Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!  I was perusing Pinterest and came across this card by Karen Gooch, and fell in love.  It was such an elegant way to use the Wonderful Wreath stamp set, and I knew I wanted to make a version of this card.

I think the only thing I changed was to put the wreath and the gold and black layers on a Cherry Cobbler card base, instead of a Basic Black base.  The black was stunning, but I love the Cherry Cobbler.  It's also easier to write on the inside and have it show up. :)

The wreath is embossed with gold embossing powder and  I used Cherry Cobbler Dazzling Details for the berries. 

Supplies
Stamps:  Wonderful Wreath, Good Greetings
Ink:  Gold
Paper:  Cherry Cobbler and Basic Black card stock, Gold Foil sheet
Accessories:  Big Shot, Wondrous Wreath Framelits, Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding Ribbon, Cherry Cobbler Dazzling Details

Merry Christmas, everyone!  I hope this day is full of joy and celebrating the Greatest Gift!

Bright & Beautiful Shaker Card

Oh my goodness...in all the busyness of the season, I keep forgetting to post this card!  This is a really fun shaker card that makes use of the beautiful blues in the All is Calm Designer Series Paper.

I've never made a shaker card before, but I'm hooked.  It is so easy.  I can't wait to make more!

Tips & Tricks

• To make this shaker card, I stamped the medium star from Bright & Beautiful, then cut it out with the coordinating Stars Framellits.  
• Next, I punched a circle in the center of the star.  
• I then cut out a larger circle in whisper white and stamped the smallest star in Lost Lagoon. 
• I also cut out a larger circle from a piece of Window Sheet.
• Adhere the Window Sheet to the back of the star, and set aside to dry.
• Then, take one of the foam circles from the Shaker Frames, and adhere it to the Whisper White circle.  These are great, because you'll get six sets of foam circles in different sizes to make tons of shaker cards!  Think Stampin' Dimensionals, only in circle form.
• Before you remove the backing off the top of the Shaker Frames, put some glitter or other filler into the circle.  I just used glitter, but if you have the Star Confetti Punch, you could punch some little stars in different colors and put those in.  Or, do a combination of both!
• Remove the adhesive backing, and set the large star on top of the Whisper White/Shaker Frames piece.  
• That's is, now you have the hardest part done!  And it wasn't even that hard!
• To finish this card, I placed some Soft Sky card stock and All is Calm DSP on the front of a Lost Lagoon card base.  I tied a piece of Soft Sky Seam Binding Ribbon where the two papers meet, stamped "Merry Christmas" at the bottom, and then adhered my star to the front.

If you haven't made a shaker card, what are you waiting for?  Don't wait as long as I did...these are so fun!

Supplies
Stamps:  Bright & Beautiful, Good Greatings
Ink:  Lost Lagoon
Paper:  Lost Lagoon, Soft Sky, and Whisper White card stock, All is Calm DSP, Window Sheets
Accessories:  Big Shot, Stars Framelits, 1" and 1 1/4" Circle Punches,  glitter

Frozen Snowflake Card

While making snowflake cards this year, I was inspired to make a "Frozen" card for my great nieces.  I think this fits the bill...it's snowy and sparkly, and just what those little girls will love.  Of course, they will just think it's great to get a card in the mail.  It doesn't take a lot to impress a four year old.  This is very similar to past snowflake cards I've made, so I won't go into detail on how I did it.  But if you need specifics, be sure to let me know!

Supplies
Stamps: Letterpress Winter
Ink:  Lost Lagoon, Whisper White
Paper:  Soft Sky card stock, Dazzling Diamonds Glimmer Paper
Accessories:  Big Shot, Snowflake Card Thinlits

Bright & Beautiful Christmas Card

I'm late getting this posted today.  It was an insanely crazy day, as I had two classes for kids today, plus we put in new kitchen counter tops.  That was not great planning.  My kitchen looks like it exploded into my dining room, and there were kids bouncing off my basement walls.  Whew!  I'm glad it's over and I can just sit and veg for the rest of the night.

This gold star card is a little bit involved.  It's not hard, but there are a lot of steps, and trying to perfectly place the largest star from the Bright & Beautiful stamp set is a little tricky because of the giant wood block it's mounted on.

Every star on this card is embossed with gold embossing powder, and I love the way it looks.  The middle layer of the focal star is cut from gold glimmer paper.  There is so much sparkle and shine on this card, and even though I don't normally love gold, I love this card.

Supplies
Stamps:  Bright & Beautiful, Good Greetings
Ink:  Gold
Paper:  Naturals Ivory and Brushed Gold card stock, Gold Glimmer paper
Accessories:  Big Shot, Stars Framelits, Very Vanilla Seam Binding Ribbon, Heat Tool, Gold embossing powder

Simple Endless Wishes Card

This fun Christmas card is a CASE of this one by Debra Currier.  This is such a super-simple card, and is another great one to make use of scraps of Christmas Designer Series Papers.  I used a strip of Trim the Tree DSP, but I have some other, older papers that I could also use.  I tend to make fairly elaborate cards to send out, but this year I'm really wanting to go simple.  I think I might make a few variations of this card to send out.

I don't think this card really needs an explanation, but I do want to point out the dot of Cherry Cobbler Dazzling Details in the center of the snowflakes.  It gives just a little pop to an otherwise flat (but super cute!) card. 

Supplies
Stamps:  Endless Wishes
Ink:  Crumb Cake and Cherry Cobbler
Paper:  Crumb Cake and Cherry Cobbler card stock, Trim the Tree DSP stack
Accessories:  Cherry Cobbler Dazzling Details, Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine

Quilted Gingerbread Christmas

I'm all about simple Christmas cards this week.  And while this one makes use of some retired Designer Series Paper I had in my stash, any paper could be used to make this card.  It really is a great way to use up some scraps!

To make this card, I simply punched out six different patterns of DSP with my square punch.  I adhered them to a piece of Garden Green card stock, then ran it through my Big Shot using the Argyle embossing folder.  I also love the now-retired Square Lattice embossing folder, but when I made this card, I wanted to use something current.  While nothing gives a quilted look the way the Square Lattice folder does, the good news is that the Argyle folder is a great alternative.

I used an old (but much loved!) stamp set called Gingerbread Christmas, and colored in the image with Aquapainters and ink.  I punched it out with the Decorative Label punch, added some seam binding ribbon, and that's it!  I did offset the quilted piece intentionally, but as I study the picture, I think it might look better if it's centered.  If you try it that way, I'd love to see a picture!

