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

One Stamp Wonder

Only one stamp for the whole card?  The Limited Supplies Challenge LSC157 only allows the use of one flower stamp . . . no designer paper, no Cuttlebug, no background stamps, no rub-ons--just when I was falling in love with rub-ons.  Fortunately, a sentiment was optional :)  I love this retro stem from the Spring Solitude Bundle and decided to revisit the colors for this week's color challenge (CC155), River Rock, Basic Black and Whisper White.  Together they comprise a clean look for this simple design.

The card base is Whisper White.  The stem was inked in River Rock and stamped on River Rock paper for a soft background.  Basic Black card stock was cut with a Curvy Cutter Circle Template (available at Create for Less . . . link at the bottom right of my blog).  Please excuse the pun but you need to know there's a learning "curve" for this tool--this is attempt #3 . TIP:  Use removable tape to keep your card stock in place when using the cutter.   I next stepped up the drama a wee bit by using the stem with Versamark and heat embossing with Clear Embossing Powder.  A Crop-A-Dile got to do most of the hard work in setting the Pewter Jumbo Eyelets. 

The main image is a single stem, dipped in Basic Black and landing on Whisper White.  I added a River Rock mat, and adhered the image with dimensionals to Whisper White card stock, previously punched with a Marvy Giga Scalloped Square Punch (again, available at Create for Less, bottom right).

The sentiment is from Hero Arts (Basic Black ink on Whisper White card stock).  It's surrounded by a wonderful Hodgepodge hardware square slide.  A little polka dot ribbon adds the final pizzazz.

Hugs and Pretties . . . . Mary

COMING MARCH 1:  The Mini Occasions Catalog will be available here as soon as it's released on-line to demos by Stampin' Up.   I'll be watching!

Stamp Set:  Spring Solitude Bundle (Hostess Level 2, 111127), Take Good Care Greetings (Sentiment, Hero Arts)
Paper:  Whisper White (100730), Basic Black (102851), River Rock (108640)
Ink:  Basic Black (101179), River Rock (109010), Versamark (102283)
Cool Tools:  Crop-A-Dile (108362),  Heat Tool (100005), EK Cutter Bee Curvy Cutter Circle Template, Marvy Giga Scallop Square Punch
The Perfect Touch:  Jumbo Eyelets (Pewter) (108432), Clear Embossing Powder (109130), Hodgepodge Hardware (105515), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Non SU Polka Dot Ribbon

Scallops for Sweet Caroline

My daughter, Caroline, is truly sweet, even at 14.  This week's Ways to Use It Challenge (WT155) was to design a project inspired by music.   I decided to make a special card and candy tin for my "Sweet Caroline."  I have a feeling that lying in bed tonight the song will continue to play in my head . . . it's doing it now.  I may have just passed it on to you :)  My apologies.

Let's start with a quick tutorial (by request from several regular readers) on using Stampin' Up!'s Corner Rounder Punch to create an easy scalloped border.  It's such a wonderful little multi-tasker.  Grab some scrap paper and be prepared to give this a couple tries before you have it down.  The key is learning where to place each consecutive punch.  TIP: Tutorial photos can be enlarged by clicking on them.

Remove the bottom "brace" of the punch.

I work from right to left.   TIP: I don't recommend trimming your paper to size until after you are done with the border.  This gives you the option to do a little clean up on either end, if needed.  I also suggest you line up just off the right edge for a more realistic starting point, as shown in this photo.



As you move left, line the punch up next to the previously punched scallop, leaving a tiny (needle size) open space that you can eyeball on the right side of the punch opening.  TIP:  If you are doing scalloped borders on both sides of the paper (as I did in this project), try to line up the first punch on the opposite side with the previous side.  They mirror each other that way.



The card begins with a Whisper White card base, followed by some of the delicious new Summer Picnic Designer Series paper from the Occasions Mini (to be released March 1--I promise to post the catalog as soon as it's available).  Using the Tart & Tangy stamp set (also Occasions Mini), I inked some strawberries in Real Red and stamped on Real Red card stock.

Using my Cuttlebug and the Red Tag Sale Alphabet Die Set, I ran the "sweet"  letters first through on mat board and then again with the Summer Picnic Polka Dot paper.  I then partnered them with glue and attached them to the scalloped piece created in the tutorial above. 

The orange stamp from Tart & Tangy was inked in Pumpkin Pie and stamped on Pumpkin Pie card stock.  Using a 1 1/4" Circle Punch, each orange was punched out and mounted on Stampin' Dimensionals.  A Sakura Clear Gel Pen adds a juicy finish.  I wrapped things up with some marvelous Pumpkin Pie Striped Grosgrain Ribbon (comes in Bashful Blue, Real Red and Wild Wasabi, too).



 

The sides of the tin were decorated with a continuation of the Summer Picnic paper, easily sized to fit.  The lid includes a "c" (for Caroline :) concocted from mat board, Real Red card stock and the Red Tag Sale Alphabet.  The next layer is another orange punched with the 1 1/4" Circle Punch and jazzed with the Clear Gel Pen.  I attached the orange with dimensionals to a Scalloped Circle and a Marvy Giga Scalloped Square Punch (also separated by dimensionals).  I punched the sides of the scalloped square with a Horitontal Slot Punch to create a slide for threading some Pumpkin Pie Striped Grosgrai to match the card.   

I would love to hear your feedback on this tutorial and project.  Please leave a comment at the end of this post :)  Hugs and Pretties . . . Mary

Stamp Set:  Tart & Tangy (Occasions Mini, 111514)
Paper:  Summer Picnic Designer Series Paper (Occasions Mini, 111355), Pumpkin Pie (105117), Whisper White (100730), Real Red (102482)
Ink:  Pumpkin Pie (105216), Real Red (103133)
Cool Tools:  Corner Rounder Punch (109047), Scalloped Circle Punch (109043), 1 1/4" Circle Punch (104403), Horizontal Slot Punch (105089), Marvy Giga Scalloped Square Punch, Cuttlebug and Cuttlebug Red Tag Sale Die Set Alphabet (Marvy Punches, Cuttlebug and Die Cut Alphabet are available through Create For Less--see link in lower right corner of my blog)
The Perfect Touch:  Pumpkin Pie Striped Grosgrain Ribbon (110715), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Non-SU Mat Board, Sakura Clear Gel Pen (available through Create for Less), Clear Top 8 oz. Tin (Papertrey Ink)

Embossable You

With just 3 days until the release of the Stampin' Up! Occasions Mini Collection (March 1 through May 31), I thought it would be fun to have a another sneak peek at one of the divine stamps from Big on Spring.  HOT TIP: From March 1 through the March 17 (when Sale-A-Bration expires), you can take advantage of both the Sale-A-Bration free products (1 for every $50 you spend) plus order from the new Occasions Mini . . . a delicious double dip, without all the calories. 

You can click to enlarge any of these thumbnail photos :) Today's project is a tutorial on some basics of embossing.  Embossing was one of the first techniques that drew me to stamping.  It was amazing how much of a WOW factor an embossed shine adds.  This week's Splitcoast Color Challenge CC157 includes the elegant combination of Basic Black, Whisper White and River Rock--a lovely partnership for the "Bride to Be."


The card base is River Rock, with Basic Black matted on top.  Versamark was thoroughly applied to the Paisley Background stamp, which was inked face up.





