tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51218293378818172542024-03-14T02:46:52.727-04:00Just for You by Jenn--Handcrafted CardsCards made using Stampin' Up! products and snippets into my life.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04687339205571651753noreply@blogger.comBlogger679125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5121829337881817254.post-12200320009759232652012-08-13T19:48:00.001-04:002012-08-13T20:02:14.761-04:00Three-Tiered Birthday Advice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cpIa4S_joYU/UCmSvcdrpoI/AAAAAAAABIY/CfT-GbVAR7E/s1600/IMG_6328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cpIa4S_joYU/UCmSvcdrpoI/AAAAAAAABIY/CfT-GbVAR7E/s320/IMG_6328.JPG" width="292" /></a></div>
My dear friend Melissa turns 40 on Wednesday, and that milestone birthday warrants a special card. As I perused Pinterest today, I came upon this card design by Heather Summers from Canada. She's a two-time Artisan Award winner with Stampin' Up!, so I knew I could trust the design and instructions. You can try your hand at this card by following <a href="http://stampwithheather.typepad.com/stamp_with_heather/2010/02/my-triple-tier-slider-card.html">this link</a>. The trickiest part is creating the sliders for the second and third tiers, but with careful measuring, it can be done. If Heather can go to all the effort to convert it from metric for us Americans, I think you can get past your fear of the measuring. Keep Calm!<br />
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What I love about this card is that the design is the WOW factor, so you don't have to do much else to embellish it. I kept it simple, using a retired "Happy Birthday" stamp, numbers cut with the Big Shot, and a fun sentiment from the new stamp set, Carry On. Isn't that advice appropriate?! <br />
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The Designer Series Paper I used is from a Simply Scrappin' Kit called Pinwheel Parade. It pulls together Midnight Muse and Summer Starfruit, two of the new InColors for 2012-2014, and Riding Hood Red. I think it's a stellar combination, and working with the DSP made me rethink my opinion of the new InColors. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-79VRRgQ2taU/UCmTQZlJw4I/AAAAAAAABIg/zfW2l9EuQZA/s1600/IMG_6330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-79VRRgQ2taU/UCmTQZlJw4I/AAAAAAAABIg/zfW2l9EuQZA/s320/IMG_6330.JPG" width="169" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04687339205571651753noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5121829337881817254.post-34317193136176022432012-07-29T15:00:00.001-04:002012-07-29T15:00:19.526-04:0012"x12" Paper Basket<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nscY2B90pXM/UBWE9IMUjtI/AAAAAAAABH0/KujbWNf-LYg/s1600/IMG_6322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nscY2B90pXM/UBWE9IMUjtI/AAAAAAAABH0/KujbWNf-LYg/s320/IMG_6322.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
While looking around on Pinterest yesterday, I found a pin for a cute little box made from a sheet of 6" square card stock. The<a href="http://www.thelittleblueroom.com/2009/10/make-take-mondaya-little-late.html#"> tutorial </a>by Rachel Ricks is excellent, and resulted in the creation of the cute little basket shown above. While adorable, it doesn't hold much, so I grabbed a sheet of 12"x12" card stock and began adapting the dimensions to create a large basket. It was so easy!<br />
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Score the 12" square card stock at 4" and 8". Turn the paper to the unscored side and repeat the scoring. You will now have a grid of 9-3" squares. Score the outer 4 squares (upper left, upper right, lower left, and lower right) vertically at the 1", 2", and 3" lines. This will give you four sections that have four strips. If this doesn't make sense, refer to Rachel's original tutorial so that you know which squares I'm talking about. Cut each of the score lines like Rachel does in hers. In each of the two center panels between the sections with the 4 strips, cut a triangle like she does.<br />
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Fold along all score lines and begin to assemble your basket sides like Rachel shows you. Instead of using any adhesive to stick these to each other, I just held them all together and punched a hole through all the layers using the smallest hole punch on my Crop-a-Dile. Then I used a brad to hold them all in place. This goes a lot faster than using adhesive, and works just as well! If you don't have a Crop-a-Dile, then use glue dots. I recommend the large size, since there is quite a thickness of card stock resulting from all the layering. I used them on the small basket too, with equal success.<br />
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Cut 2-1"x12" strips and use your Crop-a-Dile again (smallest hole punch option) to make holes for the handles. Done! <br />
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The dimensions of this basket are 7.5" long, 5" wide, and 3 5/8" high. The only limitation to what could go in this would be the weight the basket could hold. I'm going to use mine to give cookies to a new family that moved in during the week!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04687339205571651753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5121829337881817254.post-34365024606371773852012-04-21T17:05:00.001-04:002012-04-21T17:05:16.689-04:00Masculine Birthday Card Made Easy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9ohKzFnbIf0/T5MOCUxlMTI/AAAAAAAABGo/FVsYcQZzPL4/s1600/IMG_4525.CR2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9ohKzFnbIf0/T5MOCUxlMTI/AAAAAAAABGo/FVsYcQZzPL4/s320/IMG_4525.CR2.jpg" width="204" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was going through my RSS reader this week and came across a great color combination from <a href="http://colourq.blogspot.com/2012/04/colourq-challenge-133.html">Color Q Challenge</a>. If you're ever stumped for good colors that complement each other, this blog is your solution! The colors suggested are pulled from a photograph and assigned SU! hues. Since I have my Card Club this Monday--yes, I operate best under deadline pressure--and I wanted to provide a guy card, I immediately gathered scraps of More Mustard, Basic Grey, Cajun Craze (Dusty Durango is retired), and Basic Black. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I played around with the argyle pattern, substituting black 3/4" squares, made using my 3/4" square punch, for the grey ones. I decided that the black was just too harsh as part of the pattern and would work better as the accent.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I positioned the squares on the 3.25"x12" textured Whisper White base (scored at 6"), and decided to split open the argyle to insert the greeting. The greeting is from the Hostess Set Happiest Birthday Wishes. This set really should carry over to the next catalog; sadly, that is something SU! never does.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The card comes together very quickly and you can decide if you want to add the faux stitching around each square. I ended up doing it around the interior blocks as well, but I like it just as well without any at all.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04687339205571651753noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5121829337881817254.post-39603400376842380562012-04-02T14:48:00.007-04:002012-04-02T15:38:21.196-04:00April's AMAZING Sneak Peek!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cBTY6mkEVPk/T3n4svUiZ5I/AAAAAAAABF4/oDiBgWsjrfE/s1600/IMG_4512.CR2.jpg" style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 100%; "><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 227px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cBTY6mkEVPk/T3n4svUiZ5I/AAAAAAAABF4/oDiBgWsjrfE/s320/IMG_4512.CR2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726881848678836114" /></a><div style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 100%; "><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 100%; ">There's something so exciting to share with you that you get not one, but two posts today! There are some changes happening at SU! Most notably, the new catalog is getting an easier-to-say name, the Annual Catalog instead of the Big Idea Book & Catalog, AND AND AND it's coming out June 1 instead of July 1!!! </span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 100%; "><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 100%; "><br /></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-size: 100%; "><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 100%; ">Even better than this news is this is that SU! has unveiled a Sneak Peek of some items that will be in the new Annual Catalog, and <b>now through April 30th</b> you can get your hands the product that makes these ADORABLE Petite Purses! The Petite Purse Bigz L Die makes making these so easy, they practically assemble themselves! </span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 100%; "><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 100%; "><br /></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 100%; "><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 100%; ">You can see by the eraser I put in the photo that they're not very big. They're big enough, though, to hold party favor treats--<i>you could still get this in time to crank out a mess of these for Easter</i>, money for cash gifts for graduation, and small presents, such as necklaces or earrings. They're just screaming with cuteness, aren't they!</span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 100%; "><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 100%; "><br /></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 100%; "><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 100%; "><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mv2IH1ExuRs/T3n5mqdbtQI/AAAAAAAABGE/ba80rVqNG1k/s1600/PetitePurse.