Stampin' Pretty - Mary Fish - Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator

What Inspires Your Stamping?

I think we all have suffered from "Stamper's Block."  However, I found that by simply opening my eyes to what's immediately around me, I can find all sorts of creative inspiration.  Today's example, was inspired by a J. Crew catalog.  The scarf colors and argyle design were recreated in the card (using the Print Pattern Background stamp).  I keep a stamping ideas folder filled with favorite patterns and color ideas, much of it torn from the pages of clothing, furniture and rug catalogs.  So when my brain can only conjure "fluff," I reach for my little folder and find some fresh ideas.

This project offers an even more in depth look at the Time Well Spent hostess stamp set (Spring Summer Collection, available Jan. 2).  It's great for the florals used but also includes a heart (think Valentine's Day) and a charming butterfly (think Spring).  It's a perfect set to play with markers or to watercolor.

Most of this card is pretty straight forward and the details are below.  However, there are a few touches I should share with you. I used Stazon Jet Black ink for the sentiment (SplitCoast Challenge WT146).  It gave a dark, crisp impression on the So Saffron paper.  I tried Basic Gray and Basic Black first and didn't have anywhere near the result.  As always I popped up many of the images on dimensionals or pop-up glue dots and used a Sakura Black Gel Pen on the dots and the small (center) flower petals for some texture and sparkle.  Finally, this card was a cutting and snipping extravaganza.  A small flower is cut and layered on top of the large flower (also cut, with a dimensional in between).  Those tiny little stamens on the corner flowers (layered on top of the photo corners) were not what I would call "quick and easy."  However, the result of having the my "little guys" floating over the card made it a worthwhile venture.

Hugs and Pretties.  Stay Inspired!  Mary

Stamp Set:  Time Well Spent (hostess, 111054), It's All Good (109308), Print Pattern Background (105167)
Paper:  Whisper White (100730), So Saffron (105118), Basic Gray (108692), Basic Black (102851)
Ink:  Jet Black Stazon (101406), Basic Gray (109120)
Cool Tools:  Square Punches 1 1/4" (104400) & 1 3/8" (103375), Photo Corner Punch (109042), Stamping Sponges (101610)
Perfect Touches: Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Pop-Up Glue Dots (104183), Ribbon Originals Sherbet (109184),  Non SU Amber Rhinestone and Black Zig Zag Ribbon, Sakura Gel Pen Black

A Little Something

I'm the "official" host of my neighborhood book group in January.  Bookmarks seemed like an appropriate little surprise for each member.  The stamp set is a retired hostess set (The Art of Life) but any long stemmed flower will do. The stemmed flower from Embrace Life (111011) from the new Spring Summer collection would be an amazing option watercolored.  I chose Rose Red and Old Olive markers to isolate colors for the flower and stem.  I stamped the sentiment (Henry David Thoreau) on the back and added a large eyelet with my Crop-A-Dile.  A peek of ribbon adds a delightful accent.  It has a beautiful, rich watercolor look but was so easy. 

Stamp Set:  Art of Life (retired hostess set)
Paper:  SU Bookmarks (retired and I wanted to use them up.  However, you can create an alternative in a snap with either a ticket corner, circle or corner rounder punch (pp 182-183 Fall Winter, pp. 180-181 Spring Summer).
Ink:  Rose Red (100063) and Old Olive (100079) Markers, Close to Cocoa Inkpad (103139)
Cool Tools:  Crop-A-Dile (108362) and non SU eyelet
Perfect Touches:  Non SU Olive Green, Purely Pomegranate Double-Stiched Ribbon (109061)

Stampin' Up! Sneak Peek: Time Well Spent

Presenting just a touch of another luscious stamp set for you to ponder--Time Well Spent, a level 3 Hostess Set available from the Stampin' Up! Spring Summer Collection on Jan. 2.  I plan to show off some more of this versatile set in upcoming articles.  As a matter of fact, this article is more about all those groovy punches that simplify my card projects (I used 5 different ones) than showing you everything you ever needed to know about Time Well Spent--but give it a few days.  I plan to play a little more hide and "peek."

