2/11 Blog Hop Details

PSA Stamp Camp is hosting our first Blog Hop on February 11^th, 2011. We've partnered with 7 GREAT craft manufacturers to bring you designs you will fall in LOVE with and products you will LOVE to win. Did I mention our theme is LOVE? All of the projects you see on the blogs will feature "love" designs. To participate in the hop, just start at any one of the blogs. Follow the links to the other 7. Leave a comment on EACH of the blogs to enter to win one of three fabulous prize packages. We will announce the winners on PSA Stamp Camp on 2/14/11. Here is a bit about the impressive line-up of companies participating:

• Helmar Adhesive. Helmar USA, Inc. distributes Helmar products which are manufactured in Australia.  We have a variety of adhesives & art mediums to meet just about every crafting need.  Some of our products include: Acid Free Glue, Liquid Scrap Dots, Acrylic Sealer, Quickfix Adhesive Runner & Refill, Zapdots, Gemstone Glue and much more! Web: http://www.helmar.com.au Blog: http://helmarusa.typepad.com/blog/
  
   
• Nikki Sivils. At Nikki Sivils Scrapbooker, we create distinctive and original designs based upon two core beliefs, which also serve at the foundation for our company and everything we do to support it. We believe that scrapbooking, card making and crafting are always (1) authentic expressions and (2) created with love.  Web: http://www.nikkisivils.com/ Blog: http://nikkisdoghouse.blogspot.com/
  
   
• Prima. As scrapbooking evolves and changes into an exciting art form, Prima, the established leader in flower embellishments,  always offers the most exciting and innovative floral-themed products to craft retailers worldwide.  Season after season, Prima introduces artisans and crafters to a huge collection of the best flower styles for scrapbook embellishments ever made.   We use a wide variety of materials to create these floral masterpieces, from mulberry paper to luxury fabrics of all types.   Our flowers are hand-made by skilled artisans, never by machine, in processes than ensure the finest quality and craftsmanship available. http://www.primamarketinginc.com/ and www.prima.typepad.com
  
   
• PSA Essentials. PSA Essentials manufactures custom self-inking stamps.  We have patent pending Peel & Stick technology that allows you to change your designs thousands of times, all with one stamper – so it's perfect for crafting projects! www.psastampcamp.blogspot.com and www.psaessentials.com
  
   
• Purple Onion Designs. Purple Onion Designs has been designing unmounted rubber stamps since 2003. The stamps are designed for scrapbook, rubber stamp and paper craft enthusiasts. The images are diverse in style and offer something for everyone. We pride ourselves in offering high quality deeply etched rubber stamps along with outstanding customer service. http://www.purpleoniondesigns.com/ and http://purpleoniondesigns.typepad.com/my_weblog/
  
   
• Really Reasonable Ribbon. www.reasonableribbon.blogspot.com/
  www.reasonableribbon.com: Reasonable Ribbon has been meeting the ribbon needs of crafters, wedding planners, card makers, scrapbookers and the artistic community for over 10 years.  We offer great wholesale pricing on full spools of many of our styles, and really reasonable discount retail pricing on ribbon by the yard.
  
   
• Urban Swank.
  http://urbanswank.blogspot.com/ and http://www.scrap-tastic.com/pages/shopping.cfm?manuid=45. Urban Swank distributes Urban Lily products throughout the US, Canada and South America. Urban Lily products are bright, bold and unique, perfect for any crafting project!
  
