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

Bella Rose Mini Tote

I saw this charming 5 1/4" high mini tote (perfect for a small gift or party favor) on Cindy Lawrence's The Creative Closet and immediately put it in my "must do" pile.  Complete "how to" details are in this tutorial by Diana Gibbs of Stampin' with Di.

Ciao Bella!  The sweet designer series paper is Bella Rose, soon to be released in Stampin' Up!'s Fall/Winter catalog on Aug. 11.  The flip side of the 2 sided paper (and the inside of this tote) is a sophisticated Kiwi Kiss Polka Dot.  The remaining Bella Rose patterns range from a more formal rose to a bold Riding Hood Red and Pink Pirouette polka dot.

I used the new Scallop Edge Punch to create the decorative Kiwi Kiss border (deliciously efficient).  The 5-Petal Kiwi Kiss flowers were embossed with Swiss Dots and topped with a debut of Stampin' Up!'s decorative Bouquet Buttons.  TIP:  I used Mini Glue Dots for a full-proof connection between the button and the card stock.  TIP:  This is in the tutorial but it's so cool I don't want you to miss it . . . I used skinny slivers of Kiwi Kiss as perfectly coordinated "thread" for the buttons.  I very carefully tied them but they are a tad fragile . . . you might need to practice a couple times (I did).  You can always opt to have the "thread" reversed like a finished button.

The Round Tab Punches at the top are in Kiwi Kiss.  The tutorial suggests using a 1/4" Circle Punch to create the holes for the ribbon.  TIP:  Maybe I'm missing something here but mine wouldn't go through two layers so I grabbed my Crop-a-dile and used the larger punch, lickety split.  I also learned that Bravo Burgundy 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon is so close to the reds in the pattern that I happily skipped the added step of dying ribbon to match. 

Hugs and Pretties . . . . M

Paper:  Bella Rose Designer Series, Kiwi Kiss
Cool Tools:  Round Tab Punch, 5 Petal Punch, Scallop Edge Punch, Crop-a-dile, Cuttlebug, Cuttlebug Swiss Dots Embossing Folder
The Perfect Touch:  Bouquet Buttons, Bravo Burgundy 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon

Fall/Winter Sneak Peek: Kiwi Dreams

I know I said five days of sneak peeks but I decided to splurge on a sixth.  More stamps arrived today so I can comfortably say . . . you ain't seen nothing yet :)

Today's card is short and sweet at 4 x 4.  The card base is Very Vanilla with a layers of Holiday Happenings Designer Series Paper (Hostess Level III Bundle) and Kiwi Kiss (both from Stampin' Up!'s Fall/Winter Catalog, available Aug. 11) on top. 

The main image is from Dreams du Jour, inked in Kiwi Kiss with touches of Pink Pirouette added via a Blender Pen.  Bright idea:  I colored 1/4" White Grosgrain Ribbon with the Pink Pirouette Ink Pad and it's a perfect match to the card stock.  Woo Hoo!  Both the Vanilla Dreams image and the Kiwi Kiss Scalloped base were shaped with Nestabilities Rectangles and a Cuttlebug. 

TIP:  Allow dyed ribbon 24 to 48 hours to dry.  Otherwise if will bleed to the card stock below.  This was my third effort before comprehending how long it takes to dry.  I layered Pink Pirouette and Kiwi Kiss card stock below the ribbon as an accent (and, honestly, to cover the ink that bled into the Very Vanilla on the first attempts).  Fortunately, I ended up liking it better than the plain version.  TIP:  Sometimes the best ideas come by accident. 

Here's the Perfect Touch . . . Green Circle Rhinestone Brads (Ice Collection) fit wonderfully into the ribbon slides from the Styled Silver Hodgepodge Hardware Kit.  I added three of these fun combinations.  I hope, hope, hope that Stampin' Up! continues this kit (which expired with the Occasions Mini last month) in the Fall/Winter catalog.  I feel it was the most versatile hardware kit to date.  Very usable pieces!

COMING UP:  Two new hostess sets:  Fall Flair and Window Dressing PLUS more Fall/Winter Sneak Peeks. 