I consulted Splitcoast Stampers Sketch Challenge 155 (SC155) to get started with a layout.  I am relatively new to the challenges but what a wonderful place for inspiration.  The creative side of my brain has gone from chaos to order (OK, not quite order but any reduction is a good thing, according to my family).  Ahhh, but all those circles!  As I always say, thank heavens for punches! 

I started with Passion Pink card stock layered with Old Olive and Linen Prints Designer Series Paper.  The flowers are popped up (Stampin' Dimensionals, not caffeine mind you) on Close to Cocoa and Very Vanilla cardstock mats.  I stamped the flowers in Basic Brown on watercolor paper and did a little coloring with a blender pen (Passion Pink, Apricot Appeal), and Cameo Coral and Old Olive markers.  For some added zip, I put Joann's Page Pebbles on top of the centers.  Kind of a cool, glassy effect.  I felt it was the creme de la creme of this card.  I layered Old Olive and Passion Pink cardstock (alternately) using my 1 3/8" circle punch and a Marvy Uchida Scalloped Extra Jumbo Circle Punch--it fits perfectly with just a snippet of scallop around the edges revealed in a contrasting color. 

For the sentiment, I used the Key Tag punch in Passion Pink with "Wonderful" in Very Vanilla (large oval punch with a dimensional in between, of course . . . .  I'm nuts about 3-D).  I threaded some non SU brown polka dot ribbon through the pink tag (Stampin' Up!'s horizontal slot punch makes this a snap). 

Regarding the new Spring Summer Collection that is simply to die for. . .  I'll have it available on my blog on Jan. 2 ready for your obsession to break loose!  If you're impatient like me and need instant, instant, instant--I have the new catalogs and can send you one right now for $9.95 (shipped in 2 to 3 business days).  Just click my order button (on the right sidebar) and provide me with some information on where your catalog may find you. 

Another quick word on exclusive hostess sets.  Considering teaming up an order with a few friends to qualify for the free stamps and merchandise.  It's a fabulous way to build your stamping possibilities.

Hugs and Pretties . . . . M

Stamp Sets:  Warm Words, Time Well Spent
Cardstock:  Pink Passion, Very Vanilla, Old Olive, Watercolor Paper, Linen Prints Designer Series Paper, Close to Cocoa
Ink:  Pink Passion, Old Olive, Apricot Appeal, Cameo Coral, Basic Brown
Cool Tools:  Punches:  1 3/8" Circle, Marvy Uchida Extra Jumbo Scalloped Circle, Horizontal Slot, Key Tag, Large Oval
Perfect Touches:  Joann's Page Pebbles, Stampin' Dimensionals, Non SU Polka Dot Ribbon

Pugs and Punches

I love my Stampin' Up! Color Caddy (Item #104335).  Frankly, it was one of my early purchases, since having little ink pads stacked all over didn't work with my obsession with organization.  It's essential for me to have each ink pad labeled by color.  I use the Word Window Punch (#105090) to create perfectly sized labels for each pad.  Simple.

I truly enjoy discovering great ideas on SplitCoast Stampers.   It's been awhile since I found this one and I have absolutely no idea whom to credit.  However, I wanted to share it with you because it's just plain neat (excuse the pun) and adds to the long list of great ways to use the word window punch (one of my favorites for sentiments) and show how nice stamping life is with a Color Caddy.

My devoted stamping audience, Mozart (cat) and Isabel (pug). 

Sneak Peek: Stampin' Up! Spring-Summer

Christmas is past and I absolutely feel like spring.  We have been bombarded with snow this year.  Lovely to look at but it's already getting old.  It's going to be a long Wisconsin January, February and March for me!  When I saw the latest color challenge in the Splitcoast Stampers forum (CC146), Real Red, Glorious Green and Green Galore, I let out a massive groan.  Fearing I might never be able to think spring, I grabbed my Spring Solitude "rubba," a new hostess stamp set (level 2), from the Stampin' Up! Spring-Summer Collection, available Jan. 2.  This stamp set has a bit of retro, a bit of nature and comes bundled with a rockin' exclusive wheel. 

So I was up for the challenge of using the colors from the new color challenge and even decided to combine it with the latest Splitcoast Stampers Sketch Challenge (SC156), now that's just plain pushing the thinking cap envelope!  As is typical for me, I was the creative storm before the calm and once I got started, I thoroughly loved the layout and colors.  Glorious Green has just enough blue to give a bit of a retro feel combined with Green Galore and a red bird . . . well, is there any other color for a bird? 

