Stamps, Paper, and Ink

Flowers on my Mind

Hello friends!

I'm beginning to have flowers on my mind! On our way out to town the other day we saw the first group of daffodils in full bloom by the side of the road. Happy squeal. 

Flowers on my mind is also the name of the new set from Simon Says Stamp featured in the March Card kit. With all the pretty papers and journalling cards included I couldn't wait to add the pop of yellow flowers to my card.

 

 I added a die cut flower in black to add some balance and contrast. The small dots are the shimmer from black Liquid Pearls. 

Mojo Monday posted a great sketch which I used as inspiration.

 I want to thank you for stopping in to my blog and wish you a great day! 

Be yourself.

     Find delight in your craft.

          Make something beautiful!

 

 

Stamps: Simon Says "Flowers on My Mind" stamp set and matching dies from the March 2015 Card Kit

Paper: Basic Black, Whisper White - SU, DSP and journal card - Authentique

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Daffodil Delight

Accessories: Ranger Onyx Liquid Pearls, Corner Rounder, Bitty Banner Dies - SU

 

Lost Lagoon, Typeset, and Traveler Trio

The Typeset Specialty Paper is lighter than most DSP - think of a thin newspaper - so it works really well for making lots of layers.

I enjoyed doing that on this card that also is a unique size. Because it measures 3.5 x 5.5 You have room to hang something off the side and it still fits in a regular envelope. 

The Traveler set and Lost Lagoon seem a perfect match for this theme. I love this ship! It is so classy and perfect for a bon voyage or a masculine birthday.

The card below uses the same elements and layout. 

 Now here's a view of the Traveler trio. 

Now in fitting with this theme I can tell you that my travels are over and what a great time! My MAN and I celebrated 40 years of marriage with a cruise to see the Fjiords in NORWAY! We flew in from Amsterdam yesterday  - actually I am projecting this as I write it before I leave....while adding 'Lord willing'

So you can expect to hear and see more in the days to come. Traveler.  WOOT! That's me! 

Be yourself.

     Find delight in your craft.

          Make something beautiful!

All supplies by Stampin' Up!                  

Introducing Watercolor Workshop 1 Tutorials. My video tutorials include instruction on watercolor techniques that are simple and fun to do. Even  Especially if the thought of watercoloring intimidates you. You can find out more HERE and order today for only $5.95!

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Envelope Pocket Cards - the video tutorial

It's here! The Envelope Punch Board.

Oh Baby!

Medallions Pocket Card

 Ready for another card with the Daydream Medallions set? It takes on a whole new look paired with the Soho Subway Designer Series Paper in a pocket card. Wondering how I made the pocket? Using the Envelope Punch Board.

Stay tuned for an exciting video tutorial tomorrow! 

The smallest flower image was stamped and die cut, then layered with a button and tag.

Here's a close up of the paper flower. 

To make it you will need:

Co'ordinations Card Stock In Colors 2013-2014

Floral Collections Framelits

Sanding blocks

Early Espresso Ink

Beautifully Baroque Texture Impressions Embossing Folder

Distressed Flower Tutorial:

1. Cut the card stock to 4 x 6", place in the folder, and run through the Big Shot to emboss. You will probably need two of these. 
2. Using a sponge and the Espresso ink, lightly dab the color onto the raised edges from embossing.
3. Die cut the flowers using the Framelits. You will need three flowers cut of the smallest die, and two or three cut from the next die in the series.
4. Use the sanding block to rough up the edges and embossed surface of each flower. 
5. Punch a 1/8" circle in the middle of each flower. Place a mini brad through to anchor the layers.
6. I looped a large bow using Linen Thread. I don't tie it, I just pinch it together to attach it with a glue dot behind the paper flower.  

I hope you will give this a try and that you feel inspired to make something today! 

Shop Around & Etcetera, etcetera, etcetera.....

I've enjoyed a long and lovely weekend with lots of things going on with our family and friends! My social calendar was pretty full with TWO surprise birthday parties, a ladies lunch and our terrific family visiting on Sunday and Monday. Our oldest daughter traveled away from home for a few days,and our son from out of state came to visit with his dear wife. I loved every minute of good food, conversatons, laughs, hugs  and games. 

