So Much Work, So Little Time

This has been a very busy couple of weeks for me!  Craft shows, bridal invitations, and now an unscheduled trip to Layton Utah to play nurse for my son, a Sargeant in the USAF who is stationed at nearby Hill AFB.  I’ve had to rearrange my schedule as I’ll be gone for 9 days.  Luckily, my daughter will be back from her post baccalaureate study program in Switzerland before I leave.  I’m hoping she has taken lots of beautiful pictures that I can share with everyone!

Here are a couple more One Sheet Wonder Cards we’ll be doing at my stamp camp which is NOW on May 4th… they use the same basic layout, and the reverse side of the Walk in the Park Double Sided Designer Papers. 

With the help of my signo white gel pen, I’ve embellished the basic gray designer paper… and brought it to life!  Don’t you just LOVE that new organza ribbon too?

See you tomorrow!

Sharon

Technorati Tags: One Sheet Wonder,Hill AFB,Walk in the Park

Dream A Little Hummingbird Card

The “Dream A Little” stamp set is a level 3 set which you can get for FREE when you hostess a Stampin’ Up! workshop or book party.  As a hostess set, it will retire when the new catalog surfaces in just a few months.  I’ve made a lot of cards with this set as it’s one of my very favorites.

This is a cute and quick card which I made for the Leadership Convention in January… and actually had forgotten all about it until today, when it showed up on the Stampin’ Up! Stampers’ Showcase for Demonstrators!

Funny.. when it showed up on the showcase, I didn’t even remember it was my card until I saw my name by it!!  The background of the card, and around the rose red bird was stippled with rose red ink, and the leaf image from the set was stamped multiple times in Old Olive Classic Ink.  Tied with rose red narrow grosgrain ribbon, it made a very cute, quick and classy card!

It’s been a crazy day… I’ve been busy rearranging my schedule and classes so that I can fly out to Utah for my son’s knee surgery.  I’ll be gone for 9 days… but hopefully the surgery will go well.. Anyone out there in Layton or Ogden Utah?  I’ll be arriving on the 9th.. missing my first Mothers’ Day ever with my daughter and husband… but the flights were much less expesive, and you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do!! 

See you tomorrow!

Sharon

Technorati Tags: Dream A Little,Hostess Level 3,Workshop,stampers showcase

Two Cards… One Double Sided Paper

Preparing for my upcoming one sheet wonder class, I decided to use the Stampin’ Up! Walk in the Park Double Sided Designer Paper.  The paper I chose had a geometrical kiwi kiss and white pattern on one side, and a basic gray, going gray, and whisper white leaf pattern on the reverse side.  I hope to have my stamp camp participants make two cards of each design during the class, yet change them up a bit by reversing only the paper.  THIS is quite a challenge in itself.  Exactly what do basic gray and kiwi kiss have in common??  YIKES.. what have I done?

These are two (more) of the cards we will be making during the class.  I don’t know how true I will stay to my original plan… We will make 14 cards and matching envelopes, and making each one ‘different’ yet still the same has been a bit more of a challenge than I had anticipated.  (Perhaps I should have chosen that Baja Breeze reversible…. easy pattern instead!!)

The stamp set used in the sample above is called “Many Happy Returns” and features three stamps in all.  I’ve added a photo corner punch layer, and as you can see we did change the stamped image, and reversed the paper… but everything else is exactly alike.  The paper is Naturals White Card Stock, which has a slight hint of grey in the fibre of the paper.

I’ll be posting more of the One Sheet Wonder Samples in the forthcoming week… but not all :-)  I’ve got some calligraphy calling my name.

Special Note to my stampers:  (You know who you are…)  I’m going to have to change the date of the OSW due to an unexpected family situation.  You’ll be getting an email update soon in the mail.

See you tomorrow!!  Hope you liked my reversible cards!

Sharon

Technorati Tags: One sheet Wonder,walk in the Park,many happy returns,stampin up

My Next One Sheet Wonder Sneak Peek

My next One Sheet Wonder class (OSW) will be held on May 13th.  This class will focus on a more simple and easy to create style of card.  I’ve designed several cards using the Walk in the Park double sided designer series paper from Stampin’ Up! and the “Quilt Quips” stamp set.  The paper features a basic gray leaf pattern on one side and a geometric pattern in kiwi kiss and white on the reverse.  Here are two of the many cards we’ll be making:

The faux stitching can be added or left off the cards which are basically the same design, just reversing the paper.  Looking at the picture, I just realized I forgot to add color to the house and star blocks.. OOPS.. will have to fix that before class!