I began with a Whisper White card, and layered it with Glorious Green and some Green Galore that had taken a trip through my Cuttlebug Traffic Jam embossing folder.  I next cut the circles using Real Red (with a little added distressing to cover my not so perfect first effort) and Whisper White  1/8" smaller. I used my spanky new Curvy Cutter Circle Template for both (having learned to now use removable tape to secure my cardstock, the level of expletives during the process has reduced dramatically).

I stamped the flower grouping like mad in Glorious Green on the white circle card stock.  I then inked and stamped the branch using a chocolate chip marker and a blender pen dipped in glorious green.  The little birdie told me he wanted to be Real Red.  I next snipped them out and each did a little "heightening" (anyone watch Seinfeld?) with Stampin' Dimensionals.  Ditto in Glorious Green with the solid flowers.  The flowers received a little extra attention with Real Red Buttons.  Last came the sentiment that, with the help of my heavenly punches (Scallop Circle, Designer Label, Large Oval), always looks harder to do than it was.  Thank you is divided in color using Chocolate Chip and Real Red markers.  The "o" in  "you" begged for some bling so I added a red Rhinestone Brad from the  Fire Collection.

Stamp Set:  Spring Solitude Bundle
Paper:  Whisper White, Green Galore, Glorious Green, Real Red
Ink:  Green Galore, Glorious Green, Real Red Inkpad and Marker, Chocolate Chip Marker
Cool Tools:  Cuttlebug with Traffic Jam Embossing Folder, Paper Snips, Punches:  Large Oval, Designer Label, Scalloped Circle, Curvy Cutter Circle Templates, Distressing Tool (on Red Circle)
Perfect Touches:  Rhinestone Brad (Fire/Red), Stampin' Dimensionals

COMING UP:  MORE STAMPIN' UP! SNEAK PEEKS.   YOWSA!

Baby's First Monogram

I received a hilarious Christmas letter this year from my darling 1 year old grand nephew, Henry.  Everything was written from a 1 year old child's perspective, including his visit to Walgreen's where he states, "I run down the aisles and pull things off the shelves--I particularly like the greeting card aisle."  A man after my own heart.  It inspired me to create custom note card sets for both Henry and my equally adorable grand niece, Eleni (also age 1). Monogrammed, of course.  Why not?  I thought their parents would enjoy the humor and convenience of sending off personal notes (thank yous, birthday wishes) directly from their wee ones.

I cut and scored 6 Papertrey White cardstock cards for each note card set and simply added different designer paper selections from either the Dashing (Henry) or Groovy Guava (Eleni) Designer Series Paper collections.  Each paper provides different kick but they blend together nicely. I then added the monograms (bearing the first letters of their first names--I think this is more appropriate for kids than the last name) using letters from the Stampin' Up! Doodle Alphabet (retired).  Any monogram stamps would work just fine.  I then plucked out my Papertrey Squares (Henry) and Circles (Eleni) Borders and Corners sets to layer and amp up the focal point.  To punch the squares, I used a Marvy Uchida Scalloped Square Super Jumbo Punch and for the circles, I used a Marvy Uchida Scalloped Super Jumbo Circle Punch.  All were pumped up on Stampin' Dimensionals and applied atop ribbon (I varied ribbon on Henry's cards and used Chocolate Chip on Eleni's).  Eleni received a few creative border and corner accents for a touch of girly glam. 

The Cuttlebug added wonderful texture to the envelope flaps.  I used the same embossing folder for each set.  I can't believe how well the embossing folders (Spots and Dots-Henry and Bloom Dots-Eleni) coordinated with the Papertrey stamps I used to create the outside panel of the clear card boxes (boxes are also Papertrey).  Green Thumb has a dashing grasshopper (Certainly Celery) for Henry (note: the background is CASE'd from a Nicole Heady Papertrey design, using images from both Green Thumb and Textboxed).  The Little Lady set (stamped in Purely Pomegranate, Chocolate Chip, Groovy Guava Flowers) was a perfect representation of Eleni's mom as the adult "lady" with a 2 tiny "ladies", one for Eleni and one for her "soon to be" brother or sister.

