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

Window Chic, Stampin' Up! Style

How cool is this?  Today's sneak peek highlights Stampin' Up!'s Fall/Winter Hostess Level 3 set, "Window Dressing."  Wait until you see all the cute and seasonal stamps that fit perfectly into the window!  With all the excitement about the release of the Stampin' Up! Fall/Winter catalog on August 11, it's a perfect time to plan a Stampin' Up! Fall/Winter Catalog Party with family and friends and earn free hostess stamp sets (like this one) and hostess awards for free merchandise.  Just email me for details!

I combined Splitcoast Color Challenge CC175 (Wild Wasabi, So Saffron and Almost Amethyst) with today's Sketch Challenge SC185.  Note:  I flipped my version.  The window stamp was inked in Jet Black Stazon and stamped on Watercolor Paper.  TIP:  I like to use Jet Black Stazon as a waterproof base before using Blender Pens or an Aqua Painter.  Using Stampin' Up! Markers, I colored in the window with So Saffron and Almost Amethyst.  TIP:  For a little change in texture, I used a Blender Pen dipped in Almost Amethyst ink on the shutters.  It almost looks like a different color :)

The flowers, bird and "smile" sentiment were also inked with Jet Black Stazon and placed with the assistance of a Stamp-a-ma-jig.  The flowers and bird were colored with markers and a Blender Pen.  TIP:  A Blender Pen is not only splendid for soft effects, it acts as a marker for colors you may not own--in this case Wild Wasabi since Stampin' Up! doesn't make a Wasabi marker. 

THE PERFECT TOUCHES: The little things can make all the difference.  I added a scalloped "valance" in Almost Amethyst, stamped in Stazon Black using Background Basics.  I snapped one Boho Backgrounds flower (on Almost Amethyst) with a 1/4" Circle Punch and added it above the window.  Finally, I decided to doodle a border with a Stampin' Up! Basic Black marker, accentuating the casual feel of the stamp set and card.

Layered beneath the main image are layeres of So Saffron and Almost Amethyst card stock.  I distressed the edges using the multi-purpose Cutter Kit tool.  The vertical banner is a strip of Wild Wasabi over Basic Black.  The charming pattern is a Boho Backgrounds stamp (inked in Black Stazon).

Using another Boho Backgrounds stamp, I jazzed up the So Saffron layer with flowers, then matted it on Basic Black and a card base of Very Vanilla Textured card stock (4.25 x 5.5)   TIP: Don't be afraid to mix two small patterns as I elected to do with the Boho Backgrounds.

To see all my Fall/Winter Sneak Peeks, simply click here.

Hugs and Pretties . . . . Mary

COMING UP . . . . Spend some final moments with my favorite retiring stamps (and, of course, more Stampin' Up! Fall/Winter Sneak Peeks)!

Stamp Set:  Window Dressing (Fall/Winter Hostess Level 3), Boho Backgrounds, Background Basics
Paper:  Very Vanilla Textured, Watercolor Paper, Wild Wasabi, Almost Amethyst, So Saffron
Ink:  Jet Black Stazon, Wild Wasabi, Stampin Up! Markers in So Saffron, Basic Black and Almost Amethyst
Cool Tools:  Stamp-a-ma-jig, 1/4" Circle Punch, Cutter Tool

Fall/Winter Sneak Peek: Kiwi Dreams

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hugs and Pretties . . . M

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

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

Sweet Dreams

As the calendar moves toward the August 11 release of the Stampin' Up! Fall/Winter Catalog, I get a little sentimental about some of my favorite stamps that might not make the cut.  The list of retiring stamp sets will be available on June 15 (and posted on my Stampin' Pretty Blog promptly).  However, there is no question that the current hostess sets (pp. 18 - 26 of the Spring Summer Catalog) will all be retiring.

One set I have had a particularly delightful time with is Sweet Dreams (Hostess Level I).  Simple and fresh images.  I inked the stemmed flowers in Chocolate Chip and stamped them on Whisper White.  The image is popped out with a Nestabilities rectangle (with the help of a Cuttlebug) and mounted with Stampin' Dimensionals on layers of Groovy Guava Textured and Chocolate Chip card stock.  Both the Guava and the Chocolate were shaped with the Nestabilities rectangles set, too.

