Stamped With Flair

Just for him -- birthday card

2012-02-27T07:15:00.000-08:00

In my upcoming Card Buffet on March 18th, we will be making this simple Masculine birthday card. Now, I admit, I have a hard time making cards for the guys! cause 99.9% of my stamps are flowers!!! Yes, I LOVE flowers -- in real life, AND in stamps, too, obviously... So, when sorting through my stamps, I landed on the Just Believe stamp set, which has a nice little leafy branch silhouette, perfect for what I had in mind...

I embossed my Crumb Cake card base with the Striped embossing folder -- ANOTHER freebie during Sale-a-bration! I cut Vanilla and Early Espresso die cuts with my Labels Framelits -- I LOVE these babies! I think I have already gotten my money's worth out of them, I've used them so much. I stamped the branch in Early Espresso on the Vanilla label die cut, then sponged the top half with Pumpkin Pie ink, and the bottom half with So Saffron ink -- to give a bit of a sunset appearance. A strip of Mocha Morning designer paper along the bottom, and some retired Early Espresso satin ribbon, and here you are!
I added a glitter brad from the Basic Glimmer Brads pack, to give that little extra special touch...

Island Floral Easter Lilly

2012-02-26T07:30:00.000-08:00

One of my goals for this year is to use crafty treasures that haven't seen much (if any -- gasp!) stampin' love. I was working on an Easter card idea, and immediately thought of the large flower in the Island Floral die -- which I think I have used only one time. So, here it is! I cut out two Whisper White flowers with the Island Floral die, and used a sponge dauber to add Certainly Celery ink to the centers of the petals. I then spritzed the flower centers using a Pear Pizzazz marker and the Color Spritzer tool. I curled the petals a bit with my bone folder, and then spritzed the flowers liberally with my Champagne shimmer mist (Champagne shimmer paint with alcohol). I doubled a length of yellow embroidery floss, then doubled it again (so there were 4 strands) and threaded that through the hole in the flower center, secured the floss on the back side, then snipped the loop on the front side and separated the strands to look like flower stamens. If you wanted to take the project up one more notch :), you could add some little yellow or pale green beads to the tips of the strands, but I didn't have either one on hand, so alas, no beads!

The Medallion background stamp was the perfect backdrop on my Pear Pizzazz panel, stamped in Certainly Celery ink. I then embossed the oval design in the lower right corner, using the Textured Frames embossing folders -- a free item during Sale-a-bration! and stamped Happy Easter from the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set on a scrap of Whisper White, and punched it out with the Wide Oval punch -- the perfect size to fit in the oval textured frames. Of course, a couple of the little butterflies from the Beautiful Wings embosslit adds that perfect touch. And don't forget the Basic Pearls!

I punched the long skinny, leaves using the Blossom Petals punch and Always Artchoke card stock -- another sadly neglected color in my stamp room. I sponged the leaves with Always Artichoke ink, to make them a little darker.

Colors used: Whisper White, Daffodil Delight, Always Artichoke, Pear Pizzazz
Inks: Certainly Celery, Basic Black, Pear Pizzazz marker
Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes, Medallion
Accessories: Wide Oval punch, Island Floral Bigz die, color spritzer tool, beautiful wings embosslit, textured frames embossing folders, stampin' dimensionals, embroidery floss

This is one of the cards we will be making at my upcoming Card Buffet on March 18th. I hope you can come!

Feel inspired to give some stampin' love to neglected treasures in YOUR stamp room!

Sale-a-brate just a little longer...

2012-02-25T16:08:00.000-08:00

with a Card Buffet! :) Choose from eight different cards, all featuring products you can get for FREE with a $50 order through March 31st, during Sale-a-bration! Kid's birthday, Easter, a card for him -- I've got you covered! Check out all the details here: "Bring a Friend" Card Buffet.

Clear Block background stamping

2012-02-23T07:02:00.000-08:00

Here is another card we are doing at my upcoming Techniques Club class -- featuring the clear block background stamping technique.

I started with a 3 3/4 x 5" Watercolor paper panel. I then inked up my size E clear block with Crumb Cake ink and then spritzed it liberally with water -- you want to see the water beading up a little, but not running down the block in rivers. :) Next, stamp the block onto your water color paper -- holding the block in place for a few seconds while the paper absorbs the image. Let you panel dry for a little while (or heat with a heat gun) before stamping the Field Flowers images in Wild Wasabi, Concord Crush, and Wisteria Wonder inks. Use a sponge dauber and Concord ink to add the dark purple around the entire edges of your water color panel. It's hard to see in the photo, but I then spritzed my completed stamped panel with my home-made Champagne shimmer mist (Champagne shimmer paint and rubbing alcohol) -- this final spritzing lets the Concord ink edging blend a little into the water color paper, creating a much more subtle look -- AND makes your project incredibly sparkly!

And that's pretty much it! I used my most favorite new product -- the Lables Framelits -- to stamp the sentiment on, and added some basic Rhinestones for bling.

Color palette: Water color paper, Wild Wasabi card stock and ink, Concord Crush card stock and ink, Wisteria Wonder card stock and ink.

Enjoy! and if you're excited to make this card, come to my Techniques club on March 9th at 6:30 and try this out for yourself! :)

Happy stamping!

Techniques Class 2 -- Fabulous Florets Magic!

2012-02-19T07:47:00.000-08:00

This little card features three different stamping techniques we will learn at my upcoming Techniques Club class on March 9th -- 1) Masking, 2) Reverse masking, and 3) Embossed Frame techniques.

Step 1: Cut two Whisper White panels -- 5 1/4 x 4". Use the 3" circle die to cut a circle out of the upper portion of one of the panels. This panel with the 3" hole is going to be your "reverse mask".
Step 2: Put some temporary adhesive (Dotto works GREAT!) on the back of the panel with the hole, and adhere it to the other white panel lining it up perfectly.
Step 3: Stamp the flower from Fabulous Florets on a sticky note, taking care to stamp near the sticky edge -- cut out the flower very carefully, leaving no border around it.
Step 4: Stamp your flower in Cherry Cobbler ink inside the masked circle in the upper right corner. Now, use your "mask" -- the carefully trimmed sticky note image, and stick it onto the flower you just stamped. Stamp a second flower in Baja Breeze ink slightly to the left, overlapping the first image -- this gives the effect that the first flower is in the foreground and the second flower is behind it. Apply the mask as needed and stamp the leaves -- see how the leaves look like they are coming out from the base of the flower rather than just dangling in space?
Step 5: "Reverse Masking" simply means you are using the negative (punched out or die cut space) to create your effect. Here, I used a sponge dauber and applied Wild Wasabi ink around the edges of my reverse mask/3" die cut circle panel. Once I was happy with the effect, I removed my reverse mask and then have a lovely floral image surrounded by a perfect 3" Wild Wasabi "halo".

Now, for the Embossed Frame technique -- if you look at the card carefully, you'll notice that where the flowers are stamped is smooth and flat, while the surrounding area is embossed with an embossing folder. This is how you do that.
Step 1: Take a piece of sturdy chipboard (5 1/2 x 4 1/4") -- I love our On Board Long Board as it is the perfect width and thickness -- and use the 3" Bigz circle die to cut a circle out of the center of your chipboard panel. (You can use any shape, but you will need a Bigz die rather than a sizzlit, as you need to be able to cut through chipboard.)
Step 2: Choose an embossing folder and put your stamped floral panel inside.
Step 3: Add a little temporary adhesive on the back of your chipboard panel. Line up the 3" die cut hole in your chipboard with the 3" green "halo" circle you sponged onto your card in the reverse masking step.
Step 4: Put through your Big Shot using the following sandwich:
-- Tab 2 of your multi purpose platform
-- embossing folder with stamped white panel inside
-- Chipboard frame centered over top
-- Cutting pad

That's it! You have a perfect embossed frame around your stamped image! I used a sponge dauber and Baja Breeze ink to high light the embossed pattern. I also embellished my design with Basic Pearls, dazzling Diamonds glitter and the two-way glue pen, and the lovely new Baja Breeze pleated satin ribbon from the Occasions Mini. To make the Cherry Cobbler flower stand out more, I stamped a second flower on a scrap of white and cut out the inner flower of the image and popped it up on dimensionals.

Here is the same card using a different color palette -- Pacific Point, Calypso Coral, Crumb Cake, and Wild Wasabi.

Whoooo Loves You?

2012-02-06T13:11:00.000-08:00

You can never go wrong with these cute little owls made with the Owl Punch! Add a Santa hat and use him for a Christmas project, turn him upside down and trim off the feet for a perfect little ghost, add a party hat for a birthday theme, or turn him into a darling pengquin! -- SO many ideas out there for this little fellow! Here I punched two owl bodies out of Poppy Parade card stock -- and embossed them with the square lattice and Houndstooth embossing folders. I punched the jackets out of scraps from the Everyday Enchantment Sale-a-bration paper pack. Of course, that lovely paper along the bottom is also from the same designer paper stack. I stamped the chocolate chip card base and the inside cream panel with the stamp from the Sale-a-bration set -- Fresh Vintage. I love how the stamp coordinates with the paper -- always makes it easy to make a nicely coordinated project! I punched a couple of hearts (using the owl punch) from the red glimmer paper to add a little love above the owl couple.

The moon is the 2 1/2 " circle punch with the little "love" stamp from the Tiny Tags stamp set, stamped in the top left corner in Chocolate Chip ink. Finally, I added a couple of branches for them to sit on using the Bird Punch -- such a versatile punch that I find myself reaching for all the time!

The owl punch DOES come with all the parts you could ever need for intricate eyes punched from card stock, but I find all those little pieces to be somewhat tedious, so I always just grab my googly eyes! HOWEVER, should you feel inspired to make some tedious eyes, here is a tip to help: take your stylus (or any blunt tipped instrument -- even an "out-of-ink" ball point pen could work) -- add some of the multipurpose liquid glue (the stuff with the green lid) to the tip and let it dry overnight. It dries tacky, so it works perfectly for picking up all those tedious little owl eye ball pieces and applying them to your project!

Happy Valentine's creating!

Milk Carton Die treat holder

2012-01-28T07:46:00.000-08:00

Need a quick and CUTE little Valentine treat holder? Try this little milk carton! It's made with the Milk Carton Bigz Die. I did find that using the premium crease pad with an extra shim of one piece of card stock, helped to make the score lines MUCH easier to fold. (So, your Big Shot sandwich is: bottom cutting plate, die, card stock, premium crease pad, and card stock shim.) You do have to spend a bit of time with a bone folder, creasing all the score lines for your box to turn out the way you want it to... I wanted to add a little window to the front, to see the cute little candy hearts inside, so I used the Postage Stamp Punch to punch a little window in the side panel -- two panels over from the "side flap" on the box. I then attached a small piece of the clear acetate Window Sheets over the window, and finished assembling the box. Such a cute little finishing touch!

To hold the top closed, I punched one hole with the 1/8" round punch through all the layers at the top, as well as through the little tag I made, and put a black glitter brad through to hold it all together.
For the little tag, I stamped the little birds (from the "Love You Much" stamp set) in Real Red on a Whisper White card stock scrap, and then punched it out with the decorative label punch. I then stamped the birds again in black on some red designer paper from the Brights Designer series paper stack, and cut them out. I popped the little birds up on dimensionals. This technique is called "paper piecing" and is simple enough to do, and adds such a great little touch of flair.

Join me on Sat, Feb 4th at 6:30 pm and make yourself one of these adorable little milk carton boxes full of candy hearts!
AND,... don't forget! It's Sale-a-bration time! Get a FREE Sale-a-bration product with every $50 purchase!

More scrap book pages -- aka border swaps!

2012-01-27T13:50:00.000-08:00

Here is a little scrap booking inspiration for you! I have been loving the layout borders/page embellishments I have received in my scrap booking borders swap! Helps me keep up with my goal to get at least one 2 page, 12x12" scrap book page ensemble done each week. Look at these gorgeous borders and page elements. I am so happy my scrappy friend, Leah, twisted my arm into joining their swap. :)

Sparkling Hugs and Kisses

2012-01-27T13:41:00.000-08:00

How cute is THIS idea!!! You cut a 1 1/2" strip of the red glimmer paper, and the silver glimmer paper (from the Holiday mini -- BUT still available to order! #124005), and Early Espresso card stock. Feed the strips into the Blossom Petals Builder Punch, lining up the edge of your strip with the pointed tip of the largest petal -- ta dah! you have a perfect kiss shape! I learned this cool trick on Lisa Young's blog, and thought is was so brilliant, just had to share! In the new set from the Occasions Mini -- "P.S. I love You", there is a stamp with "kiss you, miss you, love you" and I just cut them apart to make the strips coming out of the kisses. This is another card we will be making at my upcoming Valentine's class on Feb 4th.
Other fabulous products featured, are: the new Fashionable Hearts embosslit, the Adorning accents heart embossing folder, a strip of lovely black flocked paper from the Mocha Morning designer paper stack, and the Dotted Scalloped Ribbon Border punch for that little decorative strip of red. The card base is Basic Gray.

Are you getting into the Valentine's mood??? :)
Happy Creating!

Love is in the air!

2012-01-26T18:45:00.000-08:00

I recently purchased the new stamp set from the Occasions Mini, "P.S I Love You", and I've been anxious to "play" a little, so here you go! I wanted to make a masculine card, so I forced myself to leave the chocolate and pink alone, and reach for the cherry cobbler, black, and vanilla. It really is a striking combo, and achieved the look I was hoping to. I used a strip of Newsprint DSP along the bottom, sponged along the edges with cherry cobbler ink. I used the Lace ribbon punch to punch the lovely black border and wove a piece of vanilla 1/8" ribbon through some of the holes. Then, I added some rhinestones colored red with a Sharpie, for some bling. The punched shape for the sentiment at the lower right, is made with the Decorative Label punch. First, stamp the sentiment (from Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set) on a scrap of vanilla card stock. Line up the sentiment toward the bottom of the punch and punch out. See the posting on this blog that has photos. :) of how to do create the next step. http://embellishedbybrenda.blogspot.com/2011/08/decorative-label-punch-alternate-use.html Just another super fun thing you can do with this punch!
I stamped more hearts on the background with cherry cobbler ink, and punched out the large hearts with the heart punch, and the "Love you" with the heart to heart punch. Of course, I added some Dazzling Diamonds glitter around the borders of the hearts to make them just a tad more special....
This card is one of the projects we will be making at my "Won't you be mine?" Valentine's class on Sat, Feb 4th, at 6:30. Please join us! Here are all the other projects we'll be making, too!

Time to Sale-a-brate!

2012-01-24T21:16:00.000-08:00

It is indeed the most wonderful time of the Stampin' Up! year -- Sale-a-bration! Get a free stamp set, ribbon/brad pack, designer paper pack, embossing folder, or stamp set for FREE with a $50 order! Whoo Hoo!!! I love free stuff, and there are lots of lovelies to choose from this year. Some of my favorites so far, are the "Everyday Enchantment" designer series paper, the adorable brads assortment, and "Fresh Vintage" stamp set. Of course, I'm also excited about getting the embossing folders featured, as I don't have them yet -- amazing, huh! :)

I've been enjoying playing with the new Labels framelits a LOT!!! They are so versatile and add such an elegant touch to a project. Here is a super simple card featuring a new Sale-a-bration stamp set -- "Everyday Elegance", the new Labels framelits, and -- just for a fun twist -- I used my Concord Crush Classic ink pad, and rubbed ink all over the inside of the front of the Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder before running my folded Wisteria card stock through. It gives almost a vintage feel to the card.

