Stamping in the Woods

I'm Back!, and sharing a card we'll be making at my April class!

Have you missed me?  My computer crashed about a month ago, and it had to go to the Geek Squad for repair.  After we picked it up my dear husband restored everything, which took about 4 days.  In the meantime, I've done my best to be patient.  Now I'm back, and can now share some of the things I've been working on.

During the month of April customers have been able to purchase products from the upcoming 2012/2013 Annual Catalog, due out on June 1st.  The products are from the Summer Smooches suite of products, which include a stamp set, designer series paper, Daffodil Delight Seam Binding Ribbon, fabric, a photobook template, digital kit, Petite Purse Bigz die, and Summer Smooches Fabric Designer Brads & a Decor stencil - only this month (will not be in the Annual Catalog), .

I designed a card for my April 25th class using some of these products.  The beauty of this card is that you can easily add any sentiment you like.

I love the simplicity of this card.  Note the background on the white layer.  I made the design using the new accessory for the Simply Scored - the Diagonal Plate.  This plate is so easy to use, and can create such a wonderful texture on your cardstock.  The Diagonal Plate is available for purchase - right now - item #125586, $11.95.  The Simply Scored tool can be found in the current Occasions Mini Catalog (which expires April 30th), #122334, $29.95.

I stamped the "Happy Birthday" before I scored the cardstock.  That way I got a clean stamped image.  Other Stampin' Up! products used for this card are:

• Stamp Set: Bright Blossoms, #125495 wood mount $16.95; #125497 clear mount $12.95 (available during April); Curly Cute #117014 Wood Mount $19.95; #120510 Clear Mount $14.95
• Paper: Whisper White, Real Red, Summer Smooches Designer Series Paper, #125409 $10.95 (available during April)
• Ink: Real Red Classic Ink Pad; Old Olive, Daffodil Delight, and Real Red Stampin' Write Markers
• Accessories: Simply Scored, Diagonal Plate, Corner Rounder punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

I'd love to hear what you think of this card.  Please leave a comment below.

 

 

MIXED BUNCH WITH A TWIST

I have been having fun playing with my Mixed Bunch stamp set and coordinating Blossom punch.  Here is a card I CASED today after seeing one made by Mary Brown.  I just changed up the color scheme.

Card base and next layer are both Whisper White.  I then grabbed my Subtles Patterns Designer Series Paper Stack (I used Bashful Blue), and punched out 4 squares with the 1-3/4" square punch.  I then used the corner rounder on opposite corners of all 4 squares.  The squares were then adhered to the card using Tombow Multipurpose glue.

I heat-embossed the flower from the Mixed Bunch stamp set with Versamark and White Embossing Powder on vellum cardstock.  Then I punched out the flower with the Blossom punch.  I liked the appearance of the flower better with the shiny side down, so I placed the 3/4" circle on the "dull" side of the flower, then attached the flower with Dimensionals.  I stamped the sentiment on a piece of Whisper White cardstock, distressed the edges with Bashfull Blue ink, then used the 1" square punch to create the chevron on one end.  I attached it to the card with a glue dot and Dimensionals.

Easy to make card, but stunning - don't you agree?

The Mixed Bunch stamp set is in the 2012 Occasions Mini Catalog, page 17, item #125537, $21.95 clear mount, item #125535, $27.95 wood mount.  The Blossom punch is also on page 17 of the 2012 Occasions Mini Catalog, item #125603, $16.95.  It is easy to get these for yourself.  Just click on the "Order Online" icon at the upper left of this page.

Thanks for looking.

 

NEW TECHNIQUE WITH DESIGNER CUTS

I love the Designer Cuts cards in the 2012 Occasions Mini Catalog!  If you haven't taken a close look at this Stampin' Up! product, you can find it on page 9 of the mini catalog.

I recently saw a stunning card made with the Designer Cuts, and decided to make one of my own.  Here is a photo of my card:

Can you guess how this was done?  When I first saw this technique I couldn't imagine how something so intricate as this heart could be colored - easily.  It turns out that the technique is much easier to do than it looks - thanks to Patty Bennett for sharing a video on how to do it!!  The trick?  Use a temporary adhesive, like Dotto, to adhere a square of vellum cardstock to the backside of the heart, then using watercolor markers color in the design right on the vellum (be sure to let it dry!).  When you are done, permanently adhere the vellum, then use a piece of cardstock or designer series paper to completely cover the inside, thus hiding the piece of colored vellum.  Fun, fun, fun!

There are two ways to color the vellum: (1) the way I have described above, which gives the coloring a more faded look, and (2) temporarily adhering the vellum to the front of the card, coloring it, then permanently adhering it to the inside.  This will give your colors a more bright appearance.

The pack of Designer Cuts cards contains 4 each of two laser-cut designs, and 8 pink envelopes.  You can order this item through my 24/7 online store by clicking on the Order Online icon at the top left of this page.  It is item #125414, price is $9.95.  You can also view the 2012 Occasions Mini Catalog, as well as the 2011/2012 Idea Book & Catalog, by clicking on the appropriate icon on the left side of this page.