The card base is 4.25 x 5.5 (folded) in Chocolate Chip card stock.  I layered 2 patterns of  Afternoon Tea Designer Paper (Stampin' Up! Occasions Mini Catalog) on top.  The two banners began as 1 1/4" wide strips of Chocolate Chip card stock to which I added a scalloped edge with my Corner Rounder Punch.  TIP:  Here is a tutorial on how to use the Corner Rounder Punch to create a scalloped edge.  Groovy Guava Textured card stock (1" wide) is layered on top. 

The perfect touch was four jumbo brads from the Styled Silver Hodgepodge Hardware Kit (Stampin' Up!'s Occasions Mini Catalog).  TIP:  I toyed with putting a ribbon bow on one banner and two brads on the other.  However, I thought it got too busy and looked more balanced with four brads.  Don't feel compelled to introduce too many accents--just a few smart ones.

The final detail was stamping the sentiment in Chocolate Chip Ink on Whisper White card stock.  TIP:  I inked the single flower stamp in Groovy Guava, stamped it off once (meaning stamped it on another piece of scratch paper first  to soften the image) and layered it over the sentiment.  Everything fit perfectly in a quick crop with a Key Tag Punch and was adhered with Stampin' Dimensionals.

Today's layout is from this week's Splitcoast Stampers Sketch Challenge SC179.

Hugs and Pretties . . . M

Stamp Set:  Sweet Dreams (Hostess Level I)
Paper:  Afternoon Tea (Stampin' Up! Occasions Mini Catalog), Chocolate Chip, Groovy Guava Textured, Whisper White
Ink:  Chocolate Chip, Groovy Guava
Cool Tools:  Key Tag Punch, Corner Rounder Punch, Cuttlebug, Nestabilities Rectangles
The Perfect Touch:  Hodgepodge Hardware Styled Silver Jumbo Brads, (Stampin' Up! Occasions Mini Catalog) Stampin' Dimensionals

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hugs, and Pretties . . . . M

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

Petalicious

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Please let me know what you think :)

Hugs and Pretties . . . . M

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

Cheers for Stampin' Up!'s Taffeta

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

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

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

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

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

Hugs and Pretties . . . . M

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

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

More Blog Candy: Designer Paper Potluck I

How would you like to win a potluck of delicious patterned paper?  Just leave me a comment at the end of this post by 7:00 p.m. CST, Wednesday, May 7 with your favorite Stampin' Up! patterned paper (retired or current--another brand is absolutely fine, too) and I'll send you over fifty 6 x 6 sheets of the little beauties.  The perfect touch and size for the avid card maker.  Domestic U.S. only :)  Please click photos for a closer look.

Included are retired Stampin' Up! 2-Sided Designer Papers Linen Prints, Wintergreen and Dashing.  There are many patterns in the Wintergreen and Dashing that work beautifully for non-holiday cards, too!  I'm also including other fun patterned papers (non Stampin' Up!).  It's a Paper Potluck.  You can play, play, play!

Hugs and Pretties . . . . M

COMING UP: "Make Way for Monograms" and More Blog Candy:  Designer Paper Potluck II

Bashful Love

More Occasions Mini Magic . . . this time it's about "love" and the delicious Summer Picnic Designer Series Paper.  The three big stamps from Big on Spring (p. 12, Occasions Mini) are some of my all time favorites.  TIP:  It's a fun opportunity to get the splashy effect of stamping the image area on patterned paper and snipping, either the heart (as in today's card) or the onesie (done previously here). 

The colors of the Summer Picnic paper (Almost Artichoke, Old Olive, Bashful Blue) seemed like the perfect backdrop for today's project.  I began with a base of Always Artichoke and layered a flowery Summer Picnic Pattern and Whisper White. 

The main image is inked in Always Artichoke and stamped on Whisper White.  It's layered on Bashful Blue and Always Artichoke.  I stamped the heart image a second time on a bit of Bashful Blue Polka Dot (taken from the Prints Pack, Hostess Level I), cut out and mounted on Stampin' Dimensionals.

I then backed it with some luscious Summer Picnic striped paper matted on Always Artichoke.  TIP:  The perfect touches are a combination of Olive Flower Fusion felt flowers and Rhinestone Circle Brads.  They are layered on a small strip of Whisper White and Always Artichoke.

Hugs and Pretties . . . . M

Stamp Set:  Big on Spring
Paper:  Summer Picnic (Occasions Mini 2008), Prints Pack Designer Paper (Bashful Blue Polka Dot, Hostess Level I), Always Artichoke, Bashful Blue, Whisper White
Ink:  Always Artichoke
Cool Tools:  None
The Perfect Touch:  Flower Fusion, Rhinestone Circle Brads (Ice), 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.