My downline and customers often ask how I create my bi-monthly OSW classes.  It’s really quite simple… I just sit down with a single sheet of designer series 12x12 paper and start making cards.  When the paper is gone, I draft a pattern to replicate the cutting for class on grid paper.  This often takes more than one attempt dependent upon how many cards and how intricate the cuts.  This class, however will be simple to recreate since I’m basically making two of each card design!

The One Sheet Wonder fills quickly… make sure you reserve your spot early!  Find our more about the One Sheet Wonder class, as well as my other classes at my Online Stampin’ Up! Store and Website HERE.  (Simply click on ‘Events’ in the header bar of the site.)

Well… back to work, I’ve made 10 of the cards but still have paper left… I’m hoping to get 14 in all! 

I hope to see you back tomorrow… I hope to have an update on my son’s knee by then!

Sharon

Technorati Tags: One Sheet Wonder,OSW,Walk in the Park,Quilt Quips,Stampin UP

Another Card for my Senior Stamping Group

This week has been quite a whirlwind… I’ve barely had any time to stamp!  On Wednesday, my son (a Sargent in the USAF) experienced a knee injury which will require surgery, and perhaps a trip to Utah for me.   My darling daughter left Friday morning for Switzerland on a post baccalaureate program… Friday afternoon I worked with my Senior Stampers (a fun and growing group).  And, Saturday I participated in a craft fair at a local church!  So, having had very little time to stamp, I chose to case a card by my good friend and fellow demonstrator, Susan (Stamping Inferno) for my Senior Stampin’ Group!

This card uses the Upsy Daisy Stamp Set.  After inking up the stamp with so saffron ink, I lightly “stamped off” onto my grid paper and then stamped the image to the right side of the cardstock.  Inking up a second time, I stamped directly on the cardstock… a little to the left of the original image.  It created a nice ‘shadow’ effect and added more depth to the stamped image.  Kind of fun, isn’t it?

The Upsy Daisy Stamp Set has only one image, and three greetings… they just a little bit big for my small oval punch which I really wanted to layer with the large oval punch in bashful blue.  So, substituting the Thank You from the very versatile stamp set worked out well!  The very versatile stamp set is in the Occasions Mini Catalog (link on my side bar) and includes one image and 8 greetings/verses suitable for both inside and outside of cards (or for scrapbook pages too).

Recipe:

Stamps:  Upsy Daisy (#111710 / set of 4 / $18.95); Very Versatile (#113806 / set of 9 / $25.95)

Card Stock:  So Saffron, Whisper White, Bashful Blue, Certainly Celery

Classic Ink:  So Saffron, Certainly Celery

Other:  Large and Small Oval Punch, Stampin’ Dimensionals, SaleABration striped designer series paper

Hopefully my life will calm down a bit and I’ll have a leisurely day of stampin’ this afternoon… I’ve got plenty of ideas rolling around in my head, and can’t wait to share them with you! 

Don’t forget… you can order these and other exclusive Stampin’ Up! products at my online stampin’ up! store… And I’ll be sure to send YOU a special thank you too!

Thanks for visiting, see you tomorrow!

Sharon

Technorati Tags: upsy daisy,very versatile,occasions mini,thank you

Flores Suaves Inspired By Beate

The Flores Suaves Stamp Set is featured in the Stampin’ Up! Spanish language catalog supplement.  I’ve always loved tulips, and the image in this set was definitely a ‘must have’ for me!  The other images in the set are the butterfly and script (seen on my card sample) and a bee. 

I’ve already made several cards using Flores Suaves, but was inspired to make at least one more when I saw Beate’s beautiful card “Artichoke Butterfly” HERE.  Not wanting to totally CASE her gorgeous card for my blog post, I simplified the design just a tad… and created it in a more muted baja breeze and close to cocoa theme.

 

Stamp Sets:  Flores Suaves (#112913 / set of 4 / $21.95); Thank You Kindly (#111700 / set of 4 / $13.95)

Card Stock:  Whisper White, Baja Breeze, Close to Cocoa

Classic Inks:  Baja Breeze, Close To Cocoa

Accessories:  Photo Corner Punch, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Aqua Painter, Baja Breeze Designer Series Paper.

Well, back to the drawing board… Thanks for visiting my blog!  See you tomorrow with another quick layered card share!

Sharon

Technorati Tags: flores suaves,beate,baja breeze

Hodgepodge Hinge Card

 

This is yet another card we will be making in the advanced stamping class.   Featuring 4 movement cards, the class will fill quickly… be sure to reserve your spot.. check out my online stampinup store and calendar here.

This cute and fresh card feature a hidden hinge.. scroll down to see the open card.