TIP:  Consider an Embossing Buddy to lightly wipe your card stock.  This removes the annoying specks of powder that show up like beacons when the image is heated. 





Place card stock (in this case Whisper White) on top of the stamp, square to the stamp (squaring is not always critical--but with some images with text, it's imperative).




TIP:  Cover both the stamp and the card stock with a piece of scrap paper, and, holding everything tightly in place with one hand, use a brayer (or your other hand, but coverage can be a bit trickier) to completely press over the entire area.  Make sure you go just beyond the edges for adequate coverage.



I carefully removed the stamped image and placed it in a Powder Pal, facing up.  Black Embossing Powder is sprinkled heavily on top.  TIP:  Once the image was covered with embossing powder, I turned it over and "flicked" the back in several places (ideally over the larger Powder Pal) to get rid of excess powder. 



Using a heat tool, I embossed the image half way (as in the photo) so that if you haven't embossed before, you could see the difference in the two sides. Shine vs. matte.  After I snapped the photo, I finished embossing the image 




TIP:  When embossing a background image that goes to the edges, I initially cut the card stock (Whisper White) about 1/4" larger than would be needed.  When the embossing is complete, I can trim it to size, removing any inconsistencies that may have occurred from me (or a long tweezer) holding the edge of the image or an edge that wasn't thoroughly inked/embossed.


I repeated the embossing technique above with the "bride to be" sentiment on Whisper White.  The sentiment is layered on Basic Black and River Rock.  The flower punches were quick and easy with my Boho Blossom Punch.  My niece, Kris (AKA Kreations by Kris on SCS), introduced me to these cute layered boho flowers in this adorable card.  I made each a slightly different combo and anchored them for eternity with a Pewter Brad. 


The beauty of using the Powder Pals is that after you are done, you can simply funnel the excess powder back into the cannister (brush is included along with the larger pan).  Enjoy! 

Hugs and Pretties . . . . Mary

Stamp Set:  Big on Spring (111488), Paisley Background (107192)
Paper:  River Rock (108640), Basic Black (102851), Whisper White (100730)
Ink:  Versamark (102283)
Cool Tools:  Heat Tool (100005), Powder Pals (Large & Small Pans, Brush, 102197), Embossing Buddy (103083), Boho Blossom Punch (110711), Brayer (102395)
The Perfect Touch:  Black Embossing Powder (109133), Pewter Brads (Hodgepodge Hardware, 105515) 

Mixin' It Up!

Mixing designer papers a challenge (TLC157)?  I adore combining designer papers and this is a perfect opportunity to show how cool the Stampin' Up! Designer Series Paper collections are.  This project uses 5 different patterns, beautifully coordinated and all from the Ginger Blossom Designer Series collection.

The card base is Groovy Guava Textured card stock cut 5 1/4" by 10 1/2" and scored on top at 5 1/4".  I cut 5 strips of Ginger Blossom 2-sided paper and  created a border of scallops for each using my Corner Rounder Punch.  TIP:  One of my readers and fellow bloggers Cat adds that this layout is a great way to use up scraps of paper.  Brilliant!

Some jazzy Groovy Guava ribbon from the Sherbet Collection mirrors the scalloped layers and adds texture at the top.  The flower from One of a Kind was inked in Ruby Red and stamped twice, first on Cameo Coral and second on Ruby Red.  I then snipped them out.  The flower top is simply the small round stamp from One of a Kind, inked in Ruby Red and stamped on River Roc paper.  A quick punch with 1/2" circle, makes this the icing on the cake.  Each layer of the flower is separated with Stampin' Dimensionals.

The sentiment is one of my fave's from All Holidays.  TIP: to create this 2-colored stamp, I first inked it completely in River Rock and then carefully removed the ink from the word "friend" with a rag (which I always have handy).  A Ruby Red Marker (wide end) was used to add color back to "friend" again and, a couple "huffs" on the stamp later, I stamped the complete image on River Rock cardstock.  The sentiment was matted on Ruby Red and Cameo Coral card stock.

Hugs and Pretties . . . . Mary

Stamp Sets:  One of a Kind (111101), All Holidays (109397)
Paper:  Ginger Blossom (110697), Groovy Guava Textured (108694), Ruby Red (102030), Cameo Coral (100475), River Rock (108640)
Ink:  River Rock (109010), Ruby Red Ink Pad (102259) and Marker (100075)
Cool Tools:  1/2" Circle Punch (104390), Corner Rounder Punch (109047)
Perfect Touch:  Ribbon Originals Sherbet (109184), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

Inkspirations:  Splitcoast Technique Lover's Challenge TLC157  & Layered Scallops by Sarah Buhler, Cards Magazine, February 2008

Wild About Stamping

Sweeeeeeeet!  That defines the Wild About You stamp set.  I think every animal is adorable (usually, I think one animal in an animal set is a clunker) and its perfect for juvenile or even fun teen or adult cards.  For example, consider this same card for a teenager or friend with a Purely Pomegranate giraffe, Pixie Pink bird and Berry Bliss paper--completely redefined.  Lovely with a gift of chocolate!

Jersey Shore Designer Paper is layered on Brilliant Blue and Whisper White Card stock.  The horizontal banner is a coordinating pattern from Jersey DP (snipped just the Brilliant Blue polka dot pattern from a larger piece of mixed patterns) matted on Pumpkin Pie. 

The giraffe is Pumpkin Pie stamped on Whisper White card stock.  TIP:  There are no "In Color" markers (just the other 48 colors) so I didn't have a Wild Wasabi option to isolate a single word in the sentiment.  However, I covered all but the word "wild" with a sticky note, inked it on my Wasabi pad, removed the sticky and stamped.  Oh, how I wish Stampin' Up! would make markers for the In Colors.  However, this alternative works well.  I used markers to isolate different colors for "about" and "you!"  You will need to clean the stamp between each color :)  The giraffe layer is followed by Brilliant Blue and Bashful Blue card stock. 

The little bird is Brilliant Blue on Whisper White card stock, punched with a 3/4" circle punch, matted on a 1" Circle of Brilliant Blue.  The scalloped flower is the following combination, from top to bottom:  Bashful Blue Brad, Flower Fusion Felt Flower,  Bashful Blue punched with 3/4" Circle Punch, polka dot Jersey Designer Paper punched with 1 3/8" Circle Punch and, finally, a quick snap of a Scalloped Circle Punch on Wild Wasabi Textured card stock.  Stampin' Up!'s textured card stock is fabulous.

Wild Hugs . . . . Mary

Stamp Set:  Wild About You (107371)
Paper:  Whisper White (100730), Brilliant Blue (100721), Bashful Blue (105120), Pumpkin Pie (105117), Wild Wasabi Textured (Assorted In Color Textured, 108694), Jersey Shore Designer Series (110479)
Ink:  Pumpkin Pie Ink Pad (105216) and Marker (105115), Brilliant Blue Ink Pad (100691) and Marker (100057), Wild Wasabi (109014)
Cool Tools:  Circle Punches:  Scallop (109043), 3/4" (104403)and 1" (109046), 1 3/8" (104401)
Perfect Touches:  Flower Fusion (Pumpkin Pie Felt Flower, 110720), Soft Subtles Assorted Brads (Bashful Blue, 106954)

Look Ma, No Stamps!