   

Here's a look at the prizes! On 2/11/11, just read and leave a comment on each the participating blogs. (Don't worry, we will make it easy to follow with lots of links!) To enter to win the one of three prizes, you must comment on each blog. We ask you also become a follower of PSA Stamp Camp, too! Three separate winners will be drawn to win:

1. Grand Prize Winner
   1. PSA Essentials custom stamp, 1 Peel & Stick pack, 1 ink, 1 alignment tool.
   2. Purple Onion Designs love stamp set
   3. Really Reasonable Ribbon 3 Month Club Membership
   4. Nikki Sivils Prize Package ($30 in retail value)
   5. Prima Box ($40 in retail value)
   6. Helmar USA Craft Glue, Scrap dots, Quick Dry Adhesive and Gem Glue
   7. Urban Lily kit of papers and embellishments
2. Runner-up
   1. PSA Essentials custom stamp or Peel & Stick pack of choice & 1 ink
3. Third place runner up
   1. PSA Essentials custom stamp or Peel & Stick pack of choice & 1 ink

It's going to be a great hop! Let us know what you think about it today by leaving a comment. Have a great day!

Red, White & Blue

Remember the game word association? When someone says "Americana"- what words do you associate? I think apple pie, white picket fences, the American dream, the fourth of July, fireworks, and red, white and blue. While Independence Day may be months away, our designers have been inspired by this traditional color palate. It's one of my favorite color combos and I hope you will enjoy the great designs we have for you today.

Carly Robertson created this great card – perfect for reminding a friend, your spouse or kids to "Live for the Moment." The sentiment is stamped from PSA Dare to Dream and the adorable flying Hello Kitty is from Hello Kitty On –The Go. People FLIP for Hello Kitty designs, if you are one of those people – check the entire line out here. http://www.psaessentials.com/hellokitty.htm

Carly Robertson also created this Rock Star card. What makes this card great is the stamp. Take away the cute Hello Kitty and it's a whole new card. Cute but not as cute as it is with the stamp. I love the way Carly's colored her up. I could definitely see sending this to a little girl for their birthday, for an achievement or milestone that someone's accomplished.

What about this red, white and blue Happy Birthday card by Mara Campbell? She's stamped from PSA Whimsy Cakes and Holiday Red Ink. The "Happy" flag banner signs Americana, as does the star.

Let's play word association today on the blog! Leave a comment and let us know – what do you think of when I say: "Americana?"

Supply Spotlight:

1) Live for the moment.  Cardstock: A Muse; Pattern Paper: A Muse, Stamps: Hello Kitty-On The Go (PSA Essentials); Markers: Copics, Gems: A Muse 

2) Rock Star.  Cardstock: A Muse; Pattern Paper: A Muse, Stamps: Hello Kitty-On The Go (PSA Essentials); Markers: Copics, Gems: DCWV

3) Happy Birthday.   Stamps:  PSA Whimsy Cakes.  Other supplies - email libby@psaessentials.com for more info from the designer. 

And the winner is....

Thank-you to all of our new followers from KinderStampO's Birthday Blog Hop!

The winner of the blog candy is Kristin.  (I've contacted her directly, so if your name is also Kristin, it is not you unless you got an email from me.)   All others, please don't despair.  We frequently have blog candy so there will be other chances to win.  Also, I'm sure to alert you to the greatest deals out there on our stampers and Peel & Stick packs, as well as custom ones.  (In fact: www.2preppygirls.com is having 10% off until Valentine's Day! Enter PSA10 at checkout. And be sure to see below for my earlier post about HSN.)  Have a great evening & thanks again. 

Our HSN debut: February 1st

Exciting news to share! PSA Essentials is going to be sold on The Home Shopping Network on February 1^st! 

My “On-Air Guest Welcome Packet” arrived.   (I will be the one interacting with the host, demonstrating how to use the stamper, Peel & Stick designs and inks, and showcasing what you can do with PSA Peel & Stick stamps!)  Our design team has been working for several weeks preparing really amazing designs for us to use.   Now it’s time I get myself ready.  The welcome package I received is huge… over a 100 pages to read. 

There’s a 12-page Style Guide with do’s and don’ts.    Do:  Choose a simple all over color; avoid patterns since they “dance on camera.”   Don’t:  Wear shiny colors; matte colors are preferred since they are more flattering.    I have to wear long sleeves, short sleeves are a no-no.    If I choose to wear jeans, they must be a dark wash.    Jewelry must be kept to a minimum so it doesn’t detract from the presentation.   I am required to get a professional manicure (with approved colors) and I have to arrive 2 hours prior to the premiere time for hair and makeup.    I will be a true diva!    I can already hear myself saying, “I’ll be in hair and make-up from 2-4 and then on air at 5.” 