Hugs and Pretties . . . M

Stamp Set: Dreams du Jour
Paper:  Holiday Happenings Designer Series (Hostess Level 3 Bundle)
Ink:  Kiwi Kiss, Pink Pirouette
Cool Tools:  Blender Pen, Cuttlebug, Nestabilities Rectangles
The Perfect Touch:  Circle Rhinestone Brads (Ice Collection), 1/4" White Grosgrain, Styled Silver Hodgepodge Hardware

Retro Quilt

Today's Splitcoast Inspiration Challenge (IC134) was a beautiful quilt . . . which lead me straight to my 1 3/8" Square Punch--seemed like it would be the perfect "quilting" tool.  I felt like experimenting with a more retro approach, so I ran Pumpkin Pie, River Rock, and Ruby Red card stock through my Cuttlebug with the Spots and Dots Embossing Folder.  Groovy.  I then punched 4 squares of each.

The card base is Very Vanilla.  TIP:  For a near perfect little quilt with no vanilla edges, your card base should be 5.5" x 8 1/4, and scored down the middle at 4 1/8."  Assemble 4 squares wide and 3 squares high using plenty of adhesive to keep all the edges down.  If you have a teensy sliver of vanilla exposed after laying the squares (which I did), carefully use your paper cutter to remove it, avoiding cutting any of the squares.  This was very simple and fun background I can't wait to use again!

The sentiment is from Enjoy Every Moment and is inked in Ruby Red and stamped on Very Vanilla.  It's matted on Pumpkin Pie and Ruby Red card stock.  TIP:  The "o" in "enjoy" invites all sorts of options . . . a button, punched circles, flower stamps, Build a Brad . . . I chose a little Pumpkin Pie felt flower from Flower Fusion with a Ruby Red Brad (Earth Elements Brads) in the center.

A Die-Cut Bloom (Stampin' Up! Occasions Mini Catalog--expires June 30) is topped with Ruby Red brads.  It's layered on a Ruby Red scalloped circle with some paper piercing in the scallops.  Stampin' Dimensionals give it a little height and offer a nice balance to the sentiment. 

Hugs and Pretties . . . . M

Stamp Set:  Enjoy Every Moment
Paper:  Pumpkin Pie, River Rock, Ruby Red, Very Vanilla
Ink:  Ruby Red
Cool Tools:  1 3/8" Square Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, Paper Piercer, Cuttlebug and Spots and Dots Embossing Folder
The Perfect Touch:  Die-Cut Blooms (Stampin' Up! Occasions Mini), Earth Elements Brads (Ruby Red), Stampin' Dimensionals, Flower Fusion

Wonderful Itty Bitty Backgrounds

Want an inexpensive way to create a quick, custom colored background?  Stampin' Up!'s Bitty Backgrounds ($12.95 for four stamps) are such a simple and delightful way to create painterly effects in a flash.

I stamped the two step stem from Stampin' Up!'s Wonderful You on Whisper White, first in Soft Saffron (solid image) and second in Basic Gray (line image).  The image was popped out with a 1 1/4" square punch and layered on So Saffron 1 3/8" squares.  TIP:  Having both the square punches makes precise layers for this look in seconds.  The squares were adhered and matted on a single piece of Basic Gray card stock.

My Stems and Silhouettes Jumbo Wheel was rolled in Basic Gray ink and took a ride across So Saffron card stock.  I then matted it on Basic Gray, and added some luscious Basic Gray Taffeta Ribbon (using the Stay Put Bow Method here).  I then stamped "wonderful you" (inked in Basic Gray) on Whisper White and cut it to fit below the label holder.  TIP:  I always align and attach the sentiment with Stampin' Dimensionals first, before adding the Hodgepodge Hardware Label Holder and Brads.  Much easier to line up.

Today's BRIGHT IDEA is showcasing the ease of using Itty Bitty Backgrounds.  The largest "grain" was inked in So Saffron and stamped on a card base of Whisper White (5.5 x 5.25, scored at the top).  Next, the finest "grain" was inked in Basic Gray and layered on top.  WOW in an itty bitty amount of time.  TIP:  For another look, just do the edges of an image with the "bitties," much like you would use a sponge.  It's a classy change-up.

Hugs and Pretties . . . . M

Stamp Sets:  Bitty Backgrounds, Wonderful You, Stems and Silhouettes Jumbo Wheel
Paper:  Whisper White, So Saffron, Basic Gray
Ink:  Basic Gray, So Saffron
Cool Tools:  1 3/8 and 1 1/4" Square Punches, Corner Rounder Punch
The Perfect Touch:  Basic Gray Taffeta Ribbon, Hodgepodge Hardware (Pewter Label Holder and Brads), Stampin' Dimensionals

Occasions Mini Expires June 30

My 50 "something" sister-in-law just graduated from college.  She showed so much tenacity as she completed a few courses at a time over many years . . . all to culminate in such an amazing accomplishment.  However, a cap and gown or "grad" card didn't seem quite appropriate.  So I just went with her personality, "sparkle."

