Retro Fresh Awesome Thanks

I thought I'd play along with the most recent challenge at Hand Stamped Sentiments.  This week it's a color challenge, and it's a combination I've used a lot lately.  I love these colors together, and especially love the Retro Fresh Designer Series Paper.  I'll be sad to see that go, but I'm super happy that the washi tape is sticking around.  Oh my, I wasn't even trying for that pun!  But I'm a dork, so I'm giggling.

Tips & Tricks

• I love to use the Arrows Embossing Folder to emboss a scrap, then trim it to use as a paper embellishment.  I used it as an arrow on this card, and then today I'm using it as a little flag.  It's a fun and simple way to add texture and interest to a card.

• I might just shed a tear over the fact that the stretch ruffle trim is retiring.  I really love this stuff...it's so pretty and it's easy to use.  I've found that the best adhesive to use with it is Sticky Strip.  It holds well, but the fabric will lift off of it (unlike paper) to allow for repositioning.  I've used it here as a fun way to kind of mat the Very Vanilla card stock.

Supplies

Stamps:  Yippee-Skippee
Ink:  Coastal Cabana and Tangerine Tango Stampin' Write Markers
Paper:  Baked Brown Sugar, Coastal Cabana, and Very Vanilla card stock, Retro Fresh DSP
Accessories:  Big Shot, Arrows Embossing Folder, Coastal Cabana Stretch Ruffle Trim, buttons, Linen Thread

Stampin' Up! Designer Washi Tape Card

If you visit my blog regularly, it's probably obvious that I love Stampin' Up!'s Designer Washi Tape.  I first bought it on a whim, and wasn't really sure what to do with it.  But I've fallen in love with how easy it is to use, and how quickly I can pull together a card when I'm in a hurry.

Tips & Tricks

• The cork flowers in the Sale-a-Bration Sweet Sorbet Accessories Pack are a fun new element.  They are self-adhesive, which makes them even better!  Since two of mine are hanging off the edge of the tag, some of the sticky back was still exposed.  I covered up those sections with scrap card stock and trimmed around the edge.  This way nothing will get stuck to the sticky backs.

• I'm sure there are several ways to go about matting the tags made with the new Tag Topper Punches, but I just trim my card stock to be a bit smaller on the sides, punch it, and then just trim the top with my trimmer and angled sides with my paper snips.  The angled sides are small enough that it's not difficult to just eyeball it.

Supplies

Stamps:  Gorgeous Grunge, Yippee-Skippee
Ink:  Crumb Cake ink pad, Old Olive, Tangerine Tango, and Daffodil Delight Stampin' Write markers
Paper:  Naturals White and Daffodil Delight card stock
Accessories:  Angled Tag Topper Punch, Daffodil Delight Seam Binding Ribbon, Sweet Sorbet Accessories Pack, Season of Style Designer Washi Tape, Gingham Garden Designer Washi Tape, and Retro Fresh Designer Washi Tape

Stampin' Up! Angled Tag Topper Punch

I'm not quite sure where to start with this card, because I'm not quite sure what it is.  There is a LOT going on here.  It's one of those cards that never started as a plan in my head (most do), and I just kind of sat down and started using some new things.  All that to say, the jury's still out on this one...I'm just not sure what I think.  But I do love the colors!

Tips & Tricks

• If you're stumped for a good color combination, start with an element that picks the colors for you, such as the Retro Fresh Washi Tape I used here (Designer Series Paper will also do the trick!) I only had to look to the tape to know that I needed to pull out Soft Suede, Very Vanilla, So Saffron, Tangerine Tango and Coastal Cabana. (When I say Coastal Cabana, I start singing "Copacabana" in my head.  Does this happen to anyone else?  No?  OK, what can I say?  I grew up listening to Barry Manilow, and I'll admit, I still like him.  Although I do prefer the younger, less plastic version of him.)

• The Angled Tag Topper Punch...you just need this.  That is my tip.  :)  No, really...this looks like it wraps around the Very Vanilla card stock, but I really just punched two tags.  So easy!

Supplies

Stamps:  Yippee-Skippee, Gorgeous Grunge, Map it Out
Ink:  Coastal Cabana, Soft Suede, and Tangerine Tango 
Paper:  Very Vanilla, So Saffron, Coastal Cabana, Soft Suede, and Tangerine Tango 
Accessories:  Big Shot, Word Bubbles Framelits, Label Card Thinlits, Angled Tag Topper Punch, Linen Thread, Retro Fresh Designer Washi Tape

And you really need to listen to this (but really just the first 3 1/2 minutes).  You'll thank me every time you pull out Coastal Cabana. :)

Now I can't stop...here's a bonus, my favorite. :) 

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)

Valentine Shadow Box Card

It's been a long time since I made a shadow box card, and I'm so glad I decided to try it again.  These are such fun cards to make, and are super-impressive without a lot of work.  The best part is that they fold up and fit into a standard sized envelope!