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 205px; height: 204px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mv2IH1ExuRs/T3n5mqdbtQI/AAAAAAAABGE/ba80rVqNG1k/s320/PetitePurse.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726882843806381314" /></a>My monthly club has different hostesses each month, and next month's hostess wants to do a sweatshop of boxes! When I showed her this die, she nearly flipped! We're going to get all the group's Big Shots together and go to town! The cost of the die is $32.95, and now through the 30th, you can order it.</span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 100%; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; "><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 100%; ">You also may be wondering about the cute Designer Series Paper used to create the purse on the left in the first picture. That's another part of the Sneak Peek--Summer Smooches DSP! It utilizes colors from the Brights and InColors Collections: Daffodil Delight, Real Red, Tempting Turquoise, Lucky Limeade, Island Indigo, Tangerine Tango, and Rich Razzleberry.<br /><br />I'm pretty picky about DSP; I don't like everything. This paper is so cute! It pairs with a stamp set called Bright Blossoms, which is available in wood mount and clear mount. The paper also has coordinating fabric and cloth covered brads! And you can order every item I just mentioned--NOW--instead of waiting until June 1st! This is an amazing offer is something I haven't seen SU! do on this scale before now. Here's the flyer with all the details and great pictures! <a href="http://www.stampinup.com/us/documents/summersmooches_Flyer_mar2012_US.pdf">Summer Smooches and April Sneak Peek Deal</a>!</span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; "><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 100%; "><br /></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; "><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 100%; ">If you'd like to order immediately, you can do so two ways: you can contact me via my email, jenn@nahrstadt.com and place an order, or you can go to <a href="http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/default.aspx">Stampin' Up! directly</a>, set up an account and name me as your demonstrator (Nahrstadt is my last name), and everything your little heart desires from this special offer will come right to your doorstep!</span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; "><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 100%; "><br /></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; "><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 100%; ">I'd love to show your friends these great new products! Contact me if you'd like to partner with me to host a night/afternoon of stamping and die cutting at your house.</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04687339205571651753noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5121829337881817254.post-34342125081304140312012-04-02T14:41:00.004-04:002012-04-02T14:48:15.076-04:00Sophisticated Treat Boxes for Easter<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pyi3261QNKE/T3nz9hwNDHI/AAAAAAAABFs/GpQXyIS1EL0/s1600/IMG_4522.CR2.jpg" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; "><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pyi3261QNKE/T3nz9hwNDHI/AAAAAAAABFs/GpQXyIS1EL0/s320/IMG_4522.CR2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726876639536417906" /></a><br /><span>I saw this little treat box on Amy Celona's blog, and she offers a <a href="http://ustamp4fun.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/CandyHolder1.pdf">FREE PDF</a> with pictures for it! All you'll need is a scoring tool, an 8.5"x11" sheet of cardstock, and some Sticky Strip or strong adhesive. I think these are adorable with the clear window, but if you don't have something to create a hole with, like the Framelits Collection diecuts, they'll still be adorable.</span><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>What really sold me on these is the cleverly attached notecard! So sweet! I'm making a bunch of these to take to the girls at Jesse's House this weekend. You're never too old for a bit of Easter candy, right?</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>Thanks, Amy! You're so generous to share your talent freely with the stamping world! </span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04687339205571651753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5121829337881817254.post-70438256544524278002012-03-23T07:00:00.001-04:002012-03-23T07:00:07.127-04:00It's a Southern Thing<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qpu6G5xJePQ/T2kM5cUHWsI/AAAAAAAABFc/qmM7ninQH4g/s1600/IMG_4368.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qpu6G5xJePQ/T2kM5cUHWsI/AAAAAAAABFc/qmM7ninQH4g/s320/IMG_4368.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722118982543563458" /></a>If I've heard it once, I've heard it a thousand times since I moved to the South 5.5 years ago: You're So Sweet! Funny...none of my friends in the North EVER described me that way. Makes you wonder who's telling the truth, doesn't it!<br /><br />When I saw the <a href="http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=125492">Sweet Cake</a> stamp set in the Occasions Mini, available through April 30, I wasn't smitten. I didn't really find the image to be quite my style either. I needed a sentiment for Valentine's Day for a treat box tag the hostess of my monthly club had asked me to make, and I decided that having some versatility wouldn't be a bad thing. The set has Be Mine, Valentine, You're So Sweet, and Happy Birthday, so I was going to get two sentiments that would work for the holiday by purchasing a set that wouldn't be limited to being used just for Valentine's Day. <br /><br />The cupcake image is retro, and it can be stamped all one color or colored direct to rubber for a multi-colored look. It would also allow me to try a new product, which I'll share about in a minute. I knew I wanted to pair the image with the Twitterpated Designer Series Paper, so I used my Stampin' Write Markers in Basic Grey, Blushing Bride, and Baja Breeze to ink the image. Love how easy SU! makes creating cards by doing all the hard work of figuring out which colors complement each other! Once I had finished coloring and stamped it on Whisper White card stock, I was ready to put to use my new product. <br /><br />Almost everyone has a food memory of what vanilla frosting smells like, and SU! has developed <a href="http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=125590">scented embossing powder</a> so that you can make that image make your card recipient's mouth water! All I had to do is use a <a href="http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=100901">Versamarker </a>to apply the sticky ink (perfect for embossing) where I wanted it--on the frosting, naturally! A quick sprinkle and a hit of heat from the heat tool, and my image smelled like vanilla! The scents available include cherry, so I could've also scented the fruit on top of the cupcake. (Melon is the third scent, and it pairs with a stamp set called <a href="http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=125675">Mouthwatering</a>.)<br /><br />I used the <a href="http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=117335">Polka Dots</a> Textured Impressions Embossing Folder to create great texture on my Basic Grey card base. I layered a piece of Twitterpated DSP on the bottom half and used a strip of Baja Breeze to cover the seam. Another great product in the <a href="http://204.228.150.61/catalogs/flash/en-US/2012_OccasionsMini_iwer/index.html">Occasions Mini </a> is the 3/8" <a href="http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=125569">pleated satin ribbon</a>. It adds great visual appeal and another layer of texture to this card! It's available in Blushing Bride and Baja Breeze as well.<br /><br />Hiding behind the main image is one of the <a href="http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=125598">Labels Collection</a> Framelits. I love how versatile these babies are! In this application, it helped anchor and highlight the image at the same time. I used Blushing Bride in order to pull out some of that color from the DSP and the frosting.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04687339205571651753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5121829337881817254.post-77667022598952811362012-03-22T07:00:00.000-04:002012-03-22T07:00:00.441-04:00Pleated Patterned Paper Post<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--DQC-NY8Dt8/T2kBJnSK6jI/AAAAAAAABFE/YcoqamVy88c/s1600/IMG_4369.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--DQC-NY8Dt8/T2kBJnSK6jI/AAAAAAAABFE/YcoqamVy88c/s320/IMG_4369.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722106066226571826" /></a>Say that fast three times--HA! I have <a href="http://dianagibbs.typepad.com/stampin_with_di/2011/10/pleated-rak.html">Diana Gibbs</a> to thank for this technique. It looks really hard, but it's very easy and creates such a cool effect that it can be the main element of the card. <br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m9RHnH6_rcY/T2kB8t8PJnI/AAAAAAAABFQ/B_YFskIghSg/s1600/IMG_4370.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m9RHnH6_rcY/T2kB8t8PJnI/AAAAAAAABFQ/B_YFskIghSg/s320/IMG_4370.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722106944186951282" /></a>This is harder to explain than it is to execute, but I'll do my best to make it simple. Take a 1"x12" strip of Designer Series Paper and score it at .75" and 1" the length of the strip. This will give you more pleats than will fit on the card, but it's better to have more than you need. After you have the length scored, hold your strip vertically in your hand. Fold the 1" score, which will be your 2nd score, back over the top of the .75" score. Go to the next score line and fold it down over the top of the 1" score. This will create your first pleat. Continue this the length of the strip, and you will end up with 5 or 6 pleats.