The BRIGHT IDEA for this card was using Stampin' Up!'s Die Cut Blooms (Occasions Mini Catalog, expires June 30).  The layering possibilities of these textured shapes are endless and every combination promises a WOW factor.   The pack includes four 12 x 12 sheets of textured die cut flowers and centers, one each in Old Olive, Bashful Blue, Real Red and Pumpkin Pie.  The colors coordinate beautifully with many of Stampin' Up!'s Designer Series papers. 

I stamped "sparkle" (Warm Words) in Real Red on Whisper White and punched it out with a Large Oval Punch.  It was adhered with Stampin' Dimensionals to one of the Die-Cut Blooms Bashful Blue flower centers.  I then gave it some tangible sparkle with Robin's Nest Dew Drops.  TIP:  Kitchen Sink Stamps is a delightful on-line store for ordering Dew Drops. TIP:  Dew Drops are easily attached using Stampin' Up!'s Mini Glue Dots.  Next came quick layers of Real Red and Old Olive Die Cut Blooms.

The horizontal banner is strips of Stampin' Up!'s Textured card stock in Bashful Blue (1 1/4 x 5 1/4), Real Red (1 1/2 x 5 1/4) and Old Olive (1 3/4 x 5 14).  TIP:  This textured card stock is a perfect textural match to the Die Cut Blooms.  TIP:  Using a Paper Piercer and Template, I lined up some Real Red Brads for a charming accent.

The 5 1/2 x 4 1/4" card base is Bashful Blue Textured card stock.  Stampin' Up!'s Summer Picnic Designer Series paper (Occasions Mini Catalog) provides the perfect backdrop to the big bloom in the center.  Hope you have a sparkling day :)

NOTE:  The deadline for the Occasions Mini is June 30.  If you are interested in purchasing before the catalog expires, you may place your order on-line here.

COMING UP:  I will post Stampin' Up!'s Retiring Stamp List (stamps no longer available once the new catalog is relased Aug. 11) as soon as it's available this Sunday, June, 15.  Be sure to check back.

Hugs and Pretties . . . . Mary

Stamp Set:  Warm Words
Paper:  Summer Picnic Designer Series (Stampin' Up!'s Occasions Mini Catalog), Whisper White, Old Olive Textured, Real Red Textured, Bashful Blue Textured
Ink:  Real Red
Cool Tools:  Paper Piercer and Template (Stampin' Up!'s Crafter's Tool Kit), Large Oval Punch
The Perfect Touch:  Die-Cut Blooms (Stampin' Up!'s Occasions Mini Catalog), Bold Brights Brads (Real Red), Robin's Nest Dew Drops

My Kind of Friend: Nestabilities

Clean cuts, perfect layers and luxurious embossing. Nestabilities are an incredible little invention.  Just a few cranks of the Cuttlebug and card stock is transitioned into professional looking die cuts or an embossed image--better yet, both.

There are many excellent tutorials on using the Nestabilities.  Check out these cutting and embossing videos from Julie at Paper Pleasing Ideas.

However, I recently stumbled upon a BRIGHT IDEA from Carolyn Mustopa on SCS to reverse the order of the B and C plates (parts of the "sandwich") so that you can see your image when you cut (vs. trying to mess with tape or magnets to hold everything in place and then turning everything upside down).  This was a stroke of genius.  Bookmark this page for instructions.   I tried it in today's project and agree wholeheartedly it's the way to go!  I also followed the directions for embossing with the polymer mat on top of the die cut (vs. heavy card stock first then polymer mat).  Again, bingo.  Better embossed image.

INKSPIRATION:  Today's card starts with Saturday's Splitcoast Inspiration Challenge (IC131, see my right side bar for all daily Splitcoast challenges).  I was influenced by both the colors, simplicity and patterns of this cool Parisian look.  Beate's Weekend Sketch Challenge (WSC51) is responsible for the layout. TIP:  The perfect cuts and layering of the "Nesties" are a card makers dream. 

For the horizontal banner, I ran Pink Passion card stock through the Cuttlebug with the Styled Flowers embossing folder and layered on Old Olive.  At this point, I used a Template and Paper Piercer to line up the the micro brads for the main image ("dear friend").  Why now?  TIP:  For the smoothest results, try to "bury" your brads below as many layers as is practical, without popping them through the inside of the card.  I attached the sentiment to the banner and then paper pierced, pushing the brads through both areas.  Smooth and secure.

