Ink Ink and Away

25 & Counting Peek-a-Boo Frames

2011-10-07T15:18:00.076-04:00

This project is a fun one that may work well with the assistance of your children.

Tools and Supplies

25 & Counting Stamp Set

Big Shot

Peekaboo Frames Bigz L Die

Northern Frost Sizzlits Decorative Strip Die

1" Square punch

Houndstooth Textured Impressions Embossing Folder

Snow Burst Textured Impressions Embossing Folder

Chirstmas Lane Simply Scrappin' Kit

12" x 12" Chocolate Chip Cardstock and Ink

Garden Green Cardstock and Ink

Rich Razzleberry Cardstock and Ink

Crumb Cake Cardstock and Ink

Very Vanilla Cardstock and Ink

Scraps of various colours to use for embellishments and layers:

Ribbons

Dazzling Diamonds

Buttons

Jewels

Stitched Felt

Mini Jingle Bells

Various small punches

Brads

etc.

Instructions

Using the Peekaboo Frames Bigz L Die, cut out 6 sets of frames in 3 colours, to coordinate with your choice of Designer Series Papers or Simply Scrappin' Kits.
Use your bone folder to crease the windows open, then close them again.
Stamp all the images from the 25 & Counting stamp set in coordinating inks. I used the same colours as my cardstock.
Lay out the frames on the 12" x 12" background cardstock. I found that the double door frame held 2 of the 1" x 1" stamped images, so this allowed for 5 "days" for each row.
Using the 1" punch, punch out all the stamped images.
A great way to matte the 1" images is to use the Postage Stamp punch!
I coloured some of the images, dazzled them with Dazzling Diamond glitter and used various coordinating Designer Series papers in order to bring the images alive.
Once you have all the images decorated the way you want them, you can begin to glue them all down. Glue the 1" images to the background papers/cardstock, then place them on the 12"x12" background, then cover them with the peekaboo frame.
Once you have all in place and glued down, you can decorate the outside of the frames, as desired. Make sure that your decorations do not interfere with the door opening.

Time taken to complete project: 6 hours

Members of this month's Inky Divas Blog Hop:

Josee Smuck

Janet Sanii
Julie Olivier
Linda Willman
Wendy Stewart

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you enjoyed this month's Blog Hop…make sure you check back in for our next one on November 11th where we will feature Christmas Cards!

2011 October

2011-10-04T14:40:00.000-04:00

I've finally gotten back to what I love to do! Create ... share ... enjoy! I'm officially retired and have more time to spend on preparing my cards, especially preparing for Christmas. The blog content was prepared using My Digital Studio. Hope you like them!

Change of lifestyle

2011-03-12T14:04:00.000-05:00

My new doctor is a lot stricter than the previous one. She recommended a loss of weight, reduction in salt and regular exercise. I'm all for that, if she is the one doing the lifestyle changes!

So, I've gone on a low-carb diet, avoiding all "whites" except for cauliflower (now flour, sugar, salt, potatoes, rices, etc.). My acid reflux disappeared within a week! I've already lost 8.5 lbs in 3-1/2 weeks (mostly water retention, I'm told), and am continuing to progress.

One of the best sites I found is http://nutritiondata.self.com/tools/calories-burned

This site allows you to identify the food you eat in 1 day, to see if you are getting the balance you need. It looks at the inflammation factors of the food (good and bad) in order to reduce possible problems. Since I experience arthritis symptoms, by reducing the percentage of inflammatory foods I eat, I should find a reduction in pain. We'll see!

It takes a lot more work to prepare special meals and a lunch every day, so I have less time to create cards, but I'm planning on a class in embossing techniques in the near future, incorporating ideas from the Emboss or Die CD from Technique Junkies which I received this week -- when my studio is painted. MDH is busy as we "speak", painting away!

3D Popup Flower Card and Valentine's Day Card

2011-02-02T20:37:00.001-05:00

This card uses Stampin' Up!™;TM Wild Wasabi, Regal Rose, Pink Pirouette and Certainly Celery cardstock. The flower is built from the Build a Blossom® stamp set and punched out using the Blossom Petals Punch®. The background card has been dry embossed using the Big Shot® with the Tulips Textured Impressions Embossing Folder®. The flower centre has been embellished with Pink Fine Supernova Glitter®. Instructions for the pop-up method can be found at SplitCoastStampers.com, called the Sliding Pop-up Card by Kim Score.

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/resources/tutorials/slidingpopupcard/

Greeting is from the Thoughts & Prayers set.

The Valentine's Day card is created using the LetterPress® Plate: Lots of Love®. It uses Pretty in Pink, Rose Red and Watercolor Paper (Vanilla). The pigment ink is Pretty in Pink and Rose Red. The grosgrain ribbon is threated through a Vanilla Hodgepodge buckle. The hearts are punched out using the Heart Small® and Heart to Heart Extra Large® (3 hearts) punches. You can't see the detail in the photo, but the debossed "Love" words cover the watercolor cardstock -- not just the words that were inked before putting the letterpress through the Big Shot®. The heart over the "E" of Love (Rose Red) was also dry embossed using the Textured Impressions Square Lattice Embossing Folder®.

All products used can be purchased through Stampin' Up! Call if you'd like to place an order or to learn more about how to create these lovely cards or to host a party to make special cards in your home with your friends or family.

3D Greeting Card Class - Samples

2011-01-10T17:37:00.001-05:00

These cards have been created from instructions provided in a CD purchased from Technique Junkies: http://www.techniquejunkies.com/fancy-folds-and-motion-cd.html

First card illustrated is a Side Step Card. I've provided 3 photos, so you understand how it looks, if you were here, in person.

The hardest part is getting the folds correct! The rest is applying mattes and your images.

The next card, to the right below (Owl) is a Pop-out Tunnel card. I've taught pop-out cards before and tunnel cards, but not combined, so this was new for me. What a great way to bring a surprise to someone! I thought this made a terrific birthday card. The front of the card was kept deceptively simple, to add to the surprise!

I've provided a side view, so you can see the pop-out sizing.

The Valentine's card is 4" x 4" square, so I had to throw in a designer paper envelope to match.

This is a Box Corner card, so it folds out and stays open nicely, with a "floor" to the card that is decorated like the rest of the card. It I were to do this card again, and my class will find out on Saturday, I would not include the 2 inner pop-outs as it is too much. It the "Love" were a little smaller, it would work better.

The next card is a French Door card, which is similar to a waterfall card. There are 2 waterfalls, though, which hide a greeting underneath. You pull out the 2 waterfalls by the ribbons to reveal the hidden message.

This last card is a Kaleidoscope wedding card (to send as a guest/friend). Again, I've kept the outside very simple because there is so much on the inside. This is a card with layers of windows that add dimension. They are held together by brads through all the layers, which shouldn't show on the exterior of the card. I completed the card front before finishing the inside of the card -- a no-no in this particular card!

I hope my guests enjoy the class on Saturday!!! There's still a few spots available, should you be able to come, but you need to let me know immediately! Preparation for this class takes a lot of time!

3D Card Class - Reminder

2011-01-03T12:44:00.002-05:00

January 15^th, 2-4 p.m., 5 cards for $25.00 – Variety of Greeting Cards

RSVP no later than 1 week in advance. Payment due at start of class.

Recipe for Scrabble (Bits and Bites)

2010-12-18T17:02:00.000-05:00

Bits and Bites (Cereal Scramble)

2 lbs salted nuts

1 11-oz Shreddies

1 11-oz Cheerios

1 6-oz Rice-based square cereal (Rice Chex, Life)

1 7-oz Pretzels

1 7-oz Cheeze nibs

Do not use sweetened or flavoured cereals.

Dressing

2 c salad oil

2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tbsp garlic powder (not salt)

1 tbsp onion powder (not salt)

1 tbsp seasoned salt

1 tsp celery salt

Preheat oven to 250⁰ F. Mix cereal mix together in large roasting pan. Mix dressing ingredients together and pour over cereal mixture. Bake for 2 hours, stirring every 15 minutes. Makes about 9 quarts.

(I make full, large packages of cereal mixture, so quadruple the dressing).

Christmas Boxes

2010-12-18T15:04:00.000-05:00

I've been busy making cards and, now boxes, to give away this Christmas season. I've filled the boxes with homemade "Scramble" (Bits and Bites).

Box instructions:

1 12" x 12" square cardstock, scored at 3" on all sides. Cut up to score line on each corner using the scoreline (I only cut on 2 ends). Using bone folder, press out each scored line. This is the box base.
1 10-1/4" x 10-1/4" square Designer Series Paper (double-sided), scored at 2" on all sides. Cut up to score line as before. Using bone folder, press out each scored line. This is the box top.
Use Sticky Strip, create box base and top.
From remaining Designer paper, cut out a little to embellish a tag card. Create a coordinating tag from leftover cardstock, to match the box base. Stamp as desired.
Fill the box with Scrabble in a celephane bag, tied with ribbon. Tie the box shut with fancy ribbon and attach finished tag.

I have another 12 boxes cut out, but don't have enough "stuff" to fill them. I'll have to give this more thought!

