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

The Island of Misfit Toys

The limited supplies challenge this week was to dig out some embellishments you never or rarely use and create a flower card using them.  I loved the description of "Why, Oh Why . . . " since we all suffer a little stamper's remorse now and then over our purchases. 

So I dug into my drawer of unloved embellishments and misfit "toys" (I kept hearing the song "Island of Misfit Toys" from the animated "Rudolph"--got a nasty little ear worm from it) and found plenty of candidates.  First up, the Sheer Blossoms clear flower from Papertrey (an entire tin of them).  Not so much a misfit but under appreciated by me.  I attached it to a square of Textured Soft Sky card stock and topped it with a button (#2 in the unloved category), that is from heaven knows where on a whim.

TIP:  Take Three's stamps makes a cool square if you line each up at right angles with a Stamp-A-Ma-Jig.  I inked the "Best Wishes" stamp in Soft Sky.  TIP:  Since there are no coordinating markers for Stampin' Up!'s In Colors (including Soft Sky), I managed a dual colored stamp by carefully wiping off the Soft Sky ink from the text only and using a Basic Gray marker to re-color it.   After stamping, I sponged the Whisper White edges with Basic Gray.

TIP: To save time and headaches, here's my formula for making the perfect sized squares with this "squared" version of the  Take Three stamps.  The Soft Sky center card stock is 1 3/4" x 1 3/4" and fits neatly inside.  Whisper White is 3 3/4" x 3 3/4" (you could certainly reduce this keeping it square, however).  The remaining layers (Basic Gray and Soft Sky Textured) are each a 1/4" larger overall than layer on top of it.

The final touch (and final misfit) is the Hodgepodge Hardware "swirly."  These guys look intriguing but, in my opinion, aren't that versatile.  That why I'm so enthusiastic for the new Styled Silver Hodgepodge kit (only available in the current Occasions mini), which has eliminated the swirlies and included very usable (and very glam) oversized decorative brads.  I used a snippet of Soft Sky double stitched ribbon to give it a purpose.

Hugs and Pretties . . . . Mary

Stamp Set:  Take Three
Paper:  Basic Grey, Soft Sky Textured, Whisper White
Ink:  Basic Gray, Basic Gray Marker, Soft Sky
Cool Tools:  Sponges, Stamp-A-Ma-Jig
The Perfect Touch:  Soft Sky Double Stitched Ribbon, Hodgepodge Hardware Brads and Swirl (Pewter), Sheer Blossoms Clear (www.papertreyink.com), Button (unknown origin)

Inspiration:  Splitcoast Stampers Challenge LSC 161 and Color Challenge CC159 (Soft Sky, Basic Gray and Whisper White)

Gilded Embrace

I received some exciting news on Friday night!  The peony card I created for my Splitcoast Pal, Cindy (AKA Mothermark), landed in this week's Splitcoast inspiration challenge--finding something in the home to inspire you.  Here are the details on the card I posted previously featuring Cindy's bedroom dresser.  A link to the inspiration challenge is listed below.

I kept things simple today and got back in the groove of stamping as a peaceful therapy (vs. yesterday's somewhat stressful cutting marathon).  I often joke with my stamping friends about the cost of the stamping habit (also lovingly referred to as an addiction). . . but I'm sincere in stating that I absolutely love making the time, playing with my "toys" and allowing myself a little indulgence (OK, "little" is an understatement).

Stampin' Up!'s textured card stock is simply stunning.  I used Blue Bayou textured for the card base.  Shooting for a tone-on-tone effect,  I inked up my Trés Chic Background stamp with Blue Bayou and stamped on Blue Bayou card stock (non-textured).  TIP:  For a quick vintage effect, I layered the Trés Chic Background image with Sanded Background (again, Blue Bayou ink). 

The horizontal banner is combination of Very Vanilla and Cameo Coral card stock.  The stem image was dipped in Versamark and heat embossed with Gold Embossing Powder.  I added a few gold eyelets with a Crop-A-Dile and to allow a tiny peek at the Cameo Coral below.

For the focal image, I inked the long stemmed rose in Versamark and heat embossed with Gold Embossing Powder.  A Cameo Coral marker completes the petals.  TIP:  Embossed images are a snap to color with Stampin' Up!'s markers . . . you get a natural ridge from the embossing to hold the color (especially for those of us who work with reading glasses and tend to be a little challenged anyway).  I wrapped things up with a little bow of Blue Bayou Double Stitched Ribbon.

The inspiration for today's colors were from an
Asian art calendar--perfect for an Eastern Eclectic set like Embrace Life.   This fits the bill of Splitcoast Stampers Inspiration Challenge IC121, using something inspired from the home.

Hugs and Pretties . . . . Mary

Stamp Sets:  Embrace Life, Sanded Background, Trés Chic Background
Paper:  Blue Bayou, Blue Bayou Textured, Very Vanilla, Cameo Coral
Ink:  Blue Bayou, Cameo Coral Marker, Versamark
Cool Tools:  Crop-A-Dile, Heat Tool
The Perfect Touch:  Gold Embossing Powder, Blue Bayou Double Stitched Ribbon, Non-Stampin' Up! Gold Eyelets

I doubled up this week's Inspiration Challenge with Splitcoast Sketch Challenge 169.  Give it a try.

Brocade On Parade

I'm a huge polka dot fan and this zany card received plenty of them.  If there's a two sided patterned paper, you can be certain I'll choose the polka side.  But, what was I thinking when I decided to cut out this Brocade Basics stem?  I must confess, at least half an hour went into just snipping the stem.  Didn't I recently promise to focus on simpler cards? 

This card started out innocent enough.  A Whisper White card base topped by layers of Old Olive, Tempting Turquoise and Always Artichoke.  The perfect "polka dotty" touch was to add dots around the edges of the Old Olive card stock and sponge the Tempting Turquoise in Always Artichoke.  The artichoke layer was stamped with the Polka Dot Background stamp in Versamark ink, covered with white embossing powder and heat embossed for added pizzazz.  The edges were again sponged in artichoke. 

