Retro Fresh Happy Card {Retiring Products}

Oh, how I love the Retro Fresh Designer Series Paper!  I'm so sad that it's going away at the end of this month.  The good news, however, is that the Retro Fresh Designer Washi Tape isn't!  That's right, it's in the new catalog that comes out in June!  I got a sneak peek at it yesterday and was SO happy to see it in the new catalog.  So while I won't be able to get the DSP, I can still enjoy this color combination with the Washi tape.  And since I'm so happy about that, what better card to show off today, right?

I've decided that I have too much ribbon.  Actually, I already knew that, but finally came to terms with the fact that it's completely out of control and I have to use it up.  So those little orange banners you see peeking out?  Yup, old, long-retired ribbon.  And using those little pieces didn't even make a dent in my stash.  I'd better get to work using that ribbon.  I'm told myself that I can't buy any new ribbon until the old is gone (or at least mostly gone), and that's going to be hard.  I'll have to be creative and find some interesting ways to use my ribbon!

Supplies

Stamps:  Yippee-Skippee
Ink:  Coastal Cabana, Baked Brown Sugar, and Tangerine Tango Stampin' Write Markers
Paper:   Very Vanilla, Coastal Cabana, Baked Brown Sugar, and So Saffron card stock, Retro Fresh DSP
Accessories:  Big Shot, Arrows Embossing Folder, Chalk Talk Framelits, Coastal Cabana Stretch Ruffle Trim, Tangerine Tango ribbon, Sticky Strip, Paper Snips

Thanks So Much

I don't know about you, but I was shocked to see the Square Lattice embossing folder on the retiring list!  I love that folder, and use it all the time.  I just love the unique texture it gives, but hopefully there will be something similar in the new catalog.

Because I love this folder so much, I thought I'd show it off with this card.  I really like to layer it on a same colored card base, as it gives a subtle bit of texture and interest without drawing attention away from the main image. 

I'm also linking this card to the Fab Friday challenge.  This one was a color challenge and was really tough for me!  These are NOT colors I would normally use together, but I was pleasantly surprised to see them work as well together as they do.  That's why I like to do challenges...they push me outside my comfort zone.  Considering the creative block I've had going for the last few weeks, this was just the push I needed!

Supplies

Stamps:  Just Believe (retired), Tiny Tags (retired), Papillion Potpourri
Ink:  Early Espresso, Summer Starfruit, Crisp Cantaloupe, Smokey Slate
Paper:  Early Espresso, Summer Starfruit, Crisp Cantaloupe, Smokey Slate, and Naturals White card stock
Accessories:  Big Shot, Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Chalk Talk Framelits, Jewelry Tag Punch, Bitty Butterfly Punch, Sweet Sorbet Accessories Pack, Basic Jewels Pearls

Striped Clear Block Technique Card

I had so much fun making this card that I decided to make another, but with a twist.  I obviously changed the colors, but I also decided to use the clear block technique.  This has become one of my favorite techniques for quick cards. 

Tips & Tricks

• For an explanation of how to do the clear block technique, check out this post.  I'm a little bit addicted to this, and as you'll see, so are my kids!

• I almost always add some sparkle when I use this technique.  The retired shimmer paint works great, but since it's retired, that's no longer an option.  Grab a bottle of Illuminate Glimmer Watermark refill ink and use that instead (psst...it's on page164!)  It looks almost exactly like the Frost White Shimmer Paint.

• I added a bit of detail and interest to the tag using my Chalk Marker.  It's so simple, yet adds just a little bit "extra" that this card needed.

Supplies

Stamps:  Yippee-Skippee
Ink:  Pacific Point, Bermuda Bay, Island Indigo, Marina Mist, and Soft Sky Stampin' Write Markers, Illuminate Glimmer Watermark Refill ink
Paper:  Naturals White and Pacific Point card stock
Accessories:  Big Shot, Chalk Talk Framelits, Clear Block E, Stampin' Spritzer, Marina Mist 1/4" Grosgrain ribbon (retired)

Chalk Talk Tag Card

Today's card is another one that was inspired by projects in the Annual Catalog.  There is a card on page 77 that I've loved since I first saw the catalog.  I loved the three tags and how the images overlapped on them.  Since I don't own the stamp set showcased on that card, I needed to take this card in a different direction.  I kept with the three tags, but that was pretty much where the similarities end.

Tips & Tricks

• When I make a card, texture is a must.  I like having multiple textures, although one shouldn't over power the others.  I added subtle texture to the tags by first cutting them out with the Chalk Talk Framelits and my Big Shot, then running them through again using the Modern Mosaic Embossing Folder.

• One of the things I love most about Stampin' Up!'s products is that so many of them coordinate.  The Modern Mosaic Embossing Folder works perfectly with the Mosaic Madness Stamp Set, which of course pairs beautifully with the Mosaic Punch.  This makes throwing a card together so easy, as everything works together so well.

• Try dyeing...Baker's Twine, that is.  Simply run Whisper White Baker's Twine over any ink pad, and press down with a sponge dauber.  The twine takes on the ink, and is dyed to match your project.  I used Smokey Slate here.  This technique can also be used with any white or neutral ribbon.  

Supplies

Stamps:  Teeny Tiny Wishes, Mosaic Madness
Ink:  Coastal Cabana, Smokey Slate, and So Saffron Classic Ink
Paper: Naturals White, Coastal Cabana, Smokey Slate, and So Saffron card stock
Accessories:  Big Shot, Modern Mosaic Embossing Folder, Chalk Talk Framelits, Bitty Banners Framelits, Sponge Dauber, Mosaic Punch, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack, Rhinestones Basic Jewels

Christmas Tag

Last week I posted some Christmas tags that I made using My Digital Studio.  Today I have a tag I made with good old stamps and paper.  This one uses the Chalk Talk Framelits, and is intended to have a bit of a chalkboard look. 

Tips & Tricks

• The chalkboard look is so easy to create...simply stamp an image or sentiment in Whisper White Craft ink on Basic Black card stock.  Then take a sponge dipped in Whisper White ink and gently dab or rub it in random spots on the card stock...it will look like erased chalk.  I added some Christmas ornaments to this to jazz it up a bit, too.

• Stamp before cutting with your Framelits...that's the best feature of them!  Once you've stamped, you can line up your Framelits around the image, ensuring that it's perfectly straight and aligned!

Supplies

Stamps:  Merry Minis (retired), Ornament Keepsakes, Christmas Greetings (retired)
Ink:  Real Red, Garden Green, and Whisper White
Paper:  Whisper White and Basic Black card stock
Accessories:  Big Shot, Holiday Ornaments Framelits, Chalk Talk Framelits, Merry Minis Punch Pack, Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine, sponge