A great advantage to the framelits, is that you can see where you are cutting -- so I stamped my sentiment and image on a scrap of white card stock, then used my framelit to cut it out exactly where I wanted to. Perfect!

Of course, I added some ruffled Wisteria ribbon and my favorite Basic Pearls at all the "intersections" to add that special touch. Seriously, this card was a "10 minutes or less" baby -- love those kind! :)
Enjoy! and be sure to check out all the AWESOME stuff in the Sale-a-bration catalog -- upper right corner of my blog.

Winter is here!

2012-01-19T14:11:00.000-08:00

Ready to scrap some winter pictures??? I think winter is here, finally! My Seattle friends have had more snow than we have so far this year...
This scrap book layout is for my Scrappers' Hostess Club that starts next month -- Feb 10th to be exact. AND there's still one spot in this club, so join us if you like. It meets every other month, with a $30 order commitment, on the 2nd Friday of the month at 6 pm. For all the details, visit my meetup group: http://www.meetup.com/Flathead-Valley-Stampers/.
The theme to these pages is: "Winter is..." -- different for each of us, I'm sure, but a few of my favorite journaling accents are: skiing, snuggles, smiles, santa, sledding, snowmen, snowball fights, scrap booking with friends, stamping Christmas cards, and.. the list goes on...
I've used the Everyday Enchantment designer series paper again here (FREE paper you can get during Sale-a-bration).

We will be learning two stamping techniques. First, Glitter window...

I first punched a 1 1/4" circle out of a scrap pc of cardstock. Then I lined up my designer paper strips and adhered them down with temporary adhesive, traced the outline of the circle where I wanted the punch out to be, then lifted up each strip and lined up the punch on the line I drew and punched in out. Next, I put both strips face down, lining up the circle halves, and put a pc of clear packing tape over the hole -- so the sticky side is facing to the front. Turn project sticky side up, and dump Dazzling Diamonds glitter over your sticky window, rubbing in the glitter a little so it sticks well. On a separate scrap of vanilla paper, I stamped a snowflake from the Serene Snowflakes stamp set in Poppy Parade ink and adhered that behind the window. I used a little Pool Party ruffled ribbon to hide my designer paper seam, and punched a Poppy Parade scalloped frame to go around my glitter window.

The second technique showcased here, is the emboss resist technique.

Take a scrap of vanilla card stock, and stamp the snow flake from "Winter Post" set in Versamark ink. Emboss with clear embossing powder and a heat gun. Apply Lucky Limeade ink using a stamping sponge all over embossed image. Use a paper towel to rub over image and wipe off any excess ink from the embossed image -- the snowflake image will "pop out" as the embossing resists the ink.

Of course, that beautiful doily is the new Doily die from the Occasions Mini. That little punched out postage stamp on the lower right corner is from the Free Sale-a-bration set -- Fresh Vintage. I also used the postage stamp punch to punch out the title letters after first stamping them in Poppy Parade ink on Vanilla card stock. I then mounted them on Pool Party embossed tags using the large tag punch. Whew! there are a lot of steps on these pages, I guess. More than I realized!...

I used the new Labels Framelits to cut the snowman photo and mats. They are so very versatile! I've been using them a lot already -- great for scrapbooking and card making, both.

Stay warm! and drive safely!

3-D Stamping Technique

2012-01-14T13:49:00.000-08:00

Here is the second card we will be making at my techniques class coming up on Jan 20th -- "3-D stamping" is the featured technique. First, to make the scallop shaped card base, I took a standard, A-2 sized Lucky Limeade card base -- adhered a 1" strip of designer paper from the "Everyday Enchantment" series (FREE paper you can get during Sale-a-bration) along the fold, then added a punched strip of Pool Party card stock (using the dotted scallop ribbon punch). I lined up the fold on the top edge of the Scallop #2 Bigz die, leaving a few scallops sticking off the top -- ran that through my Big Shot, creating a darling scalloped card.
Now, for the focal image -- I used my new Labels framelit dies (from the Occasions Mini catalog) to cut a Calypso Coral die cut. First, I stamped the flower image (from the "Fresh Vintage stamp set -- another free Sale-a-bration stamp set) in Poppy Parade ink. Next, I used my stamp-a-ma-jig to stamp this same image onto an imaging sheet. Then, I cleaned the stamp well, re-inked it in White craft ink, and used my stamp-a-ma-jig to align the image exactly where I wanted it (I wanted to stamp the white image slightly to the right and down just a tiny bit to give that 3-D effect). See this U-tube video my friend has done demonstrating how to use a stamp-a-ma-jig. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NHIRdouV3k&feature=uploademail
This same technique can be done using a light ink (like Pool Party) on white card stock, then stamping the second image in a darker ink (like Old Olive) slightly to the side and down to make a shadowed like image --like this card:

Those adorable little brads shown at the bottom of the "label" panel, are also from a FREE pack you can get during Sale-a-bration. :) How I do love free stuff!
I added some of the basic pearls to make the images pop a little, as well.

Emboss Resist meets "Mixed Bunch"

2012-01-12T20:00:00.000-08:00

For my first techniques class (in a series of 5 classes), starting on Jan 20th, we are doing emboss resist and 3-D stamping techniques. Check my "Events Calendar" if you're interested in joining these classes.
This card features the emboss resist technique AND the brand new stamp set, "Mixed Bunch" with it's matching Blossom punch from the new Occasions mini.

I stamped the flowers in Versamark ink on Whisper White cardstock, then embossed them with clear embossing powder. Next, I sponged Pacific Point ink over the flower, which makes the white, clear embossed image stand out. Take a paper towel and rub over the embossing and remove any residual ink -- the embossing resists the ink, and only allows the non-embossed areas to be inked. I then punched out the flower, using the new Blossom punch, and layered it onto my card, using one of the polka dotted In Color brads, and a new brad from a pack of brads you can get for FREE during Sale-a-bration (which starts Jan 24th). Other fabulous products featured on these cards, are the Large Sizzlit Doily die, the Adorning Accents edgelits and their matching embossing folders, the tiny tag punch and stamp set, and the Blossom Petals punch (for the leaves). The new doily die takes a little effort to poke out all the extra parts, but the result is stunning and so worth the work! A couple of tips -- slightly roll your doily after you cut it out, and some of the chad will start to "pop" out. Use a lint roller to roll over it -- the extra pieces stick to the roller. AND, when all that fails, use your trusty paper piercer and park yourself in front of the trash can and poke away, being careful to only poke through the doily!
My color scheme here, is brighter than my usual fair -- I think I was longing for some color in my life right about now! -- Pacific Point, Lucky Limeade, and Riding Hood Red. It definitely would brighten one's day! :)
Happy Stamping -- and be sure to check out the new Occasions mini -- upper right hand corner. So many fabulous products to get inspired and excited about!
Supplies:
Card stock: Riding hood red, Pacific Point, Whisper White, Lucky Limeade
Ink: Riding hood Red, Pacific Point
Stamps: Mixed Bunch, Tiny Tags
Accessories: Blossom punch, Tiny tag punch, Riding Hood red taffeta ribbon (retired), Cherry Cobbler bakers twine, In Color polka dotted brads, Adorning Accents edgelits and embossing folders, Blossom Petals punch

My First ever "Border Swap"

2012-01-03T10:13:00.000-08:00

My VERY scrappy friend, Leah, invited me to join her and 2 of her crafty friends in a "border swap". We each create 4 of the following: a 3" border, at least one photo mount, and embellishments to complete a 2 pg layout. Once a month, we'll have a swap -- and come home with three, double page layouts, plus our own. I'm hoping this will give me a jump start in my overwhelming gallery of photos I have to scrap! I went ahead and put my layout together, with it's card stock backing, stamping, etc., because I wanted to take it along to show how I intended to finish the layouts. Here they are!

First I stamped the background 12x12" sheets of bashful blue cardstock, with Serene Snowflakes and white craft ink. To make the borders, I cut two strips of Baja Breeze card stock in a wavy pattern, then tore strips of white card stock and layered them on, overlapping each strip slightly. Then, I used my two-way glue pen and outlined each layer, then dumped Dazzling Diamonds glitter over -- so much sparkle!

For the SNOW letters, I adhered (retired) designer paper to chipboard, using the Big Shot Multipurpose adhesive sheets, then cut them out using the Serif Essentials Alphabet Bigz dies. To make the "snowball letters" on the other side, I stamped the letters in Early Espresso and Real Red on white cardstock, punched them out with a 1" punch, adhered them to the layout, and then added a little border of Dazzling Details glue around the outsides to make a glittery snow ball.
I wanted to add a journaling element, so I cut out a little envelope using the Scallop Envelope die, and then folded a little strip of white card stock with a red ribbon pull, and put it into the envelope as a "pull out tag" to journal on. I used the retired slit punch to make a "flap" to secure the folded tag.

The big snowflake is made using the Snowflake #2 die, layered Baja Breeze and Whisper white -- with three sparkly rhinestones in the center. The little snow flakes, are from the Norther Frost decorative strip die. They help tie the whole layout together, I think.
Last, but not least, that adorable singing reindeer in the lower right corner, is Jackie Topa's masterpc -- isn't he the cutest!!! You can learn all about him here: Jackie Topa's singing reindeer card
One final side shot for the road! Hope you feel inspired to try a little scrapping yourself!

The Ugly Duckling

2012-01-01T19:32:00.000-08:00

I wasn't quite sure about this card, but here it is anyways! :) Perhaps it will be gratifying to some of you, that even when you've been paper crafting for years, you sometimes (quite often, actually) make a card that makes you go "Hmmm, don't think it's a winner!"

The color combo I used here, was Riding hood Red, Pool Party, and Lucky Limeade -- based on colors in the "Every Day Enchantment" designer paper -- a FREE Sale-a-bration pack of DSP. The flower is from the Sale-a-bration set -- Fresh Vintage. I colored it with markers, then stamped it on a 3" white circle. I love how this flower coordinates with this designer paper -- takes the guess work out of matching things. This card design was an attempt to follow a Mojo Monday card sketch from Mary Fish's blog, Mojo Monday. I do love her blog, and hope to play along with her sketches more in the coming year -- great way to get out of your card making rut.
Supplies used:
Card Stock: Pool Party, Riding Hood Red, Lucky Limeade, Whisper White, Every Day Enchantment DSP
Markers: Tempting Turqoise, Poppy Parade, Old Olive
Ink: Poppy Parade, Crumb Cake
Stamps: Fresh Vintage, Kind Thanks
Accessories: Finial Press embossing folder, 3" circle die, 2-way glue pen, Dazzling Diamonds glitter

Another "Mixed Bunch"

2012-01-01T19:14:00.000-08:00

Another look at this gorgeous flower from the "Mixed Bunch" stamp set -- there are three flower patterns in the set, but this filligree looking one is my favorite. Here, I stamped it in Concord Crush on Wisteria Wonder cardstock and punched it out, then layered it onto a Concord Crush flower with an In Color polka dotted brad in the center. I spritzed the flowers with my homemade shimmer mist, so in real life, they are oh so sparkly!!! The leaves are punched from Lucky Limeade using the Blossom Petals punch. I stamped the sentiment from "Curly Cute" in Concord Crush on a folded white card base.
For that sweet edging, I used the new Adorning Accents edgelit die. The designer paper here, is from the retired Hostess In Colors DSP pack. It adds a nice little punch to a very simple card.
Are you feeling the excitement yet for these upcoming incredible products??? They're so cool!!!
Happy New Year to each of you, and may 2012 bring you lots of stamping mojo! :)

"Black and White and Poppy Parade all over!"

2012-01-01T19:05:00.000-08:00

Oh, how I love a little time to play -- especially when I have a whole stack of new stamps, punches, and accessories to play with! Yesterday, was a blissful day, as I just closed the doors of my craft room (to shut out the horrible mess the house was in :) and "created away"! AND I don't even feel guilty because it recharged me so, that today I tackled the post-holiday, trashed living quarters -- and it ALMOST sparkles around here. :)
So,.... drum roll, here is a card made with my brand new treasures from the Occasions Mini catalog -- available Jan 4th.

That beautiful flower was stamped in Versamark (using a stamp from the "Mixed Bunch"stamp set), embossed with clear embossing powder, then punched out with it's coordinating punch. As many of you know, I am NOT a "cutter" -- I hate to cut things out, so a punch that coordinates with a stamp is always at the very top of my list. And, I can hardly ever resist flowers, so here you go -- another beautiful floral set to add to my huge collection. :)
Another cool new product in the Occasions Mini, are our framelits -- these ones are the the Labels framelits -- large set of nesting shapes -- perfect for scrap book pages, cards, etc. Along the bottom of the card, I cut that decorative edge along the bottom of the card, with the new "edgelit dies" -- that also have a coordinating little embossing folder -- see that embossed line right along the edge. They are all really easy to use, and such a stunning effect! I can't wait for you to try them out. The sentiment is from a new Sale-a-bration set called "Fresh Vintage".
Of course, for some bling, I added Basic Rhinestones colored black with a Sharpie.
Supplies:
Card Stock: Poppy Parade, Basic Black, Whisper White
Stamps: Mixed Bunch, Fresh Vintage
Ink: Poppy Parade, Versamark
Accessories: Adorning Accents Edgelit dies, Adorning accents embossing folders, Labels Collection framelits, Blossom Punch, Basic Rhinestones, clear embossing powder

My Personal Christmas Card

2011-12-26T21:09:00.000-08:00

Merry Belated Christmas! :) Christmas Eve and Christmas Day were both very busy days for me, so no time to post! so here it is anyways! It's not SO far away from Christmas that you can't still enjoy it.
When I went to design my card this year, first, it needed to be easy, as we were traveling in December, I was taking a big exam, and, well, I just don't seem to have long stretches of crafting time these days -- just little snatches here and there... Secondly, I wanted to use a set that, sadly, had never seen ink yet -- high time to pull out Tree Trimmings and make something gorgeous with it before that set retires. Thirdly, I wanted a somewhat non-traditional color scheme -- which I half way accomplished -- I still threw some Cherry Cobbler in the mix because I just couldn't help myself....

The card base is Blushing Bride, embossed with the Snow Burst embossing folder, and then sponged with Champagne Shimmer paint around the edges. I then stamped the ornaments with Cherry Cobbler, Blushing Bride, and Early Espresso -- and used a Pear Pizzazz marker to color in the branches from a stamp in the set -- Tags till Christmas. They gave me the ferny little branches I was looking for. The rest is quite self explanatory -- and many of you have received this card in the mail! Simple, yet elegant -- and went together pretty quickly -- all excellent qualities for this year especially.
Supplies:
Card Stock: Blushing Bride, Cherry Cobbler, Pear Pizzazz, Whisper White
Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Blushing Bride, Early Espresso, Pear Pizzazz marker
Stamps: Tree Trimmings, Petite Pairs, Tags Till Christmas
Accessories: Scalloped Cherry Cobbler ribbon, Scallop # 2 die, 3" circle die, large oval and scallop oval punches, scallop border punch, snow burst embossing folder, Champagne shimmer paint, 2-way glue pen and Dazzling Diamonds glitter

Hope this inspires you to pull out a set you've never used before and make something lovely with it!

Something Old, Something New,...

