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

Fall/Winter Sneak Peek: New Scallop Edge Punch

It's day three of my Sneak Peek Mini Marathon and I'm simply pumped to show you what I believe will be the "it" tool of the Stampin' Up!'s Fall/Winter Catalog (available Aug. 11).  The new Scallop Edge Punch ($15.95) is a precise and easy way to create scalloped edges and shapes in a snap.  No need to develop one scallop at a time with a Corner Rounder Punch (as I have done and posted about for months).

Here's a basic photo tutorial on creating the border for today's card.  However, take note.  This little powerhouse offers endless possibilites for scalloped squares, rectangles and more.

Insert card stock and line it up against the groove.

Punch and slide card stock either left or right, lining up your newly created scallops with the scallops on the punch.

Punch and line up until you're done . . . Got it?  Is that sooooo easy?

Are you smiling yet?

The card base is Pink Pirouette (4.25 x 5.5).  All designer series paper used is from the Fall/Winter Level 3 Holiday Happenings Hostess Level III Bundle (plus it includes four Seasonal Icons stamps and Seasonal
Sayings rub-ons in Chocolate Chip and White). 

The sentiment is from the new Fall/Winter release, Heard from the Heart, four long and beautiful stamps.  Great possibilities for using markers to isolate or create multi-colored images.  It's inked in Baja Breeze and stamped on Whisper White.  A Dew Drop (the Cowboy Collection) gives a little extra pizzazz.  Chocolate Chip and Kiwi Kiss is layered below. 

The scalloped edge is in Baja Breeze card stock and I slipped in a layer of Chocolate Chip card stock between the flower paper and the Baja.  The last snippet is a matching piece of Holiday Happenings Designer Series paper, shaped with my Photo Corners Punch and topped with some Robin's nest Dew Drops.

Please leave me a comment on what you think of the new stuff.  I appreciate the feedback!

Hugs and Pretties . . . Mary

Stamp Sets:  Heard from the Heart
Paper:  Holiday Happenings Designer Series Paper, Pink Pirouette, Kiwi Kiss, Baja Breeze, Chocolate Chip
Ink:  Baja Breeze
Cool Tools:  Scallop Edge Punch, Photo Corners Punch
The Perfect Touch:  Dew Drops (Cowboy)

COMING UP TOMORROW:  SNEAK PEEK #4

Stampin' Pretty Butterflies

It's a blast to be back stamping after a few days of vacation.  There's so much I want to try (new techniques, layouts, color combos).  Plus, I plan to be posting sneak peeks of Stampin' Up!'s new Fall/Winter stamps sets as soon as my demonstrator order arrives.  Stay tuned!

Today's card combines some fun colors I saw working together in a home decor book.  I chose Soft Sky, YoYo Yellow and Going Gray ink for each of the butterflies from Stampin' Up!'s Kind Thoughts stamp set.  It looked a tad bare, so I added the two small flowers in Going Gray.  Alignment of these guys could never have been accomplished without a Stamp-a-ma-jig.  Click here for my Stamp-a-ma-jig tutorial.

I then clipped the corners with a Ticket Corner Punch and adhered it, using Stampin' Dimensionals, to some Textured Soft Sky card stock.  A yellow micro brad dots each corner.  The YoYo Yellow mat is pierced using a Paper Piercer and Template.

I whipped some Whisper White through my Cuttlebug using the Birds and Swirls Embossing Folder.  TIP:  White or Vanilla look very chic when embossed.  It's layered on YoYo Yellow and a Textured Going Gray card base (4.25" x 11"-- scored at the top, 5.5"). 

The sentiment was inked in Going Gray and stamped on Whisper White.  A couple more yellow micro brads pump things up along with a base of Soft Sky Textured card stock. TIP:  I adhered the sentiment taking care to expose the embossed bird in the bottom left corner for a little charm.

Hugs and Pretties . . . Mary

Stamp Set:  Kind Thoughts
Paper:  Going Gray Textured, YoYo Yellow, Soft Sky Textured, Whisper White
Ink:  Going Gray, YoYo Yellow, Soft Sky
Cool Tools:  Ticket Corner Punch, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Paper Piercer and Template (Stampin' Up!'s Crafter's Tool Kit), Cuttlebug
The Perfect Touch:  Stampin' Dimensionals, Cuttlebug Birds and Swirls Embossing Folder, Yellow Micro Brads

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

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)

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)

Background Check Part 2: Background Stamps

I'm a pushover for pretty patterned paper.  However, it's so simple to create your own custom versions that I thought I would share some more tips and ideas in this post and in the coming days.  Please see Background Check (Part I) for other custom background paper ideas.  All photos may be clicked for a closer peek.

A background stamp should be flipped on it's "back," rubber side up.  Think of a turtle.  Next, ink it up thoroughly. 

Place card stock directly onto inked stamp, carefully aligning it.  If you move it on the stamp, the image will smear.  Lay a piece of scratch paper on top of the card stock.  TIP:  For uniform inking, use a Brayer (Stampin' Up! Spring/Summer Collection, p. 185) to roll over the entire stamp, making sure to keep one hand holding the paper and card stock steady on the background stamp.

