Friday, September 27, 2013

One sheet of Witches' Brew Designer Series Paper - 7 cards




I was able to make 7 Halloween Cards using one of the sheets in the Witches' Brew Designer Series Paper Pack, and I still had some paper left over.  I just cut out the large sayings and layered them onto coordinating card stock, added sentiments and a little embossing, and I am done.  Now that is a bargain and a great time saver too.

I used Pumpkin Pie and Very Vanilla Card Stock for my card bases, and added a coordinating layer to go under my cut Designer Series Paper.  I did emboss the cards with the retired Spider Web Embossing Folder for added dimension, and stamped and punched my sentiments which are from  the Halloween Bash Stamp and Tags 4 You Stamp Sets.

The following were used:
Card Stock:  Pumpkin Pie #105117, Very Vanilla #101650
Designer Series Paper:  Witches' Brew #132185
Ink:  Pumpkin Pie #126945, Basic Black #126980
Stamp Sets:  Halloween Bash #130577 w or #130580 c, Tags 4 You #131820 w or #131823 c
Punches:  1 3/4" Circle #119850, Scallop Oval #119856, Label Bracket #132153
**You can purchase the Tags 4 You and Label Bracket Punch together in a bundle to save 15% - the numbers you would use are #133293 w or #133294 c

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Magnificent Maple Fall Thank You Card

I added a touch of Gold Embossing to add a special touch to my Fall Thank You Card. 

My card base is Very Vanilla Card Stock with another added layer of Very Vanilla.  To get the large square in the center of this layer I took my D Block and inked it with Crumb Cake ink and pressed it onto the paper.  I like how you get such a unique pattern.

I stamped my leaves using Early Espresso and Summer Starfruit ink.  I then stamped one more using Versa Mark Ink, and heat embossed it with Gold Embossing Powder.  There is so much  detail in the Magnificent Maple Stamp that this stamp looks really pretty embossed.  I placed this leaf, and my stamped sentiment onto my card using Dimensionals. 

The following were used:
Card Stock:  Very Vanilla #101650
Ink:  Crumb Cake #126975, Early Espresso #126974,  Summer Starfruit #126991, Versa Mark #102283
Stamp Sets:  Magnificent Maple #131868 w, Chalk Talk #130631 w or #130634 c
Tools:  Block D #118485, Heat Tool #129053
Emboss Powder:  Gold #109129
Punch:  Extra Large Oval #119859



Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Gifts of Kindness

I liked combining the softness of the images from the Gifts of Kindness Stamp Set, and the beautiful patterns in the Eastern Elegance Designer Series Paper for today's birthday card.  This is one of my favorite stamp sets in the Annual Catalog.  I think I really like the polka dots in the stamped images. 

My card base is Coastal Cabana Card Stock with a layer of Crushed Curry and Whisper White.  To my Whisper White layer I added a small piece of Eastern Elegance DSP.  I then stamped my image first using Crushed Curry Ink, and then stamped another flower using Coastal Cabana ink and cut this one out and placed it onto the first flower using dimensionals.  I added a Pearl in the center of the flower for added embellishment and tied a piece of Bermuda Bay 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon to separate the Designer Paper and the stamped images.

The following were used:
Card Stock: Crushed Curry #131199, Coastal Cabana #131297, Whisper White #100730
Designer Series Paper: Eastern Elegance #130131
Ink:  Crushed Curry #131173,  Coastal Cabana#131175
Stamp Set:  Gifts of Kindness #130441 w or #130444 c
Ribbon:  Bermuda Bay 1/8" Taffeta #131206
Embellishment:  Pearl Basic Jewels #119247

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Witches Brew

It is easy making a card for Halloween using the Witches Brew Designer Series Paper.  Great patterns and designs for all of your Trick or Treaters!

My card base is Very Vanilla Card Stock with a layer of Basic Black and Witches Brew Designer Paper.  There is so much going on in the paper that I didn't want to add a lot more and cover it up.  So, I just stamped and punched my Halloween images which are from the Halloween Bash Stamp Set and  added some Pumpkin Pie 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon.  Trick or Treat !

The following were used:
Card Stock:  Very Vanilla #101650, Basic Black #121045
Designer Series Paper:  Witches Brew #132185
Stamp Set:  Halloween Bash #130577 w or #130580 c
Ink:  Basic Black #126980, Pumpkin Pie #126945
Punches:  Decorative Label #120907, Ticket Duo Builder #126883
Ribbon:  Pumpkin Pie 1/8" Taffeta #119253



Monday, September 23, 2013

Non-traditional Christmas Card

I call this a non-traditional Christmas card because when I think of Christmas cards I usually think of using red and green colors.  But, I really like the Winter Frost Specialty Designer Series Paper paired with the Festive Flurry Snowflakes and I used the coordinating colors to finish my card.

