Paisley Prints Birthday

I needed a birthday card this week but it couldn't be cutsey or full of frou frou - just earthy (in a good way) and classy, like the person for whom it was made. :) The layout was inspired by a card I saw in a magazine. It doesn't require much stamping because it is all about the designer paper!

The designer paper is all Paisley Prints which will be in the new catalog - July 1st! I found the paper pattern used for the butterfly to be a very interesting one. It reminds me of feathers which I know are not found on butterflies but they do have feathery patterns such as this.

All supplies are Stampin' Up! 

Stamps: Create a Cupcake

Paper: Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Paisley Prints dsp

Ink: Crumb Cake

Accessories: Big Shot, Beautiful Butterflies Bigz die, Neutral Button, Corner Rounder punch, Regal Brads, Dimensionals, Sponge, Sticky Strip

Thank you so much for stopping by!

Last Chance Priceless

Only a few more days to order from the Last Chance/Retiring List. June 30th is the last day so I thought I would show you a card I made using the retiring stamp set, Priceless. It was sent through the mail so I had to keep it as"flat" as possible to avoid the extra postage.

Thank goodness the Basic Rhinestones aren't retiring! But the Pumpkin Pie Striped Ribbon, Play Date designer paper, and Priceless stamp set are on the Last Chance List. 

Other Accessories used include the Wide Oval Punch and Dimensionals.

If you would like to see what else is on the Retiring/Last Chance List, click HERE. You will be able to order from there as well. Thanks!

New Catalog Sneak Peak

The debut of the new catalog is quickly approaching - July 1st to be exact - and I have been playing with one of the new stamp sets that will be available. It is called My Friend and contains a silhouette image seen here, as well as 2 sentiments, also seen here, and 2 other stamp images. 

I paired up the stamp with Paisley Prints designer paper which you may remember from Stampin' UP!'s April promotion. This beautiful paper will also be available in the new catalog on July 1st.

To make this card, I stamped one piece of Paisley Prints designer paper and then cut it into 4 strips and mounted them on Always Artichoke cardstock.  From there, I layered, sponged, and embellished!

Stamps: My Friend (New Catalog, July 1st)

Paper: River Rock, Always Artichoke, Paisley Prints dsp

Ink: Always Artichoke

Accessories: Corner Rounder punch, dimensionals, sponge, brads, Mini Library Clip, Twine, Antique Brad, Mini Vintage Tag

 On another note, I have been honored with 2 blog awards from 2 extremely talented stampers! 

I really, really encourage you to check out the blogs of Kim Score  at  Paper Punch Addiction  and Kris Kilkenny and her blog, Paper Fairy. Trust me, you will be inspired if you do!

Thanks Kim and Kris for my blog award!

Thanks for stopping by. Have a great weekend!

Patriotic Star Vase

With America's Independence Day coming up soon, I thought I would post this project I had made a while back but never photographed. My daisies are on their way out so I scrounged up a few  along with some other white flowers.

I hesitated about posting this because it has been so long since I made it, I am not sure if I remember exactly how I did it. I know there will be requests for the dimensions and directions for this, so I will give you Scor-Pal's link where I found the pattern and their directions. It is referred to as Diana's Star Box. Click HERE. For the bottom of my box, I traced the bottom, cut out the cardstock, and adhered with Sticky Strip.

Directions to the best of my knowledge:

1. Base cardstock is Real Red cardstock cut to Scor Pal's dimensions. DO NOT SCORE yet.

2. I used White Craft ink and my Stamp-a-ma-gig to stamp the stripes along the bottom. Emboss with White Embossing Powder. The stamp set is Solid Stripes Background stamp - Not retiring.

***I am pretty sure I scored it after I embossed.

3. Top part is a piece of Night of Navy cardstock - at least 3" wide. Length is same as Real Red. Score before stamping. It helps with placement of stars.

4. I stamped the star from the Itty Bitty Bits stamp set using my Stamp a-ma-gig and White craft ink. You may be able to "eye ball" it without using the Stamp a ma gig. Emboss with White craft Embossing Powder.