Most intimidating is the legal guide I’ve been sent.   It is 8 pages long and very specific.   All claims must be substantiated prior to going on air.   References to competitor products have to be pre-approved.  There’s also language I cannot use – words that are banned from the HSN lexicon.   I’ll be rehearsing big time for the next few days! 

There’s an on-air guest coordinator for me, too.   I can already tell she’s super – she’s emailed me coordinating our meetings with the Senior Producer, the TV Research Specialist, and the Buyer.  On Monday January 31^st (the day before the show) I have an in-studio practice from 1-5 pm.   Thankful for that!

We are selling different bundles to the HSN audience.  Bundles include stampers and then either PSA Frenchie, PSA Cupcake, PSA Rosettas & a few other stamp options and ink options.   You’ll have to tune in to see!   We have a company goal of how many we’d like to sell, and of course, I have a personal goal to double it.  I’ll be sure to alert all of our readers when the time slot has been confirmed. 

For anyone missing "Thursday Product Reviews" - they will be back in two weeks! Projects are back tomorrow!

CHA 2011 Preview

The semi-annual Craft & Hobby Association (CHA) show is coming up at the end of this week. Who's headed to Los Angeles for it? 

From January 29^th to February 1^st, thousands of enthusiastic craft attendees will come together at the LA Convention Center to scope out what's new and who's who in the craft business. Over 500 vendors are exhibiting, including PSA Essentials!

The CHA has a great website to help pre-plan the trip, you can scope out who's exhibiting, where their booth is located, and save to that company to your favorites here: https://www.craftandhobby.org/eweb/DynamicPage.aspx?Site=cha&WebKey=4a437189-3740-4e02-9a8d-1b41d9553eda (If you check out this link, then click on "floorplan").

PSA Essentials is in booth #2558. If you are going, definitely stop by and see us! Every year we do a theme for the booth, last year it was a Hawaiian, beach theme and this year we are going with a camp theme. We'll be doing prizes and giveaways, in addition to showcasing projects and tips for using the stamps.

Sadly, I won't be at CHA this year because it directly conflicts with HSN. I have made some wonderful new friends in the blogging world– I hope to meet you all in Chicago this summer. More about HSN tomorrow!


Leave us a comment today and let us know if you are going to CHA. If you are going representing a company, who? Have a great day!

Lime and Pink

Here at PSA Essentials, we think lime and pink is a pretty cool color combination. So bright and so fun – the colors just pop off the page! Our designers like working with these colors too and came up with some pretty cute cards to share.

Both today are by Carly Robertson.  For the first, she stamped "she who has the most shoes" sentiment from PSA Dare to Dream.   Dare to Dream is one of my favorite collections because it has serious ones ("make it happen" and "live for the moment") but also really fun ones like "skip the cake and eat the icing!" The button on this is adorable and she has made great use of the pink polka dot paper.

I would love to send the next one to a friend to welcome her baby girl.  Carly stamped "It's a girl" and the dress from PSA Carriage. I love how she's colored up the dress and added some rhinestones at the bottom. The lime on the outer ring matches the ticking stripped ribbon, too.

If you're a fan of the colors lime and pink - check out our lime & pink ink cartridge.
http://www.psaessentials.com/inkcolors.htm. Tell us here today on the blog: what's your favorite color combination? 