TIP:  I always use a larger piece of card stock than I need and do my cutting later in case there are any imperfections (which is exactly what happened to me on the right hand side as I was trying to hold everything in place and take the photo at the same time--always rather humorous for my family to witness this balancing act). 

Here's the finished project!

Hugs and Pretties . . . .M

Stamps:  Polka Dot Background
Paper:  So Saffron
Ink:  Basic Black
Cool Tools:  Brayer

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

My Dear Friend Nestabilities

I finally caved (and saved). . . I started my collection of Nestabilities die cuts.    TIP:  Marcy at Cut @ Home offers a monthly VIP coupon of 40% off, so I ordered the circles on March 31 (with the March coupon) and the rectangles on April 1 (ditto the next month's coupon).  I have every intention of picking up the ovals option on May 1 (with the May coupon). 

I'm such a punching die hard and the option to have so many die cuts to run through my Cuttlebug (all layering beautifully), plus embossing, I just couldn't resist any longer. 

I put them to the test with today's post and they were both fun and easy to use.  Beautiful, clean cuts.  The "Kind Friend" sentiment was inked in Ruby Red and stamped on Ginger Blossom Designer Paper.  TIP:  There's no rule you have to stamp on plain paper.  Stamped images over patterns are delightful.  Nestabilities were used to create the sentiment square, emboss the sentiment square (although it's pretty soft, I'll make an adjustment next time), crop the Groovy Guava Textured card stock square and master the final scalloped rectangle layer in Ruby Red.

The card base is Very Vanilla with the River Rock polka dot pattern from Ginger Blossoms (matching the sentiment paper). TIP:  For three quick and easy flowers, Stampin' Up!'s Boho Flowers Punch pops out six beauties, all married up double time with a brad.  I used Groovy Guava and Ruby Red textured card stock for a delicious, rich texture. No stamping necessary.   A Ruby Red striped pattern from Ginger Blossoms provides a lovely backdrop.

Hugs and Pretty Nestabilities . . . . M

Stamp Set:  All Holidays
Paper:  Ginger Blossom Designer Series, Ruby Red Card Stock, Ruby Red Textured, Groovy Guava Textured, Very Vanilla
Ink:  Ruby Red
Cool Tools:  Boho Blossoms Punch, Nestabilities Rectangles, Polymer Mat for Embossing
The Perfect Touch:  Hodgepodge Hardware (Brads, Pewter)

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

Scallops for Sweet Caroline

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

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

Remove the bottom "brace" of the punch.

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



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



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

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

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



 

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

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

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

2 Days to Sale-A-Bration. . . . Yeah, Baby!

Just two more days until one of Stampin' Up!'s best promotions of the year--Sale-A-Bration.  For every $50 you spend on Stampin' Up!'s merchandise, you earn exclusive Sale-A-Bration stamp sets FREE.  Plus, I'm still personally offering FREE SHIPPING (a 10% savings)!  You'll love the stamp choices (even rub-on's which are hot, hot, hot this year).  The sale begins Feb. 1 and ends March 17.  I'll have it on my Stampin' Pretty blog below the Stampin' Up! Spring Summer catalog as soon as it's available on-line on Feb. 1!  Be sure to check back and stock up. 

Today's "Yeah, Baby" project highlights Sale-A-Bration's "So Many Scallops."  My daughter's former pre-school teacher just gave birth to boy number three so it gave me a great excuse to use my So Many Scallops "sweet one" stamp.  The set of 4 super cool stamps work perfectly with Stampin' Up!'s Scalloped Circle Punch for instant pizzazz.    I stamped it three times--Basic Gray then Yo Yo Yellow on Whisper White card stock and finally Basic Gray on Going Gray Cardstock.  I cut out the moon and sentiment and added them to the original image. 

The background is a Whisper White card base with layers of Yo Yo Yellow and Basic Gray, which I ran through my beloved Cuttlebug.  My "bug" adds so much texture to the simplest of cards.  I then stamped Little Pieces on Yo Yo Yellow card stock and popped them out with a 1/2" Circle Punch and elevatedthem up with Stampin' Dimensionals.  They blend in easily with the dotted texture from the embossing folder.

The banner begins with Going Gray and Yo Yo layered on top.  Itty Bitty Backgrounds were added to Basic Gray card stock and formed the word "baby" after a 4 runs with my Cuttlebug Red Tag Sale die cut alphabet.   The star punched Yo Yo star combined with one of the "Little Pieces" makes the "y" say "yeah, baby" and balances the sentiment on the opposite side.  I added a snipped of white grosgrain at the top for softness (it's a baby card, afterall).