The grasshopper image is attached with dimensionals to celery cardstock, punched out with a Marvy Uchida Mega Scalloped Rectangle Punch.  I used the horizontal slot punch to create a slide for the ribbon.  All ladybug dots shine with the help of a Sakura Gelly Glaze Pen.   Ribbon used on the outside of both clear boxes is from the Ribbon Originals Collection in Sherbet. 

Hugs and Pretties . . . . M

Stamp Sets:  Doodle Alphabet, Papertrey Borders and Corners Squares
Paper:  Papertrey White Cardstock and Envelopes, Dashing Designer Series Paper
Ink:  Always Artichoke, Sage Shadow (watercolored the "h")
Cool Tools:  Marvy Uchida Scalloped Square Super Jumbo Punch, Cuttlebug and Cuttlebug Embossing Folder Spots and Dots, Aqua Painter
Perfect Touches:  Non SU Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals

Stamp Sets:  Doodle Alphabet, Papertrey Borders and Corners Circles
Paper:  Papertrey White Cardstock and Envelopes, Groovy Guava Designer Series
Ink:  Chocolate Chip, Groovy Guava (with blender pen in the "e")
Cool Tools:  Cuttlebug and Embossing Folder Bloom Dots, Marvy Uchida Scalloped Super Jumbo Circle Punch
Perfect Touches:  5/8" Grosgain Ribbon in Chocolate Chip, Stampin Dimensionals

An Eyelet for an Eyelet

I'm one of those card crafters who purchased her first order of eyelets and abandoned them like a hot potato. I do many of my projects late at night (I'll bet there are many of you out there that can relate) and the pounding of the tools to set eyelets did not fit well into my family's sleep patterns.  But I adore the look of them and you don't have to finagle any itty bitty "legs" on the backside as you often do with brads.

The Crop-A-Dile changed all that.  I can use large or small eyelets (plus snaps) on so many projects to give that added jazz.  A couple of SU's Jumbo Eyelets (Pewter) were just what was needed to give balance to this simple card.  Silently.  Effortlessly.  I also love using the ticket corner punch and adding corner eyelets to accentuate the resulting shape.  Quick.  Easy. 

So consider me now an eyelet goddess . . . the queen of the crop (a-dile).

H & P  Mary

Stamp Set:  Take Three, Papertrey Borders and Corners Rectangles
Paper:  Groovy Guava Designer Series Paper, Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla, Ruby Red
Ink:  Ruby Red and Chocolate Chip Markers
Cool Tools:  Corner Rounder Punch, Crop-A-Dile, Paper Piercer and Template, Marvy Uchida Scalloped Rectangle Mega Punch
Perfect Touches:  Jumbo Eyelets Pewter, HodgePodge Hardware Brads Pewter, Stampin' Dimensionals

 

Stamping Silhouettes

Stampin' Up!'s Stem Silhouettes is such a classic set for so many occasions, especially those tough to create masculine cards.  This project took less than 10 minutes from start to finish (you gotta love those punches, too) and will hopefully offer some kindness to a male friend whose father recently passed away. 

I feel so strongly that those who receive our handmade papercrafts recognize the love and creativity that goes in each and every one.  My mother has yet to throw a single card out.  I'm 49.  I no longer have a "special box" for projects made by my "little hands."  However, she's my mother . . . . and still wired to do that kind of stuff.  It still feels good. 

In a recent post, I patted my own back as finished 48 holiday cards, each one unique.  I have had so many of the recipients thank me for their cards . . . . clearly cherishing the thought and time that went into something I hoped would be special.   OK, I gotta tell you . . . when I told my husband that I had finished my 48 cards the other day, he replied "why didn't you just buy them?"  Ouch.  Wonderful husband but not everyone gets it.  I can honestly say that I really enjoy the entire stamping process and am comfortable if my cards sometimes don't have much "shelf life,"  whether they are fully appreciated or not.

Hugs and Pretties,   M

P.S.  My husband will never know that his flat panel TV I plan to surprise him with for Christmas shrank several inches in diameter that day . . .