The card base (4.25 x 5.5") is delicious Pink Passion Textured card stock (do I sound like a broken record on Stampin' Up!'s textured card stock?).  Whisper White card stock spends some time with the Cuttlebug and Swiss Dots Embossing folders to get some lickety-split polka dot texture.  THE PERFECT TOUCH was Stampin' Up!'s 5/8" Old Olive Grosgrain Ribbon. 

Hugs and Pretties . . . . Mary

MONEY SAVING TIP:  I purchased my Nestabilities in full sets (circles, squares, rectangles, ovals) using the 40% monthly VIP discount through Marcie at Cut at Home.  Be sure to follow the directions carefully for using the coupon at checkout.  This is a great way to start a collection and enjoy fabulous service.  Note:  Keep in mind that they are often on back order so it may take a few weeks for your Nesties to arrive.

Stamp Sets:  All Holidays
Paper:  Pink Passion Textured, Pink Passion, Whisper White, Old Olive
Ink:  Pink Passion
Cool Tools:  Paper Piercer and Template (Stampin' Up!'s Crafter's Tool Kit), Nestabilities Rectangles, Cuttlebug
The Perfect Touch:  Old Olive 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, Styled Flowers and Swiss Dots Embossing Folders, Microbrads

My Own Little Graduate

So when did graduating from eight grade become a big deal?  I recall leaving 8th grade with nothing more than a report card and the excitement of being off for the summer.  My daughter, Caroline, required a new dress ("all the other girls" were getting them--thank goodness for the sale rack at Macy's), yearbook and DVD of the post ceremony dance.  Ceremony?  Dance?  Yearbook?  She is allowed to bring 3 guests to the ceremony due to space limitations.  Fortunately, my husband and I made the cut. 

So my sweet little cub (frankly, she's always been pretty low maintenance) needed a graduation card.  The quote on this Spring Break designer paper is adorable for just such an occasion . . . "You don't seriously expect me to go to school on a day like today?"  Love it!  The card base is 4.25 x 5.5 and I layered the snippet of paper with the quote above and Pumpkin Pie card stock on top.

Old Olive grosgrain and Blue Bayou double stitched ribbon add some horizontal interest.  Three little Robin's Nest Dew Drops from the Flame collection accent the top left corner.  TIP:  Stampin' Up!'s Mini Glue Dots work exceptionally well to adhere the drops with zero chance of a "wardrobe failure." 

The "grad" sentiment required two rides through my Cuttlebug with the Red Tag Sale Alphabet Die Cuts.  The first time through was with mat board and the second time was using various patterns from Spring Break Designer Series paper.  TIP:  The patterned paper and mat board letters line up beautifully and look like customized chipboard.  Very 3-D.

I then popped out some flowers using my Boho Blossoms punch.  Each flower gets some height with a Stampin' Dimensional and even more pow with Robin's Nest Dew Drop Centers (Flame and Fresh Mowed Grass).

The lesson for today?  My daughter and I had a wonderful time shopping for her new dress and the one she chose (after over 20 attempts) was adorable on her.  So maybe this graduation deal isn't so bad after all if moms and daughters can do a little retail therapy together :)

Hugs and Pretties . . . . M 

Stamp Set:  None
Paper:  Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Blue Bayou, Soft Sky, Spring Break Designer Series, Matboard
Ink:  None
Cool Tools:  Cuttlebug, Cuttlebug Die Cut Alphabet (Red Tag Sale)
The Perfect Touch:  Old Olive 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, Blue Bayou Double Stitched Ribbon, Robin's Nest Dew Drops, Stampin' Up! Mini Glue Dots

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

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)

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)

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)

Happiness Is a 911 Card

911?  Any card that can easily be thrown together in less than 10 minutes qualifies for my Stamping 911 category.  This card is no exception.  It also follows the rule of today's Splitcoast Stampers' Limited Supplies Challenge (LSC167):  No Stamps.  Easy, schpeezy to do with rub-ons and die-cuts.

The card base is Stampin' Up!'s delicious textured card stock in Old Olive.  TIP:  Textured card stock gives a simple card depth and style.  The dimensions are 4 1/4" x 11" and scored at 5.5" (at the top).  I next layered a classy stripe from Summer Picnic Designer Series Paper.  TIP:  I covered the Pumpkin Pie stripe with the ribbon to keep the color scheme simple.

