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

Leading Lady Inspiration Magic

 Today's Splitcoast Inspiration Challenge (IC130) was to choose a movie dress to get your brains cells churning.  I choose Rose's Tea Dress from Titanic (see below).

The flowers on the Big on Spring bride bouquet (Stampin' Up!'s Occasions Mini) remind me of Rose's hat and the Floral Fantasy Embossing Folder reminds me of all the glorious lace and detail.  Adhesive pearls manage to finagle a little aristocratic grandeur, too.

The luxury of this card commences with Whisper White Textured card stock.  TIP:  The subtle texture adds so much impact--it feels and looks very rich.  Soft Sky card stock makes a distinctive "impression" (you, know I can never resist a pun) after spending a few turns with the Cuttlebug Floral Fantasy embossing folder. 

The horizontal banner is Whisper White which I scored 1/4" in from the edges.  TIP:  This is a simple way to give a single layer clean but delightful texture.  Using a Stamp-a-ma-jig, I aligned "bride" in the perfect spot (Basic Black ink).  Using Old Olive, Real Red and Only Orange makers, the flowers become standouts.

The "perfect touches" are the adhesive pearls added to the bouquet and Stampin' Up!'s amazingly gorgeous 5/8" Real Red Grosgrain Ribbon (of course, tied using my recently discovered wide ribbon tutorial).

Not quite under 10 minutes (so no Stamping 911 "award") but still quick, clean and modern. 

TIP:  Quick reminder that all Splitcoast Challenges are now listed on my right navigation bar toward the bottom.  Play along!

Hugs and Pretties . . . . Mary

Stamp Set:  Big on Spring (Stampin' Up! Occasions Mini)
Paper:  Whisper White Textured, Whisper White, Soft Sky
Ink:  Basic Black, Stampin' Up! Markers:  Real Red, Old Olive, Only Orange
Cool Tools:   Paper Cutter (Scoring Blade), Stamp-a-ma-jig, Cuttlebug
The Perfect Touch:  Real Red 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, Floral Fantasy Embossing Folder (Cuttlebug),  Adhesive Pearls

Glad for Dad

June 15 marks another special day for dear old dad--so it's time to create Father's Day cards.  This week's Splitcoast Color Challenge (CC168) seemed plenty "manly" for my husband, with the inclusion of Very Vanilla, Chocolate Chip and Sage Shadow.

A chocolate chip card stock card base (4.25 x 5.5, scored at the top) kicks things off for daddy-o.  It's topped off with a layer of Au Chocolate Designer Series paper (retired) and Sage Shadow card stock. 

Twill Tape (1.5" wide) gets matted on Sage Shadow and Chocolate Chip card stock.  TIP:  Stampin' Up!'s Twill tape comes in a pack of three sizes and is very agreeable to being stamped upon.  For this bit of twill,  Stampin' Up!'s Always stem gets dipped in Chocolate Chip Classic Ink and leaves a favorable impression.  I simply had to play with my new Robin's Nest Dew Drops (Cowboy) so they got oodles of attention on this card.

The sentiment is from All Holidays and was inked in Chocolate Chip Craft Ink and stamped on Very Vanilla.  TIP:  Craft Ink is embossable and Classic Ink is not.  Clear Embossing Powder was dusted on and heat embossed to a shiny finish.  The edges are distressed in a flash using Stampin' Up!'s Cutter Tool.  TIP:  This handy dandy portable guy includes a rotary cutter, perforating tool, scoring tool and a 7-sided distressing tool.  Too bad it can't mow the lawn. 

Father's Day is matted on layers of Chocolate Chip and Sage Shadow card stock.   The final touch is a few more pops of color from Robin's Nest Dew Drops.

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Hugs and Pretties . . . Mary

Stamp Set:  All Holidays, Always
Paper:  Au Chocolate Designer Series, Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla, Sage Shadow
Ink:  Chocolate Chip Craft and Classic
Cool Tools:  Heat Tool, Cutter Kit
The Perfect Touch:  Twill Tape, Clear Embossing Powder, Robin's Nest Dew Drops (Cowboy)

Ribbon: Fit to be Tied

I finally have gained some confidence in creating a bow  for my cards. . . thanks to one of my favorite video tutuorials, The Stay Put Bow.  The bows of my early stamping days would only rival a child under five's identical attempts. 

I find the Stay Put instructions are perfect for 1/4" or a 3/8" ribbon, but not as efficient for 5/8" grosgrain (TIP:  pronounced "GRO-grain"-- no "s" sound).   I love the quality of Stampin' Up!'s ribbon and was determined to find an excellent video to share for using the "big boys" at 5/8" width.  Here's what I found and I'm smiling :)

Today's card is another Fresh Cuts sample and reminder to check out my exclusive Fresh Cuts Offer, now through 5/31 or Stampin' Up!'s Fresh Cuts Offers, June 1-30.  The layout is inspired by another of Silke's classy designs at My Life. 

I stamped the Fresh Cuts block stamp (Pumpkin Pie ink on Whisper White) for the focal image.  I then layered it on Bravo Burgundy.  TIP:  Sometimes the biggest extremes in color have the most impact.  Go for it!

I next layered the main image on Whisper White Textured Card stock.  The sentiment from Kind Thoughts is aligned using a Stamp-a-ma-jig and a couple orange micro brads on each side create balance and play up the colors.  The remaining mats are Pumpkin Pie and Bravo Burgundy on top of a card base of Whisper White Textured Card Stock (4.25 x 5.5). 

Using the 5/8" grosgrain ribbon tutorial above, I managed to sneak in a Bravo Burgundy bow between the layers.  Ain't she purdy?

Let me know how you like the videos and if you have any questions.

