NEW In Color Sneak Peek!

That's right, today I've got a sneak peak of the new 2012-2014 In Colors for you :) They are
*Raspberry Ripple (my fave of the five colors)
*Primrose Petals
*Midnight Muse
*Summer Starfruit (a color I wasn't sure about but it has really grown on me)
*Gumball Green (a wicked cool Christmas color!)

But it's not just new In Colors that I got in my Fed Ex package on Wednesday. They all came in the NEW FIRM FOAM Ink Pad. What is the Firm Foam Ink Pad? As of June 1st, SU! is reconfiguring all of its ink pads to this new material (rather than the felt ink pads). I didn't think there could be much more of a difference but holy smokes! The difference is incredible! Not only do larger stamps ink up evenly with ease, but the ink is more saturated on the stamp and don't leave the pattern of the foam material (like the felt does) so you get an even, saturated, crisp stamped image! Take a peek, especially at the large bloom (from the upcoming Betsy's Bloom stamp set) which I stamped with the Midnight Muse color.

If I'd been thinking, I would have stamped a comparison in Night of Navy using the felt ink pad... next time ;) But needless to say, I'll be replacing all my stamp pads. Yes, they are THAT much better.

I got my inspiration for this card using this week's Freshly Made Sketch. I'll be sending this card off on Monday to the Czech Republic - her birthday is Tuesday. Yes, I'm aware it'll be a bit late ;)

Tips & Tricks:

*With the new Firm Foam Ink Pads tapping your stamp lightly on the ink pad is all that's needed. You no longer have to 'smoosh' it around to get even coverage.
*Like the Happy Birthday greeting? I use the new Itty Bitty Banners stamp set and coordinating Bitty Banners Framelits. Love those!
*How awesome is the Raspberry Ripple color with Summer Starfruit (the bird and wing)? LOVE LOVE LOVE it!
*Did you happen to notice the Stitched Whisper White Grosgrain Ribbon? Yup, stitched. It's replacing the current 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon and it's great!
*The DSPs are the new Patio Party & Floral District DSP. They are both gorgeous!

So as you've likely gathered, I love a lot of new things in the 2012-2013 SU! Catalogue. Some great new stamps, great new accessories and I just LOVE the new In Colors. Here's a side-by-side comparison. The order they're in is: Primrose Petals, Midnight Muse, Summer Starfruit, Raspberry Ripple and Gumball Green. The card base is Raspberry Ripple and the main color of the DSP is Summer Starfruit.

Aren't the colors crisp? The die cut shape is from the new Oval Accent die. And another Itty Bitty Banner. Love :) 'Til next time, keep letting stamps bring out your creativity!