2011-12-22T19:01:00.000-08:00

...but nothing borrowed, or anything blue!
Here is another glass block decor piece Christmas present! I used the retired Birds and branches Bigz die, and the Frosted Flurries Sizzlit strip die for the snow flakes -- plus red, black, and white vinyl. The snow flakes were tedious to extract from the die, but so worth it! Filled with some beautiful faux snow (courtesy of Pottery Barn) and this will be such a beautiful centerpiece! ...or little ornaments, snow balls, cranberries -- suit yourself! :)
Of course, it had to have some bling, so I added plenty of the Basic Rhinestones to glitter it up! So pretty in real life!

Happy last minute Christmas crafting!!! :)

A special Christmas present

2011-12-20T13:32:00.000-08:00

My "baby" brother got married two years ago, now, and I have been meaning to make them a decorative glass block commemorating their special day. I cut the design for the black die cut out of black vinyl using the retired Tulipe Bigz die (however, this die IS in the clearance rack if you're interested!), then a friend who has a Cricket, helped me cut out the vinyl words. It was an excruciatingly tedious process to get the vinyl words transferred to the block, as they were so finely detailed -- definitely a nap time/Bryn in school -- only! type of project. I do love how it came out, though, and hope they do too! It looks so festive filled with little ornaments or faux snowballs and Christmas lights!

Don't forget about the Clearance Rack Blitz happening right now!!! Tons of punches and designer paper and ribbon up to 80% off! Click here to view these amazing savings: Clearance Rack Blitz.
Merry Christmas to each of you!!!

Tags, tags and MORE tags!

2011-12-20T13:20:00.000-08:00

With Christmas less than a week away, I once again found myself scrounging for tags to put on my many beautifully wrapped gifts.... So much for having them all stamped and ready to go early this year. BUT, better late than never, so I pulled out my Two Tags Bigz Die and cut out a bunch of tags in Real Red, Old Olive, and Marina Mist and got to work. I love that die! So easy to make some really cute tags REALLY quickly -- which is just what I needed! In half an hour, I had all my tags ready to go -- and here they are!

The snow flake and the reindeer stamp are both from a new (to me) set -- Winter Post. Just LOVE this set -- such an elegant snow flake and that little reindeer makes the cutest little tag topper -- just add a little rhinestone colored red with my Sharpie, and he's got a nose that glows!

Now, isn't he just the cutest on this little tag!!!! I also used the lace ribbon punch to make that elegant little strip behind him -- easy peezy but makes it look so .... professional and time consuming, which it clearly was neither of those. :) Of course, I also punched out some ornaments with the ornament from the Tags Till Christmas set, and also a little stocking with my stocking punch and matching set.

Enjoy! and happy wrapping to each of you!

Simple JOY Christmas card

2011-12-08T19:47:00.000-08:00

Needing a quick and easy Christmas card this year? Try this JOY card -- I simply stamped the letters from the Lovely Letters Alphabet stamp set on vanilla card stock, punched them out with the 1 1/4" square punch, and then used the scalloped square punch to frame them in black. I then punched the edge of a little strip of Wild Wasabi card stock with the scallop edge punch, and embossed it with the Snow Burst embossing folder. Finally, for that dazzling strip of silver along the bottom, I put a line of sticky strip along the edge of the card, dumped some Silver Glass Glitter over it, shook off the excess, and then 'burnished' the glitter (i.e. rubbed it into the sticky strip by laying a doubled pc of scratch paper over it and smoothing with my bone folder) into the sticky strip. That glitter adds such a striking touch -- a whole lot of bling for $3.95! And, just in case there isn't enough bling for you, add some rhinestones colored red and green with my trusty Sharpies. (Speaking of Sharpies, I just saw a pack of 24! Makes my little 10 pack look pretty elementary! Now I think I NEED the 24 pack...:)
One last subtle touch on this card --I used the Delicate Doilies stamp set to make a background on the Real Red base. Adds just a little extra to the design.

Supplies:
Card stock: Real Red, Wild Wasabi, Very Vanilla, Basic Black
Ink: Black, Real Red
Stamps: Lovely Letters Alphabet, Delicate Doilies
Punches: Scallop Square, scallop edge, 1 1/4" square
Accessories: Snow Burst embossing folder, Silver Glass glitter, sticky strip, Basic Rhinestones

Merry Christmas and Happy Stamping!!!

Halloween in December :)

2011-12-05T20:27:00.000-08:00

A simple little Halloween layout using the owl punch and the pumpkin faces sizzlit die to make the cutest little ghosts -- just punch the owl out of white, trim off the feet, and turn it upside down and you have a darling ghost! Add some scary faces with the pumpkin faces die, and you're set! The little jack-o-lanterns are made with the pumpkin and pumpkin faces sizzlit dies. I embossed "Happy Halloween" in white -- using the Hand Penned Holidays stamp set from the Holiday mini. I love that set of stamps -- so elegant, and looks cute on this page even though you don't generally equate "halloween" and "cute" in the same sentence.
Other papers used: Frightful Sight DSP, Basic Black textured card stock, Pumpkin Pie and Whisper White card stock.
Once again, a simple layout -- but the little ghosts really make it cute! I'm not much of a spooky, creepy Halloween person, so cute is more my style -- and with those little munchkins to show off, a cute layout wasn't hard to do! :)

Happy Crafting!

Fall Scrap layout

2011-12-05T20:17:00.000-08:00

Yes, I know, it's December and I'm just now getting around to uploading this Fall Scrap layout... Better late than never, right? :) The lighting wasn't the greatest in these shots, but you can still get the idea. I used the gorgeous Spice Cake Designer paper, as well as More Mustard, Pool Party, and Soft Suede. For the "Fall" chipboard letters, I first adhered the designer paper to chipboard using the Big shot Mulitpurpose adhesive sheets -- LOVE that stuff -- no waiting for glue to dry... I then cut the letters out using my Serif Essentials alphabet dies. They add such dimension and uniqueness to this layout, I think. And, of course, the little owls punched out with the owl punch, are an adorable touch.
To make the big sunflower, I used the Blossom Petals punch and punched out petals from the Spice Cake DSP, arranged them into a sunflower, added a crimped strip of Old Olive for a stem, plus a couple of leaves -- a perfect, happy sunflower!

Happy Scrapping to each of you!

Holiday Tin Lunchbox Organizer

2011-11-30T17:33:00.000-08:00

A few years back, the little tin lunchboxes from Provocraft were all the rage. Well, I still have a little "stash" even though Provocraft no longer makes them. This designer paper is the Jolly Holiday DSP from last Christmas, and I just love the rich colors! Cherry Cobbler is my all time favorite, anyways, so anything with that color in it is one I've gotta have!
For this little tin, I covered the outside with paper, the top and inside of the lid, and made six dividers for the inside -- perfect to organize holiday recipes, coupons, receipts, or gift and Christmas card lists.
The flower on the front is made using the Flower Folds die -- LOVE that die -- well worth it's expensive price as I have made dozens of gorgeous projects with it -- unlike some other dies I've purchased (pop-up cake die anyone?), and hardly ever used...
I stamped the dividers using Baroque Motifs stamp set -- another favorite of mine. So easy, but makes the ensemble so elegant....
That's all for now! Trying diligently to complete my Christmas cards without TOTALLY neglecting my blog...
Happy Holidays to you and yours!

Dasher in the Spotlight!

2011-11-17T07:20:00.000-08:00

The little "Dasher" a la carte stamp, is such a darling stamp! I just love his fancy antlers and prancing step. Anything you make with him has a touch of elegance! This card is one we will be making at "Lisa's Fabulous Crafty Christmas Party" coming up on Dec 2nd. It is a simple design, perfect for new stampers, but has "step up" options for those who like to take it up a notch! Add the Champagne glass glitter around the border using the Multipurpose Liquid Glue -- the stuff with the green lid. And add a "spotlight" around his feet by punching an oval out of a sticky note using the large oval punch -- place the sticky note over the stamped Dasher image, centering the punched out space over his feet. Hold in place and use a sponge dauber to add ink to sponge ink onto the oval space. When you remove the sticky note, you have a nice "spotlight" where Dasher is standing. Add some bling by outlining the oval with the "glue with the green lid", and sprinkling Champagne glass glitter over.
The sentiment is stamped with the "Petite Pairs" stamp set -- this set is so versatile! and I love how there is a sentiment for the outside of the card AND one for the inside -- there's "Merry Christmas" on the outside of this card, "and a Happy, Joyful, Bright New Year" stamped on the inside. How cool is that! This set is only $20.95 in the clear mount option, and comes with 18 stamps! -- birthday, thank you, sympathy, Christmas, thinking of you, baby, etc! LOVE this set.
For even MORE bling, I colored some of our Basic Rhinestones red with my red Sharpie and added them for his red nose and some "antler candy". The Designer Paper used here is the Brights Collection Paper stack. This paper is double sided, so you can go with the stripes, OR the elegant flourish design to make two unique cards.
Supplies:
Card stock: Real Red, Very Vanilla, Early Espresso, Brights Paper stack DSP
Ink: Early Espresso, Crumb Cake
Punches: Word Window, Modern Label, Large Oval
Accessories: Big Shot with the Scallop Circle #2 die and the 3" circle die, retired Early Espresso 5/8" satin ribbon, Basic Rhinestones, Red Sharpie, Multipurpose glue, Champagne glass glitter
Happy Creating, and give little Dasher a try, if you haven't already!

Moonlit Trees Christmas card

2011-11-13T06:33:00.000-08:00

Here is the final Christmas card we made yesterday at my Christmas Card Stamp-a-stack. I just LOVE the moonlit trees effect -- so simple, yet so elegant.
I used the Top Note die to cut out a glossy white panel for the front, as glossy paper works best for this technique. This is, of course, the good ole Lovely as a Tree stamp set that's been around since SU was born. For the card on the left, I stamped the first row of trees in Island Indigo ink, then moved the stamp slightly to the right and down and stamped again to make the second, slightly lighter row of trees. I then punched a 1 1/4" circle from a sticky note -- placed the circle over the tips of the trees, and used a stipple brush to apply Marina Mist ink to the tops of the trees -- just dab your brush on your ink pad, and then onto your glossy white panel with a straight up and down motion.
To make the frosted look around the outside edges of the card, I used the Frost White Shimmer paint and a sponge dauber and brushed the paint all around the outside edges. It gives it such a wintery look, and so easy to achieve!
For the final sparkly touch, I used my two-way glue pen to apply lots of Dazzling Diamonds glitter to the edges of the trees and the "snow" at the bottom of the card. In real life, this card is super sparkly! And, that's pretty much it! an easy Christmas card with lots of "wow".
Supplies:
Card Stock: Glossy white, Island Indigo
Stamps: Lovely as a Tree
Ink: Island Indigo, Marina Mist
Accessories: Big Shot and Top Note Die, Polka dotted embossing folder, white organdy ribbon, White Frost shimmer paint, dazzling diamonds glitter

Stylish Poinsettias

2011-11-01T20:07:00.000-07:00

What would Christmas be without a gorgeous poinsettia to complete your holiday decor! Come to my Christmas Card SAS later this month to make your own stunning Poinsettia Christmas cards! You can choose which style you would like to make -- the one on the left uses the Blossom Petals Punch to punch out the petals, and the one on the right uses the five petal flower punch -- punch two of them and layer them together to create this stunning little poinsettia. Of course, I added a small silver glitter paper punch to the centers using one of the Itty Bitty punch pack punches and some rhinestones colored red with my trusty red Sharpie for the centers. Just adds that little extra bling. That gorgeous black flocked background is again from the Mocha Morning Specialties paper pack. Isn't it so elegant! Hard to see in this photo, but I took a little Champagne shimmer paint on a sponge dauber and rubbed it over the embossed background to give the card a beautiful sparkly shimmer on the embossed pattern.

Supplies:
Card stock: Cherry cobbler, Very Vanilla, Sahara Sand, Basic Black, Mocha Morning Specialty dsp
Ink: Basic Black
Stamps: Teeny Tiny wishes
Accessories: Scallop Circles #2 die, 3" circle die, Blossom Petals punch, 5 petal flower punch, Itty Bitty punch pack, Basic Rhinestones

Stocking Die Christmas card

2011-11-01T19:54:00.000-07:00

Here is another card we will be making at my Christmas card SAS on Nov 14th. It features the Holiday Stocking Die from the Holiday mini catalog, as well as the Mocha Morning Specialty DSP AND the Northern Frost Decorative Strip die for all those fantastic, glittery snowflakes -- cut from the silver glitter paper. The snow flakes are a tiny bit tedious to extract from the die cut because you have to poke out all the little "bits", but the results are well worth the effort! When cutting the stocking, lay the fold of your cardstock just under the top edge of the stocking so your card will fold at the top. I then attached the top and heal and toe to the front of the card, and an additional cream stocking to the inside. I embossed the front panel with the Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder for that elegant touch.
Such a simple card, really, but I love the way it turned out!
Supplies:
Card stock: cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla, silver glitter, Mocha Morning DSP
Ink: Cherry Cobbler
Stamps: Snow Swirled
Accessories: vintage wallpaper embossing folder, Holiday stocking die, Wide oval and scallop oval punch, Northern Frost decorative strip die

Sweet Stiched Stockings

2011-10-30T07:43:00.000-07:00

Here is another Christmas card we will be making in my upcoming Christmas card SAS. I used the new set, Stitched Stockings stamp set from the Holiday Mini Catalog, along with the matching Stocking Builder Punch, to stamp and punch out these adorable little stockings. Another cute idea you can do with this stamp set and punch, is making a little hobby horse -- see this link to Jackie Topa's blog -- http://jackietopa.typepad.com/addicted_to_stamping/2011/07/stitched-stocking-baby-boy.html. Isn't that the cutest idea ever! Anyways, back to the card at hand... I stamped the Wild Wasabi background with the flourish stamp from the Elements of Style stamp set, then layered a strip of Real Red designer paper along the top, and cut a decorative strip from the Red Glimmer paper using my Tasteful Trims die. It is the perfect glittery accent for the top of the card! Then, add a little rhinestone bling and some of the mini jingle bells to the tops of the stockings, and you've got a gorgeous, easy Christmas card! I embossed the sentiment from Hand-penned Holidays along the bottom in black, and added a red rhinestone (coloring them with my red Sharpie) to the dot on the i.

Supplies:
Card stock: Red Glimmer paper, Whisper white, Wild Wasabi, Red Designer series paper
Ink: Real Red, Wild Wasabi, Versamark
Accessories: Mini jingle bells, Basic Rhinestones, stocking builder punch
Stamps: Stitched Stockings

Jackie Topa's Singing Reindeer Christmas card

2011-10-16T09:15:00.000-07:00

If you've never visited Jackie Topa's blog, you simply MUST! She is the MASTER of the most adorable punch art you've ever seen -- including this adorable singing reindeer. This little guy takes a lot of punches, and some patience to put together, but he's sure to make everyone you send him to, smile!
I embossed the folded Bashful Blue card with the new Snow Burst embossing folder. I LOVE this new folder, and it works great for much more than just holiday projects. See the fall wine tags where I used this same folder.
To make this project go together faster, apply the Big Shot Multipurpose Adhesive sheets to the backs of the card stock you are going to punch out of. One of the FANTASTIC features of this adhesive, is that you can punch through it. It is a double sided adhesive -- you peel off one side -- stick it to your paper, punch or die cut your designs, peel off the other liner and stick it directly to your project. It makes building this little reindeer SOOOOO much faster -- and I am loving this adhesive so much, I have been using it constantly. So handy to just punch, peel, and stick! To make the book, use the curly label punch -- punch out the book, fold it in half, then cut the top and bottom off at an angle to make the book. Put a little dimensional under the middle of the book to make it stand out just a little.
The antlers are made using the Swirls Scribbles Sizzlit die.
Tips for assembly: Start with the head and the antlers -- put these on your card first, then put the body about an inch below the head. Fold a Word Window punch out in half -- snip a V in one end to make the hooves, cut in half and use a half for each foot. Adhere to the book sides and fold over to the back. Put a dimensional on the back of the book so it stands out from the card a little. Add your book. Use a black marker to draw in the black on the face and the teeth, and the white gel pen to draw the white on the nose.
For the snow, I used the new mica flakes from the Holiday Mini catalog. I put a thin layer of Crystal Effects all along the white "snow" panel, dumped the flakes on, patted them down a little to help them stick, then dumped off the excess. Makes a super glittery, chunky snow panel.

