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

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
 

Betsy's Blossoms Bookmark

I've been a creative rut lately, so I thought that making something other than a card might help the creative juices flow a little better.  I'm not sure it worked, but it is fun to have something different to show!

I decided to make this tag that can double as a bookmark.  I may stick this in a card for someone, or I might even tuck it into the next book I loan out.  That would be a fun surprise for the reader!

Tips & Tricks

• If you're new to Stampin' Up!, you might be overwhelmed by all the gorgeous colors there are to choose from.  And you might not quite know where to start when it comes to building your ink collection.  If your budget is limited and you can't get them all in one shot, I highly recommend picking a few that you love, and adding in the VersaMark ink.  I used it here on the Pacific Point tag.  This ink gives a tone-on-tone look, and can also be used for embossing.  It's a very versatile ink (hence the name) and it's one that every stamper needs to have!

• I've been trying to use up my many, many scraps of paper, and this project lends itself perfectly to that mission.  I ONLY used scraps on this project, and it could be made using any Designer Series Paper and coordinating card stock or ribbon.

Supplies

Stamps:  Betsy's Blooms, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink:  VersaMark, Chocolate Chip, and Pacific Point
Paper:  Crushed Curry, Very Vanilla, Old Olive, Chocolate Chip, and Pacific Point card stock, International Bazaar DSP (retired)
Accessories:  Very Vanilla Seam Binding Ribbon, Big Shot, Bitty Banners Framelits, Scallop Tag Topper Punch, Tangerine Tango ribbon (retired)

Scallop Tag Topper Punch Treat Holder

I'm not sure about you, but I hadn't really realized how close Easter was.  Which is pretty pathetic, considering how late it is this year.  So even though my Easter decorations are still in my attic, I thought it would be fun to make a little Easter project.  This is a treat holder that is perfect to give as a gift, and would be easy to make multiples of. 

Tips & Tricks

• I love the new Tag Topper Punches, because they are so easy to use.  I just cut a 2" strip of card stock along the 8 1/2" side.  The best part about this project is that you don't have to have precise measurements for the length.  This would have still worked out great had I made a shorter strip.  It's a great way to use up your scraps!  I punched both ends of the strip.

• Get out your Simply Scored Scoring Tool and score twice...I scored about 3" in from each end.  I say about because I counted wrong from one end.  I recommend turning your piece after the first score, so that you are sure you are using the same measurement for both sides. :)

• Once you have punched and score, just embellish!  And don't forget to tuck a little bag of jelly beans or other treats inside!

Supplies

Stamps:  Betsy's Blossoms, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink:  Strawberry Slush, Coastal Cabana, and Crushed Curry
Paper:  Strawberry Slush and Whisper White card stock
Accessories:  1 1/4", 1", and 3/4" Circle Punches, Coastal Cabana Ruffled Trim, Scallop Tag Topper Punch, Whisper White Baker's Twine

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

Bright Blossoms Birthday Card

Happy Monday!  After a rough week of illness last week, I'm hoping for a great week this week, even if it is really cold outside! 

So to go along with my optimistic attitude for the week is a bright and cheerful card.  I saw this one online, and just loved the simplicity of it.  I just changed the colors (although I loved the original colors as well!) 

Tips & Tricks

• If you're looking to use up scraps of Designer Series Paper and/or to mass produce, this one is perfect!

• To get multiple colors on one stamped image, break out your markers and color directly on the rubber.  Just don't forget to breathe on the stamp to moisten the ink before you stamp!

Supplies

Stamps:  Bright Blossoms, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink:  Old Olive, Bermuda Bay, Daffodil Delight, and Rich Razzleberry Stampin' Write Markers
Paper:  Naturals White card stock and Polka Dot Parade DSP
Accessories:  Big Shot, Bitty Banners Framelits, 1 3/4" Circle punch, Paper Snips, Whisper White Baker's Twine, Buttons, Stampin' Dimensionals

Winter Frost Circle Flip Cards

As I mentioned last week, I'll have a bazillion kids coming to my house this week to make all kinds of fun Christmas gifts.  These cards are one of the items they'll be making.  I didn't have enough supplies for all the kids to make the same thing, so half will be making the top one, and the other half will be making the bottom one.

