Cut-out Heart Valentine Card

Since Valentine's Day is quickly approaching, I thought it would be fun to share another Valentine card.  This one is unique and was fun to make.  I used my Hearts Collection Framelits to cut a heart from the center of this square card.  Windows are always a fun addition to any card!

Here's a close-up of the heart that you see through the window.  I experimented to get this embossed look, and was happy with the way it turned out.

Tips & Tricks

• Did you know that you can mix embossing powders?  I combined Gold and Iridescent Ice to get a sparkly gold color.  You could mix Iridescent Ice with any color to give it a little bit of sparkle.  I store my mixed color embossing powders in empty embellishment containers.

• Have you ever tried the faux metal technique?  Cover the surface you're embossing with VersaMark ink, then sprinkle with embossing powder and heat with your heat tool.  Repeat this two more times.  As soon as you've embossed the third time, stamp your image or greeting into the still warm surface.  The stamp will sort of sink down into the soft, melted powder, giving the look of embossed metal.  It does use a fair amount of embossing powder, but it's a fun technique.

Supplies

Stamps:  Teeny Tiny Wishes, Pennant Parade
Ink:  VersaMark, Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake
Paper:  Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake, Naturals Ivory
Accessories:  Big Shot, Hearts Collection Framelits, Iridescent Ice and Gold Embossing Powders, Heat Tool, Pretty Print Embossing Folder, Bitty Banners Framelits, Crochet Lace, Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding Ribbon, Sponge

Joyful Christmas Vellum Card

This is another card I made using Joyful Christmas.  This time I went with a more traditional Christmas look, pairing Cherry Cobbler with Old Olive.  I love that combination for Christmas!  What makes this card more interesting is that the poinsettia is stamped, then embossed, on vellum.  I used the very old (and long retired) vellum paper, rather than the thicker vellum card stock that Stampin' Up! now sells.  I much prefer the vellum card stock, because it's thicker.  However, I think the thinness of the vellum paper is what made the flower petals curl up like they did.  I'm not sure if the thicker vellum would give the same effect.  I used a sponge dauber and inked the front of the leaves and petals for a beautiful look.

The Most Important Tip

• Make sure your ink pad is well inked before stamping!  Ugh, I wish that greeting looked a lot better than it does.  That's a rookie mistake that this very experienced stamper made.  Oh well, now you know not to make the same one! :)

Supplies
Stamps:  Joyful Christmas
Ink:  Cherry Cobbler and Old Olive, VersaMark
Paper:  Cherry Cobbler and Naturals White card stock, Vellum card stock
Accessories:  Heat Tool, White embossing powder, Old Olive taffeta ribbon, sticky strip, Big Shot, Pretty Print embossing folder

Christmas Stamp-a-Stack Card {Ornament Keepsakes)

This card is one from my Christmas Card Stamp-a-Stack this past weekend.  This card is elegant, yet very simple, and is an easy one to mass produce.  The combination of sponging, Linen Thread, and the color choices of Naturals Ivory, Always Artichoke, and Cherry Cobbler give this card a very vintage look.

Tips & Tricks

• Since the Pretty Print Embossing Folder tends to weaken the card stock a bit, I find that it's easier to sponge the edges of that piece before it makes a trip through the Big Shot.  The sponging that's done on top of the embossed image will need to wait until after, though.

• Love the look of banners?  They are a great way to use up scraps.  There's no need to cut a strip of card stock the full width as shown here.  Simply snip the banner ends of a small scrap and tuck it behind the image.  No one needs to know that the card stock doesn't extend the full way across!

Supplies

Stamps:  Ornament Keepsakes, French Script (retired, but En Francais is a perfect substitute!)
Ink:  Cherry Cobbler, Always Artichoke, and Crumb Cake Classic Ink
Paper:   Naturals Ivory, Very Vanilla, Always Artichoke, and Cherry Cobbler card stock
Accessories:  Big Shot, Pretty Print Embossing Folder, Holiday Ornaments Framelits, Labels Collection Framelits, Sponge

Daydream Medallions Christmas Wreath Card

This past weekend was the first Christmas Card Stamp-a-Stack of the year.  When I sat down to design cards for this event, I came to the sad realization that all but one of my Christmas stamp sets had retired.  I really didn't want to spend money on new Christmas sets when I have a shelf FULL of them, so I was determined to make use of what current sets I did have.

I loved Daydream Medallions when I first saw it, although haven't used it a lot, for some reason.  But it makes the most gorgeous wreath, and I think this may be my most favorite use for this set! 

Tips & Tricks

• The Magnetic Platform is a must for cutting out these layers.  Used with the Floral Frames Framelits, the Magnetic Platform takes all the worry of shifting Framelits out of this project!  You can get yours here, or contact me to place an order.
• When adhering the layers of the wreath to one another, be sure to put adhesive on the backs of the "petals" of the smaller layer.  You'll be punching out the center of the wreath once the layers are adhered to each other, so you want to ensure that they layers stick together!
• Allow drying time for the Dazzling Details "berries" before placing the bow on...you don't want to get ribbon stuck in the wet glue!
• For a more vintage look, sponge the Naturals Ivory strip with a bit of Crumb Cake ink

Supplies

Stamps:  Daydream Medallions, Petite Pairs, French Script (retired, but En Francais is a close match!)
Ink:  Crumb Cake and Always Artichoke Classic Ink
Paper:  Crumb Cake, Always Artichoke, Cherry Cobbler, and Naturals Ivory card stock
Accessories:  Big Shot, Floral Frames Framelits, Pretty Print Embossing Folder, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding Ribbon, Cherry Cobbler Dazzling Details