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Wonderful Wheels - Class Projects

2010-12-04T13:05:00.000-05:00

This afternoon is the Wonderful Wheels class. Here's the projects that will be completed by attendees:

This first card is a mitred border card. This technique makes a great effect for scrapbook pages as well as cards.

The Peace on Earth card uses wheeling with Versamark ink and embossing with a mixture of Gold embossing powder and Dazzling Diamonds. Sparkles!

The snowflake card uses the Versamark Resist technique. Wheel onto Glossy White paper with Versamark, then sponge on multiple colours to bring out the pattern that has been wheeled onto the cardstock.

The Christmas train card shows the Skewed Wheels technique. As you are wheeling your way across the card, angle the wheel slowly up and down, which creates a skewed line, instead of the straight line that you would normally aim to achieve. This effect does NOT work with all types of wheels. Some word wheels may not work, and more complex designs may be ruined by this effect. The railroad track wheel works terrific for this technique.

The cardinal card does not use any wheels, but the envelope does! The envelope is wheeled with the cardinal Build-a-Wheel to create a border than be coloured before mailing. What a great combination! The recipient of this card may just want to save the coordinating envelope!

Any envelope or wrapping can be improved with a little creative wheeling.

Next class is January 15/11, 2-4 pm for 3D effects card class. Why not join now?

More Christmas Cards 2010

2010-11-25T18:29:00.001-05:00

Some of the attached cards were created as part of the Brayer class, some for card classes at our Mothers and Daughters Craft Night, and some just because....I need lots of cards! If you would like instructions on any of the cards, let me know.
A simple card, with embellishments to reflect the wisemen coming to Bethlehem to visit with the newborn King of Creation and Messiah!

Embellishments aren't the only special effect for this Happy Holidays card. The window holds water with sparkling glitter which hides snowmen that are visible with a little gentle persuasion.

The dry embossing folder allows for some great effects when you brayer the folder before embossing. The glitter brads add a lovely touch to the snowflake centres.

The large bird and branch punch mounted on a brayered wax paper resist background provides a nice background effect for this green Peace on Earth card. The photo corners help to bring emphasis to the greeting and bird. The bird was swiped with grey ink in a direct-to-paper technique.

This brayered background uses two brayers that had rubber bands wrapped around them. This allows for a cross hatched effect in coordinating colours.

This Christmas Greetings card uses punches, glitter and ribbon to highlight the design. The background is dry embossed on glossy white cardstock, then brayered for a subtle background.

The same ornament punch is used in the retired Almost Amethyst and Lovely Lilac card to the right. The trees are stamped with Lovely Lilac, then glittered up using 2-way glue and glitter.

The card to the left, Christ is Born, uses a Shimmer cardstock diecut and flower cut-out to provide the feature. Retired Cranberry Crisp and Handsome Hunter cardstock was used, in my attempt to reduce my retired cardstock pile.

The brayered background on the card to the right uses the emboss resist technique. The cardinal is coloured with water colour crayons, allowed to dry, then a Versamarker is used over the cardinal and branches. Clear embossing powder protects the bird feature from getting erased during brayering. Masking of the top and bottom uses sticky paper.

The bouncing brayer technique allows for this little card. The ornament has a touch of ribbon that wraps under the white cardstock to highlight the feature. The ornament has been stamped with Versamark ink, then water-based ink, then embossed with Iridescent Ice.

The next two "Merry Christmas" cards are watercoloured. The one to the right uses watercolour crayons and the one below has its stamped image embossed with clear embossing powder, then filled in with water colour crayons using an Aquapen. Two effects using watercolouring, but very different results!

Back by popular demand

2010-11-25T17:16:00.002-05:00

Space is still available for the next 2 classes, but time is limited to register:

Wonderful Wheels

December 4^th, 2-4 p.m., 5 cards for $25.00 – Christmas theme

3D Effects

January 15^th, 2-4 p.m., 5 cards for $25.00 – Variety of Greeting Cards

RSVP no later than 1 week in advance. Payment due at start of class.

Scheduled classes

2010-11-07T05:57:00.002-05:00

Due to low enrollment, classes are cancelled. Sorry for the inconvenience!

New Classes Scheduled

2010-10-30T10:44:00.000-04:00

I've scheduled three new classes that you may be interested in. These events make great outings for family and friends!

Brayer Techniques

November 13^th, 2-4 p.m. 5 cards for $25.00 – Christmas theme

Wonderful Wheels

December 4^th, 2-4 p.m., 5 cards for $25.00 – Christmas theme

3D Effects

January 15^th, 2-4 p.m., 5 cards for $25.00 – Variety of Greeting Cards

RSVP no later than 1 week in advance. Payment due at start of class.

Hallowe'en 2010

2010-09-23T20:06:00.001-04:00

These two 12" x 12" scrapbook pages are using many of the new items found in the Stampin' Up! ™ Holiday Mini Catalogue® for Hallowe'en 2010.

The background cardstock is Pumpkin Pie, with Basic Black (matting and bats), Vellum (spider web), Waffle Paper (as rumpled matting), Neutrals Designer Series Paper Stack (border strip) and Confetti White (border strip) used for accents and matting. The stamp set used is Dark & Dreary® for the spider on the embossed web (stamped with Stazon®), two wheels used are Midnight Musings® and Bring on the Bats® the Bitty Bat Large® punch for flying bats around the page, the Sissix Clearlits Scalloped Square® and the Textured Impressions Spider Web Embossing Folder ®. The Spooky Night® Rub-ons were used on the title page, along with the Trick or Treat® Letterpress Plate. The large 1-3/8" square punch was used to create the window.

The "mummy" effect (with the googly eyes) is made of strips of cardstock that are layered and glued like a wrapped mummy onto a scrap piece of cardstock. The whole thing is then cut out by using the square Clearlit® die on the BigShot®. It is "scuffed up" using More Mustard ink on a sponge.

Christmas in October

2010-09-22T17:27:00.000-04:00

I am planning a big sale of all the retired items I have on October 30th, 2-4 p.m. If you are looking for something special to give to someone, I still have unmounted stamps available. You will also have a chance to make something nice, eat some great snacks and see my updated studio.

Hope you can make it! If planning to attend, please RSVP no later than October 23rd, so I can prepare for you!

Wendy

Letterpress Plates and Embossing Folder Christmas Cards

2010-09-15T20:01:00.009-04:00

Letterpress plates were introduced in September 2010 in the Holiday Mini ® Catalogue with two that are decorative Christmas plates. I haven't been able to get them to "deboss", but they work well for "printing press" style images. The "Joyful Season" ® and "Northern Trim" ® plates are shown below, using Rose Red ® , Certainly Celery ® and Confetti White ® cardstocks and CRAFT (pigment) inks. The sparkling Glassy Glitter ® (Champagne) was added using Sticky Strip ® . The scalloped edge punch embellishes the pointsetta strip. The "Peace on Earth" ® stamp comes from "Peaceful Season" ® , a new hostess set introduced in the Holiday Mini ® .

The "Merry Christmas" card uses the "Tags til Christmas" ® set from the Holiday Mini ® catalogue, the Extra-Large Decorative Label ® punch, and the Hostess set, "Occasional Quotes" ® . This card uses the "Northern Flurry" ® Embossing folder, which is then rubbed (direct-to-paper technique) with the White Craft ink pad. It is then embossed with Irridescent Ice ® , to give it a frosted window effect.

Faithbooking

2010-09-11T10:05:00.000-04:00

Edith Schaefer, one of my favourite authors, states, “One of the ways we describe the unfolding of God’s will is by the observance of “signposts". Signposts are answered prayers or significant events, which prove to be pivotal in the direction of our day to day living….At each signpost is an awareness of God’s hand working behind the scenes, orchestrating a master plan and the gentle pointing of our family along a certain path to achieve His plan.”

In our busy lives, it is sometimes hard to build these "signposts" that Mrs. Scaefer speaks about, yet we are encouraged by God in Deuteronomy 4:9 to, “Be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen, or let them slip from your heart as long as you live.”

Faithbooking takes scripture, hymns, poems and uses them to inspire us. We respond by applying these thoughts to our own lives in journalling what our Lord God is telling us through these messages. We use scrapbooking and stamping as an art form, giving life and illustration to our prayers, thoughts and words.

Here's a poem and scripture that create my first Faithbook using Greenhouse Gala &reg Designer Series papers. I can't seem to get the order posted in the blog right, but the content is all there.

Christmas Cards from Christmas Cheer Scrapbooking Kit

2010-09-11T09:51:00.000-04:00

Here are a few cards created from the new Christmas Cheer&r set. They are easy and fun to make, using added embellishments, like ribbons, punched features, pearls, glitter brads, stamped images and glitter.

Punched Windows

2010-08-15T15:46:00.000-04:00

This is an interesting design which doesn't show up too well in a photo. The Elegant Soirée Designer Series paper is stamped with three birds from the new Level 1 Hostess set, Punch Potpourri, in Night of Navy. The paper is then punched with the 1-3/8" circle punch, to create holes in the background. The coordinating Confetti Cream cardstock scrap is stamped with the bird, then punched out with the Two-Step Bird Extra-Large punch. The body of the bird is inserted BEHIND the punched circle, aligning the stamped image from the front of the card with the punched image, then glued under the designer paper. The wing is added afterwards, using a Dimensional. Leaves are punched and added to the greeting tag, which was stamped using the Level 3 Occasional Quotes Hostess set and tied on using 1/4" Early Espresso grossgrain ribbon. Cardstocks used are Crumb Cake, River Rock and Baja Breeze.