Tips & Tricks

• You'll need to cut three different pieces of card stock:  the front and back pieces should be 3 1/4" x 8" and the middle piece should be 3 1/4" x 6".

• Score your strips of paper at 2" and 6" for the two longer pieces, and at 1" and 5" for the shorter piece.

• Cut out the hearts using the Hearts Collection Framelits.  It is so easy to get perfect placement using Framelits and the Magnetic Platform.  It's SO much easier than when I made this type of card using punches!

• Do any stamping on the back piece before you start to assemble...it will be MUCH easier that way! 

• Be sure to use Sticky Strip to adhere the card stock pieces.  There is no substitute!  Attach the middle piece to the back piece, setting it inside of the sides of the back.  The attach the front to the back.  The sides of the front piece should be the sides of the card.

Supplies

Stamps:  Yippee-Skippee (love), Oh Hello (chevron), Map It Out (little heart)
Ink:  Raspberry Ripple Classic Ink Pad and Stampin' Write Marker, Early Espresso Stampin' Write Marker
Paper:  Naturals White, Primrose Petals, and Raspberry Ripple card stock
Accessories:  Big Shot, Hearts Collection Framelits, Chevron Embossing Folder, Clear Block A, Raspberry Ripple Stitched Satin Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals, Sticky Strip

Simple Marker Thank You Card

Do you ever have trouble getting the creative juices flowing?  I definitely do, especially when I'm really busy.  One of the best cures for this (for me, at least) is to look through my catalogs and find cards or projects that jump out at me.  From there, I put my own spin on it (although there's nothing wrong with copying it exactly).  And that's just what I did with this card!  Check out page 5 of the Sale-a-Bration brochure to see what I'm talking about.  (What?  You don't have one?  Just shoot me an email and I'll get one to you right away!)

Tips & Tricks

• Did you know there's a name for copying a card?  It's CASE:  copy and share everything (or, with everyone).  It's perfectly acceptable to copy a card or project you see, as long as you give credit to the original creator.  And I personally don't think it's OK to profit from another person's design, but that's more of a gray issue for most.  

• I used five colors, just like the sample card, but I made my stripes much thicker and closer together.  You'll see that I also chose different colors, but that's mostly because I don't have the 2013-2014 In Color Markers! Otherwise, I probably would have used them!

• As always, you're not striving for perfection.  As a recovering perfectionist, this was a tough thing for me when I first started stamping.  I wanted everything to line up perfectly.  But one of the charms of hand made cards is that they are hand made.  They aren't made by a machine, and they aren't supposed to be perfect.  I kind of like a few (small) imperfections on my cards because it also shows that anyone can make a beautiful card, and that even I, with almost two decades of experience, am far from perfect.  You don't have to look closely to see that my marker lines are anything but perfect.  But I think that just adds to the fun look of this card!

Supplies

Stamps:  Yippee-Skippee
Ink:  Calypso Coral, Tangerine Tango, Pumpkin Pie, Daffodil Delight, and So Saffron Stampin' Write Markers, Calypso Coral Classic Ink Pad
Paper:  Whisper White and Calypso Coral card stock
Accessories:  Big Shot, Deco Labels Framelits, Whisper White Baker's Twine, Rhinestones Basic Jewels, Stampin' Dimensionals

Go take a look through whatever catalogs you have, and find something to CASE today!  And if you need a current Annual, Occasions, or Sale-a-Bration Catalog, just let me know.  I'm happy to give you whatever catalog you need!

Truly Grateful Label Card

I think it should be obvious this week which products are my favorites!  But I love fall, and this is kind of my last chance to show off fall cards, because on Friday, well...let the Christmas season begin, right?

This is an upside down flip card, which I love.  It's nice to mix things up a bit and throw in some variety to one's card-making.

Tips & Tricks

• To make the card "upside-down", simply fold the opposite way you normally would.  It's really that easy!

• Pair up the Woodgrain Background stamp with the Woodgrain Embossing Folder.  It's a great combination!

• Sponging the edges of the Label shape for both sides of the card adds a really soft look.  Did you know that you can cut a sponge in four pieces (like a pie) and quadruple the value?  It's actually a lot easier to use that way, too!