Supply Spotlight: 
1) Cardstock: Lime and Sugar (A Muse); Pattern Paper: Pink Kitchen (A Muse); Stamps: (image) PSA- Frenchie and (sentiment) PSA-Dare to Dream (PSA Essentials); Fibers: pink sheer ribbon (A Muse) and lime twine (Michaels); Button: (A Muse); Gems: rhinestone (Kaiser); Tools: Tags (Sizzix)

2) Cardstock: Sugar and Bubblegum (A Muse); Stamps: PSA-Carriage (PSA Essentials); Fibers: lime stitched and pink sheer ribbon (A Muse); Tools: large circle scallop (Spellbinders) and Tags (Sizzix); Gems: rhinestone (A Muse)

CPS Sponsorship Week

Monday's at PSA Stamp Camp are all about inspiration. Well how's Card Positioning Systems (CPS) for inspiration? Every Sunday, a sketch is posted to inspire hundreds of card makers who create something beautiful and then link their blog. CPS has sponsors each week, great companies like Gina K Designs, The Stamps of Life, & Flower Soft are among the dozens. This week PSA Essentials is sponsoring! Want to win the giveaway? See details below…

Here's a look at this week's sketch that's is inspiring hundreds. I love the negative space at the top and the circles repeating at the bottom are perfect for using PSA Peel & Stick stamps.

Our designer Jennifer Holmes created this red, white and pink card and stamping the love birds & love from PSA Love Birds. I love the textured red paper.

Up next is a card by Anthonette Chavez – she's used the stamp from PSA Frenchie. It's a great all-purpose card, perfect to send on any occasion. I also love the textured paper she has used. Both designers are showing us that the negative space in the sketch doesn't have to be completely empty. Adding textured papers fills the void nicely!

Stephanie Jones created this great card – using one of my favorite sentiments from PSA Dare to Dream. She's also used the flower from PSA Life's A Beach. Is it just me, or is black very popular lately?

Be sure to head over to the blog and check out what the CPS Design Team has created – you will recognize a few of the designer's names and stamps! (Hint: Carly & Kim & PSA!)  Also if you head over here, you will learn how to be entered to win the prize package this week.  (Hint:  You have to create a card based on the sketch!)  http://cardpositioningsystems.blogspot.com/2011/01/cps-202-part-1.html


Supply Spotlight:

• Jennifer: Stamps: Love Birds (PSA Essentials). Email libby@psaessentials.com for complete supply list.
• Anthonette: Stamps: Frenchie (PSA Essentials), Paper: white, melon berry, summer sunrise (Papertrey Ink), Ink: black (PSA Essentials), Tools: Big Shot with Backgrounds 1 Texturz Plate from Stampin' Up, Limitless Layers die (Papertrey Ink), 1.75" circle punch (Stampin' Up). Other: Basic Black satin ribbon (Stampin' Up), white gel pen (Sakura), felt (Papertrey Ink), gems (Heidi Swapp)
• Stephanie: Stamps: PSA Dare to Dream & PSA Life's A Beach. Email for complete supply list.

34 Birthday Candles & Counting Blog Hop

Welcome to PSA Stamp Camp! We are excited to be a part of KinderStampO's 34 Birthday Candles and Counting Blog Hop. There are over 40 designers sharing birthday inspired projects today. If you are participating in the hop and arrived from Leslie's Blog (http://www.leslierahye.blogspot.com/) then you are in the right place! If you are just starting and want to find out more about the hop, head over to www.KinderStampO.com to find out what's this is all about.

We want to welcome all the new people reading our blog today so become a follower of PSA Stamp Camp today and be entered to win a free customized stamp, 1 Peel & Stick stamp pack of your choice, 1 ink & 1 alignment tool.  Leave a comment and include your email address so we can contact you if you are the winner!

I'll quickly introduce myself to the newbie's of PSA Stamp Camp. My name is Libby, I work for PSA Essentials and we manufacture self-inking custom stamps. We have patent-pending peel & stick technology – ideal for paper crafting. You start with a customized stamp like ones below, peel away the outer or inner ring and stick on a new one. You can change your designs THOUSANDS of times – all with one stamper. We have licenses with Hello Kitty, Peanuts, UBU, Smirk, and SUPER cute original designs.

 Here's what one of our designers, Carly Robertson came up with using our stamps to celebrate a birthday. She stamped the cupcake from PSA Whimsy Cakes. I love her choice of color and how beautifully she's tied the ribbon. She's colored in the stamp and made it extra special.

