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

Fall/Winter Sneak Peek: Heard From The Heart

It's Day Five of my Stampin' Up! Fall/Winter Sneak Peek Mini Marathon.  I have added a "SU Fall/Winter" category on my left sidebar so you can easily look up sneak peeks and future ideas efficiently.  I have a lot more to share between now and the Aug. 11 release date (including a bonus sneak peek tomorrow).

On stage today is the new sentiment stamp set Heard from the Heart (4 stamps, available Aug. 11).  I combined Splitcoast Inspiration Challenge IC136 Cupcakes Wedding Cakes and Ways to Use WT174 Mini Madness (by using micro brads as my cupcake confetti).  All daily SCS challenges are listed on my right sidebar so have some fun and play along.

I simply love the way the new In Colors Tangerine Tango and Baja Breeze look together.  Serious zowie factor!  I stamped each cupcake (one of seven cool stamp  "accessories"  from the Sock Monkey set) in Close to Cocoa on Whisper White card stock.  Each cupcake is popped out using a 1 1/4" Circle Punch,  topped on a 1 3/8" Circle of Close to Cocoa and ultimately land on a Scalloped Circle of Baja Breeze. 

TIP:  The delicious "confetti" was added using micro brads.   They are miraculously close (if not exact) in color to Tangerine Tango and Pacific Point (the darker blue).  I ordered them on-line from Just Brads (the Tropical Collection).  $3 for 100 of these miniature cuties . . . lovely little bargain so I ordered in every color :)

The banner began with the "wishes" sentiment from Heard from the Heart, dipped in Close to Cocoa ink and stamped on Whisper White.  TIP:  I layered it on on Pacific Point card stock to make the blue cupcake "confetti" pop.  Using the new Scallop Edge Punch, the scalloped layer was simple and quick.  Here is a tutorial on the Scallop Edge Punch from a previous post.  I felt the sides were a tad "naked" so I slipped in a strip of Tangerine Tango card stock. TIP:  Strips of card stock, layered or otherwise, can replicate the look of ribbon (or make beautiful card making "music" in the case of the "Tango"-hah)!

The Tangerine Tango background danced through the Cuttlebug with the D'vine Swirls Embossing folder.  All parts were assembled and adhered to a Whisper White (4.25 x 5.5) card base as the final step.

I would love to hear what you think about the sneak peek products.  Please drop me a quick comment!

COMING UP THIS WEEK:  Two delightful Stampin' Up! Fall/Winter hostess stamp sets:  Fall Flair and Window Dressing

Hugs and Pretties . . . . Mary

Stamp Sets:  Heard from the Heart, Sock Monkey
Paper:  Tangerine Tango, Baja Breeze, Pacific Point, Close to Cocoa, Whisper White
Ink:  Close to Cocoa
Cool Tools:  Punch Bunch--1 1/4" Circle, 1 3/8" Circle, Scallop Circle Punch, Scallop Edge Punch, Cuttlebug, D-Vine Swirl Embossing Folder
The Perfect Touch:  Micro Brads

Stampin' Up! Occasions Mini Expires 6/30!

Last chance means you still have an opportunity through June 30 to order from the Stampin' Up! Occasions Mini catalog.  Love the Styled Silver Hodgepodge Hardware on p. 7?  How about Essence of Love on p. 18?  Need to stock up on Afternoon Tea Designer Paper on p. 8?   Whatever you have been contemplating, don't let these last few days disappear along with some limited edition products (you never know what Stampin' Up! will or won't continue in the fall/winter catalog).

Today's post illustrates some of my favorite Occasions Mini products . . . the Time for You stamp set (p. 13, I can never decide which I enjoy more . . . the bicycle or the bench) and Summer Picnic Paper (p. 16).  My INKSPIRATION comes from Today's Splitcoast Limited Supplies Challenge (LSC174) . . . adding brads to the main image and no other embellishments.  The sketch  challenge comes from the creative mind of Taylor VanBruggen.

