Butterfly Resist

I took some of my new goodies to stamp with a friend. I hadn't stamped in a long time but this is what I came up with. I kept this card simple as I was making it for my mom. She doesn't like a whole lot of layers or"stuff" on her cards. THis card features the new oval Designer Label embossing folder.

Rubber Inkspiration Tips:

• Stamp & color background piece in Lucky Limeade & Calypso Coral before embossing with the square lattice folder.
• Emboss resist technique: Blot off color before going onto project to avoid stark/harsh sponging lines. Alternatively, start off the paper & sponge into the center. 
• Dress up the inside of the card too. I used a simple mak to over stamp the butterfly.

 

SUPPLIES

Stamps: Creative Elements, Summer Solstice
Ink: Lucky Limeade, Calyspo Coral
Technique: Emboss resist
Accessories: Designer Label (Oval), Square Lattice, Clear embossing powder, wide Oval Punch

MOJO203

Two Posts today/. I decided to try this week's sketch at MOJO Monday. This is what I came up with.

SUPPLIES:
Ink: Early Espresso, Pumpkin Pie, Versamark
Paper: Pear Pizazz, Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Paisley Petals
Stamps: Kindness Matters, Curly Cute, Creative Elements

Simple Sympathy

My Mom had asked for some sympathy cards to have on hand. She wanted something very simple. To her a sympathy card is white with Gold lettering. I have very limited sympathy sentiments so I used this retired set. I thought the Card was simple but elegant.My Mom was pleased with this one. What do you think?

Rubber Inkspirations Tips:

• Punch the window with your wide oval punch first, then align the oval embossing folder over the widow cut out. You will get the perfect alignment this way.
• Use light pencil marks to mark the edges of the windo opening to help with placement of the sentiment. Best to make the marks small, if you have to erase after the sentiment is embossed, the eraser dulls the shine of the embossing powder.
• Use the embossing buddy. I find there is less "haze" on my cardstock if I use the embossing buddy first. By has I mean like a light powder not actual embossing granules. It is really noticeable on light & dark cardstock.
• I used a heavy weight white cardstock for the base of the card because it is only a one layer card.

SUPPLIES

Stamps:  Simply Soft (hostess), Thanks for Caring
Ink: Versamark, Pretty in Pink & Pear Pizazz Markers
Accessories: Wide oval punch, Gold embossing Powder, Oval Designer Frame, Blender Pen

Concord case

Well, it has certainly been a long time since my last post. I am on holidays & got a chance to do some stamping.
A friend went to convention this year & I had an opportunity to see the swaps she got. One swap took my eye so I had to case it. Sorry I don't know who the original artist is. My mom is visiting and asked for some sympathy cards, so I got to work. The products are all SU. The sentiment is from the retired set Warmest Regards.

Rubber Inkspirations Tips:

• Ink background stamp, leave face-up, place cardstock on stamp, cover with scrap piece of paper & rub back of card stock  being careful not to shift the card stock, Get an even impression each time.
• Stamp in versamark ink, then in classic ink, then stamp on the project & use clear embossing powder to emboss. This will give your project a little shine & you just expanded your use of classic ink pads by adding the versa mark.
• The Concord Crush panel is 4 3/8 x 31/8. The stamped panel is 4 1/8 x 2 7/8.

Stamps: Warmest Regards, En Francais, Creative Elements
Ink: Wisteria Wonder, Concord Crush, Versamark
Accessories: Framed Tulips, Square lattice, Modern Label punch

Organization Ideas

Always love organizing ideas. Here are some of mine for you.
For Clear stamps, Sizzix dies and background stamps I use a vertical spinning DVD storage tower from Sears.

 On one shelf you can fit:
22 unmounted stamp cases or
19 bigz dies, or
13 wood mounted background stamps (taken out of the case & stood on narrow end like a book)
The shelves are adjustable so you can adapt it to your needs, I also store 6x6 DSP on these shelves. This is a great solution for a small space & cost $130.

For wood mounted stamp sets, I have bookshelves from Ikea with some extra shelves in them. I store the stamps in their case on the side. Shelves are adjusted so they just fit the width of each case. This way, you pull out one set & the rest stay in place. I have about 22 sets on each shelf.  I organize mine by case size then they are indexed. I use my "inventory catalog" that I created for each stamp set I own so I can go right to it. Makes it easy to keep sets organized.