Hugs and Pretties . . . . Mary

Stamp Sets:  Fresh Cuts, Kind Thoughts
Paper:  Whisper White Textured, Bravo Burgundy, Pumpkin Pie
Ink:  Pumpkin Pie, Bravo Burgundy
Cool Tools:  Stamp-a-ma-jig
The Perfect Touch:  Stampin' Up!'s Bravo Burgundy 5/8" Grosgrain, Micro Brads

Stampin' Pretty Patterns

Black and White.  Crisp and dramatic.  It makes such a simple statement and takes the guesswork out of color choices.  It always works.  This card is for my niece, her husband and their 2 year old son, Henry David (hence the quote and namesake author in the sentiment), who just purchased their first home.  She's very chic so I thought this would be a good fit.

This card begins with the medallion stamp from Boho Backgrounds.  It's inked in Versamark, stamped and heat embossed with black embossing powder for a glorious shine.  Each image is snapped out with a 1 3/8" Circle Punch and layered on a 1 3/8" Square (using a matching punch) of Basic Black Textured card stock and a 1 1/2" Square (using a paper cutter and just measuring each side). 

A tearing strip was used to create the distressed edge of the Basic Black and really stands out against the Whisper White layer below.  I inked the sentiment from Art of Life (retired) and again heat embossed with Black Embossing Powder.  To add some razzmatazz, the corners received a few bites with a Ticket Corner Punch and some 3-D arrived with the addition of Stampin' Dimensionals.

Note:  Stampin' Up!'s retired stamp date has been moved up to June 15.

Stamp Set:  Boho Backgrounds, Art of Life
Paper:  Basic Black Textured, Whisper White
Ink:  Versamark
Cool Tools:  Tearing Strip, Heat Tool, 1 3/8" Square Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, Ticket Corner Punch
The Perfect Touch:  Black Embossing Powder, Stampin' Dimensionals

Enjoy for a Boy

The Enjoy Every Moment stamp set has a feminine, flowery appeal.  However, with a little spin on color and embellishments, it can become a "boy" card quite easily. 

I stamped "enjoy" in Basic Black ink on Whisper White card stock and layered a 1/2" circle of Blue Bayou Textured card stock and a 1/4" Square of Saffron on the "o."  I scored the top, folded it over and popped in two black eyelets with my Crop-A-Dile.  A piece of Hemp Twine is a perfect "rugged" touch to "tie" things up.

The horizontal banner begins with a layer of Blue Bayou Textured card stock with both sides ripped using a Tearing Strip.  TIP:  The Tearing
Strip has two different edges, each creating a consistent and distinctive ripped/distressed edge.  It looks much more polished than when I do it on my own.  I topped it with a layer of So Saffron and a couple thin strips of Blue Bayou card stock.  TIP:  This is a quick and easy way to create a striped look without having patterned paper.

Using the Canvas Background inked in Blue Bayou, I stamped it on So Saffron card stock and layered it on a card base of Blue Bayou Textured card stock (4.25 x 5.5).

The sentiment "life" was stamped on Whisper White and layered on a Large Oval of Blue Bayou.  I fastened it down using a Hodgepodge Hardware Styled Silver Label Holder and Brads (exclusively available through Stampin' Up!'s Occasions Mini).

Hugs and Pretties . . . . M

Stamp Set:  Enjoy Every Moment, Canvas Background
Paper:  Blue Bayou Textured, So Saffron, Whisper White
Ink:  Basic Black, Blue Bayou
Cool Tools:  Tearing Edge, Crop-A-Dile, Large Oval Punch, 1/4" Square Punch, 1/2" Circle Punch
The Perfect Touch:  Basic Eyelets (Black), Hemp Twine (Natural), Hodgepodge Hardware Label Holder and Brads (Styled Silver, Stampin' Up! Occasions Mini)

Stampin' Up! Retro Spring

Groovy, Baby!  These funkalicious colors, flowers and Partridge Family-esque bird are screaming 60's retro.  Today's Perfect Touch, Robin's Nest Dew Drops in Flame are clearly outta this world.

The circle image was stamped with the triple flower from Stampin' Up!'s Spring Solitude set (Basic Black ink).  Using Nestabilities Circles and a Cuttlebug, I cropped it out and added delectable Dew Drops in a palette of pink and yellow colors.  TIP:   A white edge can look bare.  The edges of the circle were sponged in Regal Rose ink to give it a "finished look."  Another crop of the Nestabilities Scallop Circle and the main image was complete.

The horizontal banner's branch was stamped in black.  Using my handy Stamp-a-ma-jig, I landed the Regal Rose bird perfectly on the branch.  It was then layered on YoYo and Regal Rose card stock.

The 4.25 x 5.5 card base is Regal Rose.  YoYo Yellow was embossed using a Cuttlebug and Swiss Dots Embossing Folder and layered on top.  TIP:  Reminiscent of the Word Window Punch (this is a lovely way to fake it and make it any length you want), the sentiment is a long 3/8" wide strip of Regal Rose, with one end snipped off courtesy of a Corner Rounder Punch.  The Stamp-a-ma-jig got one more chance to shine as I added my "Thank You sentiment in just the right spot.  One more little Dew Drop balanced things out and added a last touch of dazzle.  Far out :)

Hugs and Pretties . . . . M

Inkspirations:  Beate's Weekend Sketch #49, Splitcoast Challenges IC129, based on this design.

Stamp Set: Spring Solitude (Hostess Level II)
Paper:  Regal Rose, YoYo Yellow, Whisper White
Ink:  Basic Black  
Cool Tools:  Stamp-a-ma-jig, Corner Rounder Punch, Sponges, Cuttlebug, Cuttlebug Swiss Dots Embossing Folder, Nestabilities Circles
The Perfect Touch:  Robin's Nest Dew Drops

Stars and Stripes

Here's a simple masculine card for a graduate from the Air Force Academy.  Spring Break Designer Series paper is the headliner along with the crisp look of big, beautiful letters from the Schoolbook Serif Alphabet.  A user-friendly group of punches join in on the action, too.

