Thursday, July 29, 2010

All That Glitters

Want to add a little sparkle to your card, try Stampin' Glitter and your ordinary card turns into a wow card!

First stamp your image with Heat & Stick Powder, then cover it with glitter, and heat.  So simple, yet so elegant.

Heat Tool Tip:  Whenever I use my heat tool, whether to emboss or add glitter, I always run my Embossing Buddy over my cardstock to reduce static.  It keeps those stray pieces off of your project.

To make today's card I used the following:
Cardstock:  Rose Red #102544, Basic Gray #121044, Whisper White #100730
Stamp Set:  Medallion #115223
Ribbon:  Basic Black 5/8" Grosgrain #115605
Accessories:  Heat Tool #100005, Embossing Buddy #103083, Heat & Stick Powder #100625
Embellishment:  Fine Cosmo Glitter #108796



Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Colorful Birthday

I don't know what it is about birthday's celebrated in the summer, but they make me think of bright colors and patterns.  So here is my version of a colorful, summer birthday card!

I took strips of Island Oasis Designer Series Paper,  adhered them to a piece of 5 x 5 1/2 Whisper White cardstock and then ran them through my Big Shot using the Top Note Big Die to create my colorful design.  The matte of Whisper White looked a little too plain so I used the Lattice Square Embossing Folder for dimension and then sponged Tempting Turquoise, Pumpkin Pie, and Cherry Cobbler Ink in random order around the edges, and rounded the corners with the small corner punch.  I also sponged the same three ink colors onto my Happy Birthday stamp! 

To make today's card I used the following:
Cardstock:  Tempting Turquoise #102067, Cherry Cobbler #119685, Whisper White #100730
Designer Series Paper:  Island Oasis #117173 (Summer Mini)
Ink:  Tempting Turquoise #100814, Cherry Cobbler #119669, Pumpkin Pie #105216
Stamp Set:  Perfect Punches #117022 wood mount or #120516 clear mount
Accessories:  Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine #113439, Top Note Bigz Die #113463, Square Lattice Embossing Folder #119976, Stamping Sponges #101610, Dimensionals #104430, Snail Adhesive #104332
Punch:  Small Corner #119871

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Hello Baby!

The layout for today's card was inspired by a really cute baby box made by Stampin' Up demonstrator Summer Stone.  I saw her baby box in the May issue of Stampin' Success and I knew that with just a few changes it would make a really cute baby card. 

I started with Early Espresso cardstock, and cut circles in Pretty in Pink, Crumb Cake, and Pear Pizzazz using the 3/4" circle punch.  A small strip of Pear Pizzazz was added to the top.  My stamped teddy bear was placed on Whisper White cardstock and punched with the large tag punch, and a piece of Early Espresso cardstock was punched with the extra-large tag punch.  The pieces of Pretty in Pink and Pear Pizzazz used behind the bear were run through my Big Shot Machine and embossed with the Perfect Polka Dots folder. I used crystal effects on the bear's shirt to give it a shiny look. 

I think this is a layout I will use quite often.  Just change the stamped image in the center, change up your color combinations, and use the right sentiment for your occasion and you have a design that would look so nice for a variety of reasons.      

For today's card I used the following:
Cardstock:  Early Espresso #119686, Pretty in Pink #100459, Pear Pizzazz #119795, Crumb Cake #120953
Ink:  Early Espresso #119670
Stamp Set:  Teeny Tiny Wishes #115370, Baby Bundle #118515 wood mount or #120576 clear mount
Punches:  Extra Large Tag #119866, Large Tag #119876, 3/4" Circle #119873, 1" Circle #119868
Embellishments:  Big Shot Machine #113439, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder #117335, Dimensionals #104430, Crystal Effects #101055

Monday, July 26, 2010

Almost Bargello

I have to admit that I never heard the term Bargello before.  For those of you who know what it is, you will see that my card isn't a true Bargello pattern, but I think it is close.  If you are like me and never heard the term before, Bargello is a form of embroidery that is created through a series of upright flat stitches laid out in interesting patterns.  Bargello was traditionally stitched in wool on canvas, making it very durable and perfect for pillows, upholstery, and carpet.  I learned all of this by reading my June issue of Stampin' Success.  I am so glad I finally have the time to catch up on all of my reading because there is so much information out there, but unfortunately not always enough time to try it all.

