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

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 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

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. 

Star-struck

This card is for a 12 year old boy, who is very dear to my heart.  He's working through a lot of personal issues so I felt "journey" was an appropriate sentiment and encouragement.

I began with a Pumpkin Pie card base.  I used Jersey Shore designer paper for a strong contrast.  Another design from Jersey Shore (the rows) was layered on the Wild Wasabi square. 

The sentiment (inked in Wild Wasabi) is from the Define Your Life set that I'm so mad for lately . . . however, any sentiment about this size would work just as well.  TIP:  A Brilliant Blue Brad adds a touch of charm. 

The Wild Wasabi base is faux stitched.  Although I recently purchased a mini sewing machine for exactly these situations, I still resort to the ease and believability of the faux option (no need for set up, an outlet, searching everywhere for my reading glasses to thread the needle).  Yes, I'm cutting a corner and proud of it, babe.

TECHNIQUE:  To faux stitch, I used Stampin' Up!'s Paper Piercer and Template (from the Crafter's Tool Kit).  Using the template, pierce a line where you want your "stitches" and connect the "dots" with a Signo Gel Pen.  TIP:  For a variation, you can easily do a zigzag pattern using the template.  TIP:  I have tried other white pens and the Signo is superior.   

Stampin' Up!'s star punches balance things out, especially with the 3-D effect Stampin' Dimensionals provide. TIP:  The 1/4" circle punch and some card stock or designer paper, instantly give the look of a brad.  It was a lovely was to recycle a small snippet of Summer Picnic designer paper this way.

Hugs and Pretties . . . M
 
Stamp Set:  Define Your Life
Paper:  Jersey Shore Designer Series, Summer Picnic Designer Series (1/4" Circles), Pumpkin Pie, Wild Wasabi, Brilliant Blue, Bashful Blue
Ink:  Wild Wasabi
Cool Tools:  Large and Small Star Punches, 1/4" Circle Punch, Paper Piercer & Template (Crafter's Tool Kit)
The Perfect Touch:  Bold Brights Brad (Brilliant Blue), White Signo Pen, Stampin' Dimensionals

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

Blog Candy is so "Dove"-ine

I saw this adorable box demonstrated on Nicole Heady's blog last year and always meant to give it a try.  Well, today's the day and it's as easy as it is cute.  Plus, these little goodies are up for grabs in my second blog candy giveaway this weekend.  Please leave me a comment (how about . . . what's your current favorite Stampin' Up! color?) by midnight on April 6.  I'll announce the winner on Monday and ship on Tuesday (Domestic U.S. only, please).

I cut a 8.5 x 8.5 piece of Groovy Guava Designer Series paper.  Using a straight edge and a pencil, I drew lines from corner to corner creating an "X."

Fold one corner to the center of your "X."  I used a bone folder to keep the edges crisp.

Fold again to the center line as shown.

Unfold (you now have the scores where you need them) and repeat the process on the remaining three corners.

Cut along the score two squares deep (excluding the point) on two opposing corners.  Another way to look at where to stop . . . end one square away from the center line.

Fold in the uncut corners so they meet the center point.  I used a little adhesive to keep them flat.

Bring the loose flaps from the corners you just adhered, to the "inside" of the box (creating a side) and fold the remaining two cut corners over the new "sides."  Repeat for the bottom half of the box but use 8 3/8" x 8 3/8".  You could even try a tad smaller since mine was a bit of a tight fit.  TIP: The second half takes less than half the time of the first.  It's just a matter of understanding the directions and trying it the first time.

"Dove"-ine.

Using Stampin' Up!'s small oval punch and "For You" from Fundamental Phrases (my little black dress of sentiments), I inked Groovy Guava and stamped on Whisper White paper.  TIP: I usually stamp sentiments twice when I plan to punch, in case my first punch doesn't line up the way I want.  Two chances are better than one :)  The Styled Silver Label Holder is an excellent fit for the small oval.

TIP: I placed the sentiment on the box using Stampin' Dimensional so it would fit tight to the label holder.  I also find it easier to adhere the sentiment first and then add the label holder and brads.  Groovy Guava Double Stitched Ribbon wraps things up along with a quickly punched tag.  I used a Crop-A-Dile to set the white eyelet.