 

For the new punches, I currently have them stored stacked up on one another in one section of my homemade foamcore ink pad storage system. It works really well and costs about $3 to make one if you get your foam core at the $ store. I have run out of space so I am looking for other options too.

Roses for you - PPA89

It has been awhile since my last post. I am trying to find my Mojo. Not too sure about  this card. I had some issues with the leaves. After I added the small leaves I thought, this looks like a pansy. I thought about adding some more leaves then thought I better quit while I was ahead. The roses are made using the scallop circle punches & then cutting in a spiral to Quill them up into roses. I have seen these on several blogs and not sure who the originator is.

Rubber Inkspiration Tips:

• Adjust the size of the rose by using different size scallop circles to start with.
• Rose size can be adjusted by how tight or loose the quill is made.
• Break down fibres in paper with bone folder prior to cutting into spiral to make paper more pliable & easier to quill.
• Sponge the edge of the spiral (front & back) before assembly to add dimension.
• I used tombo mutli glue - this is the best for this type of project, it bonds quickly & holds really well.

Supplies

Stamps: Four Frames

Ink: Black Staz On, Regal Rose, Rose Red, Pretty in Pink , Pear Pizazz, Old Olive

Paper: Regal Rose, Blushing Bride, Old Olive, Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, White Glossy

Accessories: Tulip Frame & Polka dot embossing folders, decorative label punch, old olive satin ribbon, dazzling diamonds

New Clearance Rack Items & Grab Bags

Stampin' Up has added some great new items to the Clearance rack Including:

• Retired marker sets
• Ribbon
• Ink pads
• Grab Bags

Beginning today, April 1, and continuing while supplies last, you and your customers will be able to purchase special "grab bags" in the Online Store. These grab bags will come in three sizes: the $6, the $12, and the $18 grab bag. Each bag will contain a variety of discontinued products that could include a combination of any of the following: ribbons, Accents & Elements, chipboard, Designer Series Papers, and Simply Sent kit components. Grab bags will not contain stamp sets or tools.

• There is no minimum purchase required to participate in the grab bag special offer.
• There is no limit to the number of grab bags a customer may purchase; however, grab bag items are only available while supplies last. 
• All grab bag sales are final. There are no refunds or exchanges.
• Not all grab bags will be unique.
• You should use the following item numbers when ordering grab bags:

Item	Description
125873	$6 Grab Bag (containing at least $24 worth of products!)
125874	$12 Grab Bag (containing at least $48 worth of products!)
125875	$18 Grab Bag (containing at least $72 worth of products!)

No Foolin' Spring is Blooming

Who doesn't like a sneak peek of what's to come?  Well, Stampin' Up! has a new promotion that gives us a little taste of what is to come in the new 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog, which premieres on July 1. 

Check out these two new, Sneak Peek items:

Four Frames Stamp Set (which fits neatly in the Decorative Label Punch)

Wood-Mount: Item #123440 | $25.95
Clear-Mount: Item #123442 | $19.95

Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper

Item #122367 | $12.50

From April 1 - April 30, you can get these brand-new items in two ways:

1. Purchase

Spend $25 on any Stampin' Up! products and become eligible to purchase both the Four Frames Set and Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper. Order Online Now!

2. Host A workshop

Host a $460 workshop and get the Four Frames Set and Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper for FREE!

See complete promotional details on the Spring is Blossoming page.

Wait a minute!  Did you read that right?  You can get BOTH items for FREE?! 

Yes, you can!

Your Bonus to host a girls night out stamping workshop of $460 or more during April:

• Free Four Frames Stamp set Value $25.95
• Free Paisley Prints DSP Value $12.50
• Level 1 or Level 2 Hostess set Value 25.95 
• $50 your choice of  Stampin’ Up merchandise 
• Bonus from me Scallop Trim Border Punch value 22.95

Wow!  That's $137 of FREE goodies!  Imagine all of the fabulous Spring projects you could make with all those stamping supplies!  Fun, fun, fun!

Contact me today to schedule your April workshop! 

Sorry About Absence

Just a quick note regarding my lack of posting. I have had back problems for the past week & a half. Needless to say I haven't been crafting. It is starting to come around so hopefully I will have something in the next few days.

Clear Raspberry

When i saw the beveled window panes in the mini I wasn't too sure about them. But I saw what other people had done and of course then I absolutely needed them. Way too cool. This is my first creation. I am pleased with the result. What do you think?