Bouncing Baby Colt

My good friend recently delivered a baby boy . . . he was overdue by a month, and, yes, thank goodness, I'm referring to a colt.  We visited the barn the night he was born, but his equine mother decided to let the excitement begin after we left.  Trust me, my friend sees all her horses as family so a baby card celebrating this colt's arrival is deemed appropriate.

Chocolate Chip and Taken With Teal card stock were run through a Cuttlebug and Paisley Embossing Folder and mounted side by side on Soft Sky card stock.  I then adhered Soft Sky to Taken With Teal and a card base of Chocolate Chip.  The horizontal banner is Soft Sky Textured with a snippet of Taken With Teal.  I bounced the letters for "boy" through my Cuttlebug using a die cut alphabet.

TIP: The Perfect Touch is an idea I saw Beate Johns use on Splitcoast Stampers.  I combined a Rhinestone Brad with a ribbon slide (from the new Styled Silver Hodgepodge Hardware).  Trés Chic.  The sentiment uses "New Baby" from Fundamental Phrases (Taken With Teal ink) and I layered one of the new Papertrey stamps from the anniversary set in Soft Sky.  The image is cropped with a 1 3/8" Circle Punch and layered on a background of a Chocolate Chip Scallop Circle Punch.  A touch of Soft Sky Double Stitched Ribbon and some Stampin' Dimensionals wrap things up.

Hugs and Pretties . . . . M

Stamp Sets:  Fundamental Phrases, Simple Little Things (Papertrey Ink)
Paper:  Chocolate Chip, Taken With Teal, Soft Sky and Soft Sky Textured, Whisper White
Ink:  Taken With Teal, Soft Sky
Cool Tools:  1 3/8" Circle Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, Cuttlebug
The Perfect Touch:  Rhinestone Brads (Ice), Hodgepodge Hardware (Styled Silver Ribbon Slide, Occasions Mini), Soft Sky Double Stitched Ribbon, Cuttlebug Red Tag Die Cut Alphabet, Paisley Embossing Folder

Love Beads

These "love" beads are a groovy way to add a little extra heart to your card creations.  They are the perfect touch to outline any shape including hearts, squares, stars, circles.  Or how about just a few accents that you would normally reserve for a brad, eyelet or rhinestone? 

Three strips of differing Berry Bliss Designer papers were cut and scalloped using a Corner Rounder Punch (here's how).  I then attached them to Purely Pomegranate card stock and a Close to Cocoa card base.

Some quick punches add flower accents in the top corners.  A 5 Petal Punch in Purely Pomegranate is topped with a dimensional, a Close to Cocoa Small Star and a Pretty in Pink Three for You Flower.  A deep pink rhinestone gives the blossom a little jazz. 

The main image is one of the three bold sentiments from the Big on Spring stamp set.  It's inked in Close to Cocoa and stamped on Whisper White.  I then colored the "l" and "e" with a Pretty in Pink marker.  I inked and stamped the heart section of the sentiment on another patterned paper from the Berry Bliss collection and cut it out to fit over the original heart.   The beads can be a bit tricky to work with at first.  TIP:   Start with a dot of glue  where you want the bead.  Then "stab" the bead with a paper piercer (a big needle should work, too).  Put the point of the piercer on the dot of glue and slowly slide the bead off, right onto the glue.  Hold for a couple seconds before carefully removing the piercer and leaving the bead behind.

The "Love"  layer tops Close to Cocoa card stock and a couple strips of ribbon (Purely Pomegranate Double Stitched and Pretty in Pink Taffeta).  The base layer is Purely Pomegranate. Far out.

Hugs and Pretties . . . . M  

Stamp Set:  Big on Spring   (Occasions Mini)
Paper:  Berry Bliss Designer Series, Close to Cocoa, Purely Pomegranate, Whisper White, Pretty in Pink
Ink:  Close to Cocoa, Pretty in Pink Marker
Cool Tools:  5 Petal Punch, Small Star Punch, Three For You Flower Punch, Corner Rounder Punch
The Perfect Touch:  Pink Duo Beads, Purely Pomegranate Double Stitched Ribbon, Pretty in Pink Taffeta Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals, Non Stampin' Up! Stick On Rhinestones

The Island of Misfit Toys

The limited supplies challenge this week was to dig out some embellishments you never or rarely use and create a flower card using them.  I loved the description of "Why, Oh Why . . . " since we all suffer a little stamper's remorse now and then over our purchases. 