 Here's another one by Carly Robertson. How cute is this cupcake with the cherry on top? I want to eat it.

 Here's a quick look at some of our Peel & Stick packs so you can see what you can do with our stamps. They work just like any other clear stamp – so you can use them with acrylic blocks or our stamper. These are just a few of my favorite stamps!

Thank-you for stopping by!  The next stop on the hop is Linda: http://www.krazyquilling.com/. Happy Hopping!

Are you lost? Here's all the links to the blogs participating in KinderStampO's Blog Hop today!

• KinderStampO www.KinderStampO.com
  Ashley http://scrappinpinkpiglet.blogspot.com/
  Alexandra Conde http://www.youhadmeatcraft.com/
  Angelica Suarez www.handmadebyangelica.com
  Anita http://www.anitaandbugs.blogspot.com/
  CanadianNickel Scrapn http://canadiannickelscrapn.blogspot.com/
  Cheryl Gibson http://cheryl-gibson.blogspot.com/
  Christine Cooper Hatchell www.scrapbookingtechnique.blogspot.com
  Corri www.buglvr.blogspot.com
  Cristina http://www.craftingwithcristina.com/
  Ddscrafts http://craftydeb-ddscrafts.blogspot.com/
  Denise http://deesdesignsfrommyheart.blogspot.com/
  Erika Taylor http://taylordconcepts.blogspot.com/
  Haidee http://created2bunique.blogspot.com/
  Jennifer www.craftycardgallery.blogspot.com
  Jessica B. http://thatzuneek.blogspot.com/
  Jessica-Creative Stamper http://thecreativestamperspot.blogspot.com/
  Jess http://myscrapdiary-jess.blogspot.com/
  Jill Thee Scrapoholic http://TheScrapoholic.blogspot.com/
  Karla http://karlasloveblog.blogspot.com/
  Krista http://www.KristasPaperCafe.com/
  Leslie http://www.leslierahye.blogspot.com/
  Libby http://www.psastampcamp.blogspot.com/
  Linda www.krazyquilling.com
  Lisa J. http://ljsscrapshack.blogspot.com/
  Lisa T. www.bitbythecricutbug.blogspot.com
  Liset www.hailemnat.blogspot.com
  Momo http://www.madebymomo.blogspot.com/
  Mariam http://mariamsatchell.blogspot.com/
  Marilyn Nimmo http://littlethingmemoryartist.blogspot.com/
  Martha C. http://dreamofcrafting.blogspot.com/
  Martha G. http://pattisscrapingtime.blogspot.com/
  Nicolette Simpson http://beyondscrapin.blogspot.com/
  Pam Bray http://pammejo-scrapbookflair.blogspot.com/
  Sarah PinkCricut http://www.pinkcricut.com/
  Scrappin Thirdeeschik http://scrappin3rdeeschik.blogspot.com/
  Sigrid Martin http://lovescrapreflect.blogspot.com/
  Stayce DeWid http://www.staycedewid.com/
  Stephanie http://www.alwayscrafting.com/
  Theresa Harris www.TheScrapbookingQueen.com
  Tina Florapinkcreations http://flowersinspirations.blogspot.com/
  Tracy Scrappergirlie Loring http://scrappergirlie.blogspot.com/
  KinderStampO http://www.kinderstampo.com/p/kinderstampos-34-birthday-balloons-and.htm http://www.funkycards.blogspot.com/
  

Valentine’s Day Preview

With Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanza and New Years behind us, there's one more Winter holiday standing in front of us…. and it's approaching quickly. Valentine's Day is a holiday that people either love or hate – there are few people that are in between. Those that hate it think of it as just a Halmark holiday, or despise all the lovey-dovey stuff… I think it's a super fun paper craft holiday! Whatever your thoughts are, we have something sweet to announce and some ideas to share.

First let me announce that PSA Stamp Camp is hosting our first BLOG HOP on February 11! We will give you more details about the hop next week!






