Supplies
Stamps:  Gingerbread Christmas (retired)
Ink:  Garden Green and Real Red ink, StazOn Jet Black ink
Paper:  Real Red, Garden Green, and Naturals Ivory card stock, Holly Berry Bouquet DSP
Accessories:  Big Shot, Argyle embossing folder, Decorative Label punch, Very Vanilla Seam Binding Ribbon

Golden Endless Wishes

Did you have a happy Thanksgiving?  Ours was nice, although we were definitely missing my brother-in-law.  And then just like that, it turned into Christmas-time.  I would have preferred to enjoy fall a little longer, but the snow on the ground made that kind of hard!

I've been having fun making Christmas cards in non-traditional colors this year.  I've made a few in browns and golds, which isn't something I would expect myself to like.  This one uses Soft Suede and gold, and a bit of Naturals White.  It's a simple card, but I added a little bit of sparkle to the Endless Wishes snowflakes by putting a dot of Dazzling Details in the center of each.

Supplies
Stamps:  Endless Wishes
Ink:  Gold
Paper:  Soft Suede, Naturals White, Gold Foil Sheets
Accessories:  Wonderful Wreath Framelits, Big Shot, Deco Frames Framelits, cotton ribbon (retired), Dazzling Details-gold

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving!  I hope your day is filled with yummy things, people you love, and lots and lots of gratitude.  Today will be tough for us, as it's the first holiday for our family without my brother-in-law.  But it will also be good to get that first holiday without him behind us.  And on this day of gratitude, I am so thankful that he was part of our lives, even if it wasn't for as long as we would have liked.  I will miss his smirking grin and dry humor at dinner today, though.

I thought that this card was quite appropriate today, as this card embodies Thanksgiving (at least to me!)  Before running the background of the card through my Big Shot with the Woodgrain embossing folder, I randomly stamped with the splatter stamp in the Gorgeous Grunge set.  I used Baked Brown Sugar ink on BBS card stock.  Next, I used the faux suede technique on the strips of Cajun Craze and Crushed Curry.

For the "thanks" in the center, I used the rock & roll technique with Crushed Curry, Cajun Craze, and Cherry Cobbler ink.  Beginning with the Curry, ink the entire stamp.  (But don't stamp on the paper yet!)  Next, roll the edges of the stamp in Cajun, making sure to pick up enough ink to go beyond the very edge of the stamp.  I will sometimes flip the stamp and put the ink to the stamp, rather than stamp to ink.  Finally, roll the edges in Cherry Cobbler.  Breathe on the stamp to moisten the ink, and stamp.  Cut out using Apothecary Accents Framelits, snipping off the right hand side with paper snips.

I topped the whole thing off by dyeing piece of Cotton Ribbon to match the Baked Brown Sugar card stock.  I simply filled an empty spritzer with rubbing alcohol, then added a few drops of ink refill.  I spritzed the ribbon until it was the desired shade.  I prefer this method, as it's not quite as messy as using an ink pad to dye ribbon.

Supplies
Stamps:  Seasonally Scattered, Gorgeous Grunge
Ink:  Baked Brown Sugar, Crushed Curry, Cajun Craze, Cherry Cobbler
Paper:  Baked Brown Sugar, Crushed Curry, Cajun Craze, Very Vanilla card stock
Accessories:  Big Shot, Apothecary Accents Framelits, Woodgrain Embossing Folder, Linen Thread, Cotton Ribbon, Paper Snips, Sponge

For All Things

This card is a CASE of this one by Angie Leach.  I thought it was so pretty, and wanted to make my own version of it. 

Tips & Tricks

• This card uses the emboss resist technique.  I first stamped the speckles from Gorgeous Grunge in Crumb Cake, then embossed the leaves with clear embossing powder.  The speckles will be visible though the leaves, which gives them a bit of interest and texture.  

• Next, I used a sponge to rub Crushed Curry ink over one end of the strip of card stock, and Cherry Cobbler at the other end.  I saved Cajun Craze for last, so that when I rubbed that in the middle, it would overlap and blend with the Crushed  Curry and Cherry Cobbler.

• Because of the texture of the leaf stamp, this image will pick up a bit of the ink as it's rubbed over the embossing.  I love the way it looks on this card, but wanted to point it out in case anyone was expecting it to be a perfectly clean image.

Supplies
Stamps:  For All Things
Ink:  Crumb Cake, Crushed Curry, Cajun Craze, Cherry Cobbler
Paper:  Cajun Craze and Naturals White card stock
Accessories:  Color Me Autumn Designer Washi Tape, Sponge, Clear Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Linen Thread

So Sorry Joy Fold Card

I love making Joy Fold cards.  They are so easy, and yet so impressive to the recipient.  They are definitely one of those "wow" cards that everyone things is so amazing, and you, the creator, know that it really wasn't that hard to make!

I thought it would be fun to show two different ways to make a Joy Fold card.  The first way, shown above, is the traditional orientation for a Joy Fold card.  But check out how it looks when you simply turn the card and have it open vertically, instead of horizontally.  Fun, right?

I actually think I prefer the vertical version, simply because it gives a little more writing space inside the card.  Not only do you have the inside of the square, but also the inside of the bottom flap.  Then again, I don't always have a lot to say in a card, so for those times, I'd probably prefer the top version. :)

Supplies
Stamps:  Thoughts & Prayers, So Sorry (retired)
Ink:  Sahara Sand and Tangerine Tango markers
Paper:  Sahara Sand and Very Vanilla card stock, Sweater Weather DSP (retired)
Accessories:  Simply Scored Scoring Tool

Simple For All Things Card

This is just a simple card that works great for Thanksgiving, or just as a thank you card.  It would be great to give to someone just to say how much you appreciate them, too.   This cute little card uses a little bit of several favorites:  stamps and ink, Simply Pressed Clay, and Designer Washi Tape. 

Tips & Tricks:

• I don't think this card needs a lot of explanation, but I will point out that the button was made using the Simply Pressed Clay and Molds, and I colored the clay using a few drops of Crushed Curry ink refill.  

• Did you know that there are a couple of great ways to speed up the process of making clay embellishments?  It takes a while for the clay to air dry, and I'm far too impatient for that!  Just pop the mold into the freezer (deep freeze works best) after putting the clay in the mold.  After about 15 minutes, the clay will be frozen and able to be removed from the mold easily.  Set it aside to air dry, or, if you happen to have a dehydrator, you can put it on a tray to dry more quickly.  I usually make a bunch using the freezer method, then put all of them in my dehydrator to dry.  It takes less than an hour.