This is where the insanity kicked in.  I stamped the Brocade stem on Whisper White (inked in Old Olive).  I then used a blender pen to add some turquoise to the open areas on the leaves.  OK, not totally nutso yet.  I then made the brilliant decision to cut out the image.  Bit by bit my paper snips whittled for over half an hour.  I then decided to add more dots to the stem and around the leaves.  TIP:  The Signo Gel Pen used takes some time to dry so be sure to cut before you add the dots.  Otherwise, you risk smearing the dots.  I had "dandy" time delicately adding glue to the skinny pieces of entire stem.

I then punched a scallop circle from Tempting Turquoise card stock.  The Boho Blossoms stamp was stamped twice on White . . . first in Always Artichoke and second in Tempting Turquoise.  I punched the artichoke image with a 1 1/4" Circle Punch and the Tempting Turquoise image with a 1" Circle Punch.  All were assembled with a snap using a Crop-a-Dile and mounted on Stampin' Dimensionals.  Of course, I opted to use the Signo Pen to dot each scallop. No part of this card was immune from dots.

The small flower is from the One of a Kind set, Tempting Turquoise stamped on Whisper White.  It emerges on it's own with a little help of the Boho Blossom Bunch.  I added a snap and mounted it on dimensionals. 

The sentiment is from Fundamental Phrases, which I just received.  TIP:  It's an incredibly versatile set of 24 phrases which I consider a "little black dress" of sentiments.  I popped "so sorry" out with the small oval punch and layered it with a couple dimensionals on a large oval punch of Turquoise (also sponged in artichoke).

So much for my Stampin' 911 (10 minutes or less) concept.  This was a good hour and a half card project.  I'm confident you have been there, too? 

Hugs and Pretties . . . M

A Little Stampin' Up! News . . . .

Beginning April 1, Stampin' Up!'s on-line catalog will no longer offer the left side navigation option for product searches (by description or product number).  While I have sent off a not so positive reaction to this decision, I wanted to let you know.  As a result, I will be discontinuing including product numbers in my product lists.

Also, be sure to check out the Wild Wasabi card stock offer, available through April 30.

Stamp Sets: Brocade Basics, Polka Dot Background, Boho Backgrounds, One of a Kind, Fundamental Phrases
Paper:  Whisper White, Old Olive, Tempting Turquoise, Always Artichoke
Ink:  Old Olive, Tempting Turquoise, Always Artichoke, Versamark
Cool Tools:  Scallop Circle Punch, 1" and 1 1/4" Circle Punches, Large and Small Oval Punches, Sponges, Heat Tool, Blender Pens, Crop-A-Dile
The Perfect Touch:  White Signo Gel Pen, White Embossing Powder, Stampin' Dimensionals, Non SU Snaps

Water Your Plants

Ready for a simple, watercolor technique?  Just ink up your stamps with markers or inkpads, mist lightly with water and stamp.  You can get beautiful watercolor effects this way.

I used Stampin' Up!'s watercolor paper as my main image backdrop.  TIP:  You should be able to do this on any color cardstock--I just happen to like the texture of watercolor paper with watercolored images.  The Spring Solitude "sprig" was inked in a myriad of greens, each time misting with water and then stamping on the watercolor paper (cleaning in between colors).  Nice.  Soft.  I then adhered it to River Rock and Always Artichoke card stock.  Some Old Olive eyelets accent the corners, installed precisely with my Crop-A-Dile. 

The triple flower image was stamped repeatedly in River Rock ink on the same colored card stock to create a background.  I next adhered it to an Always Artichoke card base.  The banner is a quick trip of Old Olive card stock and a Swiss Dots embossing folder through my handy dandy Cuttlebug.

The sentiment is an Always Artichoke "smile" layered over a River Rock bird.  It's punched with a 1" circle punch and layered on Old Olive and Always Artichoke circles.  TIP:  I arranged the circles uniquely to give it a more modern, edgier feel.

Let me know what you think and please give this easy technique a try.

Hugs and Pretties . . . . Mary

Stamp Set:  Spring Solitude Bundle (Hostess Level II, 111127), Textboxed (Papertrey Ink, sentiment)
Paper:  Always Artichoke (105119), River Rock (108640), Old Olive (100702), Watercolor Paper (105019)
Ink:  Always Artichoke(105219), River Rock (109010), Old Olive (102277), Certainly Celery (105217)
Cool Tools:  1" (109046), 1 1/4" (104403)and 1 3/8" (104401)Circle Punches, Crop-A-Dile (108362), Cuttlebug
The Perfect Touch:  Earth Elements Eyelets (100381), Cuttlebug Embossing Folder (Swiss Dots)

Inspiration:  Splitcoast Stampers Ways to Use It Challenge WT159

Sweet Tart

With one of the worst Midwest winters for decades almost behind us, I naturally gravitate to Stampin' Up!'s Summer Picnic paper and Tart and Tangy stamps with zeal.   Just the sight of flowers and fruit help me recall a time when there wasn't dirty snow and gray skies day after day.  It motivates me to picnic on the first 50 degree day (yes, we are crazy in Wisconsin and often can be found gleefully jumping in hotel swimming pools in 60 degree weather when we travel--ditto on wearing shorts when the locals feel compelled to wear sweaters and long underwear).

A Bashful Blue card base starts things off with Summer Picnic Designer Series Paper and Old Olive on top.   Stampin' Up!'s markers were the perfect medium for coloring directly to the rubber of the fruit stamps, creating a 2 color image.  I then punched out the fruit with a 1 3/8" square punch and sponged the edges in Real Red. 

TIP:  The Perfect Touch . . . . I had some Real Red buttons ready to accent a corner of the card but my heart began to beat when I discovered they could be divine cherries.  I added a touch of green thread for a sewn look.  Delicious.

I cut Old Olive squares for matting  each (1 1/2" x 1 1/2") and attached them to a strip of red Summer Picnic paper.  Beneath, I added Whisper White with a scalloped edge created by using my Corner Rounder Punch (here's how).  TIP:  Using a Real Red Marker, I added some dots for a little glam.  I realize I went a tad nutty with the layers and added even another (Bashful Blue) to set off the scalloped border.

The sentiment in Old Olive ink comes from the So Many Scallops set, punched with a 1" Circle Punch from the So Sweet flower.  TIP:  Punches are a great way to "dissect" a stamped image or pop out part of an image or pattern from designer paper.  I punched a half circle design from one of the Summer Picnic paper for the center and added a page pebble for some shine and dimension.  I layered both on a 1 1/4" Circle of Bashful Blue.   The base medallion was easily created using a Scallop Circle Punch (here's how) and Real Red card stock.  It is attached using some dimensionals for a little pop.