My card base is Bermuda Bay Card Stock with a layer of Coastal Cabana and Whisper White.  I then cut pieces of my Designer Paper and added this to my card , and embossed all of these layers with the Northern Flurry Embossing Folder. I stamped and cut two of the Snowflakes from the Festive Flurry Stamp Set and Framelits and placed them onto the center of my card using dimensionals.  A Rhinestone was placed in the center for embellishment.  


The following were used:
Card Stock:  Bermuda Bay #131197,  Coastal Cabana #131297,  Whisper White #100730
Designer Series Paper:  Winter Frost #132341
Ink:  Bermuda Bay #131171, Coastal Cabana #131175
Stamp Sets:  Festive Flurry #131778 w or #131781 c, Petite Pairs #128706 w or #122497 c
Tools:  Big Shot #113439, Festive Flurry Framelits #132193, Northern Flurry Embossing Folder #120902
Punch:  Large Oval #119855
Embellishment:  Rhinestone Basic Jewels #119246

Friday, September 20, 2013

Floral Frames Framelits Thanksgiving Treat


I was looking for new ways to make treat boxes or bags for the holidays.  So, I took the largest Floral Frames Framelit to make this quick Thanksgiving treat.

To make the treat holder, I took a piece of So Saffron Card Stock cut to measure 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" and folded it in half.  I took my Framelit and put it on my paper with the bottom portion of the Framelit placed over the fold line to create the holder.  To decorate the front I cut another Floral Frames Framelit with a piece of Sweater Weather Designer Series Paper.  I added my sentiment using Crumb Cake Ink and cut this out with a Apothecary Accent Framelit. 

Inside the holder I placed Candy Corn into a 4" x 6" Cellophane Bag and adhered it using Sticky Strip.  I added the handle, which is a piece of 7/16" Natural Trim.

The following were used:
Card Stock:  So Saffron #105118, Very Vanilla #101650
Designer Series Paper: Sweater Weather #132184
Ink: Crumb Cake #126975
Stamp Set: Harvest of Thanks #131736 w or #131739 c
Tools:  Big Shot #113439, Floral Frames Framelits #127012, Apothecary Accents Framelits #127003
Accessories:  4" x 6" Cellophane Bag #102757
Ribbon:  7/16" Natural Trim #129287


Thursday, September 19, 2013

Modern Medley Wedding Card

Another paper with such a great pattern that I only added a small sentiment to complete it.  Modern Medley Designer Series Paper has 12 sheets of classic patterns all in Basic Black and Very Vanilla. 

My card base is Very Vanilla Card Stock with a layer of the Designer Series Paper.  I embossed these layers with the Fancy Fan Embossing Folder.  My sentiment is from the Banner Greetings Hostess Set and I layered it onto a piece of Basic Black that was cut with a Hearts a Flutter Embosslit.  I layered this onto another cut piece of Very Vanilla. 


The following were used:
Card Stock:  Very Vanilla #101650, Basic Black #121045
Designer Series Paper:  Modern Medley #126926
Ink:  Basic Black #126980
Stamp Set:  Banner Greetings #129711 w or #129714 c (Hostess)
Tools:  Big Shot #113439, Hearts a Flutter Embosslits #130159, Fancy Fan Embossing Folder #17751

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Venetian Romance Sympathy Card


Another pretty paper from Stampin' Up!.  The Venetian Romance Designer Series Paper pack has beautiful European-inspired colors and textures that give your card such a great look that you don't need to add a lot more to finish your project.

My card base is Tangerine Card Stock with a layer of Very Vanilla and a piece of the Venetian Romance DSP.  I tied on a piece of 5/8" Crochet Trim and then added my sentiment which was stamped using Tangerine Tango and Basic Gray ink.  I cut this out using a Hearts a Flutter Framelit.  

Just change your sentiment and you have a card for another occasion.  The paper says it all!

The following were used:
Card Stock:  Tangerine Tango111349, Very Vanilla #101650
Designer Series Paper:  Venetian Romance #130144
Ink:  Tangerine Tango #126946, Basic Gray #12698
Stamp Set:  Simply Sketched #129669 w or #129672 c (Hostess Set)
Ribbon:  5/8" Crochet Trim #118481
Tools:  Big Shot #113439, Hearts a Flutter Framelits #130159

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Birthday Basics

If you are looking for the perfect paper for birthday cards, Birthday Basics Designer Series Paper is it.  Candles, party hats, balloons and so much more.  So easy to design when the paper says so much.

My card base of Crisp Cantaloupe Card Stock was embossed with the Stylish Stripes Embossing Folder.  I then added a layer of Gumball Green and Birthday Basics Designer Series Paper.  I tied some Gumball Green 3/8" Stitched Ribbon to the layer and added my very appropriate sentiment "so many Candles and so little Cake!  Just perfect to go with the colorful paper.


