Stamping On The Bayou

Anyone for the beach?

This card was so fun to make! Using theBaskets & Blooms die, you can create any kind of bag you want - wouldn't that make a cute embellishment for a summer time scrapbook page? After you piece together your "bag" simply run it through the Big Shot again with the Square Lattice Embossing Folder and then add faux stitch marks with a Stampin' Write marker. The Tropical Party stamp set is definitely needed for the flower and grass accessories!

To order these supplies, simply click on the links and add to your cart.
 

Color Wash

My hostess club members created several cards this month. I focused on several coloring methods and this color washing technique was my favorite!

It makes me want to grab my flip flops, a Pina Colada, and head to Hawaii!!!! I CASE'd this card from Tammy White (she does such amazing work)! This very simple card took no time at all! You need watercolor paper (105019) to get the look just right. Cut your watercolor paper to size. For this sample, I used Bashful Blue, Not Quite Navy, and Close to Cocoa Watercolor Crayons. Scribble the Bashful Blue on the top third, the Not Quite Navy on the middle third, and the Close to Cocoa on the bottom third of the watercolor paper. Using your wet but not saturated Aqua Painter, smooth out the "coloring" marks blending the blues at their intersection. You don't want to blend the Not Quite Navy and Close to Cocoa, you want there to be a stark contrast there.

I LOVE this look! I'm going to try it again, but use some pinks and oranges to make a sunset scene! I'll post it later next week!

I'm booking workshops for the fall and would love to share some stamping technique with you and your friends! Contact me now to get on the calendar!
 

Elegant Trio Decor Stencils

CEO and Co-Founder of Stampin' Up!, Shelli Gardner has been traveling the country on her Workshop of a Lifetime tour. Demonstrators who stepped up to the challenge earned this fabulous reward. Anyway,  I loved the latest projects that she demonstrated at her last workshop so much, that I just had to case them for my hostess club free classes this month! They are truly elegant and so easy to create!

This project uses minimal supplies that you may have on hand already! The Elegant Trio decor stencils (118262) are found in the latest edition of the Definitely Decorative brochure. For $9.95 you get all three stencils! I've used them on cards here, but they can also be used to transform plain into pretty and give you the decorating edge your home needs to be the best on the block!

The flower is stunning! I love how you can create shading with just one color source (Regal Rose in this case)! I used a sponge on all these cards. For the middle of the flower, I added the Basic Small Grommets and a Clear Rhinestone Brad after running the white card stock piece through the Big Shot with the Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folder!

I used the Almost Amethyst color for the scroll image on this card. It is splattered with Elegant Eggplant using the Color Spritzer tool, which is my favorite tool (this week anyway)! Because this card is only one layer, I clipped the prongs off the Clear Rhinestone brads using my Craft and Rubber Scissors and applied with a Mini Glue Dot. The Basic Black satin ribbon and Groom Specialty designer series paper and another layer of elegance!

This one is my favorite! I love all things Fleur de Lis! Here, I stenciled the image in Sage Shadow Classic ink and stamped the "gratitude definition" image in Jet Black StazOn before lifting up the stencil. The StazOn Cleaner can clean your stencil when you are done. Again, add some splatters with the Color Spritzer tool and Basic Black Stampin' Write marker. The paper is one of the patterns from the Nouveau Chic designer series paper collection.

This has got to be one of the cutest projects that I have created. I may have been inspired by another project, but for the life of me, I don't think I've seen it done quite this way. First I used the Big Shot and the Scallop Circle die to cut out my "cone". Then, spritz with a little water to break down the fibers of the card stock. Run the scallop circle through the Big Shot again (I did it twice) with the Perfect Details Texturz Plate. Your scallop circle will naturally curl because of the water. Use this opportunity to form your shape (make sure you used Sticky Strip to hold it together) and VOILA, a waffle cone!

I decorated a plastic Easter egg with rubons and flowers to achieve the ice cream look! They are stinkin' cute! I think I will make these for my kids' friends for Easter!