When I first saw the instructions for the hinge card, I knew immediately I would need to change them… the back of the original version exposed the very sharp brad prongs which secure the actual hinge.  I cut the layers 1/4” smaller so that I could add the chocolate chip layer to cover the brad prongs.  Other than that, you can view the original bunny hinge card on Leanne Griff’s site here. 

I’ve got to go make chicken parmesan for dinner… so no more stampin’ today!

See you tomorrow!

Sharon

Technorati Tags: hinge card,tutorial link,classes and workshops

Flower Pot Cards are Quite The Rage

They’ve been all over Splitcoaststampers… the adorable flower pot cards that feature lots of blooms appropriate for birthday, friends, or mothers day.  Just the other day, one of my downline mentioned she wanted to come over and cut lots of flowers with my big shot machine and dies… which reminded me that I, too wanted to make a flower pot card!  Although I rarely go there, I recalled having seen a demo TLC215 challenge for flowerpot cards!  I have to remind myself to update my gallery (sharonstamps) on splitcoast too!

So, today, I’m sharing my version of the flowerpot card.  I cut the flap a little narrower than most of the instructions you’ll see out there… to make room for that luscious chocolate ribbon securing the card.  I used scraps from projects to cut the diecut floral and leaf shapes and arranged them on the card, and the top of the pot.  Scroll down to see the card and flower pot pocket next to it.

The white area on the pull out card is great for a stamped greeting, and the back of the card has ample room to write your own personalized message too.  Stephanie Luman’s website has a great tutorial for this card it you’d like to try one of your own too! 

Sizzlit Dies used in making this card:

Litttle Leaves 114511 $4.95

Sparkle  #113444 $4.95

Birds and Blooms (set of 4) #113485 $21.95

Embosslit dies (cut and emboss at the same time) used in making this card:

Cherry Blossom #114516

Flower Burst #114515 $11.95

Simple Flower # 114514 $11.95

Sweetest Stems # 114513 $11.95

Shop for these and more exciting stampin’ up! items at my online stampin’ up store. 

See you tomorrow with more fun cards and ideas!

Sharon

Technorati Tags: flower pot card,tutorial,shop online,sizzlits,embosslits

More Cards for the Advanced Stamp Class

Yesterday I mentioned scheduling of an advanced stampers’ class for May, 2009.  All the cards featured in this class will be more advanced, and will require a great deal of hands-on and cutting.  Here is another card which I will feature.  Check out my online Stampin’ up store and calendar for details, dates, and times.

This card features the stamp set “Party Hearty” (Item 111532 / set of 9 / $26.95) and the”‘tri fold shutter card” technique which I came across on Carolyn’s Blog HERE.  I tweaked the instructions, and made a smaller card which will collapse flat and neatly fit into the small open end envelopes(107286/ 20 / $7.50) which measure 6 3/4” x 3 1/2”.

Classic Ink, Designer Series Paper, and Card Stock:  Whisper White, Baha Breeze

Punches:  Scallop Circle, Large and scalloped oval punches, Large Star Punch, circle punches

Other:  Dazzling Diamonds, Dimensional Dots, Blender Pen, So Saffron Marker, Baja Breeze striped ribbon, generic self adhesive pearls, and two way glue pen

I just know you’re going to enjoy this class… sign up early to reserve your spot!

Sharon

Technorati Tags: Tri Shutter Card,Party Hearty,Baja Breeze

When Pigs Fly… Oh NO… It was a BEAR

At one last years’ Stampin’ Up! Convention, the creative director (Brent Steele) made the cutest card on the big screen.  It featured a bear wildly flapping his wings, flying high in the sky, with his fellow bears looking on in amazement.  That day, I knew I had to own the “Under the Stars” stamp (#111556 / set of 10 stamps / $29.95)… it’s been on my list of “must haves” for quite a while!  The set features a very guilty looking raccoon, a skeeter, s’more, star, compass, bedroll, skeeter spray, and a twig mounted can of beans ready for the open fire.  Of course I can envision lots of playful scrapbook pages with these images, great cards for kids (and adults)… but I just had to revisit Brent’s flying bear card first!  The how-to was vaguely locked away in the recesses of my brain, and I wasn’t sure at first whether I’d be able to recall all the necessary info!  After a quick google search, I did find an excellent tutorial by Theresa Romani, and another “movement card” tutorial by fellow demo Sharon Rogers too.

I changed the card up a bit from Brent’s original design, and with the helpl of the Occasions Mini Catalog Set Forest Friends (113748/ set of 4 $14.95), my bear glides high above the tree tops. A central tree at the bottom of the card can be pulled/pushed to make the bears’ arms flap.  This photo has the tree in the ‘down’ position… when in the ‘up; position, the tree blends right into the landscape below.

The ‘clouds’ were made using my trusty little sponge dauber and whisper white craft ink on the bashful blue card stock.  Isn’t he fun?