5. Adhere that to the top of the Red cardstock, lining up the score marks. 

6. Cut a piece of White cardstock, 1-7/8" wide and using markers, stamp the flag stamp called Land of the Free (Summer Mini). I used the Stamp-a-ma-gig for this because it is wood mount. It is not embossed. Score and attach to the middle of your cardstock.

7. Fold on Score lines, shape like a star, attach the sides and bottom with Sticky Strip.

Close up.

Top View.

I purchased one of those skinny glass vases from a dollar store and it fit perfectly in the center with a little bit of the glass showing at the top. And for fun, I cut skinny strips of cardstock and tucked those in around the vase. This little patriotic centerpiece will be on my table for the 4th of July weekend!

Stamps: Itty Bitty Bits, Solid Stripes background ($9.95), Land of the Free (Summer Mini)

Paper: Real Red, Whisper White, Night of Navy

Ink: Whisper White Craft, Night of Navy marker, Real Red marker

Accessories: Scoring tool, Sticky Strip, White embossing Powder, Stamp-a-ma-gig

If you would like to order these, or any products, you may do so quite easily! Just click HERE which will take you to my demonstrator website. Once there, click on Shop Now in the upper Right corner.

Thanks for stopping by!

Stampin Addicts Blog Hop - Retiring Stamps is the theme

Welcome to the Blog Hop sponsored by Stampin Addicts, the positively creative, positively Stampin' Up! website! 

Officially the Hop, featuring Retiring Stamps, begins at 12:00 noon today, June 17th, and ends Sunday, June 19th,

so be sure to check back!

 

And speaking of Mega! If you arrived from mega talented Heidi Baks' blog, you have arrived at the correct place. If you have just hopped on, don't worry. The Blog Hop goes full circle - just follow the links! 

I am featuring the retiring stamp set, Matchbox Messages. This set was designed to coordinate with the Matchbox Bigz die but its usefulness doesn't stop there! And just a reminder: it will only be available through June 30th.

I have used this stamp many times over the years for the tag-like sentiments and versatile frames. Believe me it will be missed! 

I am also showcasing some retiring accessories, particularly the Table Setting Bigz die. These products are available while supplies last.

A cute little gift box and a 3 x3 onesie card for the new baby make use of 2 of the 4 sentiments from Matchbox Messages. 

The belly band around the clear gift box was diecut with the retiring Table Setting Bigz die, and so was the flower! The little box contains 2 pair of baby booties by the way.

Stamps: Matchbox Messages (retiring)

Paper: Whisper White, Pretty in Pink cardstock, Pawsitively Prints II designer paper (retiring)

Ink: Pretty in Pink, Tempting Turquoise

Accessories: 1-1/4" and 1-3/8" Circle punches, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack, Basic Pearl, dimensionals, Scallop Oval Punch, Oval punch, Big Shot

Retiring Accessories:  White Taffeta Ribbon, Thick Window Sheet, Table Setting Bigz die, Pawsitively Prints II dsp

This simple card was made with one of the frames and sentiments from the Matchbox Messages stamp set. 

To make the bottom layers I used the retiring Tearing Edge and tore strips of Woodland Walk designer paper. If you are afraid to tear paper, the Tearing Edge may be just the thing you need! A piece of  Early Espresso Satin Ribbon separate the stamped image and dsp. Can you believe this particular ribbon, is also leaving us? 

All of the tearing, sponging and distressing, as well as the botanical frame and sentiment, give this card an earthy, shabby chic look!

Stamps: Matchbox Messages (retiring)

Paper: Early Espresso, Very Vanilla, Woodland Walk dsp (retiring)

Ink: Early Espresso, Garden Green

Accessories: 1-3/8" circle punch, sponge, dimensional, Basic Pearl

Retiring Accessories: Early Espresso Satin Ribbon, Woodland Walk dsp, Tearing Edge

I am having company for July 4th and we will be having a picnic so I decided to use Matchbox Messages stamp set combined with the Table Setting Bigz die for picnic decor! This project could be used for any outdoor picnic, not just July 4th. A change of embellishments and colors would do the trick.