Hope you enjoy! My hostess club classes made these projects this month. Want to join? I take new members anytime!
 
 
  
 
 

Punch Crazy!!

Hostess clubs got to go "punch crazy" this month! Stampin' Up!'s punches coordinate with many of the stamp sets and accessories! The inspiration for this card came directly from the 2009-2010 Idea Book and Catalog - page 88. The sample shown was a 6x6 scrapbook page, but I made a card with the Animal Stories stamp set instead. You can see a circle theme throughout the sample. The Animal Stories stamp set is included in this month's promotion. Click the promotion link on the right sidebar for more information.

 

Animal Stories and Define Your Life stamp set; Chocolate Chip, Brilliant Blue, Old Olive, Rose Red (textured) and Whisper White cardstock; Chocolate Chip, Brilliant Blue, and Rose Red Classic inks; Chocolate Chip and Rose Red Stampin' Write markers; Tall Tales dsp; Crop-a-Dile; 1 3/4", 1 3/8", 1", and 1/16" Circle punches; Stampin' Sponges; Stampin' Dimensionals; Stapler

Here is a sneak peak at what is coming soon... flocked designer series paper! In a beautiful Christmas collection, Stampin' Up! has outdone themselves again! For this simple, but ever so elegant Christmas card, we used the hostess set Christmas Punch for the sentiment. All the stamps in this set coordinate with one or more Stampin' Up! punches. The Scallop Edge punch adds a pretty border for a soft touch. Make sure you are on my mailing list for the latest updates and mailings (top left sidebar) - the Holiday Mini should be out soon!

 

Christmas Punch stamp set; Kraft and Whisper White cardstock; Real Red Classic ink; Christmas Cocoa Specialty designer series paper (Holiday Mini); Scallop Edge and Wide Oval punches; Real Red 5/8" grosgrain ribbon; Stampin' Dimensionals

Are you ready for Halloween? It's my second favorite holiday! This cute Halloween favor would be perfect to give Trick or Treaters, classmates, or party guests! It shows how Stampin' Up!'s punches coordinate with the Big Shot dies. I love the new Bride, Groom, and Bridesmaid Specialty paper! It is more like cardstock than paper so it is perfect for these type of projects. These foiled cardstock papers come in Whisper White, Basic Black, and Very Vanilla specially designed to create wedding invitations, RSVP cards, place settings, party favors, and MORE! Want to create a darling favor like this at your workshop - book your party before October 1st!

 

From the Crypt and Eat, Drink, and Be Scary stamp sets; Old Olive cardstock; Groom Specialty paper; Cast-a-Spell designer series paper; VersaMark ink; Basic Black embossing powder; Embossing Buddy; Big Shot; Fancy Favor and Movers & Shapers Bigz xl dies; Curly Label, Tag, Small Tag, and 1/16" circle punches; Vintage Brads; Old Olive 5/8" grosgrain ribbon; Silver cord (Holiday Mini); Stampin' Dimensionals; Medium Cellophane bags; Dark Hershey Kisses

What do I do with Stampin' Pastels?

Hostess club members had the chance to find out in July! Club members learned several techniques that made use of their Stampin' Pastels. The sample below is a watercolor technique using Stampin' Pastels and the Aqua Painter. I love this soft watercolor look and since Stampin' Pastels come in Stampin' Up!'s 48 exclusive colors, you have so many choices! The trees in the background were colored using a sponge dauber and 3 shades of green from the Stampin' Pastels.