So to try to create my own card using the Bargello pattern I cut small strips from a piece of Designer Series Paper in the Elegant Soiree pack.  I then aligned them into a pattern that I liked and used my snail adhesive to layer one on top of another.  Now that is where I didn't keep the traditional Bargello pattern.  I think from what I read  I should of laid them down right next to each other, but I liked the way they looked layered. If you wanted to do a true Bargello pattern you would align your colors into your desired pattern and then adhere them to a piece of Whisper White cardstock, cut the cardstock to your desired size and place it on your card front.  I just layered one on top of another and trimmed it up and placed it all down.  The butterflies were cut with a coordinating piece of Designer Series Paper using my Big Shot and the Beautiful Wings embosslits die. The sentiment was layered on top of the same DSP as the butterflies.  A piece of Hemp Twine was tied around the top. 

If you never tried this pattern before I hope you are inspired to try your own Bargello pattern - whether it be a true Bargello or a slightly different version, have fun playing with your patterns and I think you will really have fun seeing all of the different designs you can come up with.

Stamping Tip:  The bargello technique works best with striped papers! 

For today's card I used the following:
Cardstock:  Crumb Cake #120953, Very Vanilla #101650
Designer Series Paper:  Elegant Soiree #117163
Ink:  Baja Breeze #111833
Stamp Set:  Teeny Tiny Wishes #115370
Punches:  Word Window #119857, Modern Label #119849
Accessories:  Big Shot Die Cut Machine #113439, Beautiful Wings Embosslits Die #118138, Dimensionals #104430
Ribbon:  Hemp Twine #100982

Friday, July 23, 2010

Baby Magic

Babies are so magical, and that is why I thought it was fitting to use the "A Little Big of Magic" stamp set for a baby card to celebrate the birth of a friend's little granddaughter. 

I used Crumb Cake for my card base, tore some Cherry Cobbler cardstock and layered it on top, and stamped both pieces of cardstock with the fairy dust stamp using crumb cake ink.  To get the cherry cobbler color on the wings, flower, and collar I used my blender pen to pull the color from my cherry cobbler ink pad.  The blender pen tips are really fine and make it easy to color in small places.  I didn't want to add any more color to my image so I just added some Crystal Effects for some added shine and dimension.   

To make today's card I used the following:
Cardstock:  Crumb Cake #120953, Cherry Cobbler #119785
Stamp Set:  A Little Big of Magic #118613 wood mount or #120033 clear mount, Sweetness Unlimited #115562
Ink:  Crumb Cake #121030, Cherry Cobbler #119669
Punch:  Modern Label #119849
Ribbon:  Hemp Twine #100982
Embellishments:  Crystal Effects #101055
Accessories:  Blender Pens #102845, Dimensionals #104430 

Don't forget:  Pages 18-20 of the Idea Book and Catalog have some really nice single stamps for sale, like the Sweetness Unlimited stamp used in today's card.  They range in price from $5.95 to $9.95.  They would really make nice gifts for all of your stamping friends without breaking the bank.  You can always purchase custom Gift Certificates through me anytime throughout the year too!  It's not too early to think ahead and get your Christmas shopping done early.  I am only a phone call or e-mail away, and my on-line store is open 24 hours a day where you can shop, place your order, and have it shipped right to your home. 

