excellent promotion.




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Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Thank You for these In Colors

Each year I have an instantaneous love connection with the incoming In Colors.  This year is no different.  Stampin' Up! does an amazing job with color selection.  Do you have a favorite yet?  I don't.  All I can say is, Stampin' Up!, Thank You for these In Colors.
I showed you a card purse yesterday.  Here are the cards I made to go inside.  (scroll down for all measurements)  They use a New Stamp Set called Layered Letters Alphabet (#138692).  This stamp set is as wonderful as the new colors.  It comes with two background images to go behind the alphabet letters.  There are also 6 symbols you can stamp on top also.  


For the background image I used the circular image in Smoky Slate ink.  I stamped off first onto my grid paper, then onto the cardstock.  Each letter is then stamped in a different In Color on top.  From left to right the colors are Mint Macaron, Watermelon Wonder, Tip Top Taupe, Cucumber Crush, and Delightful Dijon.  


The Dotted Lace trim is one of my favorite new accessories.  Available in all the 2015-2017 In Colors, it is 1" wide and scalloped on one edge.  I cut the ribbon in half and adhered the 2 parts behind the In Color cardstock layer.  The top piece has the cut edge showing.  The extra Whisper White layer helped to make the lace really pop.  I punched a 1-3/8" Circle (#119860) and stamped the "you" from the Work of Art Stamp Set (Wood #134111, Clear #134114) and added a Rhinestone Jewel (#119246).

MEASUREMENTS:
1-3/4" x 5-1/2" Whisper White--Top layer with letters
2" x 5-1/2" In Color
2-1/2" x 5-1/2" Whisper White--under lace trim
1-3/8" Circle Punch In Color
Standard 5-1/2" x 8-1/2" Cardbase scored at 4-1/4"
5-1/2" Piece of In Color Lace cut in half lengthwise.


PROMOTIONS THIS WEEK:
WEEKLY DEALS

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PAPER PUMPKIN
Enter Promo Code SAVE50
Offer ends June 10, 2015




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Tuesday, May 19, 2015

In Color Bohemian Inspired Purse

I am loving these new products.  The NEW In Colors for 2015-2017 are wonderful.  Here is a card purse inspired by the new Bohemian Designer Series Paper.  The images are from a new Bohemian Borders Stamp Set available June 2nd.  
I stamped the image over and over in the new In Colors.  I also stamped one of the boarders along the trim and handles.  Check out that new 1" Dotted Lace Trim.  The purse holds 5 standard size cards and envelopes.  Be sure to check back tomorrow for the cards.

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Monday, May 18, 2015

2015-2017 In Colors Comparison

My pre-order for the New 2015-2016 Stampin' Up! Catalog came a couple days ago.  I sat down this morning to play with the new In Colors for 2015-2017 and see how they compared to other SU! colors.  The New In Color is the balloon in front with the image stamped on top.  Scroll down for the names of all colors in photos.


The images, stamped in the same color as balloon, are from the Celebrate Today Stamp Set (Photopolymer #137138).  The balloons were cut out with the coordinating framelits (#137362). The sentiment and strings are stamped in Smokey Slate.  






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Friday, May 15, 2015

Pinwheel Fun Fold

I needed a couple cards for some lovely ladies today.  This fun fold is fast and fancy using the Simply Scored Tool (#122334) and Diagonal Scored Plate (#125586).  There is a great tutorial HERE on how to make the Pinwheel Card.  Best part of this card is it fits in a standard A2 envelope.



I used a couple sheets of Designer Series Paper from the (retiring soon) Lullaby Collection (#133695) cut down to 8"x 8". The belly band is a 1"x 8-1/2" piece of (retiring soon) Crisp Cantaloupe.  I used the Pansy Punch (#130698) for two layered pieces of Whisper White and Hello Honey.  I cut a 2" piece of Burlap Ribbon (#132140).  I trimmed off the sides and pulled out the threads.  Using one thread I tied a small bundle together and glued it to the flower using Multipurpose Liquid Glue (#110755).  Both the inside and outside tag image are from the Perfect Pennants Stamp Set (Wood #133227, Clear #133230) and stamped in (Retiring soon) Baked Brown Sugar.

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Thursday, May 14, 2015

Why Paper Pumpkin?

If you have not yet checked out Paper Pumpkin, I really want to encourage you to do so.
Paper Pumpkin is wonderful for many reasons.
*  Everything you need to COMPLETE the project comes in the box.
*  It gives you CREATIVE time without having to figure out what to make.
*  The projects do not take lots of time to complete.  Everything is PRE-CUT and you can "Skip To The Fun!"
*  It is only $19.95 a month and the shipping is INCLUDED.
There is a VARIETY of projects from cards and gift packaging to home decor.


Here is a sample of the monthly projects that Paper Pumpkin has had over the last year.

NEW SUBSCRIBER SPECIAL
Offer Dates: May 12-June 10, 2015

Offer Details: Use the code SAVE50 to join Paper Pumpkin before June 10, 2015, and get 50% off the first two months! After that, keep the creativity coming for only $19.95 + tax per month (shipping included). 