Supplies list:
Card Stock: Bashful blue, chocolate chip, Crumb Cake, Real Red, Whisper White, Early Espresso, Basic Black
Punches: Extra Large oval, small oval (retired, but you could use the other small oval punch we carry), 1/2" round, 1 3/4" round, curly label, Word Window
Big Shot and the Snow Burst embossing folder, Swirls Scribbles Sizzlit die

Christmas Card Stamp-a-stack!

2011-10-16T08:05:00.000-07:00

Yes, yes, I know! It's not even Halloween yet, but you gotta start planning your Christmas cards before all the holiday craziness starts, right? :) Here are the five cards we are going to make at my Christmas card stamp-a-stack on Nov 12th, 10 am. You can choose to make 20 cards (4 each of 5 designs for $30) or 10 cards (2 each of 5 designs for $20). These are all fairly simple cards to make, and showcase lots of fabulous new Holiday mini products! Check back over the next few days to see posts about each card individually.

Invite your friends for some wonderful holiday creating! You can visit Flathead Valley Stampers Meetup Group group to RSVP. I hope you can come!

Printed Petals Note Card Set

2011-10-15T08:45:00.000-07:00

Printed Petals stamp set, is another little treasure that I've had on my wish list for a while, and low and behold! it's on sale this month -- 30% off! Only $10.47 for the clear mount version! What a fantastic deal -- I certainly couldn't resist. :)

I used one of the skinny silver tins from the SU clearance rack. I covered it with brand new designer paper -- Flower Garden series -- from the Summer Mini. Such vibrant, summery colors! The dimensions for the papers to cover the tin:

Outside Lid: 5 1/2 x 2 1/2" x 2

Inside lid and bottom of tin: 5 1/2 x 4 7/8" x 2

I used the tin itself for my template to round the corners -- lay the tin on your paper, trace corners with a pencil, and then trim. To put the paper inside the tin, I used double sided tape -- and just put a little in each corner and the middle. For the outside of the tin, use the Big Shot adhesive sheets -- apply the to the backs of your paper sheets, peel and stick!

For the note cards, I used the SU note cards -- you get 20 in a pack for $5.95 -- pg 171. I folded each card in half, then trimmed 1/8" off the top and side of each card. I then mounted them on coordinating card stock panels (5 x 3 1/2") -- to match the designer paper I used -- 1 each of Tangerine Tango, Melon Mambo, Daffodil Delight, and Pacific Point. I stamped the large flower in coordinating colors, and then stamped the smaller flowers and cut them out for center focal points. Yes, even I who hate cutting stuff out, decided these little flowers would look better cut, since I don't have a punch that would PUNCH them out!

I recently got Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set, and am realizing how very versatile it is! Perfect size for punching out with the Modern Label punch or the Word Window punch. On these cards, I added a little sentiment on the bottom of each card.

Wouldn't these make the cutest little teacher gifts?

For the embellishment around the tin, I used a 2 x 12" strip of textured Pacific Point card stock -- punched the edges with the heart border punch, and wrapped it around the tin -- it's a tight fit, but works -- then secured the ends together on top, and added the punched scallop image (from the same stamp set), and a button with Pretty in Pink ribbon threaded through -- and some lovely retired Melon Mambo polka dotted ribbon. The belly band slips off the tin easily, so it can be put back on.

Support West Valley School PTO!

2011-10-07T19:55:00.000-07:00

I am once again, doing a fundraiser for my son's school -- this time with a fall theme! :) I love fall colors, so coming up with some trendy fall projects was easy AND fun! Here there are!

The stamped candle uses two of my favorite stamp sets -- French Foliage and a new set from the Holiday Mini -- Hand Penned Holidays. The script in this stamp set is so elegant! For all the details on making the stamped candle, visit this link: http://stampedwithflair.blogspot.com/2011/04/stamped-candle.html. For the top of this candle, I applied sticky strip around the top and dumped the Champagne glass glitter over top. Then I rubbed it in real good to keep it from flaking off. (Use gloves and a sheet of scratch paper to avoid cutting yourself. :)
The pumpkin card is super simple, yet I love the way those pumpkins pop! Stamp the vanilla panel with the swirl stamp from Baroque Motifs, then emboss some strips of pumpkin pie card stock with the square lattice and the snow burst embossing folders -- rub your pumpkin pie ink pad across your card stock to ink up the embossed design. Punch out three ovals from each design -- using the large oval punch and the (now retired) small oval. Layer the pieces to make a cute little pumpkin! To make the stems, first punch a small oval out of some chocolate chip card stock -- now center the larger oval over the top of the punch out, and punch -- so you have an oval "frame". Cut the oval frame into sections to use for stems.
AND, the wine tag has also had it's debut in "blog spotlight" -- see all the details here: http://stampedwithflair.blogspot.com/2011/09/wine-and-dine-in-fall-style.html. For this one, I used Pumpkin Pie card stock, Old Olive 1 1/2" striped ribbon, and the Medallion stamp set. I used the Boho Blossoms punch to add some little flowers to the center of the Medallion, and the Blossom Petals punch for the leaf. Finally, I added some sparkly Dazzling Details glue to the edges of the Medallion to give it that extra pop! It's really beautiful in real life.

So, save the date for Sat, Nov 5th at 10 am to make these beautiful projects and support West Valley School! The class will be held in the library at WVS, and the class fee is $15. See my meetup group for all the details: http://www.meetup.com/Flathead-Valley-Stampers/events/35714232/ All class fees as well as any profit from SU merchandise purchased, will be donated to the school.

My very first scrap book page ever!

2011-10-03T07:33:00.000-07:00

One of my goals this year, is to start scrap booking! Watching my first grader pour over his year book from last year several times a week, I'm realizing just how important photographs are to him. He needs to have his very own book that tells HIS story. And, well, can't forget the baby girl, either! :) Her story is equally important -- and a little fresher in my memory.

In retrospect, the words should have gone all the way across the top of both pages, and then continued across the bottom since this is a 2 page layout, but too late now! I also think these pages look a little masculine, which wasn't my intention. But, beginnings have to start somewhere! While I would consider myself an avid and experienced stamper, I feel like SUCH a newbie when it comes to scrap booking. A whole new field, and that huge 12x12 expanse to balance and conquer. Truly an art! I've made several more pages since this one, though, and I can see improvements with each one. I am planning to start a hostess Scrappers club which will meet every other month, and we will do a 2 page 12x12 layout -- what better way to get myself scrap booking than to teach it! :) So, join my club and I promise we'll make some amazing layouts as well as explore some great techniques.
Supplies:
Card Stock: Whisper White, Tangerine Tango, Night of Navy
Ink: Night of Navy
Stamps: Retired "Wanted" stamp set
Accessories: Big Shot plus the Tasteful Trims XL die, square lattice embossing folder, Serrif Essentials upper case alphabet dies, retired 3 flower punch, Basic Pearls, Fancy Flower punch, Decorative Label punch, retired Tangerine Tango striped ribbon.

Happy Scrapping!!!

"EEK!" I'm cute!!!!

2011-09-26T07:46:00.000-07:00

I am so LOVING the "It's a Wrap Holidays" stamp set . Here, I stamped the little "EEK!" with the cute little spider on Avery shipping labels -- peeled them off, and stuck them around little Nugget candies. I then used the BigZ XL matchbox die to make the perfect little Halloween treat holder box. For the Designer paper, I used the Frightful Sight Designer Series Paper. It's a great pack of Halloween papers, in my opinion. The patterns aren't so big that you can't make smaller projects with it, and it's more on the "cuter" Halloween side, rather than creepy, which suits me better. :)
To make the darling ghost, just take the owl punch, trim off the feet, turn it upside down - so the ears are pointing down, and add the scary face, using the pumpkin faces sizzlit die, or you could just get creative with a black Sharpie, and you have the cutest, easiest little ghost!
The sentiment is from the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set -- such a versatile set that has every sentiment pretty much, that you could want -- AND it fits perfectly in the Word Window punch framed by the Modern Label punch.
A little bit of Old Olive ribbon, and some Basic Black, Whisper White, and Cajun Craze card stock, and you're all set to make this project! What a darling little Halloween gifty for your favorite teacher, coworker, Trick-r-treaters! AND, don't forget, that there are Christmas, Thanksgiving, Valentines, St Patty's day, Easter, and MORE stamps in that It's A Wrap Holidays stamp set -- such a versatile stamp set to make favors for any holiday.

"Spice Cake" Notepad holder

2011-09-14T20:34:00.000-07:00

If you haven't seen the new Spice Cake Designer Series paper, you've gotta check it out! It's in the new Holiday mini, and I love the colors and patterns in it. It isn't your plain ole traditional fall papers -- has a touch of class and other colors besides the traditional fall -- like Pool Party! one of my all time favorites... I decided to create this lovely notepad holder using it. This is another project we will make at my upcoming Fall Stamp Camp Extravaganza in October.
Here is the inside:

Isn't that the greatest gift idea? It uses one of our bulk clear mount stamp cases, a little junior legal pad from Staples (I cut about an inch off the bottom to make it fit), a little pocket on the inside for Receipts, and some flower burst embosslit die cuts, the five petal flower punch, Eyelet border punch, word window punch, modern label punch and the large lace ribbon border punch.
The dimensions for cutting the paper are:
Outside cover: 10 5/8 x 7"
Inside pocket: 7 1/2 x 4"
Note book topper: 5 x 2" plus a scrap of DSP to put on top of the Pool Party

I put all of my embellishments on my inside cover piece, then slid it inside the little plastic sleeve that goes over the stamp case. So, the paper and your embellishments are completely protected.
To make the little receipts pouch, I just scored the sides and attached it to the case using Sticky Strip on the sides and bottom. I printed the word, "receipts", on my printer and punched them out for the label.
Isn't this the greatest thing to toss in your purse and never worry about it getting rumpled? You can use it to keep track of life, doodle when you're board, keep the kids happy while waiting for the doctor, plan your Christmas lists EARLY, give it to a teacher for a lovely back-to-school gift... The options are endless!
Come make some for yourself! :)
Happy stamping!

My Pumpkin Family...

2011-09-14T20:06:00.000-07:00

I made some of these paper strip pumpkins last year, but had to re-visit the idea this year as I had given away all my masterpieces! So, I wanted to create a fall centerpiece representing our family of four -- so here it is! I just love how they turned out! I made a tiny one for Sabina, slightly bigger for Bryn, and then Jon and I.

I used the Tiny Tags set to create the cute little tag that I tied on with Linen Thread. I hand wrote our names on the tags. You can see this link here for all the details of how to make them. my take on the paper strip pumpkins OR come to my Fall Stamp Camp Extravaganza next month and make them for yourself! :) See my Events calendar for all the details.

Happy Fall and Happy Stamping!

Holiday Mini is here!!!

2011-09-06T15:36:00.000-07:00

The new Holiday Mini is here, and WOW! is there ever a lot to love in it!!! Some of my favorites are the Holiday Stocking Big Shot die (I'm planning to use it to make an advent calendar -- a stocking for each day, with various fun treats sticking out the tops!), and also the stocking builder punch along with the MATCHING STAMP SET, Stitched Stockings, so you can make darling stocking cards and tags by the dozen. Another super fun thing, is the new silver glimmer paper. It really isn't just silver -- it is more iridescent and sparkly -- lots of applications besides just Christmas. It is simply GORGEOUS! Okay, one more thing I'm excited about in the mini -- "It's a Wrap" stamp set! These images are sized perfectly to stamp onto Avery labels so you can peel them off and put them around Nugget candies -- AND four little Nuggets fit perfectly in the little Matchbox from the matchbox die. I made some darling little ghost Halloween treats already using this set, but you can also use it for Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, St Patty's Day, and Valentine's Day -- all with this one stamp set. I know I will be reaching for this set for years to come -- every time I need a darling teacher's gift. Oh,... one last awesome addition -- the new Simply Scored Scoring Tool. This new tool has score lines every 1/8", so no need to move your paper around so much when you have a lot of scoring to do.

Click the Holiday Mini link on the upper right corner of my blog to see for yourselves! :)

Happy Fall, and Happy stamping!!!
Beth

Just One More.....

2011-09-06T15:12:00.000-07:00

Sunflower to share! Okay,.... this sunflower background stamp ROCKS! I just love how easy it is to stamp something spectacular with it! For this card, I first applied More Mustard ink over the entire stamp, then added chocolate chip ink to the center with a sponge dauber, rocked the edges in Cajun Craze ink -- spritzed the stamp lightly with water and stamped it on a Vanilla panel. I tore the right edge, and swiped all edges over my Early Espresso ink pad to give that rustic look. I punched the chocolate panel on one side with my scallop border punch, and then layered it onto a More Mustard folded card. For the center, I used a retired Chocolate Chip corduroy button with some twine tied through the holes. For the final touch, I used the new Dazzling Details glue available (for just $2.50!) in the New Holiday Mini, to outline the tips of the petals. It is kind of like Stickles, only I like it better -- picks up the colors of whatever you put it on for a really colorful sparkle!
Finally, I embossed the sentiment -- Kind Thanks -- with the new pewter embossing powder -- also in the Holiday Mini. It's a nice vintage touch, rather than just the plain silver....

Supplies:
Card stock: More Mustard, Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla
Ink: Cajun Craze, More Mustard, Chocolate Chip, Versamark
Stamps: Sunflower background, Thank you kindly
Accessories: Scallop border punch, heat embossing tool, Pewter embossing powder, Dazzling Details glue

Wine and Dine in Fall Style!

2011-09-01T15:55:00.000-07:00

These little tags are so easy to make, yet make an incredible statement! To create the base for the tag, cut a strip of card stock -- 3 1/2 x 8 1//2" (Cajun Craze used here). Score at one end at 2 1/4". I put the bottom end in an embossing folder and ran it through my Big Shot to create a bit of fun texture. I used the Houndstooth embossing folder on the first one, and a brand new folder -- Snow Burst -- from the new Holiday Mini catalog that goes live TODAY! It is another gorgeous folder that is great for wintery stuff as well as anything else! On the first tag, I inked the Sunflower background with Early Esspresso, More Mustard, and Cajun Craze markers, and then punched out a couple of leaves with my Blossom Petals punch. The second tag also uses the Blossom Petals punch to create the big flower. Finally, the French Foliage stamp set for the third tag -- with one leaf high lighted in dazzling Diamonds glitter -- applied using the 2-way glue pen.
To create the hole to go over the bottle top, center the 1 1/4" round punch in the center of the top flap of your tag and punch. Now, punch another 1 1/4" hole in a scrap of chocolate chip or More Mustard. Next, center your 1 3/4" round scallop punch OVER the hole punched in the scrap, and punch -- you should now have a scalloped circle with a hole in the middle. Adhere this over the hole in the top of your tag.
Finish with coordinating ribbon -- here I used the retired 5/8" Old Olive grossgrain ribbon, and 5/8" Early Espresso Satin ribbon.
To add pizzazz to the sentiments, use colored Sharpies to color the Basic pearls and Basic Rhinestones to match the project.
These are all tags we will make at my next class -- Stamping on Marble Tiles. See my Events calendar for all the details and to RSVP.
Happy Fall!