Wonderful Wheels

2010-08-14T13:11:00.000-04:00

I volunteered to demonstrate the world of stamping wheels at a one-day stamping event in September and have been busy making related samples. I've used the new Color Coach for coordinating the colour combinations as well. Hope you like the outcome!

This first card is the Sweet Set combination of Baja Breeze, More Mustard and Cherry Cobbler. The sponged Glossy White paper was wheeled with Versamark ink first using the Very Vintage Jumbo Wheel. The Daffodil Delight 1/8" ribbon and Elegant Soirée designer paper help to focus the eye on the brilliant hues of the sponged effect. The greeting is from the Inspired by Nature stamp set.

The next card uses the Sweet Set combination for Cherry Cobbler, with corresponding Pumpkin Pie and Night of Navy. The Bear Tracks standard wheel is wheel on gold coloured polymer clay which is then baked before being mounted. The background has been stamped with the new Confetti background stamp in Cherry Cobbler. The greeting is punched out using the Modern Label Extra Large punch, mounted with Navy brads.

The Build-a-Wheel is a new feature that was introduced in the Summer Mini Catalogue, which I've grown to LOVE! This effect, which I call "Skewed Wheeling" was achieved using the stars and congratulations wheels, with a spacer filling out the last space for a 3rd wheel, Versamark ink loaded in the wheel cartridge, and gold and silver embossing. The greeting was stamped from the Occasional Quotes hostess set and punched out with the scallop circle punch. The cardstock is Nearly Navy, Baja Breeze and Whisper White.

Wheels are very versatile! To the right, the envelope and stationery pages have been wheeled using the Whimsey Jumbo wheel, then coloured with coordinating markers to coordinate with the Creative Combination of River Rock, Not Quite Navy and Tangerine Tango. Colours don't look the same as in person!

Wrapping paper is easy to create in order to coordinate your card, the greeting, the scrapbook page and the greeting. The paper was wheeled with the Baby Tees Jumbo wheel in Night of Navy, the the band was wheeled using the Build-a-Wheel "Congratulations" wheel. A little white grossgrain ribbon finishes the effect. The same wheel is used on the 6"x6" scrapbook page with the baby's first photo, in Bashful Blue Sweet Set combo, with Certainly Celery and Chocolate Chip. The wheel is also used on a scrap of Whisper White, which is coloured with matching markers, then cut out and mounted using dimensionals, directly over the same wheeled image.

One of the great border effects you can achieve with wheels is a mitred corner. It looks like you never lifted the wheel! This happy card uses the Getting Started Combination, with So Saffron replacing Daffodil Delight, Night of Navy and Old Olive. The stamp set is Just Buzzin' By, with the Bees and Blossoms Builder Wheel.

Place sticky notes in the upper and lower corners of the cardstock you wish to wheel at 45 degree angles. These act as masks for the wheel. Using the Wheel Guide to guide the wheel with the desired space from the edge of the cardstock, wheel across the top and bottom of the card. Now switch the sticky notes to lay at 45 degrees, lining up the wheeled images you’ve already completed. Reset the Wheel Guide to the new location and wheel the remaining sides. Be careful to keep the wheeled images all going the same direction e.g. if you are wheeling snowmen, make sure their heads are either all to the outside of the card or all to the inside! Remove the sticky notes.

The card to the right in Bashful Blue, Chocolate Chip and Whisper White uses the Wheeled Shadow effect. Being aware of the exact place you are starting to wheel (use rubber seam), roll your primary colour. Clean wheel thoroughly. Use coordinating colour and the wheel set to just a fraction behind where you started before, wheel the second colour over the first for a shadow effect. Don't be frustrated if you don't get it right the first time. This card took me 5 attempts before I got it right! Curvy Verses greeting is stamped on the bottom right-hand corner for a lovely Wedding card effect.

Christmas isn't something we think about often in August, but I want to get a head start! This box is die-cut using the Big Shot, then wheeled with the Whimsey Jumbo wheel using Whisper White craft ink. The greeting is stamped using the Perfect Punches set, then punched out using the scallop circle punch. Taffeta white ribbon and silver cording completes the look.

The final card uses the Sweet Set combination of Melon Mambo, River Rock (instead of Old Olive, to tone it down a little) and Elegant Eggplant. The Whimsey Jumbo wheel is stamped with Versamark Ink, then embossed with clear embossing powder. The Delightful Decorations and Tree Trimmings stamp sets are used, along with the coordinating punch and they are mounted with Dimensionals and embellished with gold cording for a great effect. Thinking Christmas yet?

Beautiful Christian Sister

2010-08-14T07:55:00.001-04:00

I found this poem when looking for some encouraging words for a friend who didn't get the job she applied for closer to her family...I can't send it to her, but thought I'd share it with you! It's from: http://howtoencourage.blogspot.com/

BEAUTIFUL CHRISTIAN SISTER

               by Maya Angelou

               'A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ
               that a man should have to seek Him first to find her.'

               When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not shouting 'I'm
               clean livin''
               I'm whispering 'I was lost, Now I'm found and
               forgiven.'

               When I say... 'I am a Christian' I don't speak of this
               with pride.
               I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my
               guide.

               When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not trying to be
               strong.
               I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to
               carry on.

               When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not bragging of
               success.
               I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my
               mess.

               When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not claiming to
               be perfect,
               My flaws are far too visible but, God believes I am
               worth it.

               When I say... 'I am a Christian' I still feel the
               sting of pain..
               I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His
               name.

               When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not holier than
               thou,
               I'm just a simple sinner Who received God's good
               grace, somehow!

          Pretty is as Pretty does... but beautiful is just
               plain beautiful!

From another encourager:

Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass...It's about learning how to dance in the rain.

Colour Combinations from Daffodil Delight

2010-07-07T19:10:00.000-04:00

The card to the left uses Early Espresso, Riding Hood Red and Daffodil Delight to create the bolder look. The stamp sets used in this card are Punched Posies (Level 2 Hostess set from the Summer Mini) and Perfect Punches stamp set from the new Idea Book and Catalogue. Punches include the butterfly punch and large oval.

The card to the right has been toned down using So Saffron, instead of Daffodil Delight. It brings together Old Olive and Night of Navy for a pretty combination. The Upsy Daisy stamp set and the Beautiful Wings Embosslit die (Big Shot), add great images to the card with coordinating inks and cardstock.

More Colour Combinations

2010-07-07T19:01:00.000-04:00

A Magic Card is an advanced card technique which creates a unique gift for your recipient. When the card is closed (see left), the stamped image (on acetate) is not coloured. When the inner card is pulled, the image is coloured.

Instructions for this card can be found at: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/resources/tutorials/magic_card/#?printable=true

I've simplified the card a little, to avoid the extra cutting. The finished card measures 4" x 5-1/2".

Instructions:

8-1/2" x 5-1/2" Bashful Blue cardstock, scored a 4" from left side and 1/2" from right side.
Cut 2 pieces of cardstock to 3-3/4" x 4-3/4" -- one in Wild Wasabi and one in Whisper White. For a better affect, use the same colour of cardstock (I made a second card, but it didn't show well in the picture.)
Cut 1 piece of acetate to 3-3/4" x 4-3/4".
Punch out opening in your Bashful Blue cardstock with the Scalloped Circle punch.
Punch a half circle out of the Bashful Blue front and back of card as well as the Wild Wasabi (one at a time) with the 1" circle punch.
Using your Big Shot and the Elegant Bouquet Embossing Folder, dry emboss the front of the card. I reverse-embossed the front, so the design goes in instead of out. Either way works.
If you reverse-embossed: With your brayer and your Early Espresso ink, brayer over the front of the cardstock. If you embossed the front of the card, use the Early Espresso pad direct-to-paper technique and lightly colour the embossed image. Your cardfront will be the reverse of the one shown (Blue background with Espresso image).
Using a single 3-3/4" strip of sticky tape, tape the Wild Wasabi 3-3/4" x 4-3/4" piece inside the card at the bottom only, evenly between the 2 scored lines. The rest of this piece remains loose.
Stamp the image to be colours on the remaining piece of cardstock.
Laying the acetate directly on top of the stamped cardstock and using the Stamp-a-ma-jig, stamp the same image on the acetate in the exact same location. When held tightly together, the lines should be exactly the same. I found that, if I taped the acetate to my table with regular scotch tape, it won't move on me while I'm setting up to stamp. The clear stamps work well for this technique as you may be able to avoid using the Stamp-a-ma-jig to align the images.
Colour the image that was stamped on cardstock.
Punch out a 1" circle and fold it in half. Glue this using sticky strip on both sides of the folded 1/2 circles to the front of the acetate and the back of the stamped cardstock.
Punch out a hole on the aligned cardstock and acetate for the ribbon and thread ribbon through punched holes.
Insert the acetate in front of the Wild Wasabi cardstock that has been mounted inside the card. Feed the coloured cardstock behind the same card insert.
Using sticky strip, glue the 1/2" folded edge to the cardfront. The card doesn't open.
Pull on ribbon to reveal the surprise!