This card will be one of 4 made in next months’ advanced card class.  Four different designs, each will feature movement and/or pop ups and dimension.  Be sure to check my Stampin’ Up! Online Store and Website Calendar for the dates, and sign up early.

Hope you liked my flying bear, he certainly will make the recipient laugh!  See you tomorrow! 

Sharon

Technorati Tags: stampin' up,online store,under the stars,movement card,flying bear

Simply Layered Card Class

 

Looking over some of the swaps I received at the downline meeting last week, I decided that it might be fun to host a simply layered card class.  Five cards in all, using a variety of stamps and simple DTP techniques, attendees will be invited to make two of each design.  Although most of the cards are one layer, those that do have layers will be minimal.  ALL cards can be created quite quickly.  Watch my schedule for time and dates on my Stampin’ Up! Online Store and Website:  HERE for more info. 

It’s going to be a really fun class, hope to see you there!

Sharon

 

Technorati Tags: Stampin Up,Jacksonville,card camp,simple

Get Connected 12 Days Left

I get so wrapped up in my stampin' sometimes I forget to tell you about all the wonderful specials and offers from Stampin' Up!  Yikes, that's not so good for business is it??

There are just 12 days left for the Get Connected Campaign... With every $40.00 in mini-catalog merchandise purchased, you'll receive a FREE stamp set or item from the "Under $10.00" page of the Spring-Summer Idea Book and Catalog!

ALSO... through April 30th, you can pay for the demonstrator starter kit with three easy payments... making it much easier to get started as a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator!  You'll also receive one on one training, become part of a really great team of demonstrators, and receive a FREE Workshop WOW DVD packed FULL of fabulous ideas for stamp camps, workshops, and cards.  So grab a few friends, start a great stampin' club, or a scrapbook club.  You'll have fun, and enjoy your "job" more than you ever thought possible!  Click HERE to go to my stampin' up! online store and website to find out more, and then give me a call!

When you purchase $40 in product from the new Occasions Mini Catalog, or host a workshop totaling $150 or more, you'll receive one item of your choice from the "Under $10" page (pg. 208) in the Spring-Summer 2009 Idea Book & Catalog --FREE!  Host a qualifying workshop or book party AND order $40 from the mini and receive TWO free items!

 

I'll be back tomorrow with more card and stampin' samples and shares.  Thanks for letting me take a business promotion break!  I'm looking forward to hearing from you!

Sharon

Technorati Tags: join stampin up,demonstrator starter Kit,get connected,free stamps

More Demo Swap Cards

As promised... here are more of the swap cards from the downline meeting this past week.

This first one features the "bird on a branch" stamp set.  It's a fun and masculine card which was created by Lee... we'll be doing this at my stamp a stack too.

I'm not sure who made this fun little beachy card.. I like how it was off-set on the background cardstock, gives it a fun look.  The background is embossed and then sponged to give it a sky and sand appearance.  I didn't realize that the sample I picked up was torn along the edge, guess I'll have to look  a bit closer next time!

This is Tee's contribution... she always does great work, and decided to do a pretty bookmark.  (Note:  This stamp set and striped paper is no longer available.)

I've got two more to post... but the pictures did not come out very nicely, I'm going to have to re-shoot them so I'll save them for next week.  Have a lovely weekend!

Sharon

Technorati Tags: swaps,bird on a branch,stampin up

Swaps... Missed You Abby, and Dana...

Our group downline meeting and swap was last night.. and I WAS IN CONTROL!!  I'm not a control freak or anything.. possibly more like the class clown which is very funny because I doubt there are many who even remember me from high school.. shy, demure, quiet... scared of my own shadow!  Certainly not someone who would be "IN CONROL" or who would run a major downline meeting... oh, you've come a long way, baby!

The meeting was quick and featured a fabulous tutorial by my fabulous new found friend and fellow demo Tee !!  I can't wait to teach faux etching at my next techniques class... Pssst.. I might just schedule one EARLY!!!  Believe me, you'll be absolutely amazed!!

This time, the swap was a 'contest'... not everyone participated, in fact we only had 9 swappers due to illness, business commitments, newborn lambs, etc... I shared my swap in yesterday's post (by mistake... it was supposed to be in today's post... oops!)  Anyway, over the next couple of days I'll share the rest of the swaps... can you guess who won the contest?

I think this swap belonged to one of my downline, Eva... but forgot to ask if it was hers!!  She just loves the baroque motifs stamp set, don't know what she'd do if it were to retire in June.  Isn't it pretty?

 

This creative cupcake was submitted by Christina, using the heart image from the "Always" stamp set to make a luscious fluffy frosted cupcake.  I really love that cherry on the top!