<br /><br />Now center four of the pleats along the length of the card base, which is 5.5"x4.25". Run strips of adhesive along the valleys of the pleats and adhere to the card base or matting. You will have excess to trim from the edges. The matting measurements are 1.75"x5.5". Mine was done in Whisper White to contrast with the red pattern from the <a href="http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=125406">Twitterpated</a> pack of DSP.<br /><br />I layered the Whisper White mat on top of a piece of Riding Hood Red that measures 3"x5.5". The DSP that's adhered to the base of the card measures 4 1/8"x5.5". The base is Island Indigo, which coordinates with the blue in the DSP. <br /><br />The greeting comes from the <a href="http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=125527">Apothecary Art</a> stamp set I've been featuring this week. It comes in clear and wood mount, and I like the clear mount option for being able to position the stamps. There are two greetings in the set, Happiest Birthday and So Grateful: two sentiments that are very useful, as the majority of cards needed are either birthday or thank you! I stamped it in Riding Hood Red on a scrap of card stock. I punched a hole in it and threaded 1/8" Whisper White ribbon through it and through the first pleat. I neat bow secures it.<br /><br />I encourage you to give this technique a try. If you encounter any problems, feel free to leave a comment and I'll try to help.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04687339205571651753noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5121829337881817254.post-7862891357325006432012-03-21T07:00:00.001-04:002012-03-21T07:00:08.866-04:00Apothecary Art Birthday CASE<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zi2JdBsr5bM/T2j8uu9DEqI/AAAAAAAABE4/X4EGup46hZc/s1600/IMG_4371.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zi2JdBsr5bM/T2j8uu9DEqI/AAAAAAAABE4/X4EGup46hZc/s320/IMG_4371.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722101206382482082" /></a>I found <a href="http://lwdesigns.blogspot.com/2012/01/new-yearnew-stuff.html">this card</a> on Pinterest and knew immediately that I would be replicating (CASEing) it. Often I need to see how someone else uses a stamp set before I can picture myself using it. This is the one that made me believe I might like Apothecary Art, which is a current offering in the <a href="http://204.228.150.61/catalogs/flash/en-US/2012_OccasionsMini_iwer/index.html">Occasions Mini Catalog</a>. This catalog will be available until April 30, so you have a few weeks left to decide if this is a set you'd like to own.<br /><br />I used watercolor paper and black Staz-on ink to create the focal image, and I used Riding Hood Red, Blushing Bride, and Pear Pizzazz, colors in the <a href="http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=125406">Twitterpated</a> Designer Series Paper, again from the Occasions Mini. This time I did use an <a href="http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=103954">Aquapainter </a>, which works like a paintbrush with a continuous supply of water, to smooth out the colors after I'd used the markers, and I like the subdued effect. I used the 3rd size from the <a href="http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=125598">Labels Collection</a> of Framelits to die cut the image when I finished. So much easier than hand cutting it, although that can be done.<br /><br />I took a chance and ordered another new item that didn't seem at first to be something I would like. It's also available from the OCM and is a two-pack of <a href="http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=125595">Adorning Accents</a> Edgelits. Edgelits are dies that cut the edges of card stock to make interesting edges on cards! There's the one featured on the top and bottom of the Pear Pizzazz mat on the card, and the other one is a scalloped edge, which is shown in the Riding Hood Red strip that's also on the card. <br /><br />The card is complete with the addition of a piece of Twitterpated DSP. I'm not a big fan of Blushing Bride as a color, but in conjunction with everything else going on on the card, it complements. The ribbon is Baja Breeze seam binding.<br /><br />This card proved to me that it's good to step outside your comfort zone and try new products that don't appeal to you immediately. More to come from this set!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04687339205571651753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5121829337881817254.post-84621453735387262122012-03-20T13:00:00.003-04:002012-03-20T13:13:11.990-04:00These Things Come in Threes, Right?<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NZNu8N65iJM/T2i39gSvCuI/AAAAAAAABEs/Kuy29vrR9oM/s1600/IMG_4500.CR2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NZNu8N65iJM/T2i39gSvCuI/AAAAAAAABEs/Kuy29vrR9oM/s320/IMG_4500.CR2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722025593842633442" /></a>That's what they say about bad things. That they come in threes. I'm not sure I believe that, but in the past month I've had to make 3 sympathy cards for friends whose parent has died. NEVER my favorite to create, but probably the most important cards I send. I don't feel it's important to be prompt in sending a sympathy card. With all the upheaval of the wake and the funeral, I think it's nice to time my card to arrive AFTER all that ceremony has passed, so that the person knows someone is aware that I know he/she is still grieving.<br /><br />This card came together after seeing <a href="http://understandblue.blogspot.com/2012/03/why-are-you-eating-window.html">a similar card</a> on Lydia's blog. I liked the idea of sepia toned leaves for the focal image, which is from Apothecary Art. I have been surprised at how much I've liked this set, since its style, vintage and shabby chic, is SO not my style. It pairs nicely with the Labels Collection Framelits, which debuted in the Occasions Mini (which you can purchase products from until April 30).<br /><br />I used three of the Labels for this card, which is 5.25" square. I stamped the image on watercolor paper first with black Staz-on ink. Staz-on is waterproof, which makes it the best choice when you want to use an Aquapainter to apply color. While I didn't end up doing that--I used the Crumb Cake Stampin' Write Marker instead--I lean toward watercolor paper when I'm trying to achieve a more antique look. There's more texture in the paper than Very Vanilla card stock has. <br /><br />The sentiment is from Love & Sympathy stamp set, and the patterned paper behind the image is from the Mocha Morning Specialty Designer Series Paper. It has several sheets that are flocked, which add nice visual and texture touches to the card. The base is Crumb Cake and all the Label Framelits are mounted on Basic Black card stock.<br /><br />I'll show you some more cards featuring this set and its coordinating Framelits in the other posts I'll put up this week.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04687339205571651753noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5121829337881817254.post-13873917855158218772012-01-28T13:49:00.011-05:002012-01-28T14:53:08.440-05:00Hearts & SAB<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-geoPyDMETY8/TyRMSHkKpQI/AAAAAAAABBo/4pCazQ8s_jU/s1600/IMG_4205.CR2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 219px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-geoPyDMETY8/TyRMSHkKpQI/AAAAAAAABBo/4pCazQ8s_jU/s320/IMG_4205.CR2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702766902309987586" /></a>Once a month I make cards with some sweet sweet sweet teenagers. The girls are staying at Jesse's House, a local organization that houses girls who have removed from their residences by the county court because the environments aren't safe. The location is so secret that I can't even reveal to the other members of my family where it is. I wish there wasn't a need for such a place, but this is a good place if you have need of it. <br /><br />Whenever I go, I try to create a card that ties to an upcoming holiday or is something a teenager would find hip. I'm SO not HIP, y'all, so this is quite a challenge for me! With Valentine's Day being just about 2 weeks away, I thought this would be the perfect time to see what I could come up with using the <a href="http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=125599">Heart Framelits</a> from the <a href="http://204.228.150.61/catalogs/flash/en-US/2012_OccasionsMini_iwer/index.html">Occasions Mini Catalog</a>. More about that in a minute.<br /><br />I chose the 3 smallest hearts and placed them on the Whisper White panels, which measure 1 7/8" x 5.25". A quick run through the Big Shot and I had a cute overlay for the base panel of Melon Mambo, which measures 2" x 5 3/8". This is a shutter card, which just means it measures 5.5" x 8.5" and then it's scored along the 8.5" side at 2 1/8" and 6 3/8". <br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WK7mkyIH9gE/TyRHxx_eMWI/AAAAAAAABBQ/CQTXsYicxdE/s1600/IMG_4208.CR2.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 219px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WK7mkyIH9gE/TyRHxx_eMWI/AAAAAAAABBQ/CQTXsYicxdE/s320/IMG_4208.CR2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702761948716609890" /></a>The WOW factor for this card comes inside (which was hard to photograph, so excuse the slightly blurry pics!). I was inspired by <a href="http://stampwithheather.typepad.com/stamp_with_heather/2011/10/shutter-peek-a-boo-card.html">this card</a> by Heather Summers of Canada. Check out her video to see how this card opens and closes, creating the peek-a-boo effect. To create this, take 2-3" x 2" strips of patterned paper and cut a triangle shaped notch out of one end. Then you overlap them over the image that's peeking through the circle created by the 1.75" circle punch. A little adhesive in the right place (watch the video), and you have a place for a secret Valentine-y message to be hidden and revealed only to your sweetie.