Now, let's preview some beautiful Valentine's Day cards. Here are some ideas by Anthonette Chavez and Mara Campbell to inspire your creations. The first one by Mara uses stamps from PSA Love Birds.  The paper Mara is using is really different and whimsical, the irregular shaped hearts and polka dot ribbon add real flair to the design.

The next card by Mara is so sweet. Once again I love the use of papers. She's stamped "Love Me Forever – Kiss Me Now" from Smirk. Beautiful ribbons tied here – I love the white polka dot one!

This card is so my style. The repetition of the stamp and word "love" reminds me of a Warhol print. The colors remind me of a Haring print. Two of my favorite artists summoned by this card and now I am in love… This is by Anthonette Chavez.

Next week I will give you details on the blog hop!

Supply Spotlight:
1.  PSA Essentials Peel & Stick Smirk Kiss Me Now, Ink: PSA Essentials. Paper: Papertrey Ink. Gems: Queen & Company. Button: Oriental Trading. Misc: twine, big ribbon, Martha Steward border punch
2.  PSA Essentials Peel & Stick Love Birds, Colored Pencils: Prismacolor, Paper: Cosmo Cricket, Papertrey Ink, Twine: The Twinery, Button: Papertrey Ink, Gems: Queen & Company, Misc: cardboard sleeve

Thursday Product Review... PSA Essentials

Today I'd like to share some recent reviews of PSA Essentials Peel & Stick stamps.   I know, I know - it's sort of a cop-out post since Thursday's are supposed to be my review of other craft products.   But I am busy getting ready for CHA, HSN and other acronym things.   Plus I really did want to share all the great press we have been getting over the last few weeks.   Leave a comment today and let me know - where else would you like to see PSA Essentials reviewed? 

First up - check out the Scrap Review! http://www.thescrapreview.com/2010/12/psa-essentials.html

Next - check out Write.Click.Scrapbook.  http://www.writeclickscrapbook.com/write_click_scrapbook/2011/01/giveawayday-featuring-psa-essentials.html

Now, head over to Craft Gossip.com for today's review!  http://stamping.craftgossip.com/product-review-psa-essentials-stamps/2011/01/20/ 

Tomorrow we have a Valentine's Day preview full of great projects.   Saturday we are participating in the KinderStampO blog hop and we also have beautiful projects to share.   If you have been missing project the last two days... come back tomorrow & Saturday!

Welcome New Design Team Members

Last month we held call for our design team– we were looking to replace one designer leaving us, and fill a gap while another member was on maternity leave. We were absolutely blown away with the talent of the applicants. The heart and soul that designers put into their submissions was touching. I am proud that so many people would want to work with PSA Essentials stamps, and be a part of this great team! We received over 100 entries. We narrowed it down to four ladies to try out and invited all four to join because their work is so remarkable. Let me introduce to you the newest members of our design team!

Melyssa Connolly- Melyssa's work has been published in Paper Crafts Magazine (Card Creations Volume 8 and 9), CARDS (November 2010), Memory Makers Big Book of Scrapbook Ideas (May 2011) and had a feature in Canadian Scrapbooker. She's Copic certified and a graphic designer who's been on design teams such as Bombshell Stamps, ShortCuts, and Whimsie Doodles. She lives in Harmony, Nova Scotia – a long way from PSA Essentials! Melyssa writes her own blog here: www.fantastink.blogspot.com

Tami Mayberry - Tami was one of 12 designers out of 2,100 to be awarded Stamping Royalty 2010 by Paper Crafts Magazine. She's a Designer/Author for CardMaker magazine since premier issue May 2005, been a featured designer in CardMaker (Sept 2010) and Crafts n Things (Feb 2008). Perhaps most impressively is that she is a sketch artist for three versions of CardMaker's Sketchbook from DRG publishers. She currently designs for Discount Cardstock, The Stamps of Life, Gina K Designs and Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L™.   She owns and maintains one of the largest independently owned sketch blogs, CPS.  Her personal blog is: www.tamimayberry.blogspot.com.