Supplies
Stamps:  For All Things
Ink:  Sahara Sand, Elegant Eggplant, and Crushed Curry (ink refill)
Paper:  Sahara Sand, Cajun Craze, Very Vanilla card stock
Accessories:  Simply Pressed Clay and Molds, Very Vanilla 1/8" taffeta ribbon, Color Me Autumn Designer Washi Tape

Wondrous Wreath

This card is another favorite, probably because of the woodgrain in the background.  Hardwood is by far my favorite background stamp!  For this card, I inked it with Crumb Cake and then stamped off before stamping the card.  It gives a very subtle woodgrain that doesn't detract from the main focal point, the wreath.  And speaking of the wreath, can I just say how much I love the wreath bundle of stamps and framelits?  There is a little tab on all the layers of stamp AND on the framelits.  It makes perfectly lining up everything a piece of cake!

For this card, I used Pear Pizzazz, Old Olive, and Cherry Cobbler.  I love these three colors together.  The wreath is topped of with a simple bow made of Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding ribbon.  If you wanted to jazz up the wreath a bit, you could add a dot of Cherry Cobbler Dazzling Details on each berry. 

This card could be made in more color combinations than I can count.  I like the traditional Christmas colors, but this same card would be gorgeous in just about any color combination.  Give it a try! 

Supplies
Stamps:  Wondrous Wreath, Good Greetings, Hardwood
Ink:  Pear Pizzazz, Old Olive, Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake
Paper:  Cherry Cobbler, Naturals White, Whisper White card stock
Accessories:  Big Shot, Wonderful Wreath Framelits, Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding Ribbon

Letterpress Winter Snowflake Flip Card

I think that this card is my favorite of this batch of Christmas cards.  I just love the snowflakes in Letterpress Winter.  It takes a little bit of practice, but the snowflakes will line up perfectly with the snowflake shape on the card.  It helps a lot that this stamp set is photopolymer, and you can see right where you need to stamp.

I used all three snowflakes in the stamp set, stamping them randomly on the card background in Whisper White ink.  I then stamped the largest snowflake in the center using Lost Lagoon ink.  Lost Lagoon is gorgeous with Soft Sky, in case you can't tell from the picture!  I used the snowflake dies that come with the the card die to punch out one snowflake from silver Glimmer Paper, and the other from Lost Lagoon card stock.  I cut banners for the greeting from the same papers. 

I plan to play with this stamp set and color combination a lot more.  My little great-nieces are obsessed with Frozen, and I know they would go crazy if I could make a Frozen-like card and send it to them in the mail.  I can just hear the squeals now. :)

Supplies
Stamps:  Letterpress Winter, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink:  Whisper White, Lost Lagoon
Paper:  Soft Sky and Lost Lagoon card stock, Silver Glimmer Paper
Accessories:  Big Shot, Snowflake Card Thinlits, Bitty Banners Framelits, Paper Snips, Clear Blocks

Chocolate Treat Holders

I thought I'd take a little break from Christmas cards to show you this cute little treat holder my daughter made for me.  It fits two Ghirardelli chocolate squares inside, and has room for a little note on the back (that was my favorite part, although I'm not showing a picture of that.)

This little cutie is so easy to make.  Just cut a strip of card stock 2" x 8 1/2" long, and score at 4" and 4 1/2".  Then punch the ends using the Scallop Tag Topper Punch.  Tie a bow through the holes, and decorate the front as you choose.  She used some retired card stock and Designer Series Paper and scallop circle punches.

Stitched Stocking Flip Card

I pulled out some retired items to make Christmas cards this year.  So many of my old stamps don't get a lot of use anymore, which is a shame, because I have so many, and I really like them all!  Stitched Stockings was a set that retired way to early, in my opinion.  It was great because the Stocking Builder Punch coordinated with it, making it so easy to punch out those little pieces for the heel, toe, and cuff of the stocking.  

For this card, I used it along with the Circle Card Thinlits, because really, who doesn't love a good flip card?  The white circle behind the stocking was embossed using the Argyle embossing folder.  I loved that it tied in perfectly with the argyle pattern on the stocking.  Argyle always makes me think of middle school, where there was a (very strict) dress code, and my friends and I wore knee socks every day.  It was always fun when we wore our argyle socks on the same day.  Oh, to be twelve again.  No, wait.  That would mean I'd have to be 13 and 14 again.  No thanks.  

Getting back to the card...I chose a pattern from the Trim the Tree Designer Series Paper Stack that looked like knitting.  I figured that it kind of went with the stocking theme.  The little strip across the bottom is embossed using the now retired Needlepoint Border embossing folders (another one that retired too quickly!)  The little "Merry Christmas" comes from Teeny Tiny Wishes, which is probably my most used stamp set.  If you're looking for a basic sentiment set that covers just about every occasion, this is it.  Let me know if you'd like to order it!

Supplies

Stamps:  Teeny Tiny Wishes, Stitched Stockings

Ink:  Garden Green, Cherry Cobbler

Paper:  Garden Green, Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White, and Trim the Tree Designer Series Paper Stack

Accessories:  Big Shot, Circle Card Thinlits, Needlepoint Border embossing folder, Argyle embossing folder, Stocking Builder Punch, Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine,  2 1/2" Circle Punch

Christmas Bauble

Can I just say that it's killing me to post Christmas cards when it's still fall?  I can't stand how the minute Halloween is over, Christmas stuff is EVERYWHERE.  What ever happened to fall and Thanksgiving?  OK, so clearly this is a pet peeve of mine, but it does drive me nuts.  However, I have a pile of Christmas cards to show, and not a lot else, so that's what I'm posting! :)

This card uses the new single stamp Christmas Bauble.  I think it pairs so well with the Filigree Frame embossing folder.  I highlighted the embossed parts of this cute folder by using a sponge dauber and Pool Party ink.  It came out a little heavier on the ink than I had intended, and I loved seeing the variations different people did when making this at my Christmas card event.  Some went even heavier, and some very light.  I love that five people can make the same card and they will all have a unique element to it.  That's what creating is supposed to yield--a unique product that shows a little of the person creating it. 

The banners on the card are just pieces of three of the All Is Calm Designer Washi tapes, and I just snipped the ends to give them a more finished look.  The bauble is embossed in silver, then water colored.  See below for the exact colors I used.  It's kind of an unconventional color scheme for Christmas, but it's such a pretty combination.

Supplies
Stamps:  Christmas Bauble
Ink:  Island Indigo, Pool Party, Smokey Slate, Pear Pizzazz
Paper:  Pool Party, Whisper White, and Naturals White card stock
Accessories:  Big Shot, Filigree Frame embossing folder, All Is Calm Designer Washi Tape, Sponge Dauber, Aquapainter, Stampin' Dimensionals, and Paper Snips (yes, that bauble is cut out by hand...no Framelits for this one!)