Some Farewell Cards for Coworkers

2010-06-29T19:25:00.000-04:00

These three cards were made last night for three consultants who will be leaving us shortly at the office. Two of them (the sailboat and the train) are retired sets that I haven't been able to part with! The Time Spent set is still current. The sailboat uses Watercolor Crayons for colour. The train was antiqued (the cardstock was originally white) with distressing ink, then brushed with translucent gold ink. The images were stamped with Basic Black craft ink, then embossed using clear embossing powder. They receive their cards tomorrow, so I hope they like them!!

Colour Combinations for Blushing Bride

2010-06-29T19:19:00.000-04:00

These cards were a little tricky to create, since I don't have the ink pads or the card stock yet for the new In Colors. I do have the markers, so made good use of them! The first Creative Combination uses Blushing Bride, Early Espresso and Pear Pizzazz. I love this colour coordination! The Fifth Avenue set was used to stamp the flowers. The masking technique prevented one inked flower from overlapping the other. The leaves were punched out using the Two Step Bird punch. The flowers, stem and the border on the greeting were coloured using the markers. The flower centres uses Daffodil Delight. Isn't this a cheerful card?

I had fun trying to pick up the Blushing Bride colour from the marker onto the sponge with this one! The Sweet Set combination uses Blushing Bride, Perfect Plum and Sahara Sand. The Versamark Resist technique uses Glossy White cardstock and Versamark for the little flowers from the Vintage Vogue stamp set. Once you've stamped the flowers where you want them, you sponge your colours onto the glossy cardstock, bringing out the hidden flowers. The Friends and the larger flower are stamped using Perfect Plum. The large flower uses the Rock'n Roll technique, with Blushing Bride in the centre and Perfect Plum on the outside. I coloured a piece of Whisper White with Blushing Bride, then punched out a circle using the Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack, then mounted both the flower and the centre using Dimensionals. I love the subtle colour combinations. It creates a soft, gentle look.

Colour Combinations for Rose Red

2010-06-29T19:08:00.000-04:00

Now I'm back more in my element! The Creative Combination (right) puts Rose Red, Not Quite Navy and River Rock together, in a more subtle blend of colours. The Rose was put through the Big Shot, using the Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder. River Rock was brayered over the finished embossing, to bring a deeper shade to the raised image. Then, it was put through the Big Shot again, using the Movers and Shapers, to cut the window out. The greeting comes from the Hostess Set: Occasional Quotes. Ribbon is Very Vanilla taffeta.

The second card is the Sweet Set combination, using Rose Red, Elegant Eggplant and Baja Breeze. The little flowers from the Itty Bitty Bits stamp set are stamped in the three colours, with an added So Saffron, for interest. Again, the greeting comes from the new Hostess set: Occasional Quotes. The grossgrain ribbon is White. The little hole, punched in the mounted tag, uses the new Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack.

Colour Combinations for Pacific Point

2010-06-29T18:53:00.000-04:00

This card (left) features the Creative Combination of Pacific Point, Melon Mambo and Pumpkin Pie, using the Baroque Motifs stamp set. The grosgrain ribbon adds a little feature and helps to tie the colours together. I find that this particular card is too brash for my tastes. I'll have to try something with a little less contrast -- maybe stamping the colours on a neutral would help?

The second card (right) is the Sweet Set combination, using Pacific Point, Daffodil Delight and Rich Razzleberry. The stamp set is Sense of Time and the punched out Cogs come from one of the new punches, introduced in the Summer Mini Catalogue. Again, the colours are too intense for me. What do you think?

New Colour Combinations for Perfect Plum

2010-06-27T08:00:00.002-04:00

I've decided to try putting together some of the new colour combinations suggested in the Color Coach. They wouldn't be my first pick, but I like the way they work together. The Because I Care stamp set uses the Creative Combo: Perfect Plum, Marina Mist and Rose Red. It has some of the smaller butterflies from Beautiful Wings Embosslit Die. It uses the Marina Mist mini ribbon, introduced in the demonstrator early purchase opportunity. I didn't find these ribbons in the new catalogue.

The hydrangea flower was coloured using an Aquapainter and the Perfect Plum ink pad. I used the matching marker to bring in some darker shades and the white gel pen to provide detail lost from using the more intense shades. The flower centres use the new Daffodil Delight yellow. The leaves were coloured with the new Wild Wasabi and Old Olive.

The "Bird Watching" scrapbook pages (sorry for the poor quality -- shaking hands) use the Sweet Set combination: Perfect Plum, Riding Hood Red and More Mustard. Both the 2-Step Bird Extra Large&trade punch and the Sissix Birds and Blooms Sizzlet provide the embellishment. The Simple Alphabet creates the title. This right-hand page uses the mitred-corner wheel effect, along with the Builder Wheels: Bees & Blossoms and Posy Party, with a gap between them. I love the double row effect! I think we could also use two different colours of ink, for an even more interesting look.

20100629: Here's an additional card, made from the same colour scheme (Sweet Set): Using the Glorious and Free (Canadian) stamp set, along with a maple leaf from the Autumn Days set, the More Mustard brads and Scallop Trim Border add an elegance to this colourful card.

I can't wait to try out other combos suggested with the new Color Coach!

Kitchen Renovations - Completed

2010-06-22T17:57:00.001-04:00

I thought I'd give you a small (somewhat blurry) view to the renovations we've just completed in our kitchen. We replaced the countertop with Canadian granite. The door handles are brushed nickel.

The island is solid maple (John Boos) with a butcher block cutting board top. I am able to remove almost all the appliances off the counters and store them under the island, keeping the counters looking neat. We mounted a towel rack at the one end of the island (the one you don't see from the entrance).

The sink is a single, large, undermounted stainless steel. The tap matches the door handles. The appliances are all stainless steel, including the stove hood. We purchased a double stove with one convection oven. It does a terrific job at both baking and roasting!

Above the desk, we had a custom-made stainless steel microwave shelf installed. Because of this new shelf, the bulletin board wouldn't fit, so I purchased 2 white board/bulletin board combinations and mounted them side by side.

We piped water to the fridge and now can get filtered water directly from the tap in the fridge, instead of having to have a Brita inside. I can't figure out why we didn't do this years ago!! Now there's more room in the fridge for food, instead of storing bottles and pitchers of water. The coffee tastes better too!

We replaced the rectangular kitchen table with a round one with wood and leather chairs. The light above the table was replaced with a brushed nickel one as well, so everything is coordinated!

Happy 75th Birthday Card

2010-05-24T12:08:00.000-04:00

This card is constructed with Tempting Turquoise, Certainly Celery and Whisper White cardstock, grosgrain ribbon and coordinating designer paper (roses). The "Happy Birthday" was cut out using Sissix dies -- the card greeting series and the Endless Love for the 75th addition. The roses were created using the Extra Large Fancy Flower punch (from Occasions mini catalogue). Leaves were cut from the Extra Large Two-Step Bird. The corners of the green cardstock were cut with the Pinking Hearts corner punch.

The card took a lot of time to fold, roll the edges and glue onto the cardstock (actually, used pop-up glue dots), but the finished product is beautiful -- like my mom, who it is intended for.

One problem -- it won't fit inside an envelope! That's OK. It's going to accompany a gift, so can go inside the gift bag. Wew!

Some other techniques

2010-03-09T19:20:00.000-05:00

The houses use one of the new Sale-a-Bration sets for a two-step stamping technique. The sky uses sponge daubers, then has white clouds sponged on with white craft ink, then Iridescent Ice embossing powder is added on top, for some sparkle. The edging uses the pinked hearts border punch, and then it is run through a ruffler, for a neat effect. This idea came from another expert stamper and I built the card around this great effect.

The fish card is done with various colours of chalk on white. It uses cotton balls to blend the colours. It was an exercise found in a book about how to use chalks, and I thought it made a lovely card!

Now, back to Easter preparations!!!

Easter Blessings

2010-03-09T19:13:00.000-05:00

Easter is only about 4 weeks away and I am far from prepared with special cards and favours. I am slowly moving forward, but my creativity seems to be stagnant right now. Here's one using an older set that has a few die cuts added for dimension and interest. The lilies in the orchid, green and cream card are from the 5th Avenue set. Leaves are trimmed from diecut leaves. The butterfly is from the Beautiful Wings Embosslit.

Metal Water Bottle Decorated

2010-03-06T18:55:00.000-05:00

My sister, her husband and my niece visited us in February but Arianna left her metal water bottle behind when they returned home. I thought I'd decorate it with glitter (she's a glitter girl) and micro beads, from the local dollar store, and ribbon, yarn and beads that I had laying around. What do you think? I have two more bottles of my own that just might have to undergo a style makeover!