The card base is Blue Bayou Textured card stock (5 x 5).  I then layered some Spring Break Designer paper on top.  TIP:  This paper series has many small prints that work famously for "boy" cards.  I like the "clean shaven" look of this one along with the yummy olive and blue stripe.

Using a Stamp-a-ma-jig,  I stamped "grad" in Blue Bayou ink on Whisper White card stock.  TIP:  This is the first time I used these particular letters so the rubber was "squeaky new."  If you like uniform inking (like me), try using a sanding block on new stamps to lightly scuff the rubber of the stamps. Clean before using.  It can be a powerful before and after for better ink coverage.  The large sentiment is layered on Blue Bayou Textured card stock. 

Fundamental Phrases "CONGRATS" was also inked in Bayou and stamped on white.  TIP:  Mixing upper and lower case words (like "grad" and "CONGRATS") or even playing with different fonts, can be much more appealing than everything matchy, matchy.  I snapped out the sentiment with a Key Tag Punch and slipped it underneath "grad."

I popped out four Small Stars, three with Bayou Textured card stock and one with a Spring Break Designer Series stripe.  The stripe was adhered with a Stampin' Dimensional to a Large Punch Star, in Bayou textured.  The three small stars were layered on a rectangle of the same stripe, matted on Bayou.  TIP:  The small stars, or any small punches for that matter, make great substitutes for brads and hardware.

Inkspirations for this card are Splitcoast Challenges:  Sketch Challenge SC177,  Ways to Use it (masculine card) WT167,  Limited Supplies (no hardware) LSC169 and Limited Supplies (alphabet) LSC168.  Note:  All Splitcoast challenges are listed for you on my right side bar if you scroll down.  Try playing along.  It's an enjoyable way to get the creative juices flowing.

Hugs and Pretties . . . . Mary

Stamp Sets:  Schoolbook Serif Alphabet, Fundamental Phrases
Paper:  Spring Break Designer Series, Blue Bayou Textured Card Stock, Whisper White
Ink:  Blue Bayou
Cool Tools:  Large and Small Star Punches, Key Tag Punch, Stamp-a-ma-jig
The Perfect Touch: Stampin' Dimensional

Kreativ Blogger Award

Silke, a fellow stamper and successful blogger at My Life,  just made my day!  She chose me for the Kreativ Blogger Award.  I'm incredibly flattered, especially since Silke is a wonderful source of inspiration for me.  I love her clean design.  A big hug of gratitude goes out to Silke.  Please check out her fabulous stamping style and designs here.

So now it's my turn to award to another talented stamping blogger.  This one's easy.  I want to "give it up" for my niece, Kris Kilcoyne, at Kween Bee Kreations.  For a relative newcomer, she's on top of her game.  Great sense of color.  Gorgeous designs.  Congratulations, Kris.

Hugs and Pretties . . . . Auntie Mary

Stampin' Up!'s "eScape 2008" June 25

Stampin' Up! has designated June 25, 2008 as eScape day.  They are encouraging all of us to put away cell phones, laptops and computers on that day and reconnect with those we cherish through the art of a handwritten, handmade note.   I love the handmade card part.  However, does this mean I have to take a day off from blogging because I can't use my computer?  Will I go into withdrawal?

To celebrate eScape 2008, Stampin' Up! has put together the following bundle available in June at a 25% savings!

Love Notes Assortment (p. 167) 
Circle of Friendship Stamp Set (p. 143)
Rose Red Classic Stampin' Pad (p. 165)
Very Vanilla 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon (p. 191). 
The total separately is $40.10 but bundled together it's $30 (click here for a on-line spring/summer catalog)

Today's card is based on Poetic Artistry's Mojo Monday Sketch.  I began with some Chocolate Chip Textured Card Stock (4.25 x 5.5) and layered some Groovy Guava that took a quick trip through my Cuttlebug with the Tiny Mosaic embossing folder.  I snapped out the corners with a Ticket Corner Punch.  TIP:  Sponging Chocolate Chip ink on the edges and on top really makes the texture pop.

The horizontal banner is 3 different paper patterns from the Afternoon Tea Designer Series.  I sponged the edges and adhered them to Wild Wasabi Card Stock.  A Five Petal Flower in Wild Wasabi was Faux Stitched with a White Signo Pen.  The flower center is from Kind Thoughts, inked in Chocolate Chip and stamped on a 1/2" Circle of Afternoon Tea Designer Paper (same pattern as on the far left).  I gave it a little 3-D with a Stampin' Dimensional.

The butterfly is also from Kind Thoughts and was inked in Chocolate Chip, stamped on Whisper White, and matted on Chocolate Chip.  For the "xoxoxo" sentiment (Fundamental Phrases) I used another piece of Chocolate Chip Textured Card Stock and popped out the center with a Large Oval Punch.  TIP:  For easy alignment of the sentiment, I used a Stamp-a-ma-jig. 

The Perfect Touches for this card include luscious Groovy Guava Double Stitched Ribbon (attached using the always reliable Stay Put Bow Technique) and these cool micro brads from Just Brads and Eyelets from the Heritage and Antique color collections.  I originally spotted them on Silke Ledlow's My Life Blog and she was kind enough to share her source to the curious. TIP:   A template and paper piercer makes placement of the brads a breeze.