Gorgeous Sunflower Ensamble!

2011-08-30T20:51:00.000-07:00

I dearly love this time of year, when you can get huge boquets of sunflowers! They are such glorious, happy, striking flowers, and their colors always inspire me! Last Sat, I was at the local farmers market and found a vendor selling sunflowers by the stem -- a variety of colors. Oh My!!! A large boquet later, I was on my way! feeling oh so happy. :)
I've been working on some projects we will make at my next stamping class on Sept 10th at 10 am -- Stamping On Marble Tiles -- and this new Sunflower background stamp we have, is striking for this project! Without further ado....

I love the wall decor tile featured in the last photo. It has a warm, slightly vintage feel to it, and goes nicely with earthy tones.
To make these tiles, simply ink up your favorite stamp with Stayzon ink -- ink it really well! -- then stamp onto a tumbled marble tile (find them in the tiles section at Lowes). You don't want a slick tile, as the ink won't stick to it well, so look for the tumbled marble tiles. Before you stamp, use a dry cloth to dust off your tile. After you've stamped your image, use Q-tips and dip them into Stampin' pastels to pick up the color of your choice -- then rub it onto your tile in the desired areas. Keep adding color until you are happy with the result, then use a cotton ball and burnish your image all over to rub the color in, and remove excess dust. When you're all finished, let your tile dry for several hours, then take it outside (to avoid toxic fumes) and spray your tile several times with Krylon clear Matte sealer. Let tile dry a little between coats. And, that's pretty much it! If you spray your tile too soon after stamping, the ink can run a bit, so best to let it dry for a little while, and when you do spray it, kind of "mist" it a bit at first -- rather than drenching it.
Supplies:
Tumbled marble tiles
Black Stayzon ink
Krylon clear matte finish
Sunflower background stamp
Stampin' Pastels
Buttons to embellish with

Happy creating!

Sweet Floral in Emboss Resist

2011-08-18T08:05:00.000-07:00

These cards were inspired by a card I saw on splitcoaststampers -- http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/2028019?cat=fav I absolutely love the effect created here! First, I stamped a Vanilla panel with the En Francais background stamp in Crumb Cake ink. I swiped my embossing buddy all over the panel, then, stamped Sweet Floral in Versamark ink on top. Embossed that with clear embossing powder, then sponged either Marina Mist or Cajun Craze ink and Early Esspresso ink all over the images using sponges and sponge daubers as well as direct-to-paper with my ink pads. Finally, I used a tissue to rub over the embossed images to remove the excess ink. The little butterflies are from the Beautiful Wings embosslit, and of course, I spritzed them with my home made Champagne shimmer mist to make them sparkly. I plan to make a wall decor project using this idea and the Fancy Fan letterpress plate that I have recently purchased.
To make the copper colored pearls on the top right corner of the Cajun card, I used my trusty brown Sharpie to color my pearls. Love how easy it is to change the look with just a pack of colored Sharpies!!!
Supplies:
Card stock: Cajun Craze, Very Vanilla, Marina Mist, Early Espresso
Ink: Marina Mist, Early Epresso, Crumb Cake, Cajun Craze, Versamark
Stamps: Sweet Floral, En Francaise, Tiny Tags
Accessories: retired chocolate chip 5/8" grossgrain ribbon, Marina Mist Satin ribbon, Tiny Tag punch, Beautiful Wings embosslit, Basic Pearls, Early Espresso bakers twine, champagne shimmer mist
Enjoy! and tell me what you think! :)

In Love with "Sweet Floral"

2011-08-18T07:50:00.000-07:00

Another new treasure -- the "Sweet Floral" background stamp -- pg 151 of the catalog. This stamp was another must have for me, when I first saw the new catalog in July. AND, it didn't disappoint! It is even prettier in real life than in the picture... I created three different cards in the little space of "creating time" I had this week. Here is the first one -- I used the water color crayons directly on the stamp to make this muted water colored look. Simply spritz your stamp with water, color directly on the stamp with your crayons (here I used Rich Razzleberry and Old Olive crayons), then stamp onto water color paper for best results. This technique takes some practice, as you need just the right amount of water -- too much and it is gloppy, too little, and the image won't stamp. However, it is worth the practice as the results are really great when you "get it".

Supplies:
Card Stock: Rich Razzleberry, Pear Pizzazz, water color paper, Whisper White
Ink: Basic Black, water color ctayons
Stamps: Sweet Floral, Cute and Curly
Accessories: Ribbon Lace punch, Modern Label punch, Houndstooth embossing folder, Basic Pearls, Rich Razzleberry marker and color spritzer tool

Stamping on Marble Tiles!

2011-08-14T09:38:00.000-07:00

My next class is on the books! Reserve your spot now to make these one-of-a kind projects!
Saturday, September 10th at 10 am -- my house. Here are all the details.

Come to the "Stamping on Marble Tiles" class to learn all the ins and outs of creating stamped marble coasters, trivets, or wall decor decorative tiles. You can choose to make either a set of 4 marble coasters, OR 2 trivets or wall decor tiles (as shown at left), plus a fancy wine or bottle tag. These tags are the perfect accent to dress up any bottle -- bath salts, olive oils, vinegars, wine, etc. -- for a lovely gift presentation. And, the stamped tiles are a truly unique, fairly cost effective gift idea as well.
There will be a variety of stamps to choose from, so your tiles can be uniquely yours. I have ordered the new Sunflower background stamp, which will work perfectly for this project.

Cost is $15. ***Definitive RSVPs only, please, as I have to purchase all the tiles in advance. NOTE: RSVP deadline closes 2 days before the class so I can purchase the necessary supplies.*** Space is limited to the first 10 to RSVP. You can RSVP on my meetup site -- here's the link: http://www.meetup.com/Flathead-Valley-Stampers/events/29436051/

Hope to see you and your crafty friends soon!

Stampingly,

Beth Anderson
For those of you who haven't been to an event lately, my address has changed -- to get to my new house, go North on Stillwater Rd (at the round-about) off of Reserve Dr. Stay on Stillwater and follow it around to the left around the Gravel Pit.

Turn Right on Jossie Lane (you'll see a line of pine trees) -- we are the first house on the left

"Field Flowers" Class Project

2011-08-07T07:34:00.000-07:00

When I first opened the new SU catalog this year, the new set, "Field Flowers" was at the very top of my wish list. It is a 2-step-stampin' set which means, you first stamp the more solid flower image in a light colored ink, then stamp the outline flower image in a darker ink directly on top -- giving such a great dimension to your flower. Of course, with the new clear-mount stamps, it makes it SOO much easier to get them lined up just perfectly WITHOUT having to use a stamp-a-ma-jig. Anyways, this is a card we did at my New Catalog Open House back in July. Also featured here is the new Lace Ribbon punch. This punch is very detailed, and takes a bit of Umph to push it down. I find it works best if I set it on my desk top, and then stand up to punch it. The results are so stunning, though, it is well worth the effort!

The colors used here, are Pool Party and Island Indigo -- two new In Colors released this year. I love how well they go together. The stems are stamped in Wild Wasabi. Of course, for that extra special bling, I added some Basic Rhinestones to the lower right corner, and Dazzling Diamonds glitter to the flower centers (using the 2-way glue pen to adhere it).
The background of the card is stamped with the French Filigree background stamp in Pool Party ink. We also used the color spritzer tool and a Wild Wasabi marker to make the speckled background. This tool takes a bit of practice to get the exact look you're going for -- try moving the marker slightly up or down to get a varied concentration of "speckles".
As always, Happy Stamping!

Tim Holtz look, using SU inks!

2011-08-06T15:19:00.000-07:00

First of all, THANK YOU! for all the kind comments about my last posting! I always love to read each and every one!...

I received another beautiful card from my friend, Audrie, in Seattle, and was inspired to create my own version of her card. (I don't have a photo of her card to share, but all of the design credit definitely goes to Audrie Magno-Gordon -- look up her blog, it's GREAT!) To create the "Tim Holtz" type of background, I used Lucky Limeade and Pool Party ink pads -- drug them across the white panel until the color was pretty solid. I then let it dry a little, and stamped the flowers in Black Craft ink -- this gives the flowers a more opaque look. They would look even MORE awesome if I had embossed them with clear embossing powder, but that wasn't in the cards for today. Ha ha! :)

It's hard to see in the photos, but I embossed a Pool Party panel to place over the Pool Party card base -- I used the new Houndstooth embossing folder on one of the cards. Also featured here, is the NEW ruffled ribbon in the Pool Party color! It adds such a classy touch! Of course, once again, I reached for my Basic Pearls -- and also spritzed my card with my home-made shimmer mist! (rubbing alcohol and Champagne Shimmer paint in a misting bottle!)
Supplies List:
Card Stock: Pool Party, Basic Black, Lucky Limeade, Whisper White
Inks: Lucky Limeade, Pool Party, Basic Black, Craft Black
Stamps: Just Believe, Tiny Tags
Lace Ribbon Punch, Pool Party ruffled ribbon, Basic Pearls, Ticket Corner punch, Houndstooth and Sqaure Lattice embossing folders

Happy Creating!!! :)

Finally, a Little Time to Play!

2011-07-13T16:21:00.000-07:00

I have been so busy lately with important stuff like moving into our new house, celebrating my 40th birthday :), and having a HUGE retired SU garage sale, that I have had almost no time to "PLAY!" with all my new fabulous stampin' stuff! This morning, I decided, "The heck with all there is to do... I am going to spend some time in my craft world!" So, here I am!

This is the new stamp set, "Fabulous Florets". It is such a gorgeous set for watercoloring. Just love these roses! I also tried a new technique on this card -- inspired by a card I received from a friend in Seattle. I inked my clear acrylic block, size D, with Crumb Cake ink, then spritzed it with water, and stamped it on Watercolor paper. Let that dry, then stamped the rose stem with Olive craft ink over top. I stamped the roses on scraps of water color paper in Basic Black ink, and colored them with my precious water color crayons and an aqua painter. I then cut them out (oh, how I hate to cut!, but these weren't too bad!) and put them on dimensionals for that certain "pop".

Finally, I spritzed the whole card liberally with my shimmer mist -- made with rubbing alcohol and champagne shimmer paint. It is so sparkly and shimmery in real life! You can't see it too well, but I also used a new embossing folder -- houndstooth -- for the background Cajun Craze panel. I also used the new polka dotted cherry cobbler scalloped ribbon!!!!! It is gorgeous! I love that color, anyways, so ribbon to match made it a must-have.

Supplies:
Card Stock: Cajun Craze, Cherry Cobbler, water color paper
Ink: Crumb Cake, Old Olive Craft, Basic Black
Accessories: Cherry Cobbler dotted scalloped ribbon, shimmer mist, aqua painter, water color crayons, Houndstooth embossing folder, basic pearls

Brand New Treasures!!!

2011-07-07T08:23:00.000-07:00

I've finally had a little time to play with my new Stampin' Up! goodies from the new catalog. I'm especially excited about the new In Colors this year. Pool Party is a lovely robin egg color of blue -- just gorgeous! And, Calypso Coral is a nice happy color of coral -- MUCH prettier (in my opinion) than the retired cousins from the past -- Cameo Coral or Groovy Guava. It goes perfectly with Poppy Parade. Wisteria Wonder is the much needed pale purple that we've been lacking in our color collection. It looks so great with Concord Crush -- a vibrant purple from last year's In Color addition. Lucky Limeade is a really rich lime color -- much less "split pea soup" looking than Kiwi Kiss was. Again, my opinion! :) Finally, Island Indigo is a brighter version of Not Quite Navy. It goes nicely with the Pool Party.

Here are a few creations using a new stamp set -- Delicate Doilies. The thing I love about this set is that it's so versatile. I created some lovely summery cards as well as a simple, sparkly Christmas card. There is also a new background stamp called Hello Doily that will be awesome paired with this stamp set.

So, without further ado, here you are!!!

The first two cards were inspired by a card I saw on Splitcoaststampers -- http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/1994991?cat=fav. I love how easy this was to create and show cases the new colors perfectly -- Calypso Coral with Poppy Parade, Wisteria Wonder with Concord Crush, and Island Indigo with Pool Party.
Hope this inspires you to create something lovely of your own!!! :)

Paisley Petals Journal

2011-06-17T07:12:00.000-07:00

Hello, hello! :) I've been missing in action for a while, because we have been moving into a new (to us) house! My husband and I have been married almost 15 years, and this is our very FIRST house to purchase, so it is exciting news indeed! (Note: My husband has been in school for about 13 of those 15 years, and is finally done and working a "real job".) Anyways,..... that's why I haven't posted for a while.

This beautiful journal is made with the "Paisley Petals" Designer paper that will be in the new catalog coming out July 1st. It is a lovely collection of papers, and has almost a Basic Grey feel to it, I think. I love the variety of the papers -- AND it has a stamp set that matches it!!!!! Woo Hoo!!!

Bryn's kindergarten teacher this year, is indeed one of THE kindest, sweetest people I've ever met, so when I set out to create a gift for her, this sentiment (from the "Define Your Life" stamp set -- retiring June 30th) seemed perfect. IMPORTANT! the Spiral punch used to punch the paper to slide over the spiral binding, is retiring June 30th, so if you want to re-create this project, get your punch now! Also, for the dimensions of how to cut the paper to put over your journal, see the previous journals posts on my blog.

The colors in this designer paper are an interesting combination -- Marina Mist, Baja Breeze, Peach Parfait, and Bravo Burgandy, but they do work together nicely. I used the Fun Flowers die to make the big flower. I spritzed the petals with my favorite homemade shimmer mist (Champagne shimmer paint mixed with rubbing alcohol in a spritzer bottle), so it is really sparkly in real life. The leaves are made using a punched oval, folded in half, and then put through the crimper at an angle. For the center of the flower, I used a retired Baja Breeze corduroy brad.

For the inside of the journal, I stamped the scrolly image from "Elements of Style" and the itty bitty image from "Tiny Tags" set in Crumb Cake ink.

Finally, I embellished the designs using the Basic Pearls -- I LOVE those things. They add such a nice touch for so little $. :)
Supplies:
Paisley Petals DSP, Vanilla, Bravo Burgandy, Marina Mist, Baja Breeze, and Pear Pizzazz Card Stock
Decorative Label punch, large oval punch
Fun Flowers die and Big Shot
Crimper
Marina Mist 5/8" satin ribbon
Spiral punch (retiring June 30th)
Basic Pearls

Enjoy, and be inspired!