Endless Wishes

Finally!  It's time for a new card!  This is one of the cards we made at my Christmas card event.  I'm pretty sure that I CASEd at least part of this card, if not the whole thing.  So if this is your design, please let me know so I can give you credit.  I love the simplicity of this card, and the white on Crumb Cake looks gorgeous!

I randomly stamped the snowflakes in white, and to give them a little bit of sparkle, I added some silver Dazzling Details.  Rhinestones look even more amazing, but since I was trying to keep the cost of the card down, I went with the more economical DD.  I stamped the sentiment in Crumb Cake on Naturals White card stock, and then added a beautiful bow made of Crumb Cake Seam Binding Ribbon.  Don't forget to round the corners of the card to add a fun detail.  So simple, and so pretty!

Supplies

Stamps:  Endless Wishes
Ink:  Crumb Cake, Whisper White
Paper:  Crumb Cake, Naturals White
Accessories:  Big Shot, Apothecary Accents Framelits,  Crumb Cake Seam Binding Ribbon, Silver Dazzling Details

Daydream Medallions

I didn't intend to go so long between posts.  It's already been a busy fall that's prevented me from getting cards posted, and then last week, my brother-in-law passed away suddenly.  Family has been our focus, not card making.  And even now, my husband is still my first priority, so I'm not promising lots of projects in the next week or so.  I'm not going to lie...this is difficult, and has shaken us deeply.  We're trying to adjust and get back to a normal routine, which isn't easy when we're not getting a lot of sleep.

Fortunately, I did find one card sitting in my draft folder, and today is a good day to share this one. I love interactive cards, and this is a really fun and unique one.  It's definitely an unconventional way to use the Daydream Medallions stamp set and the coordinating Floral Frames Framelits. 

Tips & Tricks

• To make this fun closure on your card, it's important to score your card so that it has two flaps in the front.  I scored a strip of 4 1/4" x 11" at the 3" and 8 1/2" marks, then folded the flaps in.

• For the flower part, stamp three different sizes from Daydream Medallions, then cut the outside shape of each layer.  

• It helps to distress the edges of the flower layers, so be sure to do this step next, whether using the distressing tool, scissors, or just your fingernail.  Don't decide to wait until later to do this part...it is much easier to do it now!

• After distressing, go ahead and cut out the center of the largest flower, using the same Framelit used to cut the outside of the middle flower.  This allows the two layers to fit together perfectly.

• To finish, adhere the two smallest layers together, then attach to the right side of the card.  Center over the seam, and only adhere the right half of the flowers to the right flap of the card.  Adhere the left half of the largest flower to the left flap.  Be very careful not to let your adhesive go outside of these areas, or the card will end up being glued shut.

• Embellish with a button and ribbon.  I also added leaves using Flower Patch and the Flower Fair Framelits.  I did have to snip off the ends, so don't be afraid to do that if necessary.  I also recommend playing with the placement of the leaves to be sure it looks good behind two layers and three layers.  Depending on whether the card is open or closed, you'll be looking at it with both combinations.  

Supplies

Stamps:  Daydream Medallions, Flower Patch
Ink:  Elegant Eggplant, Crumb Cake, Versamark
Paper:  Crumb Cake, Cajun Craze, Always Artichoke, and Elegant Eggplant
Accessories:  Big Shot, Lacy Brocade embossing folder, Floral Frames and Flower Fair Framelits, Stamp-a-ma-jig

For All Things Flip Card

Oh my...it's been a while.  And I've been working on lots of cards, but just haven't had the time to take pictures of them!  This card is one of my favorite "almost fall" cards.  I love fall colors, but since I was making these for an event in September, I didn't want to go with the typical browns, oranges, reds, and yellows just yet.  But Elegant Eggplant is a great color to use in the fall, and it takes center stage on this card.

The coordinating Color Me Autumn Designer Washi Tape and the Crushed Curry embossing powder used on the sentiment tie the card together and add a pop of color.  The square-ish stamp in For All Things was used on the center circle, as well as the background of the card.  I stamped and then stamped again without reinking in order to add variation.  The inside circle is identical to the outside circle shown here, just without the washi tape and button.

Supplies
Stamps:  For All Things
Ink:  Elegant Eggplant, Sahara Sand, VersaMark
Paper:  Elegant Eggplant and Very Vanilla card stock
Accessories:  Big Shot, Circle Card Thinlits, Color Me Autumn Designer Washi Tape, Crushed Curry embossing powder, Heat Tool, Linen Thread, button, 2 1/2" Circle Punch

Seasonally Scattered

As I write this, it feels like fall is here.  So this is the perfect card to share today!  I debated long and hard as to whether or not I should get the set Seasonally Scattered.  I loved it, but hey, I have to stick to a budget.  I finally decided to go ahead and bite the bullet, and I just love this set.  It's great because the three stamps can be used for three different holidays, but for so much more.  The sentiments of thanks and love are useful all year!  Stay tuned, because I'll be posting some additional samples soon!

Tips & Tricks

• Who doesn't love heat embossing?  There's just something about watching that powder turn into a shiny smooth surface when the heat tool goes to work.  I embossed the thanks image using clear embossing powder.  It looks white, but that's because I stamped on Very Vanilla card stock.  So it's not white, but the vanilla peeking through!

• Gather your favorite fall colors, and randomly sponge them over the image.  The ink will stick to the card stock, but not the embossing, allowing the embossed image to reappear.

• Want an easy way to add texture to a card?  (You know I love texture!) Just crumple up a piece of card stock, then choose one of two options:  either smooth it out and adhere, as I did with the Cajun Craze piece here, or crumple until the card stock begins to separate, and pull apart the two layers.  Adhere one layer to your card, "fuzzy" side up.  This is called faux suede, and it's a beautiful (and easy) technique to use!

Supplies
Stamps:  Seasonally Scattered
Ink:  Cajun Craze, Crushed Curry, Soft Suede, Old Olive, Versamark
Paper:  Soft Suede, Cajun Craze, and Very Vanilla card stock
Accessories:  Heat Tool, Clear embossing powder, Linen Thread, various buttons, sponge

Simple Flower Patch

This simple card uses my new favorite, Flower Patch.  I know it's practically all I use lately, but it's just a fun and pretty set.  And I've always been partial to two-step stamping.

To make this card, I ran a piece of 4" x 5 1/4" Crumb Cake through my Big Shot with the Decorative Dots embossing folder, then sponged the edge with Crumb Cake ink.  I tied a piece of Old Olive Baker's Twine around it, then adhered it to the front of my card.  I stamped the flower using Crisp Cantaloupe, then Calypso Coral, and finally Cajun Craze.  The leaves were stamped using Pear Pizzazz and Old Olive.  I cut everything out using the Flower Fair Framelits, then adhered then with Stampin' Dimensionals.  I made a little "thank you" banner using the Itty Bitty Banners stamp set and the Bitty Banners Framelits.