Loads of Love, Loads of Fun, and Loads of Love Accessories stamp sets; More Mustard, Basic Black, and Whisper White cardstock; Jet Black Staz On and Stampin' Pastels; Sponge Daubers; Aqua Painter; 1/2" Chocolate Chip Library clip; Basic Black 1/4" grosgrain ribbon; 1 3//8" and 1 1/4" Square punch; Stampin' Dimensionals

The next technique is SO cool! It is called Reverse Pastels. It works best using a dark colored cardstock. I've used Chocolate Chip in this sample. Take a sponge dauber to dab and rub Stampin' Pastel color onto complete surface. Ink your stamp in VersaMark ink and stamp over chalked cardstock. The stamped image will remove the chalk revealing the dark cardstock underneath!

 

Animal Stories stamp set; So Saffron and Chocolate Chip cardstock; Tall Tales designer series paper; Stampin' Pastels; VersaMark ink; Scallop Edge punch; Rose Red, Old Olive, and Chocolate Chip 1/4" grosgrain ribbon

This is my new favorite stamp set - Medallion! It is a background stamp and so much more! Poppin' Pastels is an old school technique and I love the effect! Ink your image in VersaMark and stamp onto light colored cardstock. Using a sponge dauber, dab (don't rub) your favorite chalk from Stampin' Pastels over the stamped image. You can use as many colors as you want. You'll achieve a soft, beautiful image with a hint of color all around!

 

Medallion and Wings of Friendship stamp sets; Chocolate Chip and Whisper White cardstock; VersaMark, Crushed Curry, Old Olive, and Chocolate Chip Classic inks; Stampin' Pastels; Sponge Daubers; Stampin' Sponges; 1 3/4" and 1/16" Circle and Scallop Oval punches; Chocolate Chip 5/16" Jumbo brads; Crushed Curry 1/2" Polka Dot grosgrain ribbon; Stampin' Dimensionals

If you'd like to learn more techniques like this I encourage you to host a workshop! You pick the technique and I'll highlight it in projects to show your friends and family! Contact me today to book your own party!

The Heat is On!!!

 

Last month's clubs featured the Cheers to You stamp set and FIVE ways to use your heat tool! Carrie Gaskin shared this class idea on Stampin' Up!'s demonstrator website! It is amazing how many ideas you can get from all over the country - complete with measurements and instructions! Now, you may ask why I am posting photos of retired products (the In Colors shown are currently unavailable). Some of my club members were unable to attend and I wanted to share the instructions so they can create their projects. But, you can still be inspired by this post just change up the colors and you can create the same cards!

Basic Heat Embossing

1. Fold your 6” x 6” piece of Pacific Point card stock in half using a bone folder.

2. Punch out three 1‐3/4” circles, one in Baja Breeze, Tangerine Tango, and Kiwi Kiss and set aside.

3. Stamp the beer stein twice on scrap card stock using VersaMark ink. Sprinkle with black embossing powder and heat with the heat tool. Color these in using More Mustard Classic ink and a blender pen and punch out with the 1‐3/8” Circle punch.

4. Stamp the saying “cheers to you” on scrap card stock using VersaMark ink and sprinkle with black embossing powder as above. Punch out with the 1‐3/8” Circle punch.

5. Adhere embossed pieces to previously punched‐out colored circles.

6. Add your embellishments of ribbon, brads, and buttons as you like.

Cracked Glass Technique

1. Fold your 6” x 6” piece of Tangerine Tango card stock in half using a bone folder.

2. Adhere the 1” x 6” piece of Pink Pirouette card stock to the bottom of the card.

3. Staple a piece of Baja Breeze striped ribbon just above the Pink Pirouette card stock.

4. Run a piece of Kiwi Kiss card stock through the Sizzix Big Shot using the XL Pennant Die and cut out a large scallop circle.

5. Stamp the margarita image from Cheers to You on scrap card stock using Jet Black Staz On ink. Color in using In Color Classic inks and a blender pen. Cover image with VersaMark ink and sprinkle with Glassy Glaze embossing powder and heat with your heat tool. Repeat at least three more times.

6. Punch out the image with the 1‐3/4” Circle punch and place it in the freezer. Wait 5 minutes and remove. Bend to “crack” the glass.