The Die Cut Blooms (also textured) pop out in seconds and are quite fun to mix and match flowers and centers.  This set is offered exclusively in the Stampin' Up! Occasions Mini, which expires 6/30.   Die-cut Blooms come in four 12 x 12 sheets, one each of Old Olive, Bashful Blue, Pumpkin Pie and Bashful Blue.  TIP: They coordinate especially well with Jersey Shore and Summer Picnic Designer Paper.  White Rub-Ons offer some zing to the flower center and a create a quick and crisp "happiness" sentiment.

The final touch is some Old Olive  5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon and a matching button.  TIP:  I added some white thread to the button because I always feel they look a little "naked"  without.   The flower was adhered to the card with some Stampin' Dimensionals for some 3-D action.  All in a flash.

Hugs and Pretties . . . . Mary

Stamp Sets:  None
Paper:  Old Olive Textured, Summer Picnic Designer Series
Ink:  None
Cool Tools:  None
The Perfect Touch:  Die Cut Blooms (Stampin' Up! Occasions Mini 2008), Old Olive 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, Earth Elements Button (Old Olive), Stampin' Dimensionals, Love & Happiness Rub-Ons (Sale-A-Bration), White Thread

Make Way for Monograms

"K" is for  "kindness" and Kris (my adorable niece) and her delightful blog, Kween Bee Kreations.  When she joined Stampin' Up! as a demonstrator last fall, I  had the pleasure of being her upline and mentor.  I'm now beholding to her creativity and flair.  It's wonderful to trade ideas and suggestions with each other.

I recently received Stampin' Up!'s Stitched Background stamp and was itching to give it a ride.  It's both a beautiful design and crisp image.   I used a brayer to get an even image to the corners.  Click here for a brayer tutorial. TIP:  Using Chocolate Chip Craft Ink and Clear Embossing Powder, I heat embossed my way to a textured background.  Soft Sky card stock gives it so much polish.  I clipped the corners with a Ticket Corner Punch and layered it on Very Vanilla and a card base of Chocolate Chip.  The brads in the four corners are from the Hodgepodge Styled Silver Collection (Occasions Mini).

The main image was the "kindness" sentiment from Define Your Life stamp set (which includes a definition for every letter of the alphabet).  Chocolate Chip Craft Ink was again heat embossed.  Using a Stamp-a-ma-jig, I was able to line up the "k" (inked in Creamy Caramel Classic Ink) from Schoolbook Serif Alphabet in the perfect spot. BRIGHT IDEA TIP: I learned a very cool thing.  Once the kindness definition was heat embossed, the "k" (stamped in classic/dye ink) layered beautifully . . . it even pooled neatly off of the embossed text so both images were clean.  Slick.

My trusty Nestabilities die cuts then joined the show.  I used the rectangles set to cut the Very Vanilla layer, emboss (love this feature) and created the scalloped Chocolate Chip mat.  A delectable piece of Chocolate Chip 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon was the finishing touch.

Hugs and Pretties . . . . M

COMING UP:  This week's Splitcoast Color Challenge (Lovely Lilac, Pretty in Pink, Certainly Celery) and the winner of my Paper Potluck I giveaway. 

Stamp Set:  Define Your Life, Schoolbook Serif Alphabet, Stitched Background
Paper:  Soft Sky, Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla
Ink:  Chocolate Chip Craft, Creamy Caramel Classic
Cool Tools:  Brayer, Ticket Corner Punch, Heat Tool, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Nestabilities Rectangles and Cuttlebug
The Perfect Touch:  Clear Embossing Powder, Chocolate Chip 5/8" Grosgrain, Hodgepodge Hardware (Occasions Mini, Styled Silver Brads).

Die-Cuts to Die For

Stampin' Up!'s Die-cut Blooms (Occasions Mini 2008, p. 14) are a quick solution when you need a vibrant, 3-dimensional card with only 10 minutes to spare.  The set includes four 12 x 12 sheets (one each of Old Olive, Bashful Blue, Pumpkin Pie, Real Red) in a range of large and small blossoms and flower centers.  They are simply divine for mix and match and layering.

TIP:  This card qualifies for my Stamping 911 approval (created in 10 minutes or less).  The Die-cut blooms I used coordinate beautifully with Jersey Shore Designer Paper.  I started with a Whisper White base and then added Old Olive textured card stock on the left, orange retro flowers on the right and a striped banner across the middle (both from Jersey Shore Designer Series).  I next slipped in a sentiment, which was cropped out with Stampin' Up!'s Round Tab Punch and inked in Brilliant Blue and Pumpkin Pie (both sentiment and flower from Papertrey Ink). TIP:  I was able to easily bend the acrylic sentiment to work with the curve of the punch.