Tips & Tricks

• These cards both use non-traditional Christmas colors, but I love them both.  I guess they are more of a winter look than a Christmas look, but a simple "Merry Christmas" on the front conveys the message. :)  Don't be afraid to use colors other than red and green!  It's good to think out of the box, but also nice that Stampin' Up!'s Designer Series Papers help you do that.  I was really surprised to discover that the gray card is one of my favorites this year.

• I mentioned on Friday how stamping tone-on-tone adds just the right amount of interest to one of the panels on a flip card.  Well, embossing does the same thing!  I put the extra flap on the right into the Northern Flurry embossing folder and fell in love with the look.  It's subtle, but perfect.  

Supplies
Stamps:  Christmas Punch (retired), Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink:  Silver Encore Ink and Basic Gray Classic Ink
Paper:  Pool Party, Smoky Slate, Basic Gray, and Whisper White card stock, Winter Frost DSP Stack
Accessories:  Big Shot, Circle Card Thinlits, Northern Flurry Embossing Folder, 2-1/2" Circle Punch, Boho Blossoms Punch, Silver Embossing Powder, Heat Tool

So, which card is your favorite?  Do you make Christmas cards that aren't red and green?

Day of Gratitude Emboss Resist Card

Today is my 18th wedding anniversary, so I thought it would be fun to show the card I made for my husband.  I used the retired Day of Gratitude set, which is fitting, since I am filled with gratitude to be celebrating 18 happy years of marriage today!

I love this set, and thought it would be fun to try the emboss resist technique with it.  It turned out a bit more colorful than I was hoping...I think there are more fall colors on this card than I'm seeing on the trees this year.  I'm not sure what's going on around here, but where are all the pretty leaves?!

Tips & Tricks

• Emboss resist is such an easy technique.  Simply stamp and emboss your image.  I used VersaMark on Very Vanilla card stock and embossed with clear embossing powder.  Then dab a sponge on the ink pad of your chosen color, and kind of swirl it around on your card.  I used several colors and just randomly chose where to rub the sponge on the card.  I went back and filled in with Crumb Cake at the end, so be sure all the empty spaces were filled.

• Sponges are super inexpensive, and even more so when you cut them into fourths.  I set aside 1/4 of a sponge for each color ink, then slide them in a tiny cellophane bag labeled with the color name.  I never have to worry about accidentally using the wrong sponge in my ink pads!

Supplies

Stamps:  Teeny Tiny Wishes, Day of Gratitude (retired)
Ink:  Cherry Cobbler, Cajun Craze, Crushed Curry, Old Olive, and Crumb Cake Classic Ink, VersaMark
Paper:  Soft Suede, Old Olive, and Very Vanilla card stock
Accessories:  Big Shot, Woodgrain Embossing Folder, Simply Pressed Clay and Molds, Linen Thread, Clear Embossing Powder, Heat Tool

One More {Mosaic Madness}

OK, this is it with the streak of Mosaic Madness cards...at least for a little while!  I can't stay away from my new favorite set for too long!  I love the simplicity of this card.  I used the chevron oval image from Oh, Hello in Baked Brown Sugar (stamped off once) and love the combination of it with Mosaic Madness.  Soft Suede and Pool Party combine beautifully with Baked Brown Sugar (which is possibly my new favorite brown).  This is a quick card to put together, and I'm sure that it would look fantastic with so many different color combinations.  In fact, I really want to recreate this one with Crisp Cantaloupe, Pistachio Pudding, and Baked Brown Sugar.  I think that would look amazing!  This is a great card to CASE, so give it a try with three of your favorite colors!