Thank goodness for all the punches or this card would have been a marathon :)

Hugs, and Pretties . . . . M

Stamp Sets:  Kind Thoughts, Fundamental Phrases
Paper:  Afternoon Tea, Chocolate Chip Textured, Wild Wasabi, Groovy Guava, Whisper White
Ink:  Chocolate Chip
Cool Tools:  Large Oval Punch, Five Petal Punch, Ticket Corner Punch, 1/2" Circle Punch, Paper Piercer and Template (Stampin' Up!'s Crafter's Tool Kit), Sponge, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Cuttlebug and Tiny Mosaic Embossing Folder
The Perfect Touch:  Groovy Guava Double Stitched Ribbon, Signo White Gel Pen, Stampin Dimensional

Another Fresh Cuts Sneak Peek

Wow!  My Spring Break Designer Series paper arrived and it's trés cool.  Remember when I mentioned I thought it was the "sleeper" when we did the blog candy contest of favorite patterned paper?  It didn't get a single vote.  It's even more delightful in real life . . . bold polka dots, retro and traditional flowers, weathered patterns.  Soft Sky, Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, Blue Bayou.  In my opinion, these colors are more reminiscent of summer than spring.  The samples in the catty just don't do this set justice so I'm committed to showcasing it for you.

Using a Stamp-a-ma-jig, I lined up the Fresh Cuts block stamp over the Fresh Cuts note card die-cut flower.  Don't miss my Fresh Cuts special offer.  I then stamped it in Blue Bayou Ink.  Some Spring Break Designer Paper (Pumpkin Pie) is layered underneath for a patterned background.  The entire image was matted on Blue Bayou Textured Card Stock.  An Old Olive Button becomes the "center of attention."

The card base is Blue Bayou Textured Card Stock (4.25 x 5.5).  I layered the Spring Break Designer Series stripe on Pumpkin Pie.  TIP:  Try layering stripes horizontally . . . everyone does vertical stripes :)  I then added  the "celebrate" rub-on and two fun Pumpkin Pie buttons.  TIP:  To give buttons a more "finished look" run a needle (I used my big guy from Stampin' Up!'s Crafter's Tool Kit . . . but any needle will do) and a little thread through the button holes three or four times.  No need to knot since I use mini glue dots to adhere buttons and they also hold the thread in place.

I'm off to get ready for my daughter's chorus concert tonight.  Not quite American Idol (how about that David Cook . . . woo hoo) but always charming to hear young voices.

Hugs and Pretties . . . . M

Stamp Set:  Fresh Cuts
Paper:  Spring Break Designer Series, Blue Bayou Textured, Pumpkin Pie, Fresh Cuts Note Card Die Cut
Ink:  Blue Bayou
Cool Tools:  Stamp-a-ma-jig, Needle (Stampin' Up!'s Crafter's Tool Kit)
The Perfect Touch:  Earth Elements Buttons, Love and Happiness Rub-Ons (Sale-A-Bration), White Thread, Mini Glue Dots (to adhere buttons)

Fresh Cuts Notecards FREE w/$99 Purchase

My Fresh Cuts set just arrived and I have two cards to share for today's post showcasing the new Fresh Cuts Sneak Peek from Stampin' Up!'s unreleased Fall-Winter Catalog.  Plus, during the month of June, purchase the new Fresh Cuts Stamp Set for $21.95 and get the the coordinating die cut cards (15 Whisper White note cards and envelopes) for $5 ($8.95, if purchased separately).  For full details and other perks, please click here.

However, I'm ready to personally sweeten the deal :)  If you pre-order through me a minimum of $99 in Stampin' Up! products (must include the Fresh Cuts Stamp set (111634) for $21.95) no later than 1:00 p.m. CST, Saturday, May 31, I'll throw in these adorable die cut note cards (111882) for FREE ($8.95 value).  You will qualify for my Free Shipping deal, too!  Note: Your order will not be processed with Stampin' Up! until June 1.

I'm just beaming about this set.   You can make a group of them and give them as a gift, too.  Colors were inspired by this week's Splitcoast Color Challenge 167 (Soft Sky, Blue Bayou and Certainly Celery).  TIP:  I now list all the Splitcoast challenges on the right side of my blog. 

For the first note card (above), I used a Stamp-a-ma-jig (tutorial here) to line up the block image over the flower.  I then stamped it in Blue Bayou Ink.  A Five Petal Punch snapped out a Soft Sky Textured Card Stock flower for below the die cut image and I added some Certainly Celery Card Stock as a backdrop.  A jumbo brad from the Styled Silver Hodgepodge Hardware Kit (exclusively Occasions Mini 2008) jazzed up the center.

The "for you" sentiment was inked in Certainly Celery and stamped on Whisper White.  A small oval punch crops out the perfect fit and it was adhered with Stampin' Dimensionals.  I then added a luscious label holder with a couple of brads, also from the Styled Silver Hodgepodge Hardware Kit (exclusively Occasions Mini 2008).  A snippet of Soft Sky Double Stitched Ribbon accentuates the left side.  A few stamps of the small Fresh Cuts Flower in Certainly Celery creates a coordinated envelope flap.

The second card was just as charming and easy.  After removing the die cut area of the flower, I added some Blue Bayou Textured Card Stock behind it.  I punched out a 5 Petal Flower in Certainly Celery and zipped it through my Cuttlebug with a Swiss Dots Embossing Folder.  I added a single flower from the Boho Flower Punch in Blue Bayou Textured Card Stock and topped it all off with a Circle Rhinestone (Ice Collection). 

The border consists of repeated stamps of the vine image in Soft Sky.  "Thank You" is in Blue Bayou and was also aligned using my Stamp-a-ma-jig.   My, my, we do like things exact, don't we?  Three Circle Rhinestones (the smallest size from the Ice Collection) dress up the top corner and some Blue Bayou Double Stitched Ribbon dolls up the left side.  Again, I opted to coordinate the envelope flap (Soft Sky).

