In Colors Two Ways

Last night I had “Shoebox Swap” with a bunch of demonstrator friends.   We did NOT swap Shoeboxes–THAT seems ridiculous!  What we did do is make and swap cards–NOT ridiculous!  We come up with one idea for a card, make it, get the materials together for our friends to make it and then stamp each other’s cards!

Here is my card:

LOVE this new stamp set, Crafting Forever.

Pair this up with the new In Colors from Stampin’ Up! and you have a simple, stunning card.   I feel this is very Vera Bradley-ish.   I would buy this bunch of pens in a heartbeat!

Now, to color in these pens, you have some options.   You can use the Stampin’ Write Markers which have a thin tip for detailed work or a brush tip for a wider stroke or coloring directly on stamps.  The image comes out like this:

The colors come out quite bold.

If you are looking for a softer look, you can go with the Blender Pen/Ink pad lid option!   Here is how that works:   turn your ink pad over (CLOSED!) and squeeze the top and bottom together (for some reason–works better if you turn it over.   Don’t know why–just reporting the facts!).  When you open the ink pad up, you will see that you have created a pool of ink there.   Then, using a Blender pen, you can pick up the ink  and color in your image. When you are ready to move on to a new color, just clean off the blender pen by rubbing it on your scrap paper until you don’t see any more color.  Then pick up a new color ink and repeat.

This allows for a softer, more subtle effect.

So there you have it:  In Colors two ways!

Thanks for stopping by.   For any supplies you might need, check out my website.

 

 

Lemon Lime Twist–in small doses!

HI!   I apologize for my “hiatus”.  There were a lot of things going on around this house….and every one of them was good….so I am not complaining.  That said, I don’t think I touched a stamp for almost a month!  But I am back and life is returning to “normal”.

While I was on my hiatus, Stampin’ Up! released their brand new catalog!!   I LOVE it.   There are so many bundles of goodies in there and so little time in the day.   So far, I have had the chance to play with just a few of them.   Today, instead of cleaning or weeding, I decided to check out the new Ronald McDonald House Charities stamp set called Sharing Sweet Thoughts.

This coordinates with the Everyday Jar Framelits.   Not only is this set adorable and sweet but with each purchase of this set, Stampin’ Up! donates $3 to the Ronald McDonald House Charities.   Let me offer you even more reason to need it:

I paired this set up with The Paper Players challenge:

(My sample looks like I used Pear Pizazz but I promise you it is Lemon Lime Twist and this is a great combo!)

Lemon Lime Twist is a delicious new color that has just been introduced as a 2017-19 InColor at Stampin’ Up!   It is PERFECT for a summer card.  So fresh!  That said, I need it in small doses.

This year I subbed in a nursery school class.  This Spring, the kiddies got to watch as caterpillars turned into chrysalis –es(?) and then into butterflies.   I learned SO much about the process….like, why it is amazing and beautiful–and sort of philosophical –starting as one thing and evolving into something so completely different that you didn’t see coming, it can also be a little stinky.  Just like real life, I guess!

In any case, this is sort of what our classroom “butterfly container” looked like in the end….Except it was mesh and much larger, and there were gross left over chrysalis thingys hanging on the side….and it was stinky….but that aside, it sort of looked like this.

Here are the two cards I came up with.   I couldn’t decide which one I preferred.

A couple of tips on this card:

*I gave the jar a little pool party “wash” as it was too stark white without it.   Since I was using an aquapainter to color the jar and the butterflies, I used the Thick White CS.

*I needed something up at the greeting–but so far, I don’t have all the ribbons I want.  I used the 1/2″ Finely Woven Ribbon in the Lemon Lime Twist that I cut in 1/2 to get the size that I needed.   I think the Ombre Ribbon would have been perfect as well!

Thanks for stopping by!  If you have any questions or need any supplies for your own paper crafting, contact me–I am happy to help out.

 

Stamp A Stack Samples

I had a great time this weekend meeting with my local group of Stampin’ Up! demonstrators.   They are so talented and FUN!   I challenged them to come up with some “Manly” card samples this month.   I will take photos today of their works of art to share with you.

In the meantime, it is Stamp  A Stack week.   That means I am having classes where we will make a stack of cards.   If you are local, I hope you can attend!  (RSVP here.)