Stamps:  Mosaic Madness, Teeny Tiny Wishes, and Oh, Hello
Ink:  Soft Suede, Pool Party, and Baked Brown Sugar
Paper:  Pool Party and Naturals White card stock
Accessories:  Mosaic Punch, Big Shot, Bitty Banners

Gingerbread Baby

Gingerbread Baby is one of my kids' favorite books to read at this time of year, and this card reminds me of the little guy in the story.  This was one of the cards we made at the last Christmas Stamp-a-Stack.  I love the scented embossing powders that are in the Holiday Catalog, but I also wanted the easy of using the Early Espresso powder to get the brown color.  Did you know that you can combine the two to get scented, colored embossing powder?  I mixed a little bit of the sugar and spice embossing powder with the Early Espresso powder and it worked great (and smelled great, too!)

I love the Be of Good Cheer DSP, and I think the pattern shown here is my favorite one in the pack.  The Cherry Cobbler Core'dinations card stock was a perfect pairing with it, and did you know that you can stop ON the 7/8" cotton ribbon from the Holiday Catalog?  You totally can, and snipping the notch in the banner is so much easier than doing it on paper!

I have to say, this card is one of my favorites, and a few lucky people on my Christmas card list will even get this one in the mail. :)

Stamps:  Scentsational Season, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Ink:  VersaMark, Cherry Cobbler Classic ink

Paper:  Naturals Ivory, Early Espresso, Gumball Green, Very Vanilla, and Core'dinations Cherry Cobbler card stock, Be of Good Cheer DSP

Accessories:  Snowburst embossing folder (retired), Big Shot, 7/8" Cotton Ribbon, Scallop Circle punch, Holiday Collection Framelits, heat tool, Sugar & Spice embossing powder, Early Espresso Embossing powder

Vintage Modern

This card is a weird mix of vintage and modern.  The ribbons and button, and of course the ornament are all vintage-y, but those circles most certainly are NOT!  I was trying to use some different colors, and forced myself to use a certain sketch for the card.  So yes, it's a odd combination, but I actually really like the colors. 

Stamps:  Ornament Keepsakes, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Ink:  VersaMark

Paper:  Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla, Lucky Limeade, Soft Suede card stock

Accessories:  Lacy Brocade embossing folder,  Bitty Banner framelits, Holiday Ornaments framelits, Linen thread, Crumb Cake seam binding ribbon, Neutrals buttons, pearls

Day of Gratitude

So I've shown some simple cards for the past couple of days, and this one, well, doesn't fall into that category.  There's definitely a lot going on here.  But once again, I'm using the Day of Gratitude stamp set, which is one of my all time favorites.  For the image in the center, I used a variation on the rock and roll technique.  After doing the R&R, I sponged some Early Espresso ink on the edges with a sponge dauber.  It gave just enough of a contrast without getting too much dark ink on the medallion.

Oh, and have you ever wished you had a button in a certain color?  I made this one using the Sweet Buttons Embosslits, and then covered it with Crystal Effects.  It gives it a smooth shine, just like a read button.  This one is topped off with a linen thread bow.

Stamps:  Day of Gratitude, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Ink:  More Mustard, Cajun Craze, and Early Espresso Classic Ink

Paper:  Naturals Ivory, More Mustard, Very Vanilla, Early Espresso, and Cajun Craze card stock, Orchard Harvest DSP

Accessories:  Sweet Buttons Embosslits, Woodgrain and Square Lattice embossing folders, Scallop Edge punch, Very Vanilla Seam Binding ribbon, Bitty Banners Framelits, Crystal Effects, Linen Thread

October Club Card #1

I'm not really much of a Halloween person, but I do love fall.  And fall means pumpkins.  These little pumpkins are so easy to make.  Just pick out a circle or oval punch, punch out three pieces, then with a little adhesive, stick them together.  So simple.  I did pop up the center piece with a Stampin' Dimensional, and sponged the edges a bit to give the layers a bit more dimension.