7. Stamp sentiment in Tangerine Tango ink.

8. Add your embellishments as desired.

Iridescent Ice Sparkle Technique

1. Fold your 6” x 6” Baja Breeze card stock in half with a bone folder.

2. Stamp swirl image onto the 3” x 2‐1/2” piece of Kiwi Kiss card stock using your Kiwi Kiss Classic ink.

3. Distress the edges and tie a piece of white taffeta ribbon around it. Adhere to the card base.

4. Stamp sentiment onto Barely Banana piece of card stock or directly onto card.

5. Take a piece of scrap card stock and stamp the wine glasses image from Cheers to You in Staz On. Color them in with a Barely Banana marker.

6. Cover the image with your VersaMark pad and sprinkle with Iridescent Ice embossing powder. Heat with your heat tool.

7. Punch image out with the Wide Oval punch and adhere to the card with dimensionals.

Scratch and Sniff Technique

1. Fold your 6” x 6” piece of Pink Pirouette card stock in half with a bone folder.

2. Stamp the daiquiri image and saying from Cheers to You in Jet Black Staz On ink on a 2‐1/4” x 2‐3/4” piece of Whisper White card stock. Color the image in with your In Color ink pads and blender pens.

3. Use a VersaMarker to color over the areas you’d like to emboss and sprinkle over it some clear embossing powder mixed with your favorite drink mix (1:1 ratio, use drink mix with NO SUGAR). I used Tropical Punch Kool Aid. Heat with your heat tool. Now if you scratch where you’ve embossed, you’ll smell tropical punch!

4. Round two of the corners of your embossed piece with the Corner Rounder punch.

5. Round two corners of a piece of Riding Hood Red card stock measuring 2‐1/2” x 3”. Adhere these two layers together.

6. Add a strip of Kiwi Kiss ribbon using Mini Glue Dots.

7. Use your Stamp‐a‐ma‐jig to line up the words from Fundamental Phrases.

8. Add a Riding Hood Red button with a Mini Glue Dot and then the embossed piece with dimensionals.

Emboss Resist Technique

1. Fold your 6” x 6” piece of Kiwi Kiss card stock in half with a bone folder.

2. Stamp the martini image from Cheers to You in VersaMark ink randomly on your 2‐1/2” x 5‐1/2” piece of Glossy card stock. Sprinkle with white or clear embossing powder and heat with your heat tool.

3. Sponge first with Kiwi Kiss ink using a Stampin’ sponge and then highlight the olives using Riding Hood Red ink and a blender pen making sure to heat set in case your red has “pooled”.

4. Adhere this layer to a piece of 2‐3/4” x 5‐3/4” Riding Hood Red card stock.

5. Punch out a 1‐3/8” circle of Kiwi Kiss card stock and a 3/4” circle of Riding Hood Red. Adhere together and punch two 1/16” circles on the top and bottom. Add a toothpick as per example.

6. Stamp “celebrate” from Fundamental Phrases in Basic Black ink on a 1/2” strip of Riding Hood Red card stock and punch with the new Modern Label punch. Attach two black brads and adhere over the glossy card stock.

 

Fun with Designer Series Paper!

 

Connie Babbert posted this exact card on her blog and I just loved it- I had to duplicate it exactly! She even shared directions on how to make the origami tie! It was so fun to make. Now, I know what you are thinking, not every dad wears a tie; but, the tie is such an iconic symbol of Father's day that it would be just fine to make and give to ALL the dads in your life! Club members made this card last month and practiced their origami skills on scratch paper first.

 

This 6x6 Summer Scrapbook page was created to highlight a weaving technique you can do with designer papers! Isn't it beautiful?

 

To create this look, find 2 coordinating pieces of dsp. Start out with pieces bigger than the actual finished piece. Using your paper cutter, cut 1/2"  strips, but don't cut all the way. Leave about a 1/2" at the bottom of each piece. Weave the strips in the pattern you like. Create a base to adhere your weaved dsp to. Trim excess dsp and mount onto your project. For more complete instructions, contact me!