I apologize for this photo.  (Can I just say, it is time for a new phone!).  In any case, I hope you get the idea.  These are two of the cards we will be doing this week:

Both of these cards are using sets that will be retiring soon!  (Chase Your Dreams and Crazy About You).   I know!  It breaks my heart too!  If you want to see/purchase any retiring items, you can find then all here.
Thanks for stopping by!

Inside the Lines for the Lazy!

For those of you who might have gotten the “Inside the Lines” paper free during the Sale a Bration special that just ended, I have sample that you might enjoy.  This technique of using a magnify glass could work for any line image.  When I saw this fun paper, I knew I liked it but was not sure I wanted to color ALL of it.  Here is how I handled it:

One of my aunts used to do needlepoint and she always wanted the back to look as good as the front.   I don’t have the same standards:

Our Foam Strips are great for this type of thing as you can manipulate them as you need to fit your shape.

Now–this is where I get lazy and don’t want to color the whole thing!  Don’t be confused by my photo.  The paper does not match the final product.

Color just what will be “magnified” .  

Here is a close up where I hope you can see the Wink Of Stella that makes a statement!

So if you haven’t yet used this paper, get out there and get coloring.  Such a fun look when only a small space is colored.

If you need any supplies to make your own cards, you can purchase them here.

Thanks for stopping by.

 

 

Retiring Products –Get them NOW!

Wowzer!  Stampin’ Up! announced their list of retiring products from both the Annual Catalog:

And the Occasions Catalog:

There are some fantastic products that are retiring that you will want to get your hands on before they are gone for good on May 31st.   Good news for you!  Some of those products are on sale for up to 50% off!!  That is great news.  The downside of that is that they are likely to sell out.

So carve out some time soon to sit down with your favorite beverage and go through the list.  Here is where you can see what is retiring and shop!

While I place orders pretty frequently, you will want to order these on my website right away so that you don’t get shut out.

NOW–I have also seen what is coming.   The future is bright!!!  Trust me!   More on that when I am able to share with you.

Thanks for stopping by.

 

Free Bugs!

Hey!   Did you realize that NEXT week is Daylight Savings?  …Or the END of daylight savings???   I never know which.   In any case, you are going to loose sleep.   But have no fear because summer is coming!  AND with summer comes bugs and plants… So in honor of that….and because I have a Stamp A Stack next week and just made this sample (wink!), here is a fun card to share with you:

It is tough to see (Ok–impossible!) but there is a window sheet in the “magnifying glass” and it is on  to make it “real”.   So fun!  I copied this card from a fellow demonstrator and team member, Debbie FITZgerald.  Thanks, Debbie!

This great paper, Inside the Lines,  is FREE from Stampin’ Up! during Sale a Bration when you spend $50 or more.  There are 4 different patterns to choose from (3 sheets of each )in the package of 12 x 12 paper.    Right now, these “coloring sheets” are very trendy.  I, personally, enjoy them…but feel a bit guilty just sitting around coloring…but when you are sending a card—that is all together different!

This card actually comes together quickly as there is NOT a lot of coloring involved….unless you want it to be!

If you are local, would love you to be able to attend my Stamp A Stack next week where this will be just one of the cards you make.  You can see details and RSVP here.

To place an order and/or see some great specials, click here.

Thanks for stopping by!

 

 

Time Out for an Elephant

I have been featuring cards made with Beautiful You stamp set this week but I want to take a time out for an elephant.  Elephants are ALL over the place and very trendy right now.  I just googled it and here is just a sampling of what is out there:

I feel like I might need that pillow!

I found this on the web so it must be true:

The elephant is associated with Buddha and the Indian deity Ganesh and can be used to symbolize power, wisdom, strength, protection of the home, fertility, and general good luck. Many Feng Shui practitioners believe that elephants should have their trunks facing upwards to represent prosperity, good luck, and success.

Be wary if that $85 elephant bank up above!!

Stampin’ Up! released a new stamp in the Occassions catalog called —wait for it–

Lucky Elephant .  Here is the 2 piece stamp set:

Adorable, right?  AND his trunk is lucky!!   Here is a quick card I made with it:

To get this multicolor look, I used the “Baby Wipe Technique”.  It is simple to do.  You place several layers of baby wipes (2- 3 of them) on a plate so that it has a little “squish” to it.  Using 3 different colors of reinkers, you squeeze the ink onto the baby wipes randomly and let the colors bleed together.  This happens quickly.  Then stamp your image.   No 2 will look the same.   For this sample, I used Bermuda Bay, Island Indigo and Eggplant Envy.  You can get quite a few images before you need to reink again.