2-4-6-8 Father's Day favor box

2011-05-14T11:52:00.000-07:00

Needing a quick and easy favor? Try this 2-4-6-8 box. Simply take a 6 x 8 1/2" of card stock, score horizontally at 2, 4, 6, and 8 inches -- you should have a 1/2" tab sticking left on edge. Now rotate 180 degrees and score at 2" on one long side. Then, cut on the short score lines -- up to the long one -- so you can fold those tabs in at the bottom to form your box. Next, crease on all score lines with bone folder. Stamp design on outside of box -- here I used the Circle Circus stamp set. Finally, take the scallop square punch and punch out a window on one side. Adhere a 2x2 pc of Light Window sheets behind the window. Fold the box together -- adhering the walls first, then fold up the bottom tabs, and glue all together with the Tombow Multi glue. Fill with your Dad's favorite treats, fold together like a milk carton, punch two holes in the top with the Crop-o-dile, and thread a red 1/4" grossgrain ribbon through. Add the little Happy Father's Day tag -- using the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set, the large oval, and scalloped oval punches. Add the star with a silver brad in the center, to finish it off.

This is a great little box that can be adapted for any occasion.

Here are all three projects we will be doing at my upcoming Father's Day/Masculine cards Class.

A birthday card he'll love!

2011-05-14T10:18:00.000-07:00

The next time you feel challenged trying to come up with a masculine card, try this Inlaid Embossing technique using just a bunch of circle punches and the square lattice embossing folder! I punched a variety of circles out of More Mustard, Soft Suede, Cherry Cobbler, Cajun Craze and Early Esspresso and arranged them in a random pattern on an Early Esspresso panel. After gluing them all in place, I embossed the panel in my Big Shot using the Square lattice embossing folder. The result is so unique and interesting! I then mounted this panel onto a folded Soft Suede card and added the Happy Birthday sentiment (from Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set) -- punched out with the Word Window punch, and then mounted onto the Modern Label punch out. For the final embellishment, I added Basic Rhinestones to the sentiment -- coloring them with my colored sharpies, to match.

My inspiration for this card, came from this (http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/1807770?cat=500&ppuser=132623) card I saw on Splitcoaststampers. I think this card could be easily adapted to a graduation card -- using the colors of the school -- or a baby girl card using a variety of shades of chocolate and pink.

We will be making this card at my upcoming Father's Day class on June 12th.

Happy crafting!

"Simple Friendship" #2

2011-05-11T07:27:00.000-07:00

Another card show casing the "Simple Friendship" stamp set that's 30% off this month -- only $18.95 for this $25.95 set!
For this card, I embossed the small flowers on shimmery white cardstock, misted it with water and colored with an aqua painter and Real Red reinker. (This is a water coloring technique I've been wanting to try for a while. Not completely satisfied with the result -- need to play some more with it.) I then cut them out and mounted them with dimensionals. Used the little flourish stamp for the flower stems. I also watercolored the little flowers on the "friend" label. The colors used here are Real Red, Basic Black, whisper white, Shimmery White card stocks. In hind sight, the little flowers would have looked better embossed in black, but no time to re-make this baby, so this is it for now!

Enjoy! Happy Stamping!

"Simple Friendship" ideas

2011-05-11T07:18:00.000-07:00

The stamp set, "Simple Friendship", had been on my wish list for a while, now, and when I realized it was 30% off this month (click on the "shop now" button to view the special -- sorry my sidebar button doesn't work), I just had to get it! I challenged myself to use Concord Crush -- one of our current In Colors. I really do like this color, just never seem to use it. The butterfly in this set is lovely. I haven't had time to play yet, but I also envision a card stamping this butterfly in Poppy Parade and layering black and poppy butterflies on top using the Beautiful Wings embosslit. It would make a really elegant red and black card... When I have some time to play, I'll give it a try. :) Until then, these will have to suffice. The colors used here are Concord Crush, Perfect Plum and Wild Wasabi. I colored some of the Basic Rhinestones black for the butterfly's body, and purple for the flower centers. A little paper piercing in the corner to add interest, and plenty of Dazzling Diamonds glitter accents -- applied with the two way glue pen.

Enjoy!

Father's Day folded shirt card

2011-05-06T14:34:00.000-07:00

Here is a Father's Day card we will be making at my next class on June 12th -- Masculine Cards class. It is a folded shirt card -- and guests can choose between a tie or buttons for their shirt. For the shirt, I used a 3 1/2 x 5" pc of DSP from the Love Letter's collection. I will attempt to attach the PDF for how to fold it into a shirt. Such a cute, fun idea.
Supplies list:
Card Stock -- Riding Hood red, Very Vanilla, Basic Black, Love Letters DSP
Ink: Versamark, Basic Black, Riding Hood Red
Punches: Itty Bitty punch pack, 1" round, Designer Label, scallop trim border
Accessories: Big Shot plus polka dotted and square lattice embossing folders, black embossing powder, basic rhinestones colored with black and red sharpies
Stamps: Sanded and En Francias background stamps, Elements of Style
Note: I got this shirt pattern off splitcoaststampers several years ago and have no idea who I got it from, so if you see this and it was you, email me and I will give you credit! :)
Here's the pdf:
Shirt Folding Instructions

"Love Letter" FAMILY

2011-05-06T14:01:00.000-07:00

For several years, now, I have been creating custom letters/names for everyone else EXCEPT ME! So, I decided it was high time I made my very own letters for my mantel that I've been envisioning in my mind ever since I saw the designer paper, "Love Letters". I absolutely LOVE that paper -- everything you create with it is simply gorgeous!
Without further ado, here they are! Tell me what you think! :)

The gorgeous 3-D flower on the top of the "I", is made with another favorite -- the Fun Flowers die (from the Occasions mini -- but I'm sure it will carry over to the new catalog). That die makes the trendiest, coolest flowers ever! Here, I cut the flowers out in Very Vanilla, and sponged the tips with Crumb Cake ink, then spritzed them liberally with Vanilla Smooch. They are so soft and pearly and vintage in real life! I also used some Basic pearls, retired hodgepodge hardware, and various ribbons to embellish them. I did use the sheet music designer paper from the Newsprint series, but otherwise it is the Love Letters DSP.

Enjoy, and happy crafting!

Pink and Chocolate -- Oh My!

2011-05-01T11:03:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting to make custom letters for my darling daughter's nursery, in pink and chocolate to match her crib set -- and I finally had time to play!!! I LOVE how they turned out! :) and I think they match her bedding perfectly. Yeah!

I used the Beautiful Wings embosslit to make the sweet little butterflies, and the Cherry Blossom embosslit for the flower. The leaves are the "little leaves" sizzlit. I then spritzed them all with my homemade shimmer mist, so they're super sparkly. The papers are retired SU designer paper. I also stamped the word, "adorable" and put it in a vanilla hodgepodge hardware frame on the last "A".

Sneak Peek into Summer!

2011-04-29T12:29:00.000-07:00

There's a new stamp set coming out in the new Summer Mini called "Fabulous Florets" -- and it is indeed fabulous! There is also new embossing powders in Wild Wasabi, Melon Mambo, and Tangerine Tango -- so the stems on these roses are embossed with the WW embossing powder. I then stamped the roses in Versamark on Shimmery White cardstock, painted them with an aqua painter and my Melon Mambo ink pad, then cut them out. Finally, I used the new embossing folder -- "Flower Garden" for the card base. These are all products from the upcoming Summer Mini catalog -- coming out May 1st. Can't wait for some more time to play with these fun new products.

Happy Stamping!!!

Water colored Medallion

2011-04-27T18:09:00.000-07:00

Going for the water colored muted look, here. I took the Medallion background stamp, applied Marina Mist ink to parts of the stamp, then Rich Razzleberry to the un-inked section -- spritzed liberally with water, and stamped on a water color paper panel. I then used the color spritzer tool with a Rich Razzleberry marker to add some "speckles" to the paper.

Here is the same card done in Pumpkin Pie and Cherry Cobbler. Love these rich, striking colors. I used the Early Esspresso marker with the color spritzer tool on this card.

Happy Stamping!

Safari themed custom order

2011-04-27T17:59:00.000-07:00

Another etsy request for some custom letters to match a Safari theme. I think they turned out really cute! Used some retired SU designer papers, corduroy buttons, and stamped the little giraffe (from "Wild About You") and the little mommy/baby elephant in Chocolate craft ink and embossed with clear embossing powder. Enjoy!

Happy Easter!

2011-04-19T19:32:00.000-07:00

Happy Almost Easter! I've been playing around with the "embossed frame" technique some more. (You can see details of how to do this technique in a previous post.) This time I made a reverse mask -- i.e. cut a 3" circle (the same size as the chipboard frame), out of a piece of scratch paper -- laid that over the embossed frame, and sponged ink around the edges to make the edges of the frame stand out. Once again, I've used the "Easter Blossoms" stamp set from the Occasions Mini catalog. I sooo love this set -- and hope very much it will be in the new big catalog in July. Pretty Please!!!

I also used the new "sneak peak" set -- "Four Frames" -- that is available to purchase during the month of April -- see the promotion on the sidebar of my blog. I always have to buy any set that matches a punch, because,.... I HATE to cut stuff out by hand! -- and, the Decorative Label punch is one of my faves, so this set was an absolute for me! :)

The colors used in this design, is Early Espresso, Whisper White, and Marina Mist. Not your traditional Easter colors, but I liked how these colors work together.

Happy Stamping!

A bit of spring, with a slightly modern feel

2011-04-18T20:48:00.000-07:00

Here is the final project we will be making at my upcoming Mother's Day class. It show cases the stamp set, "Vintage Vogue". I only used two colors of ink here -- Rose Red and Certainly Celery. Stamp the large flower once, and then a second time to create a two-tone look. For the centers of the big flowers, I used a little flower punch from the Itty Bitty Punch pack. For the small flowers, I colored some rhinestones black with my faithful black Sharpie marker! Makes the perfect embellishment for the centers of these little flowers.

Supplies list:
Card stock: Rose Red, Whisper White, Basic Black
Ink: Rose Red, Certainly Celery, Basic Black
Stamps: Vintage Vogue, Oval All
Accessories: Big Shot, Finial Press embossing folder, Scallop #2 die, clear circle die, large oval and scallop oval punches
Retired Certainly Celery ribbon

Happy Stamping!

Butterflies Mother's Day card

2011-04-18T20:39:00.000-07:00

Here is a simple Mother's Day card using the "Flight of the Butterfly" stamp set. This is a card we will be making at my upcoming class on May 7th. The colors are Chocolate Chip and Bashful Blue. Of course, I cut the Top Note die out of Whisper White cardstock, and sponged the edges with chocolate chip to soften the image a bit.

The polka dotted butterfly adds a bit of dimension -- just stamp it on Vellum card stock, then punch it out with the butterfly punch and adhere to the card -- complete with some little pearls for it's body!

The ribbon and designer paper used here, are retired, but the rest of the supplies are current.

Happy Crafting!

Stamped Candle

2011-04-18T20:34:00.000-07:00

Simple, yet stunning, project! We will be making this at my next class -- the Mother's Day Paper crafting/School Fundraiser class at West Valley School.

To make this, start out by stamping the Ornate Blossom stamp in Cherry Cobbler ink on white gift wrapping tissue.
Trim around image
Lay image on candle in the location you want it to be
Take a sheet of waxed paper -- large enough to wrap to the back of the candle with room to grab the "tails" firmly in your hand on the back side of the candle
Make sure there are no wrinkles in the waxed paper covering the image, and that it is holding the image firmly in place.
Heat image with heat gun until you start to see it melting into the candle -- it will go from looking white and tissue paper like, to more shiny and darker in color
Continue heating until entire image is melted into the candle.
Peel away the waxed paper and embellish image with Pearl accents.

To make the bottom look more decorative, I punched the edge of a 1 1/2 x 8 1/2" strip of Cherry Cobbler card stock, and adhered it around the candle with Mono Multi glue -- the stuff with the green lid, making sure my "seam" was in the back. I then tied a sash of white organy ribbon around, and embellished it with a monogram letter -- from the "Lovely Letters" alphabet. Put it in a pretty little organza bag, and Ooh La La! what a lovely gift for your mom this Mother's Day!

Mother's Day Paper Crafting Class/School Fundraiser

2011-04-18T20:24:00.000-07:00

Join us at West Valley School on Saturday, May 7th, at 10 am to make these three beautiful projects -- the perfect Mother's Day gift ensemble! All proceeds, including the $15 class fee, will be donated to the West Valley School PTO. See all the details on my Events Calendar.

I will post the details separately for each of these projects.

Thanks for stopping by!

Journals Extraordinair!

2011-04-12T07:15:00.000-07:00

Here are some of the beautiful journals created at my chipboard journals class several weeks ago. This first journal, was made by a 10 year old -- didn't she do a fantastic job??? She was so very proud of her creation -- a gift for her teacher. Of course, she used the Blossom Petals punch and Build a Blossom stamp set to make that stunning flower for the front.

A sixteen year old girl made this one. She wanted lots of color, textures, and her own flair. I think she accomplished her goal!:)

This journal was created as a baby shower gift. I liked the modern/artsy feeling she created -- as opposed to the traditional "baby boy blue". What a unique gift for the mother-to-be -- a one of a kind baby book!

Embossed Frame Cherry Blossoms

2011-04-06T16:55:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting to try this technique for a while now, where you make an embossed frame to stamp in. And,... here's how you do it! Take a pc of heavy weight SU chipboard, about 5 3/4 x 4 1/4", and cut a 3" circle out of the center using the new 3" circle Bigz die. Now, for the Big Shot "sandwich", this is how you do it -- from bottom to top:

Platform on Tab 2 (i.e. no tabs extended)
embossing folder with cardstock inside it
chipboard frame centered over top of embossing folder
cutting pad on top

The sandwich may be a little tight, but should go through just fine. I then stamped the cherry blossom sprigs from the Easter Blossoms stamp set in Basic Black, and colored them in with the water color crayons and aqua painters. To make the frame stand out more, I sponged it with crumb cake ink and then used a sponge dauber to apply White Frost shimmer paint. In real life, it is a shiny pearly frame. Added a little croquet trim to finish off the Vintage look.

Hope you'll feel inspired to try this yourself! My next idea is to do some reverse masking to make the embossed frame stand out even more. Next time! :)

Happy crafting!

Easter Blossoms!

2011-03-29T08:46:00.000-07:00

Here's another "Easter Blossoms" beauty. I used the scallop #2 Bigz Die to cut the black scallop, and then the clear circle die to cut the whisper white circle -- no circle scissors plus for me! :) The rest is pretty self explanatory. I used the tiny seed pearls for the centers of some of the flowers -- really makes the card "pop".
Supplies list:
Stamps: Easter Blossoms
Ink: Basic Black, Regal Rose marker
Card stock: Rose Red, Basic Black, Whisper White
Accessories: Finial press embossing folder, large oval, scallop oval punches, Pomegranite satin ribbon (retired)

A Window into Spring!

2011-03-29T08:39:00.000-07:00

I love the new "Easter Blossoms" stamp set from the Occasions mini. That branch with the flowers is so elegant -- I want to try using them for making stamped marble coasters, as it would be perfect for that!
To make the window, I used a 3x3" Whisper White square, stamped my branches, then colored them in with a Regal Rose marker, then cut the square into 1.5" squares. I then mounted those onto a black panel, and then a Rose Red panel. I used wadded up Saran Wrap, pouncing it on my Baja Breeze ink pad, and then onto the window panels to make it look like sky. I then cut 1.5" squares of light weight window sheets, put the peel and stick Big Shot adhesive sheets on the backs of them, and then put them on top of the window panes to make them really look like glass. I then stamped the Baja Breeze folded panel with French Filigree background stamp, and used the Baja Breeze seam binding for the finishing touch -- as well as the little "hello" stamp from Tiny Tags colored with markers.