Supplies

Stamps:  Truly Grateful, Yippee-Skippee, Gently Falling
Ink:  Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, More Mustard (retired), and Cajun Craze Classic Ink
Paper:  Crumb Cake and Very Vanilla card stock, Early Espresso Core'dinations card stock
Accessories:  Big Shot, Label Card Thinlits, Sponge, Woodgrain Embossing Folder, Sanding Block

Easy Washi Tape Card

I'm finally getting around to posting the cards we made a club...over a week ago!  This month I featured the Gingham Garden suite of products, and this card showcases the Designer Washi Tape wonderfully!  I saw this card by Mindy Backes and knew it would be the perfect card for club.  Our other card was a bit more involved, so I wanted to be sure this one was quick and easy.  And it is!  With Stampin' Up!'s variety of Designer Washi Tape, it could be replicated for all kind of occasions.  In fact, I'm pretty sure I'm going to make a Christmas variation of this card.

Tips & Tricks

• Stamp before adhering the Washi Tape.  It's just easier that way. :)

• Washi Tape is great, because if it's not lined up right where you want it, just peel it off and try again.   

• After punching our your card stock with the Decorative Label punch, you may want to snip off the points at the top and bottom.  They just kind of look weird sticking out from behind the oval.  You can leave the ones on the ends...those look fine!

Supplies

Stamps:  Yippee-Skippee and Gorgeous Grunge
Ink:  Daffodil Delight and Melon Mambo Classic Ink
Paper:  Melon Mambo, Island Indigo, and Whisper White card stock
Accessories:  Daffodil Delight Seam Binding Ribbon, Gingham Garden Designer Washi Tape, Decorative Label Punch, Extra Large Oval Punch, Paper Snips

Yippee-Skippee {Label Card Thinlit}

I just can't get enough of these Thinlit dies...flip cards are so much fun to make!  This one features Sweater Weather Designer Series Paper.  If I've said it once, I've said it a thousand times, I loooove plaid!  I think the Crushed Curry plain in this pack of DSP is my favorite. 


Tips & Tricks

• I made this card using the Label Card Thinlit Die.  Use the coordinating Labels Collection Framelits along with it to create additional layers.  They're a perfect match!

• When dying the Simply Pressed Clay, don't forget the gloves!  Of course, if you enjoy walking around with stained fingers, feel free to ignore my advice. :) 

Supplies

Stamps:  Yippee-Skippee
Ink:  Chocolate Chip and Crushed Curry Classic Ink, Tangerine Tango and Chocolate Chip ink refills
Paper:  Sweater Weather DSP, Very Vanilla card stock
Accessories:  Simply Pressed Clay and Molds, Linen Thread, Big Shot, Label Card Thinlit Die, Labels Collection Framelits, Magnetic Platform (!), Sponge

Gorgeous Grunge

Oops...I though that I had everything set so that this card would post while I was away on vacation, but somehow I messed up!  Oh well, I'll share it now instead!

This was my second attempt at a card using Gorgeous Grunge and Yippee-Skippee together.  I think I may have gone a bit overboard with the splatter stamps, but I just love them, and couldn't help myself!  This card uses two of the splatters in the set.  One of my most used stamp sets of all time is Itty Bitty Backgrounds, and the splatter was definitely my favorite.  But I think this set is going to be a better replacement, since the splatters are big, not itty bitty!  I used them on the background and on the butterflies, just to give the punched card stock a little bit of interest.  I then popped the butterflies up a bit using glue dots.  It's a great way to make an image stand out a bit more subtly than it would when using Stampin' Dimensionals.

Stamps:  Gorgeous Grunge and Yippee-Skippee
Ink:  Calypso Coral, Tangerine Tango, Crisp Cantaloupe, So Saffron, and Going Gray
Paper:  Calypso Coral, Tangerine Tango, Crisp Cantaloupe, and Naturals White
Accessories:  Elegant Butterfly punch, Bitty Butterfly punch, glue dots

Happy, Happy, Happy

If you're a fan of Duck Dynasty, this card doesn't really need any explanation.  And if you aren't, well, you're just missing out.  Watch it.

As soon as I ordered Gorgeous Grunge, this idea popped into my head.  And then I had to wait over a week for the set to come.  When it did, I had convinced myself that I wasn't going to be able to pull off the camouflage look, but I was beside myself with giddiness when it really did work.  Just one splatter, randomly stamped with different colors really does look like camouflage.  To get the happy, happy, happy sentiment, I simply inked my stamp with markers instead of an ink pad, then only stamped the word happy the second and third time.  My trusty Stamp-a-ma-jig helped me to line it up perfectly.  To finish it off, I snipped a couple of card stock feathers, and added the woodgrain embossed Core'dinations card stock strip.  I'm thinking this is the perfect birthday card for my brother who is both a hunter and Duck Dynasty fan.  I just have to remember that in a couple of months when it's time to send it.

Stamps:  Gorgeous Grunge, Yippee-Skippee
Ink:  Always Artichoke, Soft Suede, Early Espresso
Paper:  Always Artichoke, Sahara Sand, Soft Suede, and Early Espresso card stock
Accessories:  Big Shot, Woodgrain embossing folder, sanding block, linen thread, paper snips