Stamp Set:  Stem Silhouettes, Sanded Background, Sincere Salutations
Paper:  Kraft, Sage Shadow, Groovy Guava Textured, Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla
Ink:  Chocolate Chip
Cool Tools:  Large Oval Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, Marvy Uchida Scalloped Oval Punch Super Jumbo, Brayer
Perfect Touches:  Stampin' Dimensionals

All Santa'd Out

It's a wrap!  I finally finished up and mailed my Christmas and holiday cards.  My stamping capacity was maxed at 48 cards.  However, I'm so excited that everyone I love will get a little something handmade by me this year.  All Santas were stamped with versamark and embossed to make the coloring process much easier.  Liquid Applique (white) adds a wonderful texture and sheen on the beard, mustache and trim.  Here are a some stamping highlights to share for inspiration.  Check out the Build A Brads (last photo).  Very swank!
Stamp Set:  Papertrey Believe
Paper:  Wintergreen Designer Series Paper, Soft Sky, Certainly Celery,  Sage Shadow, Very Vanilla
Ink:  Soft Sky (watercolored), Versamark
Cool Tools:  Heat Tool, Crop-A-Dile, Ticket Corner Punch, 3/4" Circle Punch, Aqua Painter
Perfect Touches:  Ice (green) Rhinestone Brads, Silver and Black Embossing Powder, Very Vanilla 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Black Eyelets, Liquid Applique, Sakura Gelly Roll Pen Sparkle

Stamp Set:  Papertrey Believe
Paper:  River Rock, Dashing Designer Series Paper, Naturals White, Real Red, Old Olive
Ink:  Real Red (marker and inkpad), Old Olive, Versamark
Cool Tools:  Designer Label Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, Marvy Uchida Super Jumbo Scalloped Rectangle Punch, Curvy Cutter Ovals, Cutter Kit/Distressing Tool
Perfect Touches:  White Liquid Applique, Black & Gold Embossing Powder, Sakura Gelly Roll Pen Glaze (berries), Stampin' Dimensionals


Stamp Set:  Papertrey Believe
Paper:  Wintergreen Designer Series Paper, Naturals White, Soft Sky, Certainly Celery, Sage Shadow
Ink:  Soft Sky (watercolored)
Cool Tools:  Heat Tool, Aqua Painter, Cuttlebug and Snowflake Embossing Folder, Marvy Uchida Giga Scalloped Oval Punch, 3/4" and 1 3/8" Circle Punches, Large Oval Punch, Designer Label Punch
Perfect Touches:  White Liquid Applique, Black Embossing Powder, Ice (blue) Rhinestone Brads, Stampin' Dimensionals


 
Stamp Set:  Papertrey Believe
Paper:  Dashing Designer Series Paper, Very Vanilla, River Rock Textured
Ink:  Real Red (marker and inkpad), Versamark
Cool Tools:  Heat Tool, Marvy Uchida Mega Scalloped Rectangle Punch
Perfect Touches:  Build a Brad (with Dashing Paper . . . very fun), White Liquid Applique, Black Embossing Powder, Stampin' Dimensionals

 

Saying Goodbye to Sassy Stems

I don't know of a single stamp set that has gotten more mileage from me than Sassy Stems.  In my opinion, it's one of Stampin' Up!'s all-time classics for thank you notes, birthdays and sympathy cards.  Versatility extraordinaire.  As I did in yesterday's article, I want to take a few  spins this week with my old favorites, before they are retired on Jan. 2.  We attended a holiday party at our neighbors on Wednesday . . . incredible food, warm and beautiful home.  I loved getting to know and laugh with our new friends (we moved to our new abode last April).   The stamps I used were Sassy Stems and Party Punch (a level 1 hostess set, also no longer available after Jan. 2) to send off a we'll deserved thank you to the hosts.  The largest flower is cut out and popped up on Stampin' Dimensionals.  The round tab punch adds so much simple flair when combined with the Party Punch stamp.  Rhinestones cast a twinkle to the flowers and the punched thank you label (fits perfectly in the little circle).  I used the Aqua Painter with soft sky inkpad (just press against the top of the case to create a small pool) to gently watercolor the blooms and vase.  Note:  The Wintergreen Designer Series Paper used will be retiring, too.  Oh my!  Maybe I should be hoarding it!  This was such a quick, easy and elegant card.