Things began with the bicycle image, inked in Basic Black and stamped on Whisper White.  Using Stampin' Up! Markers, I colored in various bicycle parts and the sweet flowers.  Bashful Blue brads were added to the wheels.  The frame was created using Summer Picnic Designer Series paper shaped up with Nestabilities Rectangles and a Cuttlebug. 

A stripe pattern from Summer Picnic Designer Series is layered on Old Olive card stock.  I inadvertently grabbed the retired Corner Rounder Punch which is a little wider but the current 3/16" version works, too.   Here's my tutorial on how to create a scalloped border with a Corner Rounder Punch.  Since I was limited to brads as embellishments in the Limited Supplies Challenge, I added a row of Pumpkin Pie brads for some jazz.  TIP:  I used a Paper Piercer and Template to help with spacing and alignment of the brads. 

The bottom banner is a subtle green stripe of Summer Picnic paper.  "Delightful" is from It's All Good and is stamped in Pumpkin Pie in Whisper White.  Here's my tutorial on how to season solid stamps like this one to get even ink coverage.  I then popped out the sentiment with a 1" Circle Punch and attached it with several Stampin' Dimensionals to a 1 1/4" Circle Punch of Old Olive card stock.

Hugs and Pretties and Have a "Delightful" Weekend . . . Mary

Stamp Set:  Time for You (Stampin' Up! Occasions Mini Catalog), It's All Good
Paper:  Summer Picnic Designer Series (Stampin' Up! Occasions Mini Catalog), Whisper White, Old Olive
Ink:  Pumpkin Pie, Basic Black, Stampin' Up! Markers:  Old Olive, Bashful Blue, Pumpkin Pie
Cool Tools:  1" and 1 1/4" Circle Punches, Corner Rounder Punch (the wider version, retired), Paper Piercer and Template (Crafter's Tool Kit), Nestabilities Rectangles and Cuttlebug
The Perfect Touch:  Soft Subtles Brads (Bashful Blue), Earth Elements Brads (Pumpkin Pie), Stampin' Dimensionals

Fresh Cut Flowers

 

Ever get a little stamper's block?  We all do and I discovered using a sketch or color challenge can relieve the stress and get the wheels turning.  Today's card was inspired by three challenges:  SCS Color Challenge CC172 (Wild Wasabi, White, Taken With Teal), SCS Technique Lover's Challenge ("Hitting the Bottle" TLC174) and Poetic Artistry's Mojo Monday Sketch Challenge #43. 

I began with an 4.25 x 11" white card base, scored at the top (5.5").  Using a Cuttlebug, I added some Cuttlebug embossing to Whisper White card stock and adhered it to the top half and added a fun Wild Wasabi polka dot Designer Series paper (Hostess Level I Prints Pack) at the bottom.

The block stamp from Fresh Cuts was inked in Wild Wasabi and stamped on Whisper White.  NOTE:  The Fresh Cuts Special expires on Monday, June 30.  I clipped out the image using Nestabilities Ovals (also the Wild Wasabi and scalloped Taken with Teal layers below).  TIP:  Before adhering the floral image, I lightly scraped the edges on my Wild Wasabi ink pad to create some extra dimension.  Some touches of Taken with Teal ink applied with an Aqua Painter, provide a watercolor effect.  TIP:  I don't use reinkers, so I just squeezed a Taken with Teal ink pad to create a little pool of ink on the inside of the lid, the perfect amount for watercoloring with the Aqua Painter.

The square below the oval image consists of layers of the same colors.  I snapped out the corners on the white layer with a Ticket Corner Punch.  The horizontal banner begins with Taken with Teal, jazzed up with a Corner Rounder Punch to create a scalloped border.  Tutorial here.  Wasabi Textured card stock and a snippet of Whisper White 1/4" Grosgrain create some snazz-ma-tazz.

The final touches were a white rub-on sentiment (Sale-A-Bration Love and Happiness, retired) and a sparkling row of Circle Rhinestone Brads from the Ice Collection.