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-57OG8AX-vjM/TyRNRys59EI/AAAAAAAABB0/36079ghJw9w/s1600/Jan24-Mar31_US_Demo_HostessesLP_SAB_2012.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 262px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-57OG8AX-vjM/TyRNRys59EI/AAAAAAAABB0/36079ghJw9w/s320/Jan24-Mar31_US_Demo_HostessesLP_SAB_2012.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702767996221125698" /></a><br />Now, some other news. I've already shared that we have a new Occasions Mini, but what I haven't told you is that it's SAB time! Sale-A-Bration time! SAB is a great 2-month period every year when SU! <span style="font-style:italic;">rewards you for buying stamping goodies</span>. <br /><br />Pick out $50 (before shipping and handling and taxes) of ANYTHING--from the Occasions Mini or the Big Idea Book & Catalog--and you'll get to choose a FREE FREE FREE product from the special <a href="http://204.228.150.61/catalogs/2012SAB/20120124_SAB_en-US.pdf">Sale-A-Bration brochure</a>! ANYTHING you can think of to purchase qualifies you for FREE STUFF. What's better than FREE STUFF? Nothin', if you ask me! If you choose to host a get-together of your friends and the gals' orders total $150 (or you place an order <span style="font-style:italic;">all by yourself </span>of $150), you get this cool tote bag! If the orders from your get-together or your personal order total $400, you get a FREE bundle of coordinating stamps, Designer Series Paper, and ribbons and brads. Seriously, this is a WIN WIN proposition.<br /><br />So follow the link above to the new Occasions Mini or click on the picture of the Big Idea Book and start shopping! All you have to do to place an order is contact me. Leave a comment on this post with your email address, and I'll get in touch!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04687339205571651753noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5121829337881817254.post-91406111533227710922012-01-26T16:46:00.003-05:002012-01-26T17:15:33.933-05:00Little Love with Framed Hearts<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YWHLe1HiDsk/TyHL5K9O29I/AAAAAAAABAw/dlsULrVsvY0/s1600/IMG_4194.CR2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 282px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YWHLe1HiDsk/TyHL5K9O29I/AAAAAAAABAw/dlsULrVsvY0/s320/IMG_4194.CR2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702062786281921490" /></a><br />I saw <a href="http://translate.google.com/translate?client=tmpg&hl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fbigganed.blogspot.com%2Fsearch%3Fupdated-max%3D2011-02-27T17%253A40%253A00%252B01%253A00%26max-results%3D7&langpair=sv|en">this card</a> on Pinterest. The original blog isn't in English, and when I translated it, I still couldn't tell who the crafter is. Still, she or he deserves credit for a very cute card that is simple and stunning. After admiring it, I set out to copy it.<br /><br />I mentioned in my last post about some new goodies called Heart Framelits that debuted in the Occasions Mini Catalog, which went live Jan. 4. Here's<a href="http://204.228.150.61/catalogs/flash/en-US/2012_OccasionsMini_iwer/index.html"> the link</a> if you want to sneak off and peruse its contents. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=125599">Framelits</a> are thin diecuts that are shapes and they cut that entire shape out of whatever you place them on top of. Therefore, they can be placed anywhere on a surface and when you run them through the <a href="http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=113439">Big Shot</a>, they create, in this case, heart-shaped holes in the middle of your card stock. They're fantastic! The link shows the shapes the framelits cut, but not the framelits themselves. I think you get the idea.<br /><br />The littlest heart fits sweetly inside a 1.25" square. Here's how I made the squares. I cut a strip of Whisper White card stock 1.25" wide and left it 8.5" in length. I centered my framelit and ran it through the Big Shot. THEN I cut the paper to 1.25" long to create the square. Much easier than trying to center a framelit in the middle of such a small piece of card stock.<br /><br />Each little heart window is backed with 1" squares of the latest Designer Series Paper offering, <a href="http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=125406">Twitterpated</a>. Fun word, huh! It's not in Merriam-Webster, but according to the Urban Dictionary, it means to be completely enamored with something/someone. I'm not sure if you'll feel this way when you see this paper, but it is pretty romantic. If you want to see what the patterns look like, feel free to click on the word to view them.<br /><br />ANYWAY, after I used the Twitterpated DSP, I created a mat using 1.5" squares of Riding Hood Red. The colors that coordinate with Twitterpated include Riding Hood Red, Basic Gray, Island Indigo, Pear Pizzazz, Blushing Bride, Baja Breeze, and Whisper White. You'll see that I used Blushing Bride, RHR, and Baja Breeze when I stamped the sentiment. It's from <a href="http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=113254">Three Little Words</a>, and it's just the right size.<br /><br />You might be wondering how I created that embossed frame that runs .25" around the entire base of the card. I used the <a href="http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=122334">Simply Scored Tool</a>. It is so easy and the trickiest part was remembering that I needed to score on the inside of my card so that I would have a raised line on the outside (front) of my card.<br /><br />Hope you enjoyed this introduction to Framelits. If you'd like to order anything you've read about, feel free to click on my shop online 24/7 button on the right sidebar. That will take you to my demonstrator website. Click on the shop now button and you'll be redirected to SU!'s online store. Set up an account and the goodies will come right to your front door! Sale-A-Bration is going on right now too, so you'll get something FREE from a special catalog for every $50 you spend! More on that tomorrow!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04687339205571651753noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5121829337881817254.post-62634162573195750192012-01-25T08:00:00.000-05:002012-01-25T08:00:09.574-05:00Valentines for Ronald<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BNpxVLc-QPM/Tx8Z-F37OyI/AAAAAAAABAk/-ZwcBURbVtY/s1600/IMG_4195.CR2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 190px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BNpxVLc-QPM/Tx8Z-F37OyI/AAAAAAAABAk/-ZwcBURbVtY/s320/IMG_4195.CR2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701304207793666850" /></a>Last night I met up with some other demonstrators and we facilitated stamping for some families at the Ronald McDonald House. SU! is offering a few a la carte stamps in its <a href="http://204.228.150.61/catalogs/flash/en-US/2012_OccasionsMini_iwer/index.html">Occasions Mini Catalog</a>, and "Be Mine, Valentine" is one of them. While I have other ambitions for this stamp (don't those hearts remind you of Conversation Hearts?), I like that it stamps up nicely in a single color too. That makes it easier for the stampers at RMH too.<br /><br />I saw <a href="http://iminhaven.blogspot.com/2012/01/hearts-abounding.html">the card</a> that inspired this one on Pinterest. Oh.My.Word. Don't get me started! I could get LOST on that site for HOURS, if I really knew how to use it! Anyway, a shout out of thanks to Lisa A. for posting this there!<br /><br />While she only used her 3-Heart Punch 2 times, I used it 4! By rotating the position of the punch and what side of the card base you punch it through, you can get the heart patterns to mirror each other. It sounds much harder than it is. I offered several different kinds of Designer Series Paper scraps as backings for the heart holes, and they came out very cute! This is an excellent way to use up retired patterned paper.<br /><br />I'll be back later this week--or maybe tomorrow--with another card for Valentine's Day using a new product from the Occasions Mini--Heart Framelits! Stay tuned!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04687339205571651753noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5121829337881817254.post-5386019406123911932012-01-24T15:22:00.004-05:002012-01-24T15:45:00.145-05:00This is My Idea of Snow in January!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VCglyiKH9GY/Tx8T1-ZrozI/AAAAAAAABAY/1dnvoIU2WFY/s1600/IMG_4197.CR2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 246px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VCglyiKH9GY/Tx8T1-ZrozI/AAAAAAAABAY/1dnvoIU2WFY/s320/IMG_4197.CR2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701297471279047474" /></a>I'm a born and bred Hoosier, but in my 6th winter in the South, these are the kind of snowflakes I find myself preferring more and more. I don't mean to rub it in, but today is sunny sunny sunny and the temperature is 61 with NO WIND. It's glorious! Now, it was 43, cloudy, and rainy rainy rainy yesterday. Yesterday? Who cares about yesterday--it's SUNNY today! Alright, enough about the weather and more about the card.<br /><br />This card's snowflake art started out as a lightweight cardboard box top protecting chocolate fudge. It had my attention at "chocolate fudge". The image was just a nice side feature. The ribbon came as part of another Christmas gift, I think. Anyway, they found themselves in proximity to each other on my dining room table one day, and instantly I knew there was a quick and easy card in my future. I'm posting this I'm thinking you might be like me and still have some Christmas cards lingering around your house that may have nice images that could be repurposed. That would make you feel better about them than you would if you threw them away, wouldn't it? I knew you were like me!