Inspiration where you find it!

Hi Stampers!
I was flipping through the Sunday Target ad and I saw this:

Please excuse the photo- it is a dark and dreary day here and I'm having a really hard time with my lighting in my photos.  I don't know why but when I saw this ad I immediately thought of using the ideas to make cards.  Here is card #1:

And here it is open:

I went out of bounds on my card- I didn't want to be constrained!  Mostly what I used is a lot of punches-1/8", 1/2", 3/4", 1 1/4", 1 3/4" circles, word window, Round Tab (#119864), and the Circle Scissors Plus cutter (#112530).  If you look really closely you can see I used the negative of the scallop punch as a stencil for the waves for my whale.  The card stock is Wild Wasabi, Pacific Point, Tempting turquoise, Whisper White.  I used Tempting Turquoise, Pacific Point, and Basic Black Stamp pads.  I used Fox and Friends, again, for the whale.  That little set is getting a lot of use lately!  The greeting is from the hostess set Happiest Birthday Wishes.
My next card is here:

 The little owls are so in right now and the Owl Builder punch (#118074) makes this easy!  The branches are from my Sizzix Little  Leaves Sizzlet Die (#114511).  My colors here are Wild Wasabi, Pretty in Pink, So Saffron, and Whisper White.  The only ink pad I used for this card is the Basic Black!  I made a diagonal dry embossed background that you may be able to see using my Simply Scored tool.  I put my corners on the black line that I showed you previously and scored at every 3/4", turned the card and repeated.  Stampin' Up is going to release a new diagonal plate for the Simply Scored tool soon!
Thanks for stopping by!

Egg-cellent!

I'm on an Easter phase right now- maybe it's because my hens are laying again or maybe it's the big jar of Jelly Bellys at Costco.  Hard to say.  But I came up with this card and I'm right proud about it!

Do you recognize the decoration on the eggs?  It is the same Medallion stamp that I used for the background using a "rock and roll" technique (see Feb 9 post) to get the darker color on the edge of the stamp before I punched it out with the oval punch.  Pretty neat!  I used Pool Party, Pacific Point, Whisper White, and Glossy White card stock for this card.  I used Pool party, Pacific Point, Poppy Parade, Coral, and Basic Black ink, and the ruffled ribbon is Lucky Limeade.

Does anyone have tips for me on getting better photos of my cards?  I'd be open to any good ideas!

Thanks for stopping by!

Textured Embossing Folder

Hi Stampers!
I had a question about the Embossing Folders and I thought I'd show a quick tutorial how it works.  It would be much clearer in person, and I would be happy to demo it in a workshop for you anytime!

Here is an embossing folder.  You can see it has the Sizzix logo on it in addition to the Stampin' up logo, that means it is a product used with the Sizzix Big Shot.  I LOVE my Big Shot.  I didn't think I would- it wasn't inexpensive, there were dies to purchase, would I really use it... WHAT WAS I THINKING?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Now I have to work at NOT using it for every card!  One of my favorite things to use is these embossing folders.  Stick a piece of card stock in this puppy, roll it through the Big Shot, and shazzam!  Beautiful textured card stock!  So here is how it goes:

Pacific Point card stock in open folder.

Close folder.

Make your "sandwich" on the cutting platform. (Cutting platform, cutting pad, embossing folder with card stock, cutting pad on top)

Crank it on through.

Voila!  Isn't this amazing?
Here's the card I make with the textured card stock:

The stamp set is  Gnome Sweet Gnome from the Occasions mini Catalog (#126535).  It is a cute little set (if you like gnomes) that I received FREE as a demonstrator as a performance bonus.  I used Razzleberry and Celery card stock, Certainly Celery ribbon, I water colored using Basic Black, Basic Grey, Certainly Celery, Chocolate Chip, Razzleberry, and Bashful Blue stamp pads and my trusty Blender Pen, and I embellished with some rhinestones.
Thanks for stopping by!

Easter Basket Tutorial

I promised a tutorial today on how to make the cute little Easter basket I showed you yesterday.  This is my first tutorial so I hope I get it right!

Step 1:  Cut all your basket components.  Here I use Wisteria Wonder card stock and I cut the main basket out of the largest  frame in the Labels Collection Framelits (#125598), 2 basket sides 1  1/8" x 2 1/2" and a handle 3/4" x 5 1/2".  If you are making this project for a class you should know I cut all parts out of one 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" sheet of card stock.

Step 2:  Now is the time to pull out your Simply Scored tool.  I show here that I used a sharpie marker to draw a line down the 5" mark on my tool.  On my "other" brand I did this every 1" increment and I found it really useful.