Today was a bit quieter with time to stamp.

Last week I highlighted the Shop Around Wheel and Etcetera Designer Series Paper for you and promised  two more cards to make a trio. I had a chance to finish them up today so I have the suite to show you.

I do love the colors and versatility of the patterns.

This card contains the Shop Around Wheel and the image from the Notable Notions stamp set. The layout is from Mojo Monday. 

The background of the card below is the designer paper. Chalktalk stamps and Framelits provide the focal piece. I embossed the frame in Baked Brown Sugar and it gives just the right amount of definition and texture.

I've enjoyed showing you several "takes" with the stamp sets I've been using to create suites of cards or projects. I'd like to begin to offer to send some off to a special reader in the mail.

Leave a comment on this post, and I will draw a random winner to receive these cards. Check back next Monday when I'll announce who was chosen. 

Let's make the comments about you this time - tell me something about yourself that makes YOU special!! I look forward to hearing from you! 

ETA: some clarification for comments - maybe I made the choices too broad.  Finish the sentence: I am special because (I love popcorn, I have red hair (not me!) , I stamp standing up - 

I was born on a Saturday. Tell me anything you want us to know!

 

 

 

 

All supplies by Stampin' Up!

Shop Around is Uniquely Vintage

I love the Stampin' Up! wheel called Shop Around that is part of the Etcetera Suite. Among unique vintage images of a touring car, a crown, and an old-fashioned baby doll is the saying "Time to Take That 'Girls-Only-Get-Away!" How fun is that!! 

Now that I've gotten you in the mood, here's the card.

We made this for a workshop recently, and it was a wonderfully inky time of hands-on creating. 

The wheel was inked in Baked Brown Sugar. Since I began confessing in yesterday's post, I'll tell you now that I just roll the Jumbo wheels across the ink pads to thoroughy ink them and then roll them across the card stock. I actually prefer to use my two hands instead of a handle since I feel it gives me just a bit more control. Using a Sponge Dauber to dye the Baker's Twine, and ink from the pad to color the Simply Pressed molding clay made our fingers pretty colorful! 

Another confession. I like getting inky way more than I like shopping. Using the Notable Notions Stamp set made me so happy, I have two more cards made up with the scraps to show you next week. 

 

 

 

 

 

There are just a few days left for you to join my party! If you don't have a demonstrator and would like to add your online order to my workshop you can! Your items will ship directly to your door as soon as you place your order. When you click on the Shop Now button, you'll see a place to add a hostess code. You need to add this hostess code: RJHNKY7G  and then continue on with your order.  

 

All supplies by Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Notable Notions, Shop Around Wheel 

Paper: Very Vanilla, Baked Brown Sugar, Etcetera Designer Series Paper

Ink: Baked Brown Sugar, Night of Navy, Old Olive, Calypso Coral

Accessories:  Simply Pressed Molding Clay, Buttons and Blossoms Simply Pressed Clay Molds, Chalk Talk Framelits, Baker's Twine - white, 3/8" Ruffle Stretch Trim - Baked Brown Sugar

Mighty Counselor, Prince of Peace for Christmas

I love using Scripture or sentiments that emphasize the true meaning of Christmas. Of course I ordered Stampin' Up!'s New Holiday Single Stamp, Prince of Peace, right away!  It includes a beautiful quote from Isaiah and also coordinates with the Deco-Labels Framelits.

This card took me quite a while because I fiddled with each element, trying to find the right combinations. I experimented with heat embossing the sentiment in gold, versus using the Metallic Encore Gold Pad... and a half dozen other things! Sometimes the cards you spend the most time working on end up being the ones you like best. 

Design Tips:

• Neutrals  When considering colors to give a look of elegance, think of neutrals. I've used vanilla, black and gold. Embolden the look with neutrals and a pop of color, such as the Cherry Cobbler ribbon and accents.
   
• Go for the Gold with Metallic Encore Ink. The gold ink was stamped for the sentiment, sponged on parts of the DSP banner, and lightly brushed direct to paper on the embossed card stock in places. Gold Glimmer Paper sparkles too. Right now the colors of gold and vanilla are trendy!
   