<br /><br />I cut the box top down to 4"x5.25" and mounted the ribbon scrap around the corners. I took a strip of Whisper White card stock and stamped "thanks so much" from Three Little Words in Real Red and mounted it across the middle. DONE! <br /><br />Hope you find some gems in your Christmas card stash. But don't wait around too long to sort through them. Who knows? You might have spring in February and then your moment to use your wintry scenes will have passed!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04687339205571651753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5121829337881817254.post-27086881925066914772012-01-15T17:31:00.004-05:002012-01-15T17:42:07.632-05:00Don't Faint!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-weNQ3JEacv4/TxNVEGO1krI/AAAAAAAAA_4/m66OlxM7Gf0/s1600/IMG_4188.CR2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 270px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-weNQ3JEacv4/TxNVEGO1krI/AAAAAAAAA_4/m66OlxM7Gf0/s320/IMG_4188.CR2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697991482434491058" /></a>Hey! Happy New Year! A friend of mine said that she has been checking this space in hopes of finding something new here, so I decided to surprise her and post something. If you've missed me, would you give a shout out? Honestly, I need to know there are readers out there who want to know what I'm crafting; I need a nudge.<br /><br />This card was created for Ruby, one of the partners at my Starbucks who has been in the hospital with ketoacidosis. It's a nasty side effect of having diabetes, and it almost killed her 2 years ago. Thankfully she's on the mend, but I wanted her to know we're thinking of her. All of us will sign this and get it in the mail to her this week.<br /><br />I used the Morning Cup set and an unusual color combination for me--Daffodil Delight and Basic Grey. I wanted something cheery and I remembered seeing this combo on someone else's blog. Since there are many fine line art images in this set, they lent themselves easily to creating a background by stamping with Basic Grey classic ink.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jO0H8tpQENI/TxNWHQrsSKI/AAAAAAAABAE/p50TK-_Wx_A/s1600/IMG_4190.CR2.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 234px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jO0H8tpQENI/TxNWHQrsSKI/AAAAAAAABAE/p50TK-_Wx_A/s320/IMG_4190.CR2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697992636291106978" /></a>I had the idea to create a belly band to hold the card together. I scored a 2.25" strip of Basic Grey at 2.75" on each end. It didn't result in an overlap, but that was just what I wanted. I used a 3" circle from my Circles #2 die for the Big Shot that I had left over from another project. Then I layered a 2.5" circle in Whisper White. <br /><br />The most fun I had making this card was incorporating the tiny "perk up!" sentiment around the edge of the circle. It was easy to do using my Stamp-A-Ma-Jig! The little flower buttons were almost an afterthought, but I like the feminine touch they add.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04687339205571651753noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5121829337881817254.post-91496744775279535172011-09-27T16:25:00.007-04:002011-09-27T18:07:42.610-04:00Crafting a Goodbye<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JOCUARv6-RU/ToJGLUWH0oI/AAAAAAAAA50/u-iqI_A_12g/s1600/sara%2527s%2Bbest%2Bsmile.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JOCUARv6-RU/ToJGLUWH0oI/AAAAAAAAA50/u-iqI_A_12g/s400/sara%2527s%2Bbest%2Bsmile.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657161242184766082" /></a>My friend Sara died Saturday evening after a long battle with Akylosing Spondylitis. I struggle to put into words the impact her life had on me. Sara and I did not have a regular friendship. We knew each other through her blog, <a href="http://gitzengirl.blogspot.com/">Choose Joy</a>. <br /><br />I know it sounds weird to say you're friends with someone you only know through an online community. But Sara was.not.ordinary. Whenever I connected with her, whether it was through exchanged comments on a post or an email or a card, she was able to infuse JOY, selfless JOY into my day. She was transparent about her challenges, but she refused to be defined by her illness or let the disease steal from her the JOY God had to provide her with through each day's moments. <br /><br />A quote by Henry David Thoreau describes what she accomplished in her life: "To affect the quality of the day, that is the highest of arts." That is what Sara did. By the attitude she chose, moment-by-pain-filled moment (that stretched on for hours and days at a time), and her artful, thoughtful sharing of that outlook on life through her words, she altered the course of my days many times. She elevated life from a focus on circumstances to a meditation on the person of Jesus. I will never be the same. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o9WjgJVBgzQ/ToJG1zt1_uI/AAAAAAAAA58/qm1cfg47Bco/s1600/IMG_2826.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 303px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o9WjgJVBgzQ/ToJG1zt1_uI/AAAAAAAAA58/qm1cfg47Bco/s320/IMG_2826.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657161972160265954" /></a>I made this card using a video tutorial by <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMD2Phqsw78&feature=player_embedded">Wendybell</a>. I've embedded the video link so you can watch how this is made. It's really quite simple and it's beautiful and unique. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ebaNNSgyUPM/ToJEUjY-Q2I/AAAAAAAAA5s/oieXKJD3K40/s1600/IMG_2829.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 199px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ebaNNSgyUPM/ToJEUjY-Q2I/AAAAAAAAA5s/oieXKJD3K40/s320/IMG_2829.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657159201818821474" /></a>I like that it hides the message you'd like to send in a pocket of sorts, and that the flap tucks into the diamond square in the front to keep it closed. For another occasion, I think it would make an excellent invitation. I really hope the family finds some small bit of comfort from it. It's what I found to do to share in the grief of a large community of people who loved Sara. Oh that my life will leave such a legacy.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04687339205571651753noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5121829337881817254.post-7937956875819770422011-07-02T11:36:00.007-04:002011-07-02T13:32:45.229-04:00New Month, NEW CATALOG!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CTV69-Wcndw/Tg87GfHLuAI/AAAAAAAAA44/c9yNU_f6qBU/s1600/2011-2012%2BCatalog.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 175px; height: 226px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CTV69-Wcndw/Tg87GfHLuAI/AAAAAAAAA44/c9yNU_f6qBU/s400/2011-2012%2BCatalog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624779442225920002" /></a>I know you're probably focused on the fact that this weekend is Fourth of July, but in SU!land, another reason to celebrate is <span style="font-weight:bold;">the launch of the new 2011-2012 Big Idea Book and Catalog</span>!!<br /><br />I've included a link on my sidebar so that you can peruse it online, but if you want to get your hands on a copy, just let me know by leaving me a comment. I've been poring over it for days and I still haven't decided which new stamp sets I'm going to purchase first. There are <span style="font-weight:bold;">84 NEW stamp sets</span>!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B_M8qGqqXDw/Tg876tRhbCI/AAAAAAAAA5A/yM7pqfhuUFQ/s1600/New%2BHostess%2BProgram.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 148px; height: 225px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B_M8qGqqXDw/Tg876tRhbCI/AAAAAAAAA5A/yM7pqfhuUFQ/s400/New%2BHostess%2BProgram.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624780339380579362" /></a>There's also a <span style="font-weight:bold;">NEW Hostess Program</span>! The chart shows you the deal: starting with a $150 order or workshop total, you get $25 to spend AS YOU WISH! Now you can spend those dollars on specially priced Hostess sets, and there are no levels so you can choose any set you want! If you don't favor any of the Hostess sets, you can use your money toward anything you want! And the money you have to spend increases with every $50 additional dollars that your order/workshop tallies! <br /><br />When you get to $400, you get $65 <span style="font-weight:bold;">PLUS</span> you get to choose 1 item and only pay <span style="font-weight:bold;">HALF PRICE</span> for it! Been eyeing that Big Shot diecut machine or a set of Stampin' Write Markers? You can get it HALF PRICE--sweet, huh!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aIvMHY1bzMY/Tg8_gi4K2hI/AAAAAAAAA5I/I6wG_IGxzZo/s1600/IMG_1552.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 245px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aIvMHY1bzMY/Tg8_gi4K2hI/AAAAAAAAA5I/I6wG_IGxzZo/s320/IMG_1552.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624784287959800338" /></a>There are also <span style="font-weight:bold;">five NEW colors for the</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;">InColor Collection</span> debuting with this catalog. Pool Party, Island Indigo, Lucky Limeade, Calypso Coral, and Wisteria Wonder are beautiful--the picture of the stamp pads doesn't really do them justice! <br /><br />The greatest thing about the InColor Collection is that the InColors from last year's catalog DIDN'T RETIRE!! InColors are now on a 2-year rotation, and there is word from SU! that some might be incorporated into the permanent color families when their time as ICs concludes. That's FANTASTIC news because now you don't have to be hesitant about adding these to your crafting color options! There are classic stamp pads and refills, adorable ruffled ribbon, card stock in 8.5"x11" and 12"x12" (smooth and textured), patterned Designer Series Paper, Markers, and brads for these colors. WOW! That's a lot of crafting options for something that's "limited edition".