Hugs & Pretties . . . .M

P.S. Don't miss out.  The following Stampin' Up! specials expire June 30.  Fresh Cuts, Hostess Bonus, Escape Bundle, Stampin' Up Occasions Mini Collection

Stamp Set:  Fresh Cuts
Paper:  Whisper White, Taken with Teal, Wild Wasabi Textured, Wild Wasabi Designer Series (Hostess Level I)
Ink:  Wild Wasabi, Taken with Teal
Cool Tools:  Ticket Corner Punch, Corner Rounder Punch, Aqua Painter, Nestabilities Ovals, Cuttlebug, Cuttlebug Stylized Flowers Embossing Folder
The Perfect Touch:  Circle Rhinestone Brads (Ice), Love and Happiness Rub-ons, Whisper White 1/4" Grosgrain

Ginger Blossom Thank You

Please don't forget that all Stampin' Up!'s current Hostess Sets (pp. 18-26 Stampin' Up! Spring-Summer Catalog) will be retiring Aug. 10, the day before the big release of the new Fall-Winter catalog (Aug. 11).  No need to do a workshop or make a single brownie.  Just throw yourself a little party (or team up with a friend or two) to hit the qualifying purchases, and reap the benefits of free stamp sets and hostess rewards--plus I personally offer free shipping with on-line product orders over $99.  Better yet, Stampin' Up! is offering a June hostess bonus.

"For a Friend" has been by far the most popular Hostess set among my customers.  The six stamps are fresh, simple and versatile (thank you, baby, birthday, friend).  I began today's card by stamping the "thank you" flower in Ruby Red on Very Vanilla card stock.  It was die cut and embossed using Nestabilities Rectangles. Ruby Red card stock and a scalloped rectangle of Groovy Guava follow (both cut with Nestabilities Rectangles).  TIP:  I added the Circle Rhinestone Brad after adding the layers, to bury the little legs of the brad.

Today's sketch follows the rules of Splitcoast Sketch Challenge SC180.  See sketch below.  Beneath my main image, I layered a square of Ruby Red over River Rock card stock.  Ruby Red receives delicious texture using a Cuttlebug and the D'vine Swirls embossing folder.

The card front is Ruby Red, 4.25 x 5.5 and scored at the top.  Stampin' Up!'s Ginger Blossoms Designer Series Paper offers this adorable floral pattern and a layer of River Rock gets sandwiched in between.  The Perfect Touches are three Circle Rhinestone Brads, lined up using a Paper Piercer and Template, and a snippet of Groovy Guava Double Stitched Ribbon.  TIP:  For those of you who are ribbon "challenged" (like me), be sure to check out this Stay Put Bow video.  It makes using ribbon a pleasure.

Hugs and Pretties . . . . Mary

Stamp Set:  For a Friend (Hostess Level I)
Paper:  Ginger Blossoms Designer Series, Ruby Red, River Rock, Groovy Guava, Very Vanilla
Ink:  Ruby Red
Cool Tools:  Paper Piercer and Template (Stampin' Up! Crafter's Tool Kit), Nestabilities Rectangles, Cuttlebug
The Perfect Touch:  Circle Rhinestone Brads (Fire Collection), Groovy Guava Double Stitched Ribbon, Cuttlebug D'vine Swirls Embossing Folder

TIP:  For a complete list of Stampin' Up!'s Retiring Stamps, please see my right side bar.

Kind Embrace

This is a doozie of a bow . . . however, just what the doctor ordered to play along with Limited Supplies Splitcoast Challenge "Get Knotty" (LSC172).  I also tapped into the Splitcoast Color Challenge (CC170), using So Saffron, Real Red and Regal Rose.  TIP:  All Splitcoast Daily Challenges are listed on my right side bar.  Using minimal layers and embellishments, this card looks pretty swanky.

The card base (4.25 x 5.5) is Real Red and all four corners (front and back) are cropped with a Corner Rounder Punch.  I then layered a Real Red Designer Series stripe (exclusively available as a Hostess Level I Prints Pack) on top, again clipping the corners.