Need a card in a flash?  I have a family get together today so I wanted to create today's card quickly.   I grabbed paper, rub-ons and an oval punch . . . Voilá!  Done in less than 10 minutes.  Simple and fresh.

I received some gorgeous card stock colors just released by Papertrey Ink (actually, I was the random winner during the release contest--hooray).  The card base is Aqua Mist (cut and scored the long way) topped by Spring Moss.  You could substitute Cool Carribean (2007), Tempting Turquoise or Soft Sky for the Aqua and River Rock for the Spring Moss.

The flower stem and sentiment are Chocolate Chip rub-on's from the Sale-A-Bration Love and Happiness pack.  If you take advantage of the Sale-A-Bration promotion before it ends (March 17), give these rub-ons a try.  They're divine to work with.  Easy placement.  Crisp images.  TIP: to ensure a perfect transfer, rub the images completely.  I go over everything twice to be sure.  The "flower" is merely six punches with a Small Oval Punch.  OK, gang, that's it.  Under 10 minutes.  Not a stamp to be found.

Hugs and Pretties . . . . .  M

Stamp Set:  None :)
Paper:  Very Vanilla (101650), Papertrey Aqua Mist and Spring Moss
Ink:  None :)
Cool Tools:  Small Oval Punch (107304)
Perfect Touches:  Love and Happiness Rub-Ons (Sale-A-Bration,  111228)

Inspiration:  Colors and  petals inspired by this photo (see the tiny tree) from Splitcoast Inspiration Challenge IC116

Garden Hello

Have you ever looked at an item in your stamping supplies and asked, "What possessed me to buy that?"  That's exactly my attitude toward Sticky Strip.  Frankly, it has so many purposes.  However, mine has been collecting dust for eternity.  With the arrival of my Bead Duos, I thought maybe, just maybe, we could make some fun stems.  So that's exactly how today's card started to evolve.  In addition, I decided to create "windows" as suggested in this week's Splitcoast Ways to Use It Challenge.

Certainly Celery kicks things off with the card base.  I then layered some orange patterned paper from the Jersey Shore Designer Series.  Moving to the main image, I used Versamark to stamp three scallops on Orchid Opulence and heat embossed with Clear Embossing Powder.  I first punched out their centers with a 1" Circle Punch (for my "window") and next punched the whole flower out with a Scallop Circle Punch.  TIP #1:  If you are using more than one punch on an image, punch from the middle or smallest first (as I did with the 1" Circle).  It makes using the Scallop Punch next a breeze.  If you try the Scallop first, there's nothing to grab onto as you attempt to place it in the 1" Circle Punch to snap out the "window" . . . alignment is nearly impossible.

Using the 1 1/4" " punch, I snapped out some Pumpkin Pie polka dot paper from Summer Picnic (Mini Occasions, coming March 1) and glued one to the back of each flower.  Prior to attaching to the center flower, I used an Elegant Eggplant marker to isolate the word "Hello" from Lots of Thoughts.  TIP #2:  INSTANT CIRCLE FRAME.  On the front, I created a little frame of Pumpkin Pie using my 1" Circle Punch first, then punched again with  my 1 1/4" Punch. 

TIP #3:  BEAD STEMS.  When the Sticky Strip was finally allowed to come out and play, I snipped three pieces for stems and adhered them to Whisper White card stock (peeling off the top layer of the strip, since it's two-sided tape).  Micro beads were "drizzled" over the adhesive strips.  Wisely (as learned though a past unwise decision), I did this in my small Powder Pal Pan so that I could easily siphon the beads that went AWOL back into the container.  They grabbed the Strip beautifully.  The flowers were then adhered above the stems with Stampin' Dimensionals.

The final touch was quick and easy.  I just received the replacement triple flower stamp for the One of a Kind set.  The original didn't line up well with the Boho Blossoms Punch.  Stampin' Up! sent a new one out to everyone who bought the set and it works perfectly.  I stamped the new and improved flowers in celery ink on celery paper and punched them with the Boho Blossoms Punch.  The corner flowers are on dimensionals.  The final touch was using the 1/4" Circle Punch to create flower centers and scatter some more Orchid Opulence around.

Stamp Sets:  So Many Scallops (Sale-A-Bration, 111409), Lots of Thoughts (Sale-A-Bration, 111405)), One of a Kind (111101)
Paper:  Certainly Celery (105125), Whisper White (100730), Orchid Opulence (100969), Pumpkin Pie (105117), Jersey Shore (110479) and Summer Picnic (Mini Occasions, coming soon :)
Ink:  Elegant Eggplant (105110), Certainly Celery (105217), Versamark (102283)
Cool Tools:  Circle Punches:  Scallop (109043), 1/4" (104942), 1" (109046), 1 1/4" (104403), Boho Blossoms Punch (110711), Heat Tool (100005), Powder Pal (102197)
Perfect Touches:  Green Bead Duo (110754), Clear Embossing Powder (109130),Sticky Strip (104294), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

Inspiration:  Splitcoast Color Challenge CC154 and Ways to Use It WT154

To Bead or Not to Bead

For today's project, I learned that teeny, weeny beads have a mind of their own and if you don't have an immediate means to control them, it's possible (which I put to the test) that they could end up in total chaos (AKA the floor, the desk, the chair).    However, with a little Tombow glue I realized that these little devils can be coerced into doing some amazing feats.

My color inspiration was from a color challenge in Paper Pleasing Ideas, JCC02 and my design was inspired by Betty's card from this week's Featured Stamper's Challenge FS54.    I started with a Very Vanilla card base.  Pretty in Pink and Chocolate Chip are layered on top.  The pink took a trip through a Cuttlebug with a Swirls Embossing Folder.  The corners of both colors were cropped with a Ticket Corner Punch.  The horizontal banner is a polka dot scrap of Au Chocolat Designer Series Paper, matted on Chocolate Chip.

The flowers are from One of a Kind and were stamped in Basic Brown (it can handle watercoloring without bleeding vs. Chocolate Chip) on Watercolor Paper.  I then reached for my markers, Pretty in Pink, Pink Passion (both for the outside petals) and Rose Red (for the inside flower).  The outside petals were shaded completely in Pretty in Pink and then Pink Passion created the outline.  With an Aqua Painter, I blended the two colors together (being careful not to let the brush or paper get too wet).  The next step was to remove some of the color to get a watercolor look.  The interior flower (Rose Red) also had some of the color removed with the Aqua Painter.  For more details on watercoloring with markers, check out this tutorial from Paper Pleasing Ideas.  Julie has been my virtual mentor on learning to watercolor with Stampin' Up! markers.  Thank you, Julie and this is her color challenge, to boot.

The perfect touch was running Tombow glue in a circular pattern in the center of the flower.  After the earlier bead "accident," I applied the minuscule clear beads, just like I would embossing powder, carefully allowing them to flow onto the glue then tapping off the excess into a powder pal pan or anything that will contain these little guys and allow you to easily siphon the excess back into the cannister.

The line of little flowers made perfect stems.  I cut and adhered one flower directly to the Very Vanilla card stock and the second propped up on Stampin' Dimensionals.  I punched the corners with a Ticket Corner Punch and attached it to layers of Rose Red and Chocolate Chip.  A snippet of Pretty in Pink Taffeta Ribbon (beautiful, shimmery stuff) layered over Chocolate Chip adds some jazz on the side.  Pretty in Pink Brads (from the Soft Subtles assortment) have the corners covered.