The candy bars (one dark and one milk chocolate) are simply wrapped in more Groovy Guava Designer Paper.  I stamped the "So Sweet" So Many Scallops flower on Whisper White and punched it out with a Scallop Circle Punch.  I had a couple fun orange buttons I added to the top with some silver cord. 

Groovy.

Hugs and Pretties . . . . Mary

Stamp Sets:  Tagger's Dozen, Fundamental Phrases, So Many Scallops (Sale-A-Bration)
Paper:  Groovy Guave Designer Series, Whisper White
Ink:  Groovy Guava
Cool Tools:  Small Tag Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, Small Oval Punch, Bone Folder, Crop-A-Dile
The Perfect Touch:  Hodgepodge Hardware Label Holder (Styled Silver, Occasions Mini), Groovy Guava Double Stitched Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals, Basic Eyelets (White), Silver Cord (not currently available through Stampin' Up!), Non-Stampin' Up! buttons

Inspiration:  Splitcoast Limited Supplies Challenge LSC162

Candy Tin Tutorial

Today's tutorial on creating a decorative nugget tin (plus bunches of photos and other cool tidbits) will offer a lucky reader a way to "enjoy" some blog candy in the truest sense. 

Simply leave me a comment on this post disclosing your favorite candy by 5:00 p.m. CST, Saturday, April 5.  I'll choose a winner at random and pop today's tin of decorated Hershey's Nuggets (with Almonds, yum) in the mail to you (domestic U.S. only, please).  You can click on photos to enlarge.

My weekly calendar of Asian art (featured) inspired the colors for today's post.  Please ignore the Build-A-Brad tin . . . I had it in mind for the "o" in enjoy when I assembled my supplies but switched gears (no surprise here) to the flower punch and Styled Silver brad.  It's a woman's prerogative to . . . . .

TIP: I used Avery 8160 mailing labels, which fit neatly around Hershey's nuggets.

I stamped two patterns from the Boho Backgrounds set on the sheet of labels, using Brilliant Blue and Taken with Teal.

TIP:  The stamped, adhesive mailing label customizes the nugget easily.

  For a little nugget "personality," I used a Boho Blossom Punch to create the Yo Yo yellow flowers.  TIP: When you are using only part of a 3 part flower punch, grab your scraps so you don't waste as much.  Those long, skinny pieces sliced off from other projects, get new life.  I used the card stock shown, plus my Yo Yo scraps to create the 13 flowers needed.

TIP: I stamped the small "Enjoy Every Moment" flower on Brilliant Blue and Taken With Teal card stock.  Using a 1/2" Circle Punch, they were popped out for instant flower centers.

Nug-a-licious.

TIP:  Rub the large end of a Brilliant Blue Stampin' Up! Marker with some Whisper White 1/4" Grosgrain, and you have perfectly matched ribbon in a flash.  Mix white grosgrain and with any of Stampin' Up!'s markers and enjoy quick, coordinated ribbon.  It saturates beautifully.  When I flip the dyed ribbon over,  only minimal touch up is needed.  Be sure to let it dry.

The sentiment is one monster stamp of "enjoy" in Taken With Teal on Whisper White paper.  I embellished with a 1/4" circle ("heightened" on a Stampin' Dimensional) for the dot in "j," another yellow boho flower and one of the big beautiful brads from the new Hodgepodge Hardware collection in Styled Silver.  I matted the image on Yo Yo yellow card stock, which I cropped a bit with some decorative scissors.

The distance around the entire width of the tin is greater than the 11" Taken with Teal card stock I own . . . but no worries.  TIP:  I cut an 11" inch teal strip, wrapped it around (including my "Brilliant Blue" ribbon) and terminated it underneath the sentiment (great "coverup" for the short fall).  And, no seam on the bottom either.

So would you like some candy?  Please leave a comment with your favorite!