If you are not yet sure, here are some more benefits to Paper Pumpkin.
*  Paper Pumpkin makes a great GIFT for someone else.  
*  The FIRST MONTH you get a free block to used with all your clear stamps.
*  It comes straight to your MAILBOX.
*  The projects are many times THEMED to holiday and events throughout the year.
*  Getting the "SURPRISE" project each month feels like getting presents all year long.
*  Subscribers can purchase REFILLS for past kits.
*  You get a new INK SPOT each month and they do not duplicate colors for 12 months.
*  The STAMPS vary each month by phrase and style, making a great collection over time.

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Tuesday, May 12, 2015

It's Tuesday--Time for 2 New Promotions.

PAPER PUMPKIN PROMOTION

Stampin' Up! just announced a new promotion starting today (ends on June 10, 2015).  New Subscribers can get their first two months of Paper Pumpkin by using the Promo Code "SAVE50".  
For more information or to start your subscription today, simple go to the 
Paper Pumpkin Website.


WEEKLY DEALS! 
Did you know that every Tuesday SU! puts new items on sale for 1 week.
These items are on sale until next Monday.

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Monday, May 11, 2015

Teacher Appreciation Week- Day 5

To finish off Teacher Appreciation Week, I made something from Pinterest.  "Gasp!"  I know, so cliche, but the teachers really did like it.  I made my version of the pencil wreath with a large wooden letter for the teacher's last name.  I am not going to give steps on how to make the wreath.  I will say I used hot glue gun and 4 layers of paint on the letter.

Since this is my stamping blog, I will share some details about the tag.  I spent hours making the wreaths that I only had 20 minutes to whip up the tags, but that was all I needed.  We don't have to spend hours on the gift wrapping to give any gift that special touch.

I took a 2" x 5-1/2" strip of Real Red Cardstock and punched the end with the Scalloped Tag Topper Punch (#133324).  I used a piece of  Whisper White that was 1-3/4" x 4-1/4".  The saying is from the (soon to be retired) Really Good Greetings Stamp Set (Wood #130330, Clear #130333).  I inked the stamp with a Basic Black and Real Red Marker.  The Crushed Curry Washi Tape is from the Color My Autumn Designer Washi Tape(#135842) on the CLEARANCE RACK!  A few simple Rhinestone Basic Jewels (#119246) and a piece of Crushed Curry 1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon (#134555) and the tag was ready to go.

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I brought in donuts for the entire staff on Friday morning.  I made this quick sign to let them know their hard work is noticed by others.  I used the Another Thank You Photopolymer Stamp Set (#136835) and stamped the various images in Daffodil Delight, Melon Mambo, and Tempting Turquoise Classic Ink.  The words "Happy Teacher Appreciation Week" were printed from my computer onto a piece of Whisper White Cardstock that I trimmed down and put onto a piece of Old Olive Cardstock.  I used the Bow Builder Punch (#137414) and a piece of Sweet Taffy Designer Series Paper (#133693) to make the bows for the corners.

TIP:  My printer will only take one sheet of SU! cardstock at a time.  I have to take all other paper out of the paper tray.  My old printer liked to have one sheet of typing paper under the cardstock.  You may have to experiment with your printer to see what works best for you.  

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Friday, May 8, 2015

Teacher Appreciation Week--Day 4

For Day 4 of Teacher Appreciation Week, I gave each of my child's teachers a Gift Card to Starbucks.  Of course I wanted a special way to package it.  I am a Paper Pumpkin Subscriber.  A couple of months ago the perfect project came in the mail in the little red box.  


Teachers just want to hear "Thanks".  The kit came with enough pieces for 8 expandable cards and little boxes.  If you are a Paper Pumpkin Subscriber you can order from a selection of past kits.



Paper Pumpkin is the perfect gift for anyone or even yourself.  Everything you need to complete the monthly project comes in the box straight to your mailbox.  The cost is only $19.95 + tax (including shipping) per month.  You can skip a month or cancel at anytime.  If you subscribe to Paper Pumpkin by the 10th of the month, you will receive that month's kit.  If you subscribe after the 10th your first box will come the following month.  You can get multiple subscriptions.  I have two.  One for me and one for my daughter.  You can also gift a subscription to someone.  Simple order a Prepaid Subscription from my online store.  You can order 1,3,6 or 12 months.  You will receive an email with the code to redeem for the subscription.  I will even email you a gift certificate you can print out and fill in with the redemption code for your special person.

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Thursday, May 7, 2015

Teacher Appreciation Week- Day 3

It has been raining a lot in our area the last few weeks.  This is bringing about lots of little sniffles in the school.  To help both fight the germs and celebrate our teachers this week, I gave each of my child's teachers a 30 oz. bottle of Hand Sanitizer for Day 3 of Teacher Appreciation Week.