It's hard to resist this stamp set, found in the new mini catalog!  Sense of Time (113804 / set of 4 / $22.95) has gears and wheels, the large clock and greeting featured on the card, and a second quote from Bonnie Friedman which reads " An unhurried sense of time is in itself a form of wealth".  I'm not sure who made this swap, but love the cracked glass clock!

See you tomorrow with more swaps and card ideas!

Sharon

Technorati Tags: sense of time,mini catalog,swaps,meeting,down line

Downline Meeting Seaside Swap Card

Our demonstrator team upline/downline gathers monthly for a general meeting and swap.  The group is growing rapidly, and we try to keep the meetings short, informative, and interesting.  This month we were challenged to 'do our best work'... that's a mouthful, isn't it?    In the past, I've tried to keep my swaps more simple (at the request of my upline)... but not this month! 

I chose to use the Seaside Stamp Set for my swap... I've been using it for custom ordered 'beachy' wedding invites.  The wedding invites had to have simple and clean lines too... so I wanted to explore texture and layers.

Here's the card I swapped:

 

The image appears a little skewed and out of line on the bottom... but that is the perspective/angle of the shot.  trust me, it's really very straightly aligned. 

After embossing sahara sand card stock with the fiskars Stampin' Up Backgrounds texture plates, I sponged gently with creamy caramel classic ink to achieve the diamond textured pattern on the right side of the card.  The Blush Blossom card stock was stamped with sahara sand classic ink using the sanded background stamp, and then embossed using versamark ink, very vanilla ep, and the Tres Chic stamp set.  I love all the uplifting words in the tres chic stamp set:  Imagine, Inspiration, Create, Friendship, Life... and many more.  The edges of the double stamped/embossed cardstock was then highlighted with creamy caramel ink and a sponge dauber to give it more definition and an aged appearance as well.

The central image of the card is one of the shells from the seaside stamp set.  After stamping with Sahara Sand Classic Ink onto watercolor paper, I used markers and my aqua painter to colorize the image.  After scribbling the wide tip onto a stampin' store box, I picked up the colors with my aqua painter and added close to cocoa, blush blossom, and pink passion ink to the image.  Beneath the shell was colored in the same manner with a bashful blue stampin' write marker and aqua painter.  Once the image dried, I used a two way glue pen to emphasize the more white areas of the image, and added dazzling diamonds.

Other supplies used in this card:  Kraft Card Stock, very vanilla taffeta ribbon.

Tomorrow I'll begin sharing the swaps other demos entered in the contest... not everyone participated (some of them were new demos, and we just give them a swap as a courtesy to welcome them to the group).

I can't wait for you to see the rest of them!

Sharon

Technorati Tags: seaside stamp set,blush blossom,fiskars texture plate,background basics,swaps

Quick Post... Spiney Seahorse and a Penguin Card

My DH whisked me away to Atlanta last weekend.  He really wanted to see the National Geographic King Tut exhibit, and the First Emperor Terracotta Soldiers display.  We were gone a total of two nights... leaving Friday and returning early Sunday afternoon.  A really, really quick trip!!  We were also able to sneak in a trip to the Atlanta Aquarium (a very crowded venue), a couple Monet paintings at the Atlanta Louvre, and also had an opportunity to see a delightful award winning play, "26 Miles".  Busy Saturday, by all means!!

The museum displays wouldn't allow photography... so the only pictures I really took were at the horribly crowded museum!  The most fascinating one was of a 'spiney seahorse'... an amazingly strange creature!

Pretty weird, but interesting just the same.

So... in honor of our trip to the aquarium, and between loads of laundry and catch-up house work.. here is a penquin card I managed to squeek out today!

This card was really very quick and easy to create.  The whisper white background was run through my big shot machine with a texture plate, and sponged with bashful blue classic ink.  After I took the picture, I went back and added bashful blue ink to the cube and puddle too... oops!  Other Card supplies used:  Bashful Blue, Whisper White.  Stamp Set:  Animal Crackers (113395 / set of 5 / $19.95), Basic Black Classic Ink and narrow grosgrain ribbon. 

Visit tomorrow and see my demo to demo swap submission... it's really fun!

Sharon

 

Technorati Tags: terracotta soldiers,king tut,26 miles,atlanta,animal Crackers

Altered Designer Paper 3 Technique Card

Doodling today... with my white gel pen.  I love the new Walk in the Park Designer Series Paper... but each time I start to use it, I put it back down.  The basic gray leaves, flowers and ferns are very pretty... but just didn't pop enough.  Armed with my white gel pen, the paper was transformed and sprouted a new life on it's own!