• Change Your Shape! Since there are two panels that are rectangles, and the Deco-Label Framelit is rectangular, I chose a circle mat to add softness. Sometimes it's good to vary your shapes, depending on the mood you want to portray.  

 I made this card using this fantastic sketch at Mojo Monday. 

 

I want to be sure you know where to find the Single Stamps, so I'm adding the link HERE. 

 I'd love to hear from you today!  Do you prefer your stamps singly or in sets? Silver or gold for Christmas? 

 

 

 

 

All supplies by Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Prince of Peace

Paper: Modern Medley, Very Vanilla, Cherry Cobbler, Glimmer Specialty Paper

Ink: Metallic Encore Pad (Gold)

Accessories:  Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding Ribbon, Circle Collection and Deco-Label Framelits, Candy Dots, Pretty Print Embossing Folder

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Special Season Gift for Christmas

Soft Florals for Fab Friday -- and a video!

It's been a great week, hasn't it? I don't know when we've had a week of lovelier days, weather-wise. Perfect for the end of summer and not too hot. Everyone here is preparing for back to school in the next two weeks. It's a favorite time of year for me! 

As you know, Fab Friday is my favorite challenge! This week we had these soft colors to use. 

I have to admit that although I really LOVE these colors, I thought I would have a hard time using ALL of them. I wondered how they would work together since they're all pale.

As I played with the elements, I knew the pop of black was just what I needed.

I absolutely LOVE the little line of black edging the Crumb Cake patterned paper. Using the negative of the die cut lets the black card stock add its punch to the sentiment from behind the white panel. The Hi is a die included with the Flip Card Label Thinlets. You'll be seeing much more of these amazing new products in next week's posts. 

I've made a video showing exactly how I did this using the Thinlets die from the Label Flip Card. I didn't plan this ahead, folks. In the middle of making my challenge card I flipped on the camera and started talking to you. You can just pretend you're sitting right there next to me (how fun is that?) If you have any questions, please let me know in my comments.

 

 

That's it for me today! I can't wait to see what you'll create using these gorgeous hues as you play along with us at the Fab Friday Challenge!

Make sure to check out all the inspiring samples from the Design Team too.

Mindy Backes
Justin Krieger
Amanda Mertz
Brenda Myers
Amy O'Neill
Marla Reed
Pam Steckman
Janine Tinklenberg
Wendy Weixler

 

 

 

All supplies by Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Flower Shop, Truly Grateful

Paper: Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Crisp Cantaloupe, Pistachio Pudding, Basic Black, Neutrals Designer Series Paper Stacks

Ink: Whisper White Craft

Accessories:  White Embossing Powder, Pansy Punch, Secret Garden Framelits, Neutrals and Subtles Candy Dots, Chevron Ribbon

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Hello, Lovely for Convention

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Hello, Lovely for Convention

The Hello, Lovely stamp set has the prettiest name! I've been seeing this expression everywhere lately and I really like it. The set is pretty amazing too. I love it's versatility. 

I had the chance to make samples to be on the Display Boards at Convention. Isn't it great that I have these samples to fall back on for blog posts?

Here's the first card I made with the set. 

The Venetian Romance Designer Series Paper takes the main stage here. I kept the card simple, soft and subtly monochromatic for the sake of elegance with carefully chosen vintage embellishments.

I love the small flourish images in the set. Above, I used them behind the punched sentiment label.

In the photo below, I created a trendy pair of earrings! I paid attention to the packaging -- presentaion is everything, you know! I was happy to see these earrings up on the boards.

 

Shades of Summer Starfruit and Smoky Slate embossed with Pewter Embpssing Powder gives the contemporary look to the pallete. I wish I'd gotten a closer photo so you could see the rounded layers of Crystal Effects that cover the embossed circles and look like epoxy bubbles. The Rhinestones catch the light nicely IRL too.

That's it for me today. But tomorrow I'll be back with my Fab Friday offering and as a grand finale for the week, another video for you! 

Hugs~

 

 

 

All supplies by Stampin' Up!