To finish off, I used a Photo Corners Punch with Real Red card stock, layering the large and small on top of each other and securing with a Bashful Blue Brad.  They were adhered to the card with dimensionals.

I'm feeling warmer already . . . Hugs and Pretties . . . .M

Layout Inspiration:  Jen del Muro

Stamp Sets:  Tart & Tangy (Occasions Mini, 111514), So Many Scallops (Retired, Sale-A-Bration)
Paper:  Summer Picnic Designer Series Paper (Occasions Mini, 111355), Bashful Blue (105120), Old Olive (100702), Whisper White (100730), Real Red (102482)
Ink:  Old Olive Ink Pad (107277) and Marker (100079), Real Red Ink Pad (193133) and Marker (100052)
Cool Tools:  Photo Corners Punch (109042), Scallop Circle Punch (109043), 1 1/4" (104403), 1" (109046)and 1/2" (104390) Circle Punches, 1 3/8" Square Punch (103375), Corner Rounder Punch (109047), Sponges (101610)
The Perfect Touch:  Real Red Buttons (Bold Brights, 103977), Bashful Blue Brad (Soft Subtles, 106954)), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Page Pebble (Joann.com), Green Thread

One of a Kind Stamping

Get out your sunglasses!  This post is a totally wild and crazy reaction to yesterday's subdued colors.  I'm a color addict.  If anything gets my heart pumping to stamp, it's seeing colors used in a new way.  My inspiration comes from . . . well, anything.  I pull color combos that look fresh and modern from fashion and homes magazines, catalogs, even nature (I got some great ideas while hiking in Arizona this past week).  This translates to my home decor, too.  I think every room has either an interesting color or color combination (Caribbean Coral and Papaya paint are mainstays in the Fish home). It's truly a "one of a kind" palette.   I'm just not a white wall kind of girl.  TIP:  Toss your color wheel (sorry, Stampin' Up!), open your eyes and be adventurous.

This card begins with Cameo Coral card stock, sponged on the edges with Purely Pomegranate ink and layered on a Purely Pomegranate base.  The green layer is some beautiful Papertrey Ink card stock called Spring Moss (that I actually won).  I used the new Cuttlebug Floral Embossing Folder (with my Cuttlebug) to give the green some amazing texture.  TIP:  To give it more of a tooled leather look, I rubbed my Versamark pad over the raised areas, dabbled a little clear embossing powder on and heat set it (all done over my Powder Pals).  A Ticket Corner Punch jazzed up the corners along with some stick-on rhinestones.

I stamped the boho flower 3 times.  First on pomegranate, second on coral card stock, in pomegranate ink--then River Rock on Spring Moss.  I snipped all 3 and assembled them with a Build-A-Brad.  The center of the brad is the small flower from the One of a Kind set, pomegranate ink on pomegranate paper and popped out for a lovely fit with a 1/2" circle punch.

The banner combines Cameo Coral (again sponged on the edges in pomegranate) on top of Purely Pomegranate card stock.   The sentiment (also One of a Kind)  was stamped in Purely Pomegranate on Spring Moss card stock and punched out with a Key Tag Punch.  The final touch was some  pomegranate sponging and dimensionals for some 3-D. 

Hugs and Pretties . . . Mary

Stamp Set:  One of a Kind (111101)
Paper:  Purely Pomegranate (108644), Cameo Coral (100475), Spring Moss (Papertrey Ink . . . Stampin' Up!'s River Rock, 108640, would work well, too)
Ink:  Purely Pomegranate (109011), Versamark (102283)
Cool Tools:  Heat Tool (100005), Key Tag Punch(107272), Ticket Corner Punch (107214), 1/2" Circle Punch (104390), Powder Pals (102197), Sponges (101610), Cuttlebug
The Perfect Touch:  Build-A-Brad (Pewter, 109128), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430),  Clear Embossing Powder (109130), Non-SU Stick-On Rhinestones, Cuttlebug Floral Fantasy Embossing Folder

Simply Stampin'

I have another quick and easy card today that meets my "Stamping 911" ten minutes or less approval.  A large background stamp and decorative punches make this project a breeze.

I began with Stampin' Up!'s Baroque background stamp.  TIP: I always ink my background stamps rubber side up and apply the pad to the stamp, making sure I have even coverage.  I then lay an over sized piece of card stock (in this case Whisper White) on top, being certain that it is square with the stamp.  TIP: For an even transfer, place a piece of scratch paper on top of the card stock and firmly press (or I use a brayer) over the card stock and background stamp, going to the edges.  Keep one hand holding the card stock tight (if it slips, the image gets seriously messed up) and the other pressing.  TIP:  Trim the card stock to the size you need after you have transferred the image so that you can cut off any uneven areas or decide where to trim when you see where the shape fits on the card stock.

After trimming the image, I cropped the bottom corner with a Corner Rounder Punch and mounted it on a Soft Sky card base (also, with the bottom corner cropped).  The horizontal banner is Soft Sky Textured card stock with a strip of Basic Gray.  I popped out some Basic Gray and Soft Sky flowers with my Boho Punch, layered them and married them up with a Styled Silver brad. 

The sentiment is from Simply Said.  I inked it in Basic Gray and stamped in Whisper White.  The Styled Silver Label holder is a lovely fit with the sentiment snapped out with a Designer Label Punch.  A strip of Soft Sky Double Stitched ribbon pulls things together.   TIP:   I also tucked some Stampin' Dimensionals beneath the sentiment to make a snug fit with the label holder.

My colors were inspired by this week's Splitcoast Stampers Color Challenge CC159.  Unfortunately, I misread Basic Gray for Going Gray . . . so mine's a bit of a "pepper."