The following were used:
Card Stock:  Crisp Cantaloupe #131298, Gumball Green #126840, Very Vanilla #101650
Ink:  Crisp Cantaloupe #131176
Designer Series Paper:  Birthday Basics #130145
Ribbon:  Gumball Green 3/8" Stitched #126848
Stamp Set:  Bring on the Cake #128490 w or #121958 c
Tools:  Big Shot #113439, Stylish Stripes Textured Impressions Embossing Folder #132174

Friday, September 13, 2013

Refrigerator Magnets

I know I posted refrigerator magnets before, but I thought I would show a different way of packaging them for my craft fairs.  I used to display them on a magnetic board individually, but thought they looked better and would appeal to more people packaged in groups of five in a nice clear bag.  This way they are already to be be given as a gifts. 


For the clothespins I just measured my designer paper, placed it onto the clothespin using Sticky Strip, decorated with some buttons and a tag and sealed with two layers of Mod Podge.  I added the magnetic strip onto the back.

Five clothespins fit nicely into a 4" x 6" Cellophane Bag.  For the top, I cut two different Labels Collections Framelits.  The larger layer was  Soft Sky Card Stock, and the smaller layer was Very Vanilla Card Stock that I embossed with the Pretty Print Embossing Folder.  I then stamped my "For You" in Soft Sky Ink, cut it out with the 7/8" Scallop Circle Punch and placed it onto my Framlit using Dimensionals.

The following current Stampin' Up! products were used:
Card Stock:  Soft Sky #131203, Very Vanilla #101650
Ink:  Soft Sky #131181
Stamp Set:  A Round Array #129087 w or #129090 c
Tools:  Big Shot #113439, Labels Collections Framelits #125598, Pretty Print Textured Impressions Embossing Folder #132175
Accessories:  4" x 6" Cellophane Bags #102757
Adhesive:  Sticky Strip #104294

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Embellished Gift Bags for the Holidays

It is easy to decorate a plain gift bag for any occasion, and the Pretty Presents Designer Bows in the Holiday Catalog are a nice large accent to dress up a bag for Christmas.  It is more economical to buy the plain bags and decorate them yourself, and it is a fun project too.  You can find the plain bags at your local craft store.

In addition to the large bow, I added a Frosted Finishes Embellishments to the center of the bow to dress it up a bit more.  I also stamped my bag with snowflakes from the Festive Flurry Stamp Set.  I added a tag from the Tag It Stamp Set, and attached it loosely to the handle with some retired Real Red Silk Ribbon and Linen Thread.  Just add some tissue paper and your bag is ready to be used. These are big sellers at craft fairs too. 

The following were used:
Stamp Sets:  Festive Flurry #131778 w or #131781 c, Tag It #130300 w or #131303 c
Ink:  Real Red
Embellishments:  Pretty Presents Designer Bows #132186,  Frosted Finishes #132150
Ribbon:  Linen Thread #104199



 


Tuesday, September 10, 2013

"Make a Wish" - Fall Birthday Card

 
 Sweater Weather Designer Series Paper has perfect colors and patterns for fall and masculine cards.
 
My card base of Chocolate Chip Card Stock was embossed with the Framed Tulips Embossing Folder.  Before I added my Sweater Weather DSP layer I tied on some 7/16" Natural Trim Ribbon, and then added my Make A Wish sentiment.  I stamped the sentiment onto Very Vanilla Card Stock and cut it out with a Labels Collection Framelit. 
 
If I didn't emboss the Card Stock with the Tulips Embossing Folder and added a more rugged embossing folder this would also make a nice masculine birthday card.
 
 
The following were used:
Card Stock:  Chocolate Chip #102128, Very Vanilla #101650
Designer Series Paper:  Sweater Weather #132184
Ink: Chocolate Chip #126979
Stamp Set:  Make a Wish #131928 w or #129222 c
Ribbon: 7/16" Natural Trim #129287
Tools:  Big Shot #113439, Framed Tulips Embossing Folder #121809, Labels Collection Framelit #125598
 
 
 
 

Monday, September 9, 2013

Clothespin Wreaths

Making wreaths using clothespins is really simple.  It just takes some time cutting your paper, and placing the clothespins onto your base.  But, with different designs and styles of paper and embellishments you can make a wreath for any holiday or occasion in just a few hours. 



Fall Wreath

Close Up of Thankful Expressions Thinlits

Christmas Wreath

Close up of Merry Thinlits
I purchased the base for my wreaths at a local craft store.  I used a thin wood circular base and wrapped the entire base using coordinating ribbon so when you turned the wreath around the back also looked nice.

I cut my retired Designer Paper to fit the clothespins.  It took 58 clothespins to go around the entire wreath.  You could use more if you wanted them closer together, or less if you wanted more spacing between each one.  I adhered the paper to the clothespin using Sticky Strip, and then applied a thin coat of Mod Podge to each clothespin as well.  I attached them to my base using a glue gun.