Hugs and Pretties . . . . Mary   

Stamp Sets:  So Many Scallops (Sale-A-Bration, 111409), Itty Bitty Backgrounds (101893), Little Pieces (105063)
Paper:  Whisper White (100730), Yo Yo Yellow (102824), Basic Gray (108692), Going Gray (108588)
Ink:  Basic Gray (109120), Yo Yo Yellow (102717)
Cool Tools:  Cuttlebug, Scallop Circle Punch (109043), 1/2" Circle Punch (104390), Star Punch (109045)
Perfect Touches:  Cuttlebug Embossing Folder Spots & Dots, Cuttlebug Red Tag Sale Alphabet, Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Non SU White Grosgrain

Inspiration:  Splitcoast Color Challenge CC151, Sketch Challenge SK161

Stamping Hellos

I received a pretty card (see below) from a dear friend that inspired me in choosing the colors and style of today's project. The card base is Chocolate Chip which I stamped in Versamark and heat embossed with Stampin' Up!'s heat tool (a very cool tool, indeed) and clear embossing powder.  As a matter of fact, this entire card is decorated quite simply with Versamark, embossing powders and my handy heat tool.  No "real" ink at all. 

The band is a combination of So Saffron ribbon layered over Very Vanilla.  I stamped Tempting Turquoise, Very Vanilla and So Saffron card stock in various "Time Well Spent" stamps dabbed in Versamark and embossed in gold.  I then snipped everything out and played (and played) around with placement.  

The sentiment is from "Lots of Thoughts," soon to be found in the upcoming Sale-A-Bration brochure (Feb. 1 thru March 17).   It, too, got the heat embossing "treatment" using gold embossing powder.  However, I opted for the Versamark marker so that I could isolate just the words "Happy Hellos" from the stamp.   Nifty.  I then used my large and small square punches and thought the butterfly should land nearby.

The small saffron flowers are layered with Stampin' Dimensionals over the large turquoise flowers.  An SU rhinestone brad is added to each for some sparkle power.

Hugs and Pretties . . . Mary

Stamp Sets:  Time Well Spent (Hostess, 111054), Lots of Thoughts (Sale-A-Bration 2008, 111405)
Paper:  Chocolate Chip (102128), Tempting Turquoise (102067), So Saffron (105118), Very Vanilla (101650)
Ink:  Versamark Pad (102283) and Marker (100901)
Cool Tools:  Heat Tool (100005), 1 3/8" (103375)and 1 1/4" (104400) Square Punches
Perfect Touches:  Gold (109129) and Clear Embossing Powders (109130), Rhinestone Brads (Ice, 109111), Ribbons Originals Sherbet (109184), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

My Inspiration: 

The Learning Curve

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

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

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

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

Perfect Layers: Get in the Groove

I can't tell you how many times I have created a precise mat on three sides.  Unfortunately, the fourth side fails to cooperate.  Since I continuously aim for cards that don't look like something from my daughter's "special box" from the first grade, I purchased Stampin' Up!'s Perfects Layers as a quick and easy way to create accurate mats.  I'm now a devotee and will never go back to the frustration of shaving off that tiny little extra piece on just one side followed by the need to shave off a teensy bit more on another side to get it re-balanced--and often the whole mess landing in the trashcan.

Perfect Layers Defined

• Two clear molded rulers with embedded stainless steel edge strips.
• 8 different mat measurements.  1/16, 1/8, 3/16, 1/4, 5/16, 3/8, 1/2 and 5/8".
• Grooves to hold the top mat in place for each coordinating width.
• Works great with Stampin' Up! self-healing cutting mat and hobby blade.
• Beautiful for matting photos, too.

To get started, cut your first layer to any dimensions you want and stamp your image.  Adhere your first layer to a second piece of cardstock.  It does not need to be straight or centered.  I purposely positioned my mat off center so you can see how Perfect Layers ultimately cleans things up.  Choose the mat width you desire (I used 1/8") and find that width marked on one of your two Perfect Layers rulers. Important:  Your width mark must be face up when you cut .  Don't worry if the Stampin' Up! logo is face down.  It often will be depending on the width you're using, since there are widths marked on both sides of each ruler.  Line the ruler up with the top mat, so that it fits into the groove.  I recommend you wait to add any embellishments (brads, dimensionals, even paper piercing) so that the ruler and mats can remain flat and the top layer will fit snugly in the groove.   I learned this the hard way.  Hold the ruler in place and using your hobby knife and cutting mat, trim the excess.  Do this on the three remaining sides.  You can adhere a 3rd mat and repeat the process.   After finishing my 3rd mat (and for the purposes of this demonstration), I decided to change the mat size to 1/16" on my bottom mat. It was easy to quickly and accurately re-trim on all four sides.  Try doing that with a paper cutter!

Here's what I used to create this project:

Stamps:  Brocade Basics
Paper:  Whisper White, Chocolate Chip, Purely Pomegranate Textured
Ink:  Basic Brown, Purely Pomegranate, Versamark
Tools:  Perfect Layers, Cutter Kit (distressing edges), Stamp-a-ma-jig, Ticket Corner Punch, Heat Tool
Perfect Touches:  White Embossing Powder, Rhinestones (non SU), Stampin' Dimensionals