The main image from Kind Thoughts is stamped with Real Red ink on Whisper White card stock (also punched on the corners).  Using Regal Rose and So Saffron Stampin' Up! Markers, I colored the line image, giving it an entirely different, fresh look.  TIP:  Using a Stamp-a-ma-jig (tutorial here) for perfect placement, I added the "embrace life" sentiment in Basic Black directly on the same layer.

Rich Regals Brads (Regal Rose) jazz up the top right corner.  TIP:  A Paper Piercer and Template make quick work out of lining brads up neatly.   The PERFECT TOUCH is obviously this monster So Saffron bow, an ambitious accent but fun contrast to the simplicity.  The ribbon is from Stampin' Up!'s Ribbon Originals Sherbet Collection.

COMING UP THIS WEEK:  Blog Candy Giveaway (and candy box tutorial) and "What do you want to see in the new Stampin' Up! Fall/Winter Catalog?"

Hugs and Pretties . . . . Mary

Stamp Sets:  Kind Thoughts, Embrace Life
Paper:  Real Red, Real Red Designer Series Paper (exclusively available as Hostess Level I Prints Pack), Whisper White
Ink:  Real Red, Basic Black, Regal Rose Stampin' Up! Marker, So Saffron Stampin' Up! Marker
Cool Tools:  Paper Piercer and Template (Crafter's Tool Kit), Corner Rounder Punch, Stamp-a-ma-jig
The Perfect Touch:  Ribbon Originals Sherbet, Rich Regals 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

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

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

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

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)

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

Stampin' Pretty Pastels

Spring pastels were the focus of this week's Splitcoast Stampers Color Challenge (CC165).  Lovely Lilac, Certainly Celery and Pretty in Pink had their chance to bloom in the form of the Simply Said stamp set.  Pink Bead centers were the perfect touch to get spring popping.  Note:  The Lovely Lilac color looks far more blue in this photo than in real life.  It's actually more purple. 

The Simply Said stems image was inked in Always Artichoke and stamped on Whisper White.  The petals were colored in with a Lovely Lilac Marker.  TIP:  For the bead centers, I placed a small drop of glue on the flower center and used my paper piercer (with bead "impaled") to carefully slide the bead off and onto the glue.  It's a good idea to hold it for a second or two for good adherence.  The sentiment from Simply Said was added in Always Artichoke.

The flower image was layered on Lovely Lilac Textured card stock, with vellum below. TIP: Using a Signo White Gel Pen, I added a dotted border to the vellum.  A simple and sophisticated touch.  Pretty in Pink Taffeta Ribbon pulls the look together

Using a Boho Blossoms Punch, I snapped out pink and celery flowers, layered them on 1 1/4" circle of Lovely Lilac and married them up with a celery brad.  TIP:  Everything gets a lift with some Stampin' Dimensionals below.

The base consists of Pretty in Pink Designer Series Paper (only exclusively as a Hostess Level I Prints Pack) and Certainly Celery Textured Card Stock layered over Whisper White and a card base of textured Lovely Lilac.

Let me know what you think.  Please drop me a comment at the end of this post.

Further Inkspiration:  The layout is from Julee at Poetic Artistry,  Mojo Monday Sketch Challenge #36

Stamp Sets:  Simply Said
Paper:  Lovely Lilac Textured, Certainly Celery Textured, Pretty in Pink Designer Series (Hostess Level I, Prints Pack), Whisper White, Vellum
Ink:  Always Artichoke, Lovely Lilac Marker
Cool Tools:  Boho Blossoms Punch, 1 1/4" Circle Punch
The Perfect Touch:  Bead Duos (Pink), Soft Subtles Brads (Certainly Celery), Signo White Gel Pen, Pretty in Pink Taffeta Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals

Stamp-a-ma-jig Tutorial

Love seeing where you are stamping?  Clear stamps certainly offer this advantage over rubber (I own and love many clear stamp sets).  However, Stampin' Up!'s Stamp-a-ma-jig (Spring/Summer Collection, p. 184) gives you a window to perfect stamping.  Additionally, it holds your stamping block steady, eliminating the risk of an unsteady hand, which can happen even with my acrylic pals.  Note:  All images in this tutorial may be clicked for a closer look.