Hugs and Pretties . . . . Mary

COMING UP:  More "blog candy" (and other edible ideas to giveaway :)

Stamp Sets:  Boho Backgrounds, Enjoy Every Moment
Paper:  Avery 8160 Mailing Labels, Whisper White, Yo Yo Yellow, Brilliant Blue, Taken with Teal
Ink:  Brilliant Blue Ink Pad and Marker, Taken with Teal
Cool Tools:  Boho Blossom Punch, 1/4" and 1/2" Circle Punches, Provocraft Decorative Scissors
The Perfect Touch:  Whisper White 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Hodgepodge Hardware Brad (Styled Silver, Occasions Mini), Stampin' Dimensional
Other:  Clear Top Tin (www.papertreyink.com)

Water Your Plants

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

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

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

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

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

Hugs and Pretties . . . . Mary

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

Inspiration:  Splitcoast Stampers Ways to Use It Challenge WT159

Stamping Whale Wishes

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

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

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

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

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

Hugs and Pretties . . . . M   

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

Scallop Goes Medallion

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It think this is such an amazing result!

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

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

Scallop/Medallion Idea Credit:  Dannie's Designs

Inkspiration:  Splitcoast Sketch Challenge SC167

Faux Cloisonné Butterflies

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

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

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

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

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

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

Inspiration:  Splitcoast Technique Lover's Challenge TLC159

It's Only Rock-N-Roll

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

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

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

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

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

Hugs and Pretties . . . . Mary

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

Easter Egg Wishes

Much of the enjoyment of having a stamping blog is getting creative ideas and comments from readers.  My Easter "egg" is entirely Renate's invention.  She emailed me that she believed that the Whimsy balloon resembled a retro egg.  With a teensy bit of snipping, it's eggs-actly that.  The Merci flower emerges from the egg, embossed with Stampin' Up! markers.  Yes, embossing with markers.  In this post, I'll show you how.  Trés Cool :)

For today's card, I got a chance to use both of my new Cuttlebug embossing folders, Paisley and Swiss Dots.  With just a few cranks of the Cuttlebug, you can produce the most incredible textures.  The So Saffron paisley layer is adhered to Purely Pomegranate textured card stock and a Glorious Green card base.  The Photo Corners Punch took a bit out of Glorious Green.  TIP: Try using a Cuttlebug embossing folder before punching to kick out some sassy textured shapes, like these "dotted" photo corners. 

TIP:  You can emboss with Stampin' Up! markers.  I didn't want to use the heart of the Merci flower stamp, so I used my VersaMarker to cover all the stamp, except the heart. 









I then used markers to add 3 colors (Glorious Green, So Saffron, Rose Red) on top of the layer of Versamark.  TIP:  If I wasn't eliminating the heart, I could have stamped with a Versamark pad . . . however, it's recommended that you stamp off once if you use the pad so it's not too sticky to add color to.  I haven't personally tried it.

The image was stamped on Whisper White and heat embossed with Clear Embossing Powder.  TIP:  After applying the markers on top of the Versamark, be sure to wipe them on a piece of scratch paper to remove any residue.



I stamped the Whimsy balloon in Purely Pomegranate, cut it out to look like an egg and mounted it on Stampin' Dimensionals for a little 3-D. The flower was then mounted on a layer of So Saffron followed by Glorious Green.

TIP:  Layering a sentiment over a softer image stamp is an easy way to add some jazz.  "Easter Wishes" is inked in Purely Pomegranate and layered over some saffron flowers from the Merci set.  My final touch was to back it with a pomegranate scallop.

Hugs and Pretties . . . Mary

Don't Forget: Sale-A-Bration Ends March 17! 