<br /><br />I hope you're as excited as I am about this event this weekend! Don't let the lazy days of summer get away from you. If you schedule a get-together with your friends and let me introduce them to all this fabulous NEWness and your workshop order total $150 or more, <span style="font-weight:bold;">I'll GIVE you a stamp pad or a pack of 8.5" x 11" card stock from the new InColor Collection</span>! This is only available for the first 5 people who contact me, so don't overthink this and miss out! You can host a catalog show if you don't live near me. Let me know you're interested and I'll give you all the details.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">I have dates available this month and before school starts, so don't delay--book today!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04687339205571651753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5121829337881817254.post-56851594656987433092011-06-29T14:17:00.009-04:002011-06-29T14:51:46.220-04:00Summertime, and the Living is EasyHey Stampers! No, I haven't fallen off the planet. I've just been enjoying the relaxed routine of summer. My son finished his sophomore year of high school the week before Memorial Day, and so we've been in that mode since. Hope you have been enjoying some R&R too.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oRD_HCe6PcY/TgtvzwgxfFI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/Lx0F3HM8qaU/s1600/IMG_1531.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 296px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oRD_HCe6PcY/TgtvzwgxfFI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/Lx0F3HM8qaU/s320/IMG_1531.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623711494688570450" /></a>I saw a telescoping card online and decided I wanted to put my own twist on it. It was created by Lisa Zwolanek, and I think it's such a unique, yet EASY card to make. It'll really make someone's day, I just know it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_mjIHSRRZvM/TgtwLRNI2YI/AAAAAAAAA4g/_4hLWVmac8o/s1600/IMG_1532.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 230px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_mjIHSRRZvM/TgtwLRNI2YI/AAAAAAAAA4g/_4hLWVmac8o/s320/IMG_1532.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623711898601576834" /></a>As you can see, it starts out as a pile of concentric circles. My card has 5 layers and the layers are attached using brads. This allows them to swivel as they open, and it's just so cool!<br /><br />I used 3 circle dies for the Big Shot--the <a href="http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=121811">3.5"</a>, the <a href="http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=122125">3"</a>, and the <a href="http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=114526">Circles #2</a> plate, which has 4 sizes--2", 1.75", 1.5", and 1". I used the <a href="http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=120906">2.5" circle punch</a> as well. That's a LOT of circles, but trust me, it's just a matter of layering card stock to get the number of circles you need in the colors you want. If you don't have a Big Shot, you could trace circles or use a smaller set of graduating circle punches to achieve the same effect.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B8EmVeQs7sU/TgtxCYriYsI/AAAAAAAAA4o/40V6Z-c-6No/s1600/IMG_1530.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 121px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B8EmVeQs7sU/TgtxCYriYsI/AAAAAAAAA4o/40V6Z-c-6No/s320/IMG_1530.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623712845500932802" /></a>Once I had my circles cut out, I chose the <a href="http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=115778">Circle Circus</a> stamp set, in keeping with the card's obvious theme! It allowed me to create some backgrounds for the words I chose, which are from Best Yet (retired). I used the current InColor collection for the card stock and the inks, and I'm looking forward to recreating this in the NEW InColors, which premiere July 1 when the 2011-2012 Big Idea Book & Catalog becomes available for ordering.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />JUST 24 HOURS LEFT TO ORDER FROM THE CURRENT CATALOG!</span> Click <a href="http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/justforyoubyjenn/">here</a> to shop online. <br /><br />If you'd like to get your hands on a new catalog, just leave me a comment and we'll connect! Even though you can't order from it until July 1, I can get it to you NOW! Isn't that great!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04687339205571651753noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5121829337881817254.post-77549952066542473372011-05-26T07:00:00.001-04:002011-05-26T07:00:14.034-04:00Sail Away Father's Day<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-73_s-22tnY8/TdwNyX9biZI/AAAAAAAAAvc/OI_p0QI2oGw/s1600/IMG_0020.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 288px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-73_s-22tnY8/TdwNyX9biZI/AAAAAAAAAvc/OI_p0QI2oGw/s320/IMG_0020.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610374394873088402" /></a>As I shared with you yesterday, the new Sail Away a la carte stamp in the Summer Mini is a great investment for masculine birthday cards. I'm also enjoying using it to create Father's Day cards. <br /><br />My dad has always been intrigued by sailboats and old ships with masts, although he's not a waterbug at all. For years, there has been a picture of a boat called the James Arnold, coincidentally my father's name!, hanging in my parent's home, and until a recent move, a large model of a ship with several sails was displayed on the fireplace mantle.<br /><br />My father-in-law is the one responsible for instilling a love of the water in my husband. From the time my husband was in elementary school until the present, summer weekends have been equated with Lake Puckaway in Wisconsin, and Lake Puckaway has been equated with boating. So I know both my fathers will appreciate this image this Father's Day.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zdEXhenktwY/TdwPdPPpmsI/AAAAAAAAAvk/Imsxq2dK-SE/s1600/IMG_0019.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 256px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zdEXhenktwY/TdwPdPPpmsI/AAAAAAAAAvk/Imsxq2dK-SE/s320/IMG_0019.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610376230779591362" /></a>I followed the lead of a card I saw on Stampin' Connection, a private gallery for SU! demonstrators <span style="font-style:italic;">(you could join my team and get access to thousands of great card ideas--ask me how!)</span>, and stamped the image with Whisper White craft ink and embossed it on Not Quite Navy card stock with white embossing powder. Then I cut a matting of Cherry Cobbler card stock and planned to mount all that on Whisper White card stock. Then I started playing around with incorporating the Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine into the design, and I framed the image with it! The whole thing was too stark on the Whisper White, so I pulled out some Sahara Sand card stock for a base and it all came together.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2P8sWVL17gc/TdwQ3GAWlvI/AAAAAAAAAvs/3OUgnuTZ_3M/s1600/2011--Best%2BDad%2BEver.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2P8sWVL17gc/TdwQ3GAWlvI/AAAAAAAAAvs/3OUgnuTZ_3M/s320/2011--Best%2BDad%2BEver.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610377774487738098" /></a>The sentiment is from another new set in the Summer Mini called <a href="http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=120399">Best Dad Ever</a>. It has 4 sentiments in masculine fonts--FINALLY!--including Happy Father's Day. There is also an image of ties; poor dads, they get ties most of the time for this holiday, don't they? I bought the set for the sentiments, and for $14.95 for clear-mount, it's a great deal!<br /><br />Rmember that you can shop online by clicking on the Shop Onlie 24/7 button on the sidebar. Click on the picture of the Summer Mini to view it online too!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04687339205571651753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5121829337881817254.post-55633044451496751352011-05-25T07:00:00.002-04:002011-05-25T07:00:15.535-04:00Sailing Birthday Card<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kMTU5kVGOQk/TdwIxsxG_LI/AAAAAAAAAvU/BJURIouI0f0/s1600/IMG_0013.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kMTU5kVGOQk/TdwIxsxG_LI/AAAAAAAAAvU/BJURIouI0f0/s320/IMG_0013.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610368885720546482" /></a>My brother-in-law LOVES being on the water. He moved from the suburbs of Chicago to Madison for two reasons: 1) it's only 30 min. from the family's summer lake compound, and 2) there are 2 lakes IN TOWN! Fishing, wakeboarding, skiing, jet skiing, ice fishing, and canoeing all bring Rick into his element.<br /><br />So, when I saw this a la carte stamp, <a href="http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=123013">Sail Away</a>, in the Summer Mini catalog, I knew it was just what I was going to use to make him a great birthday card. Be on the lookout for a fantastic Father's Day card I made using this too, because this stamp is wonderfully versatile! And it's only $9.95. LOVE THAT!<br /><br />The image was stamped on Crumb Cake using Early Espresso classic ink. Then I stamped it again on a scrap of Whisper White card stock and cut out the sails. I popped them up with Stampin' Dimensionals to create a little more visual interest. I copied a card layout from the Stampin' Success magazine, a publication for demonstrators that is full of previews of upcoming stamps and such. I layered Cherry Cobbler and Baja Breeze, tearing those edges too.