TIP:  For a little jazz, I grabbed a Paper Piercer and Template and efficiently lined up my Bashful Blue Brads like soldiers at attention.  The flower took less than thirty seconds, merely the result of playing with different sizes and colors and topping it off with a quick punch of polka dots (also Jersey Shore) with a 3/4" Circle Punch.  All so "bloomin'" easy :)

Hugs and Pretties . . . Mary

Stamp Set:  Papertrey Ink Anniversary Set (sentiment) & Little Lady (flower on sentiment)
Paper:  Jersey Shore Designer Series, Old Olive Textured, Whisper White
Ink:  Brilliant Blue, Pumpkin Pie
Cool Tools:  Round Tab Punch, Paper Piercer and Template (Stampin' Up!'s Crafter's Tool Kit), 3/4" Circle Punch
The Perfect Touch:  Die-cut Blooms (Occasions Mini 2008), Soft Subtles Brads (Bashful Blue)

Shabby Chic Thanks

My Occasions Mini marathon of ideas continues . . . On tap today is Afternoon Tea Designer Series Paper (p. 8) and Styled Silver Hodgepodge Hardware (p. 7).  TIP:  Please don't forget that the Occasions Mini expires, June 30).

Afternoon Tea is a wonderful mix of large and small vintage patterns, with a lovely combination of Groovy Guava, Chocolate Chip, Soft Sky and Wild Wasabi.  The Styled Silver Hodgepodge Kit offers 100 embellishments and 100 3/16" brads, all with a fresh, modern feel and thoughtfully sized to coordinate with Stampin' Up! punches.

The main design is from the Kind Thoughts stamp set (Stampin' Up! Spring-Summer Catalog, 2008, p. 119).  Chocolate Chip Craft Ink was hired for the job and stamped on Wild Wasabi card stock.  I next heat embossed the image with clear embossing powder.  TIP:  One of the benefits of the Craft Ink Pads (vs. Classic dye inks) is the ability to heat emboss in color.   I find myself using Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, Whisper White and Very Vanilla Craft Ink Pads by far the most.

The star of the show and today's BRIGHT IDEA is the White Signo Gel Pen.  I touched up the open areas of the design to get a vintage/aged look.  Very easy and produces a pretty substantial impact.   One of the distress tools with the Cutter Kit (a handy little multi-tasker) gave the edges some shabby chic.

"Thanks" is from Fundamental Phrases and was inked and heat embossed identically to the main image.  I used a Stamp-a-ma-jig to position it right where I wanted. For more details, please check out my Stampin-a-ma-jig tutorial.  After cropping with Stampin' Up!'s Small Oval Punch, the image was adhered to the card with Stampin' Dimensionals.  A Styled Silver Hodgepodge label holder works perfectly with the small oval shape.  A couple Styled Silver Brads are the finishing touch.  TIP:  It's much easier to adhere the image where you want first and then add the hardware.

The card base is Wild Wasabi Textured.  Yum.  A floral pattern from Afternoon Tea was matted on Groovy Guava Textured card.  They look luscious together.  The vertical banner is a charming small pattern from Afternoon Tea.  TIP: Large and small patterns really offer a wow factor when combined.  That's what I love about Stampin' Up!'s Designer Paper.  Everything coordinates . . . large and small patterns, delicious colors, so many distinct looks.  A piece of Groovy Guava Double Stitched Ribbon seemed like just the thing for the final chic.

Like this card or have a suggestion?  Please leave me a comment at the end of this post :)

Hugs and Pretties . . . . M

COMING UP:  Die-Cut Blooms to Die For (Occasions Mini, p. 14)

Stamp Sets:  Kind Thoughts, Fundamental Phrases
Paper:  Afternoon Tea (Occasions Mini, P. 8), Wild Wasabi Textured, Wild Wasabi (untextured), Groovy Guava Textured
Cool Tools:  Heat Tool, Small Oval Punch, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Cutter Kit
The Perfect Touch:  Clear Embossing Powder, White Signo Gel Pen, Groovy Guava Double Stitched Ribbon, Hodgepodge Hardware (Styled Silver, Occasions Mini, p. 7)

Stamp Like a Firefighter 2 Day Sale

Now through 7:00 p.m. CST, Wed., April 30, I am exclusively offering 10%  off on all Stampin' Up! storage items shown on p.193 of  the Stampin' Up! Spring/Summer Collection 2008. Yes, I'm one of those guys who not only has a designated spice drawer, but each spice is organized alphabetically.  So when I stamp, I like everything lined up, within my eyesight and ready to go.  It's reminds me of a firefighter with boots, pants and gear perfectly positioned for the next alarm.