Do you like this technique?  Please leave me a comment with your thoughts.

SWEET CAKE HAPPY BIRTHDAY FOR JOHN

My husband, John, celebrated a birthday last week, and I decided to make his birthday card using the Sweet Cake stamp set from the 2012 Occasions Mini Catalog.  In fact, I copied the card layout from the catalog, but changed the size of the card as well as the colors and designer paper.

My biggest challenge was to figure out how the frosting on the cupcake top was created.  After trying numerous things, I finally stamped the top on Whisper White, applied Two-Way glue on the frosting pieces, sprinkled them with glitter, then cut them out.

I stamped the green cupcake "paper" with Versamark, embossed it with some of the new scented embossing powder, then cut it out and glued it to the stamped image.  The card smelled so good!

Products used to make this card:

• Stamp set: Sweet Cake, page 33 in the 2012 Occasions Mini Catalog, #125492, $14.95 clear mount; #125490, $18.95 wood mount
• Cardstock: Lucky Limeade 12" x 12" Textured, Whisper White
• Designer Series Paper: Sweet Shop Specialty Designer Series Paper, page 33 in the 2012 Occasions Mini Catalog, #125408, $12.95
• Ink: Soft Suede, Versamark, Pool Party, Calypso Coral
• Accessories: Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack (the small circle for the cherry); 2-Way Glue Pen; Dazzling Diamonds Glitter; Cherry Scented Stampin' Emboss Powder (page 35 in the 2012 Occasions Mini Catalog, #127035, $5.95); Jelly Bean Brads (page 35 in the 2012 Occasions Mini Catalog, #125587, $4.95); White Baker's Twine

Isn't this a fun card?  My husband loved it!  I'd love to hear your comments! 

If you would like to duplicate this card, you can order the products through my 24/7 Online Store.  Just click on the "Order Online" icon at the upper left of this page.

Thanks for looking!

SUMMER SMOOCHES THANK YOU

Being a demonstrator sure has its advantages!  One of them is having access to new products before they are revealed to the stamping community.

This month Stampin' Up! revealed one of the new product suites, Summer Smooches, that will be in the upcoming 2012/2013 Idea Book & Catalog, due out on June 1st.  Demonstrators could "pre-order" the products beginning March 1st, and I did not delay in placing my order.

Here is a 3" x 3" thank you card that I included with the orders placed at my friend's workshop that was held last Saturday: 

I used the Summer Smooches Designer Series Paper and the Bright Blossoms stamp set.  The colors in the package of Summer Smooches Designer Series Paper are so bright and cheerful; I chose the Rich Razzelberry sheet to punch out my scallop circle.  I then colored the flower stamp with Rich Razzelberry, Pumpkin Pie and Old Olive watercolor markers, "huffed" on the stamp, then applied it to Whisper White cardstock punched out with the 1-3/4" circle punch.  I used a sponge dauber and Rich Razzelberry ink to distresss the edges of the punched circle before adhering it to the card.  I then added a tiny Basic Pearl to one of the flowers.  I didn't realize until I added it that it mimicked the pattern on the designer paper - cool!  The sentiment is from Teeny Tiny Wishes.

Like what you see?  Customers will be able to order products from the Summer Smooches suite beginning April 1st.  Stay tuned - I'll be posting more samples soon.

FRESH VINTAGE BIRTHDAY

I have been preparing for workshop I have this Saturday, and want to share one of the cards the ladies will be making.

I got the inspiration for this card online, and changed things up a bit to get it the way I wanted.  The Fresh Vintage stamp set is in the 2012 Sale-A-Bration catalog, and can be yours with a minimum $50 Stampin' Up! purchase.  I just love the images in this stamp set.  Remember, it will be available only through March 31st, then it will be gone forever.

Items used to make this card are:

• Stamp Sets: Fresh Vintage, page 6 in the 2012 Sale-A-Bration catalog, #125117 clear mount, #125115 wood mount; Elementary Elegance, also found in the 2012 Sale-A-Bration catalog, page 15, #125122 clear mount, #125120 wood mount

• Cardstock: Poppy Parade, Whisper White

• Ink: Poppy Parade, Crumb Cake, Soft Suede

• Accessories: Big Shot, Finial Press Embossing Folder, 1/8" Calypso Coral Organdy Ribbon (another Sale-A-Bration offering with Printed Designer Brads, page 7), Basic Pearls

I love the way this card turned out - simple but very pretty. 

How about earning this stamp set, plus other goodies?  Contact me to schedule your own stamping party before Sale-A-Bration ends on March 31st.

BIRDHOUSE CARD

I was so excited when I saw how to make this card on Jackie Topa's blog.  She used the brand new Simply Scored Diagonal Plate to score the angeled lines on the card - so easy!  As a demonstrator I was able to pre-order the Diagonal Plate.  Customers can order it beginning March 1st.