I love the Americana look so that is what I went for. The sentiment on the wrapped tableware, as well as the frame on the place card, are both from the Matchbox Messages stamp set. Didn't I tell you this set is versatile?! 

Since it will be for July 4th I added stars, punched with the retiring Star Punch. This, as well as the other retiring products I used on today's projects, will be missed!

Stamps: Matchbox Messages (retiring)

Paper: Crumb Cake, Night of Navy, Whisper White, Pawsitively Prints II dsp (retiring)

Ink: Night of Navy

Accessories: Buttons, Hemp Twine, Big Shot, Brad

Retiring Accessories: Table Setting BigZ die, Night of Navy Satin Ribbon, Star Punch

It's been fun but now it is time to move on to the next stop on the hop - the very talented Twila and her blog, Stamp a Little Longer.

Enjoy the hop and if you have a moment, leave a comment. I would love to hear your feedback and I hope you will be able to come back again!

Hello Blossoms and Play Date

Don't forget!: Tomorrow is the Blog Hop sponsored by the Stampin Addicts website. The Blog Hop will feature retiring (last chance) stamp sets. 

Dates: Friday, June 17 - Sunday, June 19th. 

Hope you can come back!

 Well this was a fun, colorful card I made for - well, just for fun! It uses the Hello Blossoms stamp set from the Summer Mini. This is a single stamp and one of my favorites in the Mini. 

I used markers to get the different colors, all chosen from the Play Date designer paper color palette. I think this stamp coordinates so well with the Play Date designer paper! That is one of the many things I love about Stampin' Up!. 

The large flower is cut from the Play Date paper. The center is from a different flower, same paper. So much fun!

Stamps: Hello Blossoms(Summer Mini)

Paper: So Saffron, Early Espresso, Whisper White

Ink: So Saffron, Real Red, Old Olive, Tempting Turquoise, Early Espresso

Accessories: Scallop Border Punch, Circle punch, dimensionals, Corner Rounder Punch

I have been working hard on my projects for tomorrow's Stampin Addicts Blog Hop! I sure hope you can stop in and take a peak. 

On the Grow Vase of White Flowers

Reminder: Upcoming Blog Hop sponsored by the Stampin Addicts website. The Blog Hop will feature retiring (last chance) stamp sets. 

Dates: Friday, June 17 - Sunday, June 19th. 

Hope you can come back!

I didn't have to go into work today until 2:00 so I was able to stamp a little.


I felt like watercoloring so I took out the Summer Mini stamp set, On the Grow because it is perfect for watercoloring. I really love the vase of flowers and had every intention of making them bright and cheery. Instead, I ended up making them white and earthy!

First I added some background with the background stamp, Sanded (retiring). My layers are designer paper, ribbon and of course the stamped image! To make the flowers white I just used negative space. In other words I watercolored around them with Sahara Sand ink. Of course no flower is pure white so I added just a touch of Certainly Celery ink in the center of each flower. The leaves are Old Olive and Certainly Celery. 

To give the vase a shine and dimension I spread Crystal Effects over it. You can't really see it in the photo but it gives the vase a "glass" look.

Stamps: On the Grow (Summer Mini) and Sanded Background (retiring)

Paper: Basic Black, Sahara Sand, Whisper White, Play Date dsp (retiring)

Ink: Sahara Sand, Black Stazon, Old Olive, Certainly Celery

Accessories: Aquapainter, Crystal Effects, Buttons, Old Olive grosgrain ribbon (retiring)

If you would like to place an order with me, just go to my demonstrator website by clicking HERE. Once there, click on the Shop Now in the upper right corner. You can also see what is retiring by going to my website. 

Thanks for stopping.

Summer flowers

I have been gone for a few days - enjoying family in Pennsylvania. As a result I haven't stamped but I do have this card for you!


