Stamps, Paper, and Ink

Petals A Plenty for Christmas

I know I'll have a few months to celebrate spring and new products, so my share for today is back to Christmas and I've pulled out all the stops for today's card. I  used the Shimmer Paint and Petals A Plenty embossing folder. These fabulous items are only available until January 4, so don't miss out if you haven't ordered them yet!

I tried a fun new technique of sponging a thin, even layer of Platinum Shimmer Paint on the debossed side of the folder before inserting the card stock and running it through the Big Shot. You'll find the debbossed side - the one with indentations instead a raised design - by running your hand over the inside of the folder. The result of this technique is a silvery shimmer in the background that makes the red flowers stand out. I wish the photo did it justice, but trust me - it's a beautiful effect.

I am busy with Christmas preparations - wrapping LOTS of gifts - so I'll keep this short today. See you tomorrow!

Supplies~  all supplies by Stampin' Up!
Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper: Christmas Cocoa Specialty Paper, real red, pretty in pink, whisper white
and Ink: real red

Accessories: silver elastic cord, brushed silver brads, clear circle rhinestone, snowflake punch, Lots of Tags die, Big Shot, Eyelet Border punch, Petals A Plenty, Shimmer paint

Any order placed through me (click HERE) or my online store of $150 and up entitles you to FREE supplies and shopping dollars! Team up with a friend to place your order and it's a winning combination!

Beautiful Wings take flight

I {heart} butterflies and love collecting them on today's card with the Beautiful Wings Embosslit (available January 5 in the Occasions Mini). I thought you'd like another sneak peek today!  This wafer thin die cuts and embosses 5 butterflies in various sizes. They come out ready to take flight and add beauty to any project. My fav is the striped one, you may need to click to enlarge the photo so you can see the details.

Another sneak peek is the new Scallop Trim Border Punch, which can be yours FREE during Sale-A- Bration.  I promise   OK, I'll really try not to give sneak peeks every day (unless you convince me!) but I'm sure you understand how much FUN I'm having with these new supplies!

I made this card for the Color Challenge at SCS which is to use Barely Banana, Always Artichoke, and Rich Razzleberry- yummy colors! The layout comes from a card of Kristina Werner's that I have long admired. 

Just a little thanks in advance for your kind comments.

Supplies~  all supplies by Stampin' Up!
Stamps: Matchbox Messages
Paper: barely banana, rich razzleberry, pale plum, whisper white
and Ink: none

Accessories: markers - always artichoke, rich razzleberry; Old Olive grosgrain ribbon, Embosslits Beautiful Wings, 1-1/4" circle and Scallop Trim Border punches

Thinking of booking a workshop or catalog party? Contact me  HERE to find out about how you can earn free supplies.

My Favorite Sets: Winter Post

Winter Post is another one of my all-time favorite sets for Christmas! 
For today's card~

• I combined the Winter Post set with Serene Snowflakes and the sentiment comes from All Holidays. 
• I stamped the skaters in Soft Suede ink, then covered the image with a mask to stamp the snowflakes
• I sponged Sahara Sand around the edges using an oval mask
• Colored the skaters' clothing with markers, and I added glitter to her hat and sleeves
• The red card stock is textured. Don't forget about this option, it adds so much elegance to your projects!

I'll list the supplies in a minute - but, speaking of supplies - my order from the Sale A Bration brochure and Occasions mini arrives today. I can't wait! I love being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator! If you'd like to find out how you can get 30% off of your stamping supplies this month - just send me an e-mail and ask!

You know, I so appreciate every one of you that faithfully visit to see what I've been making. Thanks for your support and kind comments. Have a great day!

Edited to add: Since I've already received requests for specific information about how I made this card, I've added them below.