The white areas on the DSP are all added with my white signo gel pen.  I didn't highlight everything, just the stuff that was already lighter on the paper.  Made it more 'alive' and fun, don't you think?

The glitter background staging the faux metal floral image was made with heat 'n stick powder and dazzling diamonds.  I distressed my faux metal floral image from pocket silhouettes with an emery board, lightly scuffing the surface.  The greeting is from "Very Versatile"... a new mini catalog stamp set.

Recipe: 

Card Stock:  Whisper White, Pink Pirouette, Basic Gray, Brushed Silver

Ink:  Versamark, Basic Gray

Accessories:  Scalloped Oval and Large Oval Punches, dimensional dots, white signo gel pen, silver embossing powder, Walk in the Park Designer Series Paper

Stamps:  Very Versatile, Pocket Silhouettes

Here's another pretty pink manhattan flower card I don't think I've shared yet... It was a fun make 'n take at my downline unit meeting last week.

Recipe:

Stamps:  Oval All

Card Stock:  Whisper White, Pink Pirouette, Regal Rose, Vellum Card Stock

Other:  scallop edge punch, scallop oval punch, large oval punch, manhattan flower die, dotto, 5/8" satin ribbon, dimensional dots

Have a stampin' lovely day!

Sharon

Technorati Tags: Altered Designer Series Paper,Walk in the Park,Faux Metal,Heat 'n Stick,Pocket Silhouettes,Manhattan Flower,Card Stock Vellum

Make Your Own...Glitter Striped Paper... What Fun!

I had a faux metal train setting on my stampin' table.  I had demo'd the technique at my downline unit meeting last week.  AND I just couldn't stop playing with the chocolate glitter and bronze paper! 

It's kind of like a peanut butter and chocolate crash... where two textures come together in a great card...  The train from "Happiness is a Journey" and my chocolate glitter just screamed "we want a card too"!

Isn't the striped paper neat?  I made it by placing my red sticky tape (red line tape) in half inch increments onto the textured bronze card stock.  After peeling away the protective red layer, I dumped chocolate glitter over the card stock/tape.  Pretty cool, huh?

Normally, when I do faux metal I can get away with just three layers of silver ep.  This image isn't quite as deep and defined as some of the other images I've used in this technique... so I ended up with 5 layers of silver ep.  Here's a close up:

Supplies:

Stamps:  Happiness is a Journey, And Many Mower

Bronze Textured Card Stock (Taste of Textiles Assortment 113991 / $9.95)

Basic Black, and Basic Gray Card Stock

Silver Embossing Powder, Heat Gun, Red Sticky Tape, Chocolate Glitter, Versamark Ink

I think this is the perfect card for my wonderful DH for Fathers' Day...Shhh don't tell him!

Hope to see you back tomorrow!

Sharon

Technorati Tags: Happiness is a Journey,Faux Metal,Striped Glitter Paper,Chocolate Glitter,Textured Bronze Card Stock

More from Manhattan... and Chocolate Glitter Too

Have you seen the new Chocolate Glitter?  How about Chocolate Glitter coupled with Textured Bronze Metallic Card Stock?  I've been wanting to try this ever since SU! shared a sneak peek of the Manhattan Flower Embossing Folder in January... Two cards to share today!

After embossing the bronze textured card stock, I used a two way glue pen to highlight the ridges on the embossed image.  Working in small sections, I glittered and glued until the entire image was glittered.  The verse is from the new mini catalog "Very Versatile", and was embossed with black classic ink and clear EP.  I took a double length of ribbon, and tied a simple over hand knot in the middle to form the sash or bow on this card too.

Here's another card done with the Very Versatile stamp set and bronze textured paper, with a more clean and simple look:

I used my two way glue pen to glitter the flowers on the sole flower image from the stamp set, and again embossed clear ep on black ink for the greeting.

Happy Easter to all... I hope to see you tomorrow!

Sharon

Technorati Tags: Chocolate Glitter,Manhattan Flower,Very Versatile

Blue Haired Lady... and a New Technique

Faux Fluffy Fun... better than frosting, softer than faux felt, and Grandma's got a brand new look!

A couple weeks ago I was experimenting with heat and stick powder to create what the tutorial described as "faux felt".  Not too happy with the results, I round-filed the project (you know, that round metal or plastic receptacle stored conveniently on the floor of your stampin' room aka garbage can).  No faux felt for me!!

While playing around, I also made a simple discovery... a much simpler technique which is perfect for hair, ferns, fur, or whatever fluff you want to add to your card.  Here's the card I made using this easy technique... scroll down and you'll see just how simple it is to do too!

The background of this card was stamped with the large flower image from the Very Versatile stamp set, with Pretty In Pink Classic Ink matching the Pretty in Pink Card Stock.