Stamp Sets:  Birthday Whimsy (Sale-A-Bration, 111401), Merci (Sale-A-Bration, 111407), All Holidays (109397)
Paper:  Glorious Green (101697), Purely Pomegranate Textured (In Color Assorted, 108694), So Saffron (105118), Whisper White (100730)
Ink:  Glorious Green Marker (100047), So Saffron Ink Pad (105213) and Marker (105114), Purely Pomegranate (109011), Rose Red Marker (100063), VersaMarker (100901)
Cool Tools:  Scallop Circle Punch (109043), 1 3/8" Circle Punch (104401), Photo Corners Punch (109042), Heat Tool (100005), Cuttlebug (available at Create for Less)
The Perfect Touch: Clear Embossing Powder (109130), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Cuttlebug Paisley and Swiss Dots Embossing Folders

Inspiration:  Splitcoast Stampers Color Challenge CC156

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)

Embossable You

With just 3 days until the release of the Stampin' Up! Occasions Mini Collection (March 1 through May 31), I thought it would be fun to have a another sneak peek at one of the divine stamps from Big on Spring.  HOT TIP: From March 1 through the March 17 (when Sale-A-Bration expires), you can take advantage of both the Sale-A-Bration free products (1 for every $50 you spend) plus order from the new Occasions Mini . . . a delicious double dip, without all the calories. 

You can click to enlarge any of these thumbnail photos :) Today's project is a tutorial on some basics of embossing.  Embossing was one of the first techniques that drew me to stamping.  It was amazing how much of a WOW factor an embossed shine adds.  This week's Splitcoast Color Challenge CC157 includes the elegant combination of Basic Black, Whisper White and River Rock--a lovely partnership for the "Bride to Be."


The card base is River Rock, with Basic Black matted on top.  Versamark was thoroughly applied to the Paisley Background stamp, which was inked face up.





TIP:  Consider an Embossing Buddy to lightly wipe your card stock.  This removes the annoying specks of powder that show up like beacons when the image is heated. 





Place card stock (in this case Whisper White) on top of the stamp, square to the stamp (squaring is not always critical--but with some images with text, it's imperative).




TIP:  Cover both the stamp and the card stock with a piece of scrap paper, and, holding everything tightly in place with one hand, use a brayer (or your other hand, but coverage can be a bit trickier) to completely press over the entire area.  Make sure you go just beyond the edges for adequate coverage.



I carefully removed the stamped image and placed it in a Powder Pal, facing up.  Black Embossing Powder is sprinkled heavily on top.  TIP:  Once the image was covered with embossing powder, I turned it over and "flicked" the back in several places (ideally over the larger Powder Pal) to get rid of excess powder. 



Using a heat tool, I embossed the image half way (as in the photo) so that if you haven't embossed before, you could see the difference in the two sides. Shine vs. matte.  After I snapped the photo, I finished embossing the image 




TIP:  When embossing a background image that goes to the edges, I initially cut the card stock (Whisper White) about 1/4" larger than would be needed.  When the embossing is complete, I can trim it to size, removing any inconsistencies that may have occurred from me (or a long tweezer) holding the edge of the image or an edge that wasn't thoroughly inked/embossed.


I repeated the embossing technique above with the "bride to be" sentiment on Whisper White.  The sentiment is layered on Basic Black and River Rock.  The flower punches were quick and easy with my Boho Blossom Punch.  My niece, Kris (AKA Kreations by Kris on SCS), introduced me to these cute layered boho flowers in this adorable card.  I made each a slightly different combo and anchored them for eternity with a Pewter Brad. 


The beauty of using the Powder Pals is that after you are done, you can simply funnel the excess powder back into the cannister (brush is included along with the larger pan).  Enjoy! 

Hugs and Pretties . . . . Mary

Stamp Set:  Big on Spring (111488), Paisley Background (107192)
Paper:  River Rock (108640), Basic Black (102851), Whisper White (100730)
Ink:  Versamark (102283)
Cool Tools:  Heat Tool (100005), Powder Pals (Large & Small Pans, Brush, 102197), Embossing Buddy (103083), Boho Blossom Punch (110711), Brayer (102395)
The Perfect Touch:  Black Embossing Powder (109133), Pewter Brads (Hodgepodge Hardware, 105515) 

More Stampin' Up! Retired Stamps For Sale

Today's article is fully loaded with quick tips and ideas, using three cards that showcase some of my retired stamps for sale (all prices and stamps updated 2/19/08).    Kick back and get ready for some fresh ideas for jazzing up your stamping projects.