Ink: Baja Breeze, Not quite Navy, Early espresso, white craft ink
Stamps: Clearly for You, Afterthoughts
Paper: Not Quite Navy, Whisper White
Accessories: Square Lattice & tulip frame  embossing folders, dazzling diamonds glitter, beveled window pane, White Brads, Cherry Cobbler & old olive Chalk


Rubber Inkspirations Tips:

• To only emboss a portion of your card, only place the portion you want embossed in the folder. Remember, do your stamping first.
• Use a larger piece of card, stamp your image & adhere beveled window pane. Wait for it to dry & trim excess with a hobby blade. Perfect fit every time.
• Use a piece of scrap cardstock for a squeegee to spread the crystal effects evenly.

Reinker Spread

I decided to play with some reinkers and white shimmer card stock. This is an unusual color combo for me. Baja breeze & rich razzleberry. The debossed and brayered background echo the main focal piece. Do you think it is too much?

Ink: Versamark, baja breeze
Stamps:Fine Flourish
Cardstock: Baja Breeze, Rich Razzleberry, White, shimmery white
Accessories: Baja Reinker, Razzelberry reinker, Baja Seam binding Ribbon, Brayer, White embossing powder, Vintage Wallpaper folder
Scallop Trim border punch, dimensionals.


Rubber Inkspiration Tips:

• Stamp & emboss image on Shimmery white cardstock. Spritz with water & add lightest color first with Aqua painter.
• Lighten areas of color by removing ink or adding water.

Paper Players Color Challenge # 38

I loved the colors for this challenge so I thought I would give it a try. I don't often use light pinks but this was fun. The bird was first stamped in versamark, then Early espresso. I used clear embossing powder to emboss.. The Flower was made with die cuts from the Birds & Blooms Sizzlet. I thought the focal point needed to be grounded so I colored the small border with Early Espresso Marker. This card was fund to create. I will wait until I gift it to add a sentiment

Ink: Early Espresso, Blushing Bride
Stamps: Notably Ornate, En Francais
Cardstock: Blushing Bride, Very Vanilla
Accessories: Baja Breeze seam binding ribbon, Baja Breeze marker, blushing bride marker, Birds & Blooms sizzle, pearl accent

Rubber Inkspiration Tips:

• Stamp off once when using darkink on lighter cardstock for a softer look.
• Use a large rounded stylus or something similar, to rub flowers in a circular motion to break up paper fibers and curl the flowers up.
• Ink flower petals before distressing.
• Use small tip of marker to add color here & there for and "antiqued" look rather than coloring in solid.

Spring Basket

Fun quick card today using the Flower for all Seasons Stamp Set. This could be one of your free selections with a $60 order. I got the border frame idea from Dawn Olchefske   I made the frame piece 3 1/8" square. The white focal piece is 1 7/8" square. I colored with a blender pen and various colors of ink to get the water color look.

Stamps: Flower for all seasons, Something to Celebrate (hostess)
Ink: Black Stays on, Soft suede, early espresso, daffodil delight, peach parfait, cherry cobbler, pear pizazz, Old Olive.
Paper, Kraft, Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White
Accessories: Punches:Word window, Modern Label, Dotted scallop ribbon, Color Spritzer Tool (107066)

Rubber Inkspiration Tips:

• Test spray pattern on scrap paper first so you get an idea of the the amount of ink.
• Hold the color spritzer tool far away from project to get a fine spray.
• Pop the frame up with dimensionals to give some added depth to your card.

3x3 Ice Cream Palor

I had fun making these little 3x3 note holders. They make a perfect little gift for someone. These went together very quick using the free DSP & quick accents pack from the sale-a-bration catalog. You could choose this free with a $60 purchase before March 31.


Stamps: Punch Bunch (Free SAB)
Ink: Pacific Point, Melon Mambo, Peach Parfait
Paper: Whisper White, Ice Cream Parlor DSP (free SAB)
Accessories: Organza Ribbon, Ice cream parlor quick accents, 1 3/8 circle punch, Sponges


Rubber Inkspiration Tips:

• Select quick accents & stamp image to coordinate. 
• Pop up the stamped image for added dimension. 
• Quickly sponge edges of punch out.

Blender Pen Watercolor

I made this cute 3 x 3 card holder in a snap with the scallop envelope die from Stampin' Up! I tried a new to me technique for this set. I stamped with my free sale-a-bration sets in various collors, then went over them with a blender pen. This is a quick easy way to get the watercolor look. I even did it with the sentiments to give a fun whimsical look. Hard to see in the picture but the butterflys have dazzling diamond wings.