So I dug into my drawer of unloved embellishments and misfit "toys" (I kept hearing the song "Island of Misfit Toys" from the animated "Rudolph"--got a nasty little ear worm from it) and found plenty of candidates.  First up, the Sheer Blossoms clear flower from Papertrey (an entire tin of them).  Not so much a misfit but under appreciated by me.  I attached it to a square of Textured Soft Sky card stock and topped it with a button (#2 in the unloved category), that is from heaven knows where on a whim.

TIP:  Take Three's stamps makes a cool square if you line each up at right angles with a Stamp-A-Ma-Jig.  I inked the "Best Wishes" stamp in Soft Sky.  TIP:  Since there are no coordinating markers for Stampin' Up!'s In Colors (including Soft Sky), I managed a dual colored stamp by carefully wiping off the Soft Sky ink from the text only and using a Basic Gray marker to re-color it.   After stamping, I sponged the Whisper White edges with Basic Gray.

TIP: To save time and headaches, here's my formula for making the perfect sized squares with this "squared" version of the  Take Three stamps.  The Soft Sky center card stock is 1 3/4" x 1 3/4" and fits neatly inside.  Whisper White is 3 3/4" x 3 3/4" (you could certainly reduce this keeping it square, however).  The remaining layers (Basic Gray and Soft Sky Textured) are each a 1/4" larger overall than layer on top of it.

The final touch (and final misfit) is the Hodgepodge Hardware "swirly."  These guys look intriguing but, in my opinion, aren't that versatile.  That why I'm so enthusiastic for the new Styled Silver Hodgepodge kit (only available in the current Occasions mini), which has eliminated the swirlies and included very usable (and very glam) oversized decorative brads.  I used a snippet of Soft Sky double stitched ribbon to give it a purpose.

Hugs and Pretties . . . . Mary

Stamp Set:  Take Three
Paper:  Basic Grey, Soft Sky Textured, Whisper White
Ink:  Basic Gray, Basic Gray Marker, Soft Sky
Cool Tools:  Sponges, Stamp-A-Ma-Jig
The Perfect Touch:  Soft Sky Double Stitched Ribbon, Hodgepodge Hardware Brads and Swirl (Pewter), Sheer Blossoms Clear (www.papertreyink.com), Button (unknown origin)

Inspiration:  Splitcoast Stampers Challenge LSC 161 and Color Challenge CC159 (Soft Sky, Basic Gray and Whisper White)

Brocade On Parade

I'm a huge polka dot fan and this zany card received plenty of them.  If there's a two sided patterned paper, you can be certain I'll choose the polka side.  But, what was I thinking when I decided to cut out this Brocade Basics stem?  I must confess, at least half an hour went into just snipping the stem.  Didn't I recently promise to focus on simpler cards? 

This card started out innocent enough.  A Whisper White card base topped by layers of Old Olive, Tempting Turquoise and Always Artichoke.  The perfect "polka dotty" touch was to add dots around the edges of the Old Olive card stock and sponge the Tempting Turquoise in Always Artichoke.  The artichoke layer was stamped with the Polka Dot Background stamp in Versamark ink, covered with white embossing powder and heat embossed for added pizzazz.  The edges were again sponged in artichoke. 

This is where the insanity kicked in.  I stamped the Brocade stem on Whisper White (inked in Old Olive).  I then used a blender pen to add some turquoise to the open areas on the leaves.  OK, not totally nutso yet.  I then made the brilliant decision to cut out the image.  Bit by bit my paper snips whittled for over half an hour.  I then decided to add more dots to the stem and around the leaves.  TIP:  The Signo Gel Pen used takes some time to dry so be sure to cut before you add the dots.  Otherwise, you risk smearing the dots.  I had "dandy" time delicately adding glue to the skinny pieces of entire stem.

I then punched a scallop circle from Tempting Turquoise card stock.  The Boho Blossoms stamp was stamped twice on White . . . first in Always Artichoke and second in Tempting Turquoise.  I punched the artichoke image with a 1 1/4" Circle Punch and the Tempting Turquoise image with a 1" Circle Punch.  All were assembled with a snap using a Crop-a-Dile and mounted on Stampin' Dimensionals.  Of course, I opted to use the Signo Pen to dot each scallop. No part of this card was immune from dots.

