Add a Little Sunshine

I think I’ve always been enamored with using neutrals when I create. Easy to add touches of color when I want to.  This quick and easy card was inspired not only by my love of neutrals but also by the Featured Stamper Challenge FS312 over at Splitcoaststampers.  This wonderful greeting is one of my favorites from the Pursuit of Happiness stamp set and the reason I bought it.  And how perfect that the sun decided to peek a bit more when I took this picture.  *smile*

This card would be perfect to brighten someone’s day with a special note inside just for them.  We could all use a little sunshine in our lives and this is the perfect way…with a handmade card.

Stamps: Pursuit of Happiness, Nature Walk
Paper: Very Vanilla
Ink: Basic Black, Tangerine Tango, Sahara Sand
Accessories:  Tangerine Tango, Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie Markers
Tools: 1-3/8” Square Punch, Sponges, Stamp-a-ma-jig 
Technique(s): Masking

I hope this adds a bit of sunshine to your day.  Thank you for stopping by. 

Enjoy!

A New Year Brings…

A new year brings promises to all of us.  This year brings new products to inspire us, it mixes in new friends to learn from and it challenges us to think outside the box.  Last year is over and it is no longer the time to reminisce about the past, but to move on and discover what new wonders are there for us to touch, feel and create with.  

My mission this year is to challenge you to think outside what you know and experience the difference that Stampin’ UP! can make in your love of card making, scrapbooking and handmade gifts. 

The new Spring Catalog made my heart sing as I turned the pages.  The beautiful Vintage style is still with us and allows us to be imperfect in our creations.  Raw edges, spots of uneven ink and distressing make us feel uninhibited in our creations.  No thoughts of perfection only the results of the creative process  takes us over.  The look and feel of the beautiful Tea for Two and More Amore Designer Series Papers are irresistible.  The newest two-tone ribbons are beyond gorgeous…soft to the touch and stunning when frayed.  Don’t you just want to reach out and touch those wisps of simple sweetness? Are you excited yet? 

Here you’ll see a few sneaks of my up and coming More Amore class.  This class offers you the opportunity to create using some of Stampin’ Up!’s newest products in your own home or join me at my home and indulge in some creative play with others looking for the same challenge. The Artisan Embellishment Kit (129328) takes center stage in the More Amore class, but several of the newest products in the Spring Catalog are included for hands on experimentation.  Details for this class can be found here.

Join me this year as I share my passion for creating with Stampin’ UP! products and supplies.  Remember all products seen here can be purchased directly through my Stampin’ UP! website any time of day or night for your creative enjoyment. 

Thank you for stopping by to enjoy my creations and to begin your journey with me.

Enjoy!

 

Like what you see? What are waiting for? Contact me to get started.

Chalkboard Fun

I just wanted to share a few projects that I designed using the chalkboard vinyl that Stampin’ UP! had carried this year in their Definitely Decorative line.  Although the rolls of vinyl are gone there are still a few chalkboard vinyl pieces that are available on the retiring list that can be used for similar projects. 

Below you’ll find three of the projects that I offered at my chalkboard vinyl class* this week to show various mediums on which to adhere the vinyl other than your walls or cabinets. If you had purchased the vinyl and have not explored its uses yet, I hope this inspires you to get it out and start using it for your summer events! 

This is a 4” x 6” frame.  A great place to leave messages.  How fun for a graduation, new college roommate, sorority sister, or friend!  Leigh and Alex decorated their mini message boards with the Decor stencils, Elegant Trio.  (Who knew chalk could be used with the Stampin’ UP! stencils! How fun!)

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Here are some fun butterflies that are cute and bright for your summer parties!  They can be used as plant stakes, drink swizzle sticks, package toppers, bookmarks, lawn markers,  table placards or even at a party to identify your dishes! I’m sure you can come up with plenty of other ideas too!

I love these little pillow boxes, but add some chalkboard vinyl and it becomes  a unique gift box that can be personalized with names, dates or your own unique artwork. Perfect  party favors for showers, weddings, graduations, birthdays etc!

Thanks for stopping by! Enjoy!

*I have a couple of classes available for sale if you are interested in doing these projects on your own.  Contact me directly for details.