Hugs and Pretties . . . . M

Stamp Sets:  Baroque Background (109264), Simply Said (106598)
Paper:  Soft Sky (108639), Soft Sky Textured (Assorted In Color, 108694), Whisper White (100730), Going Gray (Assorted Neutrals, 108588)
Ink:  Soft Sky (109009), Basic Gray (109120)
Cool Tools:  Corner Rounder Punch (109047), Designer Label Punch (1075990), Boho Blossoms Punch (110711), Brayer (102395)
The Perfect Touch:  Styled Silver Brads and Label Holder (Hodgepodge Hardware, Occasions Mini, 111325), Soft Sky Double Stitched Ribbon (109059)

Wild About Elephants

Some superstar punches get to strut their stuff with a charming "Wild About You" elephant in today's post.   The Round Tab Punch (Real Red) makes for a quick accent with  rub-on sentiments and a silver brad.  The 1 1/4" Circle Punch performs some double duty as a large scallop border.  I simply punched out 5 circles of Real Red and adhered them side-by-side to the back of the Whisper White card stock.  TIP:  For a perfect fit, crop off the overhanging circles after adhering.

The card base is Going Gray.  The horizontal banner consists of layers Real Red Designer Series Paper and a "cuttled" piece (it reminds me of animal skin) of Basic Gray.  I then added a strip of Real Red 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon and zipped it through one of the new (and groovin') flower slides from Hodgepodge Hardware (Styled Silver only). 

The elephant was stamped using Basic Gray ink on Whisper White card stock and snipped out.  TIP:  A decent pedicure should be every pretty girl's prerogative and was accomplished with a Real Red Marker with dabbles of a Sakura Glaze pen to give a polished finish.  I added Stampin' Dimensionals and attached her to some "cuttled" Real Red card stock (popped out with a Marvy Mega Circle Punch) and layered on Basic Gray (Marvy Giga Scalloped Circle Punch).  A White Signo Gel Pen accents every scallop with ease.

The final touch is the tiny flower, which combines a Basic Gray and Real Red Marker (isolation technique), a huff and a stamp on Whisper White.  I then cut it out (itty bitty, yowse) and added a shiny dotted center with a Black Sakura Gel Pen.

Hugs and Pretties . . . . Mary

Stamp Set:  Wild About You (107371)
Paper:  Basic Gray (108692), Going Gray (Assorted Neutrals, 108588), Whisper White (100730), Real Red (102482), Real Red Designer Series Paper (Hostess Exclusive Prints Pack, 111827)
Ink:  Going Gray (103274), Real Red Marker (100052), Basic Gray Marker (Assorted Neutrals, 109126)
Cool Tools:  1 1/4" Circle Punch (104403), Round Tab Punch (108340), Marvy Giga Scallop Circle and Mega Circle Punches, Cuttlebug
The Perfect Touch:  Love and Happiness Rub-On's (retired Sale-A-Bration), 1/4" Real Red Grosgrain Ribbon (109034), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), White Signo Gel Pen (105021), Hodgepodge Hardware (Styled Silver brad and flower slide, Occasions Mini, 111325), Sakura Clear and Black Glaze Pens, Cuttlebug Tiny Mosaic Embossing Folder

Inspiration:  Splitcoast Stampers Sketch Challenge SC168

FREE Shipping Offer Changes April 1!

Isn't this so cool?  My virtual stamping pal and mentor, Cindy (AKA Splitcoast Mothermark) designed and sent me the most incredible card and candy tin when I was the  Featured Stamper a couple weeks ago.   She staged it beautifully on her vintage dresser (before I even suspected she was sending it to me).  I was inspired by the artwork on her dresser and, in return, created a card for Cindy.  Here's the full circle result . . . my card now on Cindy's dresser, far, far away.  Fun.

Incidentally, I haven't fallen off the blogging planet.  I just returned from a warm and wonderful vacation with my family in Phoenix.  Lots of hiking and exploring . . . . so relaxing.  We were greeted by more cold and snow on our return today.  Lovely.  I'm looking forward to posting some new projects and ideas this week.  However, for this post, I want to fill you in on some important Stampin' Up! and Stampin' Pretty announcements.

MY FREE SHIPPING MINIMUM PRODUCT ORDER WILL BE $99 ON APRIL 1.  Stampin' Up! recently announced that it is raising it's minimum shipping charge to $6.95 effective April 1.  In order to continue offering my free shipping special to my customers, I will be raising my minimum product order to $99 (also effective April 1). 

$99 still covers most of the orders I receive but some of you may want to either "save up" your order until it reaches $99 or do a little creative ordering by teaming up with a friend.  Please don't forget that once you reach $150, hostess benefits kick in, too!  My current free shipping offer with a $40 minimum product order is still available through March 31.

FREE STAMPIN' UP! CATALOG WITH PRODUCT ORDERS OF $150 OR MORE THRU MARCH 31.  Get a free copy of the Stampin' Up! Spring Summer 2008 Collection (a $9.95 value), over 200 pages of product and project ideas, free with every merchandise order of at least $150.

BACK ORDER REPORT:
 
Scallop Circle Punch (109043) started shipping February 26, 2008.  However, the punch will be on backorder until all deliveries are completed.

1 3/8" Circle Punch (104401) will begin shipping the week of April 7, 2008.

1 1/4" Circle Punch (104403) will begin shipping the week of March 24, 2008

Coluzzle Cutting System (102264) will beging shipping the week of April 14, 2008

Hugs and Pretties . . . . M

Happy Ovals

Need a quick card?  This one gets my Stamping 911 approval for being easy to assemble in 10 minutes or less.  Stampin' Up!'s Small Oval Punch is the gutsy little "Iron Man" which anchors the background, brads and sentiment for this simple card. 

The card base is Aqua Mist card stock (Papertrey, but Stampin' Up!'s Soft Sky and Tempting Turquoise would be excellent alternatives).  On top is a layer of Spring Moss (Papertrey, Stampin' Up!'s River Rock would work well, too).  The bottom corners are cropped with a Corner Rounder Punch.

I punched 5 small ovals of both Aqua and Moss and adhered them to Very Vanilla which was cropped on all four corners with a Corner Rounder Punch.  A Love and Happiness Rub-On creates the sentiment along with 3 pewter brads.

A layer of acetate was dressed up with a Chocolate Chip Rub-On (Stampin' Up!'s rub-ons adhere amazingly well to most non-porous materials) and attached with a couple more pewter brads.  I added just a snippet of Very Vanilla Ribbon and a brad because I thought it needed just a little something.

Easy Schpeezy.