Stamps: So Happy for You, Sweet Summer
Ink: Concord Crush, Cherry Cobbler, Pear Pizazz, Peach Parfait
Paper, Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White
Accessories: White organza ribbon, dazzling diamonds, scallop label die, blender pen

Rubber Inkspirations Tips:

• Use blender pen to smudge, soften, the color by pulling the color inside the image. Blend one color at a time. 
• Clean blender pen tip by scribbling on scrap paper before moving to a new color.
• Stamp flower heads first to get your spacing correct.

Fun Folds in Burgundy

I  Like to try fun fold cards . Adds some spice to life. For this card the base is soft suede with the fold on the right side of the card. I cut off a portion of the front face & added the embossed Bravo burgundy piece. It is kind of a variation on a gate fold card. The primary stamp set featured is Style Beautiful. I knew when I first saw this in the catalog I would have to have it.

 Stamps: Style Beautiful, Clearly for You, Very Vintage Wheel
Ink: Bravo Burgundy, Soft Suede, River Rock, Versamark
Paper: Bravo Burgundy, Soft Suede, River Rock
Accessories:Victoria Crochet Trim (118481), Scallop Rectangle Clearlit 118872, Large & Small Scallop punches, Clear Embossing powder.

Rubber Inkspiration Tips:

Emboss only a portion of the add on flap. For example, I cut about 1 1/5 inches from the soft suede piece so the burgundy piece should be 2 3/4 wide by 5 1/2 long. Emboss 1 3/4 inches of this piece, & score up to the edge of the embossing. The portion not embossed is attached to your card. This way there is a slight overlap on the front of your card.

Additional Shots of the card open.

Rockin' Petal Pizzazz

I was playing around with the rock-n-roll technique to see how various colors went together. This card uses a number of combinations. I used crystal effects on the flower centers & added glitter to the popped up flower. This is a bright happy card and it makes me smile. Here in Alberta, we still have a ton of snow on the ground and a little more each day. I understand we have been 20 degrees below normal for the week or so and it is supposed to be that way for awhile.

Stamps: Petal Pizzazz
Ink:peach parfait, tangerine tango, cajun craze, cherry cobbler, daffodil delight, pear pizazz, old olive, always artichoke
Accessories: crystal effects (101055), fine super nova glitter (orange) (114287)
Paper: Peach Parfait, cherry cobbler, whisper white, very vanilla

Rubber Inkspirations Tips:

• Pop up one full flower to add dimension.
• Let you image "over hang" the frame to add some interest.

PPA83 Challenge

I thought I would try my hand at the color challenge at Pals Paper Arts. I saw a card similar to this on a blog  but I can't remember who. It is a spin on the retiform technique. Thuis is my first try at this technique.

Stamps: Because I Care,Bliss, Very Vintage wheel
Ink: Soft Suede, Crumb Cake, Baja Breeze
Paper:Soft Suede, Crumb Cake, Baja Breeze
Accessories: Antique brads (117273), Baja Breeze Seam Binding Ribbon (122331)

Rubber Inkspirations Tips:

• Use sticky Sticky notes so they stay put while you ink the edges, mine were not very sticky & kept slipping.
• Try to sponge grid edges evenly, so they have the same color value.
• Using piercing tool to make hole for the brad.

Plane Suede

I made this card for my Grandfather. He will be 96 on his birthday. Unfortunately, he lives in Nova Scotia so I will not be spending this milestone birthday with him. He has certainly seen the world change in his time. I thought he would like this old world plane.

Stamps: Plane & Simple, Wonderfully Worn
Ink: Soft Suede, Kraft
Paper: Soft Suede, Cajun Craze, Marina Mist

Bright Birthday

I often use muted and earth colors for my cards. I used the free Ice Cream Palor DSP & Accents kit to create this simple birthday card. This sketch idea came from Dawn Olchefske .I thought Ughh when I first cut the DSP and tried different combos on my desk. I finished with the sketch and I thought that`s okay. Nice bright birthday card. My husband liked this one.
Stamps:Bring on the Cake
Ink: Basic Black, SU Markers: Old Olive, pacific Point, Peach Parfait, Melon Mambo, Daffodil Delight
Paper; Ice Cream Parlor DSP, Melon Mambo, Pacific Point

Rubber Inkspiration Tips:
Cut One Strip of DSP 1 5/8 x 5 1/4 then cut into two pieces:

• 1-5/8" x 1-3/4" 
• 1-5/8" x 3-1/2"

Cut a second strip of DSP 2 3/8 x 5 1/4 then cut inti 2 pieces

• 2-3/8" x 3-1/2"
  2-3/8" x 1-3/4"

Thanks for stopping by today ;o)

Guitar Trio

My son loves orange. It has been his favorite color since he was little. I created this simple card using Grunge rock Stamp set. I like how it turned out. The idea was based on a card I saw somewhere on the internet. I forget who , but if it is you, let me know so I can give you credit. Thanks for stopping in today. 