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Save the Date

I was really honored when a friend's daughter asked me to make her Save the Dates for her upcoming wedding.  Weddings are such a special day and all of the activities and planning that lead up to that day are so important too.  So I have to say, I was also a little nervous about getting her Save the Dates just right.  The bride told me she wanted something to capture an outdoor evening wedding and she envisioned trees, a garden path, and candlelight.  She was really happy with the design I came up with. Making them took a little bit of time and some creativity with a couple different stamp sets to get the tree just right, but in the end I too liked the final product.  Excuse the black lines that I used for this post to black out the names of the happy couple

 The front and back layers of the invitation were cut from the Top Note Big Die using my Big Shot Machine.  The gray layer was cut down so you could see the gold layer behind it.  I used two stamp sets to create the tree.  The first one was the tree from Nature Silhouettes.   Now, this tree was not large enough to cover the whole card, so I used the large stamp from Extreme Elements that looks like a big ink spot and stamped it around the top and sides of the first tree to make it larger.  I stamped both of these images twice - first in Basic Black ink and second in Metallic Gold.  When stamping the first part of the tree, I did layer a piece of scrap paper near the top of the tree where the image stamped a dark line.  This way when I blended the other stamp it looked like one image not two.  The printing on the front and back was done on my computer, and the bride added the little gold sparkles to the tree. 

To make today's invitation I used the following:
Cardstock:  Brushed Gold #102935, Basic Gray #121044
Ink:  Basic Black #101179, Metallic Gold  (retired)
Accessories:  Big Shot Die Cut Machine #113439, Top Note Big Die #113463

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Island Oasis

I am having so much fun with the Tropical Party Stamp Set and Island Oasis Designer Series Paper from the Summer Mini Catalog.  The colors of the paper are so vivid, and the stamps are great for creating summer themed cards.  The items in the summer mini are available until August 31st so make sure to get any orders in before the catalog and products are retired.

I wanted my card to look like a tropical beach and to create the effect I tore several small pieces of Crumb Cake cardstock and layered them on top of one another.  I saw this done on a card that was showcased in a Stampin' Success magazine and it was really easy to do and I thought the added dimension of the layers really gave it that beachy look.  I stamped two trees right onto the card, and the third tree was stamped and then cut out and layered with a dimensional.  When that was done I thought it still needed a little more so I added a piece of Early Espresso 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon to the left side.  It still looked a little unfinished on the right, so I added the corners punched with the photo corners punch.  

The matching gift box was made with the Pillow Box bigz die.  All it needed was a small strip of Old Olive cardstock for the band, two flowers, and the sentiment.   Really quick and easy to make, and even more fun to give away. 

For today's project I used the following:
Cardstock:  Whisper White #100730, Tempting Turquoise #102016, Crumb Cake #120953, Early Espresso #119686, Old Olive #100702
Designer Series Paper:  Island Oasis #117173
Stamp Set:  Tropical Party #118515 wood mount, #120081 clear mount, Teeny Tiny Wishes #115370, Occasional Quotes #117048 wood mount, #120142 clear mount (hostess level 3 set)
Ink:  Tempting Turquoise #100815, Old Olive #102277, Chocolate Chip #100908
Ribbon:  Early Espresso 1/8" Taffeta #119959
Punches:  Photos Corner #119878, Extra Large Oval #119859, 1 3/4" Oval #119855, 1 3/8" Oval #119863
Accessories:  Dimensionals #104430,  Glue Dots #103683 (for flowers)

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Fresh Cuts

In the July 2010 Stampin' Success Magazine, a free monthly publication that all Stampin' Up! demonstrators receive, demonstrator Lynn Pratt shared with us some of her beautiful work.  I was inspired by the layout of one of her designs and that is where I got my inspiration for today's card.    