Stamps:  Sassy Stems, Party Punch
Paper:  Wintergreen Designer Series Paper, Watercolor Paper, Soft Sky Textured and Smooth, Certainly Celery
Ink:  Basic Brown, Soft Sky
Cool Tools:  Round Tab Punch, Perfect Layers, Aqua Painter
Perfect Touches: Non SU Stick-On Rhinestones

Sentimental Journey

As much as the anticipation of seeing the new Stampin' Up! Spring and Summer Collection is killing me, I feel pretty sentimental about some of my old favorites that will never be available again.  My 11 year old nephew received a much needed kidney transplant last week, so I though he could use a lively card during his recovery (he's doing amazingly well . . . just struggling with the volumes of water he needs to drink).  I pulled out my little monkey pal from "You're Neat" (retiring Jan. 2) and thought it would be great fun.  I used Brilliance Chocolate ink for the monkey, embossed using clear embossing powder and the heat tool.  I'm finding this technique makes coloring with markers much more successful and adds a wonderful gleam.  I popped up some circles on the background using my 3/4" circle punch and Stampin' Dimensionals.  My sweet lime Cuttlebug (it's such a tireless workhorse) and Tiny Mosaic Embossing folder added some rough and ready texture (and not too feminine).

So take one last sentimental journey through the Stampin' Up! Fall/Winter Catalog to see who is headed for retirement.  They're gone for good as of Jan. 2!

Download Stampin' Up! Fall/Winter Catalog Retired List by Page Number

Download Stampin' Up! Fall/Winter Catalog Retired List Alphabetical

Stamp Set:  You're Neat, Seeing Spots
Paper:  Whisper White, Not Quite Navy, Summer Sun, Pumpkin Pie
Ink:  More Mustard Inkpad and Marker, Not Quite Navy Inkpad and Marker,  Pumpkin Pie, Brilliance Chocolate
Cool Tools:  Heat Tool, EK Success Curvy Cutter Circles, Marvy Uchida Mega Circle Punch, Crop-A-Dile, Cuttlebug and Tiny Mosaic Embossing Folder, Paper Piercer (template and mat), Word Window Punch, 3/4" Circle Punch
Perfect Touches:  Clear Embossing Powder, Jumbo Eyelets Pewter, Stampin' Dimensionals

COMING UP:  Saying Goodbye to "Sassy Stems"

Tis' the Season to Be Stamping

Focusing on getting my blog rolling these past few weeks has pulled me away from getting my holiday cards done ahead of schedule (not that they ever have been but it's such a responsible idea).  Fortunately (or unfortunately depending on if you need to be outside), we were hit with a huge winter snowstorm in southern Wisconsin.  It provides a perfect, quiet nest at home for a huge start on getting my 50 cards done.  Ambitious, yes.  Crazy, absolutely.   I used today's articles in a series, to demonstrate different cards with the same focal point (although the other half of the 50 will be using the Santa image in the Believe set.  I can't wait). Each card highlights a little something new in its design. 

I began this project by heat embossing the tree (and soooo many others) in gold.  Embossing makes such an elegant splash and is especially nice if you are a tad "marker challenged" and want to color the tree leaves inside the lines easily. My 14 year old daughter was assigned filling in the little holly berries with a Real Red Marker and then getting them to sparkle with a Sakura Glaze Pen. On this particular card, I added Old Olive to some of the leaves, along with the Sakura Glaze Pen for texture.  It gives a very cool "cloisonne" look with the shiny leaves and berries combined with the gold emboss. 

The key to keeping my sanity as I tried to produce a different look for each golden tree?  Designer paper. Looking past the holidays?  The preview mini catalog (see the PDF file on my right sidebar) has some gorgeous options available Jan. 2.

COMING UP:  I'll be posting projects over the next few days using some of my old rubber stamp friends, ready for retirement from Stampin' Up! but still available through Jan. 1.  The retirement list is available in PDF form on my right sidebar, under Stampin' News. 