Bright Blossoms Friend

Here we are mid-week with another Summer Smooches project!  I hope you’ve been enjoying the bright colors of summer in these projects this week!  Today I’m sharing with you the Summer Smooches Designer Fabric!  The Designer Fabric takes on the wonderful colors of the Summer Smooches Designer Paper PLUS adds some wonderful texture to our creations!  By adding the Big Shot Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets to any piece of fabric you can do just about anything with fabric that you would do with paper!  Not tried it yet? Try mixing up your creations by adding Summer Smooches fabric.

This cute little box can contain anything from candies to 3 x 3 cards!  A perfect summer party favor! Spice up the envelope with a touch of Summer Smooches for the perfect touch!

Stamps: Bright Blossoms, With All My Heart* 
Paper: Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Tempting Turquoise
Ink: Real Red, Versamark
Accessories: Brights Glimmer Brads, Stampin’ Up! Wire Works(Retired), Summer Smooches Designer Fabric
Tools: Crop-a-dile, Big Shot, Beautiful Butterflies Bigz Die, Fancy Favor Bigz XL Die, Big Shot Multipurpose Sheets, Bone Folder
Technique(s): watermark stamping

Thanks for visiting today!  Remember two more days of Summer Smooches coming your way! Enjoy!

 

 

*The With All My Heart stamp set is currently on the Last Chance List.  It will only be available through the end of May.

Summer Smooches

Summer is just around the corner and Stampin’ Up! is offering a sampling of some of the newest products available in the upcoming catalog!  If you are like me, you’ll want to get your hands on this fun and quick two-step stamp set called Bright Blossoms now.  It will be available through the end of this month or you’ll have to wait until June!

Over the next five days, I’ll show you some quick and easy cards that you can create using this adorable set and some of the coordinating products available during this month!  I just love the little circle…it so reminds me of lifesavers! The tangerine and limeade are perfect summer colors and I hope they get you ready for thinking about creating sweet summer projects!

The layout for this card was taken from the Splitcoaststampers Clean and Simple Challenge 166.  The card was so simple I created two in minutes! Create a bunch and give some summer smooches to a friend!

Stamps: Bright Blossoms, Fabulous Phrases
Paper: Whisper White, Basic Black, Lucky Limeade 
Ink: Tangerine Tango, Lucky Limeade, Jet Black Stazon
Accessories: n/a
Tools: 1-3/8 Circle Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, Big Shot, Embossing folder – Elegant Lines
Technique(s): Two-Step Stamping

How did I do that? 

To create the scalloped circle ring, first punch the 1-3/8” circle punch.  Next punch the scalloped circle over the 1-3/8” circle hole that was created.  You get just the scallop ring!  Attach ring over the stamped image and the strip!

Thank you for visiting!  Enjoy!

Stamping with Gesso

So, I got the hint with all the comments that I was  receiving that many of you have never used Gesso before.  *oops*  Well, I used it for the first time when I stamped on the Muslin Bags that I posted earlier this week.  I have to admit I was a bit vague on how I used the Gesso.  Today, I am here to show you what I did to make the fall leaves muslin bag from start to finish as some of you inquired about the water coloring too.  *smile*

Supplies needed:  Gesso, Paint brush, some cardboard scraps and your muslin bag or fabric piece.

 

Why use Gesso?  When you stamp directly on fabric, the ink is absorbed into the fabric and produces a very light image.  You lose most of the brightness from the colors. By using Gesso, you are creating a “canvas” or surface on which your stamps will adhere and allow for the brightness or true color of your inks to show. 

Question to ask yourself before you get started…can you be patient with drying time?  If you answered “no”…get out your heat gun now!

Step 1: Paint the Gesso on your fabric.  Insert a piece of cardboard under your fabric or inside the bag.  Squirt some Gesso onto another piece of cardboard.  The first time I did this, I painted once in one direction, dried with a heat gun and once in the other direction and then dried with a heat gun.  (I paint vertically each time and turn the fabric.) It worked.  This time, I painted twice in each direction.  So I allowed the Gesso to dry naturally 4 times switching directions each time. The second time it worked better and the surface I created was much smoother.  Play around with the Gesso until you get your desired results.  We learn by trying new things!