That's it!  So simple, but pretty darn cute!

Supplies
Stamps:  Flower Patch, Itty Bitty Banners
Ink:  Crisp Cantaloupe, Calypso Coral, Cajun Craze, Pear Pizzazz, and Old Olive
Paper:  Crumb Cake and Whisper White
Accessories:  Big Shot, Decorative Dot embossing folder, Flower Fair Framelits, Bitty Banners Framelits, Old Olive Baker's Twine, Stampin' Dimensionals

More Bloom with Hope

Wisteria Wonder, Crumb Cake, So Saffron, Wild Wasabi

Today I have two variations on the same card, both of which use the hostess set, Bloom with Hope.  I'm really having so much fun with this set.  It's so versatile, as it's great for water coloring, or coloring with markers or Blendabilities.  I think it would also be a great set to do a bleach technique. 

Both of these cards are essentially constructed the same way, but with a few differences, so I'll just point out some highlights.

• The Wisteria Wonder ribbon on the top card started out as white satin ribbon.  I added a few drops of Wisteria Wonder ink to a spritzer full of alcohol, then just sprayed it on the ribbon to dye it.  
• The flowers on the top card were colored using Classic Ink and Aqua Painters.
• The flowers below were colored with Calypso Coral Blendabilites.
• I did some paper piercing on the tag below.  I like how it adds interest to the tag.  I would have done it on the top card, but since I was quickly trying to demonstrate how to make this card, I left that step out.

Calypso Coral, Old Olive, Cantaloupe Crisp

Hardwood Bloom with Hope

Yippee!  It's Friday!  I don't know about you, but I'm ready for the weekend.  I have a quick and easy card to show today that uses the Blendabilities markers.  They are so much fun to use, and I'm so surprised at how much I love them.  I shouldn't be surprised, though, because I end up loving just about everything that Stampin' Up! offers.

Tips & Tricks

• I cut a strip of Daffodil Delight card stock, then cut it into a banner.  The easiest way to do that is to use your Paper Snips and cut about one inch up the center of the end.  Simply cut from each corner in to where the end of the first cut ends.  

• Next, I inked up the Hardwood background stamp, then placed the piece of Soft Suede card stock on top.  I covered that with a piece of scrap paper and then used my brayer over it to "stamp".  It's so much easier to do it this upside-down way!

• Finally, I colored the large poppy-type flower from Bloom with Hope.  I used my Cherry Cobbler Blendabilities for the petals, and Daffodil Delight for the center.  I did cut out the flower by hand...I don't do a lot of fussy cutting these days, but it was worth the effort for this flower.

Supplies

Stamps:  Bloom with Hope
Ink:  Soft Suede and Cherry Cobbler Classic Ink, Memento Tuxedo Black Ink, Cherry Cobbler and Daffodil Delight Blendabilites
Paper:  Naturals White, Soft Suede, Daffodil Delight, and Whisper White card stock
Accessories:  Brayer, Paper Snips, Big Shot, Bitty Banners Framelits

Endless Birthday Wishes Gift Card Holder

Don't you just love a Tuesday that feels like a Monday?  Or maybe what I love is the prospect of Friday coming a lot sooner this week!  I can only hope. :)

Today I have a fun card that serves double duty as a gift card holder.  This card is super simple in its construction, and really wows the recipient when they open it.  Or maybe it's the gift card inside that offers the wow?  No, I think it's the fact that the gift card pops up, because I recently gave a similar card to a relative that never shows any kind of appreciation over my handmade cards, and this one elicited the tiniest hit of being impressed from said relative.

Tips & Tricks

• Cut two pieces of Designer Series Paper or card stock 4" x 6" each, and score at 1", 2", and 3" so there are 4 one inch sections.

• Apply Sticky Strip as shown in the picture below (I'll refer to the top piece as piece A and the bottom as piece B). 

• Attach the bottom section of piece A to the inside, along the top of the crease, then fold over so that the top section of piece A is attached to the inside just under the crease.

• Piece B has Sticky Strip on only one section.  Lay this section on the inside of the card, below the already attached DSP so that the edge with the sticky strip is up against the already attached piece.

• Fold over and attach this piece to the sticky strip that's on the first piece (A).

• Just slide your gift card down between the two pieces of DSP!

Supplies
Stamps:  Endless Birthday Wishes, Work of Art
Ink:  Blackberry Bliss and Hello Honey
Paper:  Whisper White,  Blackberry Bliss, and Hello Honey card stock, Moonlight DSP
Accessories:  Big Shot, Ovals Framelits, Whisper White Baker's Twine, 2 3/8" Scallop Circle Punch, 1 3/4" Circle Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals, Glue Dots, Sticky Strip

Flower Patch Card in a Box

If you follow my blog, then you've probably realized that I really, really like the Flower Patch stamp set from the annual catalog.  I tend to use it a LOT.  It's just a fun set, and the possibilities are endless.  It's also the perfect set to use for a card in a box. 

I wanted to make a special card for a friend of mine.  She does so much for our homeschool community in general, as well as some other things specific to my family.  I don't really know how she has time for it all...we joke that she has 36 hours in her days!  But a card in a box definitely qualifies as special, and I modified it a bit to allow for two people to write a message on the back.  Typically when making a card in a box, the back panel is where the message would go.  I added a flap over that so that it actually opens like a card, and then both I and another friend were each able to have a panel's worth of space for writing our message of thanks.

I used the retired Gingham Garden Designer Series Paper for the flaps of the box.  You know a card is special when I give up any of my gingham or plaid DSP!  But it suits this card so well, and really was perfect for it.  I used my Flower Fair Framelits to cut out the various flowers, then whipped out my Fringe Scissors to cut some grass for the flowers to peek out of.  I love how it turned out! 

Oh, and since I went a little crazy with the flowers, they ended up sticking out of the sides when the card was folded up.  Did I worry about it fitting in to an envelope?  Of course not!  I got out my envelope punch board and made a custom envelope to fit this card.

Supplies
Stamps:  Flower Patch
Ink:  Pool Party, Island Indigo, Cantaloupe Crisp, Calypso Coral, Daffodil Delight, Pear Pizzazz, Wisteria Wonder, Rich Razzleberry
Paper:  Island Indigo, Crumb Cake, Pear Pizzazz, and Whisper White card stock, (retired) Gingham Garden DSP
Accessories:  Big Shot, Flower Fair Framelits, Paper Snips, Fringe Scissors, Sticky Strip, Simply Scored Scoring Tool, Stampin' Dimensionals, hot glue gun, hot glue, and Blendabilities markers

Hardwood Father's Day Card

I know, I know, Father's Day was in June.  Somehow I missed posting this, and even though we've long passed Father's Day, I still wanted to share it.  Plus, I have the best dad in the whole world, so there's nothing wrong with a card that makes me think of him, even in August.

