Stamps, Paper, and Ink

Truly Shabby

Is it OK to talk just a little more about style? I am so interested in this because it takes the versatility of using stamps, paper, and ink just a step further. I can be versatile in what I use and how I use it. Don't you just love the options?!?!?

Have you ever wondered about the difference between Shabby Chic and Vintage?  Papercrafts magazine describes it this way: " Shabby chic is a style characterized by layering. It is soft, utilizing ribbon, lace and ...inking and distressing. The final product looks comfortable, weathered and worn. Vintage goes a step further by adding old images, found items and antique trinkets to the mix. "

There may be a quiz at the end of this post, asking whether my title actually uses the correct term, lol! I do appreciate the clarity of their definitions, don't you?

Today's card is the stepped up version of the card I posted yesterday which you'll find if you hop over to THIS POST.

My favorite touch for the step up card is to add much more detail to the water-coloring which was done with markers applied to the stamp. Here are a few more tips regarding the changes I added:

• Shimmery White card stock is stronger and that allowed me to add more detail and shading with markers after I had stamped the image.
  

• Layering a celery panel which was stamped with another image from the set
  

• Cutting the flower image into tags using the Lots of Tags die and the Big Shot. I stamped the whole piece, then cut it into thirds and ran each one through the machine.
  
  
• adding a border of machine stitching
  
  
• using designer paper instead of card stock
  
  
• embellishing with a hatpin
  
  
• and a fancy bow
  

Fancy bows are one of my favorite things to step up a card!  Hope you'll leave a comment and join in this chatter, it might get lonely here talking to myself sometimes......especially if I'm on a ramble <g> Just jump on in!

Have a great day!

Stamps: Elements of Style

Paper: Certainly Celery, Shimmery White, So Saffron, Shades of Spring and Sweet Pea DSP

and Ink: Versamark, Soft Suede

Accessories: Stampin' Write markers, Aqua painter, Scallop Edge and Modern Label punches, pink taffeta ribbon, Pretties Kit, Lots of Tags die

Simply Vintage

Good morning!

The card I have to share with you today is one of a few that were done for the Very Vintage Gallery as part of my Dirty Dozen creations for Splitcoaststampers.  I plan to show you quite a few on this theme over the next few days, I hope you'll enjoy this style.

Today's card features my very favorite set from the Summer Mini, Elements of Style, now in the new Idea Book & Catalog.

I used markers directly on the stamp for the images, then used an Aqua Painter to softly blend and add subtle highlights. Using Soft Suede ink for the sentiment keeps the subtle mood.

The layout is simple but classic. I think of this as a little black dress kind of elegance, but tomorrow I'll show you the same layout and elements in a stepped-up style version! 

Sorry I'm not too chatty~my moments are packed to the max today. See you tomorrow!

Supplies~  all supplies by Stampin' Up!
Stamps: Elements of Style
Paper: Certainly Celery, Pretty in Pink, Whisper White, So Saffron
and Ink: Soft Suede

Accessories: Stampin' Write markers, White taffeta ribbon, Pretties' Kit, Aqua painter

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

Beautiful Butterflies

After getting back from vacation, my mojo seemed a bit slow to warm up. I tried to make a card yesterday, but it ended up in the trash!  The fabulous Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge gave me a great jump start today. I'm sure you won't mind if I sneak this post in before my promised Artisan Entry posts begin tomorrow!

 

I used the Elements of Style stamp set and colored the flowers and butterflies with Stampin' Up! markers.

Tropical Party

Last night we had our last Stamp Club meeting including a special celebration with a tropical theme. My lovely group of ladies brought potluck foods and we had a great time eating, talking laughing and stamping. Not necessarily in that order. (waving to Judy and Kim!)

I just love the Island Oasis DSP and the Sketch for You to Try from Jen del Muro gave me a fabulous start to my card. 

 

I cut the circle and then embossed it with the Square Lattice folder.(click photo to get a better look at the detail.) It's so cool the way this texture looks like a woven straw mat. I colored the straw and umbrella with markers and then cut the image and small flower and popped them up. I was wondering if I used all three patterns of the DSP if the card would look too busy, but they are a great mix and I really like how it turned out.

This is a great sketch, I can't wait to use it again.

Happy and bright is just the way I like it. Hope your day is the same!

Supplies~  all supplies by Stampin' Up!
Stamps: Tropical Party
Paper: Island Oasis DSP,Whisper White, Pumpkin Pie
and Ink: Pumpkin Pie, Basic Brown

Accessories: Stampin' Write markers, Pumpkin Pie grosgrain ribbon, Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Bold Brights Brads, Fresh Favorites II Buttons

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