<br /><br />Then I was faced with the question of where to place the sentiment. I tried it across the bottom third, but I didn't like it. What I did like there is this new Cherry Cobbler <a href="http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?group=394">Baker's Twine</a>, which I threaded through the seam of the card by creating holes using my <a href="http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=116631">Piercing Tool</a> and <a href="http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=105826">Mat Pack</a> and threaded the twine through the holes using an embroidery needle. <br /><br />That left me with the upper right corner of the card. I stamped my go-to "Happy Birthday" from It's Your Birthday (retired) on a scrap strip of Whisper White and was surprised when I liked its position running vertically down the side of the card. <br /><br />This will be one of the cards we make at my June Stamp-A-Stack, and I hope some of you who haven't had the time all school year to attend will be free to join me Sat., June 11, from 10a-1p.<br /><br />Like I said, stay tuned and I'll show you a quick and easy, yest stunning Father's Day card.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04687339205571651753noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5121829337881817254.post-56762985630865405662011-05-19T07:00:00.000-04:002011-05-19T07:00:00.248-04:00Builder Wheel Birthday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eDibgZ2fuII/TcmGWPuANtI/AAAAAAAAAsg/AXeSFLKUHYI/s1600/DSC09886.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 244px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eDibgZ2fuII/TcmGWPuANtI/AAAAAAAAAsg/AXeSFLKUHYI/s320/DSC09886.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605158927974020818" /></a>Sometimes the best cards have the least number of elements. Such is the case with this masculine or appropriate for a child birthday card. It's created using the <a href="http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ItemList.aspx?categoryID=212">Builder Wheel</a> system, Designer Series Paper, and a card stock base. A card like this can be modified in some easy ways, which I'll detail later in this post, resulting in several different looking cards using the same layout and supplies. Because May is a HUGE birthday month in my family--my sister, my sister-in-law, my brother-in-law, my nephew, and my other brother-in-law--I need to be able to crank out LOTS of birthday cards.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rz3_NmaHvJQ/TcmIkXrBeCI/AAAAAAAAAso/fxjPEbSfGz8/s1600/117164S.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rz3_NmaHvJQ/TcmIkXrBeCI/AAAAAAAAAso/fxjPEbSfGz8/s400/117164S.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605161369650427938" /></a>The color palette for this card was determined by the Designer Series Paper, <a href="http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=117164">Celebrations</a>. It combines Pacific Point, Bashful Blue, Real Red, and Old Olive. So, let's see, which colors should I choose? I like simple, don't you?<br /><br />After cutting the Bashful Blue card stock and panels of the DSP to the size I wanted, I inked the wheel with Real Red and rolled it on Whisper White card stock. Mine was loaded with two wheels of <a href="http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=118618">Candle Crazy</a> and <a href="http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=118619">Birthday</a> in the middle. I pulled out the Pacific Point, Old Olive, and Bashful Blue markers and colored the candles and mounted it on a Bashful Blue mat.<br /><br />Now, let's talk about some simple modifications that can be made to make this card appear different without creating a new layout.<br /><br />1) Change the card base color. This automatically makes the card appear different, and you've hardly done anything!<br /><br />2) Change the mat color. By using one of the other colors in the DSP as a matting for the main image, you alter the card without creating a lot of work for yourself.<br /><br />3) Change the ink color for the wheel. You could go with one of the other colors in the DSP or use Basic Black.<br /><br />4) Change the colors you color the candles. I could've chosen to color all the candles Pacific Point, and made the matting Old Olive.<br /><br />5) Choose a different DSP! This keeps the layout exactly the same, but changes the feel, especially if you choose a DSP that has feminine colors.<br /><br />6) Eliminate the DSP and roll directly on the card base. Paper, ink, and stamps is really all you need to make a great card!<br /><br />I hope these tips will help you make efficient use of your crafting time, and let you focus more on being creative.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04687339205571651753noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5121829337881817254.post-85197159480117172522011-05-18T07:00:00.000-04:002011-05-18T07:00:00.335-04:00Letters and Flowers<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-STd8HXeQWtw/TcwBHnStc2I/AAAAAAAAAt0/EybYtPOlmXo/s1600/DSC09882.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 248px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-STd8HXeQWtw/TcwBHnStc2I/AAAAAAAAAt0/EybYtPOlmXo/s320/DSC09882.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605856866487595874" /></a>A friend asked me to design a card that could be monogrammed so that she could make some for her kids' teachers as end-of-the-year gifts. This is what I came up with, using the Lovely Letters alphabet and <a href="http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=123113">Flower Garden</a> Textured Impressions Folder from the new Summer Mini (you can view the entire catalog by clicking on the icon on the sidebar!). The goal is that the card can be mass produced quickly, and I think the design lends itself to this.<br /><br />I used Peach Parfait card stock from the <a href="http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=119797">InColor Collection </a>(did you know our InColors are kept around for 2 years now, instead of 1? It's GREAT!), and lined up the TI Folder on the outside edge instead of the inside fold. I tried it both ways and this is the way I liked best. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YTiRhs186Mw/TcwHz_wm-5I/AAAAAAAAAuI/AIQGTd-GdQk/s1600/DSC09881.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 161px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YTiRhs186Mw/TcwHz_wm-5I/AAAAAAAAAuI/AIQGTd-GdQk/s320/DSC09881.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605864226039462802" /></a>The monogram is created by stamping my "J" from <a href="http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=115030">Lovely Letters</a> in Poppy Parade classic ink and punching it out with a <a href="http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=119860">1 3/8" Circle Punch</a>. Then I punched out <a href="http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=119854">1.75" Scallop Circle</a> and punched out the center with the same circle punch, creating a frame for the monogram. <br /><br />This could've been placed on the card front, but I liked the idea of placing it on the card's interior, so I punched a hole through the card front with said circle punch and placed it inside using a Stampin' Dimensional. What do you think? This design could be used with any color card stock and coordinating ink to match the recipient's favorites.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04687339205571651753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5121829337881817254.post-1503727496807671892011-05-17T07:00:00.001-04:002011-05-17T07:00:05.726-04:00Pressed Flowers, the Big Shot Way<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5eRzqbIO0Uo/Tcv0IkZ_X4I/AAAAAAAAAtc/Gt1z2jLKKnY/s1600/DSC09883.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5eRzqbIO0Uo/Tcv0IkZ_X4I/AAAAAAAAAtc/Gt1z2jLKKnY/s320/DSC09883.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605842589241532290" /></a>When the new <a href="http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ItemList.aspx?categoryID=117">Summer Mini </a>Catalog debuted May 1, one of the first things to go on my order was the latest addition to SU's line of Textured Impressions Folders for the Big Shot. This one is called <a href="http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=123113">Flower Garden</a>, and it creates a LOVELY impression of four flowers! I had seen it used a bunch of different ways, all of them seemingly quick and easy. Here's my first attempt. Trust me, there will be more to follow.<br /><br />I embossed a piece of Whisper White card stock and used my <a href="http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=120962">Stampin' Pastels</a> for this project. With the help of <a href="http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=102892">sponge daubers</a>, I was able to place the chalk right where I wanted it. The color scheme here is Pink Passion and Certainly Celery. This was so easy! A set of these cards would be a perfect end-of-the-year gift for a teacher, wouldn't they? <br /><br />The sentiment is from <a href="http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=118384">Because I Care</a>, a Level 1 Hostess set. I stamped it using Old Olive classic ink, because my <a href="http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=121620">Color Coach</a> told me that it is a Dynamic Duo to Certainly Celery. Love tools that eliminate guesswork.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-47pgllGf2Kg/Tc7TqIBs1dI/AAAAAAAAAuw/Fz-nzOscOMI/s1600/IMG_0021.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 315px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-47pgllGf2Kg/Tc7TqIBs1dI/AAAAAAAAAuw/Fz-nzOscOMI/s320/IMG_0021.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606651306785428946" /></a>Here's an embellished version that I created for my sister's birthday card. Her day is today--happy birthday, little sister! The sentiment is from Best Dad Ever, a set from the Summer Mini that I'll be profiling later this week.