New Creations

2010-02-25T20:15:00.000-05:00

A friend of mine gave me a sample of a beautiful, partially constructed card which I completed with stamps from the Herb Expressions ® stamp set. I coloured it using an Aquapen ® and Close to Cocoa Classic Ink ®. The card front has been dry embossed using Sissix Texturz ® Stampin' Up!™ Backgrounds 1 ® using Close to Cocoa cardstock. So Saffron is matted under Very Vanilla. The Kraft Taffeta Ribbon adds a subtle embellishment over the greeting. Thanks, Cynthia Clarke-McKellar, for the great card!

Well, Easter is only a month away, so I've started creating Easter cards. The Abundant Hope ® stamp set is from the Occasions ™ mini catalogue, which is valid until March 31st. This card uses Elegant Eggplant, So Saffron and our watercolor cardstock, along with Black Stazon ™ for the flower and Eggplant for the greeting. The flower is coloured using Blender Pen and Watercolor Pencils.

I love this little family from the stamp set, Happy Together! It is coloured in with Watercolor Pencils and uses Old Olive as its base. As well, it uses More Mustard and Really Rust in layers for the greeting and the mattes. The white gel pen is used to add faux stitching after punching holes evenly around the elements. The new Scallop Trim Corner punch on a 2" square created the tag, with grosgrain ribbon bow added for a finishing touch.

I've been hearing so much about FlowerSoft ™ that I ordered some to try out. The Hostess stamp set, Asian Artistry, is used for this card, along with Dazzling Diamonds for the dragonfly, to create a greeting card that can be used for multiple occasions. The Scallop Trim Border and Scallop Trim Corner punches were used on the So Saffron matte to bring the design up a notch. This card uses the same colour scheme as the Easter card above.

One last little creation: a little birdhouse was constructed using the mini milk carton Sissix die. The scalloped roof uses the Scallop Edge punch. The bird uses the Extra Large Two-Step Bird Punch. Its fun to make and share.

A different kind of Easter Basket!

2010-02-21T14:03:00.001-05:00

I was searching for new ideas and came across the Mini Milk Carton Container™ on a few sites. Several of them had special containers or holders for the mini milk cartons that were unique and inspired me to try them out. The mini milk cartons are made the cheerful Shades of Spring™ Designer Series Paper using the mini milk carton Sizzix ™die. I also used the Beautiful Wings Embosslits ™die for the butterflies and several of the Embosslits™ flowers to decorate the boxes. I'm not sure what stamp set the Just for You came from. I filled the cartons with paper wrapped candies and stapled the tops shut. I decorated over the staples using flowers and butterflies mounted with dimensionals and glue dots. Ribbons are grossgrain So Saffron™and Elegant Eggplant™.

I first saw the milk carton container but had to buy instructions http://www.inkingidaho-tutorials.blogspot.com/

) for the box.

Here's another person's idea for a carrier. http://thestampingrounds.typepad.com/projects/2010/02/milk-carton-tote-tutorial.html.

For similar decorated boxes, check out http://stampingpro.com/280

More Valentines Gifts

2010-02-21T13:50:00.001-05:00

Of course, these items were completed before Valentine's Day -- just in time for gifting. I just didn't have the time to post them. Sorry! Maybe the ideas can be used for a special someone or for next year's event!

Here's some goody bags with heart toppers. I used coordinating stamps and punchs, along with the Pinking Hearts Border© punch.

Beary Best Friends© stamp set, along with Beary Best Times accessories was used to create a little friendship card between a guy and gal. There's also Sizzix© dies that coordinate with this set, which have special Valentines and Easter coordinated accessories.

The Pillow Card© and Daisies #2 Dies© were used for the Real Red© bookmarks, which were made to hand out at a dinner party for a non-profit organization I work with. The daisies also had sparkles added, to add some glitz. The saying, in case you can't read it is from the Sense of Time stamp set: "Learn from yesterday, Live for today, Hope for tomorrow." The bottom of the heart reinforces the part that fits over the book page and is done by punching out a scallop circle, scoring it in quarters, then folding and fitting it over the heart's point.

Problems

2010-02-06T07:03:00.001-05:00

Ever since I upgraded to Windows 7, I can't use the combination keys to put registered trademarks&trade and copyright© symbols into my blog. I'm working on it, though, so hope to resolve this little legal stickler!!

Valentine's Samples 2

2010-02-05T18:35:00.002-05:00

I've been trying out stamping with our new shimmer paints, Champagne Mist, Frost White and Platinum. The attached card uses the Platinum and the Matchbox die cut box uses the Frost White. Both paints are water based, easy to clean up and create a gorgeous opaque effect when stamped onto darker cardstock. Both use the Vintage Vogue stamp set from the Stampin' Up!® Occasions Mini Catalogue. The flowers on the card are handcut from stamped images which used Brilliant Blue and Ballet Blue inks. The main cardstock is Brilliant Blue and Whisper White. The background on the white cardstock stamping is done using the Platinum Shimmer Paint. I've also used Green Galore for leaves on both the card, stamped from the same set on white card stock. I've used dimensionals to add some varying height to the flowers. There are silver eyelets in the two corners, where the Photo Corners in two sizes have been added. The greeting is placed on the Stampin' Up!® die cut, Two Tags.

The Matchbox die cut box is decorated with Brocade Blue on Brilliant Blue, stamped with Frost White Shimmer Paint using the Matchbox Messages stamp. The greeting is also from the same set. The flowers are from the Vintage Vogue stamp set, again, cut out and mounted with dimensionals. The white taffeta ribbon holds the matchbox closed. Inside, labels are stamped using the Very Vintage wheel in Brocade Blue and placed on Hershey® nuggets (Yum!). A little something sweet for someone I'm sweet on!!!

Valentine's Samples

2010-02-03T22:04:00.000-05:00

I've finally been able to pull together some cards for Valentine's Day, using new stamp sets! The card to the left uses Whisper White, Melon Mambo and Pumpkin Pie for its colour scheme. The white cardstock was put through the Big Shot with a Sizzix Texturz Heart dry-embossing plate. The stamp set, Love You Much, was used for the Love. There is Fine Cosmo glitter added to the flower and leaf and the "Love" was coloured in with Melon Mambo. Ribbon is 1/2" Polka-Dot Grosgrain Ribbon in Melon Mambo. The dry-embossed white heart images were shaded with a sponge dobber using the same colours as in the card, lightly brushing over the embossing and filling in the heart shape to bring emphasis to the subtle images.

The Pretty in Pink and Rich Razzleberry card uses the Full Heart Punch, Small Heart Punch, Pinking Hearts Border Punch, Sweetheart stamp set and the Sweet Treat Heart-shaped cups for holding candy. It is decorated with 1/2" Polka-Dot Grosgrain Ribbon in Rich Razzleberry. A fun, little gift for a sweet friend!

The next card uses the Love Bug hostess stamp set, Whisper White, Bermuda Bay and Melon Mambo cardstock. The dry embossed background of the Bermuda Bay cardstock uses Texture Plates Kit #4, a hatched pattern.

The Kangaroo card uses the Build-a-Roo 2-step stamping technique. It has been stamped on Soft Suede, then cut out, then coloured in Soft Suede to bring emphasis to the image. The hearts are die-cut using the Big Shot and the Hearts and Brackets die. The Bermuda Bay topper uses the Top Note die, which is folded in half. I stapled the two halves together to enclose the top of the goodie bag, then covered the staples with hearts in Pretty in Pink and Pixie Pink.

The last card uses Vintage Vogue, a new stamp set in the Occasions Mini Catalogue. It uses Close to Cocoa and Pretty in Pink cardstocks and inks. The butterlies are dry embossing and cut using the Beautiful Wings Embosslits Die....now my favourite! A little colouring, using a Pretty in Pink marker allows some detailing on some of the butterflies. Grosgrain ribbon coordinates with the cardstock.

Changes Ahead!

2010-01-23T09:50:00.000-05:00

Family members are moving out earlier than expected -- moved up from Saturday, Jan 30th to Wednesday, Jan 27th! We will have a quieter and calmer lifestyle again, so I can return to my stamping studio and begin creating for Valentine's and Easter!!!! There will be some cleaning up to do, as everything is piled up, waiting for me to get to (when I can push through the rearranging and dust bunnies).

Anyone want to help?

Busy Busy!

2010-01-03T17:03:00.000-05:00

With 7 extra active bodies in the house, my stamping and scrapbooking is temporarily on hold! Since I have a teenage boy sleeping in my stamping studio, 2 boys in my exercise room, plus the two bedrooms filled upstairs with parents and girls, it is hectic. I have all sorts of new supplies to try out, Valentine's Day cards to design, etc. and its Sale-a-bration time too! I'm frustrated, but can't do too much about it.

So, be patient with me....I'll be posting a storm in the future, to catch up!

Choo Choo and Right On Track Stamped SB Pages

2009-12-23T19:28:00.003-05:00

This was a fun set of pages to make, with the Right On Track® Wheel bringing unity to the two pages. The background is cardstock uses Whisper White cardstock. The grass was torn from Garden Green. the matting is in Rich Razzleberry and Basic Black. Choo Choo train stamps are cut out and mounted using Dimensionals. The Loads of Love and Loads of Love Accessories stamps "fill" the train. These sets work very well together, as the accessories are sized right!!