For the Fall wreath I embellished the bottom by cutting coordinating Card Stock with the Autumn Accents Bigz Die.  I also ran the leaves through my Big Shot once again with the Woodgrain Embossing Folder to give them some texture.  After placing them onto my clothespins, I added my Thankful Thinlit.

For the Christmas Wreath, I once again used retired Designer Series Paper, and added my Merry Thinlits and also embellished with a large paper bow.

For both wreaths I added a handle using the same ribbon I used to wrap my base.

Here are quick instructions on how to make the large bow used on the Christmas Wreath  (when I have more time I will post a tutorial with pictures).

Cut strips of paper to measure:
6 at 11" x 3/4"
4 at 10" x 3/4"
1 at 9" x 3/4"
1 at 5" x 3/4"

You take your 6 largest strips and fold and twist to make a loop.  Adhere ends together using Sticky Strip.  Take three of these strips and staple them together (arrange in a bow pattern).  Take your next three strips of the same size and staple them together, and then put both of these stapled layers together.  To do this I added more Sticky Strip to the back of one of the layers.

Next take your four strips measuring 10" x 3/4", loop and twist each one, and then staple all four of these together.  Add this layer to the large layer above.

Then, take your 1 -  9" strip, loop, twist, and adhere together and add this to your layers.

Finally take the smallest strip.  Wrap it to create a circle and place that piece in the center of your bow.

The hardest part for me about making these bows was figuring out the looping and twisting.  But, once you get that down they really go together easy. 

The following current Stampin' Up! products were used:
Card Stock: Cajun Craze #119684, Midnight Muse #126843, Early Espresso #119686, Crumb Cake #120953, Crushed Curry #131199, Real Red #102482
Adhesive:  Sticky Strip #104294, Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets #120805 (for the thinlits)
Tools:  Big Shot E113439, Expressions Thinlits #132171, Woodgrain Embossing Folder #127821



Friday, September 6, 2013

Love and Sympathy

 
I like to go for a soft look when making Sympathy Cards and I thought the two different stamped images created that effect.

First I stamped my Whisper White Card Stock with the large En Francais single stamp using Wisteria Wonder Ink.  I then used Baked Brown Sugar Ink to stamp my flower which is from the Love & Sympathy Stamp Set.  I placed this onto a layer of Elegant Eggplant and tied on my Wisteria Wonder 3/4" Chevron Ribbon.  I added this to my Wisteria Wonder Card Base.  My sentiment was stamped using Early Espresso Ink, punched out with the Scallop Oval Punch and placed onto my card using a dimensional.

The following were used:
Card Stock:  Wisteria Wonder #122922,  Elegant Eggplant #105126, Whisper White #100730
Ink:  Wisteria Wonder #126985, Baked Brown Sugar #131174, Early Espresso #126974
Stamp Sets:  En Francais #128562 w or 3127790, Love & Sympathy #128652 w or #1227797 c
Ribbon:  Wisteria Wonder 3/4" Chevron 130117
Punch:  Scallop Oval #119856

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Envelope Punch Board Update - Video

Last week I posted about the new Envelope Punch Board now available from Stampin' Up! and said to come back to watch a video on how easy it is to use this exciting new product.  Well here it is.  Enjoy and let me know if you have any questions. 

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Simply Scored Background

 
The ladies wanted to do some cards using the Simply Scored Scoring Tool, so I searched what other demonstrators were making using this product and saw this fun design on a similar card by Demonstrator Deb Henderson.  Her card used different punches and stamp sets, but the idea of scoring and then highlighting the score lines with a marker was CASED from Deb.
 
To my card base of Raspberry Ripple Card Stock I added a piece of Whisper White that was  scored using my Scoring Tool.  Next, I took my Early Espresso Marker, and using the thin tip I ran this along the same score lines to highlight the scored lines. 
 
I then cut the flowers using a Secret Garden Framelit and my Big Shot.  I like using the Framelits because, unlike a punch, you can place them anywhere on your card to get the design you want.  I then used my Stamp-a-ma-jig to line up the coordinating flowers and stamped them through the openings.
 
I added my sentiment cut out with a Itty Banners Framelit, and for extra embellishment I added some In Color Dahlias.
 
Products Used:
Card Stock:  Raspberry Ripple #126842, Whisper White #100730
Ink:  Raspberry Ripple #126859   Marker: Early Espresso #119680
Stamp Sets:  Secret Garden #131940 w or #129144 c, Itty Bitty Banners #132022 w or #126157 c
Tools:  Simply Scored Scoring Tool #126192, Big Shot #113439, Secret Garden Framelits #129372, Itty Banners Framelits #129267, Stamp-a-ma-jig #101049
Embellishment:  In Color Dahlias #127556