My card base was Bravo Burgundy cardstock with layers of Basic Gray and Very Vanilla.  Using my Fresh Cuts stamp set I stamped several of the flowered vines on the bottom of the Very Vanilla cardstock and then again on the top layer.  I used dimensionals for the top layer and just a small piece of Basic Black Satin Ribbon placed diagonally in the corner, and punched three flowers with the Itty Bitty Shapes punch.  To make the Thank You stand out I punched the saying with the Modern Label punch and sponged the edges with Basic Bray ink.    A small black dot was placed in the middle of each flower for added dimension as well.

For today's card I used the following:
Cardstock:  Bravo Burgundy #105123, Basic Gray #121044. Very Vanilla #101650
Ink:  Basic Gray #109120, Bravy Burgundy #105214
Stamp Set:  Fresh Cuts #111634
Ribbon:  Basic Black 5/8" Satin #117285
Punches:  Itty Bitty Punch Pack #118309, Modern Label #119849
Accessories:  Dimensionals #104430, Sponges #101610

Stamping Tip:  When you find a layout you like, don't be afraid to use it over and over again.  Change it up with new colors and a different stamp set, add some embellishments and you really have a very different card, without having to do all the work of designing a new layout for each card.

Monday, July 19, 2010

In My Thoughts

By tearing a piece of cardstock you add a nice layer to your card.  You don't always need straight edges and you can keep tearing away until you get the size and shape you want.  I wanted to keep this card more about the sentiment than the stamping, but I felt it needed a little more at the bottom so I added some flowers that I punched  from the Itty Bitty Shapes Punch.  I also used my Crop-a-Dile and Early Espresso cardstock to punch the small dot in the center of the flowers.  I thought they needed that little extra color.   

To make today's card I used the following Stampin' Up products:
Cardstock:  Pear Pizzazz #119795, Very Vanilla #101650, Early Espresso #119686
Designer Series Paper:  Greenhouse Gala #117167 (for the flowers)
Ink:  Crumb Cake #121030, Pear Pizzazz #119784
Stamp Sets:  Word Play #120308 wood mount and #120651 clear mount, Thoughts & Prayers #113252
Punch:  Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack #118309
Accessories:  Crop-a-Dile #108362, Glue Dots #103683 (to adhere the punched flowers)





Friday, July 16, 2010

My beautiful Evey!

I had a surprise visit by my daughter and her family today and I couldn't wait to  to try one of the headbands I made for tomorrow's craft fair on my 5 month old granddaughter Evelyn.  I know I am biased, but doesn't she look beautiful!  I just had to share these pictures with you.

Craft Fair Fun

I am getting ready for tomorrow's Craft Fair at the Plainfield Township Volunteer Fire Company in Wind Gap, PA.  For those of you who live nearby, you should stop in and check out all of the great items I will have on display for sale and also to give you great ideas on all that you can make using Stampin' Up! products.  I will have handstamped cards, filled gift boxes and bags, shower favors, desktop calendars, catalogs (both old and new), and the summer fun accessories posted today.

I used my Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine and several different dies  to cut a selection of flowers that I attached to plain flip flops, headbands, hair ties, sun visors, and beverage holders.  I purchased these items at several different stores and the craft foam at a local craft store.  What a simple way to dress up some plain items and turn them into fun summer accessories.   Making these items was easy and fun, and would make a great craft project to do at summer camps, girl scouts get togethers, birthday parties and more.    

To make today's post I used the following Stampin' Up! products:
Accessories:  Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine #113439, Flower Daises #2 Big Die #114520, Flower Folds Big Die #115970, Flower Burst Embosslits Die #114515

Non-Stampin Up Products -  Glue gun to attach flowers

If you have any questions on any of the products you see listed in my post please don't hesitate to send me an e-mail or leave a comment.  I will be happy to share with you all the fun Stampin' Up! has to offer.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Helpful Inspiration!

I wish I could take all of the credit for the inspiration for my cards and projects, but I can't. Some days I wake up with great ideas, other days I'm stuck. When that happens I go to my Idea Book and Catalog for help. It is such a valuable asset, full of hundreds of ideas for all types of projects and creations. Today's card was taken right from page 131 of the 2010-2011 Idea Book. I knew I liked that card when I first saw it. I just changed a few things by adding some different colors and buttons and a few more flowers to the bottom. But I have to say thanks to the wonderful design team at Stampin' Up! for today's inspiration!