"family" is die cut using the Alphabet Simple Letters dies and the Big Shot Sizzix machine. Rich Razzleberry polka-dot grosgrain ribbon decorates the corners of the mattes. Photo corners are cut using the Photo corner punch and then a silver eyelet is added using the Crop-A-Dile.

More of Christmas Jingle Creations

2009-12-06T20:28:00.009-05:00

Well, we're getting to the end of the scrapbooking kit's contents, so here's a few of the last cards and a pair of scrapbook pages, created from the kit.

The cards were great fun to make -- I hope that the people receiving them will enjoy them -- at least half as much!!! There's lots of sticky stickers, die cutting, simple cutting, ribbons, cording, punches and bows.

There's a few retired but loved items, like organza ribbon! I can't give that up, since it is so simple to use and creates an elegant look.

The card with Jesus, Mary and Joseph uses the effect of tracing around the cut-out stamped image, then adding another cut-out in a contrast/coordinating colour, bringing emphasis to the image. I added a flat, folded bow after the photo was taken, on the left side centre.

The oval ornament was a die-cut from the centre of the scallop oval. This also makes a great Easter egg to decorate! It makes a nice backing for the oval greeting.

Some unique brayering techniques

2009-11-28T10:23:00.005-05:00

Michelle Zindorf has some wonderful tutorials that can really help you improve in your brayering techniques. Take a chance and give it a try....Its not as hard as it looks! If you want some help, come over some evening and I'll show you how! The card to the left is one that I created from an idea that MZ posted and that I cased (see right card).

Another idea is to completely change the shape of the card. This one didn't turn out as well as I'd like because I shouldn't have used black along the border. It would have looks better in gold & silver inks! When the trifold (triptych) card folds up, the edge is visible. It folds to 4-1/4" x 5-1/2" card.

Christmas Jingle (Again!)

2009-11-28T09:58:00.015-05:00

I still haven't exhausted the paper and stickers associated to this Christmas scrapbooking kit! I love the different effects I can achieve by layering stickers and designer papers, adding extra stamps, embossing images and adding embellishments.

Not all the stamps and embellishments are currently available, but you probably have something on hand that could replace these.

I think the greeting stickers are very versatile and match stamp sets that are currently available. I don't have the Dasher® stamp, but it is a very affordable single stamp that can be used throughout the winter, especially at the Christmas season.

I even use the little left-over stickers that are around the strips (see under punched scallop edge on inside of card), to add a little candy-stripe edge to other strips. Why let anything go to waste? Even little pieces (1-1/4" x 1-1/4" squares) can be used for a "window effect" (see Peace on Earth stamped card below).

Another way to change the way your card works is to make a "cupboard" style -- fold regular card at 2-1/8" from each end, so it opens in the middle like a pair of kitchen cupboards instead of at the bottom or side. The card to the left below (red & cream) doesn't look like a cupboard fold card, but it is!!

Another special treatment is to cut the cardstock on an angle, as shown in the red, striped and cream card below. Add a few embellishments, fancy-punch the card edge and you have varied the card again.

While the Christmas Jingle kit uses Real Red, Old Olive, Very Vanilla and Chocolat Chip cardstock, I used the single greeting sticker with Glorious Green and the Ornament punch for variety. I stamped the 3-flowers from Punch Pals® stamp set, then coloured them with the shimmer paints. I used scrap sticker edger strips to add some lines to the ornament and some ribbon. I dry embossed the red cardfront and added some shimmer paint to the embossed dots.

The three ornament dangle card was fun -- tying little gold cording bows is not! It makes for a pretty card! I used the scrap mini strip stickers to creat a line to "hang my ornaments" from. Fun!

Creating a two-layer tag in coordinating cardstock for this "present" card and using the various stickers allowed this card to be created within minutes. Not much stamping here!

For the final card in this series, I embossed the punched ornament opening on the inside of the card using a mixture of Iridescent Ice® and Gold embossing powders. This adds a sparkle to the gold that really brightens the card.

2005 - Remember this one?

2009-11-14T13:13:00.004-05:00

This scrapbook page was made with the Time for a Tree® wheel, the wheel guide, and several retired stamps. When I made it, they were not retired! Some people asked me about SBing with the Loads of Love® stamp set and associated wheel, so I resurrected the page from my samples and decided to post it.

Using the Wheel Guide for Mitred Corners: Place sticky notes across the 4 corners of the cardstock, at 45 degree angles. These act as masks for the wheel. Wheel across the top and bottom of the card. Now switch the sticky notes to lay at 45 degrees, lining up the wheeled images you’ve already completed. Wheel the remaining two sides. Be careful to keep the wheeled images all going the same direction e.g. if you are wheeling snowmen, make sure their heads are either all to the outside of the card or all to the inside! Remove the sticky notes.

More Christmas Cards from SB Kit

2009-11-14T13:09:00.002-05:00

Here's five more cards, made with the Christmas Jingle ® scrapbooking kit. These were easy and fun to do! The Real Red® polka dot card was also dry embossed using the Big Shot® and Sizzix Texture Plate #4 (small argyle).

Christmas Jingle

2009-11-12T12:17:00.008-05:00

I started to use the Christmas Jingle® Scrapbooking Kit to make some cards, as well as some older sets, Sizzix dies, lots of glittering Dazzling Diamonds® and Iridescent Ice® sparkle. Cards made from scrapbooking kits are easy and fast to make, and you can usually (if conservative and add in some extra cardstock) make between 25 - 30 cards. I'll see how well I do!

As you tell from the photos, the colours of the SB kit are Real Red, Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, and Very Vanilla -- a very pretty and classic combination! The top card on the right used the 4 different Designer Papers that accompanies the SB kit, along with a medallion sticker and a Red Rhinestone Brad. The greeting is stamped with Old Olive® using the Four the Holidays® stamp set.

The top left card added in a few current stamps to add detail: Delightful Decorations®, stamping the ornament in Very Vanilla Craft® and embossing on the card with Iridescent Ice® after die cutting the ornament out using Movers & Shapers Curly Label®. The punch wouldn't work since I wasn't close enough to the edge of the cardstock. I used Serene Snowflakes® to emboss the Vanilla cardstock, adding a little more interest to the card. I love the effect of the Red Gingham Ribbon, which was tied to the ornament and added as part of the border sticker, using Sticky Strip®.

The card to the right uses the Hostess Set, Patterned Pines®. When cutting out the trees that were embossed (again), I used Dotto and stuck an additional Old Olive® scrap of cardstock behind the trees -- cutting 2 at once! Add a strip of Designer Paper, a sticker from the SB kit and you have a pretty card in Chocolate Chip!

The card to the left uses Baroque Motifs® that were stamped with Versamark® and embossed with a combination of gold and Dazzling Diamonds® on Rich Razzleberry®. The flowers were added using Dimensionals, to give more perspective, punched from the Trio Flower punch, with the centres punched from a small handheld circle punch in burnished gold. The Joy is die-cut using the Big Shot® and Join the Cheer® Decorative Strip Die in burnished gold.

An old favourite uses In Color® cardstock, Soft Suede and Rich Razzleberry, along with the Loads of Love® and Loads of Fun® sets. The truck is driving on snow created with Dazzling Diamonds on the torn edge. The new In Color® markers were used to colour the truck and gifts, with other markers completing the look.

Who knows what I'll try next?

Scrapping Christmas

2009-11-07T09:00:00.005-05:00

In preparation for a class today, I have created a 2-page 12"x 12" scrapbook spread using craft, Garden Green and Ruby Red cardstocks and designer papers and inks. I used the ornament set of stamps, the ornament punch, iridescent ice embossing powder, new glitter translucent paint and gold cording. The Big Shot die cutter was used for the titles. The hardest part (and the most time-consuming)? Tying the little bows on the ornaments!

Creating Christmas Cards with my Granddaugher

2009-11-01T18:40:00.001-05:00

Here are some cards that my granddaughter, Jillian, and I made this afternoon. She made the same cards and has already picked out the people she wants to share them with! I haven't....yet. I never realized how dry my hands are until she was embossing and left "greasy finger" marks where she held the card. At least the overlay covered that up! This first card uses the Versamark® Resist technique on glossy cardstock. You may not be able to tell, but there are snowflakes all over the top layer. The colours of ink and cardstock are Elegant Eggplant and Orchid Opulence. The Sizzix® snowflake was "painted" with 2-way glue, then dipped in Dazzling Diamonds. Its a fun card to make and looks fantastic! The stamp is from the Christ is Born set.

The dry embossing on the Wild Wasabi (retired) card uses the new Sizzix® Elegant Bouquet Textured Impressions Embossing Folder. What a nice way to create a corner embellishment! We used Rose Red on the flower centres, then 2-way glue, then Dazzling Diamonds, to create a little pizzaz. We used the 5-petal flower punch on Rose Red to add a layer of flower leaves under the punched-out oval greeting. The ribbon adds a little drama to the mix.

Glorious Green, Whisper White and Melon Mambo creates this next brightly coloured card, which uses a retired stamp set. The centre stocking is coloured with markers and dipped in Dazzling Diamonds, to create a bit of glitter. Its a fun little card. I really like the little border stamps that come with this Christmas set!