Stamps:  Teeny Tiny Wishes, Button Buddies

Ink:  Early Espresso, Old Olive, and Pumpkin Pie Classic Ink

Paper:  Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla, and Pumpkin Pie card stock, Early Espresso Core'dinations card stock

Accessories:  Labels Collection Framelits, Woodgrain embossing folder, Large Oval Punch, Small Oval Punch, 3/4" Circle Punch, sponge

Stamp-a-Stack Christmas Card

This is one of the cards we made at our Stamp-a-Stack on Sunday.  Stampin' Up!'s glimmer paper and colored embossing powder make such a bold statement on this card.  It's such a fun card, and goes together so quickly because of all the punches that are used for the circles.

Stamps:  Scentsational Season, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Ink:  VersaMark, Cherry Cobbler Classic ink pad

Paper: Naturals White, Whisper White, and Gumball Green card stock, Red and Silver Glimmer paper, Be of Good Cheer DSP

Accessories:  Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine, 2 1/2" Circle punch, 3/4" Circle punch, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack, Rhinestones, Holiday Framelits Collection, Gumball Green embossing powder, heat tool

September Club Cards, Part 2

This month was all about non-traditional sized cards, so this one is a square card.  It was a simple as can be, with banners making up most of the layers.  The circles were easy to create with punches, and the little apple and stem from Perfectly Preserved are precisely cut with the Cannery Framelits.  This card also features two different types of woodgrain:  the green circle was stamped with the Timber wheel, and the Early Espresso banner was run through the Big Shot with the Woodgrain embossing folder.  The woodgrain pops out because I lightly sanded the Core'dinations card stock.  I love this stuff with this embossing folder!  They are perfect together!

Stamps:  Perfectly Preserved, Teeny Tiny Wishes, Timber wheel

Ink:  Raspberry Ripple and Early Espresso markers, Lucky Limeade Classic ink pad

Paper:  Naturals Ivory, More Mustard, and Lucky Limeade card stock, Orchard Harvest DSP, Early Espresso Core'dinations card stock

Accessories:  2 3/8' scallop circle punch, 1 3/4" circle punch, Cannery Framelits, Woodgrain embossing folder, paper-piercing tool and mat

Christmas in July

I've been holding out on the Christmas cards, because I just can't bring myself to start thinking about winter just yet.  I have no problem making fall cards any time of the year, but Christmas...it's a bit of a stretch.  But I finally caved and made a couple of Christmas cards.  This one is very candy caney.  Not a word, I know.  But the red and white (well, vanilla, actually) and all the stripes scream candy canes.  Once again, I used retired product (shame on me!)  The striped paper is from last year's Christmas DSP, but it's so similar to one of the papers in the Be of Good Cheer DSP pack that's on it's way to my house right now.  I actually think the newer striped paper is going to look better, because there's a bit of green in it, and this card needs a third color.  I embossed the red in the background with the Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder.  The ribbon is more of the 1/4" grosgrain from my vast stash. :)  The candy cane is from the Scentsational Season stamp set...it is ADORABLE!  And, much to my delight, it has a coordinating Framelits set!  I love my Framelits!  I embossed it with the new Peppermint Sticks scented embossing powder.  It's smells fantastic!  The piece of Naturals Ivory card stock behind it was cut out with the Window Frames Framelits and then embossed with Iridescent Ice embossing powder to give it some sparkle.  Fun!

Stamps:  Scentsational Season, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Ink:  VersaMark, Real Red Classic Ink, Whisper White Craft Ink

Paper:  Naturals Ivory, Very Vanilla, and Real Red card stock, Be of Good Cheer DSP (not shown, but it makes a great substitution!)

Accessories:  Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Window Frames Framelits, Holiday Collection Framelits, Bitty Banners Framelits, 1/4" grosgrain ribbon (Very Vanilla and Real Red, both retired)

Sneak Peak!