It uses the Beyond the Garden designer paper from the Summer Mini Catalog. This piece is one of my favorites because of the bright and cheerful flowers. I added a flower of my own made from the Scallop Circle punch, a 1" circle punch and White Brad.


To make the flower: Punch a piece of cardstock using the Scallop Circle Punch. Crunch it up really well and then pull it apart which gives the illusions of layers. The brad and the designer paper circle add a little bit of color and texture.


This is one of my favorite layouts because it is easy! Hope you like it.


Stamps: Happy Greetings (Summer Mini)
Paper: Daffodil Delight, Wild Wasabi, Melon Mambo, Whisper White, Beyond the Garden dsp (Summer Mini)
Ink: Wild Wasabi
Other: Scallop Circle Punch, Circle punch, White Brad, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch


Creatively yours,

Crumb Cake Florets

Sorry, it is yet another Fabulous Florets card! 

The only thing I really want to point out on this card is the Small Oval Punch (1-3/8" x 5/8"). It is retiring! It is the perfect punch for Teeny Tiny Wishes, as seen in this card. Yes, the oval punch from the Holiday Mini will be available, but it doesn't work as well as the Small Oval Punch in some situations! So, that being said, if you don't have this punch, and want this punch, now is the time!

To see what is retiring, click here.

To place an order, click here.

Stamps: Fabulous Florets, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Paper: Old Olive, Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Woodland Walk dsp

Ink: Early Espresso, Crumb Cake

Other: Decorative Label punch, Small Oval punch, button, paper piercer tool, Color Spritzer Tool, Crochet Trim

Thanks for looking!

Fabulous Florets Again

I don't have any sneak peaks for you yet. I have lots of new goodies on my craft table but no time to make anything. It is killin' me!

I do have this card to show you. I love Fabulous Florets as you can tell. I made it as a thanks for an online order.

The middle Cherry Cobbler flower has blurred edges because I used an aquapainter and spread out the ink a little to fill in some white space. I just wanted to see how it would look.

Stamps: Fabulous Florets, Happy Greetings - both Summer Mini

Paper: Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White

Ink: Pear Pizzazz, Cherry Cobbler, Peach Parfait, Marina Mist

Accessories: Corner Rounder punch, Big Shot, Perfect Polka Dot tief, Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine (Summer Mini), Wide Oval Punch, dimensionals, Aquapainter

Have a blessed day.

Update and a Technique

Some have been wondering if we are ok after a tornado hit our town (Westfield), and surrounding towns yesterday. Thank you for your concern - we are fine. We live on the opposite end of the area in town where the tornado touched down. And that area of Westfield sustained terrible property damage but no injuries or fatalities which was falsely reported on national news. 

Our thoughts and prayers do go out to the city of Springfield and other areas of Western Mass where the tornado did the most damage and lives were lost. It is nothing like Alabama and Missouri but for an area that rarely sees tornadoes, it is devastating. 

And I do have a card to show you. I made it the other day and it involves embossing with classic ink. Yes, it is possible!

I inked the flowers with Versamark first, then inked again with Pacific Point classic ink. Don't stamp in between - just ink plus ink. Once I stamped the images I embossed with Clear Embossing Powder, cut them out, and added them to the front of the card. This is a fun and easy way to emboss with color!

The card size fits the 6-3/4" x 3-1/2" envelopes. 

Stamps: Fabulous Florets(Summer Mini)

Paper: Wild Wasabi, Whisper White, Beyond the Garden dsp (Summer Mini)

Ink: Versamark, Pacific Point 

Other: dimensionals, Clear Embossing Powder, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border punch

Thanks for stopping!

Last Chance Lists

Yes, we must say goodbye to many of our stamps, accessories!

 It's sad, but true. We have to make room for new stamps and accessories in the new catalog right?! So it is all good in the end.

REMINDER:

Retired stamps are available until June 30th.

Retired accessories are available while supplies last.

Here are the pdf files. 

Retired stamps

Retired accessories

If you see anything you would like to order, don't hesitate, click here to shop.

Enjoy the day!