And now for the faux fluff tutorial..

First, cut one long bound edge off a 2" length of grosgrain ribbon (you can leave it attached to the spool like I did too)

Your ribbon will now look like this:

Next, pull the threads of the ribbon away from the (still-attached) bound edge of the ribbon:

The residual area still attached is great for a mane, or the edge of a rug in your projects.)

Next, snip small pieces from the threads... appx 1/8" or more wide, making a pile of 'fluff'.

You want to accumulate a large enough pile of fluff to cover our gal's hair... or whatever you're planning on covering.  The picture has a bit of chocolate glitter in it.. I took them after making the card and a few others (oops).

Last, use the fine tip of your adhesive (mine was tombow multi adhesive) and generously cover the image you'll be adding fluff to.  Pick up your fluff and drop it on top of the glue covered surface, gently patting down and filling areas as needed.  Use the tip of your paper snips to move and position the fluff if needed.

Here's a close up of her hair...

Isn't it fun?  She could probably use a visit to the hairdresser (but then again, can't we all?)  And guess what?  It's made with stuff you probably already own... liquid adhesive and grosgrain ribbon!!  

Supplies:

Stamps:  Golden Oldies ( item 113712 / set of 3 / $16.95), Very Versatile (113806 / set of 9 / $$25.95)

Card Stock:  Whisper White, Pretty In Pink, Tempting Turquoise, Blush Blossom

Stampin' Write Marker:  Pretty in Pink, Yo Yo Yellow

Accessories:  Paper Snips, Tombow Multi Adhesive, Bashful Blue Narrow Grosgrain Ribbon, Aqua Painter, Pretty in Pink Striped Ribbon

Hope you enjoy this technique... see you tomorrow and have a happy, family filled and blessed Easter Sunday!

Sharon

Technorati Tags: Technique,Faux Fluff,Golden Oldies,Very Versatile,Tutorial

 

 

 

      Sharon Field

 Images©Stampin’ Up!

Glorious Gown featuring the Manhattan Flower Embossing Folder

I shared this new technique at my down line unit meeting earlier this week.  It was something I stumbled upon while allowing myself a stampin' play day.  My original intention was to cut out and remove a flower from card stock vellum (item #101856 / $6.50/20 sheets) embossed with the new Manhattan Flower Embossing Folder (item #114517 $7.95).  I really enjoy using card stock vellum.. it's a heavier vellum than that found in most hobby stores, having a heavier hand, or body it provides an elegant embossing surface with bold crisp lines of detail.

So... here is the card I made with an elegant Manhattan Gown:

I used dotto to adhere the dress to the card stock...  the adhesive lays out a series of minute almost undetectable dots.  The pink pirouette and brushed silver card stock softly surround the elegant dress which everyone "ooohed" and "aaahed" over.  The ribbon sash gave me one more place to attach the dress even more securely to the card stock, and the ends of the sash were positioned with mini glue dots.

In the picture below, you can see the flower which I originally cut out of the embossed card stock vellum... when I cut away that part, I suddenly realized that the remainder was a beautiful gown!

I've drawn lines on the larger vellum piece to show you the cut-away which forms the elegant gown.

And here's another, perhaps better view:

Isn't it fun??  Have a great stampin' day, and see you tomorrow!

Sharon

Technorati Tags: manhattan flower,tutorial,elegant gown,manhattan gown,vellum card stock,embossing

A Walk in the Forest... and a sneak peek for my Stamp A Stack

The new Occasions Mini Catalog is just full of delightful stamp sets!  I've really had a lot of fun with Forest Friends, and I just know you will too! 

This was a really quick and cute card that I think my club ladies will love.  It actually features three stamp sets (thoughts and prayers, Oval All, and Forest Friends) and three punches (scalloped oval, large oval, and trio flower).  The 'grass' was hand cut with my paper snips, varying depth and width of the grass 'blades'.

Card Stock:  Old Olive, Close to Cocoa, Very Vanilla

Classic Ink:  Old Olive, Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa

Stampin' Write marker:  Regal Rose, Pretty in Pink

This is a card we'll be doing at my stamp - a -stack a week from Saturday.  The stamp-a-stack will feature masculine cards.  We'll be making fathers' day cards too, but as always, you'll have the opportunity to change the salutation to meet your needs... ie it can be happy birthday, or thinking of you, etcetera.  The card sample features the fabulous "To the Nines" designer series textured paper, the "Thoughts and Prayers" stamp set, and a clip embellishment.  The image is very soft and was kind of difficult to photograph... surprised me to pieces!

Come back tomorrow.. I've got a big surprise tutorial for you... something you've never seen before!