Step 2: Dye your fabric. So, I forgot to dye the fabric before I stamped.  I highly suggest that you dye your fabric before stamping.  Warning: My dyeing methods require spritzing or dye wash which could run your water colored image if you dye after you stamp! If you don’t have coffee or tea to stain your fabric. You can create your own dye wash with a bit of water and any of the Stampin’ Up! reinkers. Take a ziploc bag and put just enough water to saturate your fabric.  Add drops of reinker until you get the desired color. Add your bag or fabric into the ziploc and squish around until bag is colored. I hope you know what squishing is!

Step 3: Stamp with Water Color Crayons. Select your Water Color Crayons and color directly onto the stamp. Don’t worry about coloring over the colors, just make sure the entire image is colored.  Now spritz with a water bottle.  I spritzed twice about 3 inches away to get the results pictured.  Stamp on the Gessoed section. When the images were dry, okay almost dry, I stamped the other images in Stazon.

If you noticed, the images blurred together nicely and the lined images are no longer available to see. Try stamping the image with ink again over the water colored images for a more detailed look.

 

This is the completed muslin bag with the Gesso rectangle, coffee dyed and water colored with Stampin’ Up!’s Watercolor Crayons.  Because I dyed after the stamping, some of my colors ran a bit, but I still like the overall look of it.

Thanks to all of you that keep me on the straight and narrow!  *smile* 

Thanks for visiting and I always appreciate comments!

Enjoy!

Pay it Forward with a Gratitude Box

So glad you could make it over to see my newest box creation today.  This gratitude box holds a bunch of tiny cards that you can give out to anyone that makes your day special. I created 12 mini cards, but the box can easily hold twice that! 

I don’t know about you, but I am tired of focusing on “bad” service I receive when I am out.  I have been really trying to pick out the good that I see.  I have given out a couple of these cards to the wonderfully sweet polite Checker at my local grocery store, and to the happy lady at my dry cleaner who always smiles at me even though it is way too early for normal people to be up! *smile*

The 2” x2” cards were specifically designed only for a quick note, not a novel and are a great way to make a connection with the people around you!  With the Anniversary of 9/11 just a few short days behind us, these connections are what holds our country together.  This gratitude box is a great way to thank someone, a friend, neighbor, colleague, or new friend for making your day.

This project was designed for the Paper and Pixels online magazine.  Step-by-Step directions for this box can be found in the September 2011 Edition of Paper and Pixels . I’m thrilled to be a part of their anniversary issue!

All Products are Stampin’ UP! and can be purchased through me directly or via my online demonstrator website.

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Stamps: Elements of Style
Paper: Mocha Morning Specialty Designer Series Paper, Crumb Cake Cardstock, Window Sheet
Ink: Versamark, Jet Black Stazon
Accessories: 1/8" Early Espresso Taffeta Ribbon, Crumb Cake Seam Binding, Antique Brads, Clear Embossing Powder
Tools: Tabletop Paper Cutter, Paper Cutter with Score Blade, Hobby Blade, Ruler and Pencil (household items), Sticky Strip, Paper Snips, Heat Gun

Thank you for stopping by and for your comments!

Enjoy!

 

 

Can you see me doing a happy dance? ;0)

Stampin’ Up! and Muslin Bags

Hello!

It has been a crazy past month and a half with school starting and all the events and excitement that comes when the children are off to school again.  I’ve also been busy designing some of my unique projects for the Seaside Crafts Bulk Buy group, for the upcoming issue of Paper and Pixels, my newest Stampin’ Up! classes as well as some other ventures.  It has been an exciting time and I’m glad that I can start sharing with you what I’ve been busy working on!

Today, I want to share with you one of my favorite new items that is being offered through the Seaside Crafts Bulk Buy group.  I love these muslin bags and they are perfect as card sacks or shower favors, candy bags or whatever you need to contain in a little sack!  A unique way to present a small gift for sure!

Because these little bags are made of cloth they lend themselves to being stained, dyed, or stamped upon. In fact, Regina Andari at Workin’ Out the Inks, even ironed on a My Digital Studio(MDS) creation on one of these for Halloween!  I love that Stampin’ UP! products are a perfect fit for these little cloth treasures!