Some Red Hot Sale Ideas . . . :

Color Caddy:  I couldn't live without my Color Caddy (pictured here with the extender kit).  Just swirl and see every color at a glance.  The Color Caddy alone accommodates 48 Stampin' Up! ink pads (classic or craft) and 48 refills in the basins on top (or whatever you like to keep close at hand).  The Extender Kit allows for an additional 12 ink pads.  TIP: The Word Window Punch (p. 180 of the catty) makes labeling ink pads by color a snap (among all the other magic this indispensable punch performs).

Stampin' Stack & Store: This little gem is exclusively designed to be used with Stampin' Store containers (which come with Stampin' Up!'s brads, beads, eyelets).  All your little accent jewels are fingertip ready on a turn table  Additional Stampin' Store Containers (item nos. 103649 regular & 103657 for the minis) may be purchased for your non SU items, too. 

Ribbon Keepers:   Stackable storage boxes offer an organized way to store your Stampin' Up! ribbon.  Each package (small, medium or large) includes 2 boxes of the same size and additional items for simple assembly.  The small keepers hold taffeta ribbon (and my gold and silver cord).  The medium hold gingham, double-stitched ribbon and 5/8" grosgrain.  The large keepers hold 1/4" grosgrain ribbon.  So much nicer than sifting through a drawer for the right color.

SAVE NOW . . . before the fire goes out at 7:00 p.m., Wed., April 30!

Hugs and Pretties . . . Firefighter Mary

P.S.   Don't miss all Stampin' Up!'s current and May 1 sales on the right hand side of my blog under "What's on Sale?"

P.S.S. The marker storage X-Cube and 4 drawers below (separate) are Eldon Shelf Savers, available on-line thru Office Depot, Office Max and Staples.

P.S.S.S. The cute little child in pastels is my mother :)

COMING UP . . . . More Mini Occasions magic.  The deadline for ordering from Stampin' Up!'s Occasions Mini Collection 2008 has been extended through June 30.  I'll be demonstrating more delightful (not to mention die cut) stamp sets and luscious ideas over the coming week!

You Had Me at Hello

Colored Cuttles?  Sure.  With a few watercolor crayons and an embossed image, you can doll things up with color.  To kick things off, I used Tempting Turquoise card stock, scored on the side.  I added some paper piercing to the corners.  A layer of Green Galore, embossed with Swiss Dots kicks out a textured banner.

Birds and Swirls dresses up the Whisper White card stock.  Using Stampin' Up!'s Watercolor Wonder Crayons, I added color to the raised images.  TIP:   Concentrate color toward the middle of the larger objects, otherwise you risk going over the edges. TIP:  A blender pen makes moving the color to the edges easy work and provides a watercolored finish.  I cropped out the main image and the two progressively larger Scalloped Circles using Nestabilities Circles.

The "hello" sentiment is from Fundamental Phrases.  I hail this stamps set as the "little black dress" of sentiments.  Pretty much everything you need.  I used Only Orange for the sentiment and popped it out with a Small Oval Punch, followed by a Large Oval Punch in Green Galore.  A couple Green Galore Brads give some polish and Stampin' Dimensionals wrap things up.  "You say 'good bye' and I say 'hello.'"

Hugs and Pretties . . . .Mary

RED HOT! . . . Stampin' Up!'s Mini Occasions catalog has been extended through June! 

Stamp Sets:  Fundamental Phrases
Paper:  Tempting Turquoise, Green Galore, Gable Green
Ink:  Only Orange
Cool Tools:  Large and Small Oval Punches, Paper Piercer and Template (Crafter's Tool Kit), Cuttlebug, Nestabilities Circles
The Perfect Touch:  Green Galore Brads (Bold Brights), Blender Pen, Watercolor Wonder Crayons (Bold Brights), Stampin' Dimensionals, Cuttlebug Embossing Folders (Swiss Dots, Birds and Swirls)

Background Check

Today's post tackles a couple of challenges.  This week's Splitcoast Color Challenge (CC163) requires the use of Chocolate Chip, Certainly Celery and Pretty in Pink.  I combined those colors with the Ways to Use It Challenge (WT163) Snip, Snip, posted yesterday.  It requires the use of scissors in decorative or unique ways.