Hugs and Pretties M

Stamp Set:  Papertrey Believe
Paper:  Cerise and Dashing Designer Series Paper Collections, Very Vanilla, Old Olive, Real Red
Ink:  Real Red, Old Olive Marker
Tools:  Sponges, Marvy Uchida Mega Scalloped Rectangle Punch, Curvy Cutter Rectangles, Cutter Kit (for distressing ovals), Heat Tool
Perfect Touches:  Gold Embossing Powder, Sakura Glaze Pen, Stampin' Dimensionals

I'm A Pretty Paper-Holic

There are so many gorgeous designer papers and I wake up daily vowing not to continue to hoard them.  Yes, I'm a Pretty Paper-holic.  There, I've said it.   Each day my 2-dimensional "friends" beg to come out of the drawer and become "one" with ink, cardstock and sentiments, as they were intended.  I often ignore their cries, waiting for "just the right occasion."

I am proud to say that I am taking steps toward PPH recovery.  As you can see from this series of holiday cards, SU's Dashing and Cerise Designer Series Papers have made their way to greeting card status in a big way.  They make the process of making 50 cards go quickly and add so much pizzazz.  However, if I start to feel like my pretty paper supply is dwindling too quickly, I can fall back on a wonderful idea championed by Nicole Heady of Papertrey Ink.  Use stamps to create your own designer paper.  You can choose your placement, match colors perfectly and play, play, play (not to mention how much designer paper you can continue to save).  So I made a card today, without a drop of designer paper and simply stamped and embossed.  It's just this one.  I promise to still use my designer paper but you have to admit making your own with stamps and ink opens up so many possibilities, not only cards but wrapping paper, gift boxes, envelope decor and more!  Fun. 

Hugs and Pretties,  M

Stamp Set:  Papertrey Borders and Corners Circles, Believe
Paper:  River Rock, Real Red, Very Vanilla
Ink:  Real Red Marker
Tools:  Heat Tool, Ticket Corner Punch, Perfect Layers
Perfect Touches:  Non SU Red Rhinestone (on star), Gold Embossing Powder, Sakura Glaze Pen (dotted on berries)

The Learning Curve

There are so many cool card making tools to try (and buy :).  I reviewed the wealth of brainpower on the SplitCoast Stamper Gallery to determine which circle cutting system I simply had to have.  After great deliberation and much scientific research (OK, I asked around like mad in the forum), I recently decided to give myself a special little birthday present, the EK Curvy Cutter Circle and Oval template systems (yes, had to have the oval, too, it was my birthday for heaven's sake)!

Stamp Set:  Papertrey Believe
Paper:  Very Vanilla, Old Olive, River Rock, Cerise and Dashing Designer Series Paper Collections
Ink:  Real Red (berries) Old Olive Marker (leaves)
Tools:  Curvy Cutter Circles, Corner Rounder Punch, Heat Tool
Perfect Touches:  Gold Embossing Powder, Sakura Glaze Pen (to dot the berries for some dimension)

So far, curvy cutters are a delight.  It takes a bit of touch at the beginning (a little distressing action came in handy on the edges on my first few tries).  After that it was easy schmeezy, perfect circles and ovals that layer like a dream.  Next, I need to start drumming up a reason to give myself the Janome Sew Mini.  Oh, those stitched cards are so "cutie" (this is a word my mother often uses and I swore never to use, but there you have it--must be genetic).  Maybe I'll be my own secret Valentine?  Perfect.  Can I make it until February?

Stamp Set:  Papertrey Believe
Paper:  Old Olive, Real Red, Very Vanilla, Dashing Designer Series Paper
Ink:  Real Red (inkpad and marker)
Tools:  Heat Tool, Photo Corners Punch, Paper Piercing Guide and Piercing Tool, Curvy Cutter Circles, Corner Rounder Punch
Perfect Touches:  Sakura Glaze Pen, HodgePodge Hardware Brads (pewter), Gold Embossing Powder, Stampin' Dimensionals

Feeling A Little Punch-y

One of the growing trends I see in the galleries is the use of multiple punches to layer tags and sentiments.  I love the look and thought I would provide a couple quick examples of my own from my ever growing holiday collection.