Stamp Set:  Fresh Cuts
Paper:  Fresh Cuts Die-Cut Note Cards and Envelopes, Certainly Celery, Blue Bayou Textured, Soft Sky Textured
Ink:  Blue Bayou, Soft Sky, Certainly Celery
Cool Tools:  (Card A) 5 Petal Punch, Small Oval Punch, Stamp-a-ma-jig.  (Card B) 5 Petal Punch, Boho Blossoms Punch, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Cuttlebug and Swiss Dots Embossing Folder
The Perfect Touch:  (Card A) Soft Sky Double Stitched Ribbon, Hodgepodge Hardware Brad and Label Holder (Stampin' Up! Occasion Mini), Stampin' Dimensionals.  (Card B) Blue Bayou Double Stitched Ribbon, Circle Rhinestones (Ice)

Ode to Stampin' Up!'s Oval Punches

One of my favorite ways to display sentiments is using  Stampin' Up!'s Small and Large Oval Punches.  They layer neatly and elegantly.  Trés cool with the three dimensional look of a Stampin' Dimensional or two sandwiched in between.  However, these little beauties can multi-task and made today's sunflower pretty and precise.

The card base is Chocolate Chip (4.25 x 5.5).  I inked the Print Pattern Background stamp in Chocolate Chip and stamped it on Barely Banana Card Stock.  The "happy birthday" sentiment is inked and stamped using the same colors.  I matted the sentiment on Chocolate Chip.

Six Large and five Small Oval Punches were snapped out of Barely Banana Card Stock.  TIP:  The edges were sponged in Chocolate Chip to add texture and so that they would stand out against the strong background.  A Chocolate Chip circle was cut with Nestabilities circle die-cuts and embossed using a Cuttlebug. 

TIP:  I assembled and adhered the "petals" to the Print Pattern Background image and then cut off the left hand surplus for a straight edge.  A few Barely Banana Brads seemed like the perfect highlight for the flower center.

Sunflower in a Snap :)

Hugs and Pretties . . . . M

Stamp Sets:  Print Pattern Background, All Holidays
Paper:  Chocolate Chip, Barely Banana
Ink:  Chocolate Chip
Cool Tools:  Stampin' Up!'s Large and Small Oval Punches, Sponges, Nestabilities Circle Die-Cuts, Cuttlebug
The Perfect Touch:  Soft Subtles Brads (Barely Banana)

Petalicious

I had the luxury of a little extra time this past weekend which gave me the luxury of playing with a few more card making accents than usual.  Taffeta Ribbon, Brads, Paper Piercing, Cuttlebug and a Scalloped Border were the perfect touches to this lively and feminine card.

The long stemmed flower from Embrace Life was inked in Close to Cocoa Craft ink and stamped on Watercolor Paper. TIP:  Taking advantage of the stickiness of Craft Ink, I heat embossed the image with Clear Embossing Powder.  The flower was watercolored using an Aqua Painter dipped in Purely Pomegranate Ink.  TIP:  I simply squeeze my ink pad to create a small pool of color on the inside lid.  It's just the right amount for watercoloring and no mess.

I matted the image on Pretty in Pink Textured Card Stock, paper piercing three edges for a little drama.  TIP:  A template makes spacing a breeze.  The bow is created from strips of Pretty in Pink and Chocolate Chip Taffeta Ribbon (attached to the stem with the convenience of a mini glue dot).

The sentiment is from Stampin' Up!'s Take Three, inked in Purely Pomegranate and stamped on Watercolor Paper (to match the white of the main flower's card stock).  The little flowers were a charming backdrop for some Pretty in Pink Brads.  I adhered it to a Scalloped Rectangle of Close to Cocoa (also pierced) with Stampin' Dimensionals. 

The Purely Pomegranate vertical banner took a "ride" through my Cuttlebug with a Paisley Embossing folder.  It's always amazing to me how beautiful an embossed image is.  Delicious texture.  Using a Corner Rounder Punch, I added a scalloped border of Pretty in Pink Textured Card Stock.  Here's an easy tutorial on making a scalloped border.  TIP: Jazzing up a border is a great way to give new life to long, skinny paper scraps.

The card base is Pretty in Pink Textured Card Stock with a layer of Berry Bliss Designer Series paper on top.  Stampin' Up!'s Photo Corner Punch makes easy work out of creating two coordinating (one large and one small) corner accents.  They received some piercing "action," too.

The layout was inspired by Beate Johns' Weekend Sketch Challenge #48. 

Please let me know what you think :)

Hugs and Pretties . . . . M

Stamp Sets:  Embrace Life, Take Three
Paper:  Berry Bliss Designer Series, Stampin' Up! Watercolor Paper, Pretty in Pink Textured, Close to Cocoa, Purely Pomegranate
Ink:  Close to Cocoa Craft, Purely Pomegranate
Cool Tools:  Paper Piercer and Template (Stampin' Up!'s Crafter's Tool Kit), Corner Rounder Punch, Photo Corner Punch, Cuttlebug, Aqua painter, Heat Tool, Marvy Uchida Scalloped Rectangle Punch
The Perfect Touch:  Pretty in Pink and Chocolate Chip Taffeta Ribbon, Soft Subtles Brads (Pretty in Pink), Stampin' Dimensionals, Clear Embossing Powder, Cuttlebug Paisley Embossing Folder

Cheers for Stampin' Up!'s Taffeta

Add a touch of elegance to any project with Stampin' Up!'s Taffeta Ribbon.  It has a luscious sheen and comes in eight delicious colors (all coordinating with Stampin' Up! card stock).  TIP: I love how crisply it cuts with my Paper Snips.  Combined with the Stay Put Bow Technique, it was a quick and pretty accent to this "Stamping 911" card (my category for any card that can be created in 10 minutes or less).