Supplies~  all supplies by Stampin' Up!
Stamps: Winter Post, Serene Snowflakes, All Holidays
Paper: whisper white, real red textured, soft suede
and Ink: soft suede, sahara sand, real red

Accessories: Square rhinestones, Mistletoe ribbon, 1-3/8", slot and Designer Label punches, sponges, Top Note, Big Shot

How I made the focal image using the masking technique, step by step:

•  Cut the Top Note. Cut an oval  - I used the Nestie Ovals and cut the oval out of a transparency, so I could see to center it on the Top Note .
• Next you need to cut a mask of the skaters. Stamp the skaters (in soft suede) and cover with the mask.
• Center your oval mask and randomly stamp the snowflakes. I stamped the large snowflake first. Sponge lightly around the edge of the oval to define.
• Carefully remove the mask over the skaters.
• Assemble the rest of the card.

E-mail me HERE with any questions you have!

Classic Comfort with Of the Earth Set

Hi friends, Hope you had a blessed time of Thanksgiving! Welcome back to my blog!

Over the weekend, I needed a Sympathy card and I wanted just the right colors: to be soothing and hopeful at the same time. I was inspired by the soft hues in the Bella Bleu Designer Series Paper, especially the So Saffron and the Sahara Sand patterns. I paired them with Brocade Blue, since that's the ribbon that I wanted to use. I just LOVED these colors together and then I realized - these shades of yellow and blue (with red accents) are the main colors of my living room, dining room and kitchen! *happy sigh*

The ribbons are layered with a classic looped bow peeking out from behind the main image panel. I adhered them with sticky strip, so they don't shift around in the mail. You can click on the photo to see the detail.

I used an emboss resist technique on the bird image. I stamped the bird in versamark on the designer paper and embossed with clear powder. Sponging added the blue color to the bird and edges of the square. I punched it out and layered it over a mat of the DP punched with the Scallop Square punch. Rounding the corners and embellishing with two half pearls from the Pretties Kit were the last touches.

Some of you took advantage of the GREAT deals during the Holiday Extravaganza sale. If you are reading this early, there's still time today to order (you'll find that info HERE.) Be watching for more fun opportunities to save from Stampin' Up!

I've had quite a few chances to stamp over the weekend, can't wait to show you over the next few posts!

Supplies~  all supplies by Stampin' Up!
Stamps: Of the Earth, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper: Bella Bleu, whisper white, so saffron, brocade blue
and Ink: versamark, brocade blue

Accessories: Pretties Kit, 1-1/4", corner rounder, scallop edge and scallop square punches; clear embossing powder, 5/8" brocade blue grosgrain ribbon

Last Minute Holiday Blog Tour: Day 4

 It's the last day of the blog tour, and I know I've enjoyed seeing the variety and creatively fun projects of our group. As I told you yesterday, I saved my favorite project for last. When all the gifts and goodies have been opened, what could be more needed than a boxed set of Thank You Notes?

While I wanted the notes to look festive, I wanted a box that was not just for Christmas so that it could be used again by the recipient.

Here's a surprise - this tall box was made with the Box #2 die, which is typically long and short. I'll share a tutorial for that and tell you how I made the darling ribbon flower this coming week in my blog posts. So be sure to bookmark me and subscribe if you haven't already so you can head on back!

Here's a photo of the 3.5 x 5" notes and matching envelopes that are inside, and a close up of the flower. I used the Very Thankful set for this classic and elegant look, and the image fits perfectly in the Build A Brad for the flower center.

Supplies~  all supplies by Stampin' Up!
Stamps: Very Thankful
Paper: whisper white, real red textured, Christmas Cocoa Specialty paper, Soft Suede textured
and Ink: markers

Accessories: polka dot ribbon, Build A Brad, Box #2 die, Big Shot, corner rounder and scallop edge punches

Thanks so much for joining in our blog tour fun! I've enjoyed every minute!

 

Last Minute Holiday Blog Tour: Day 3 Super Easy Big Shot Project

I know on Saturdays we all have precious little time for blog reading, so the project I have for you is simple and quick. I have always loved involving my children when they were young in holiday preparations, especially for Thanksgiving. They often helped to make place cards for our guests and pretty table creations to make the meal festive. Here's an idea to do just that for you and it's easy enough to do with young children too.