Hugs and Pretties . . . . Mary

Stamp Sets:  None
Paper:  Very Vanilla (101650), Aqua Mist (Papertrey Ink), Spring Moss (Papertrey Ink), Clear Acetate (non SU)
Ink:  None
Cool Tools:  Small Oval Punch (107304), Corner Rounder Punch (109047)
The Perfect Touch:  Chocolate Chip Love & Happiness Rub-On's (Sale-A-Bration, retired), Hodgepodge Hardware Pewter Brads (105515), Very Vanilla Ribbon (109026), Non SU Brown Flower Brad

Stamping Whale Wishes

The card base is Soft Sky Textured card stock.  The large Brilliant Blue layer took a ride through my Cuttlebug with the Spots and Dots Embossing folder.  I lightly brushed my fully open Whisper White Craft Ink Pad over the top to make the texture really pop.

The whale was stamped with Black Stazon on watercolor paper.  TIP:  I covered the whale's spout before inking to eliminate it when stamped (I was itching to use bling instead).  I tried coloring with my Brilliant Blue marker and felt it was drying too quickly to properly blend with the Aqua Painter  (I'll experiment with it again later to find the magic combo).

TIP:  For quick alternative watercoloring, squeeze a closed inkpad to create a small pool of drops on the inside top of the lid.  Dip an Aqua Painter in the ink droplets and color.  As I do with markers, I lightly colored the entire object and then began to remove color, continuously wiping off  excess moisture on a rag or my hand to keep from depositing too much liquid on the image. TIP:  You can also use a marker on a piece of plastic to create a little pool of ink (especially handy if you have a marker color but not the same color in an inkpad).  I sponged the edges in Brilliant Blue and added a spout of stick-on rhinestones for the final touch.

TIP:  Faux stitching is a quick way to give a hand sewn look to cards.  I used a Paper Piercer and a template to punch line "stitching" and then used a Signo White Gel Pen to connect the dots.  Keep your touch light or you may clog the holes (but you can always clean them up with a tiny poke from a Paper Piercer or even a toothpick. 

I layered Soft Sky Double Stitched Ribbon over Old Olive 5/8" Grosgrain and added a few larger, matching rhinestones.  I stamped the circular stamp from Big Pieces in Brilliant Blue on Whisper White card stock.  A 1 1/4" Circle Punch pops it out with ease and I attached it with dimensionals to a 1 3/8" Circle.

Hugs and Pretties . . . . M   

Stamp Set:  Pun Fun (111028), Big Pieces (108306)
Paper:  Soft Sky Textured (Assorted In Color, 108694), Brilliant Blue (100721), Old Olive (100702), Whisper White (100730), Watercolor (105019)
Ink:  Jet Black Stazon (101406), Brilliant Blue (100691), Whisper White Craft (101731)
Cool Tools:  Paper Piercer and Template (Crafter's Tool Kit, 104310), 1 1/4" (104403)and 1 3/8" (104401) Circle Punches, Aqua Painter (103954), Sponges (101610), Cuttlebug
The Perfect Touch:  Stampin' Dimensionals, Signo White Gel Pen (105021), Old Olive 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon (109054), Soft Sky Double Stitched Ribbon (109059), Cuttlebug Spots and Dots Embossing Folder, Non SU Stick-On Rhinestones

Pretty Pattern Butterfly

Scissors and sponges were the only tools used in today's card for the Splitcoast Limited Supplies Challenge (LSC159).  I combined it with the Ways to Use it Challenge (WT157), where only patterned paper was allowed (other than the River Rock card base) and the exception of a subtle patterned background stamped on plain card stock (as used in the butterfly). 

I'm a self-proclaimed "Tool Time Mary" and felt this was pretty difficult for me.  Not a single punch?   Fortunately, Stampin' Up!'s Ginger Blossoms 2-sided designer series paper gave me lots of patterns to work with, all of which work well combined together.  I sponged the edges in Ruby Red ink and stamped  and cut the butterfly from Papertrey's Butterfly Kisses (Ruby Red card stock).  The sentiment is from the same Papertrey stamp set.  A little Groovy Guava Double Stitched Ribbon pulls the long layered strips together.

I have used these little stick-on pearls I found at Archiver's on a previous post.  They make it easy to give some jazz to the corners of the sentiment and provide my butterfly with a handsome figure.

WE HAVE A WINNER!  I adored all your wonderful comments, compliments and perspectives on your favorites from the Occasions Mini Collection.  There wasn't a standout favorite stamp set from the Occasions Mini but it was fun to hear what you love and why.  Thanks for playing!

Congratulations "Julie A." on being the winner of yesterday's contest.  You will be receiving Sale-A-Bration's "So Many Scallops" stamp set.    Here's Julie's comment:

"Hello!  Thank you for the chance to win the wonderful blog candy!  My favorite stamp set in the Occasions Mini is Friendly Flowers.  I'm a sucker for any floral stamp set!!"

IMPORTANT STAMPIN' UP! SALE-A-BRATION DEADLINE:  Today (March 17) is the last day of Sale-A-Bration and I will be accepting orders until 11:00 a.m.

WHAT'S ON SALE? 
Free Wheelin' Promotion  March 18 - April 30. Stampin' Up is offering a FREE Jumbo Wheel (Value $8.50) with the purchase of selected stamp sets.

Hostess Bonus Program:  March 18 - April 30. Place an order of $350 in Stampin' Up! products and earn an extra $25 in free merchandise plus the free hostess stamps and free merchandise offered in the Hostess Benefits Program.

Stamp Set:  Butterfly Kisses (Papertrey Ink)
Paper:  Ginger Blossoms Designer Series (110697), Ruby Red (102030), River Rock (108640)
Ink:  Ruby Red (102259)
Cool Tools:  Sponges (101610)
The Perfect Touch:  Groovy Guava Double Stitched Ribbon (109063), Non SU Crystal Stickers Pearls (Mark Richards)

Blog Candy Is "So Sweet"

Last minute shoppers your attention, please.  Stampin' Up!'s Sale-A-Bration promotion ends Monday (March 17).  However, if you are feeling especially lucky, please leave me a comment at the end of this post with your favorite stamp set in the Occasions Mini and earn a random chance to win Sale-A-Bration's "So Many Scallops" stamp set (used in today's post).  All comments for consideration need to be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. CST Sunday, March 16.