You will see why in the next photo.  You will line up the tips of the "basket" on the line and score 3/4" on either side of the center (4 1/4" and 5 3/4" in the photo).

You will also score the side pieces at 1/2" and 2"

Step 3: Stamp!  If you want to decorate your basket now is the time.  Yesterday's basket was unstamped, today I used the Sale-a-bration set Fresh Vintage.

Step 4: Assemble.  Use your bone folder to make nice creases along your score lines and then sticky strip on the outside folds of the side pieces like so:

I uncover one strip at a time for easier assembly and attach them to the inside of my basket like this:

and then it looks like this:

The handle is attached with sticky strip as well:

 So cute!!!!
Step 5: Embellish!

I used the scallop punch with Limeade to edge the handle, scallop circle, 1 3/8" circle (pool party), and 1 1/4" circle for the medallion, a brad from Everyday Enchantment (Sale-a-bration), and the greeting is from my favorite Teeny Tiny Wishes.  The last thing I did was thinly cut some Lucky Limeade card stock and ran it through my Crimper (#101618).
Thanks for stopping by!

Easter's Coming!

Maybe not right away but doesn't it feel like spring to you?  We have daffodils blooming, violets starting to stir, longer days, I just know that soon it will be Easter.

So I am prepared!  I made this Easter Basket using the new sizzix framelit die (I can't remember the name!).  I will make a tutorial tomorrow to show you how I made it with all the details- so check in tomorrow...

Elementary Elegance

In the spirit of keeping it simple I'm continuing with the one stamp set, one accessory project.  Today's project uses the Elementary Elegance stamp set (FREE with a $50 merchandise purchase in the Sale-a-bration catalog) and a circle punch.

Isn't it cute?  I added a little bling with the rhinestones to pep it up a bit- what crown doesn't need a bit of bling?  I love the color combination, Not Quite Navy, Tangerine Tango, River Rock, and a touch of Whisper White for the focal point.  I used Not Quite Navy and Basic Black ink.  My accessory?  The 1 3/8" circle punch!  This 3x3 inch card would be easy tuck in a birthday gift.
Thanks for stopping by!

Cupcakes

I promised a simpler card today and I am delivering!  Cupcakes are hot right now, and I love cupcakes, so what's not to like about a cupcake stamp set and punch?

These 3 little cupcakes are all dolled up with Dazzling Diamonds glitter (on the cherries too) and THAT'S IT!  Gotta love it!
The details: Whisper White, So Saffron, Pretty in pink, and Real Red card stock, Real Red stamp pad, Create a Cupcake stamp set (#121915), Cupcake Builder punch (#121807), Dazzling Diamonds glitter (#102023), 2 way glue pen (#100425), and some dimensionals to pop up those cherries!
Stamp yourself a stack of these cards and you'll be ready for all your upcoming birthdays!

Raining Flowers

I wanted to try a new technique I found at splitcoast stampers called Pastels on Black.  I thought the results were stunning and I was excited to use a new stamp set  called "Raining Flowers" (#122767).  I've had this stamp set for awhile and never used it (did we get it FREE at convention?).  So here is the card and then I'll tell you more about it.

Isn't it cute?  I won't go into the details of the technique because you can head over to splitcoast stampers for that.  I will tell you that I used craft white stamp pad, white embossing powder, and instead of pastel crayons I used my very old Stampin' Pastels.  I loved getting these out again!  The card stock is Whisper White, Regal Rose, and Garden Green, and Basic Black.  I used Basic Black to stamp the greeting from Elementary Elegance (a FREE Sale-a-bration set).  I had to pull out the sizzix to cut the Scallop Square (#115950) and then emboss it with the Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder (#120175).  I couldn't resist the butterfly embosslit Beautiful Wings (#118138).  And punches- oval and scallop oval, and last but not least, the pretty ribbon is 5/8" organza ribbon (#114319).
I guess I had a ball and I thought I was going simple!  Next time, simple it is!  Go ahead and try this technique- I think the results are mighty fine!
Thanks for stopping by!

Best Buds

Do  you remember the Mary Engelbright flowers/buds?  I saw a blog that made this type of bud using DSP here and I thought "what a great idea!".  I didn't love the DSP so much so I made my own flowers using our beautiful card stock- Rose Romance, Rose Red, Certainly Celery, and So Saffron.

Aren't they cute?  This simple card used Baja Breeze for the background- thus testing the theory that all colors in a color family should go together (thanks Stampin' Up!).  I used the 1 3/8, 1 1/4, and 3/4 inch circle punches, 5 petal flower punch, white brads (#112534), Framed Tulips embossing folder (#121809) and the Curly Cute stamp set (#117014) for the greeting.
Thanks for stopping by!