 
I made a place card and matching quick wrap for the silverware at each place, featuring the Square Scallop die which was quickly run through the Big Shot. Folding the card stock in half and extending it past the center of the die makes an extra width across the bottom so it stands up by itself. It would also be great for wrapping up peppermint sticks or other sweet treats.

Here's a photo to help you visualize how I ran it through the Big Shot, lining the edges of the card stock up with the arrows.

 

For the name card, I used the Two Tags die and the Scallop Oval punch. When the bottom of the tag is folded under, it stands alone as well. Give it a try, and have a great weekend! Thanks for your comments and sweet notes!

I saved my very best project for last, so I know you'll want to come back tomorrow!

Have fun with your Stamps, Paper, and Ink,

Supplies~  all supplies by Stampin' Up!
Stamps: Holiday Best, Pocket Silhouettes
Paper: whisper white, apricot appeal
and Ink: only orange, certainly celery

Accessories: markers, Mistletoe Originals ribbon, Big Shot, Two Tags die, Scallop Square die, Scallop Oval punch, Crop A Dile, Jumbo eyelets

Order from me online anytime HERE or e-mail me HERE with any questions you have

More Christmas Punch

I has so much fun with the Christmas Punch set and the color challenge from Tuesday that I played with a few scraps and put them into a card for you today!  Here's the status ~ the home improvements are still going on - picture three crews here today - the good news is that they are wrapping things up! 

Now picture me very early in the morning at my craft table in my PJ's, dabbing away with my stipple brush. If ever I needed some stamping therapy, this is it, LOL! Truly, I felt like a kid playing!  Enough rambling, here's today's card. 

 

A bit more info~

I LOVE the way this image can be punched with the square punch and then matted perfectly with the scallop punch to look just like a postage stamp! This set is the Best!

• I stippled the Bravo Burgundy card stock in Bravo Burgundy ink to add a texture that's almost similar to felt, I love it!
• I randomly stamped the snowflake image from the Christmas Punch set on top of the stippling. This made it so easy to create my own background pattern like designer paper.
• The Santa image was sponged lightly with Close to Cocoa ink. I prefer to keep my cards focused on the real meaning of Christmas, but couldn't resist playing with this cute stamp.
• Tool of the day? The needle for threading the taffeta ribbon through the button. I tied linen thread through the small button, and wrapped an extra strand behind. Didn't want to throw that bit away!

I hear there is BIG news from Stampin' Up! and I'm off to check it out!  I'll be back later today with a special announcement of my own. Happy creating with your stamps, paper, and ink!

Supplies~  all supplies by Stampin' Up!
Stamps: Christmas Punch
Paper: Bravo Burgundy, Kraft, Very Vanilla, Whisper White
and Ink: Bravo Burgundy, Craft White, Close to Cocoa

Accessories:Vanilla Grosgrain, Button Latte Designer Buttons, Linen thread, 1-1/4" square and Scallop Square punches, Jumbo Snowflake Punch

Order from me online anytime HERE or e-mail me HERE with any questions you have!

Peace and Joy Page

I've got just a few things going on today~just got back from a trip for my Mother's 90th birthday ( can you believe it?!?!) and that was so much fun. Want to know what's not much fun? Having a crew here since yesterday morning replacing ALL the pipes in our house. It's a long story that you don't want to hear but the gist of it is that stamping something new to share with you has NOT been possible.

But I have a treat for you anyway - here's a 12 x 12 page I did for the display boards at Convention 09 - (don't think I've shared it yet? keeping my fingers crossed) using the Tree Trimmings set.

 

I love the versatility of these images because they can be elegant or trendy; reflect a retro or even a boho style.  I went with elegant here, to match the photo from last year's Christmas tree. It was a bit of a challenge last May to make this sample because we could only use designer papers that were current and the Christmas choices were very limited. So I chose my color scheme and plugged in this pattern from the Flock Together series. Don't ever let yourself be limited by what a stamp or paper was designed for - that's the fun of creative stamping! 