The vase is free hand but simple.  TIP: I sketched a vase with pencil (you can erase and redraw easily) on Whisper White Paper, flipped it over and stamped the area opposite the vase.  It was then cut out with a hobby blade (scissors if that's your preference) using the sketched drawing as a guide.  I chose Boho Backgrounds and sponged the edges in Pumpkin Pie.  However, you can create a cool design for the vase with any stamps.

I chose the "So Sweet" daisy from the So Many Scallops set and inked it in Pixie Pink.  I stamped twice on Pixie Pink card stock and twice on white.  I first punched out the pink daisies with a Scallop Circle Punch and added Pink Duos beads.  TIP: I find the beads are easiest to apply by stabbing them with a Paper Piercer, dabbing them a tad in some Tombow Multi Purpose Adhesive and carefully sliding the bead off the piercer in the spot you want.  You need a good strong glue to avoid "wardrobe failure."  The white "So Sweet" centers were punched with a with a 1" Circle Punch, followed by a 1/2" Circle Punch of an Apricot Appeal flower from  "Always."  3-D is added with Stampin' Dimensionals.

TIP:  For perfect placement of the flower stems within the vase,  l temporarily lined up the vase where I wanted it (not adhering it) and covered the top of the vase with a sticky note (this also helps hold the vase in place where the sticky is wider).  I then used the dashed acrylic line stamp (curving it to my  heart's content) inked in Green Galore and stamped onto Whisper White card stock, stamping on top of the sticky note.  I removed the sticky note and then adhered the vase with Stampin' Dimensionals.  Three leaves were added and the daisies topped off the stems (the taller of the two launched on dimensionals and the shorter without--I like to stagger). 

The "All Holidays" sentiment is in Green Galore, stamped on Whisper White.  TIP:  I adhered it to the white main layer with Stampin' Dimensionals, before adding the Hodgepodge Hardware label holder.  I find it much easier to add the holder on a fixed sentiment.  I then placed the paper piercing mat below and created holes for the green Soft Subtles Brads.

The main image layer is cropped on the corners with a Tag Corner Punch and attached to Apricot Appeal and a Pumpkin Pie card base.  Pumpkin eyelets accent the corners (with the help of a Crop-A-Dile).

Hugs and Pretties . . . . Mary

Stamp Set:  So Many Scallops (111409), Boho Backgrounds (111072), All Holidays (109397), Always (111141), Papertrey Ink  Faux Ribbon and Beautiful Blooms
Paper:  Pumpkin Pie (105117), Apricot Appeal (105124), Whisper White (100730), Pixie Pink (105121)
Ink:  Pixie Pink (105212), Pumpkin Pie (105216), Green Galore (102122), Apricot Appeal (105218)
Cool Tools:  Scallop Circle Punch (109043), 1" Circle Punch (109046), 1/2" Circle Punch (104390), Tag Corner Punch (107215), Sponges (101610), Paper Piercer (Crafter's Tool Kit, 104310), Crop-A-Dile (108362)
The Perfect Touch:  Bead Duos (Pink, 110752), Tombow Multi Purpose Adhesive (110755), Hodgepodge Hardware (Occasions Mini, Styled Silver), Soft Subtles Brads (106954), Earth Elements Eyelets (100381), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

And the Winner Is . . .

I want to thank everyone who participated in my first "blog candy" giveaway.  I enjoyed hearing the different responses on favorite Sale-A-Bration sets and learned that I'm truly nuts for living in a cold Wisconsin climate.  To those of you who reported 70 degrees or better, you're killing me . . .

The random winner is Giovana.  She has a lovely blog and gorgeous music (Latino, Inspirational) to listen to.  Crank up those speakers!  Hugs and Pretties . . . M 

On tap for Saturday's post . . . more blog candy (I'm enjoying this give away fun):  Sale-A-Bration's "So Many Scallops."

Giovana's comment:
Hello, I just want to say that those butterflies are amazingly beautiful. From the SAB catty I love the new rub-on, Merci set and Friendship Blossom.
I live in WA State (Yakima) and the weather is not too bad, kind of sunny but very windy. I really want the Spring!!!!

God bless
Giovana

Peace, Love & Happiness

Yes, I can do something other than a card.  As a matter of fact, I found this decanter in the "recycle department" of my basement (AKA garage sale bound) and decided to put Stampin' Up!'s rub-ons to the test on glass.  Stampin' Up! claims they work on most non-porous surfaces including glass, photos, clipboards, candles, metal, and, of course, card stock.     Well, I now can attest, the rub-ons are divine on glass and plan to keep my decanter to go with my 1960's funk-a-licious home decor.

This will be my shortest tutorial to date . . .  Take one glass decanter.  Add Olive Love and Happiness Rub-ons (Sale-A-Bration, 111228).  Think about whom to give it to.  Decide to hoard it for yourself.

Speaking of funk-a-licious, here's the decanter in the real world outside my little photo tent.   It's perfect.
However, as I was panning right, "someone" decided to get in on this post.  Her name is Isabel.  She's totally Pug-a-licious in her Easter ensemble.

Pugs and Pretties . . . . .Mary

P.S.  I have a winner of the Merci Sale-A-Bration Stamp set (AKA blog candy).  I'm waiting for her to confirm her address before posting.

P.S.S. Don't forget that Sale-A-Bration Ends Monday, March 17.  You earn a free Sale-A-Bration stamp set or the Love & Happiness Rub-Ons (which I used in this post) for every $50 you spend.  Spend $100 get 2 choices.  Spend $150, get 3 (plus all the hostess benefits starting at $150) and so on.

COMING UP THIS WEEKEND:  More Blog Candy . . . Too Many Scallops

Scallop Goes Medallion

Turn your Stampin' Up! Scallop Circle Punch into a Medallion Punch in 2 snaps.  Here's a quick tutorial plus a fun idea on how to color grosgrain ribbon with a Stampin' Up! marker for a little extra panache!

This card required no stamps and only one ink color, Real Red.  The Summer Picnic Designer Series Paper and this interesting layout from Splitcoast Stampers (see sketch diagram at the end of this post) keep things soft, pretty and simple.