We are making this lovely card at my next class -- Spring has Sprung! See my Events Calendar for all the details.
Supplies:
Stamps: Easter Blossoms, Tiny Tags, French Filigree
Ink: Baja Breeze, Basic Black, Rose Red, Regal Rose and Baja Breeze markers
Card stock: Baja Breeze, Basic Black, Rose Red, Whisper White
Accessories: Baja Breeze seam binding, tiny tag punch, dotted scallop ribbon border punch, light window sheets

My Attempt at Vintage

2011-02-28T19:41:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I really love all the Vintage stuff that people create, but somehow never feel thrilled with how my attempts work out. I decided to give it another go -- and here is what I came up with. I was inspired by a beautiful project I saw on Stampin Connection by Andrea Brewster.

The Love Letter Designer paper, paired with the Newsprint DSP, makes for a winning combination, no matter what direction you choose to go. I love how the Artisic Etchings stamp set matches the paper, so I created this little art journal using stamps and papers that match -- I always love that! I used the Big Shot adhesive sheets to adhere the paper to the journal -- first cut your paper to the correct size -- for outside of covers, use a 6 x 6" square, and 5 1/8x5 1/8" square for the inside covers. Apply your adhesive to your designer paper, punch your holes using the spiral border punch, push the paper over the spiral binding, remove the adhesive liner, and adhere to the chipboard -- using a bone folder to smooth it out perfectly, and wrap it around the edges to the inside so that the edges of your chipboard are covered. Make sure to cut out a little square notch at the corners so it will fold smoothly to the inside of each cover.

Inside front cover.

Here is the back of the journal.
We will be making journals such as this one, at my upcoming Journals class on March 20th at 2 pm. Everyone can choose their own papers, and can make their "journal" into a recipe book, art journal, baby book, Mother's Day gift -- or whatever else strikes their fancy!

Supplies List:
5x5 chipboard art journal
Love Letter and Newsprint DSP
Ink: Ridinghood Red, Black, Crumb Cake
Stamps: Artistic Etchings, Define your life
Decorative Label punch, small oval punch, spiral border punch
Big Shot and Fun Flowers Die
Vintage Brads
Big Shot Adhesive sheets

Pink Dogwoods Build a Blossom

2011-02-26T14:44:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago, I posted some photos of dogwood blossoms I made with the new Blossom Petals punch. I planned to try it making pink dogwood flowers, but just now finally got around to it. We will be doing a version of this card at my April stamping class -- for a Mother's Day card. For this card, I first stamped a 1 1/4" strip of Regal Rose card stock, with the Flourish stamp ( a FREE stamp you can get during Sale-a-bration!) with Regal Rose ink. I then fed that strip into my petals punch and punched out the short/fat petal. I then stacked two petals together, snipped the "tails" off (only about 1/8"), turned the stack around and took a "bite" out of the tips with the small round punch from the Itty Bitty punch pack. After making the petal tips brown with my Early Espresso marker, and curling each petal with my bone folder, I spritzed all the petals with Champagne shimmer mist (add Champagne shimmer paint to rubbing alcohol, shake well, and spritz liberally for lots of sparkle!) Here is a link to the previous post with more details. http://stampedwithflair.blogspot.com/2011/01/design-contest-dogwood-build-blossom.html

The colors used in this card are: Early Espresso, Regal Rose, Pear Pizzazz, and Whisper White.

Happy stamping!

A Custom Etsy Order

2011-02-21T20:32:00.000-08:00

Recently, I received a request in my etsy shop (www.stampedwithflair.etsy.com) to make some custom letters to match some "cloud blue" frames from Restoration Hardware, Baby. I always love a challenge, and Bashful Blue seemed to be the closest match. She wanted chocolate accents and a slightly antiqued/roughened up look, so I used white craft ink around the edges of the letters and the "Sanded" background stamp to add a vintage touch to them. I hope she likes them! :)

Frightfully Bright Blooms!

2011-02-19T07:28:00.000-08:00

For those of you who follow my work, I'm not accustomed to using the really bright colors routinely, so this card was a stretch for me. :) This the last of the 8 cards we are making at my SAB card buffet this weekend. It features the little free ribbon and button pack Sale-a-bration item. I LOVE that ribbon, and there are a lot of buttons so there's plenty left over for lots more projects. The big flower is made using the new Fun Flowers die from the Occasions Mini. I plan to work with this die a bit and come up with some more cute things. One idea I have is to do a covered journals class and use this die with some of the Newsprint type designer papers to make a kind of vintage looking journal. There are many possibilities! :)

Anyways, back to the card... to make the stem, cut a 1/4" strip of olive card stock, run it through your crimper, and you have a cute stem that can be curved or bent however you like. The "grass" is just a 1 1/2" strip of old olive that I used the Heart border punch to punch the edge of. That's pretty much it -- a perfect little girl's birthday card!

Supplies list:
Card stock: Pacific Point, Melon Mambo, Daffodil Delight, Whisper White, Old Olive
Ice Cream Parlor ribbon and button pack -- FREE Sale-a-bration item
crimper
Blossom Petals punch (for the leaf), Heart border punch
Big Shot + Fun Flowers die, and various embossing folders -- polka dotted, vintage wallpaper, square lattice, finial press

Eiffel Thanks

2011-02-13T19:45:00.000-08:00

This is a simple card using the "Artistic Etchings" stamp set. The saran wrap technique is used on the background -- around the tower -- loosely wad up a pc of saran wrap, and "pounce" it lightly on your ink pad (here Crumb Cake) and then onto your paper to make a textured, vintage looking background. It's also a great way to create a "sky" using blue ink.

Supplies used:
Card stock: Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla
Stamps: Artistic Etchings, Perfect Punches
Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Early Esspresso
Accessories: Big Shot and Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder, 1/8" Vanilla Tafetta ribbon
Punches: Scallop oval, wide oval, large scallop circle, corner rounder

Medallion Birthday

2011-02-13T08:15:00.000-08:00

Here is another card we will be making at my upcoming card buffet next weekend. The Medallion background stamp is great for making quick, yet beautiful cards. As with any background stamp, the best way to get a perfect stamped image is to thoroughly ink up your stamp, lay it down -- face up -- on your work surface, position your card stock on top, then cover with a pc of scratch paper -- hold it firmly in place and rub over entire surface.

In real life, this card is super sparkly. I used the two way glue pen to outline the entire edges of the large medallion and then added Dazzling Diamonds Glitter. Love that glitter. It goes on so evenly and has just the perfect blend of sparkles -- i.e. there aren't weird colors in the glitter that don't match the project like some other glitters out there.

The Rich Razzleberry color is such a beautiful color of purple. Here, I've paired it with the Blushing Bride, which softens it a bit, I think. The center punch out is a stamp from the Circle Circus stamp set. And, of course, the Basic Pearls once again! Elegant, easy embellishment -- and you get a LOT for your money! Gotta love that!

Supplies List:
Card stock: Whisper White, Blushing Bride, Rich Razzleberry
Ink: Blushing Bride, Rich Razzleberry
Stamps: Medallion Background stamp, Perfect Punches, Circle Circus
Punches: Round Scallop punch, Decorative Label punch
Accessories: two way glue pen, Dazzling Diamonds glitter, 5/8" satin Rich Razzleberry ribbon, Perfect Pearls

Sunshine in February

2011-02-07T07:01:00.000-08:00

If you're needing a little sunshine in your life right about now, this card will do it for you! A super simple card featuring the stamp set, "Friends Never Fade" and the Greenhouse Gala Designer paper. I'm generally not a huge fan of yellow, but the new color, Daffodil Delight, really does remind me of daffodils -- some of my most favorite spring time flowers. I know it isn't spring YET, but none-the-less, I was wishing for some sunshine -- so here it is -- in the form of a card! :)

To make the center of the flower yellow, I used a sponge dauber to add just a little yellow. Then, I used Crystal Effects on the center of the flower to give some dimension.

Supplies:
Cardstock: Daffodil Delight, Pear Pizzazz, Whisper White, Tangerine Tango, Greenhouse Gala DSP
Ink: Tangerine Tango, Daffodil Delight
Stamps: Friends Never Fade
Scallop trim border punch
Crystal Effects
sponge dauber
1/4" celery grossgrain ribbon

Blissful Elegance

2011-02-07T06:54:00.000-08:00

Here is another simple card we will be making at my upcoming "Sale-a-bration card buffet".

The new, FREE, Sale-a-bration set called "Bliss", is simply -- elegant! While I'm not generally inclined to use the word, "Bliss", on projects, the rest of this set is very versatile and easy to create with. This card is created entirely with this stamp set. That flourish stamped behind the butterfly is a great size -- not huge, but not tiny, either. I know I will be reaching for this set for years to come.

My goal for this card, was to use a black and vanilla plus one neutral color scheme. I used a strip of designer paper from the "Newsprint" series, and a piece of the croquet trim to tie it all together. Add a couple of the basic pearls, (one of my most favorite new embellishments), and it's a perfect wedding or anniversary card! Of course, the Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder that I embossed the Sahara Sand background cardstock with, DEFINITELY makes the card as well. LOVE that folder. I reach for it all the time.

Supplies List:
Card stock: Sahara Sand, Very Vanilla, Basic Black, Newsprint DSP
Ink: Sahara Sand, Basic Black
Stamps: Bliss Sale-a-bration stamp set
Punches: ticket corner, scallop edge border, scallop oval, extra large oval
Big Shot plus Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder
5/8" Victoria crochet trim
basic pearls

Birthday Owl

2011-02-06T20:44:00.000-08:00

This little owl is a stamp from the Free Sale-a-bration set called "Punch Bunch". He is so cute and easy to stamp and quickly punch out.

I used a 2" strip of some designer paper from the "Greenhouse Gala" series. It's jut perfect to give some great pizzazz to this little birthday card.

Supplies list:
Card Stock: Pear Pizzazz, pumpkin pie, Early Espresso, Whisper White, Daffodil Delight, Greenhouse Gala DSP
Stamps: Punch Bunch, Short and sweet
Big Shot and Polka dotted and square lattice embossing folders
Punches: Dotted scallop border punch, modern label, 1 3/4" round circle, owl
Googly eyes

A Poppy For You!

2011-02-02T20:31:00.000-08:00

Here is another of the cards we will be making at the "SAB card buffet". It features the FREE Sale-a-bration stamp set -- "Punch Bunch". I stamped the little poppy image in Certainly Celery ink, then again in Poppy Parade ink -- cut out the little poppies and added them with dimensionals. Then, I stamped the background with the daisies image from Upsey Daisey stamp set. Very simple card, but lots of color for winter!

Supplies:
Poppy Parade, Whisper White, and Pear Pizzazz card stock
Stamps: Punch Bunch, Upsey Daisey, Friends never fade
Basic Rhinestones
Poppy Parade ribbon
Scallop edge border punch
Round scallop circle punch

Ornate Blossom Beauty

2011-02-02T20:14:00.000-08:00

I have been wanting this stamp -- Ornate Blossom -- every since I first saw it in the catalogue this year, and was thrilled when it showed up as a FREE Sale-a-bration stamp! It is so elegant and easy to use in several different ways. Here, I just plain stamped it -- but it looks awesome using the "kissing" technique, or colored with markers in contrasting colors, as well.

I love the fact that the Greenhouse Gala designer paper matches this stamp, as well as the "mini ornate blossom" from the "Friends Never Fade" stamp set -- I stamped the little blossom in Baja Breeze ink on the background of this card. For that marvelous blue glitter around the circle, I used the Mono Tombo multi glue -- the stuff with the green lid -- put a little line of glue around the edge, and dumped the new Baja Breeze chunky glass glitter (from the new Occasions Mini) on it. It really makes the central image POP! LOVE IT!!! :) I hope they make this glitter in lots more colors. It's gorgeous and unique!

Supplies list:
Card stock colors: Baja Breeze, Whisper White, and Early Espresso
Stamps: Ornate Blossom, Friends Never Fade with Baja Breeze and Early Espresso ink
Big Shot and Scallop circle die, clear circle die
Early Espresso Satin ribbon
Greenhouse Gala designer paper
Basic rhinestones -- colored chocolate with a brown Sharpie
Baja Breeze chunky glass glitter

Sale-a-bration Card Buffet

2011-02-02T19:52:00.000-08:00

It's Sale-a-bration time with Stampin' Up! -- a FREE stamp set, ribbon/button combo, MDS download, or chalkboard Decor Element with every $50 purchase! And, yes, I just ordered a whole bunch of stuff because I really loved a lot of the free sets this year -- a better selection than we've had in a while, in my opinion. :)

So, what better way to celebrate than with a "card buffet"? We are doing these 8 cards at my upcoming class on Feb 18th and 20th -- you can see all the class details on my meetup group site. Here's the link -- http://www.meetup.com/Flathead-Valley-Stampers/events/16179645/ If you live in Kalispell, MT, then by all means, come and stamp with us! :) And, if not, then draw some inspiration for some simple, yet elegant cards from my stash. I tried to do a variety of colors and layouts. Hope I succeeded.

Happy Stamping!

Design Contest -- Dogwood Build-a-blossom

2011-01-25T15:21:00.000-08:00

Okay, folks! Here is a card I am really proud of. Generally speaking, I'm not very talented at "thinking out of the box" when it comes to card making -- i.e. I am no Jackie Topa! (You REALLY ought to visit her blog if you haven't already, as she is simply amazing!). Anyways, I came up with this idea for dogwood flowers using the Blossom Petals Punch from the new Occasions mini. My mom's favorite flower is the dogwood, so I was thinking of a Mother's Day card when I created this card.

First, I punched some of the short/fat petals out of shimmery white card stock. Then I stacked the petals on top of each other and used the small round punch from the Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack to punch a bite out of the top of each petal. I then used the Early Espresso marker to add brown to the tips of each petal. I stamped the little flower center from Build a Blossom in Old Olive ink, and punched it out with another punch from the Itty Bitty Shapes punches. The rest is fairly self explanatory. I plan to enter this card in a SU contest -- please wish me luck! I've never won before....

Without further ado! Here is my creation!

Here is a close up of the blossoms:

Supplies used: Early Espresso, Pear Pizzaz, Whisper White, Shimmery White Card stock
Ink: Early Espresso, Old Olive
Punches: Scallop trim border and corner punches, two step bird, scallop oval, large oval, Blossoms Petals punch
Big Shot and square Lattice emb folder
Stamps: Build a Blossom, Baroque Motifs, Oval All

Simple Build a Blossom

2011-01-16T08:02:00.000-08:00

Here is the third project we are making at my upcoming Happy Hearts Day Class. It is a very simple card featuring the new Build a Blossom stamp set and matching punch, as well as the new Framed Tulips embossing folder from the Occasions Mini. I never use the color, River Rock, so I challenged myself to try using it. I actually like it! and Old Olive is a nice compliment to it. After embossing the folded River Rock card with the Framed Tulips embossing folder, I used RR ink direct-to-paper to highlight the embossed area, making the frame stand out.