 

The elements at the bottom of the page were made with the Naturally Serif sizzlits decorative stip and the Cherry Blossom and Sweetest Stem embosslit dies.

If you would like to make projects like these, I'd love for you to join one of my clubs. Contact me today to sign up.

Get Connected with these great projects!

Hostess clubs completed these lovely projects this month. The first was a lovely card created by Patty Bennett. I used the Very Versatile stamp set from the Occasions Mini. You can use these sentiments for a variety of occasions. My cousin is getting married this weekend so I used the wedding sentiment. The flower overlay is made with the Manhattan Flower Textured Impressions die, the Big Shot, and Vellum card stock. I can't wait to make this card in many colors to have on hand for birthdays, anniversaries, or any occasion you can think of.

 

Another lovely project made with Occasions Mini products is this 6x6 scrapbook page. This 2 step stamp set is called Soft Summer. You can create a beautiful watercolor effect with Stampin' Write Markers and an Aqua Painter. First stamp your outline image in Jet Black Staz On. For your solid image, use the brush tip of your Stampin' Write Markers to color directly on the stamp (the flowers, stem, and leaves). I used a Blender Pen to make my Pink Pirouette marker for the inside of the flower and the Rose Red for the very edges of the flower. Once your colors are applied to the stamp, give it a huff to moisten the ink and stamp over the lined image. Your Stamp A Ma Jig works well to align your images perfectly! Use your Aqua Painter to blend the colors together for this cool effect!

 

I made this accent with the Tulipe Bigz die and the new Scallop Oval punch!

 

Our 3D project was made using the Matchbox Bigz XL die. Isn't it cute!!! It is the perfect size for a little treat, chapsticks, mints, or little notes!

 

The cover was made with the new Window Sheets and stamped with the Matchbox Messages stamp set! Use Staz On ink to insure your ink won't smear.

 

I believe there is a trend now for all things mini. Purchase the Big Shot die to make this mini matchbox and qualify for the Get Connected Promotion - spend $40 in Occasions Mini product and choose any item from the Under $10 page (page 208) from the Spring/Summer Idea Book & Catalog for FREE! Contact me today to make your purchase, or go to my online store 24/7!

Luck of the Irish!

I love my Big Sho! The Top Note die is one of my favorites. Look at what hostess clubs made this month using the Big Shot and many other Stampin' Up! products.

 

Isn't he cute!!! I had some extra and my kids' teachers got a special St. Patty's Day card. The Top Note die is so versatile. Combine it with Stampin' Up!'s punches and you've got this lucky leprechaun.

Stampin' Supplies: Big Shot; Top Note die; Glorious Green, Blush Blossom, Basic Black, Green Galore, and Really Rust card stock; Blush Blossom Classic ink; Basic Black Stampin' Write marker; White gel pen; Scallop Circle, Key Tag, 3/4" Circle, Heart to Heart punches; Basic Black grosgrain ribbon; Stampin' Dimensionals

Our next project was a 6x6 scrapbook page using the Big Shot and the Sunshine Garden Simply Scrappin' kit. This page was so easy to put together and is perfect for any spring photos!

 

The butterfly was cut from the designer series paper included in the pack and the Stampin' Up! exclusive die, Beautiful Butterflies. I love it. I even made a bigger one in green to attach to my clothes on St. Patrick's Day... I worked at my husband's office that day and my scrubs weren't green. I didn't want to be pinched!!

Stampin' Supplies: Sunshine Garden Simply Scrappin' kit; Big Shot; Beautiful Butterflies die; Baja Breeze striped grosgrain ribbon; 5/16" Jumbo Brads; Embossing Buddy; Pop Up Glue Dots; Stampin' Dimensionals

You may have seen this last project before, but it is so cute I had to show it.