This card uses the Hardwood background stamp, which I LOVE.  I also used the Woodgrain embossing folder for the strip of paper going across the card.  Yes, I love any product with any kind of woodgrain on it!

After stamping the tree from Thoughts & Prayers, I cut it out using the Labels Framelits Collection and my Big Shot, then sponged around the edges of it and the smaller label with Soft Suede.  I topped it off with some Linen Thread, and that's it.  Easy-peasy!


Supplies
Stamps:  Thoughts & Prayers, All Year Cheer, Hardwood
Ink:  Soft Suede, Chocolate Chip
Paper:  Crumb Cake, Soft Suede, and Ivory Naturals
Accessories:  Big Shot, Labels Collection Framelits, Linen Thread, Woodgrain Embossing Folder, Sponge

Toughts & Prayers Background Technique

I had a request for a card using the sponging technique with a silhouette image, and this is what I came up with.  I don't have a lot of current images that fit the silhouette category, but the tree from Thoughts & Prayers works perfectly for this technique.

I embossed the tree using Early Espresso embossing powder.  I stamped the tree first, rather than sponging first.  I like to do it this way so that the tree is placed where I want it, and I can sponge around it and work the "ground" around the base of the tree.

For the sponging, I used Pumpkin Pie, Crushed Curry, and Baked Brown Sugar.  I simply dabbed and rubbed the sponge around the card, beginning with the brown for the ground.  Next I used Pumpkin Pie at the top, and worked my way down.  I filled in with Crushed Curry and just blended the two together.  For the tag, I stamped right on a piece of cotton ribbon.  That's it!  Such an easy card, but the bright sunset makes it look like it took a lot more time than it did!

Supplies
Stamps:  Thoughts & Prayers, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink:  Pumpkin Pie, Crushed Curry, Early Espresso, and Baked Brown Sugar Classic Ink, VersaMark
Paper:  Baked Brown Sugar and Very Vanilla card stock
Accessories:  Sponge, cotton ribbon, Heat Tool, Early Espresso embossing powder

Nuts About You Joy Fold Card

I have had so much fun with the Nuts About You hostess set.  It's just so cute.  This card is a joy fold card turned on it's side.  The grass is what keeps the first flap closed, and I love how it looks cute and is functional all at the same time!

I'm keeping it short and sweet today...I hope you'll forgive my brevity.  I'm hoping to get back into a more regular posting routine now that school is starting and (hopefully) life will settle down a bit.  Does that make any sense at all?  Isn't summer supposed to be a time to relax before the hectic school year?  Apparently that's not the case for my life!

Supplies

Stamps:  Nuts About You
Ink:  Wild Wasabi, Soft Suede, Early Espresso, and Basic Gray
Paper:  Garden Green, Whisper White, Wild Wasabi, and Soft Suede card stock, Gingham Garden DSP
Accessories:  Big Shot, Fringe Scissors, Linen Thread, 3/4" Circle Punch

Be You Flower Patch Card

Oh, Flower Patch, how I love you!  This set is fabulous!  If you don't have it, you need it.  I'm just loving all the different flowers you can create with it.   I'm having such trouble getting good pictures of my cards lately, and I'm not entirely sure how to fix that problem.  So because of that, I feel like once again, the picture doesn't do the card justice.  I realize this doesn't sound very humble, but in real life, this is a great card!  The color combination is great (I love these In Colors!) and it's just a pretty, fun card.

I love this sentiment, as I explained before, and if you look closely, you'll see that this card emphasizes that idea in more than one way.  See the centers of the flowers?  One of these things is not like the others...did you spot it?  The blue flower has a white center, and all the others have blue centers.  I love that!  Wondering how I got those blue pearls?  I made them using my new Blendabilities markers.  I just took the darkest Coastal Cabana marker and colored them.  Cool, isn't it?  You can do that with rhinestones, buttons...all kind of embellishments.  If you want to try out the Blendabilities, just let me know.  I'd be happy to demonstrate their many uses for you and help you place an order.  Trust me, they are totally worth getting!

Supplies
Stamps:  Flower Patch, Chalk Lines
Ink:  Crisp Cantaloupe, Coastal Cabana (Classic Ink and Blendabilities), Strawberry Slush, Pistachio Pudding
Paper:  Crisp Cantaloupe, Whisper White
Accessories:  Pearls Basic Jewels, Stretch Ruffle Trim, Distressing Tool

Nuts About You Shadow Box Card

So I'm totally in love with the new hostess set, Nuts About You.  I almost never get hostess sets anymore, but this one was way too adorable to pass up.  I love the cute animals, the funky tree, and all the fun ways you can use the stamps together. 

Tips & Tricks

• I've posted about shadow box cards before, (here and here), so check out those posts for directions and to see some other example of this easy-peasy card.

• It's kind of hard to tell in a picture, but I cut the tree out by hand and then popped it up a bit using Stampin' Dimensionals.  It adds more interest when the image isn't flat on the card...you'll have to trust me on this one, since you don't have the card in your hand!

• The grass in front was made with my handy-dandy fringe scissors, and layered on the front piece of the card.  I highly recommend using sticky strip for this part.  It just makes life so much easier than snail or glue would, although both of those option would work.

• I think my favorite part of this card is the little "you & me" in a heart that looks like it's carved on the tree.  I'm pretty good at eye-balling things to line them up, but even I had trouble with this one.  It's most definitely a job for the Stamp-a-ma-jig!

Supplies
Stamps:  Nuts About You
Ink:  Crumb Cake, Garden Green, Smokely Slate, Basic Gray, Early Espresso, and Cherry Cobbler
Paper:  Naturals White, Crumb Cake, and Garden Green card stock
Accessories:  Big Shot, Ovals Collection Framelits, Woodgrain Embossing Folder, Fringe Scissors, Sponge, Stamp-a-ma-jig, and Paper Snips

Sweet Stuff Sunflowers

Have you taken notice of the Sweet Stuff stamp set that's new in the Annual Catalog?  It's the cutest set...perfect for kids, and especially little girls.  Since there are only girls in our family (on both sides!), this definitely caught my eye.  The little flowers are absolutely adorable, but there are lots of other fun images, like a cupcake, ballerina, and an ice cream cone.  If this set hasn't been on your radar, get out your catalog and check it out on page 87!

Tips & Tricks

• This set is perfect to use with the new Blendabilities markers.  I chose to watercolor this card, but since this set consists of line art images, Blendabilities are a great way to color them in.