The sentiment is also from One of a Kind.  I used Chocolate Chip and Rose Red Markers to color directly to the stamp and create a two colored impression on Very Vanilla paper.   It's layered on Rose Red punched with a Marvy Scalloped Rectangle Punch.  Voila!

Hugs and Pretties . . . . M

Stamp Set:  One of a Kind (111101)
Paper:  Pretty in Pink (100459), Chocolate Chip (102128), Rose Red (102544), Very Vanilla (101650), Watercolor Paper (105019), Au Chocolat Designer Series Paper (retired)
Ink:  Basic Brown (104315), Pretty in Pink Marker (100045), Rose Red Marker (100063) and Ink Pad (101778), Chocolate Chip (100908)
Cool Tools:  Ticket Corner Punch (107214), Small Powder Pal (102197), Aqua Painter (103954), Marvy Uchida Super Jumbo Scalloped Rectangle Punch, Cuttlebug and Cuttlebug Swirl Embossing Folder.  Note: The punch, Cuttlebug and embossing folder are available at Create for Less--link located on the bottom right of my blog).
Perfect Touches:  Bead Duos Clear Micro Beads (110752), Chocolate Chip 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon (109051), Pretty in Pink Taffeta Ribbon (109067), Soft Subtles Brads (Pretty in Pink, 106954), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Tombow Multi Purpose Adhesive (110755)

Stampin' Pretty Peonies "For You"

Today was a tad chaotic with the retired stamp sale.  Good success, however.  All but 2 sets have found new homes as of this moment.  With that under control, I'm excited to demonstrate another project showing off Pretty Peony. 

The card base is Chocolate Chip with a layer of Always Artichoke card stock on top.  There are 3 panels plus a sentiment.  The first panel is Stampin' Up!'s French Script Background stamp (retired and I don't plan to part with it any time soon :) in always Artichoke ink on Creamy Caramel card stock.  I sponged the edges with Always Artichoke. 

The bottom panel  uses a round stamp from True Friend, multi-colored in Chocolate Chip and Artichoke with the help of a couple Stampin' Up! Markers.   Pewter brads mark the centers of each image.  I sponged the edges with Close to Cocoa and sponged the rest of the Naturals Ivory card stock with More Mustard to give things a vintage look.  It looks like old paper on the Naturals Ivory paper and bunches of sponging.  It was adhered to Always Artichoke and Chocolate Chip.

The Peony panel is Ivory Naturals layered on Chocolate Chip and sponged identically to the bottom panel.  I stamped the large and small peonies first in Creamy Caramel (the less solid image in this 2 step stamp) and second in Close to Cocoa (with the more solid stamp).  Given my obsession toward the best possible alignment, I required the assistance of a Stamp-A-Ma-Jig.  Ditto the stems for perfect placement.

The sentiment consists of the two step leave stamps from Pretty Peony (Close to Cocoa first, followed by Always Artichoke) and then cut out and mounted on Stampin' Dimensionals.  "For You" is from the All Holidays set.  It was stamped in Chocolate Chip and snapped out with the Small Oval Punch.  I sponged Close to Cocoa on the edges and added spongy touches of More Mustard and Always Artichoke on the rest.  The Artichoke was added completely by accident when I grabbed the wrong sponge (inked in artichoke when I was sponging the French Script), intending to add Mustard and not Artichoke.  After a few choice expletives, I decided it wasn't a half bad and it was saved from the "bin."

Please leave me a comment and let me know what you think :)  Hugs and Pretties . . . . Mary

Stamp Sets:  Pretty Peony (111119), All Holidays (109369), True Friend (110378), French Script (retired)
Paper:  Chocolate Chip (102128), Always Artichoke (105119), Naturals Ivory (101849), Creamy Caramel (102514)
Ink:  More Mustard (103162), Chocolate Chip Marker (100071), Always Artichoke Ink Pad (105219) and Marker (105113), Creamy Caramel (103220), Close to Cocoa (103139)
Cool Tools:  Small Oval Punch (107304), Stamp-A-Ma-Jig (101049), Sponges (101610)
Perfect Touches:  HodgePodge Hardware Brads (Pewter, 105515)), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

More Stampin' Up! Retired Stamps For Sale

Today's article is fully loaded with quick tips and ideas, using three cards that showcase some of my retired stamps for sale (all prices and stamps updated 2/19/08).    Kick back and get ready for some fresh ideas for jazzing up your stamping projects.

Project #1 features the retired stamp set "Blooming With Happiness."  The card base is Very Vanilla with a layer of Ginger Blossoms Designer Series Paper.  The right corner of both papers is snipped with a Corner Rounder Punch for a little asymmetry.  The horizontal banner paper is a coordinating stripe from the Ginger Blossoms series.  It's accented with Groovy Guava Double Stitched Ribbon.

TIP #1 LAYERED SENTIMENTS:  Using a variety of punches and Stampin' Dimensionals creates a real "wow" 3-D sentiment.  A Groovy Guava slide was created using the Designer Punch and the Horizontal Punch on each side (to make openings for the ribbon).  I then layered a 1 1/4" Close to Cocoa Circle on top.  TIP #2:  What's my favorite difference between Craft and Classic Ink?  Craft can be heat embossed.  Classic cannot (unless you use Versamark with it . . . but that's for another day).  The sentiment is inked in Close to Cocoa Craft and embossed with clear for a sassy sparkle.  It's on Very Vanilla card stock and pumped up on three Stampin' Dimensionals.

TIP #3 EMBOSSING MAKES COLORING A BREEZE.  Close to Cocoa Craft Ink was used again for the cake and candles.  Once I embossed with clear embossing powder and a Heat Tool, I had an easy time bringing  the flowers to life with color because you have a tiny lip within which to work.  I used a Blender Pen dipped in Groovy Guava and Ruby Red to color.   TIP #4:  You can either use Ink Refills with your blender pen or squeeze your closed ink pad to create a little pool of ink on the inside lid for coloring.  TIP #5:  If you are using a blender pen for one color, I suggest using it for the second, even if you have the marker.  That keeps the level of saturation consistent . . . on the other hand go for it if you want more contrast and pow.

I then layered my cake on Ruby Red, Groovy Guava and Close to Cocoa.  Four eyelets tag the corners (courtesy of my Crop-A-Dile) and a little paper piercing (with a template, of course), brings a wee twist to the  Ruby layer.

Stamp Set:  Blooming with Happiness (Retired For Sale)
Paper:  Ginger Blossoms Designer Series (110697), Very Vanilla (101650), Close to Cocoa (101341), Groovy Guava (108643), Ruby Red (102030)
Ink:  Close to Cocoa Craft (100549), Groovy Guava (109012), Ruby Red (102259)
Cool Tools:  Crop-A-Dile (108362), Designer Punch (107590), 1 1/4" Punch (104403), Large Oval Punch (107305), Corner Rounder Punch (109047), Paper Piercer and Template (Crafter's Tool Kit, 104310), Heat Tool (100005), Blender Pens (102845)
Perfect Touches:  Groovy Guava Double Stitched Ribbon (109063), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Clear Embossing Powder (109130), Non SU Eyelets

Project #2 highlights "Too Terrific Tags" and was put together in short order using Stampin' Up! punches.  I chose some simply wild and wacky colors, all inspired by a J Crew catalog (see below).  I began with Green Galore as a card base and then stamped the Print Pattern Background Stamp stamp (in Basic Gray) on Pink Passion Card Stock.