Today's post was influenced by Saturday's Splitcoast Inspiration challenge, Papyrus En Fleur.  I loved the modern look and colors of the candle box I chose to mirror. 

I inked The Wonderful You flower in Basic Gray and stamped on River Rock card stock.  TIP:  I used a Basic Gray marker for the stemless blossoms (near the top), coloring only the flower so I wouldn't have too many stems.  Markers are fabulous for isolating areas of a stamp.  The image was next layered on Basic Gray Card Stock and a white card base (5" x 5"). 

The sentiment, inked in Basic Gray and stamped on white, is from Lots of Notes (Sale-A-Bration, no longer available).  I cropped and embossed it with Nestabilities Scalloped Rectangles.  A couple Styled Silver Brads add a little pop.

BAM!!! . . . less than 10 minutes :)

Hugs and Pretties . . . . M

Stamp Sets:  Wonderful You, Lots of Notes (Sale-A-Bration)
Paper:  Basic Gray, River Rock, Papertrey White
Ink:  Basic Gray
Cool Tools:  Nestabilities Scalloped Rectangles, Cuttlebug, Crop-A-Dile
The Perfect Touch:  Basic Gray Taffeta Ribbon, Hodgepodge Hardware Brads (Styled Silver, Stampin' Up! Occasions Mini)

How Tweet It Is

My little birdies (Hero Arts Stamps) were itching to fly out of the drawer.  The Splitcoast Ways to Use It (WT166) provided the perfect play date.  The challenge was to use "Inchies," 1 x 1 pieces (typically paper) to create a design.  However, I must confess.  My project uses 1 1/4 "Inchies" since that falls neatly into place with my 1 1/4" Square Punches.  HOT TIP:  I permanently have listed the daily Splitcoast Challenges on the bottom right of my blog so you can easily play along every day.

My feathered friends and sentiment were inked in Close to Cocoa Craft Ink and applied to Stampin' Up!'s Watercolor Paper.  TIP:  Craft Ink is stickier than dye ink and can be heat embossed.  I used clear embossing powder and a Heat Tool to create the textured line image. TIP:  An embossed edge provides a wonderful lip which makes watercoloring much easier.  I added some "technicolor" to the birds using an Aqua Painter in Soft Sky, Wild Wasabi and Groovy Guava Ink.  Technique Inkspiration:   Technique Lover's Challenge TLC168.

PUNCH BUNCH:  I popped out the images with a 1 1/4" Square Punch and layered on a punch of 1 3/8" Close to Cocoa Card Stock.  The matted squares were lined up and layered on a snippet of Groovy Guava Designer Paper and Close to Cocoa Card Stock.  A piece of Soft Sky Double Stitched Ribbon wraps things up (using a Crop-A-Dile and the Stay Put Bow Method, of course).

The card base (4.25 x 5.5) is Wild Wasabi Textured Card Stock with a yummy stripe from Afternoon Tea on top.   PUNCH BUNCH: A Boho Blossoms Punch creates divine flowers with scraps of Textured Close to Cocoa, Wild Wasabi and Groovy Guava.  A 1/4" Circle Punch makes flower centers out of Soft Sky Textured.  The flowers are given a little lift with Stampin' Dimensionals.

Hugs and Pretties . . . . M

Stamp Sets:  Hero Arts Decorative Birds and Take Good Care Greetings
Paper:  Afternoon Tea Designer Series, Groovy Guava Designer Series, Wild Wasabi Textured, Close to Cocoa Textured and Smooth, Groovy Guava Textured, Soft Sky Textured, Watercolor Paper.
Ink:  Close to Cocoa Craft, Soft Sky, Wild Wasabi, Groovy Guava
Cool Tools:  Boho Blossoms Punch, 1 1/4" and 1 3/8" Square Punches, 1/4" Circle Punch, Crop-A-Dile, Heat Tool, Aqua Painter
The Perfect Touch:  Soft Sky Double Stitched Ribbon, Clear Embossing Powder, Stampin' Dimensionals

Fresh Cut Sneak Peek and Important Dates

Fresh Cuts (featured left) is a gorgeous, die-cut floral set and will be part of Stampin' Up!'s new Fall-Winter Idea Book & Catalog, to be released August 11, 2008.  However, from June 1-June 30, you can purchase your very own Fresh Cuts set two months early for $21.95 and get the die-cut, coordinating  Fresh Cut Notes for just $5.  If you prefer, you may purchase the Fresh Cuts Stamp Set (#111634) separately for $21.95 and the Fresh Cut Notes (#111882)for $8.95.

This charming stamp set is perfect for your upcoming summer projects. The 4 x 4 die-cut note card set includes 15 note cards and envelopes in Whisper White.  They are delightful for gifts, hand-delivered thank yous . . . even dinner name placeholders.   My Fresh-Cut stamps and note cards are on the way and I can't wait to demonstrate them in advance of the sale! 

Added Hostess Benefits:   Also, from June 1 through June 30, place a Stampin' Up! product order of $400 or more (teaming up with stamping pals on one order is definitely allowed, although I just ship to one of you) and you will receive the Fresh Cut stamp set and coordinating Fresh Cut Notes FREE.  This is a $30.95 retail value in addition to regular hostess benefits.

Stampin' Up! News! When the Stampin' Up! Fall-Winter catalogs become available, I will be selling them with a special offer.  Anyone on my mailing list or placing an order after August 11, will automatically receive the new Stampin' Up! Catalog Sampler (a 12 page mini of new Stampin' Up! products, In Color options and projects, plus three on-going 6-month promotions).  The Previews (mini) brochures which normally precede the release of a new catalog have been discontinued by Stampin' Up!.