Sharon

Technorati Tags: Forrest Friends,Occasions Mini,Thoughts and Prayers,tutorial

A Really Tall Giraffe... and Business Booster Share

At Convention (or was it Leadership???:-) I received a really cute swap from Christine Luce, a demonstrator from New York.  Christine's card was done in soft pastel colors... I've changed it up a bit using bolder colors, adding more mat pack piercing, a second layer  beneath the main image, and new 5/8" satin ribbon from the Occasions Mini catalog. 

The Animal Crackers is a fun set of whimsical animal images which I really purchased for the cute little penguin sitting atop a melting ice cube.  His quip reads "Have an ice day!" which made me giggle.  I have yet to use that particular image... but I will soon... and he still makes me giggle!  The item number is 113395 and has a set of 5 images for just $19.95, available at my Online Stampin' Up! Store.  Trust me, they'll make you giggle too!

You can barely see the pierced holes outside the circle cut with my circle scissors plus... but they are there!  The stamped background was done using versamark ink... which is a clear embossing ink used to add a just a hint of color and pattern to the tangerine tango card stock.

Here's Christine's original card:

Changing gears... at my down line unit meeting this week, we made these cute little business boosters using the top note die cuts and designer series paper.  The calendar/business cards have a magnetic strip on the back and were inspired by Sandy Hancock (www.sandy stamper.com).  I think they'll be a great way to promote business, and open conversations about stampin' don't you?

See you tomorrow,

Sharon

Technorati Tags: Animal Crackers,Christine Luce,Business Boosters

One Layer, My Great Friend

One stamp set... and a few select inks too!  Actually, this card was my second attempt at using the leaf and butterfly images from the "Great Friend" stamp set to create a scenic card.  When making the first one, I decided to cut out the words and pop them up (scroll down to the bottom of this post for the original card, also quite fun to make).  THAT was when I realized that using simple sponging, layering, embossing, masking, and stamping this card would make a phenomenal one layer card too!

The butterfly trio was stamped with pacific point ink, and then clear embossed. 

TIPS:

• ALWAYS turn your heat tool on and let it run.  They work much better when they have had a chance to come up to temp!
• Work with one butterfly image at a time. 
• After stamping the image, if you have voids in the color, color it in using ink from the lid of your Pacific Point ink pad and a blender pen to quickly color the voids before covering with clear EP.
• Color the remaining 'white' areas of the image with stampin' write markers or ink pad and blender pen.  Use a kleenex to remove any excess on the embossed surface so it does not smear or travel onto your card stock.  (The ink will not stick to the embossed surface.)

After embossing all the butterflies, the greeting was stamped, and then I simply eyeballed where to put the framed image.. you could also use a stamp-ma-jig for this step.

The leaf images from "great friend" were stamped multiple times in certainly celery and garden green... it wasn't necessary to re-ink the stamp each time because I wanted a faded/depth in the foliage.

NEXT... sponge on the colors.  I found it quite easy to avoid the framed verse and colored areas of the butterflies... but a simple mask would work if you felt you needed it.  The colors I sponged with were certainly celery, garden green, bashful blue, and bordering blue.

The very last step, I sponged the entire outer perimeter with garden green ink, framing out the entire work.

Here's the original card/inspiration...

I like them both... but one layer cards are always such fun to make too!

The "Great Friend" Stamp Set is just $17.95, and featured on pages 6&7 of the Occasions Mini Catalog (Item #113792 / 5 stamps).  Order yours at my Online Store:  CreatedbyU and I'll make one of these cards for you and send it directly to you as a thank you too!

See you tomorrow!

Sharon

Technorati Tags: great friend,one layer card,sponging,online store,createdbyu

Just Gellin... Simple Oval All Card

Gellin' the day away... to a pretty pink pirouette oval all card!  I used my white signo gel pen to draw dots, lines, and more dots and create a simple border for a simply sweet card.  I'm not sure what made me do this.. but the result was a very pretty and soft thank you card!

I used a straight line up and draw lines and dots, my scoring blade in 1/4" increments to make the scored lines, and a blender pen to add color to the oval all punched image.  The white gel pen got a little bit of a workout today, don't you think?

Supplies:

Card Stock/ Ink:  Pink Pirouette

Stamps:  Oval All (NEW!)

Ribbon: 5/8" satin ribbon (NEW!)

Punches:  Scalloped Oval (NEW!), scalloped border

Other:  Fiskars paper trimmer with scoring blade, and White Signo Gel Pen, blender pen

Have a wonderful week!  Check back tomorrow for a really pretty one layer card.. you're going to be delightfully surprised!

Sharon

Technorati Tags: scallop oval punch,oval all,white signo gel pen,dots and lines