Stamp Set:  Papertrey Believe
Paper:  Dashing Designer Series, Real Red, Old Olive, River Rock, Very Vanilla
Ink:  Real Red (inkpad and marker), Versamark (pad and marker)
Tools:  Ticket Corner Punch, Heat Tool, Designer Tag Punch, 1 3/8 Circle Punch, Marvy Uchida Super Jumbo Scalloped Oval Punch, Crop-A-Dile, Paper Piercing Tool and Mat
Perfect Touches:  Sakura Glaze Gelly Pen, Gold Embossing Powder, Gold Eyelets (non SU), Stampin' Dimensionals

Stamp Set:  Riveting (retired hostess set), Papertrey Believe
Paper: Very Vanilla, Real Red, River Rock, Dashing Designer Series Paper
Ink:  Real Red (inkpad and marker)
Tools:  Large Oval Punch, 1" Circle Punch, Horizontal Slot Punch, Marvy Uchida Super Jumbo Scalloped Oval Punch, Perfect Layers, Heat Tool, Paper Piercing Tool
Perfect Touches:  Real Red 1/4 Grosgrain Ribbon, Organdy Ribbon, Non SU Rhinestones, Sakura Glaze Pen, Stampin' Dimensionals

Stamping 911: A Case for a CASE

One of the great things about stamping and card making is allowing your creative side to rise and shine.  Part of what fuels my obsession is the enjoyment I get when I design a card and give it away to someone special.  However, when you rise and shine on a Saturday morning and realize that you have a wedding to go to and almost no time whatsoever for the creative wheels to turn paper and ink into a card (AKA Stampin' Emergency),  I believe there's nothing finer that a visit to the Splitcoaststampers (SCS) Gallery to "shop" for a great CASE (Copy And Share with Everyone).  There is such a tremendous collection of beautiful artwork.  Frankly, the first thing  I do when I get a new stamp set is rush to see what's been done in SCS with the same set.  SCS has been a fabulous tutor on layouts, color, style and technique.  It's the perfect solution for those days of "Stamper's Block"  or when you simply don't have time to be Picasso.  So here's my CASE'd sample, which made it to the wedding in plenty of time, a divine card designed by PickleTree (yes, crediting those who created the original gem is absolutely mandatory).

Stamps:  Papertrey Spiral Bouquet
Paper:  Whisper White, Black, Basic Gray
Ink:  Basic Gray, Going Gray
Tools:  Oval Punches, Ticket Corner Punch, Crop-A-Dile, 1/8" anywhere punch (the "Crop" just couldn't reach the 3rd flower from the left), Cuttlebug and Swirls Embossing Folder (a little jazz for the envelope flap).
Perfect Touches:  Black and White Gingham Ribbon, Black Eyelets, Stampin' Dimensionals

Watch My Banner Bloom!

My new "stampin' pretty" banner is finally finished and loaded up for the virtual world.  I'm so excited.  The background color will change seasonally (reflecting Stampin' Up colors), so please stop back.  It took over a month from the day I scribbled it out to completion.  Did you catch the teensy bit of animation?  It only happens once so you  may have to do a "refresh."  I'm not big into "screaming" banners but thought a little pop would be fun.  I also am showing off my new watermark, designed by Nicole Seitler of The Inkblog, an amazing stamper and web designer.  It was entirely her idea to integrate the tulip from my logo.  Done!  She's very economically priced for those of us who don't want to fiddle with a watermark (or attempted and gave up, like me).  She also designs banners, logos, buttons and more (although she didn't design my banner because it was already in progress).  I plan to have her customize my chat and other buttons, too.  I want to credit SCS member stampertammy for recommending Nicole on my desperate forum post for help with my watermark.

Hugs and Pretties . . . .

Mary

P. S.  OK, one more thing to boast about since I'm on an "all about me" roll . . . I have added a little tulip favicon (in the address bar with my web address).  I just love the little touches :)

Stamp Sets:  SU Paisley Background (on 1 1/4" circle), Papertrey Text Boxed and Best Blossoms
Paper:  Purely Pomegranate Textured, Bravo Burgundy, Very Vanilla, Only Orange
Ink:  Purely Pomegranate, Only Orange
Tools: Cuttlebug and Swirls Embossing Folder, Paper Piercer and Mat, Circle Punches 1/2", 1 1/4" and 1 3/8", Marvy Uchida SuperJumbo Scalloped Oval Punch, Heat Tool
Accessories:  Got Flowers Deux Orange (Papertrey), Sakura Gelly Pen Sparkle, Stampin' Dimensionals, Copper Brads, Non SU Rhinestone