Stamps:Grunge Rock 

Ink:Not Quite Navy, Pear Pizazz, Peach Parfait

Paper: Not Quite Navy, Pear Pizazz, Peach Parfait

Mojo Monday Sketch 179

My first time completing a Mojo Monday Sketch on the week of the sketch. I will try to play each week and challenge myself to use all my new stuff. Sorry for the poor quality photo. I took this at night. The Stamp used can be yours free with a $60 purchase.

Stamps: So Happy for You (2011 SAB)
Ink: More Mustard, Concord Crush, Elegant Eggplant, Perfect Plum, Old Olive
Paper: More Mustard, Concord Crush, Level 1 Hostess In-color DSP, Old Olive
Accessories: Fire Rhinestone Brads, Fun Flowers Big Shot Die, paper crimper

Rubber Inkspiration Tips:

• Remove the metal part from the brads and you have instant Jewels.
• Fold Old Olive paper and cut free hand leaves. While paper is folded, run through paper crimper on an angle to create leave veins. Ink leaves with sponge and old olive ink for added depth.
• I nked whisper white card stock for the flowers to get the color and variation I was looking for.
• Use bone folder to curl paper flowers to make them dimensional with some added texture.

Butterfly Blues

I really love butterflies. When I saw this image, I had to have it. I like how open & airy the butterfly is. The butter fly was colored with a blender pen. The blue/vanilla flower print is my favorite from this DSP pack. Love it !!

Stamps: Thanks for Caring
Ink: Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy
Paper: Springtime Vintage DSP, Not Quite Navy, Very Vanilla
Accessories: Baja Seam Binding, Vanilla Brad, Dazzling Diamonds, Blender Pen, Framed Tulips embossing folder

Rubber Inkspiration Tips:

•  Watercolor Effect - Use markers to scribble some ink on a pallet (I used an acrylic block) or use lid of stamp pad (while closed, give the pad a squeeze to transfer ink from pad onto lid.) Pick up color with a blender pen. Start with lightest color first. Scribble blender pen on scrap paper until it marks clear to clean tip.
• Assemble card before adding glitter using the two way pen. That way your glitter won't transfer onto your work surface.

Peach Bliss

My Favorite SAB set is BLISS !!! The best thing .... this set can be yours free with a $60 purchase. This card features the Rock-n-roll technique. This technique is simple with WOW results. I have two combos on this card. The flourish is done in peach parfait and Cajun Craze. The butterfly is peach parfait & Cherry cobbler. I am lovin' the cherry cobbler combo.


Stamps: Bliss, Clearly for You
Ink: Peach Parfait, Cajun Craze, Cherry Cobbler
Paper: Peach Parfait, Whisper White, Cajun Craze (Hostess Level 1 In-Color DSP
Accessories: Cherry Cobbler sewam binding ribbon, Antique brads, glue dots, dimensionals

Rubber Inkspiration Tips: 

• Rock-n-roll - Ink stamp in lightest color first. Roll the inked stamp on the second darker ink pad holding the stamp at an angle to only hit the edges of teh stamp with the darker color.
• The seam binding is gathered by fraying the end, pulling on thread t gather. The "gathered ends are held in place with glue dots.

Baja Birthday

I used a Mojo Monday sketch from July 2010 with the Friends Never Fade Stamp Set. This card features using markers directly on the rubber. This technique is great to obtain multi-colored images. I pulled the colors from the Greenhouse Gala DSP. I love this cute retro print.

Stamps: Friends Never Fade, Create a Cup cake
 Ink: Pear Pizazz, peach parfait, Poppy parade, Daffodil Delight
Paper: Greenhouse Gala, Baja Breeze, Dafodil Delight, Early Espresso, Poppy Parade
Tools: 1 1/4' square, 1 3/8' square, Word window, Modern Label

Rubber Inkspiration Tips:

• Color images using the brush tip of the marker, starting with the lightest color first.
• Stamp first, then Punch. Use your punch upside down to make a "window" and "crop" your image.