The horizontal banner is a layer of Pink Passion on Basic Gray cardstock.  TIP #6:  Using a 1/4" square punch makes a simple and accurate zigzag border.  Just angle the punch 90 degrees so that you have a little triangle where you punch and keep moving to the opposite side).   

TIP #7:  When in a rush, grab your punches.  The rest of this card is pretty much a "punching" bag of tricks.  The tags were each a chomp of the small and large tag punches (they layer perfectly together) with the Word Window Punch for the "clasp."  I added a bright green snap with my Crop-A-Dile to each.   The "sparkle" sentiment is from Warm Words and is Basic Gray ink on Whisper White.  I used the small oval to carve it out and layered it on a large oval of Green Galore.  I added a couple deep pink snaps (with the assistance of Mr. Crop-A-Dile) for interest and the whole thing landed on several Stampin' Dimensionals.  Done!

Stamp Sets:  Too Terrific Tags (Retired For Sale), Warm Words (107123), Print Pattern Background (105167)
Paper:  Green Galore (101768), Pink Passion (102762), Basic Gray (108692), Whisper White (100730)
Ink:  Basic Gray (109120)
Cool Tools:  Crop-A-Dile, Large (105934)and Small (108264)Tag Punches, Word Window Punch (105090), Large (107305) and Small (107304) Oval Punches, 1/4" Square Punch (104943)
Perfect Touches:  Non SU Snaps

Project #3:  The final project puts "Love Ya Bunches" back on the front line in a layout that can be done in a flash.  I layered Linen Prints Designer Paper and Cameo Coral on an Old Olive cardbase.  I then wrapped Old Olive 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon and Very Vanilla 1/4' Grosgrain around the Linen Prints Layer. 

TIP #8:  Try using a marker (I used Cameo Coral) to carefully color the raised edge of ribbon.  I did this once with the large tip (not a good idea--it bled) but had great luck in my second attempt with the small tip.  My Very Vanilla ribbon gets a charming, custom coral accent.  Cool.  I then plucked an Olive felt flower from my new Flower Fusion tin and popped in a Stampin' Up! Rhinestone Circle Brad (Fire Collection).  TIP #9:  When you add a brad, try to push it through to the deepest layer of paper (or on this case ribbon), short of exposing the little metal pieces (someone let me know if they have a name for the little spikes) on the inside of the card.  This keeps them nicely buried and avoids "show through" on the outside, too.

I used Close to Cocoa Craft Ink with Clear Embossing Powder (and a Heat Tool) to stamp on watercolor paper (same reason as project #1 above, to help keep the color in . . .  especially when watercoloring).  Markers fill in the tiny details and shade in the entire wheel barrow in Cameo Coral.  Using an Aqua Painter, I removed a bit of the coral color to give it a quick watercolored touch.   

Hope you learned something new today.  Please let me know with a the comment what was the most helpful (and that you survived the long blog article).  I would love to hear from you!

Hugs and Pretties,  Mary

Stamp Set:  Love Ya Bunches (Retired for Sale)
Paper:  Linen Prints Designer Series (retired), Watercolor Paper (105019), Old Olive (100702), Cameo Coral (100475)
Ink:  Close to Cocoa Craft (100549), Stampin' Up! Markers:  Pink Passion (100053), Cameo Coral (100074), Old Olive (100079)
Cool Tools:  Heat Tool (100005), Aqua Painter (103954), Marvy Giga Scallop Circle and Mega Circle Punches (available at Create for Less.  Link in the bottom right corner of my blog)
Perfect Touches:  Flower Fusion (110720), Old Olive 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon (109054), Very Vanilla 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon (109026), Circle Rhinestone Brads (Fire, 109110), Clear Embossing Powder (109130) 

Occasions Mini Sneak Peek

The Stampin' Up! Occasions Mini Collection begins March 1 - May 31, 2008 . . . and I wanted to share some of the adorable stamps that I get to play with ahead of its release.  I'm featuring two of the Mini's super cuties, "Big on Spring" stamp set and some absolutely sumptuous "Summer Picnic" Designer Series Paper.  Think cherries, apples, dots and stripes.

"Let the Cute Begin" is an understatement of the possibilities of this stamp.  Sure, on a card it's pretty cutie-o-so (my mother's language, but there it goes popping into my head again).  However, imagine how adorable it would be on a onesie!  I began with a Bashful Blue card base and layered some fun, dotted Summer Picnic designer paper on top.  Then ran a vertical banner with a coordinating Summer Picnic paper, matted on Pumpkin Pie. 

The main image was inked in Basic Gray on Whisper White card stock.  I now use Basic Gray almost all the time over black . . . softer but still crisp.  I then inked it again and stamped it on the tiny orange polka dot paper (also Summer Picnic).  The onesie was snipped out and popped up with Stampin' Dimensionals.  Very sweet.  Using a Real Red Marker, I continued the polka dot theme by dotting the letters (but how fun they would be to fill in, stripe, or watercolor with markers, too)!  I then matted the "cute" image on Pumpkin Pie and Bashful Blue.

For the final details, I pulled out Stampin' Up!'s Build-A-Brad kit (just can't keep these versatile guys in the drawer) and created custom brads with the same orange polka dot paper I used for the onesie.   I then added just a snippet of Pumpkin Pie Striped Grosgrain Ribbon above and below the main image.  This was such a quick and simple card! 

Hugs and Pretties . . . . Mary

Stamp Sets:  Big on Spring (Mini Occasions, 111488)
Paper:  Summer Picnic Designer Series (111355), Bashful Blue (105120), Pumpkin Pie (105117), Whisper White (100730)
Ink:  Basic Gray (109120), Real Red Marker (100052)
Cool Tools:  1/2" Circle Punch (104390)
Perfect Touches:  Build-A-Brad (Pewter, 109128), Pumpkin Pie Striped Grosgrain Ribbon (110715)

COMING UP TOMORROW:  New additions to my Retired Stamps Sale and savings on existing sets (plus a few new samples to show them off  :)

Denim Blues

My "fashion forward" statement "Ways to Use It" Challenge was to incorporate a classic . . . denim.  My "denim" layer is simply a Canvas Background stamp dipped in Very Vanilla Craft ink and added to "the blues" of Not Quite Navy (a delicious denim color).  I layered it on a Very Vanilla card base.  The main flower stamp is from Friendship Blooms, inked directly on the stamp with Real Red and Not Quite Navy Markers.  The flourish is Night of Navy.  I then used my markers to color the little flowers from the same set with Real Red, Night of Navy and Pumpkin Pie Markers.  They were snipped out and placed about (one red fellow escaped to the main image :).  Some are on Stampin' Dimensionals and others are not for an amusing little multi-dimensional garden.

Today was my first experience with Stampin' Up! Rub-Ons (any rub-ons, for that matter).  I was very surprised at how easy they were to use--I was expecting a learning curve (partly because I had never used them and find that this preconceived idea is a great way to protect my self-esteem when I fail miserably in my first effort).  The results were perfect.  Love and Happiness Rub-Ons (a Sale-A-Bration exclusive) are unique to the Stampin' Up! Rub-Ons collections because they come in four colors (vs. just black and white), one sheet each of white, olive, chocolate chip and black. 