Project #1 features the retired stamp set "Blooming With Happiness."  The card base is Very Vanilla with a layer of Ginger Blossoms Designer Series Paper.  The right corner of both papers is snipped with a Corner Rounder Punch for a little asymmetry.  The horizontal banner paper is a coordinating stripe from the Ginger Blossoms series.  It's accented with Groovy Guava Double Stitched Ribbon.

TIP #1 LAYERED SENTIMENTS:  Using a variety of punches and Stampin' Dimensionals creates a real "wow" 3-D sentiment.  A Groovy Guava slide was created using the Designer Punch and the Horizontal Punch on each side (to make openings for the ribbon).  I then layered a 1 1/4" Close to Cocoa Circle on top.  TIP #2:  What's my favorite difference between Craft and Classic Ink?  Craft can be heat embossed.  Classic cannot (unless you use Versamark with it . . . but that's for another day).  The sentiment is inked in Close to Cocoa Craft and embossed with clear for a sassy sparkle.  It's on Very Vanilla card stock and pumped up on three Stampin' Dimensionals.

TIP #3 EMBOSSING MAKES COLORING A BREEZE.  Close to Cocoa Craft Ink was used again for the cake and candles.  Once I embossed with clear embossing powder and a Heat Tool, I had an easy time bringing  the flowers to life with color because you have a tiny lip within which to work.  I used a Blender Pen dipped in Groovy Guava and Ruby Red to color.   TIP #4:  You can either use Ink Refills with your blender pen or squeeze your closed ink pad to create a little pool of ink on the inside lid for coloring.  TIP #5:  If you are using a blender pen for one color, I suggest using it for the second, even if you have the marker.  That keeps the level of saturation consistent . . . on the other hand go for it if you want more contrast and pow.

I then layered my cake on Ruby Red, Groovy Guava and Close to Cocoa.  Four eyelets tag the corners (courtesy of my Crop-A-Dile) and a little paper piercing (with a template, of course), brings a wee twist to the  Ruby layer.

Stamp Set:  Blooming with Happiness (Retired For Sale)
Paper:  Ginger Blossoms Designer Series (110697), Very Vanilla (101650), Close to Cocoa (101341), Groovy Guava (108643), Ruby Red (102030)
Ink:  Close to Cocoa Craft (100549), Groovy Guava (109012), Ruby Red (102259)
Cool Tools:  Crop-A-Dile (108362), Designer Punch (107590), 1 1/4" Punch (104403), Large Oval Punch (107305), Corner Rounder Punch (109047), Paper Piercer and Template (Crafter's Tool Kit, 104310), Heat Tool (100005), Blender Pens (102845)
Perfect Touches:  Groovy Guava Double Stitched Ribbon (109063), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Clear Embossing Powder (109130), Non SU Eyelets

Project #2 highlights "Too Terrific Tags" and was put together in short order using Stampin' Up! punches.  I chose some simply wild and wacky colors, all inspired by a J Crew catalog (see below).  I began with Green Galore as a card base and then stamped the Print Pattern Background Stamp stamp (in Basic Gray) on Pink Passion Card Stock.

The horizontal banner is a layer of Pink Passion on Basic Gray cardstock.  TIP #6:  Using a 1/4" square punch makes a simple and accurate zigzag border.  Just angle the punch 90 degrees so that you have a little triangle where you punch and keep moving to the opposite side).   

TIP #7:  When in a rush, grab your punches.  The rest of this card is pretty much a "punching" bag of tricks.  The tags were each a chomp of the small and large tag punches (they layer perfectly together) with the Word Window Punch for the "clasp."  I added a bright green snap with my Crop-A-Dile to each.   The "sparkle" sentiment is from Warm Words and is Basic Gray ink on Whisper White.  I used the small oval to carve it out and layered it on a large oval of Green Galore.  I added a couple deep pink snaps (with the assistance of Mr. Crop-A-Dile) for interest and the whole thing landed on several Stampin' Dimensionals.  Done!