Stampin' Tip: Save your scraps because they are great for projects like today's card. Instead of cutting up a full sheet of cardstock I cut the shapes for the card using only scraps. I love being resourceful and not wasting my valuable paper supply.

For today's card I used the following supplies:
Cardstock: Soft Suede #115318, Scraps from Old Olive #119934, Pretty in Pink #100459, Rose Red #102533
Designer Series Paper: Island Oasis #117173 (Summer Mini)
Stamp Set: Perfect Punches #117022 wood mount, #120516 clear mount
Ink: Soft Suede #115657
Punches: Itty Bitty Shapes #118309, Scallop Trim Border #118402
Accessories: Mat Pack #105826, Paper Piercing Tool #116631, Dimensionals #104430
Embellishments: Bitty Buttons #118761

If you would like your own hard copy of the new Idea Book and Catalog you can go to My Online Store to place your order (Catalog is #122202), or send me an e-mail to find out how you can receive one for free! Or just click the catalog link on my blog and download a copy.

Monday, July 12, 2010

Keeping it simple!

I love making cards and having a supply on hand for whatever occasion comes up, and some days I have more time than others to experiment and create. On those days when I am short on time I just grab some of my favorite ribbon, Designer Series Paper, my Curly Label Punch and then run my card front through my Big Shot, and in a few short minutes I have created a card that can be used for a variety of reasons. If I need a birthday, thank you, thinking of you, get well, friend, sympathy, wedding, or anniversary card, all I need to do is add the sentiment and I am done. I love this look and it was so easy to make without sacrificing style and elegance.

To make today's card I used the following:
Cardstock: Whisper White #100730
Designer Series Paper: Greenhouse Gala #117167
Ribbon: Old Olive 5/8" Grosgrain #109054
Punch: Curly Label #119851
Accessories: Big Shot Machine #113439, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder #117335


Saturday, July 10, 2010

Tropical Paradise

In addition to the all of the new and carry over items in the 2010-2011 Idea Book and Catalog, don't forget the Summer Mini Catalog also has great products for sale until August 31st. The Tropical Party stamp set is one of my favorites. I have used it for most of my summer birthday cards and it is great for making invitations too. Add a brayer technique and you come up with a great beach picture. Can you picture yourself here on the beach? Oh, I can - just hand me a cold drink with a little umbrella in it and let the relaxing begin.




To make the background:

You need a brayer, ink, and Glossy White cardstock. You can brayer over regular cardstock, but I find that the glossy works best.

Step 1: Take a post-it note and tear it in half saving both halves. Place one half on the bottom where you want your sand.

Step 2: To make they sky - Ink your brayer with Bashful Blue ink and roll it over the entire area above your torn post it note.Re-ink your brayer with Not Quite Navy and roll it where you want to see a change in the horizon. Re-ink your brayer with Night of Navy and roll it near the top. Clean your brayer using your Stampin' Mist and re-ink with Bashful Blue and roll it over the entire sky to soften and blend the three colors.

Step 3: Take the other half of the torn post it note and place it over the bottom portion of the sky. Ink your brayer with Sahara Sand ink and roll it over the entire bottom. Re-ink your brayer with Early Espresso and roll where you want to show contrast. Clean your brayer and re-ink with Sahara Sand again and roll over the entire bottom to blend the colors

Step 4: Using Black StazOn Ink stamp your trees on the sand. Let this layer dry for a few minutes and then matte with a piece of regular white cardstock.


I layered all of this on a piece of Sahara Sand cardstock that I embossed using the Square Lattice embossing folder and finished off with a piece of Basic Black grosgrain ribbon. To make the sentiment stand out on the Basic Black cardstock I used white embossing powder and my heat tool.