Here's just a bit more info about my page~

• I love the way the Organza ribbon dresses up the whole page and mirrors the pattern in the ornament in the photo. This ribbon easily wraps up any project beautifully!
• The ornaments from the Tree Trimmings set are embellished with glitter, square rhinestone brads, and silver elastic cord. These images are perfect to use to make your own embellishments.
• The title was cut with Stampin' Up!'s Join in the Cheer die. I trimmed it to use only the words that I wanted. Super easy!

I will not post supplies today - got to keep this quick, but if you have any questions about what I used, don't hesitate to ask me in the comments section. Hope that you'll be inspired to get out your stamps paper and ink and make something beautiful!  I'm going to do the same and I'll be back tomorrow to show you what I made..

Serene Winter Post

One of my favorite things to do at this time of year is to pull out all the loved Christmas sets I've collected in the past 5 years that I've been with Stampin' Up! ( there's lots of them!) and design some special Christmas cards. Last night I pulled out the Winter Post set which I used and used some more last year. Lo and behold, it's a thrill to get it out this year again and do something entirely different with it. I LOVE stamping!

The challenge was to use neutrals and a pop of color but here's the twist - the pop of color had to be with a stamped image or embellishment, NOT with card stock. Here's what I did~

 

The soft monochromatic colors add to the serenity of this scene. The very vanilla panel is embossed with the Petals A Plenty embossing folder. Believe me, I will be using this all year, not just for Christmas!

• I added a bit of depth by sponging around the oval
• grounded my skaters with a line of pastel in close to cocoa
• RED mistletoe berries are totally for artistic effect - I needed a POP of color, you see! I stamped the mistletoe branches on white card stock - purposefully adding one more neutral to the mix.
• A puffed layer of crystal effects covers the berries. This image is from the set, A Cardinal Christmas

I wrapped several layers of the ribbon and tied it up with a bow of gold cord. This wraps up my post for today! Thanks for coming by, hope you've been inspired to pull out your own long-time favorite today and stamp!

Supplies~  all supplies by Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted *
Stamps: Winter Post, A Cardinal Christmas, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper: very vanilla, kraft
and Ink: real red, close to cocoa, certainly celery

Accessories: markers, crystal effects, Petals A Plenty embossing folder,  Mistletoe ribbon, Modern Label punch, rhinestone brads ( square), gold metallic cord, Nestabilities*

Order from me online anytime HERE or e-mail me HERE with any questions you have!

For all you do

Today's card is one I DID using the For All You DO set. But before I get to that, I get to tell you that MY pick of the last two cards I posted HERE and HERE is ( drumroll please...)

My fav is the UN traditional one!  Because it was JUST so fun to make and isn't that what stamping is all about? What made it more fun? Well, it was UNpredictable right from the start. Challenging myself to use the Day and Night paper gave the creative process an enjoyable twist too. Now with that said, I will make sure to send that card to someone who has an appreciation for artistic expression! After all, the newsprint pattern does have some words like "a plague upon this howling! incharitable dog! Hang, cur!" Did I read somewhere that those are quotes form Wuthering Heights? Yikes!

Thanks to all who chimed in on this question, I loved it!

Here's today's card, thanks for all you do! 

This was made for a color and sketch challenge awhile back, can't remember which ones! I love the colors of chocolate chip, apricot appeal and bermuda bay together. The butterfly, bracket and flower are all cut out and popped up on the squares. Hope you like it!

Supplies~  all supplies by Stampin' Up!
Stamps: For All You Do
Paper: Chocolate Chip, whisper white, apricot appeal, Thoroughly Modern DSP
and Ink:  Bermuda Bay, Apricot Appeal

Accessories: 1- 3/8" square and eyelet border punches, Polka-Dot grosgrain ribbon, Stampin' Write markers

I would love to be your Stampin' Up! demonstrator. Order from me online anytime HERE or e-mail me HERE with any questions you have!