 

It is a milk carton! Stampin' Up! provides it's demonstrators with many downloadable patterns for projects such as this... it is one of the many perks. I love to share, so everyone on my mailing list will receive the link to download this pattern. Didn't get it? Contact me and I'll be happy to share that link with you. This would make a wonderful favor for your Easter table. Create your table-scape with any color pallette using Stampin' Up!'s designer series papers and exclusive color families. I added a little sparkle with some of Stampin' Up!'s new glitters stamped over the dsp.

Stampin' Supplies: All Holidays stamp set; Tempting Turquoise and Whisper White card stock; Pink Flamingo designer series paper; VersaMark ink; Heat n Stick powder; Fine Supernova Stampin' Glitter; Embossing Buddy; Powder Pals; Stampin' Dimensionals; Sticky Strip

If you would like to make projects like this every month, sign up for one of my Hostess Clubs. I'd love for you to come stamp with me.

I'm Back!!!!

I know it has been a long time since I have posted and I feel an apology and explanation is in order. First of all, please accept my apologies. I have been stamping, just haven't been able to share. I started back to work in our optometric finishing lab at the beginning of February. It has been an adjustment, but I believe I have a schedule where I can have it all! The other time obstacles have been my children. All 3 have had the flu and my son Jack had strep throat with SCARLET FEVER! All are better now and I have sprayed my house down with Lysol (so it's safe to come stamp again!) HAHA!

Club projects from February is a good place to start as I had a few members who were sick as well and I know they are just itchin' to put their projects together! The first is this simply elegant card. Using the clean lines of the Fifth Avenue Floral stamp set, I stamped the larger flower in VersaMark on Basic Black cardstock and heat embossed with Black Embossing Powder. Isn't it beautiful!

 

 

You'll see on the inside I mimicked the Urban Oasis Designer Series Paper to have a lighter surface to write on. Now, to be quite honest, I did not design this card. Gretchen Barron is another demonstrator who shares her creations and I CASED it from her. Thanks for the inspiration Gretchen.

Stampin' Supplies: Fifth Avenue Floral stamp set; Basic Black, Kiwi Kiss, Whisper White card stock; Baja Breeze, Kiwi Kiss Classic ink; Versa Mark ink; Jet Black Staz On ink; Urban Oasis dsp; Black ep; heat tool; Embossing Buddy; Kiwi Kiss/Very Vanilla Satin ribbon; Stampin' Dimensionals

The next project was a beautiful 8 1/2" x 8 1/2" scrapbook page. These pages fit beautifully in Stampin' Up!'s chipboard album on page 183 of the Spring Summer Idea Book & Catalog. We used the Poppin' Pastels technique on the tree for a lovely, soft touch. The albums are totally awesome as you can customize your cover to create any theme for your scrapbook.

 

Stampin' Supplies: Thoughts & Prayers and Once Upon a Time stamp sets; Close to Cocoa, Old Olive, Bordering Blue, and Naturals White card stock; VersaMark ink; Bordering Blue, Close to Cocoa Classic ink; Stampin' Pastels; Sponge daubers; 5/8" Jumbo Brads; Vintage Brads; Crafter's Tool kit; Trio Flower and 1/4 Circle punches; Close to Cocoa 1/4" grosgrain ribbon; staple

Our 3D project last month used many of the Sale A Bration items and the awesome Box#2 BigzXL die! This box makes a perfect little favor for any occasion and believe it or not, you only use a very small piece of Sticky Strip to hold the box together so mass producing them is a breeze!

 

 

Stampin' Supplies: Congrats (SAB) and Polka Dot Punches (SAB) stamp sets; Whisper White and Sahara Sand card stock; Sahara Sand, Certainly Celery, and So Saffron Classic ink; Delicate Dots dsp (SAB); Ribbon Bundle (SAB); Scallop Circle, 1 3/8" Circle, and 1/2" Circle punch; Big Shot; Box #2 BigzXL die; Sticky Strip; Stampin' Dimensionals