The Season's Grettings card uses the new Delightful Decorations stamp set and Ornament Punch. We stamped the ornament with Versamark®, then used clear embossing powder. We then dabbed a little 2-way glue in the centre of the ornament design and added Dazzling Diamonds. We punched it out with the Ornament punch, then mounted it on the Very Vanilla cardstock, after stamping our greeting from the Four the Holiday set. The designer series paper is retired. We used the scalloped edge punch to add a little more to the design. Simple and easy to make!

The red and white card uses the Punch Pals set, which I love. The designer paper is a few years old and is a cardstock weight, making it a great way to use up a few scraps!. Tying a little ribbon onto the rectangle breaks up the continuous lines and helps to focus your eyes on the greeting. Before we glued anything on the card, we embossed snowflakes from the Serene Snowflakes set, using Iridescent Ice embossing powder. The greeting says, "'TIS THE SEASON", and uses the Scallop Circle punch, then the 3/4" circle punch to complete the effect.

If you haven't started your Christmas Cards and are planning on sending some out....Better get creating!!!

More for Christmas.....

2009-10-29T20:20:00.007-04:00

Stamps and ink, brayer, punches, ribbon, brads, embossing powder, silver cording...How many more things can I add to cards? Oh, I forgot white gel pen, to highlight special effects! There's so many creative ways to decorate your cards.

There's also the way you fold and glue things together -- to make a gift card that opens up to a star! If you check with postings from last year, you'll find a whole mass of these stars I made for friends and family and the link to the instructions on a very creative blogsite.

These little items (measuring 2.25" square when closed) are EASY to make -- even children enjoy their creation.

More Christmas Preparations

2009-10-29T20:16:00.003-04:00

This card is unique -- I stamped the cardinal in Stazon permanent black ink on glossy white paper. I coloured it with markers, then versamarked the entire image. I used clear embossing powder on the image. Then I brayered multiple colours over the image, wiping each time with a baby wipe with stampin' mist loaded on it, removing and softening the colours. This allows the cardinal to really pop, but the background colours to be muted.

I love the effect and hope to try it again soon. Why don't you give it a try?

Preparing for Christmas -- Get ready, get set, GO!!!

2009-10-19T18:04:00.007-04:00

Reindeer consternation in Certainly Celery and White -- Oh, to be different than the rest! Designer series paper is from last year, but everything else is available to order today!

A simple, stamp-and-go Nativity scene that is fast and easy, in Handsome Hunter and White. A simple punched border and wheeled effect adds to the decorative style.

Here's the outside and inside of the same Christmas card. The technique used on the cardfront is emerging colour; the inside of the card uses the 3-D Christmas tree and ornament die-cuts for SU's Sizzix Big Shot. I love the way that the tree can hide inside the card and open up to a lovely, decorated tree. Too bad that it doesn't quite fit the normal 5-1/2 x 4-1/4" CARD. Cardstock and inks used for the main card are Handsome Hunter and Whisper White.

New Cards - Thanksgiving

2009-10-19T17:51:00.004-04:00

Two cards for the Thanksgiving season -- one to thank your hostess (or a friend or relative...generic card) and one to send to someone dear that you will not see at Thanksgiving!

All products are in the current Stampin' Up! catalogue and just waiting for you to grab and use.

Samples of New Cards - July 2009 Catalogue

2009-07-01T11:17:00.010-04:00

New cards, new catalogue, new stamps, new colours, new excitement -- more creativity!!

Why not join me in testing out the new products and ideas?

Colours displayed in the cards may not be exactly as stamped, as the camera and lighting (even though using a natural light) sometimes changes the colours slightly. This year, we have a variety of colours that are appropriately named: Rich Razzleberry (a brown cranberry), Melon Mambo (like a ripe watermelon), Crushed Curry (definitely of the Madras variety), Dusty Durango (deep orange - see above Pheasant card, which also uses Soft Suede), Bermuda Bay (a different kind of teal) and Soft Suede (really looks like a chocolate suede).

Here's some samples:

We also have some new stamping and scrapping supplies that may be of interest to you!

Specialty papers and coordinating stamps that are great for weddings or wedding anniversaries.
Wood sheets to use with the Big Shot die cutting machine
Décor Elements sheets to use with the Big Shot die cutting machine, stamps (and cut out yourself) or creative cutting using your own unique style.
Die-cut Treat Boxes that are ready to decorate, fill and give away...Another great wedding favour!
Die cut cards, with coordinating envelopes...Similar to last year's Fresh-cut Note cards.
New dies for your die cutting system that are unique to Stampin' Up!®

Printed window sheets, for scrapbook or card overlays...No longer only white and black, but also Old Olive, Rich Razzbleberry, Chocolate Chip and Orchid Opulence.
Pre-decorated designer paper file folders, ready to add your own embellishment ideas.
Gusseted envelopes in designer papers in four different colours.
New card kits -- great for the budding crafter or a shut-in
Party kits -- Princess or Pirate
Holiday photo card kits -- ready to add your Christmas photo!
Colourful rubons of all kinds
And too many more to name....

Wedding Invitation Sampler - Posting #5

2009-03-10T19:39:00.005-04:00

Invitation and coordinating treat bag has a subtle tone-on-tone embossing effect, to emphasis the traditional wedding style. Inside, a small matching embossed edge to the invite is featured.

Wedding Invitation Sampler - Posting #4

2009-03-10T19:34:00.006-04:00

Trifold card provides a varied style for either an invitation or thank you note.

The "Joy" belly band holds the standard business envelope-sized invitation collection together. Inside, the invitation, response card and envelope, reception instructions and photo session are provided on separate cards which can fit into a pocket or purse on the big day.

The coordinating matchbox of nuggets is decorated both inside and out for a great party favour handout at the reception.

Wedding Invitation Sampler - Posting #3

2009-03-10T19:31:00.004-04:00

A Destination Wedding may want to highlight the relaxing atmosphere of Barbados, with sunshine, sailing, sand and flipflops. Choose colours that remind you of "Sun Fun"!

More Wedding Samples II

2009-03-05T18:20:00.007-05:00

The three invitations are examples of cards that will fit into a standard business envelope. You can purchase such envelopes in various colours at stationery stores, like Staples.

More Wedding Samples

2009-03-05T18:14:00.002-05:00

Invitation has dry embossed front on Going Gray cardstock, then coordinating glitter in between Elegant Eggplant and Whisper White. Pretties flowers are dyed with Eggplant and Mellow Moss (leaves). Front edge is cut with Scalloped Edge punch. Party favour is hand cut and decorated with same colours.

Bride is copied from Samantha Parisi (see http://rubberstampingdiva.com/ for instructions) and I created a matching Groom.

Wedding Invitation Sampler - Posting #2

2009-03-03T19:27:00.006-05:00

Save the Date card (4-1/4" x 5-1/2") uses Riding Hood Red, Kiwi Kiss and designer paper. The double ribbon uses two punched holes to feed two coordinating ribbons through for decoration. A coordinating Thank You card is ready to go with any gift, with dry embossed front, punched flowers and rhinestone centre.

Certainly Celery and Whisper White invitation uses larger ribbon with Pretties kit hat-in and beads to decorate card, along with stamped images (stamped off before stamped onto invitation, to lighten images).

Baja Breeze, So Saffron and VeryVanilla cupboard fold card is turned sideways, then a layered medallion is embossed and added. Cardfront is wheeled using Versamark ink. Coordinating box is cut out using Big Shot ® and scalloped bag large die. Envelope is wheeled to match.

Wedding Invitation Sampler - Posting #1

2009-03-03T19:21:00.004-05:00

Almost Amethyst, Certainly Celery and Whisper White cardstock. Images are stamped with Stazon and coloured with Watercolor Crayons. Pop-up hearts (inside card) are punched with 3-heart punch in Certainly Celery and Almost Amethyst. Matching Thank You card is wheeled with coordinating wheel.

Simple invitation uses border stamp, eyelet border punch and only two colours: Navy and White.

Star Book - Tree Ornaments

2008-12-14T20:04:00.004-05:00

These star books are fun to make and easy too! Here's 16 that I've made since Friday to accompany gifts and to replace cards. I've opened one of the books up so you can see the finished star. Instructions are on the link below. Make sure that you make 5 4"x4" double-sided squares! Otherwise, it won't be a star.

You can decorate them if you like, but I used fancy Christmas scrapbooking paper that I've had around the house for years, gluing two corresponding sheets together.

http://acatinmylap.blogspot.com/2008/11/mini-star-bookornament.html

Various Christmas Cards made last night

2008-12-13T08:21:00.008-05:00

Fold up Christmas Card

2008-12-08T21:35:00.003-05:00

Used:

Stamp Sets: Holiday Lineup, Best yet (Hostess set), Many Merry Messages, Punch Pals

Cardstock: Confetti white, Real Red

Ink: Garden Green, Basic Black

Other: Gingham ribbon, Twine, Designer label punch, 1/8" circle punch, Pure Color Pencils, Kohinor pencils

Joy Christmas Card

2008-12-08T21:32:00.003-05:00

Colours are distorted!