TIP: Clip out the image you want and remove the backing.  You can see through the image for perfect placement and then run a little popsicle stick tool (included) over it until it transfers.  Very crisp and they work on other surfaces like glass and metal.  I plan to decorate some bright ceramic mugs for summer.  However, for this project, I started small and added a rub-on flower to my button, quickly and perfectly.  I added a snipped of silver cord but, frankly, think hemp thread would have worked better with the denim feel.  The button tops one of the new Flower Fusion Felt Flowers.  Luscious felt quality and you get a tin filled with 130 flowers in Pumpkin Pie, Rose Red and Old Olive.

I sponged the edges of the main image with Night of Navy and matted it on Real Red cardstock.  Paper Piercing with a template adds an expedient accent to the bottom.  Real Red is matted on Pumpkin Pie and all the layers, except Very Vanilla are distressed using a Cutter Tool.

Hugs and Pretties . . . M

Stamp Sets:  Friendship Blooms (Sale-A-Bration, 111403), Canvas Background (104421)
Paper:  Very Vanilla (101650), Real Red (102482), Pumpkin Pie (105117), Not Quite Navy (101722)
Ink:  Very Vanilla Craft (104308, Real Red Marker (100052), Not Quite Navy Marker (100059), Pumpkin Pie Marker (105115)
Cool Tools:  Paper Piercer and Template (Crafter's Tool Kit, 104310). Cutter Kit (106958)
Perfect Touches:  Love & Happiness Rub-On's (Sale-A-Bration, 111228), Flower Fusion Felt Flowers (110720),Bold Brights Buttons (Real Red, 103977), Silver Cord (retired), Stamping Sponges (101610), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

Inspiration:  Splitcoast Stampers Ways to Use It Challenge WT153

Stampin' Around

So everything needs to be round or circles?  This was a challenge I was seriously struggling with . . . until I spotted my darling tin of Build-A-Brads, heaped full of little round possibilities.  These clever inventions allow you to add your own stamped image or paper to create perfectly coordinated, custom brads, quick and simple.

The card base is Groovy Guava textured cardstock with a layer of Purely Pomegranate (also textured) plunked on top.  The lower corners of both were cropped with a Corner Rounder Punch.  The Limited Supplies Challenge (LSC155) this week requires the use of circular stamps and punches . . . no designer paper allowed.  With a number of Papertrey Ink circular stamps, I inked out a custom designer paper of dots on the top half and layered circles on the lower half.  I added 1/4" Pomegranate circles on the bottom flower centers and a couple "baby" spiral flowers for a little cohesion on the top half.

The horizontal banner enjoys the lusciousness of textured Guava and Pomegranate card stock.  The Pomegranate got into shape with my Corner Rounder punch, my favorite for making a scalloped border.  "Happy" comes from the "It's All Good" set.  I stamped it twice on Very Vanilla, first in Guava and second in Pomegranate.  I punched the first with a 3/4" Circle Punch and the second with a 1" Circle Punch.  I then used Papertrey's Borders and Corners dotted border circle again (Pomegranate on Guava), punched it with a 1 1/4" Circle Punch and followed up with a textured Pomegranate Scalloped Circle underneath.  Both Guava layers were popped up on Stampin' Dimensionals.

However, Build-A-Brad accents steal the show.  I stamped another dotted round stamp from Textboxed (Pomegranate on Vanilla), punched it out with a 1/2" Circle Punch and attached it to the Pewter brad base.  The final wow is to add the clear adhesive pebble (comes with the kit) on top for your very own designer brad.  Chic.

Hugs and Pretties . . . . M

Stamp Sets:  It's All Good (109308), Papertrey Borders and Corners Circles, Green Thumb (Big Dot),  Butterfly Kisses (Smaller Dot) and Textboxed
Paper:  Groovy Guava Textured (108694), Purely Pomegranate Textured (108694), Very Vanilla (101650)
Ink:  Groovy Guava (109012), Purely Pomegranate (109011)
Cool Tools:  Scalloped Circle Punch (109043), Corner Rounder Punch (109047), 1/4" (104942), 1/2" (104390), 3/4" (107217), 1" (109046), 1 1/4" (104403)
Perfect Touches:  Build-A-Brad (Pewter, 109128), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

Punchy Hippo

Isn't this polka dot hippo marvelous?  For a change of pace, I inked him (her?) in Versamark and stamped on Bashful Blue Designer Series Paper (only available  as part of a Hostess Level I set. . . Sixty 6 x 6 double sided sheets of 5 Stampin' Up! colors and patterns.  Don't miss it :).  With a dusting of black embossing powder, heat tool and some snipping, this hippo really pops (literally, with Stampin' Dimensionals).  I did the same with the tiny heart from the Merci set in Real Red. 

The hippo was stamped again in Basic Black on Whisper White (it gives a little added jazz to stamp again, below the polka dot hippo).  I cropped the image with a Marvy Super Jumbo Scalloped Circle Punch and I added some tiny dots in the scallops with my Basic Black marker.  I then punched some Real Red card stock with a Marvy Mega Scalloped Circle Punch and added some black dot accents (Papertrey Ink, Little Lady).  The final layer required the use of the Marvy Giga Scalloped Circle punch, which zapped another Bashful Blue design pattern (from the Hostess Level I paper pack).  The Marvy punches are available at discounted prices through Create For Less.  An on-line shipping link can be found in the Create For Less box at the bottom right of my blog.  Inspiration for the layering and design of my focal image is from this charming card by Faith Hofrichter

The card base is Whisper White with Real Red and Bashful Blue flowers stamped from the Little Lady set (Papertrey Ink).  I played a bit with the flower centers, using a dot and tiny flower for a little pizzazz.  The horizontal banner is the same dotted designer paper as the hippo.  The scalloped border was created easily with a Corner Rounder Punch.  I added some Real Red Grosgrain because I thought that area was screaming for some splash.  I had absolutely no idea what I was doing on the bow but it somehow seemed to work.  I simply added two extra strips of ribbon to the center of the bow before wrapping it up.

The final touch required my multi-tasking buddies again, Stampin' Write Markers (Marker Sale Ends 2/16).  This time I used a Basic Black marker to isolate just part of one of the Lots of Thoughts sentiments (which conveniently rhymes with "hip-hippo-ray :).  A couple punches with the Large and Small Oval Punches, 3 Stampin' Dimensionals,  and two stick-on rhinestones finish the sentiment lickety split.

Hugs and Pretties . . . Mary

Stamp Sets:  Pun Fun (111028), Lots of Thoughts (Sale-A-Bration, 1114050), Merci (Sale-A-Bration, 111407), Little Lady Papertrey Ink
Paper:  Bashful Blue Designer (Hostess Level I, 111827), Whisper White (100730), Real Red (102482)
Ink:  Basic Black Ink Pad (101179) and Marker (100082), Real Red (103133), Bashful Blue (105209), Versamark (102282)
Cool Tools:  Heat Tool (1000050, Large (107305) and Small Oval (107304) Punches, Corner Rounder Punch (109047)
Perfect Touches:  Black Embossing Powder (109133), Stampin' Dimensionals (1044300, Real Red 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon (109034), Non Su Stick-On Rhinestones

My Funny Valentine

Actually, the sentiment is meant to be anything but humorous.  However, today's project is for my husband, one of the funniest valentines I know.  Even though the sentiment feels a bit corny for our typical dialogue, I wanted to give him this card to express how much my daughter and I adore him.