Rainbows

Hi Stampers!
Today I wanted to work on a birthday card for a friend who is turning 16 on February 29th.  Well, he's not really 16, but this will be his 16th birthday...
Okay, so I like this little stamp called "Packed for birthday" (#125746) from the occasions mini catalog.  I received it for FREE from Stampin' Up! for an incentive program that I participated in.  I love the free stamps I can earn as a SU Demonstrator.  This stamp is part of the "Packed for Everything" bundle (#127337) if you want to get all 4 stamps instead of just a single one.  This type of stamp always make me wish we still carried the rainbow pads in our catalog. I set out to make my own rainbow pad using the re-inkers.  I took a baby wipe, folded it up, and made 3 overlapping stripes of ink with Rich Razzleberry, Pacific Point, and Garden Green.  It took more ink than I thought to get it wet enough to ink my stamp, but here is my result:

The greeting is from "Family Reunion" (#122712) and the brads are from the brights collection (#119740).
Now that I had the baby wipe covered with ink I didn't want to waste it so I tried something else.

I stamped the same stamp with Versamark ink (#102283) on glossy white card stock and embossed it with clear embossing powder (#109130).  Then I wiped the inked up baby wipe across the card.  The embossing made a resist, and after cleaning with a tissue it really stands out.  I think I like this better- although be warned, it is messy.  My fingers are 3 different colors.  I hand cut the banners because I don't own the banner punch.  The banners are strung together with  linen thread (#104119) and decorated with 1/2 inch punches and glimmer brads (#121004).  Does anyone else have a clever way to make your own rainbow pad?
Thanks for stopping by!

My little Valentine

Valentine's is a big deal around here.  It's my husband's birthday for starters, and then we raised 2 little girls (now grown women), so combine birthday with a candy holiday, it's a big deal.  I've raised those little girls well!  My oldest became a Stampin' Up Demonstator last summer, and I'm so excited to watch her stamping evolve!  She is a graphic designer, and she stamped as a child, but she is just now getting back to it herself, and I know she'll do lovely things.  In fact, she was my guest blogger whom made that lovely box.  Well, for Valentine's day she did not disappoint:

My photo doesn't do justice to the lovely card.  One of the reasons I love to see her work is that I am reminded how much you can do with very little stamping supplies.  She started with a micro starter kit ( special last summer), added a few more items, and with out all the fancy tools, accessories, sizzix, you name it, she made a lovely card!  I looks like she did buy a nice edge punch, but the rest looks like ink, ribbon, and scissors.  Go Kristen!
Thanks for stopping by!

Fabric Friday

Hi Stampers!
My Stamping/swapping friend Liz has what she calls "Fabric Friday" on her Seeing Ink Spots blog almost every Friday.  Now I don't pretend I can keep up with Liz, she is AMAZING, but I did make a fabric project using Stampin' Up's Designer Fabric that I thought I could share with you all today.  Check this out:

My Nook Color needed a cover and I had this cute Candy Cane Christmas fabric (#121715) that I thought I'd use for this project.  Although it is called Candy Cane Christmas the fabric didn't seem too Christmasy to me, just cute dots and strips, so I went with it. This is a functional piece, and I see it in and out of my purse/backpack/luggage so I added no accessories.  Next time I make it I might fancy it up a bit!
Thanks for stopping by!

Quilt technique

I ran into my friend Edith while I was walking yesterday and she was filling me in on her latest quilting exploits, and wow, was I impressed.  My quilting, and even my sewing is no where on par with the projects she is working on, but when I got home I started thinking about a card I saw not to long ago that used what the crafter called the "quilting" technique or something like that.  I don't know where I saw the card so I thought I'd see what I could come up with on my own and here is my result:

If you look closely you can see a grid pattern that looks like quilt squares.  To get this look I got out my trusty Simply Scored tool (#122334) and scored the card at 1" increments (both directions) before I stamped it.  I added the stitch marks around the edge with a Melon Mambo Stampin' Write marker to give it more of the sewn look- you could also just sew with your sewing machine but this seemed easier.  Do you like the Dahlia flowers?  They look like the one's my sister grows in her garden- just a twinge of pink around the edge of a yellow flower.  To do that I used what is called the "rock and roll" technique.  First ink up your stamp in the main color (Daffodil Delight in this case) then roll the outside edge of the rubber image in the darker color (Melon Mambo).  Then stamp!  Make sure you clean your stamp before starting the process over so you don't muck up your lighter colored stamp pad!
Another thing I recently found out, that everyone else probably knew all along, was that the scallop circle punches out this Dahlia flower perfectly!
Supplies: Daffodil Delight ink and card stock, Melon Mambo ink and card stock and marker, Whisper White card stock, Simply Scored tool, scallop punch, button sizzlit, dimensionals, and Lucky Limeade 3/8" ruffled ribbon (#122977).  The stamp set is Button, Button(#122375)!