I made a simple band out of 11" strips of Tempting Turquoise (2-1/2" wide) and Whisper White (3-1/2" wide) Cardstock.  I used another RETIRING stamp set for the tag.  Lots of Thanks (Wood #129687, Clear #129690)  is wonderfully versatile for all your "thank you" needs.  I stamped the image on a 5-1/2" x 1" piece of Melon Mambo.  It is layered with a 5-1/2" x 1-1/4" piece of Old Olive embossed with the Fancy Fan Embossing Folder (#127751) and a 6' x 1-1/4" piece of Sweet Taffy Designer Series Paper (#133693).


I punched the Blossom Punch (#125603) three times.  I curled the petals and cut the top one so the the petals would fold up further.  I used the Paper-Piercing Tool (#126189) to make the hole in the center of the flowers for the Antique Brad (#117273).  I looped an 18" piece of Old Olive 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon (#119256) to simulate leaves.  I held all the pieces together with bits of Sticky Strip (#104294).

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Wednesday, May 6, 2015

2015 Sneak Peek!

One of the great things about being a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator is getting to see the new products early.  The BEST thing about being a Demonstrator is getting to order many of the new items at a discount before everyone else.

I can't share everything, YET ;)  I can share a few things with you.
Here is what the new 2015-2016 Stampin' Up! Catalog looks like.

I will have hard copies of the catalog very soon.  If you would like one, please send me a message.  

And this is a look at the new In Colors for 2015-2017.

I LOVE SEEING AND PURCHASING NEW THINGS EARLY!  If you would like more information about joining my team so you too can see and order products early, click HERE!

I can tell you what items will be retiring from the 2014-2015 Catalog.  <---click 2014-2015="" catalog.="" from="" items="" link="" p="" retiring="" see="" to="">

I can also tell you what items from the Occassions Catalog WILL NOT be returning in the new catalog.  If you see anything from your wish list, now is the time to place an order.

STAMP SETS NOT CARRYING OVER:
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ACCESSORIES NOT CARRYING OVER:
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Teacher Appreciation Week- Day 2

Like I said yesterday, it is Teacher Appreciation WEEK!  For Day 2, I made my children's teachers a gift for them and not their classroom.  Every teachers needs a few minutes each day to unwind.  I gave them some tea and cookies to relax with at the end of their hard day.

The box is actually easy to make, even though there are a few parts to it.  All of mine were made with Daffodil Delight Cardstock (#119683).
1) The base box.  I used a piece of 7x8 cardstock and scored on all three sides at 2-1/2".  I then cut up the flaps and adhered the sides with sticky strip (#104294).
2) (Hard to see in photo) There is a center handle inside the box.  I took a piece of cardstock 3 x 11 and scored at 3/4", 5-1/2" and 10-1/4"  I folded it in half and did use some sticky strip so it wouldn't pucker.  Then I adhered it to the inside bottom of the base box with sticky strip.  I then punch a slot near the top with the Word Window Punch (#119857)
3) One one side a made little compartments for the biscotti to stand in.  The cardstock is 2x4 and scored at 1-1/2" and 2-1/2".  A little bit of sticky on each end and it will make a divider in the center on the side.
4) For the other side a wanted to make it a little stronger to help balance the box when held by the handle.  The cardstock insert is 2x9 scored at 1", 2", 5", and 6".  I didn't use any adhesive.  It is just slid in to add strength.

The decorative band is from the Park Lane Designer Series Paper Collection (#133694).  It is 12x3 and scored the long way at 1/2" so the other side shows on the top band.

For the tag I stamped the image from the RETIRING stamp set Chalk Talk (Wood #130631, Clear #130634) in Calypso Coral and Blackberry Bliss.  I cut out the word "SOMETHING" with paper snips and adhered it to the tag with Dimensionals (#104430).  The tag is cut out with the coordinating Chalk Talk Framelits (#129983).  I added a 1/2"x11" strip of Blackberry Bliss Cardstock to the bottom of the box and tied a piece of 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon (#133668) to the top of the box.  A few Pearl Basic Jewels (#119247) were used to dress up the tag.  

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Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Teacher Appreciation Week Day 1

This week is Teacher Appreciation Week.  As a former teacher myself and home schooler for two years I fully appreciate all that our teachers do for our children.  I decided to do something special for my children's teachers each day this week.

On Monday, I gave each of them a pack of dry eraser markers.  With the end of the school year coming, I know that teacher supplies are scarce.  My daughter told me how much her teach would love the gift, "My teacher doesn't have any ink left in her markers."


Two of the products I used to make the gifts are on special this week (May 5- May 11) for WEEKLY DEALS.  I made the box with the Gift Box Punch Board (#135863).  Instead of closing the top of the box, I folded the flaps down over top of the Sweet Taffy Designer Series Paper (#133693).


The Tag was made using the RETIRING Stamp Set Starburst Sayings (Wood #133182, Clear #133185).  I stamped in both Pumpkin Pie and Old Olive.  I cut out the word "WORLD" and mounted it using dimensionals.  The image is cut out with the coordinating Starbust Framelits (#132967) and mounted on a 2-1/2" Circle (#120906).

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