Stamp Sets:  Too Terrific Tags (Retired For Sale), Warm Words (107123), Print Pattern Background (105167)
Paper:  Green Galore (101768), Pink Passion (102762), Basic Gray (108692), Whisper White (100730)
Ink:  Basic Gray (109120)
Cool Tools:  Crop-A-Dile, Large (105934)and Small (108264)Tag Punches, Word Window Punch (105090), Large (107305) and Small (107304) Oval Punches, 1/4" Square Punch (104943)
Perfect Touches:  Non SU Snaps

Project #3:  The final project puts "Love Ya Bunches" back on the front line in a layout that can be done in a flash.  I layered Linen Prints Designer Paper and Cameo Coral on an Old Olive cardbase.  I then wrapped Old Olive 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon and Very Vanilla 1/4' Grosgrain around the Linen Prints Layer. 

TIP #8:  Try using a marker (I used Cameo Coral) to carefully color the raised edge of ribbon.  I did this once with the large tip (not a good idea--it bled) but had great luck in my second attempt with the small tip.  My Very Vanilla ribbon gets a charming, custom coral accent.  Cool.  I then plucked an Olive felt flower from my new Flower Fusion tin and popped in a Stampin' Up! Rhinestone Circle Brad (Fire Collection).  TIP #9:  When you add a brad, try to push it through to the deepest layer of paper (or on this case ribbon), short of exposing the little metal pieces (someone let me know if they have a name for the little spikes) on the inside of the card.  This keeps them nicely buried and avoids "show through" on the outside, too.

I used Close to Cocoa Craft Ink with Clear Embossing Powder (and a Heat Tool) to stamp on watercolor paper (same reason as project #1 above, to help keep the color in . . .  especially when watercoloring).  Markers fill in the tiny details and shade in the entire wheel barrow in Cameo Coral.  Using an Aqua Painter, I removed a bit of the coral color to give it a quick watercolored touch.   

Hope you learned something new today.  Please let me know with a the comment what was the most helpful (and that you survived the long blog article).  I would love to hear from you!

Hugs and Pretties,  Mary

Stamp Set:  Love Ya Bunches (Retired for Sale)
Paper:  Linen Prints Designer Series (retired), Watercolor Paper (105019), Old Olive (100702), Cameo Coral (100475)
Ink:  Close to Cocoa Craft (100549), Stampin' Up! Markers:  Pink Passion (100053), Cameo Coral (100074), Old Olive (100079)
Cool Tools:  Heat Tool (100005), Aqua Painter (103954), Marvy Giga Scallop Circle and Mega Circle Punches (available at Create for Less.  Link in the bottom right corner of my blog)
Perfect Touches:  Flower Fusion (110720), Old Olive 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon (109054), Very Vanilla 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon (109026), Circle Rhinestone Brads (Fire, 109110), Clear Embossing Powder (109130) 

Marker Madness Continues: Coloring 101

Just received my Free Sale-A-Bration Merci Stamp set and decided it was a good day to play again with my Stampin' Up! markers (on sale now through Feb. 17)!  The colors are inspired by this week's Splitcoast Color Challenge CC153, Kraft, Green Galore and Tempting Turquoise. 

The card base is Kraft with some marker doodles around the edges.  Green Galore took a ride through my Cuttlebug and Swirl Embossing Folder, then was adhered to Tempting Turquoise.  The Merci "daisy" flower image was inked in turquoise and stamped on Kraft card stock for the banner. 

The main image was stamped in Versamark, dusted with Black Embossing Powder and Heat Embossed.  TIP #1:  This creates a wonderful outline for coloring in with your markers (if you're like me and obsess about staying in the lines).  TIP #2:  Start with the light colored marker first.  It's much easier to touch up with the dark used after the light.  TIP #3:  Kraft paper works especially well with coloring in solid areas with markers.  The deeper the hue (for example, Real Red shades perfectly in Kraft) the more consistent the color.  Green Galore left a little bit of "striping" but I think it works well with this casual image. 

A Paper Piercer adds a little accent at the top and bottom.  My pal the Horizontal Slot Punch "magically" turns the image into a ribbon slide.  I ran some Non SU black stitched ribbon through and attached a green and turquoise mat.