Used: Chocolate chip cardstock and ink, Close to Cocoa ink, Mellow moss ink, Old Olive ink, Creamy Caramel ink, Illuminations stamp set, Baroque Motifs stamp set, White gel pen, Brown taffeta ribbon, Versamark ink, Clear EP, Brayer

Winter Meadow in the Moonlight

2008-12-08T21:27:00.003-05:00

The colours in the photo are really off! Used: Night of Navy ink, Nearly Navy ink, Always Artichoke ink, Handsome Hunter ink, Basic Black Craft ink, Clear EP, Iridescent Ice EP, Versamarker, Pastels (moonbeams), Lovely as a Tree, Nature Silhouettes, Brayer, Very Vanilla cardstock, brayer

Simply Elegant Christmas Card

2008-12-08T21:24:00.003-05:00

Used: Night of Navy cardstock and ink, Bashful Blue cardstock, Whisper White cardstock, Brushed Silver cardstock, Scallop Edge punch, Scallop Square punch, Curly Label punch, Punches Three (Hostess set), Silver cording, Paisley background stamp

No one likes a showoff!!!

2008-12-08T21:21:00.003-05:00

Used: Holiday Lineup, Deer Friends, Watercolor Pencils, Real Red cardstock, Whisper White cardstock, Glorious Green cardstock, Basic Black Classic ink, Crystal Effects (Rudolph noses), Mini Library Clip, 1-3/8" circle punch, 1-1/4" circle punch, Tearing Edge

Card on Card Christmas Tree Card

2008-12-08T21:17:00.004-05:00

Used: Silver cardstock, Nearly Navy cardstock and ink, Ziggy Silver ink (edge of Top Note), Top Note die, Big Shot, Punch Pals, A Cardinal Christmas, Best Yet (Hostess Set), Fine Cosmo Glitter

Medallion Christmas Card

2008-12-08T21:14:00.002-05:00

Used:

Kiwi Kiss ink and cardstock, Riding Hood Red ink and cardstock, Hologram Highlights EP, Versamark, Flower Power Card Elements

Nativity Scene in Envelope Card

2008-12-08T21:08:00.003-05:00

Uses:

Scallop Envelope Bigz Die, Big Shot, Flower Power Card Elements, Holy Triptych, Punch Pals, Many Merry Messages, Clear Embossing Powder, Versamark, Riding Hood Red ink and cardstock, Kiwi Kiss ink and cardstock

Diaper Cake

2008-12-08T21:06:00.002-05:00

Diaper cake created for Caelan's baby shower uses Close to Cocoa, Leaves #2 Die cuts (Sizzix), Naturally Serif (Sizzix), Big Shot, Cocoa Satin Ribbon, designer series paper (retired), lots of diapers and 1 puppy teething toy (cake topper). This was time consuming but fun to make. It holds 2 sizes of diapers (Huggies 1, 2), starting with the top layer and working down. Diapers are rolled tightly and tied with a ribbon before being inserted into a cake layer.

Peace & Joy Christmas Popup Card

2008-10-02T19:57:00.003-04:00

CS: Kiwi Kiss, Whisper White, Basic Black, Cameo Coral

Inks: Kiwi Kiss, Chocolate Chip

Stamps: Season of Simple Grace, Doodle This

Other: Big Shot, Join the Cheer Decorative die, Birds & Blooms dies, Markers

Deer Friends Bella Rose Card

2008-10-02T19:53:00.005-04:00

This card resembles a purse, but the proportions are a little off. It could be improved upon by making a narrower card or enlarging the stamped image on the Top Note die cut. What do you think?

CS: Chocolate Chip, Rose Red textured, Bella Rose DSP
Ink: Chocolate Chip
Stamps: Deer Friends
Other: White Gel Pen, Big Shot, Top Note die, Silver Hodgepodge Hardware, Grosgrain Ribbon

Punch Happy

2008-09-30T19:26:00.004-04:00

CS: Kiwi Kiss, Bella Rose, Real Red, Whisper White, Basic Black

Ink: Whisper White

Stamps: Punch Pals

Other: Word Window Punch (legs), Trio Flower Punch (head), Small Oval Punch (head), 1/2" Circle punch (ears, cut in 2), Scallop Circle punch (body), Gingham ribbon, Double Circle punch (to hold card closed and for bow on head), Dazzling Diamonds glitter (on head, shoulders and ground beneath the lamb's feet), Big Shot, Large Scallop Sizzix die.

Card is cupboard style (opens in centre), with the Large Scallop circle (Real Red) glued on the left half front. The right side of the scallop circle is punched as is the right card flap to thread the ribbon closing through. The ribbon is tied shut with a bow.

Punched lamb was "CASE'd" from Stampin' Up with Beate's Yahoo group share. I don't remember who created the idea, but I love it ... simple, quick to make and enjoyed by all!

Upsy Daisy Baby Wipe Swiping

2008-09-30T19:19:00.004-04:00

CS: Whisper White, Rose Red, Kiwi Kiss, Baja Breeze

Ink: Pacific Point, Baja Breeze, Kiwi Kiss, Riding Hood Red, Pink Pirouette, Tangerine Tango, Versamark, Basic Black, Whisper White

Stamps: Upsy Daisy, Doodle This

Other: Grosgrain Ribbon, Clear Embossing Powder, Markers, White Gel Pen, Bold Bright Eyelets (retired Pink Passion), Baby wipes

A Cardinal Christmas using Baby Wipe Stripe Technique

2008-09-28T11:01:00.005-04:00

CS: Kiwi Kiss, Rose Red, Whisper White, Apricot Appeal

Inks: Basic Black Classic and Craft, Whisper White Craft, Old Olive, Always Artichoke, Pumpkin Pie, More Mustard, Rose Red, Elegant Eggplant, Nearly Navy, Night of Navy

Stamps: Lovely as a Tree, A Cardinal Christmas

Other: Stamping sponges, 1" circle punch, Clear embossing powder, baby wipes, 1/4" circle punch, 2-hole circle punch, glue dots

Method for background of card is found at Splitcoaststampers:

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/resources/tutorials/stripedwipe

A Cardinal Christmas using Brayer Technique

2008-09-28T09:56:00.006-04:00

Michelle Zindorf's Brayer technique is available at:
http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/ee/index.php/resources/tutorials/brayered_sky/

CS: Kiwi Kiss, Rose Red, Whisper White

Stamps: A Cardinal Christmas, Lovely as a Tree

Inks: Basic Black Classic and Craft, Night of Navy, Nearly Navy, Bordering Blue, So Saffron, Apricot Appeal, Pumpkin Pie, More Mustard, Whisper White Craft, Always Artichoke, Old Olive

Other: Brayer, Grosgrain Ribbon (Old Olive), Clear Embossing Powder, Post-it Note, 1" Circle Punch, White Gel Pen, 1/4" Circle Punch, double circle punch, stamping sponges, glue dots

A Season of Simple Grace

2008-09-28T09:51:00.004-04:00

CS: Rose Red, So Saffron, Whisper White, Garden Green

Inks: Rose Red, Basic Black

Stamps: Season of Simple Grace, Punch Pals

Other: Wide Grosgrain Ribbon (So Saffron), Markers, 1-3/4" Circle Punch, Big Shot, Pennant Bigz XL Die (Scalloped Circle), Stamp-a-ma-jig positioning tool

Season of Simple Grace

2008-09-28T06:53:00.004-04:00

CS: Whisper White

Inks: Basic Black Classic, Basic Black Craft, Barely Banana Craft, More Mustard, Summer Sun, Night of Navy, Nearly Navy, Whisper White Craft, Old Olive

Stamps: Season of Simple Grace

Other: Gel Pen, Clear Embossing Powder, punched out circles (varying sizes), brayer, sponges, post-it notes (to cover areas that you don't want to brayer with colour).

The white gel pen highlighting should have only been on the side facing the light. I will be making this card again with the corrected highlighting.

Perfect Presentations with Sizzix Snowflakes

2008-09-28T06:49:00.007-04:00

CS: Real Red, Whisper White

Stamps: Perfect Presentations

Ink: Whisper White Craft, Real Red Classic

Other: Big Shot, Sizzix Snowflakes, Silver Cord, Large & Small tag punches, Stampin sponges (used with cut outs from die after snowflakes removed and Whisper White Craft ink).

Christ is Born

2008-09-28T06:48:00.003-04:00

CS: Garden Greeen, Whisper White, Real Red

Ink: Garden Green, Real Red

Stamps: Christ is Born

Other: Big Shot, Sizzix Scalloped Circle Die, 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter

A Cardinal Christmas

2008-09-28T06:47:00.004-04:00

CS: Old Olive, Real Red, Basic Black, Whisper White

Inks: Basic Black, Stazon Black

Stamps: A Cardinal Christmas

Other: Grosgrain ribbon, Big Shot, Sizzix Scallop Circle die, Big Shot, Watercolor Crayons, Aquapen

Holiday Lineup

2008-09-28T06:45:00.004-04:00

CS: Green Galore, Very Vanilla, Real Red

Ink: Basic Black

Stamps: Holiday Lineup, Deer Friends

Other: 1-1/4" Circle Punch, 1-3/8" Circle Punch, Mini Library Clips, Tearing Edge, Watercolor Pencils, Blender Pen