If you attend my March 17th class you will learn how to make this darling card:

I added my own touches when I made this card, and  used the following to make it:

• Cardstock: Pacific Point, Real Red, Certainly Celery, So Saffron
• Ink: Pacific Point, Real Red, So Saffron
• Accessories: Simply Scored Diagonal Plate, 1" circle punch, Bird Builder Punch, Small Heart Punch, Stripes Embossing Folder, Tasteful Trim Die, Stampin' Sponge

Remember - customers can order the Simply Scored Diagonal Plate beginning March 1st, item #125586, $11.95.  Just click on the shopping logo at the upper left of this page to get your!

CARD USING PEEKABOO FRAMES BIGZ DIE

I bought the new Peekaboo Frames Bigz L Die from the current Holiday Mini catalog, and had a ball making my first Advent Calendar.

But....I wanted to show my customers how versatile the die can be, so I created a card using one of the window shapes on the die, the Big Shot and the Easy Events stamp set from the Idea Book & Catalog.  I love this stamp set - it has 8 different images that cover just about any occasion.  Here is the result:

 

This baby card was so simple and fun to make!  I can hardly wait to make a card using one of the other window shapes.  Products I used are:

Stamp Set: Easy Events, #126958, $32.95 WM; #123225, $24.95 CM; Curvy Verses, #114948, $23.95

Paper: Whisper White, Certainly Celery; Subtles Patterns Designer Series Paper Stack

Ink: Black Stazon stamp pad; Certainly Celery, So Saffron and Pumpkin Pie Markers

Accessories: Peekaboo Frames Bigz L Die, #124587, $32.98; Certainly Celery 5/8" Satin Ribbon; Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder; Scallop Oval and Extra Large Oval punches; Basic Pearls

Just think of the possibilites with this awesome die!  You can order one for yourself, plus all the other products used to make this card, by shopping in my online store HERE.

Isn't this card just the cutest thing?  Please leave me a comment  and let me know what you think.

Fruit & Flowers Card

I love, love the Berry Blossoms Designer Series paper that is found in the 2011/2012 Idea Book & Catalog.  Not only does it use some beautiful colors, but it coordinates beautifully with the Fruit & Flowers stamp set - one of my favorites.  You can get the Berry Blossoms free if you purchase three other packages of Designer Series papers, but only through August 31st!  This offer applies to any of the $10.95 packages of DSP, and excludes the Specialty DSP as well as the Patterns Stacks.

I really like the way this card came together.  It is amazing what a bit of black (or other appropriate neutral color) will do for a card, don't you think?

Stampin' Up! products used on this card are:

Stamp Sets: Fruit & Flowers #122607; Happiest Birthday Wishes (Hostess set) #122617

Cardstock: Lucky Limeade, Basic Black, Calypso Coral, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Berry Blossoms #122350

Ink: Lucky Limeade, Calypso Coral

Accessories: Big Shot, 3" Circle die, Circle Scissors Plus, 2-1/2" circle punch, Modern Label punch, Eyelet Border punch, Limeade 3/8" Ruffled ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals, Mini Glue Dots, Houndstooth embosing folder, Crystal Effects, Dazzling Diamonds

The Crustal Effects on the strawberries really makes them pop.  It is difficult to see, but the Dazzling Diamonds that I sprinkled over the Crystal Effects looks like a bit of sugar.

Remember - today is the last day to take advatage of Stampin' Up!'s "Buy Three Get One Free" promotion.  You can place an order for your favorite papers through my online store HERE.

August Class Card #1 - Medallion Card

I held my August class last Saturday, and everyone did an awesome job.  Here is one of the cards we made.

Medallion cards have been all the rage lately, and I knew I wanted to make one so I could try out Stampin' Up!'s Simply Scored tool.  Scoring all those lines was SO easy with the Simply Scored!!

I got the inspiration for this card from another demonstrator, but changed the colors and papers she used.  I love the way the design of the Rich Razzelberry Designer Series Paper shows up on the medallion.  I didn't have a button that looked good on the center of the medallion, so I made my own by punching a 1/2" circle out of Basic Black.  I adhered it to the medallion, then spread Crystal Effects over the surface.  Result?  It looks like a smooth and shiny black button in the center - love it.

To make the medallion I cut a piece of Designer Series Paper 12" x 7/8" inches, then scored it on the Simply Scored every 1/4".  I then accordian-folded the strip and attached the ends with Sticky Strip.  I then turned the medallion upside down and squeezed it together to form a circle.  Then I took the 1-3/8" circle, on which I had placed 3 strips of Sticky Strip, and carefully placed it on the medallion.  I flipped the medallion over and gently pushed the folds in to place so I had a perfect circle.  The final step as to place the medallion with its backing into the scallop circle.  I found that after I made the first one the second was much easier!

Stamp Set: Perfect Words (hostess set)

Cardstock: Pear Pizzazz, Whisper White, Basic Black, Rich Razzelberry; Brights Collection, Patterns Designer Series Paper Stack

Ink: Basic Black

Accessories: Simply Scored, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, Top Note Die, Big Shot, 1-3/8" Circle punch, 2-3/8" Scallop Circle punch, 1/2" circle punch, Crystal Effects, Sticky Strip

To make your own medallion card contact me to order the supplies you need.  This card would look fabulous with any color cardstock and Designer Series Paper.