It begins with a layer of Old Olive Striped Designer Paper followed by Old Olive card stock and a Bashful Blue card base.  I then cut rectangles from the coordinating flower pattern (conveniently on the flip side of the stripe) and rounded the corners with a Corner Rounder Punch.  TIP: The edges of both layers (excluding the card base) were sponged with Real Red.   This is a lickety split way to create depth without the need for an additional layer. 

TIP:  Both the 1/4" and 5/8" grosgrain ribbon have a small edge which very easily accepts some tinting from a Stampin' Up! marker (and probably other brands but note that markers differ in terms of wetness and can bleed).  I used the large end to give this Old Olive grosgrain a subtle makeover, even the ribbon sheen is maintained through the marker color.  TIP:  Try a test on a small scrap first to make sure it doesn't bleed and get the "feel" down.   I use the small end to color white and vanilla. 

TIP:  Make a quick medallion with the Stampin' Up! Scallop Punch.  I first punched Real Red.   

Using some removable Scotch tape, attach the scalloped circle to a piece of scratch paper.  It acts as a handle for inserting in the punch.  TIP:  The punch will not cut through two layers of card stock so be sure you use scratch/copy paper.

Insert the scallop circle in the punch, rotating the punch to cut per the photo below.

It think this is such an amazing result!

Once the medallion was ready, I added an Old Olive Rub-On.  The beauty of rub-ons is the ease of perfect placement, even after punching.  Next followed an Old Olive Circle and Bashful Blue Scalloped Circle.  The edges are sponged in Real Red with a little dot "action" in the scallops.  The final touch is a Circle Rhinestone Brad for some splash.

Stamp Set:  None
Paper:  Summer Picnic (Occasions Mini Collection, 111355), Bashful Blue (105120), Old Olive (100702), Real Red (102482)
Ink:  Real Red Ink Pad (103133) and Marker (100052)
Cool Tools:  Scallop Circle Punch (109043), Corner Rounder Punch (109047), Sponges (101610), Marvy Giga Scallop and Mega Circle Punches
The Perfect Touch:  Love & Happiness Rub-On (Sale-A-Bration, 111228), Old Olive 5/8" Grosgrain (109054) Ribbon, Rhinestone Circle Brad (Ice, 109111)

Scallop/Medallion Idea Credit:  Dannie's Designs

Inkspiration:  Splitcoast Sketch Challenge SC167

Faux Cloisonné Butterflies

Blog candy?  I'm a relative newbie to the blogging scene.  However, there are still terms that I'm learning every day.  If it translates to "a gift to blog readers" . . . then I'm prepared to offer a little blog candy as a "Merci" for your regular Stampin' Pretty visits! 

I have an extra (brand new) Sale-A-Bration Merci set looking for a new home (and another Sale-A-Bration set to follow in the next few days).  Just leave me a comment at the end of this post by the end of the day Thursday, March 13, telling me your favorite Sale-A-Bration stamp set, how the weather is or both.  You are welcome to comment more than once.  A "winner" will be randomly chosen on Friday and I'll ship (U.S. only) the winner's "blog candy" on Saturday.

Faux Cloisonné is a seriously divine technique, highlighted by this week's Technique Lover's Challenge (link at the end of this post).  I dipped the Merci butterfly in Versamark and stamped on a colorful magazine page--in this case a collage of roses from a fashion catalog.  I then heat embossed with gold embossing powder and snipped them out.

Square punches of various colors provide a lovely backdrop.  I chose to only glue my pretty insects in the middle and left the antennae and wings free to flutter.  TIP: Please don't feel compelled to line up the butterflies like little soldiers . . . let them enjoy some movement.  I stamped my sentiment and added a couple layers of ribbon at the top.  TIP:  The squares were adhered last so that I could balance them between the ribbon and sentiment.

The bottom of the vanilla card stock was sculpted with a Corner Rounder Punch and a piece of More Mustard was attached to add some vavoom against the scalloped border. 

Stamp Sets:  Merci (Sale-A-Bration, 111407), Simply Said
Paper:  Very Vanilla (101650), More Mustard (100946), Pumpkin Pie (105117), Cameo Coral (100475), Ruby Red (102030), Summer Sun (103124)
Ink:  Versamark (102283), Basic Black (101179)
Cool Tools:  1 3/8" Square Punch (103375), Corner Rounder Punch (109047), Heat Tool (100005)
The Perfect Touch:  Gold Embossing Powder (109129), Groovy Guava Sherbet Ribbon Originals (109184), More Mustard 1/4" Grosgrain (109037)

Inspiration:  Splitcoast Technique Lover's Challenge TLC159

Icing on the Cake

Have you tried Stampin' Up!'s Bead Duos?  They are such an unexpected touch, whether they are layered over glue or sticky strip to create some sparkle or individual "spot treatments" of the larger beads.  For today's card, they get to become the "icing on the cake."  Delicious.

I inked the Polka Dot Background stamp in black and stamped it on Purely Pomegranate.  This is one of my favorite backgrounds.  As a polka dot fan, I can make my own designer polka dot paper in any colors of ink or card stock.  I clipped the corners with a Key Tag Punch.  It was then matted it on Basic Black, some silver brads added in the corners and adhered to a card base of Basic Gray.

The banner is Basic Gray after a quick run through the Cuttlebug with the Spots and Dots Embossing Folder.  I then attached it to some Basic Black card stock with a scalloped border created with my Corner Rounder Punch (tutorial here).

The cake is Purely Pomegranate on Whisper White and the edges sponged in Purely Pomegranate.  I then punched it out with a Marvy Mega Circle Punch.  TIP:  I used some Sticky Strip (2-sided tape) across the top of the cake and layered the clear micro beads on it for my textured "icing."  This process is accomplised in my small Powder Pal tray to contain the tiny beads.  I had a previous "accident" with the tiny beads and have learned it's best to use the trays and then funnel the leftovers back into the bead container.  I attached the image to Basic Black card stock snapped out with a Marvy Giga Scalloped Circle Punch.  TIP:  To keep the polka dot theme going, I dotted each scallop in white with a Signo Gel Pen.

The last detail implements the stunning new Styled Silver HodgePodge Hardware Label Holder (Stampin' Up! Occasions Mini).  It works beautifully with the small oval punch (whisper white card stock and Basic Gray sentiment).  I added some Stampin' Dimensionals below the sentiment and threaded some black polka dot ribbon through the holder.  Dazzle, dazzle.