• Want an easy way to make grass?  While you can do this with Paper Snips, it's a even easier when you use the new Fringe Scissors.  I didn't get these when they came out in the Occasions Catalog this spring, so I'm so glad they are still available in the Annual Catalog.  Just a few snips gave me this grass...you've got to love a tool that makes an easy job even easier!

• I love the stamps in the new Chalk Lines set...they are perfect for making a simple and understated background, like you see here.  The stripes give this card just a touch of texture for the card base.

Supplies
Stamps:  Sweet Stuff, Chalk Lines
Ink:  VersaMark, Crushed Curry, Old Olive, and Crumb Cake 
Paper:  Crushed Curry, Early Espresso, Old Olive, Whisper White card stock
Accessories:  Heat Tool, Early Espresso Embossing Powder, Aqua Painter, Linen Thread, Fringe Scissors, buttons

Fun Frames Flower Patch Card

Happy Friday!  Today I have a simple card to show you that uses the Flower Patch stamp set.  I love the layering possibilities with this set, and the coordinating Framelits that make it so easy.  I'm also loving the new Fun Frames Embossing Folders.  The birthday sentiment from Flower Patch fits so nicely in the center of this frame.  I've gotten rather used to cutting things out with Framelits, so when I have to cut something by hand, I tend to avoid it.  But it really wasn't that hard to cut out this frame, because the outside edge is embossed, giving the perfect guideline for cutting.  And I love the look of the cut out frame.

Supplies
Stamps:  Flower Patch
Ink:  Calypso Coral, Cantaloupe Crisp, Bermuda Bay, Coastal Cabana, So Saffron
Paper:  Whisper White and Crumb Cake card stock
Accessories:  Big Shot, Flower Fair Framelits, Fun Frames Embossing Folders, So Saffron ribbon (retired)

Blendabilities Butterflies

Have you tried the new Blendabilities yet?  It was quite out of character for me to get these markers as soon as they were released, but I'm so glad I did!  They are so much fun to color with.  The color goes on so smoothly, and it really is a piece of cake to get the colors to blend without that tell-tale line that our regular markers would leave.  Don't get me wrong, I still love those, but Blendabilities serve a different purpose, and I love having options when it comes to coloring!

One issue I did have, however, was that I don't have a lot of line art images.  It took some digging through my current stamp sets to find something that I could color.  I adore Papillion Potpourri, so I was more than happy to color in these lovely butterflies.  I like to start with the darker shade and blend to light, but you can choose to go from light to dark.  Check out the video below for more tips on coloring with Blendabilities.

 

Supplies

Stamps:  Papillion Potpourri, Thoughts & Prayers

Ink:  Crumb Cake, Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad, Pumpkin Pie, Daffodil Delight, and Rich Razzleberry Blendabilities

Paper:  Crumb Cake, Naturals Ivory, and Whisper White Card Stock

Accessories:  Big Shot, Argyle Embossing Folder, Apothecary Accents Framelits, Sponge

Flower Patch

I'm back!  And my little stamping break was just what I needed.  I've had a lot of stressful stuff going on, and it just sucked all the joy out of stamping.  Craziness, I know.  But over the last few days I've been able to sit down and stamp just for the fun of it.  The creativity block disappeared, and it's just fun again.  Exactly like it should be. :)

I am loving the new Flower Patch photopolymer stamp set and the coordinating Flower Fair Framelits.  There are so many options for putting together endless different flowers...it's a really fun set to play with.  And I'm loving the photopolymer stamps.  I never thought I'd be a convert, but I really do like them.  It's so easy to line up the two step stamps when you can see through them!  And I really like the sentiments that come with this set.  Usually there will be a sentiment (or two) in a set that I really don't care for, but all three of the ones that come in this set are keepers.


I'm linking this card up to the Fab Friday challenge.  This week is a color challenge, using two of my favorite In Colors, Strawberry Slush and Coastal Cabana, which looks a little like pool party in my picture, but I promise it's not!

Supplies

Stamps:  Flower Patch, Chalk Lines
Ink:  Daffodil Delight, Strawberry Slush, Coastal Cabana, and VersaMark
Paper:  Sahara Sand, Strawberry Slush, and Whisper White card stock, Gingham Garden DSP (retired)
Accessories:  Big Shot, Flower Fair Framelits, Stampin' Dimensionals, Paper Snips

Flower Patch

Today I have another simple card that uses brand new stamp sets.  And who doesn't love new stamps?  This one uses two new photopolymer sets.  Wood mount stamps will always be my first love, but I've come around and have really grown to like photopolymer.  It's so easy to line things up, because you can see right through the stamps.  It just makes stamping so easy.

I used the dots from the new Dotty Angles set.  I love this one...it looks like confetti.  It adds a fun touch to this card.  The flower and sentiment come from the Flower Patch set.  There are tons of options in this set, and I'll be showing off some of the other flowers included in it in the next few weeks.  The best part is that there is also a coordinating set of Framelits.  I have to give Stampin' Up! credit...it's a brilliant marketing plan.  I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who is quick to grab those bundles. :)

Supplies

Stamps:  Dotty Angles, Flower Patch
Ink:  Crushed Curry, Rich Razzleberry, Garden Green, Always Artichoke, Island Indigo
Paper:  Island Indigo, Whisper White
Accessories:  Big Shot, Flower Fair Framelits, Rich Razzleberry Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon (retired), Stampin' Dimensionals

Work of Art Shadow Box Card

I know it's been a while since I posted.  I've tried for a long time to post several times a week, and I've found that it's become more and more difficult to blog and give my family the time they need.  So while I have no intention of stopping, I will be blogging less, at least during the summer.

But the good news is that I do have a card to show you today!  This is one we made at stamp club a few weeks ago, and while it looks complicated, it's not.  I love the ease of shadow box cards, and the wow factor that they give.  If you'd like directions on how to make a shadow box card, click here.

This card uses the new set Work of Art.  I LOVE this set.  It's mostly comprised of brushstroke images, which are great for backgrounds.  For this card, I paired it with Gorgeous Grunge, and it's a match made in stamping heaven.  They are perfect together.  I topped the whole thing off with a couple of buttons I made from the Simply Pressed Clay and Molds.  If you haven't tried out clay yet, you really should.  It's so versatile and inexpensive...totally worth your money!

Supplies

Stamps:  Work of Art, Gorgeous Grunge
Ink:  Coastal Cabana, Bermuda Bay, Island Indigo
Paper:  Bermuda Bay and Whisper White
Accessories:  Big Shot, Ovals Collection Framelits, Simply Pressed Clay and Molds, Island Indigo Baker's Twine

Sweet Stuff and New Blendabilities Markers

You may have noticed some new markers in the Annual Catalog.  Unfortunately, they won't be available for a few more weeks (be patient, it's worth it!)  These markers are alcohol markers, which means they work a little differently than our regular water-based markers.  Both are great and have different uses, so don't think that these are replacing the markers you know and love!