The layout is inspired by Splitcoast Sketch Challenge SC163. I began with a Real Red Base (5.25 x 5.25).  I then added a layer of Real Red Designer Series Paper.  I used Stampin' Up!'s Always set to add the little Basic Gray stems to Very Vanilla card stock.  Basic Gray has become my "new" black.  I enjoy that it has the crispness I want but a tad softer than black.  I matted the stems on Basic Gray card stock.

I next grabbed my Tres Chic Background and inked it up in Basic Gray. TIP:  The key to getting a good impression with a background stamp is flipping the stamp rubber side up so that you can be sure you are inking it evenly.  Carefully line up and lay your card stock on top of the stamp.  Layer a piece of scratch paper on top of the card stock and either use your hand or a brayer to rub the entire area (like an iron).  I keep one hand holding the image firmly still (you don't want it to slip) and the other to do the rubbing.  Be sure to rub all the way to the edges if you are going to use the entire background.  This has become a "no fail" method for me in getting great coverage.  I repeated this same process with my Sanded Background (note the change to a lighter color (Going Gray) to keep this look soft).  This is a quick and easy vintage look.  I decided to focus on the words "family" and "memories" and clipped the image down to those words.  This section is matted on Basic Gray and Real Red card stock.

Twill tape seemed more masculine for an accent and the color coordinates well with the Very Vanilla card stock.  I stamped the sentiment directly on the twill tape.  TIP:   I used Basic Black after trying Basic Gray and feeling the gray was too light.  The final touch was the Always heart.  It is simply a combination of Versamark, Black Embossing Powder, Heat Tool and a little cutting magic.  It's mounted on Stampin' Dimensionals for some 3-D "love."

Hugs and Happy Valentine's Day . . . . Mary

Stamp Sets:  Always (111141), Tres Chic Background (109238), Sanded Background (109294)
Paper:  Real Red (102482), Very Vanilla (101650), Basic Gray (108692), Real Red Designer Series (retired)
Ink:  Basic Gray (109120), Going Gray (103274), Basic Black (101179), Versamark (102283)
Cool Tools:  Heat Tool (100005)
Perfect Touches:  Black Embossing Powder (109133), Twill Tape (105245), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

My Marker Madness Sale continues through Saturday, February 16.
Earn Free Sale-A-Bration Stamps every $50 you spend.  Now through March 17.
Coming Soon:  More Retired Stamps for Sale and Clearance :)

Marker Madness Continues: Coloring 101

Just received my Free Sale-A-Bration Merci Stamp set and decided it was a good day to play again with my Stampin' Up! markers (on sale now through Feb. 17)!  The colors are inspired by this week's Splitcoast Color Challenge CC153, Kraft, Green Galore and Tempting Turquoise. 

The card base is Kraft with some marker doodles around the edges.  Green Galore took a ride through my Cuttlebug and Swirl Embossing Folder, then was adhered to Tempting Turquoise.  The Merci "daisy" flower image was inked in turquoise and stamped on Kraft card stock for the banner. 

The main image was stamped in Versamark, dusted with Black Embossing Powder and Heat Embossed.  TIP #1:  This creates a wonderful outline for coloring in with your markers (if you're like me and obsess about staying in the lines).  TIP #2:  Start with the light colored marker first.  It's much easier to touch up with the dark used after the light.  TIP #3:  Kraft paper works especially well with coloring in solid areas with markers.  The deeper the hue (for example, Real Red shades perfectly in Kraft) the more consistent the color.  Green Galore left a little bit of "striping" but I think it works well with this casual image. 

A Paper Piercer adds a little accent at the top and bottom.  My pal the Horizontal Slot Punch "magically" turns the image into a ribbon slide.  I ran some Non SU black stitched ribbon through and attached a green and turquoise mat.

The final touch is easy, schmeezy.  I used the Tagger's Dozen set and 3 markers.  Starting with the Green Galore marker (the lightest, remember Tip #2 above), I colored the "o" and "e" in love.  A Tempting Turquoise marker jazzed the heart, and the letters "l" and "v."  I then used black to color the remaining dots.  A couple of huffs of breath to keep things moist and you create a an easy tri-colored image.  The large and small tag punches shaped things up.  The Horizontal Slot Punch got an encore and partnered up with a little more black stitched ribbon.

Hugs and Pretties . . . Mary

P.S.  Look what I was awarded from FancyNancyLoves2Stamp!  I'm so excited and flattered!

Stamp Sets:  Merci (Sale-A-Bration, 111407), Tagger's Dozen (108303)
Paper: Kraft (102125), Tempting Turquoise (102167), Green Galore (101768)
Ink:  Tempting Turquoise Ink Pad (100814) and Marker (100058), Green Galore Marker (100048), Black Marker (100082), Versamark (102283)
Cool Tools:  Tag Punch (105934), Small Tag Punch (108264), Horizontal Slot Punch (105089), Paper Piercer and Template (Crafter's Tool Kit, 104310), Heat Tool (100005)
Perfect Touches:  Black Embossing Powder (1091330 Cuttlebug, Cuttlebug Swirl Embossing Folder, Non-SU Black Stitched Ribbon

Stampin' Up! Marker Madness Sale Thru Feb. 16

Stampin' Up! Marker Madness, my exclusive Stampin' Pretty special, is underway now through Saturday, Feb. 16 (and some more fun ways to use markers below).  Purchase one family of markers (you get 12 colors in a family, either Bold Brights, Earth Elements, Soft Subtles or Rich Regals) and get the second family at 20% off.  The markers are perfectly coordinated with Stampin' Up! card stock, inks and accessories . . . so no need to chase all over town trying to get things to match (something I'm determined to avoid).  Plus, save another 10% with my FREE shipping deal on your on-line order of $40 or more :)

If that's not convincing enough, here's a wonderful Marker Tip Sheet with even more marker techniques (for example, stained glass, egg shell crackle)  and how to care for them.   I'm not the author and unfortunately, I don't know whom to credit.  However, I can't wait to give these lovely ideas a go and wanted to share, share, share!

My "Note of Love" card is a standard Very Vanilla card base with the right front edge chopped off (about 3/4").  Ginger Blossom's red polka dots are adhered for a little vertical splash (and an easy way to sneak into the Ways to Use It "Going Dotty" Challenge).  Ruby Red followed by a matching floral design (again from the Ginger Blossom Designer Series) dress up the left side.  If you read my blog yesterday, today's project marks the second "ride" of my Janome Sew Mini sewing machine.  It worked its zigzag charm on Ruby Red card stock.  Opposite the zigzag, I played a bit with a Paper Piercer and Template to create some punchy  squares.

I grabbed my Chocolate Chip and Cameo Coral markers and colored directly to the Embrace Life stamp.  I huffed and I puffed and brought the "house" down on Very Vanilla cardstock.  A Sakura Gelly Glaze pen adds some shimmer to the blossoms but they are simply non-existent in the photo.  I then matted the image on River Rock designer paper (Ginger Blossoms for the 3rd time) and tucked a couple swatches of Groovy Guava Double Stitched Ribbon on the side.