The first step to befriending your Stamp-a-ma-jig (also known as "SAMJ") is to tuck the clear sheet tightly into it's corner groove (left and right option available).  TIP:  The coarse side of the sheet is for Craft inks and the smooth side is for Classic or dye inks.  I used the smooth side with classic ink and stamped my tulip, sliding it down and fitting it into the corner of the SAMJ.  TIP:  Choosing a dark color (even if you ultimately plan to use a lighter one) for stamping on the sheet helps ensure you'll see the image easily when aligning your images.

Next, line up the tulip where you would like it on your card stock.  For this card, I'm only aligning from top to bottom.  I cut off the excess card stock in the width when I was done.

Once you determine placement of the tulip, the SAMJ is fit against the corner of the plastic sheet.  The bottom grips nicely for steady positioning.

 
Holding the SAMJ in place, remove the sheet and slide your inked stamp down and against the corner.   Repeat for additional images, each time moving the sheet/image where you want it.  It's quite easy once you get the hang of it and oh, so divine for steady, eddy alignment.  With a So Saffron marker, I accented some details on the tulips.  The tulip images were matted on So Saffron and Basic Black card stock.

I grabbed Stampin' Up!'s Polka Dot Background stamp and using a brayer made my So Saffron card stock polka dot-a-licious.  Here's a photo tutorial on using a brayer for uniform inking of background stamps.  I assembled the polka dot layer on Basic Black card stock and a 4.25 x 5.5 Whisper White card base.

The focus of the banner is a delicious piece of So Saffron ribbon from the Ribbon Originals Sherbet collection.  It's matted on Basic Black card stock and a piece of black gingham ribbon gives it some polish.

The sentiment is from Sale-A-Bration's Lots of Thoughts set.  It's inked in Basic Black and stamped on Whisper White.  I used a few Stampin' Dimensionals for a 3-D effect before adhering it to a square of Basic Black.  I used 1 1/4" and 1 3/8" square punches for neatly matted layers.

TIP:  The perfect touch to any handmade card is your personalization.  Stampin' Up! offers a variety of decorative stamps that you can customize with simply your name or address, too.  Check out page 160 of the Spring/Summer Collection for the possibilities.

Hugs and Pretties . . . .Mary

Stamp Sets:  Lots of Thoughts, Time Well Spent (Hostess Level III), Polka Dot Background, On a Whim (personalized stamp)
Paper:  Whisper White, Basic Black, So Saffron
Ink:  Basic Black, So Saffron Marker
Cool Tools:  1 1/4 and 1 3/8" Square Punches, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Brayer
The Perfect Touch: Ribbon Originals Sherbet, Stampin' Dimensionals, Non SU Black Gingham Ribbon

Inkspiration:  Splitcoast Featured Stamper (FS64) based on Stamper Michelle's beautiful card.

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)

Stamping for Ewe

Pun Fun has adorable stamps that are divine for watercoloring.  The colors were inspired by this week's Splitcoast Stampers challenge . . . Blush Blossom, Groovy Guava and Basic Gray.  I love them together.  Soft and pretty.

I started with a Blush Blossom card base.  I next layered some Groovy Guava Designer Series Paper and some Basic Gray, which got a little embossing magic from Cuttlebug's Swiss Dots (isn't this embossing folder absolutely the coolest)?  I dotted the Guava flowers with a Sakura sparkle pen for added razzmatazz.

The horizontal banner begins with Blush Blossom and some added paper piercing action.  I next added a layer of Basic Gray to set off the Groovy Guava Double Stitched Ribbon.

My little lamb was stamped with Basic Gray (waterproof) on Stampin' Up! watercolor paper.  An Aqua Painter with a touch of Groovy Guava ink fills in the "wool" and a Blush Blossom Marker finishes off the face, legs and tail.  TIP: I used the Aqua Painter to remove some of the Blush and Guava inks for a more watercolored look.  The heart is filled in with more silvery "jazz" courtesy of the Sakura sparkle pen.