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How I did that:

The first bag was spritzed with coffee until it was stained to my desired color.  The dress form and dress were glued onto the muslin bag using tombow multi-purpose adhesive. I thought this would be perfect for a wedding shower favor filled with candies.

The second bag was dyed with Stampin’ Up!’s Pool Party reinker and some water.  I used gesso to create a section that I could stamp on.  I used Stampin’ Up!’s Craft style ink to get a truer image over the gesso.  Stamping directly on the muslin with the Stampin’ UP! dye inks works just fine but you’ll get a muted image rather than a sharp image.

I used gesso on the third bag and again used coffee to stain that bag as well.  I used watercolor crayons and the French Foliage stamp to create the watercolored leaves on the gesso. A set of 4 Stampin’ Up!’s 5” x 3.5” note cards and envelopes (107311) fit perfectly in this 5” x 7” bag.

Update:  Check out this post for a tutorial using Gesso.

Thank you for stopping by and for your comments! 

Enjoy!

 

 

Tomorrow the Anniversary issue of Paper and Pixels is out!  Please stop by to see pictures of my Gratitude Box created specially for Paper and Pixels here!

Collaged Butterfly Gift Card Holder

I want to take some time to share with you one of the things that I have been creating.  I’ve been waiting to hear the outcome of the contest I entered before I posted this most recent project. I am overjoyed to say that I placed first in the Seaside Crafts contest!  What an exciting day it turned out to be!  Free Stampin’ Up! product put a big smile on my face for sure!  I have to send out a big THANKS to all the members of the group that voted for this little treasure!

This project features the technique of collage stamping. I used some of my favorite stamps with one of my newest stamps from the 2011-2012 Stampin’ Up! Catalog along with one of the items I picked up through Seaside Crafts – Clear Business Card Holders.  I turned these plain business card holders into a unique gift card holder.  I labored over what colors to use but when I was done, I found this Amazon gift card that fits the colors perfectly.  Don’t you just love that!  Next time I think I find the gift card first. *smile* This gift card holder can easily be turned into a gift that keeps on giving by including several Whisper White note cards. Perfect for any occasion.

Stamps:  Artistic Etchings, Establised Elegance, Silhouette Sentiments (Hostess – Retired 2011)*
Papers:   Whisper White, So Saffron, Basic Black
Ink:  Jet Black Stazon, More Mustard, Soft Suede, Sahara Sand 
Accessories: none  
Tools: Lace Ribbon Border Punch, Sewing Machine with Black Thread, Perfect Polka Dots Textured Embossing Folder, Beautiful Butterflies Bigz Die, Big Shot, Mini Glue Dots, Snail
Techniques Used:  Sponging, Collage Stamping

*All products can be ordered directly through me or my online Stampin’ UP! website with the exception of items labeled as retired.

Thanks for stopping by!  Enjoy!

 

 

This project will be featured in my Collage Stamping technique class in September.  Interested and live in the Allen, TX area?  Contact me directly for details.

Springtime in Paris Card Set

Through a black and white lens

Don’t you just love it when you plan something and it just comes together naturally without a lot of rework?   Oops...did I type that?  I know you all thought I was perfect, right!  LOL! 

My inspiration for this set of cards was a grouping of blocks that had “Paris” painted on them.  I decided to use the bird cage to change up the words a little bit.  The bird cage from the Nature Walk set was a logical choice as the cage was thin-lined and would show the “A” through it!  I haven’t done too much overstamping except when using background stamps…but, I like it!

The background is a retired favorite of mine the Linen background stamp.  I let my fingers do the walking on the back to allow for an uneven image to appear with the Crumb Cake ink.  A little tear and some sponging finished up this All Occasion card set. 

To package a set of four cards and envies up, I decided that I needed a bird to complete the set. I used a fabric strip, some frayed ribbon and a piece of linen thread to extend the bird’s tail. I really think the extra plumage attracts the eye to these simple cards. Only a Paris bird would have so much going on, right? What do you think?