The card base is Certainly Celery.  TIP: To create custom background paper, I colored in the dots of a piece of Chocolate Chip polka dot patterned paper with a Certainly Celery Marker.  Thirty seconds to Voilá!  I then layered it over Pretty in Pink card stock that was reshaped with a pair of scalloped scissors.  For an added touch, I placed a Certainly Celery Brad on each "hump."

The main image was created using the sweet "thank you" flower from the For a Friend Hostess Level I stamp set. TIP:   I used  3 different colored markers directly to the rubber to make it a tri-colored image and stamped it on Whisper White   TIP:   I added a few warm huffs of breath to ensure the ink was evenly moist). 

The flower portion was stamped a second time (again inking in Pretty in Pink but using pink card stock).  With the assistance of my Stampin' Up! Paper Snips, I was able to maneuver around my tiny flower buddy and pop in a celery Rhinestone Circle Brad.

I'm still introducing myself to the rectangle Nestabilities (click here for how to get a 40% off coupon).  I'm convinced they are nothing short of divine.  I first cropped the flower image with a plain rectangle.  TIP:  Using Certainly Celery Textured card stock, I created an easy frame.  I cropped out the middle square using a "nestie" slightly smaller than my flower rectangle (for overlap).  I then lined up a larger scallop rectangle around the opening and cut again.  Frame-a-licious.  I felt it simply had to be popped up on Stampin' Dimensionals.

The final touch required a piece of silky, sexy Pretty in Pink Taffeta Ribbon and a cool bow tying technique featured at All Inked Up (a welcome tip I received from one of my virtual stamping pals, Monica). If you are bow and ribbon "challenged" like me, don't miss this amazing Stay Put Bow video tutorial.

Hugs and Pretties . . . . M

P.S.  Here's a quick link to the tutorial on the matching envelope.

Stamp Set:  For a Friend (Hostess Level I)
Paper:  Au Chocolat Designer Series, Certainly Celery, Certainly Celery Textured, Pretty in Pink, Whisper White
Ink:  Stampin' Write Markers:  Certainly Celery, Pretty in PInk, Chocolate Chip
Cool Tools:  Crop-A-Dile, Stampin' Up!'s Paper Snips, Provocraft Decorative Scissors, Nestabilities Rectangles
The Perfect Touch:  Pretty in Pink Taffeta Ribbon, Soft Subtles Brads (Certainly Celery), Stampin' Dimensionals, Rhinestone Circle Brad (Ice)

The Envelope, Please

I adore the look of a handcrafted card with a coordinating envelope (stay tuned for the matching card). TIP:  Using some Au Chocolate polka dot designer series paper (retired, but any polka dot pattern will do) and a Pretty in Pink Stampin' Up! marker to color in the ivory dots, I created a custom pink and brown envelope flap.

The designer paper was adhered to the flap and then flipped over to expose the leftover paper.  Using a Stampin' Up! hobby blade and cutting mat (click for sale starting May 1), I cut off the excess.    I added a  Pretty in Pink flower from the Big Pieces stamp set to Whisper White card stock. TIP:  I cropped it with a 1 1/4" Circle Punch and matted it on a 1 3/8" Pretty in Pink circle for a "crafty" envelope seal.

Hugs and Pretties . . . Mary

Stamp Set:  Big Pieces
Paper:  Whisper White, Pretty in Pink, Au Chocolat Designer Series Paper, Whisper White Envelope
Ink:  Pretty in Pink Marker and Ink Pad
Cool Tools:  Sanding Blocks (to scuff unused flower stamp), 1 1/4" and 1 3/8" Circle Punches, Cutting Mat and Hobby Blade

Big Kid on the Block

Have you ever stamped a solid image and it looked a bit uneven or splotchy?  Often it's caused by new rubber.  Here's a simple TIP on how to get your solid images to stamp their best from the very start.  Gently scuff your stamp rubber with a sanding block. 

I did a quick before and after of a stamp that had never been used (right) and then scuffed with a sanding block and re-stamped.  Got it?

TIP:  Sanding blocks act like magic erasers for quick clean-up of a rough edge, too.  I had a tiny imperfection on a punched circle which cleaned up neatly with a little friction from the blocks.  TIP: Stampin' Up! offers 2 blocks for $3.50, an inexpensive and versatile craft investment.

Hugs and Pretties, M

COMING UP . . .
"The Envelope Please"  is a quick demonstration on how to jazz up your envelopes with designer paper.
"Background Check" puts it all together with today's card creation and and this week's Splitcoast Color Challenge.