Kim Moreno - Kim's projects have been published several times in Scrapbook, Etc, Creating Keepsakes, Scrapbook Trends, Cards, Paper Crafts and Scrapbook & Cards Today. She was featured on the covers of the May 2009, July 2008, and November 2009 CARDS magazine and has several layouts in Memory Makers Idea Books. She was a Memory Makers Master Runner Up in 2008. She's been on a bunch of design teams, including Jillibean Soup and Core'dinations cardstock. She's a mom of 5 kids all 6 years apart, and has been married for 18 years. Her personal blog is: www.livingthecircuslife.blogspot.com.

Jeanne Streiff-   Jeanne is on design teams for Discount Cardstock, Flower Soft, The Stamps of Life, Lizzie Anne Designs, Impression Obsession, High Hopes, Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps, Outlines, Our Craft Lounge. She's been on design teams for Splitcoast Dirty Dozen, Prism Papers, Unity Stamp Co., Rubbernecker, Hanna Stamps, My Favorite Things, Whipper Snapper Designs. Jeanne is a moderator on Splitcoast Stampers! Her work has been published in every issue for the last year or more in CardMaker, and she landed the cover in September 2010. She's been in Paper Crafts (Holiday Cards and More Volume 5) and her work was featured in Coloring Techniques for Card Makers. Check her out here: http://inkypaws.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/

We are excited to have these tremendously talented ladies on board with us. Thanks to everyone who applied to work with us. Readers: get ready to see some amazing work!

Switchable Middles

You've heard us use the term Switchable Middles to explain PSA Essentials Peel & Stick stamps, now see how our design team member Carey Larson shows them off. Carey created a cupcake package, perfect for bringing to a friend, taking as a hostess gift, or a get-well package. First she started with her personalized stamp. She has the Maegen one. The inner ring says "CL" and the outer ring says "Created with Care - Carey Larson." (See all custom stamp styles here: http://www.psaessentials.com/customdesigns.htm). She stamped the bottom of a cupcake holder here:

Using the same stamper, Carey switched out her middle "CL" design and stuck on a stamp from PSA Whimsy Cakes. So easy – now she has a cute label for her box of cupcakes.

Next she peeled out the Whimsy cake and stuck on a stamp from Smirk. The sentiment reads: "With a friend like you…who needs chocolate!" Her outer ring "Created with Care – Carey Larson" is intact and looks great with the new sentiment. This cute little toothpick flag can be stuck in the box of cupcakes.

With these switchable middles, Carey has endless possibilities with her stamp. She can stamp just about anything she creates with "Created with Care – Carey Larson" and personalize it even further with her inner stamp. During the holidays, she can put in Christmas and wintery stamps. During Valentine's Day, she can put in any of the Love stamps. We have hundreds of middles, so there are lots of ways to use it.

Here are some great ideas for your next custom stamp order, you don't always have to use your address on the outer ring of the stamp. Try adding a bit more customization with a sentiment. Then personalize even further with your middles. We are starting to get lots of orders with people's blog addresses. They are also great to stamp the back of your paper crafts with.

• Made with Love – Libby O'Regan
• Handmade with Care - PSA Stamp Camp
• Beautiful Creations - www.psastampcamp.blogspot.com
• Stamped by PSA Stamp Camp
• A Card Creation by Libby O'Regan
• Scrapped with Love – Libby O'Regan

For stores and where to order, visit: http://www.psaessentials.com/storelocations.htm.

Monday Inspiration Challenge: 1/17

Last week's inspiration image was from Jack Affleck, a Colorado photographer who's work appears in Time, National Geographic, and other major magazines.   The image of a flower girl in the mountains was so striking to me.  