IMPORTANT DATES: 

On Board Chipboard Special Offer  and Cutting Mat Offer expire 5/31
Fresh Cuts Stamp Set and Fresh Cuts Notes Pre-Order June 1-30
Occasions Mini Expires June 30
Stampin' Up! Retired Stamp List Available June 15
Spring/Summer Catalog Expires Aug. 10
Fall/Winter Catalog Is Released and Available for Orders Aug. 11

BI-cycle, BI-cycle, BI-cycle

I want to ride my bicycle, I want to ride my bike . . . .  I keep hearing Freddie Mercury (Queen) piping out that tune.  Today was the day.  I finally got to pick up my Mother's Day bike and she's a beauty.  My "gal's" a combination of retro baby blue, white and chrome . . . with hip black fenders to keep the mud off my behind and two "shopping" bags mounted on the back rack so that I can officially become "Pack Mule Mom."  I'm so excited to hit the local Farmer's Markets and grocery shop on two wheels!

The Time for You stamp set has a luscious bicycle (Stampin' Up! Occasions Mini 2008, p. 13)) and was a perfect way to celebrate my new acquisition.  I inked it up in Versamark and stamped it on Stampin' Up!'s Watercolor Paper.  TIP: Heat embossing with Black Embossing Powder and a Heat Tool gave me a textured line image that was ready for watercoloring.  Using an Aqua Pen, I created Soft Sky fenders, seat and details. 

I next used Stampin' Write Markers in Ruby Red and Pumpkin Pie to make my blooms pop.  TIP:  The Ruby Red Marker was perfect (the small end) for adding a dotted accent to the tires.  Ruby Red eyelets (installed with my Crop-a-Dile) were a lovely touch for the center of the spokes.  The bicycle image was layered on Pumpkin Pie and Ruby Red Card Stock.

"Zeal" seemed like the perfect sentiment for a bike devotee, easily executed in Jet Black Stazon with my Define Your Life set of 28 double-sided stamps, one charming definition for every letter of the alphabet and more.  TIP:  I again used watercolor paper so that it would be the same white as the bicycle layer.  "Zeal" was matted on Pumpkin Pie and Ruby Red Card Stock and some Ruby Red Brads seemed like the perfect balance.  TIP:  Try a Paper Piercer and Template to line up brads neatly.

The card base (4.25 x 5.5) is Ruby Red Textured Card Stock (can't get enough of Stampin' Up!'s Textured Card Stock).  It's topped with a Soft Sky pattern from Afternoon Tea Designer Series Paper (Stampin' Up!'s Occasions Mini, P. 8) and an adorable Pumpkin Pie Polka Dot from Summer Picnic (Stampin' Up! Occasions Mini, P. 16).

The Perfect Touch (decided by my 14 year old daughter, Caroline, when I couldn't decide between this flower and a strip of ribbon running vertically) is a custom combo of a Pumpkin Pie felt flower (Flower Fusion) and Build-A-Brad.  TIP: The Build-A-Brad works perfectly with a 1/2" circle snap of designer paper (Afternoon Tea).  It comes with the clear adhesive 1/2" bubbles that look trés cool as a topper.

INKSPIRATIONS: Of course, this card was inspired by my new ride.   However, it also manages to qualify for three Splitcoast challenges, Sketch SC176, Technique Lover's Challenge TLC168 (embossing and watercoloring) and Color Challenge CC166 (Soft Sky, Ruby Red, Pumpkin Pie).

Hugs and Pretties . . . . M

PLEASE DON'T FORGET:  The Occasions Mini expires June 30 . . . and then it's gone for good :)

Stamp Sets:  Time for You (Occasions Mini), Define Your Life
Paper:  Ruby Red Textured, Summer Picnic Designer Series (Occasions Mini), Afternoon Tea Designer Series (Occasions Mini), Stampin' Up! Watercolor Paper
Ink:  Soft Sky, Jet Black Stazon, Ruby Red Marker, Pumpkin Pie Marker, Versamark
Cool Tools:  Crop-A-Dile, Heat Tool, 1/2" Circle Punch, Paper Piercer and Template (Crafter's Tool Kit), Aqua Painter
The Perfect Touch:  Flower Fusion, Build-A-Brad, Black Embossing Powder, Earth Elements Brads (Ruby Red), Eyelets Fresh Favorites I (Ruby Red).

Wild About Wheels

Wild About You is one of my favorite juvenile stamp sets.  However, don't limit yourself to just kids . . . . they are a great birthday or pick-me-up option for an adult, too.  "Wheeled" and stamped backgrounds add to the wacky fun of this  card and my little giraffe came to life with some special touches, too, including 3-D spots and a wagging tail (OK, gross exaggeration--but it's still cute).

I took my INKSPIRATION from this week's Mojo Monday Sketch #37,  from Julee at Poetic Artistry.  What a great match for the Wild About You stamp set.  The card base (4.25 x 5.5) is Close to Cocoa Textured with So Saffron Card Stock on top. TIP:  Please click any photos for a close up.

 

TIP:  Make a custom background with a couple rounds (excuse the pun) of a Jumbo Wheel (Daisy Dash used here in Close to Cocoa ink on Whisper White Card Stock). I just roll mine on the ink pad thoroughly . . . it manages "full strength" of inking about the distance of a standard card width (5 or 6"), without needing a Jumbo Wheel Inked Cartridge.  Save your money here, lovies!

A So Saffron Marker jollies up the flower centers in short order.  COOL TOOL:  I prefer to use a Stampin' Around Wheel Guide to get things lined up properly.  It has lovely little grippy legs that keep things securely in place.  It takes a couple "rounds" to get the lining up part down . . . easily resolved with some scrap paper on the first date.