To finish it off, I used some Rhinestones along his blanket (a little tough to see in this photo) and up along the greeting.  The Elegant Dots embossing fold was the perfect texture to finish this off.

I LOVE this elephant and I hope you do to.  If you find you need it in your collection (and you do!—it represents power, wisdom, strength, protection of the home, fertility, and general good luck, after all!) you can get it right here.

Thanks for stopping by!

 

 

Very Jackie O!

Yesterday, I shared my Kick-line Card with you here.  I told you there was SO much you could do with this Beautiful You new stamp set by Stampin’ Up!   I wasn’t kidding!     I feel like this image in this set was made with Jackie O in mind.

What do you think?

I am NOT a fussy cutter unless there is no way to get the look I am going for except to fussy cut.   I would say, however, it was worth it in this case.  Truth:  only took me a few seconds to cut the dress out.  An the impact was worth it.   I used the elegant Floral Boutique DSP here.  I stamped the image on the cardstock and then stamped a second image right onto the DSP in order to Paper Piece it onto the card.

Do you need this set yet?  If not, stay tuned–I have more coming!

If so, you can purchase it and any other stamp supplies you need right here.

Card fit for a Rockette!

I once heard that the Rockettes are so uniform that they must be between 5’6″ and 5’10”.  So I am out!  Frankly, I would NEVER have been in–even if I was 3″ taller.   But the point of this (Pointe–get it?!) is that uniformity can sometimes be a good–even GREAT thing!  When you see dancers doing the exact same thing at the exact same time–it is beautiful!

Today, I had the chance to play with a new stamp set called Beautiful You.

This stamp set has fantastic greetings.  That is the first thing that drew me to it.   Obviously, a LOT of people have been drawn towards this set as it is all over Pinterest!

In any case, I loved the dance-y image in this set and thought it would make a great “kickline” picture.  Afterall, the dancers would be exactly the same height and be dancing exactly the same move.   So here is my kickline card:

(This also features the gorgeous paper, Falling In Love DSP)

SO–IF you have a friend who just became a Rockette, here is the card for you!   If you don’t, there are all sorts of other great cards you can make from this set.   Stay tuned for more from me this week.

In the meantime, I am having a Stamp A Stack for those of you who are local next WEDNESDAY night.  You can find the details and register here.  Here are a couple of the cards we will be making.

To purchase any supplies you see here, please visit my website here.

Thanks for stopping by.

 

Got Scraps?

If you are reading my blog and you are not a family member, I KNOW you have scraps of designer paper.   I have been on a campaign for the past few years to use up my designer paper.   The struggle is real!   You know you LOVE that piece of DSP and know you will never love another quite as much…so you never use it….saving it for just the right situation…..But that situation never arrises as you discover NEW, better designer paper–and ultimately forget about that “perfect” paper of yesteryear!

Just use it up!!!!!!!

And here is a great way to use up those little “bits” that are cluttering up your desk, as such, cluttering up your life!!!  Who needs a cluttered life?  ESPECIALLY on day 2 of the new year!!  I am here to help with your “De Cluttering” resolution!

Bonus–This will ALSO help with your “Keep in touch with those that really matter AND send out those cards I have been making” resolution!

This SIMPLE card uses a new stamp set called So Very Much that will be FREE during Sale A Bration (starting in just 2 short days!).   It is a sweet greeting set and the font is fresh and LARGE (when you want to send a note but don’t really want to write a lot!).

This card uses Stampin’ Up! Notecards and Envelopes.  You might not be aware we sell these but they are fantastic for a quick little note, come in White or Crumb Cake, AND just require REGULAR postage!

Here is another sample (from the same pile of scraps, mind you!) with the details.   So easy, so quick!  You’re welcome!

If you haven’t yet received your Sale a Bration catalog and are a customer of mine, please contact me!  If you don’t have a demonstrator and would like a Sale A Bration catalog, please contact me and I will set you up!

Thanks for stopping by.  Now get going on those resolutions!!!