Why so striking?  It reminds me of myself at my father's wedding.   I was older than this girl, about 10.  He married my stepmother at a chapel in Beaver Creek, Colorado.   I remember so fondly the ceremony (my dad cried!), the reception (they had sorbet between courses...you don't forget that as a young girl), and their send off (they were in a horse drawn carriage.)    A year after their wedding, my dad had a heart-attack and passed away.   It was sad, difficult, all the things you go through with a loss.   I am stronger for it today and believe everything happens for a reason. 

I am inspired to show you a card that Carly Robertson made for us, she created it for a February Design Team assignment but it's PERFECT to share today.    The "In Sympathy" sentiment is appropriate when reaching out to a friend who's lost a loved one, and the color combination is coincidentally very fitting for this inspiration image. 

Alright, so Monday's at PSA Stamp Camp aren't supposed to be a downer, so let's get inspired with another image this week!   I've choosen a Country Harvest Toile.   I'll be interested in seeing what you come up with using this color palate, style, or pattern as inspiration.  Remember that the translation need not be literal, so feel free to stretch your designs here.  Send your image by 5 pm on Sunday and it may be posted here a week from today!



Supply Spotlight: Cardstock: A Muse Studio; Stamps: (Love Birds) PSA Essentials; Ribbon: A Muse Studio.



Bridal Week – Day 4

One of my favorite things about the PSA Essentials design team is the diverse styles we showcase. We have several CAS (Clean and Simple) Designers, a couple Shabby Chic designers, more traditional ladies, and some funky ladies. Several months ago when I was planning bridal week, I choose designers with varying styles to contribute. Today I am showcasing Julia Aston's work which is a more traditional approach to Do It Yourself wedding.

Browsing the aisles of Michael's bridal section, you will see there are plenty of template crafts. Even if you choose to go this route for your favors (and I think there's nothing wrong with that!) it's hard to dress them up and make them your own in a beautiful way. Julia shows us here how to do just that by using the PSA Archive Letters, PSA Essentials Mr & Mrs. And Smirk Kiss Me Now stamps. Imagine the bride and groom's last name is Adams. This cute little favor bag would be great to put on the table. Fill it with some chocolates, Boston beans for a Boston wedding, or crab seasoning for a Maryland wedding.

Place card seating could look like this. Julia used labels from her computer and stamped the letter "A" from PSA Archive collection. You could write in the name of the guest and their table number.

Every bride knows they need to write thank-you notes. (When I was the bride, I made Mike write a few, too!) Here's a coordinating idea for some personal stationery.

Put all the projects together and you have a cohesive package! Great colors and beautiful style. Have a wonderful day!

Supply spotlight: 

1. Card Stock: White (Papertrey Ink), Green (Bazzill); Patterned Paper: Manhattan/Pied A Terre (Autumn Leaves) Clear Stamps: Letter A from Archive Alphabet set, Mr & Mrs from Mr and Mrs set,  Bridge & Groom from Kiss Me Now/Smirk  (PSA Essentials) Dye Ink: Black (PSA Essentials), Dies: Beaded Circles Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Favorite It Box 2 (Papertrey Ink) Punches: 1 1/4" & 1 1/2" circles (Stampin Up) Fibers: narrow white satin ribbon (Papertrey Ink) white lace (Mark's Finest Papers) Other: sticky pearls (Michaels)
2. Card Stock: White (Papertrey Ink) Green (Bazzill) Patterned Paper: Manhattan/Pied A Terre (Autumn Leaves) Clear Stamps: letter A from Archive Alphabet Set (PSA Essentials) Die Ink: black (PSA Essentials) Punches: 1 1/4" & 1 1/2" circles, scalloped edge (Stampin Up), corner rounder (Zutter) Other: clear mail label (Avery), computer generated text.
3. Card Stock: White (Papertrey Ink) Green (Bazzill) Patterned Paper: Manhattan/Pied A Terre (Autumn Leaves) Clear Stamps: Letter A from Archive Alphabet Set (PSA Essentials) Die Ink: Black (PSA Essentials) Punches: 1 1/4 & 1 1/2" circles, scalloped edge (Stampin Up), corner rounder (Zutter).