I matted my lamb on Groovy Guava and a Blush Blossom scalloped rectangle punch and launched it on Stampin' Dimensionals.  I dotted each scallop with a little sparkle pen, too.  Not baaaaaaad :)

Hugs and Pretties . . . Mary

Stamp Set:  Pun Fun
Paper:  Groovy Guava Designer Series, Groovy Guava, Basic Gray, Blush Blossom, Watercolor
Ink:  Basic Gray, Groovy Guava, Blush Blossom Marker
Cool Tools:  Paper Piercer and Template (Stampin' Up!'s Crafter's Tool Kit), Aqua Painter, Marvy Uchida Giga Scalloped Rectangle Punch, Cuttlebug
The Perfect Touch:  Groovy Guava Double Stitched Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals, Sakura Gel Pen (Sparkle), Swiss Dots Cuttlebug Embossing Folder

Other Inspiration:  Splitcoast Challenge CS172

With Sympathy

Unfortunately, we all need sympathy cards.   A handmade card for an occasion of sadness is, in my opinion, all the more thoughtful and sincere.  This particular card is for a male friend (whose wife passed away last week).  I took inspiration for my colors from this week's Splitcoast Color Challenge (CC 161), believing they conveyed a masculine feel.

The card base is Night of Navy with layers of Glorious Green and Real Red on top.  A couple Real Red brads accent the corners.  I used the Stems & Silhouettes Jumbo Wheel, rolled it on my Versamark pad and gave it a ride on Night of Navy.  TIP:  You don't need a wheel cartridge if you are only "driving" a short distance.  Inking it up on the pad should do the trick for 4 to 5" inches.  TIP:  Don't miss Stampin' Up!'s Free Wheelin' Bundle Specials for a terrific offer on Jumbo Wheels!  Heat embossing with white embossing powder provides a striking contrast against the navy.  I then matted on Real Red.

The "Wonderful You" line stem was inked in Real Red and stamped on Whisper White.  It, too, was matted it on Real Red card stock.  For the final touch, I used a Papertrey sentiment, inked in Glorious Green and stamped on Whisper White.  The words were cropped with a Large Oval Punch and the edges sponged in Glorious Green.

Hugs and Pretties . . . .M

Stamp Set:  Wonderful You, Stems and Silhouettes Jumbo Wheel, Papertrey 1st Anniversary Set (sentiment)
Paper:  Night of Navy, Glorious Green, Real Red, Whisper White
Ink:  Glorious Green, Real Red, Versamark
Cool Tools:  Large Oval Punch, Heat Tool, Sponges
The Perfect Touch:  White Embossing Powder, Bold Brights Brads (Real Red), Stampin' Dimensionals

Got Scraps?

The idea for the geometric and modern look of this card was inspired by a fashion catalog (photo below).  I played a bit with my paper scraps and elevated a few for the feeling of floating shapes.  It's also the makings of an easy (Stamping 911 . . . 10 minutes or less) masculine card.

I began with an Old Olive card base.  The half circle of Summer Sun was leftover from a previous project.  Great to find it a home :)   TIP:  Try not to over think the positioning of these pieces or the colors used.  Soft Sky Textured and the Brocade Blue Square are popped up with Stampin' Dimensionals.  I layered 1/4" circles over 1/2" circles for some contrast to all the straight edges.  I then added a large oval with the rub-on sentiment (also on dimensionals).

I listened to my readers' feedback on masculine cards and created an "official" new category just for "boy" cards called "You've Got Male."  TIP: However, with just an extra floral rub-on, this card instantly gets a feminine touch (maybe even a fun teen card).

Inkspiration

Stamp Sets:  None
Paper:  Old Olive, Summer Sun, Soft Sky Textured, Bravo Burgundy, Pumpkin Pie, Brocade Blue
Ink:  None
Cool Tools: 1/4 and 1/2" Circle Punches, 1 3/8" Square Punch, Large Oval Punch, Curvy Cutter Circles
The Perfect Touch:  Stampin' Dimensionals, Love & Happiness Rub-Ons (Sale-A-Bration)

Stampin' Up! Groovy Hellos

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

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

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

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