The sentiment was an encore of the Chocolate Chip marker, used on the Lots of Thoughts "Love" Stamp but isolating only the text I wanted.  I snipped the left corners with my Corner Rounder Punch and did the same for the Ruby Red layer below.  The flower was left over from another project but seemed the perfect last little pop (on dimensionals, of course).  It's a combination of the One of Kind stamp (Versamark, Clear Embossing Powder and Heat Gun) and my Boho Blossoms Punch.  Voila!

Hugs and Pretties,  Mary

Stamp Sets:  Embrace Life (111011), One of a Kind (111101), Lots of Thoughts (Sale-A-Bration, 111405)
Paper:  Ginger Blossoms Designer Series (110697), Very Vanilla (101650), Ruby Red (102030)
Ink:  Versamark (102283), Cameo Coral (100074) and Chocolate Chip (100071) Markers
Cool Tools:  Paper Piercer and Template (Crafter's Tool Kit, 104310), Heat Tool (100005), Corner Rounder Punch (109047), Boho Blossoms Punch (110711), Janome Sew Mini
Perfect Touches:  Groovy Guava Double Stitched Ribbon (109063), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Clear Embossing Powder (109130), White Thread, Sakura Gelly Glaze Pen

Inspiration:  Splitcoast Stampers Challenge WT152 Going Dotty
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Stamping with Heart

It's finally out of the box and got to go for it's first "ride."  Not since 7th grade Home Economics (back when they called it Home Ec in 1970) have these hands touched a sewing machine.  However, my mom's Christmas check was destined for the Janome Sew Mini as soon as I saw it was on sale at Hancock Fabrics.  I figured it's just tiny . . . no problem with the learning curve.

Frankly, it was a little intimidating at first.  I don't have a keen engineering mind so the winding the bobbin and the threading the machine part posed a few perplexed looks.  However, once I got past the directions, it fired up like a little Harley.  "Sew" easy.  My baby.  I now will get to join the ranks of paper crafters "who sew" (although I can only currently zigzag).  I added a tiny apricot banner of red hearts and a Real Red scalloped edge (created with a corner rounder punch) for a little circus ambiance. 

This design will be a perfect little valentine for the wee ones in our family--my grandniece and nephew.  I started with an Apricot Appeal base, stamped in the same color using the heart from the Time Well Spent set.  I then matted Bashful Blue on Real Red and zigzagged (heart fluttering)the Sew Mini down the sides.

The sweet elephant from Wild About You (one of my favorite "kiddo" sets on the planet) and was inked in Bashful Blue.  I stamped him (or her?) again in Apricot Appeal and only sacrificed the ear from it.  The little heart is from Nice and Narrow (yes, very vintage Stampin' Up!) and was stamped in Real Red, snipped out and adhered.  I then matted the elephant on Apricot Appeal and Real Red card stock.

The flower is a combination of So Many Scallops "Sweet of You" stamped on Whisper White with Real Red ink.  I then punched it out with the Scalloped Circle Punch.  The Bashful Blue bird (also Wild About You) landed on Whisper White, was punched with a 3/4" Circle Punch and was attached with couple dimensionals onto a 1" Bashful Blue Circle.

Finally, the sentiment is simply one swipe of my Real Red marker (I told you I use my Stampin' Up! markers all the time) to grab just one phrase from the "Note of Love" stamp (Lots of Thoughts set).  The Word Window Punch was a handsome fit along with a couple stick-on rhinestones and some more dimensionals to make it pop.

Stamp Set:  Wild About You (107371), So Many Scallops (Sale-A-Bration, 111409), Lots of Thoughts (Sale-A-Bration, 111405), Time Well Spent (Hostess, 111054), Nice and Narrow (really, really retired)
Paper:  Apricot Appeal(105124), Real Red (102482), Bashful Blue (105120), Whisper White (100730)
Ink:  Bashful Blue (105209), Real Red (103133), Apricot Appeal (105218), Real Red Marker (100052)
Cool Tools:  Scalloped Circle Punch (109043), 3/4" (107217)and 1" (109046)Circle Punches, Word Window (105090) Punch, Corner Rounder Punch (109047), Janome Sew Mini
Perfect Touches:  Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Thread (white), Non SU Stick-On Rhinestones

Inspiration: Splitcoast Color Challenge CC152

Stampin' Up! Markers: The Write Stuff

More Stampin' Up! marker magic in today's card (with my Marker Madness sale to follow this Saturday).  A simple and easy way to give new life to your images is to color the stamp directly . . . meaning flip it over and color with markers.  You can do multiple colors or just add an isolated accent to a previously stamped image, as I describe below.

The card base is a lovely Ruby Red polka dot pattern (Ginger Blossoms Designer Series) layered on top of Very Vanilla.  The banner consists of a complimentary floral from the Ginger Blossoms set layered over Coral Cameo card stock. 

I used the stem image from Embrace Life, inked it completely in River Rock . . . then flipped it over and dabbed some red accents on the leaves with the large end of a Ruby Red marker.  TIP:  I "huffed" some warm breath over the entire thing to get it evenly moist.  The image was then stamped on Very Vanilla.  Using the wee end of the Cameo Coral marker, I added some fun little polka dots to the leaves.  The stem image is matted on River Rock (Ginger Blossoms Series) which is customized a tad with a corner rounder punch to create a scalloped edge.

The sentiment is created using some clear stamps from Papertrey Ink.  I used Trajan Monograms for the letters and and found the perfect little flower in the Textboxed set for the "o."  TIP:  I assembled all 4 stamps (3 letters and the flower) on one acrylic block so that I could get them lined up like little soldiers all at once.  I then popped the whole thing in Ruby Red Ink and stamped the image on Very  Vanilla card stock.  A page pebble adds a little vavoom to the flower.  Next in line are a couple layers of Ruby Red and Textured Groovy Guava, respectively.  The final touch is some Groovy Guava Double Stitched Ribbon. 

Stamp Sets:  Embrace Life (111011), Papertrey Ink Trajan Monograms and Textboxed
Paper:  Very Vanilla (101650), Ginger Blossoms Designer Series (110697), Groovy Guava Textured (108694), Cameo Coral (100475), Ruby Red (102030)
Ink:  River Rock (109101), Ruby Red Ink Pad (102259) and Marker (100075)
Cool Tools:  Corner Rounder Punch (109047)
Perfect Touches:  Groovy Guava Double Stitched Ribbon (109063), Page Pebble (JoAnn's)
Inspiration:  Splitcoast Stamper's Sketch Challenge SC162 

Stampin' Up! Markers: Watercoloring Works!

It really works.  Stampin' Up! markers and an Aqua Painter CAN create wonderful watercolored images . . . just as snappy as the trendy Copic markers that are much more expensive.  This project was the first time I used two different colored Stampin' Up! markers together (Bordering Blue and Brocade Blue) to watercolor.  I won't kid you . . . this wasn't my first skunk.  I had several other "stinky" attempts before I got a better feel for the right touch and removal (yes, I said "removal") of the right amount of color with my Aqua Painter. 

The layout is from a challenge by Anna Wight from Sassy and Sweet.  Very basic and easy.  White card stock base, then a layer of Bordering Blue.  The squares of Groovy Guava Designer Series paper are 2 1/4" x 2 1/4".  I added 3 dark pink snaps with my Crop-A-Dil