<br /><br />Tomorrow I'll show you a prototype for a set of monogrammed cards using this same TI Folder.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04687339205571651753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5121829337881817254.post-78769485557791491962011-05-16T07:00:00.003-04:002011-05-16T07:00:10.764-04:00Mother's Day, After the Fact<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YUv82q7Q9DU/Tc7H5idQW8I/AAAAAAAAAuQ/qr2bhWBdsLw/s1600/DSC09879.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 318px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YUv82q7Q9DU/Tc7H5idQW8I/AAAAAAAAAuQ/qr2bhWBdsLw/s320/DSC09879.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606638377438829506" /></a>Because I'm still catching up from my blogging hiatus, let me show you the card I sent my mom for Mother's Day. I want you to see it because it is a unique take on the Framed Tulips Textured Impressions Folder. The folder embosses 4.25" x 5.5" card stock, but if you follow a few steps, you can transform your rectangle frame into a square! I first learned of this option for this folder from some wonderful demonstrator in blogland who provided step-by-step instructions. I can't remember who it was, but I'm grateful to be able to pass it along to you! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9GBlKx4FKTw/Tc7N5RFAJLI/AAAAAAAAAuY/OSf7WwYem7o/s1600/IMG_0027.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 242px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9GBlKx4FKTw/Tc7N5RFAJLI/AAAAAAAAAuY/OSf7WwYem7o/s320/IMG_0027.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606644969843467442" /></a>First I embossed the standard size card stock with the folder set up so that the Sizzix label was face up. It's important to note the position of the folder before you open it up to move the card stock around, because if you don't, you might end up with a square that has the pattern embossed on the sides and debossed on the final side. NOT what you want, trust me!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w2rinLMWNZM/Tc7PsE7t6LI/AAAAAAAAAug/P-sROGO0MMk/s1600/IMG_0032.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 274px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w2rinLMWNZM/Tc7PsE7t6LI/AAAAAAAAAug/P-sROGO0MMk/s320/IMG_0032.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606646942268254386" /></a>Reposition the card stock without flipping it over by moving it down 1.25" <span style="font-style:italic;">from the top of the start of the design</span>, NOT from the top of the folder. I marked my folder on each side with a Sharpie so that I wouldn't have to remember this. This will position your card stock so that you use the bottom of the frame to create your square. (The reason there are 2 sets of marks is because I wanted to have the option to put the folder in the other way and get the impression from the top. I tend to overthink things, though, so just pretend those aren't there for now.)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A-3qgsz9yVw/Tc7Qb-Wo5-I/AAAAAAAAAuo/OT7qRqrgKiQ/s1600/IMG_0031.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 294px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A-3qgsz9yVw/Tc7Qb-Wo5-I/AAAAAAAAAuo/OT7qRqrgKiQ/s320/IMG_0031.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606647765135845346" /></a>Place the folder back between the plates used to make the impression and place the part of the folder where the embossing is going to be done at the front of the machine. Then, slowly crank just until the folder barely begins to be pressed, then reverse direction. If you go too far, you run the risk of creating a double impression, and you don't want that. The picture shows the newly created square!<br /><br />For my card, I used the flower image from Silhouette Sentiments, colored direct to rubber. I stamped it on an oval created using the <a href="http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=114525">Ovals Original</a> Die that I had sponged with Baja Breeze and Certainly Celery. I applied the Whisper White taffeta ribbon using Snail adhesive and then bunched it on both sides of the focal image. A few strategically placed glue dots helped keep the pleats flat.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04687339205571651753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5121829337881817254.post-35522861182408353692011-05-13T07:00:00.000-04:002011-05-13T13:56:33.333-04:00Stamping is Good for the Environment<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sHUiUiHFomE/TcmMRN5kXgI/AAAAAAAAAsw/Y8OjqOmkdcw/s1600/DSC09880.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sHUiUiHFomE/TcmMRN5kXgI/AAAAAAAAAsw/Y8OjqOmkdcw/s320/DSC09880.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605165438656077314" /></a>Ever make something that just doesn't turn out just the way you intend, but you're reticent to throw it away? Well, those pieces and parts can spark creativity when you least expect it, so don't throw them away!<br /><br />This happened to me recently. I was making a quick card after I returned from visiting a friend and seeing her new kitchen when I spied a scrap of debossed card stock that I had colored using my brayer. Immediately I was reminded of the walls of my friend's kitchen and interrupted my work on the card I was making to use that scrap to make a card for her!<br /><br />I didn't have to do much to incorporate this element into a card, other than cut it in half so I could use it as a border to the sentiment I chose. I had another left over sitting around too--a card base that I had embossed with the<a href="http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=121809"> Framed Tulips</a> TI Folder that didn't go through quite straight. The frame was still usable as an element, though, so I trimmed it and mounted it on a Riding Hood Red card base, which matched the scrap of textured card stock.<br /><br />I added the sentiment from <a href="http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=111656">Inspired by Nature</a> that communicated what I wanted to write to her about and the card was complete! Another morale to this story? Stamping is good for the environment; it reduces waste and recycles!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04687339205571651753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5121829337881817254.post-30944810225155382312011-05-11T07:00:00.000-04:002011-05-11T07:00:12.542-04:00Impressionable<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u5Btv1UBBR0/TcmCl94CUfI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/NTgCf76xwMk/s1600/DSC09884.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 252px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u5Btv1UBBR0/TcmCl94CUfI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/NTgCf76xwMk/s320/DSC09884.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605154800015659506" /></a>I hate puns, but I couldn't resist using one to express the main technique used in this card. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the <a href="http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ItemList.aspx?categoryID=584">Textured Impressions Folders</a> for the <a href="http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=113439">Big Shot</a>, and this card uses one of my go-to folders--<a href="http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ItemList.aspx?categoryID=584">Vintage Wallpaper</a>. <br /><br />This is another of the cards I designed for a birthday card sweatshop stash making event. I started with a piece of Very Vanilla card stock and centered it on the VWTIF (I love acronyms!). After the Big Shot did its job and created a lovely, deep impression, I pulled out my <a href="http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=102395">brayer</a> and Riding Hood Red classic ink and began layering color over the debossed side of the impression. This is quick and easy and fun because you control how much color ends up on the panel. The only tricky part is not pressing too hard and applying color to the debossed pattern side.<br /><br />Once I was done with that, I looked for an appropriate sentiment that wouldn't be overpowered by the background piece I'd just created. It couldn't be too small or too large, and this one from <a href="http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=114916">All Holidays</a> was just right. <br /><br />I chose only one color to complement the RHR--More Mustard. I enjoy working with earthtones, and these two work as well together as the traditional hot dog condiments!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4bV5pk9RXFc/TcmE4D3TwmI/AAAAAAAAAsY/sH9_SkHb5es/s1600/DSC09887.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 207px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4bV5pk9RXFc/TcmE4D3TwmI/AAAAAAAAAsY/sH9_SkHb5es/s320/DSC09887.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605157309884121698" /></a>The final touch I thought to add was using the same TIFolder to deboss the envelope flap for the card. It creates such a stunning look so easily, and when it is found in the mail pile, whoever's getting it will be so impressed!<br /><br />When making multiples of a card in one sitting, I recommend following this process:<br /><br />1) Cut all your card stock: card bases, mats, and sentiment pieces. <br /><br />2) If employing a particular technique, such as embossing or applying color with a tool, do all these at once and then put away your tools.<br /><br />3) Stamp all your sentiments at once, using a Stamp-A-Ma-Jig if need be to insure all line up as you like.<br /><br />4) Put the cards together assembly line style. <br /><br />Before you know it, you'll have a set of cards. It's great to have these ready to go, because you never know when you'll need a card!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04687339205571651753noreply@blogger.com0