Hugs and Pretties . . . . Mary

Stamp Set:  Birthday Whimsy (Sale-A-Bration, 111401), Warm Words (107123), Polka Dot Background (109276)
Paper:  Basic Gray (108692), Basic Black (102851), Purely Pomegranate (108644), Whisper White (100730)
Ink:  Purely Pomegranate (109011), Basic Gray (109120)
Cool Tools:  Small Oval Punch (107304), Ticket Corner Punch (107214), Corner Rounder Punch (109047), Sponges (101610), Powder Pals (102197), Cuttlebug, Marvy Giga Scalloped Circle Punch and Mega Circle Punch
The Perfect Touch:  Bead Duos (Pink/Clear Microbeads, 110752), HodgePodge Hardware (Styled Silver Label Holder and Brads, Occasions Mini 111325), Signo White Gel Pen (105021), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Sticky Strip (104294), Non SU Black Polka Dot Ribbon, Cuttlebug Spots and Dots Embossing Folder

Inspiration:  Splitcoast Stampers Color Challenge CC157, Basic Black, Basic Gray, Purely Pomegranate

Stampin' Up! Groovy Hellos

With just one week left of Stampin' Up!'s Sale-A-Bration, I thought I would spend the next few days showcasing a few more of the free stamp sets (and the Love and Happiness Rub-Ons) for stampers who  still want "in" on the deal.  You earn one free Sale-A-Bration set (or rub-on pack) for every $50 in merchandise you order. 

Please click here to download the Sale-A-Bration brochure and see the choices offered during this event.  It all comes to an end March 17.

I often write that I my projects are inspired by fashion and homes magazines.  Today's card is no exception.  I found a very 60's pattern and colors in an issue of J. Crew that I thought would marry well with the "groovy feel" of the Friendship Blooms stamp set and the Love & Happiness Rub-Ons. 

The card base is Chocolate Chip with Whisper White on top.  I cut strips of Apricot Appeal and Green Galore and ran each through different Cuttlebug embossing folders (Swiss Dots and Paisley).  The flower is Chocolate Chip stamped on Only Orange card stock and snipped out.  I added a brown felt flower, button and brown hemp to finish the look.  The "stem" was created with Papertrey Ink's Faux Ribbon collection.  The flexibility of the acrylic dotted line stamp allowed me to bend it for some curves.  I stamped the leaves in Chocolate Chip on Whisper White, and they were snipped out, too.

The sentiment says a "groovy" hello in Chocolate Chip on Apricot Appeal card stock.  A Marvy Scalloped Oval Punch snapped it out in no time.  TIP:  Always stamp before you punch . . . it's much easier to line up the punch (upside down so you can see the image) than punching and trying to line up the stamp.  I added a couple Chocolate Chip Butterfly Rub-Ons in a flash.

The Photo Corner Punch started off the final detail (Green Galore), followed by some Only Orange 1/4" circles and a 1/2" Chocolate Chip circle under one of them.

TIP: The perfect touch to about 90% of my projects is using Stampin' Dimensionals.  I love the way they easily add 3-D.  Very inexpensively, too.  They are two sided adhesive pillows, that can be cut or used whole.  I have used them in this project under the flower, leaves and sentiment for a little "heightening" (a hilarious word from an episode of Seinfeld).

Peace and Love . . . . Mary

Stamp Set:  Friendship Blooms (111403), Papertrey Faux Ribbon and Borders and Corners Ovals (hello sentiment)
Paper:  Green Galore(101768), Apricot Appeal (105124), Whisper White (100730), Chocolate Chip (102128)
Ink:  Chocolate Chip (100908)
Cool Tools:  1/4" (104942)and 1/2" (104390) Circle Punches, Photo Corners Punch (109042), Marvy Scalloped Oval Super Jumbo Punch, Cuttlebug
The Perfect Touch:  Love & Happiness Rub-Ons (111228), Colored Buttons (Bold Brights, 103977), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Cuttlebug Swiss Dots and Paisley Embossing Folders, Brown Hemp, Felt Flower (American Crafts Greenhouse)

It's Only Rock-N-Roll

Maybe it's not the Rolling Stones but a simple rock-n-roll technique added to Stampin' Up!'s Always bird makes some beautiful music!  Also, don't miss this beautiful deal on the Stampin' Up! Starter Kit now through March 17!  Up to $375 worth of Stampin' Up!'s rockin' stamps and rollin' accessories for $159 . . . including shipping!  It's worth a peek whether you're a seasoned or beginner stamper.

Have you tried the rock-n-roll technique?  TIP: Just ink your solid image stamp in the lighter of two colors and then roll the edges in a deeper color . . . they don't necessarily have to be in the same color family . . . go for it.  Stamp it out for a unique, custom look every time.

Groovy  Guava Designer Paper is layered over Groovy Guava Textured  card stock.  I used the Corner Rounder Punch to round one corner of each (and the back).  I then rocked the bird in Groovy Guava ink and rolled in Purely Pomegranate.  The image is matted on Groovy Guava card stock.  I used a 1/4" circle punch to create a neat little passage for Groovy Guava Double Stitched Ribbon to deftly slide through and terminate on the right in a tab.

The "a" sentiment is stamped in Purely Pomegranate and cropped with a 1 1/4" Circle Punch.  The small flower is inked in Groovy Guava, punched out with a 1/2" Circle Punch and popped up on a Stampin' Dimensional.   The final touch was the backing of a Scallop Punch Circle in Groovy Guava Textured card stock.

The lower coordinating sentiment was stamped in Purely Pomegranate and snapped out with a Key Tag Punch.   

Hugs and Pretties . . . . Mary

Stamp Set:  Always (111141)
Paper:  Groovy Guava Textured (Assorted In Colors, 108693)and Designer Paper (109168), Whisper White (100730), Purely Pomegranate (108644)
Ink:  Groovy Guava (109012), Purely Pomegranate (109011)
Cool Tools:  Scallop (109043), 1 1/4"  (104403), 1/2" (104390) 1/4" (104942) Circle Punches, Key Tag Punch (107272), Corner Rounder Punch (109047)
The Perfect Touch:  Groovy Guava Double Stitched Ribbon (109061), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)