Stamping Tip: When using your brayer make sure to ink the whole brayer. The ink pads are a little smaller than the width of the brayer so you need to run it over the ink pad a few times for full coverage. And have fun experimenting with it. You can come up with so many different color variations and backgrounds to create one of a kind projects.


To make today's card I used the following:Cardstock: Sahara Sand #121043, Basic Black #121045, Whisper White #100730, Glossy White #102599
Ink: StazOn Black #101406, Sahara Sand #105208, Early Espresso #110670, Bashful Blue #105209, Night of Navy #102977, Not Quite Navy #103008
Stamp Set: Tropical Party #118515 wood mount, #120081 clear mount (Summer-Mini), Sincere Salutations #115068
Ribbon: Basic Black Grosgrain #115605
Punch: Extra Large Oval #119859
Accessories: Brayer #102395, Big Shot Machine #113439, Square Lattice Embossing Folder #119976, White Embossing Powder #109132, Heat Tool #100005




Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Wonderful Wedding!

Weddings, weddings, weddings! I have so many to attend this summer that it makes me especially happy that I have all of the tools needed to make cards for the happy couples. If I had to go out and spend the time and money shopping for all of these cards and paying anywhere from $4.00 on up for each card it would make me crazy. Now I know I can go to the dollar store and buy cheaper cards, but you get what you pay for, and handmade cards not only look great, they also show that you care enough to take the time to make them. One day when I have more time I am going to really break down your costs for making cards and you will be surprised at how much money you really do save. Once you have purchased your stamp sets and punches they are yours to use over and over again. One pack of assorted cardstock and Designer Series Paper really goes a long way too. And Stampin' Up's ink lasts forever!


Stamping Tip: I used mini glue dots to hold my ribbon in place and give it that scalloped look. They give a great, invisible hold and you don't have to worry that the ribbon will unravel.


For today's card I used the following:
Stamp Set: Occasional Quotes (Level 3 Hostess) #117048 wood mount, #120142 clear mount
Cardstock: Whisper White #100730, Early Espresso #119686
Designer Series Paper: Greenhouse Gala #117167
Ink: Early Espresso #119670
Ribbon: Whisper White 5/8" Organza #114319
Punches: 2 3/8" Scallop Circle #118874, Corner Small #119871, Small Heart #117193
Accessories: Mini Glue Dots #103683



Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Baby Bundle

Need some cute ideas for a baby card, try the new stamp set Baby Bundle. It comes with 16 different stamps so the ideas and range of cards and projects you can make with this one set is endless. Five of the stamps are words, two of which make great sayings for baby shower cards. The other stamps are the carriage and baby shown here and the remaining stamps are other cute baby accessories.

Tip of the day: To add a little color to my Whisper White embossed layer I took a Stamping Sponge and rubbed it over my Marina Mist ink pad and lightly wiped the inked sponge over the white cardstock. You can add as little or as much color as you want.


For today's cards I used the following:
Stamp Set: Baby Bundle #118525 (Wood Mount) or #120576 (Clear Mount)
Cardstock: Marina Mist #119682, Whisper White #100730
Ink: Marina Mist #119668, Pretty in Pink #101301, So Saffron #105213, Sahara Sand #105208
Ribbon: Marina Mist 1/8" Taffeta #119257
Punches: Word Window #119857, Modern Label #119849
Accessories: Big Shot Die Machine #113439, Square Lattice Embossing Folder #119976,
Dimensionals #104430, Sponges #101610


Sunday, July 4, 2010

Happy 4th of July everyone! Hope you all have a wonderful day. I get back from the beach tomorrow and look forward to once again doing daily posts to keep you updated on all that the new Stampin' Up! year has to offer. With the addition of new products I am looking for your input on what you would like me to offer in my monthly stamp classes so e-mail me with any suggestions or ideas you would like to see.