Supplies:
River Rock, Very Vanilla and Old Olive Card stock
River Rock, Cherry Cobbler, and Old Olive Ink
Build a Blossom stamp set
Blossom punch, cherry cobbler seam binding, Basic pearls, vintage brads, Framed Tulips embossing folder, shimmer mist spray (made with rubbing alcohol and champagne shimmer paint)

Happy Hearts Day Class

2011-01-12T19:45:00.000-08:00

I had put off buying the XL Bigz matchbox die, thinking it wouldn't be something I would use much, but I have definitely changed my mind! There are hundreds of super cute project ideas using this die -- my favorite being an advent calendar shaped like a Christmas tree -- with all the little matchboxes stacked on top of each other to make the tree shape. I really want to try this idea next year for Christmas.
But, since Christmas is over, I decided to see what I could come up with for Valentine's Day -- and ... ta dah! here it is. I used the heavy weight window sheets for the outside sleeve, and Real Red card stock for the little box that pulls out. Because the outside is clear, you can see the little treats inside without opening it. It is the perfect size for three of the little Ghirardelli chocolate squares. I used some of the new red glimmer paper from the Occasions Mini and the Daiseys #2 die for the cute little flower on top. The leaves are punched with the new Build a Blossom punch.
This is one of the projects we will be making at my upcoming class -- Happy Hearts Day Class on Jan 23rd, 2 pm.

Supplies:
Real Red, Whisper White, and Old Olive card stock, red glimmer paper, Heavy Weight window sheets
Real Red classic ink
Tiny Tags stamp set
Build a Blossom punch
Big Shot and Daiseys #2 die, square lattice embossing folder, and matchbox die
Vintage Brads
tiny tag punch

Brighten up the Month!

2011-01-09T10:54:00.000-08:00

When I went to my stamp room to "play" today, I was longing for color and brightness and sparkle! -- and this is what I came up with! This card features the Build a Blossom stamp set and matching punch as well as the Tulip Frame embossing folder and the new fabric brads from the new Occasions Mini. I love all of these products. The flower set and punch can create a lot of different looks. After building the flower, I spritzed it liberally with shimmer mist (made from rubbing alcohol and champagne shimmer paint), so in real life, it is SOOO sparkly!

I curled the second layer of petals using my bone folder -- and stuck them all on with a square of sticky pages.

Here are a couple of other cards using this same stamp set and punch.

Supplies: Build a Blossom stamp set and punch, tulip embossing folder, Baroque Motifs stamp set, Elements of Style stamp set. Baja Breeze, Pumpkin Pie, Very Vanilla, Early Espresso, Old Olive, Pear Pizzazz card stock. Baja Breeze, Pumpkin Pie, Certainly Celery, and White Craft inks.
Basic Pearls
Fabric brads -- from new Occasions Mini
Shimmer spray

Cupcake fun

2011-01-08T20:25:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year Everyone! I've finally had a little time to play with my new cupcake punch. Wow! Is it ever fun! -- and very versatile. I made birthday, Valentine's, and friendship cards -- all using the same basic template. I can see a darling little girl (or boy's) birthday party invitation using this punch and a die cut number as an embellishment. The options are endless!

This is a pretty simple card -- the only real technique shown here is making a scallop square using the scallop trim corner and scallop trim border punches. Start with a square measuring 3 1/4 x 3 1/4". Punch all four corners with the scallop trim corner punch, then punch all four sides using the border punch -- lining it up with the pattern already created with the corner punch.

Another exciting feature of the Valentines card shown below, is the new red glimmer paper (see the punched heart on the cupcake) from the Occasions Mini -- it is fabulous -- AND the glitter doesn't rub off even though it's super sparkly. LOVE this stuff! I hope they make more colors of it!

Supplies List:
Card Stock:
Whisper White (2 3/4 x 2 3/4)
Early Espresso (2 7/8 x 2 7/8)
Real Red (3 1/4 x 3 1/4")
Melon Mambo
Pear Pizzazz
Baja Breeze
Pretty In Pink

Ink:
Classic Basic Grey, Real Red, Early Espresso, Baja Breeze

Stamps:
Friends 24-7
Tiny Tags

Accessories:
Punches -- Build a Cupcake, Itty Bitty Shapes punch pack, Heart to Heart, Dotted scallop ribbon border, scallop trim corner punch, scallop trim border punch
Basic Pearls
Basic Rhinestones
Big Shot and embossing folders -- Square lattice, polka dotted, finial press
Crimper
Red Glimmer paper
Crystal Effects to make the cherry shiney

Hope you enjoy this cupcake punch as much as I am!

Amaryllis Christmas

2010-12-27T09:39:00.000-08:00

Hello, hello! I hope your Christmas was wonderful -- wherever you are!

This was my Christmas card this year. This flower reminded me so much of an Amaryllis -- yes, I do know that an Amaryllis has six petals, but I just had to somehow make the process of punching enough petals for 40 cards a little less tedious, so I created my own 5-petal version!

This flower is made using the new "Build A Blossom" stamp set and matching punch from the upcoming Occasions mini catalogue. As soon as I saw this set and punch, I knew I HAD to get it! It is so elegant and reasonably easy to use.

A few tips for making this card -- first, make a strip of cherry Cobbler card stock about 2 1/4" wide -- stamp your petals, then punch your petals -- holding the punch upside down and feeding your strip in from the left hand side into the punch. Next, use a bone folder to "curl" the petals. Lay your petals out on some scratch paper, and spray them liberally with shimmer mist to give them a gorgeous sparkle. To make the shimmer mist, put some rubbing alcohol into a little misting bottle -- using a dropper, add a couple dropper fulls of champagne shimmer paint -- shake well to distribute, then mist onto project. Be sure to wash your dropper quickly in water so that the paint won't be stuck inside of it.

Supplies list:
Card stock:
Cherry Cobbler (8 1/2 x 5 1/2") + scraps for punching #119685
Very Vanilla (3 3/8 x 4 5/8") and (4 x 5 1/4" for inside panel) #101650
Old Olive (3 1/2 x 4 3/4") + scraps for punching leaves #100702

Ink:
Cherry Cobbler #119669
Old Olive #102277

Stamps:
Build a blossom #121923
Baroque Motifs #113490

Accessories:
Blossom petals extra large punch #121808
Big Shot plus petals-a-plenty (#116824) and square lattice (#119976) embossing folders
Old Olive Satin ribbon #117292
Basic pearls #119247
shimmer spray -- made with rubbing alcohol and champagne mist shimmer paint #116806

I hope this inspires you to make something beautiful with this stamp set and punch!

Wow! project of the month

2010-11-24T07:35:00.000-08:00

This is a custom order for a friend. I love how it turned out. The color scheme is Baja Breeze, Chocolate Chip, and accents of Kiwi Kiss. It's hard to see in the photo, but the little flowers are texturized as well.

Supplies:
Card Stock -- Baja Breeze, Chocolate Chip, Kiwi Kiss (retired), and Whisper White
Ink -- Baja Breeze, Chocolate Chip
Accessories: Big Shot and Flower Folds Die, SU little leaves Sizzlet, Birds and Blooms sizzlet dies, Polka dotted and square lattice embossing folders
Small oval punch
Crimper
Kiwi Kiss corduroy buttons (retired)
Sherbert buttons
Linen Thread
10x10" shadow box frame

I printed the saying onto Whisper White using a really dark chocolate ink. Then, cut it into a circle, mounted it onto the Baja Breeze 10x10" square, and then arranged the leaves and flowers on top.

Happy crafting!

Beth

Tin O' Christmas Tags Class

2010-11-18T20:14:00.000-08:00

Tags, tags, and more tags! I got a bunch of these tins from the SU clearance rack a while ago, and decided they would be perfect to make a little Christmas tin full of tags! So, there you have it -- this is my next class -- scheduled for Dec 11th at 10:30 am. I thoroughly enjoyed stamping all these cute tags with the "Tags Till Christmas" stamp set from the Holiday mini. LOVE that set! and I know it will come out this time of year for years and years to come!

Supplies:
Card Stock:
Jolly Holiday DSP
Cherry Cobbler
Old Olive
Whisper White
Very Vanilla
Marina Mist
Chocolate Chip
Real Red

Inks:
Cherry Cobbler
Old Olive
Marina Mist
Real Red

Accessories:
Linen thread
Vanilla, black, ans white 1/4" grossgrain ribbon
Punches: -- Decorative Label, Tag punch, large tag punch, scallop oval, Ornament punch, 1 3/4" circle, 2 3/8" scallop circle
2-way glue pen
Dazzling Diamonds glitter
Rhinestones -- and a black Sharpie to make the Santa buttons black!

Tags Till Christmas -- card

2010-11-08T08:05:00.000-08:00

Cherry Cobbler is my new absolute favorite color! It is so versatile -- great for Christmas -- paired with Old Olive, birthdays, or even paired with Pretty in Pink for a birth announcement! It is rich, warm, and deep -- and I can't get enough of it!

This is the 3rd card we will be making at my Christmas Card Extravaganza class.

Supplies:
Card Stock:
Old Olive -- 8 1/2 x 5 1/2" (100702)
Jolly Holiday DSP -- 2 x 5 1/4" (117159)
scraps of Very Vanilla for punching

Stamps:
Tags Till Christmas (Holiday Mini)

Ink:
Cherry Cobbler (119669)

Accessories:
Big Shot and Petals a Plenty embossing folder (116824)
Cherry cobbler seam binding (Holiday Mini)
1/4" Old Olive grossgrain ribbon (111368)
Glue dots (103683)
Scallop Trim border punch (118402)
Ornament punch (119847)
2-way glue pen (100425)
Dazzling Diamonds glitter (102023)

Serene Snowflakes Christmas card

2010-11-08T07:48:00.000-08:00

Here is another card we are making at my Christmas card extravaganza class -- a simple, yet elegant, card using the Serene Snowflakes stamp set.

Supplies:
Card stock:
Baha Breeze -- 8 1/2 x 5 1/2"
Early Espresso -- 4 1/8 x 5 3/8", strip 1 x 5 1/2"
Shimmery White -- 4 x 5 1/4" plus scraps for punching

Ink:
Early Espresso
Baja Breeze

Stamps:
Serene Snowflakes
Perfect Punches

Accessories:
Dotted Scalloped Ribbon border punch, scallop circle punch
Basic Pearls

Norther Flurries Christmas card

2010-11-07T14:05:00.000-08:00

This is one of the cards we are going to make at my Christmas Card Extravaganza class.
Supplies list:
Card stock:
Not Quite Navy -- 5 1/2 x 8 1/2"
Whisper White -- 5 3/8 x 4 1/8" plus scraps to stamp sentiment on
Marina Mist -- 5 1/4 x 4"
Ink:
White craft and Not Quite Navy
Stamps: Tags Till Christmas
Accessories:
Big Shot and Northern Flurries embossing folder
Sponge Dauber to apply white craft ink to embosses snow flakes
silver glass glitter
Mono Multi glue
rhinestones
stampin' dimensionals
White organdy ribbon
Decorative Label punch

This is a super simple card -- simply emboss Marina Mist panel with Northern Flurries embossing folder. Use a sponge dauber to add white craft ink to the embossed snow flakes. Tie a knot in your pc of organdy ribbon and secure to back side of Marina Mist panel on lower third, as shown. Add rhinestones to the center of each snow flake. Layer to white panel then to folded Not Quite Navy panel. Stamp sentiment on whisper white scrap -- punch out with Decorative Label punch. Attach to card front using Stampin' dimensionals. Add Mono Multi glue in a fine line around sentiment -- dump silver glass glitter over, and shake off excess. Set aside to dry

Christmas Card Extravaganza

2010-11-07T13:49:00.000-08:00

Join me for my next class -- Christmas Card Extravaganza.

When: Sunday, Nov 14th at 2:00 PM
Where: My Home: 33 Grizzly Way, Kalispell, MT 59901

Enjoy an afternoon out with some crafty friends, and get a head start on your Christmas cards. We will be making three Christmas cards at this class, featuring several simple stamping techniques. I will have lots of Holiday inspiration available, as well, to help you on your own Christmas card designs. Don't worry if you don't feel all that crafty -- I will have all the supplies cut and ready to stamp -- and will demo each project for you, so no stress -- only fun!

Class fee is $10. Want to make more than 3 cards? Stamp some extras for $1 per card -- just let me know ahead of time which cards you would like to make. I will have lots of yummy snacks and drinks, so come on out for a stampin' fun afternoon!

Friends are always welcome -- just include them in your RSVP.

Join my meetup group, Flathead Valley Stampers, to keep up to date on what we're making next and when. It's free to join, of course :) here's the link: http://www.meetup.com/Flathead-Valley-Stampers/
Stampingly,

Beth Anderson

Stampin' Up! Demonstrator
33 Grizzly Way, Kalispell, MT

(206) 661-0093

Jack O' Lantern Madness

2010-11-05T14:34:00.000-07:00

I recently saw this idea -- where you use strips of tissue and Mod Podge to cover the outsides of various sized mason jars to make adorable Jack-o-lanterns. Well, I couldn't find suitable jars, so I found these cheap vases at the $ store and they worked just great. The look is slightly different because they don't go in at the top (as in the neck of the jar), but they were still fun. I used crepe paper instead of tissue strips -- no cutting involved! And various SU punches to make the faces.

Supplies list:
glass vases (from the $ store) or a variety of canning jars
Mod Podge
foam brush
Orange, purple, and white crepe paper
Basic Black card stock
SU punches -- large oval, small oval, wide oval, star, 1 1/4" round, 1" square

Instructions:
Using a foam brush, paint mod podge on the outside of your vase -- in a stripe slightly wider than your crepe paper.
Apply a strip of paper letting some hang off the top and bottom -- you will trip it later.
Pat the paper down with your fingers.
Apply more mod podge to one edge of the strip you just put down (to secure it well) and make another stripe of glue immediately adjacent to the strip you just added.
Add your next strip of crepe paper -- overlapping it with the previous strip.
Again, paint more glue on this strip to hold it in place, and keep the edges from sticking up.
Repeat above steps until entire jar is covered.
Let dry overnight.
Add the faces using various punches and scraps of black card stock. Adhere them in place with Mono Multi glue, and paint over the tops with more mod podge. Let dry. Put candles or flameless tea lights inside.

These jack-o-lanterns and owls and pumpkins were all centerpieces for the Harvest Carnival at my son's school. A lot of work, but also a ton of fun!
Enjoy!

My take on the paper strip pumpkins!

2010-11-04T13:10:00.000-07:00

Pumpkins, pumpkins everywhere!

I love this time of year -- beautiful fall leaves, our annual trip to the pumpkin patch, Thanksgiving plans, fall decor, Halloween... I've seen several versions of these paper strip pumpkins, and had to try them out for myself -- with my OWN twist.
1) Cut your pumpkin pie cardstock vertically at 6" (so your pc measures 6x11").
2) Emboss the entire pc, one section at a time, using the Big Shot and polka dotted, vintage wallpaper, and the square lattice embossing folders.
3) Use a direct to paper technique to add pumpkin pie ink to the embossed pattern -- i.e. rub your ink pad all over your paper!
4) Cut your finished piece into 3/4" strips.
5) Stack all your strips together into a neat little stack -- use the Crop-o-dile to punch a hole through the entire stack at one end. Carefully turn it around and punch through the entire stack at the other end -- keeping it all even, if possible. Make this second hole a little bigger by punching twice right next to the first hole.
6) Put a brad through the bottom set of holes to secure that end.
7) Fan out the little strips to create a symmetric "spokes on a wheel" kind of look.
8) Loop a pc of Early Espresso 5/8" satin ribbon (or any chocolate ribbon you have on hand) in half and tie a knot at the end -- then thread the ribbon loop through the top holes in your pumpkin strips, one by one until they are all threaded on.
9) Cut a 1/4" strip of Old Olive cardstock and curl it around a pencil -- attach to the ribbon loop for your vine.
10) Cut leaves out of Old Olive card stock with the Leaves #2 die and Big Shot -- emboss the leaves, if you wish -- and attach with glue dots to top of pumpkin.