The Blendabilities are true to their name in that they blend wonderfully!  Each color comes in a set of three shades, and when used together, they create smooth, blended shading.  I'm not sure the Daffodil Delight shows up that well on the screen, but you can see it with the Rich Razzleberry on the ice cream cone.  I made these little 3x3 cards to give to my kiddos, and I know they will love them!

I'll be sharing more about Blendabilities in the coming weeks, but if you'd like to see them in person, contact me and you can come and play!

Supplies

Stamps:  Sweet Stuff
Ink:  Memento Black Ink Pad, Rich Razzleberry, Daffodil Delight, Coastal Cabana, and Skin Tone Blendabilities
Paper:  Whisper White card stock
Accessories:  assorted ribbon, Dazzling Details

Stampin' Up! Nuts About You

When I saw the new catalog, I absolutely fell in love with this adorable hostess set, Nuts About You.  It's so cute, and I can think of so many people that I'll make cards for with this set.  The tree is kind of funky and super-cute, as you can see in the picture.  This card shows a little 'possum hanging from one of the branches.  It's the only 'possum I've ever seen that's actually cute!

Tips & Tricks

• Get our your paper snips, because this set doesn't have matching Framelits.  You'll need to do some fussy cutting if you want the tree to be cut out like this one.  With so many Framelits to choose from these days, it's easy to forget how we used to have to cut out everything! 

• I stamped the tree on Naturals White card stock, and as you can see, it gives kind of a mottled look.  This is partly due to the fact that I used markers to color directly onto the rubber, and that tends to add to this look.  But it's also part to how porous this particular card stock is.  If you'd like a smoother, crisper image, stamp on Whisper White card stock.  I'll put an example of that up later on this week.

• I popped the tree up using Stampin' Dimensionals...it makes it easier to hang the 'possum by his tail! 

Supplies

Stamps:  Nuts About You, Woodgrain (retired)
Ink:  Garden Green and Soft Suede Stampin' Around Markers, Early Espresso and Soft Suede ink pads
Paper:  Soft Suede and Naturals White card stock
Accessories:  Paper Snips, Stampin' Dimensionals

Another Endless Birthday Wishes Card

Today my oldest daughter turns twelve.  Every year when birthdays roll around, I have a hard time believing my children are as old as they are.  I remember thinking this when she turned four, and now she's twelve.  I am confident this is a universal problem for parents everywhere, as my dad tells me he has a hard time believing that his oldest (that's me) is in her forties!  Anyway, today we celebrate our sweet girl, who has a heart of gold and that's as big as an ocean.  She's just an amazing kid and I hope it's the happiest of birthdays for her.  (And please don't remind me that on her next birthday she'll be a teenager!) 

I needed a purple card for my purple girl, and I thought she'd appreciate one that's a little different.  I made a simple shadow box card for her, and the only embellishment is the Strawberry Slush ribbon and the Dazzling Details I dabbed on top of the candles.  Unfortunately, it doesn't show up well in the picture, but it gives just a bit of sparkle.  I also cut out the cake and greeting with my Ovals Framelits, then mounted them in the center with Stampin' Dimensionals.  It's a little different, and adds some extra dimension to this card.  For directions on how to make a shadow box card, check out this one...I even used the same color scheme!

Supplies

Stamps:  Endless Birthday Wishes
Ink:  StazOn Jet Black, Wisteria Wonder, Smokey Slate, and Strawberry Slush
Paper:  Wisteria Wonder, Naturals White, and Strawberry Slush card stock
Accessories:  Big Shot, Ovals Framelits, Strawberry Slush Stretch Ruffle Trim (I love this...why did they retire it?!?),  Dazzling Details, Stampin' Score scoring tool, Stampin' Dimensionals

Endless Birthday Wishes Banner Card

We're in full-on birthday mode at our house, so I thought I'd share yet another birthday card.  This one uses some brand new Designer Series Paper and makes great use of my Stampin' Write markers.

Tips & Tricks

• To get the lowest banner to be that lovely Lost Lagoon color, I used my markers to just color the white ribbon.  It takes the ink so well, and I ended up with a piece of custom ribbon!  The ribbon adds a more interesting touch than just another piece of card stock would have, and as I've said a million times, I'm all about lots of texture on a card!

• I also used my markers to color in the cake from the Endless Wishes Photopolymer stamp set.  I don't often use this technique, but I actually like it here. It adds a fun pop of color to this line art image.  I'm excited to try out Stampin' Up!'s new line of alcohol markers, Blendabilities.  While they are in the catalog, they aren't available quite yet.  But sit tight...it will only be a short wait of a few weeks.  This set lends itself perfectly to the Blendabilities, so I can't wait to get my hands on some to try out.

Supplies

Stamps:  Endless Birthday Wishes
Ink:  Basic Gray, Smokey Slate, Hello Honey, and Lost Lagoon
Paper:  Basic Gray, Smokey Slate, Hello Honey, and Whisper White card stock, Moonlight DSP
Accessories:  Big Shot, Decorative Frames and Decorative Dots embossing folders, Large Oval Punch, Bitty Banners Framelits, Paper Snips, 5/8" Whisper White Satin ribbon, buttons, Whisper White Baker's Twine

Tulip Frames Thinking of You Card

A couple of weeks ago, I had the chance to make some cards with a lovely group of girls.  This is one of the cards we made, and while it uses pretty much all retired products, those are easily substituted with any item in your stash. 

Tips & Tricks

• Unfortunately, the Tulip Frames embossing folder is retired, but if you are lucky enough to own it, it makes a great frame for this card.  I added a little bit of distressing to it by lightly sponging some soft suede ink over the embossed parts.  

• When I want a mat behind the decorative label punch piece, I simply use the same punch with another color card stock, then cut it down the middle (the long way) and adhere to the top and bottom of the piece.  It's not a full mat, but it's something, and it does add interest.  You may want to snip off the pointy parts on either end, in case they looks weird to you.  It's all in the eye of the beholder...those little points drive some people nuts, and others don't mind it at all.  Isn't it great that we're all different? :)

Supplies

Stamps:  Four Frames, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink:  Soft Suede, Old Olive
Paper:  Naturals White and Riding Hood Red (retired) card stock, Everyday Enchantment DSP (retired)
Accessories:   Big Shot, Tulip Frame embossing folder, Decorative Label punch, Old Olive taffeta ribbon, sponge