My box of goodies from the new Holiday Seasonal Catalog arrived last week, and I FINALLY had time to play with my new toys.  I love the new set, Perfectly Preserved.  How cute is that canning jar?  I love this set so much because I grew up in a house where canning was just a normal part of life.  We had a great big garden, and canned all kinds of stuff.  I also always loved going into my grandparents' basement and looking at all the rows and rows of jars full of all kinds of colorful foods.  Although I'll confess that the jars of meat were kind of gross.  Anyway, I can everything I can now, which really isn't that much, considering I don't have the space for a garden.  But my own basement shelves are lined with jams, applesauce, and fruit.  Yum!

One of the things I love most about this set is the set of coordinating Framelits!  It makes cutting out the stamped images a snap.  Can you spy the other new items I used on this card?  That piece of Early Espresso...I embossed it with the new wood grain embossing folder!  I can't even tell you how happy I am that this exists.  I have wanted Stampin' Up! to come out with this for so long!  I think that every single card I make now will use it. :)  Oh, and one more thing to make this woodsy girl happy...the plaid paper from the Orchard Harvest DSP.  I. love. plaid.  (Um, what don't I love when it comes to SU!)  Oh, and one more new thing...the cotton ribbon!  You can even stamp on it!  I haven't done that yet, but don't worry, I will!

Stamps:  Perfectly Preserved, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Ink:  VersaMark, Island Indigo and Early Espresso Classic Ink 

Paper:  Naturals Ivory, Lucky Limeade, Early Espresso, and Very Vanilla card stock, Orchard Harvest DSP

Accessories:  Cannery Set Framelits, Woodgrain Embossing Folder, 7/8" Cotton Ribbon

Bright Blossoms

This super simple card uses the Bright Blossoms stamp set and Summer Smooches DSP.  Both of these items are just like their names:  bright and summery.  I've noticed I've been using orange a lot lately.  Or maybe I always do and just haven't noticed???  I like orange so much that I painted my dining room orange. :)  This orange is Tangerine Tango.  My dining room is more of a terra cotta color...sorry, there isn't a SU color that matches it exactly...somewhere in between the old Real Rust and the current Cajun Craze.  Anyway, enough about my dining room.  If you want to come stamp with me, you can see it in person. :)

Stamps:  Bright Blossoms, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Ink:  Tangerine Tango, Daffodil Delight, Old Olive, and Crumb Cake Markers, Tangerine Tango Classic Ink Pad

Paper:  Crumb Cake, Daffodil Delight, Tangerine Tango, and Whisper White card stock, Summer Smooches DSP

Accessories:  Daffodil Delight 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon, 1 3/4" Circle Punch, 2 3/8" Scallop Circle Punch, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Paper Piercing Tool and Mat

New Catalog!

It's here!  Today is the first day to order from the 2012-2013 catalog!  There are so many great new things in it, like Betsy's Blooms, the stamp set I used on this card.  The base of this one is made with Gumball Green, one of the new In Colors.  It's a great match with Pacific Point and Tempting Turquoise.

Simple Summer Starfruit

I'm not one for overly simple cards, but I'm pretty happy with how this came out.  It's no secret that I have to put ribbon on practically every card I make, and even though this is simple, it's no exception.  But my ribbon usage is limited to one simple bow, something I rarely do!  The are only three colors on this card:  Baja Breeze, Whisper White, and Summer Starfruit, one of the new In-Colors.  And I love the color combination!  They work really well together.  The floral image is from the new set Betsy's Blossoms.  It's my favorite image from this set, and it's really trendy right now.  I've seen this all over the place, including a candle holder I got for Christmas and the sheets my niece has on her daughter's new big-girl bed. :)  I'm going to have to use it for her birthday card next month.  The DSP in the background is from the new Floral District DSP.  I love the papers in the new catalog...there are so many bright and cheery colors, which just make me happy to look at!

I know I keep saying how much I love everything from the new catalog, which can be pretty annoying, I'm sure. :)  But it's true!  Everything is so fabulous.  I promise!