Birthday Box

My neighbor/friend Peggy is crazy wonderful.  One of many reasons is because she remembers EVERYONE'S birthday and sends them a card, ON TIME.  Now I may remember birthdays sometimes, and I have LOTS of cards, and I may occasionally remember to sign and send said cards, but not usually all of the above and on time.  Bad, bad me.  Anyway, Peggy also manages what she calls my "Puck & Cluck" (dog and chickens) when I'm on the road, and if my dog thinks she's special she gets extra gold stars around here.  In fact, more than gold stars, I thought I'd leave her a gift this time.  I had some cute birthday cards from a recent Stamp-a-stack class so I thought I'd  make up a quick box and give them to her.  I know she doesn't read my blog yet so it will be a surprise.  I'll say it's from Puck.

Isn't it cute?  I used retired Taken with Teal card stock and Espresso ribbon for the box and bow, but everything else is in the current catalog.  I caked on the layers because it is so much fun!  The heart is a Framelit heart.  I used 3 different impressions folders (heart, background white, and the scallop edge), the 5 petal flower punch, 3/4" circle punch (that I clipped with scissors to make fluffy), a flower shaped brad, and of course, Teeny Tiny wishes.  What would I do without that set?
I should talk about the banner because it has become all the rage and it is so easy to make the banner edge.  I feed the end of my strip of paper into the corner of the square punch and snip it off- voila!  The square punch has officially become my most used and under mentioned punches.  Everyone should have one- and if you want your own just bop on over to my website and order it!  You'll be glad you did.
Here is the opened box:

  Do you think she'll like it?

Valentine Treats

I realized I will be seeing my nephews and godchildren over the weekend and thought I better come up with some valentine treats!  It's a good way to be popular with children if you didn't already know...

I recycled the owl from Fox & Friends because let's face it- he is too cute and he works well for boys and girls.  I also stayed away from pinks too; I chose my colors mostly from the packet of m&ms I tucked inside here:

Isn't that cute?  To make it I started with a piece of Real Red card stock cut to 4x6 1/2 inches scored at 3" and 6".  After I ran it through the embossing folder I glued it with snail along the 1/2 inch tab to make a sleeve.  I punched a slit on the top through both thicknesses.  Then I took a strip of Pacific Point card stock, 1/2" x11", folded it in half, pushed the fold down into the sleeve, and fed one end through the front slit and one end through the back slit leaving a "hammock" to insert the m&m package (or whatever else you can think of).  The top ends of this strip are then glued together to keep them from pulling back through the slits and thus dropping your treat on the ground.  I pull of the strip of card stock and your treat emerges!  Isn't that great?  If I was smarter I would have taken photos while assembling this project, but hey, I'm a new blogger and still learning as I go!
Let's see, I used Real Red, Lucky Limeade, Pumpkin Pie, Pacific Point, and Whisper White card stock, 2 circle punches, heart, and a scallop punch, "be mine" is from Outlines Occasions SAB stamp set, the heart Framelits, dot embossing folder and Texturz plate for the Sizzix.

Rugged and Manly and Stuff!

I don't know about you but my Valentine is Rugged, and Manly, and Stuff, as we say in our family.  That's code for cute in the more macho fashion I guess.  My Valentine also has a birthday on Valentine's day so I do double duty on that day.  This year I thought I'd move away from the pinks and start with an earthier color palate. I let the Designer Series Paper Well Worn dictate the color scheme- River Rock, Not Quite Navy, and for the red, Cajun Craze.  I saw this cute standup card/treat holder at my friend Julie's Blog, but she hadn't posted a tutorial yet, so I made up my own pattern using a 7x7" square of DSP to make 3x3" card fit nicely in the front slot-

and then there is room in the back for a tasty treat!  I think these would make fantastic place cards for a table as well!

The little card uses the new Heart Framelits die for the Sizzix machine, the Background 1 (#114512)  Texturz plate and Perfect Polka Dots (#117335) Embossing folder, the cutter kit (#106958) to distress the heart and background, Teeny Tiny wishes stamp set for the greeting, the 3/4" circle punch, and Antique brad (#117273), and some Crumb cake seam binding.  A little sponging around the edges gives a time worn look, and notice that I used the punch from the holder to back the brad on the card and tie it all together!
Thanks for stopping by!