The final touch is easy, schmeezy.  I used the Tagger's Dozen set and 3 markers.  Starting with the Green Galore marker (the lightest, remember Tip #2 above), I colored the "o" and "e" in love.  A Tempting Turquoise marker jazzed the heart, and the letters "l" and "v."  I then used black to color the remaining dots.  A couple of huffs of breath to keep things moist and you create a an easy tri-colored image.  The large and small tag punches shaped things up.  The Horizontal Slot Punch got an encore and partnered up with a little more black stitched ribbon.

Hugs and Pretties . . . Mary

P.S.  Look what I was awarded from FancyNancyLoves2Stamp!  I'm so excited and flattered!

Stamp Sets:  Merci (Sale-A-Bration, 111407), Tagger's Dozen (108303)
Paper: Kraft (102125), Tempting Turquoise (102167), Green Galore (101768)
Ink:  Tempting Turquoise Ink Pad (100814) and Marker (100058), Green Galore Marker (100048), Black Marker (100082), Versamark (102283)
Cool Tools:  Tag Punch (105934), Small Tag Punch (108264), Horizontal Slot Punch (105089), Paper Piercer and Template (Crafter's Tool Kit, 104310), Heat Tool (100005)
Perfect Touches:  Black Embossing Powder (1091330 Cuttlebug, Cuttlebug Swirl Embossing Folder, Non-SU Black Stitched Ribbon

Stampin' Up! Markers: The Write Stuff

More Stampin' Up! marker magic in today's card (with my Marker Madness sale to follow this Saturday).  A simple and easy way to give new life to your images is to color the stamp directly . . . meaning flip it over and color with markers.  You can do multiple colors or just add an isolated accent to a previously stamped image, as I describe below.

The card base is a lovely Ruby Red polka dot pattern (Ginger Blossoms Designer Series) layered on top of Very Vanilla.  The banner consists of a complimentary floral from the Ginger Blossoms set layered over Coral Cameo card stock. 

I used the stem image from Embrace Life, inked it completely in River Rock . . . then flipped it over and dabbed some red accents on the leaves with the large end of a Ruby Red marker.  TIP:  I "huffed" some warm breath over the entire thing to get it evenly moist.  The image was then stamped on Very Vanilla.  Using the wee end of the Cameo Coral marker, I added some fun little polka dots to the leaves.  The stem image is matted on River Rock (Ginger Blossoms Series) which is customized a tad with a corner rounder punch to create a scalloped edge.

The sentiment is created using some clear stamps from Papertrey Ink.  I used Trajan Monograms for the letters and and found the perfect little flower in the Textboxed set for the "o."  TIP:  I assembled all 4 stamps (3 letters and the flower) on one acrylic block so that I could get them lined up like little soldiers all at once.  I then popped the whole thing in Ruby Red Ink and stamped the image on Very  Vanilla card stock.  A page pebble adds a little vavoom to the flower.  Next in line are a couple layers of Ruby Red and Textured Groovy Guava, respectively.  The final touch is some Groovy Guava Double Stitched Ribbon. 

Stamp Sets:  Embrace Life (111011), Papertrey Ink Trajan Monograms and Textboxed
Paper:  Very Vanilla (101650), Ginger Blossoms Designer Series (110697), Groovy Guava Textured (108694), Cameo Coral (100475), Ruby Red (102030)
Ink:  River Rock (109101), Ruby Red Ink Pad (102259) and Marker (100075)
Cool Tools:  Corner Rounder Punch (109047)
Perfect Touches:  Groovy Guava Double Stitched Ribbon (109063), Page Pebble (JoAnn's)
Inspiration:  Splitcoast Stamper's Sketch Challenge SC162 

Stampin' Up! Markers: Watercoloring Works!

It really works.  Stampin' Up! markers and an Aqua Painter CAN create wonderful watercolored images . . . just as snappy as the trendy Copic markers that are much more expensive.  This project was the first time I used two different colored Stampin' Up! markers together (Bordering Blue and Brocade Blue) to watercolor.  I won't kid you . . . this wasn't my first skunk.  I had several other "stinky" attempts before I got a better feel for the right touch and removal (yes, I said "removal") of the right amount of color with my Aqua Painter. 

The layout is from a challenge by Anna Wight from Sassy and Sweet.  Very basic and easy.  White card stock base, then