Stamps:  Broadsheet Alphabet, Nature Walk(Occasions Mini- Retired?) , Linen (Retired) 
Papers:   Very Vanilla, Basic Black
Ink:  Jet Black Stazon, Very Vanilla Craft Ink 
Accessories: Button, Linen Thread, 1-1/4” Striped Grosgrain Basic Black, fabric strip,
Tools: Two Step Bird Punch, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Clear Blocks for Alpha stamping, sponge
Techniques Used: Frayed Ribbon, Tearing, Sponging

Thanks for stopping by!  Enjoy! 

 

 

Tip:  Using a clear mount alpha set is a dream when creating words.  I lined up the letters on the “I” block and stamped 20 panels in minutes!

Secret Messages

Remember when we were kids and how you loved getting a note from your friend…you slyly opened it during class hoping no one would see the precious words that were written for you alone?  Did you just relive one of those awesome moments from grade school?  Memories are wonderful things! *smile* 

My newest creation took me back to those years!  This quick little card has a surprise greeting for the recipient.  Who doesn’t like surprises, right? 

This card was quick to create as I used Stampin’ Up! newest punch the postage stamp punch and  the tried and true Heart to Heart punch!  I just love the cute postage stamp and have used it on several of my current creations.  It is about 1-1/4” square and has the lovely stamp detail!

The secret message is revealed by moving the top portion of the image.  The brad is the only thing holding it on…so it will move to reveal that special message only for your special recipient.  Don’t forget to let them know in your personal message that there is a special message on the front!  I stamped my message, but a personal handwritten message would be perfect too!

I know I have been using a bunch of retired product lately…but I have to use it up so bear with me if you have already used yours up! Months of no stamping does that to you!

Stamps:  Your’e a Gem (Retired)  
Papers:   Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla, First Edition DSP(Retired), Red Glimmer Paper (Retired)
Ink:  Jet Black Stazon,
Accessories: Dimensionals, Gold Brad, Black Permanent Marker(to color gold brad) 
Tools: 1/16” Handheld punch, Heart to Heart Punch, Postage Stamp Punch*, Crimper, Paper Snips
Techniques Used:  Secret Message Card

Next time you create a card, try making a secret message card and give your friend a little surprise!

Thanks for visiting! Enjoy!

 

*Postage stamp punches are available now from the Stampin’ Up! Summer Mini Catalog!

The All Occasion Card

So what have I been doing these last few weeks?  Not stamping that was for sure!  I had family and friends from out of town visiting and then a quick trip to Chicago was in order.  This past weekend I was in Waxahachie, TX at the cutest little Bed and Breakfast. If you ever are down in that area with your friends or your honey let me know and I’ll get you the information!  It was just charming!  It accommodated us four gals just perfectly!I actually had a few minutes to begin designing these cards in Waxahachie, but only today did I have the chance to put it all together!  I love giving the gift of cards for birthdays, parties, or any other special event.  I usually like to give cards that can be used for any occasion because the recipient will use the cards that I have made for them.  If you give a set of various occasions then the possibility exists that the cards may be haunting a drawer for some time until the specific need arises. 

This gift set contains 4 simple cards and envelopes.  I’ve made this fun matching file folder gift packaging to hold them.  I love this long ribboned closure!  So elegant! The packaging becomes a beautiful conversation piece if left out in the open. The ribbon can be used as a necklace with the “No. 5” charm. And after the cards are used, the owner can add some dried mix packets, seed packets, etc. and regift the packaging.  I think I may have said this  before, but I love making things that can be reused!

Please tell me…what do you think of the stripes?  I actually got the inspiration after seeing a card made with striped paper.  It was easy to create the stripes with what I had on hand and a sharp paper cutter. Scrap paper strips were handy to have for this project!

Stamps:   Clearly for You (2011 Occasions Mini), Artistic Etchings 
Papers:   Basic Black, Whisper White
Ink:  Jet Black Stazon,
Accessories: Glass Fragment,  Hodgepodge Hardware (retired) 
Tools: 1” Circle Punch, Paper Cutter, Crystal Effects
Techniques Used:  Stripes

Finished size of gift folder is 5-1/2” x 6”.

Thanks for stopping by!  Enjoy!