The small flower is from the One of a Kind set, Tempting Turquoise stamped on Whisper White.  It emerges on it's own with a little help of the Boho Blossom Bunch.  I added a snap and mounted it on dimensionals. 

The sentiment is from Fundamental Phrases, which I just received.  TIP:  It's an incredibly versatile set of 24 phrases which I consider a "little black dress" of sentiments.  I popped "so sorry" out with the small oval punch and layered it with a couple dimensionals on a large oval punch of Turquoise (also sponged in artichoke).

So much for my Stampin' 911 (10 minutes or less) concept.  This was a good hour and a half card project.  I'm confident you have been there, too? 

Hugs and Pretties . . . M

A Little Stampin' Up! News . . . .

Beginning April 1, Stampin' Up!'s on-line catalog will no longer offer the left side navigation option for product searches (by description or product number).  While I have sent off a not so positive reaction to this decision, I wanted to let you know.  As a result, I will be discontinuing including product numbers in my product lists.

Also, be sure to check out the Wild Wasabi card stock offer, available through April 30.

Stamp Sets: Brocade Basics, Polka Dot Background, Boho Backgrounds, One of a Kind, Fundamental Phrases
Paper:  Whisper White, Old Olive, Tempting Turquoise, Always Artichoke
Ink:  Old Olive, Tempting Turquoise, Always Artichoke, Versamark
Cool Tools:  Scallop Circle Punch, 1" and 1 1/4" Circle Punches, Large and Small Oval Punches, Sponges, Heat Tool, Blender Pens, Crop-A-Dile
The Perfect Touch:  White Signo Gel Pen, White Embossing Powder, Stampin' Dimensionals, Non SU Snaps

Sweet Tart

With one of the worst Midwest winters for decades almost behind us, I naturally gravitate to Stampin' Up!'s Summer Picnic paper and Tart and Tangy stamps with zeal.   Just the sight of flowers and fruit help me recall a time when there wasn't dirty snow and gray skies day after day.  It motivates me to picnic on the first 50 degree day (yes, we are crazy in Wisconsin and often can be found gleefully jumping in hotel swimming pools in 60 degree weather when we travel--ditto on wearing shorts when the locals feel compelled to wear sweaters and long underwear).

A Bashful Blue card base starts things off with Summer Picnic Designer Series Paper and Old Olive on top.   Stampin' Up!'s markers were the perfect medium for coloring directly to the rubber of the fruit stamps, creating a 2 color image.  I then punched out the fruit with a 1 3/8" square punch and sponged the edges in Real Red. 

TIP:  The Perfect Touch . . . . I had some Real Red buttons ready to accent a corner of the card but my heart began to beat when I discovered they could be divine cherries.  I added a touch of green thread for a sewn look.  Delicious.

I cut Old Olive squares for matting  each (1 1/2" x 1 1/2") and attached them to a strip of red Summer Picnic paper.  Beneath, I added Whisper White with a scalloped edge created by using my Corner Rounder Punch (here's how).  TIP:  Using a Real Red Marker, I added some dots for a little glam.  I realize I went a tad nutty with the layers and added even another (Bashful Blue) to set off the scalloped border.

The sentiment in Old Olive ink comes from the So Many Scallops set, punched with a 1" Circle Punch from the So Sweet flower.  TIP:  Punches are a great way to "dissect" a stamped image or pop out part of an image or pattern from designer paper.  I punched a half circle design from one of the Summer Picnic paper for the center and added a page pebble for some shine and dimension.  I layered both on a 1 1/4" Circle of Bashful Blue.   The base medallion was easily created using a Scallop Circle Punch (here's how) and Real Red card stock.  It is attached using some dimensionals for a little pop.

To finish off, I used a Photo Corners Punch with Real Red card stock, layering the large and small on top of each other and securing with a Bashful Blue Brad.  They were adhered to the card with dimensionals.

I'm feeling warmer already . . . Hugs and Pretties . . . .M

Layout Inspiration:  Jen del Muro

Stamp Sets:  Tart & Tangy (Occasions Mini, 111514), So Many Scallops (Retired, Sale-A-Bration)
Paper:  Summer Picnic Designer Series Paper (Occasions Mini, 111355), Bashful Blue (105120), Old Olive (100702), Whisper White (100730), Real Red (102482)
Ink:  Old Olive Ink Pad (107277) and Marker (100079), Real Red Ink Pad (193133) and Marker (100052)
Cool Tools:  Photo Corners Punch (109042), Scall