Hello Lovely       Woodmount: 130240     $32.95

                         Clearmount:  130243     $24.95

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More of Artisan Entries 2013

Contest Entries Continued - Hybrid Page

 Convention was a great time and I came home with some really good ideas to spur on my creativity (and hopefully yours!) and my business. I will wrap up with my (non-winning) contest projects tomorrow, and my Artisan Projects as part of the 2012 Artisan Design Team will wrap up by the last day of July. Look for some new twists to my blog beginning in August.

I am blessed to have a very handy daughter who set up a cool station for me to video in my craft room. She hung a frame that can stay up all the time for my camera and lighting. Making it easier means I can make videos more often. Being home and having a vision - my idea of a happy day! 

Here's a memory from another fun day.

First of all, I am absolutely crazy about this photo. The eyes say it all to me! So I made sure my elements would draw your eye right to the youngest girl's face by composing a triangle of the butterfly, the HI, and her eyes. 

Whenever I see that a craft is hybrid, I want to know which supplies are digital and which are actual. So I'll spell it out for you. On my page, the 12 x 12 background, dotted and striped patterned papers, both flags, the sequin, and text were sent to  Stampin' Up! for printing. After receiving the printed part of the page, I layered the arrow patterned paper, doilies, tag, rhinestones and ribbon on top. The HI circle, heart and butterfly, and papers are elements from the April Showers Designer Kit for My Digital Studio. This kit is just my style and the coordination of the elements makes it so easy to complete a page.  

The next  12 x 12 page has no digital elements. It's a simple layout that reflects the joy of my son and his beautiful bride on their wedding day. Karen dressed in fabulous flirty vintage style, even down to her purple shoes. Made me smile all day long. 

In keeping with the classic clean look, I fashioned white flowers using the Fun Flower Die and scalloped circle punches. Sprinkled them across the page--and who doesn't love just a little lace? 

I'll be back tomorrow with the first and the last of the projects that I made. See you then!

 

 

 

 

All supplies by Stampin' Up!

Notable Notions and New Horizons - sharing my thoughts and heartfelt thanks

Notable Notions - even the title of this new Vintage set from the Etcetera Suite appeals to me! And of course, the Shop Around Wheel that complements it was on my "must have" list too. 

When using the set for the first time, I did what I often do at the beginning. I used my Stampin' Up! Catalog as a resource! If you look at the samples on pages 98-99, you'll see that I took my color cues from there.

I wanted the wheeled image to be a bold background, so I kept my focal point pretty simple. The text stamp on the tag is in Soft Sky, so it's VERY subtle! 

With the strong background, I needed a way to tie the card together, thus the strip of Basic Gray from the Designer Series Paper Stack in Neutrals. I love the sentiment from this set, and added a touch more to the vintage charm with the Vintage Faceted Designer Button and key tag.

Now on a personal note.....

there are two things I'd like to share. You are my dear readers, and you MAKE ME SMILE every day with your visits, notes, and kind words. Not to mention the orders that enable me to enjoy this wonderful hobby of mine! I am grateful for all of you.

That's why I want to let you know about something that "didn't" happen to me. I did enter the Artisan contest this year, but this time didn't get selected as a Finalist. Honestly, there is some huge disappointment not to get to continue this gig. Winning this year is in the top 10 of THE BEST EVENTS in my life! It has been an absolutely fabulous experience, I am grateful for the amazing opportunities I've had! The most wonderful part are the  friendships I've made. I can't wait to root many of my awesome team mates on at convention! 

The phrase I love in the text of the wheel is "New Horizons."  I look forward to really taking my blog in some new directions this year, and I think you're going to love it! I plan to have a weekly video series, show three or four ways to use one stamp set, and much, much more! So hang on for the Road Trip and thanks for coming along. It will be a great year!

 

 

 

 

 

All supplies by Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Notable Notations, Shop Around Wheel, Lovely Little Labels

Paper: Whisper White, Soft Sky, Crumb Cake

Ink: Basic Gray, Primrose Petals 

Accessories:  Little Labels Punch Pack, Chalktalk Framelits, 1/2 and 1-1/4" Circle Punches, Stitched Ribbon, Vintage Faceted Designer Buttons, Vintage Trinkets