The giraffe was inked in So Saffron and stamped on Whisper White.  TIP:  A Creamy Caramel Marker takes the spots from white to caramel.  BRIGHT IDEA #1:  For a delicious texture, I dotted the spots with Crystal Effects.  The giraffe was cut out and pumped up on Stampin' Dimensionals.  BRIGHT IDEA #2:  A snippet of Hemp Twine makes a delightful tail.

Stampin' Up!'s Print Pattern Background (Close to Cocoa ink on Close to Cocoa Card Stock) creates the layer below the giraffe and is matted on Whisper White and So Saffron Card Stock.  The vertical banner implements a second Stampin' Up! background stamp--Paisley (ditto on Close to Cocoa on Close to Cocoa Card Stock).  It's then layered on So Saffron.  So fun! 

Using Chocolate Chip, So Saffron and Close to Cocoa Markers, I colored each word on the "wild about you" sentiment (one word at a time and cleaning in between) and snipped them out rather haphazardly to play up the design.  Hodgepodge Hardware Brads (Pewter), anchor things in place.

Happy "Tails" to You . . . . Mary

P.S.:  I promised you a sneak peek from the Stampin' Up! Fall/Winter catalog.  Please  Please click here to download "Fresh Cuts"

and a special offer starting in June :)

Stamp Sets:  Wild About You, Print Pattern Background, Paisley Background, Daisy Dashes Jumbo Wheel
Ink:  Close to Cocoa Ink Pad and Marker, So Saffron Ink Pad and Marker, Chocolate Chip Marker
Paper:  Close to Cocoa Textured and Regular, So Saffron, Whisper White
Cool Tools:  Stampin' Around Jumbo Handle (to drive the wheel :), Stampin' Around Wheel Guide
The Perfect Touch:  Crystal Effects, Hodgepodge Hardware Brads (Pewter), Stampin' Dimensionals, Hemp Twine (Natural)

Wonderful Neutral You

Sometimes simplicity rules.  Today's post not only qualifies for my Stampin' 911 category (can be created in less than 10 minutes), it is basic enough to be a "boy" card.  TIP:  Neutrals take the guess work out of deciding on masculine colors.

Using the Wonderful You stamp set, I inked the stem in Basic Black and stamped it multiple times on Kraft card stock.  I then matted it on Whisper White and a Basic Black card base (4.25 x 5.5). TIP: Nipping the bottom corners on all three layers with a Corner Rounder Punch is a classy touch.

A pop of pattern in a black and white gingham ribbon lends a little interest.  The sentiment (also from Wonderful You), was inked in Basic Black and stamped on Whisper White.  It's punched with the small oval punch and layered on a large oval of Basic Black.  Some Stampin' Dimensionals both adhere and heighten the two layers. TIP: Stampin' Up!'s Large and Small Oval Punches compliment each other perfectly and always look sensational with sentiments.

Hugs and Pretties . . . . Mary

COMING UP!  A sneak peek and special offer on the first stamp set to be released ("Fresh Cut") from Stampin' Up!'s Fall/Winter Catalog 2008

Stamp Set:  Wonderful You
Paper:  Basic Black, Whisper White, Kraft
Ink:  Basic Black
Cool Tools:  Large and Small Oval Punches, Corner Rounder Punch
The Perfect Touch:  Black and White Gingham Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals

Stampin' Up! Sweet Dreams

Today's "Inkspiration" comes from Poetic Artistry's Mojo Monday Sketch 31 (see sketch below).  Silke Ledlow (aka sparklegirl on SCS) had a delightful interpretation of this sketch which clearly influenced my card :)

I did my best to get a good picture of Stampin' Up!'s Textured Card Stock (on this card Real Red and Very Vanilla) that I keep raving about. 

Using two Stampin' Write Markers, I colored the stems from Sweet Dreams (Hostess Level I) in Chocolate Chip and Bashful Blue.  TIP: Give the "markered" stamp a few huffs of breath before stamping to re-moisten the ink evenly. The flowers were stamped on Very Vanilla card stock.  I used Nestbilities Circles to crop out the flowers, Bashful Blue circle and Real Red scalloped circle.  The layered circle image was adhered to a strip of Chocolate Chip card stock (vertical).

The card base is Very Vanilla Textured card stock (4.25 x 5.5).  I layered Real Red Textured card stock on the right hand side.  On top, I layered Very Vanilla (textured) over Chocolate Chip.  TIP: An easy way to jazz up brads is to build them up with 1/4" and 1/2" circles.  The brads are from the Hodgepodge Hardware Styled Silver Kit from Stampin' Up!'s Occasions Mini.  TIP: I always use a Paper Piercer and Template to space and line brads up evenly.

Likewise, the label holder is from the same collection.   "Friend" was inked in Chocolate Chip and pumped up on Stampin' Dimensionals to fit neatly into the label holder.  TIP: I have mentioned this before but it's worth repeating.  Attach your sentiment first, then add the label holder and brads.  It's much easier to get things lined up.

Hugs and Happy Mother's Day to All . . . Mary

Click photo for a larger image :)

Stamp Sets:  Sweet Dreams (Hostess Level I), Fundamental Phrases
Paper:  Very Vanilla Textured, Real Red Textured, Chocolate Chip, Bashful Blue
Ink:  Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Chip and Bashful Blue Stampin' Write Markers
Cool Tools:  1/4 and 1/2" Circle Punches, Paper Piercer and Template (Crafter's Tool Kit), Nestabilities Circles, Cuttlebug
The Perfect Touch:  Hodgepodge Hardware Styled Silver Label Holder and Brads (Stampin' Up! Occasions Mini 2008), Stampin' Dimensionals