Super Cute Snowman.. Card for Seniors!

I haven’t shown you any of my Cards for Seniors of late, so today I will!  I try to keep the cards for Seniors very simple, and often, to facilitate the success of these classes, will pre-punch shapes and pre-tie ribbons and bows.  My Senior Card making sessions generally last about an hour… unless we sit around and chat afterwards (which happens a LOT!!)  I really enjoy the senior sessions, and the friendships I have made!

This first card is an aerial view of a snowman, and is made completely with punches.  Inspired by a round card of simpler design and contributed by Heidi Van Laar in the Paper Crafts Holiday Cards & More Vol.5 Issue.  I don’t subscribe to many magazines, I simply don’t have time to sit and stare at the beautiful glossy pages and layouts LOL!!  But this is one of two which caught my eye last month.  If you’re looking for holiday Card Making ideas, it’s definitely worth the investment!  Enough said… here’s my Super Cute Snowman Card for Seniors!

Isn’t it fun?  Heidi’s card was a big, round snowman with an aerial view… I scaled him down a bit and put him on a card!  The ladies at the Senior Card Making Club just LOVED him! 

• Snowflakes borrowed from the Serene Snowflakes Stamp Set were added to Crumb Cake Cardstock/Card Base using Whisper White Craft Ink… and set aside to dry. 
• The Merry Christmas Greeting was stamped with Night Of Navy Classic Ink, low and near the right edge of a Whisper White Cardstock strip, before tearing the edge.  The torn paper edge was very easy to do, and I reminded them to tear curves into the paper so they would not have too many peaks and points. 
• A sponge dauber was used to apply Baja Breeze Classic ink to all Naturals White Cardstock Snowman Layers, and the edges of the snow bank, which was then attached to the Crumb Cake Card Base.
• To make it easier, I created a template for placement of the snowman’s eyes… and marked it “template”.. this made it easy to align and punch the eyes exactly where they needed to be.  A sliver of pumpkin pie cardstock was used to the nose, and attached to the face with tombow multi adhesive before drawing in the dots (stones) for the pumpkin smile.
• Two Snowflake Punch stems were trimmed to remove excess branches, and glued to the snowman’s body… NOT his neck LOL…
• A knot of retired Striped Ribbon was frayed and attached just under the snowman’s neck with mini glue dots.

Are you counting the days until the next installment of the Royal Blog Tour?  I am!! I’ve got my projects all made, and with something for everyone… Clean and Simple, layers, and more.  The Royal Blog Tour begins next weekend… Hope you’ll stop by and visit my castle and princesses!  They’ve been working hard to get everything polished and ready for your visit!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See you tomorrow with another fun card share!

Hugs,

Sharon

Technorati Tags: Seniors,CAS,Clean and Simple,Paper Crafts,Holiday Cards,Snowman,stamp,punch,ink,cardsdtock,royal blog tour,castle,princess

Sharon Field

Dasher Ornament Box Tutorial–You asked for it, You’ve got it!

I’ve had several requests for a full tutorial on how to make the gift-able box which accompanied last weekend’s Super Saturday Saturday Tutorial for the Lovely and Serene Dasher Ornament.  Well, you’ve asked for it, and now you’ve got it!! This weekend’s Super Saturday Tutorial will show you step by step how to cut, score, and assemble the simple Cardstock Box… and will give you the complete supply list and measurements for completing the Dasher Ornament Box!

Here are the Ornament and Box… in case you missed them:

 Stampin’ Up Supplies used in today’s Ornament Box Tutorial:

Stamp:  Tags ‘Til Christmas #120847 (Wood Mount) or #121169 (Clear Mount)

Classic Ink:  Real Red

Cardstock:  Real Red, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper:  Candy Lane Designer Series Paper #120809

Accessories:  Real Red Narrow Grosgrain Ribbon, Extra Large Decorative Label Punch, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Snail Adhesive, Paper Trimmer with Scoring blade, Bone Folder, Paper Snips, Tombow Multi Adhesive or Red Sticky Tape*

*Tombow Multi Adhesive is a Latex based glue (allergy alert) and creates a stronger bond in humid climates than Sticky Red Tape, which works perfectly well in dryer climates.

Cutting Instructions:

Real Red Narrow Grosgrain Ribbon:  18 inches

Candy Lane Designer Series Paper: 3.25” X 3.75”

Whisper White Cardstock:  Approximately 2” x 3” or larger scrap to stamp and punch

Real Red Cardstock:  6” x 9”, scored at 1/2”, 4”, 4.5”, 8”, and 8.5”; turn 90 degrees and score at 1/2”, 1”, 5” and 5.5” 

Assembly Instructions:

• Use Paper Snips to trim corners and niches in accordance with diagram below…
• Dotted areas are cut away/waste. 
• Pink lines are cutting lines.
• Dashed lines are scored lines, diagram not to scale.
• Note all flaps are angled slightly to allow the sides to fold down easily.

 

• Use Bone Folder to crease all scored lines of Real Red Cardstock.  Note:  Folding towards the mountain (Bump) of the score line creates a stronger seam.
• The base of the box now has two sets of scored lines and flaps to attach.
• Fold and glue flaps into box sides, taking time to square corners.
• Fold and glue three sides into the box base.  If you are using Tombow Multi Adhesive, use this latex based glue sparingly.. a little goes a very long way!
• Use adhesive to attach Candy Lane Designer Series Paper to center of box lid.
• Wrap 18” of Real Red Narrow Grosgrain Ribbon around box, and tie bow to right side of lid.
• Stamp “December 25” image on scrap of Whisper White Cardstock.
• Punch out image with Extra Large Decorative Label Punch.
• Place stampin’ dimensionals on back of punched image, remove protective paper layer and attach to box lid.

Hope you enjoyed today’s Ornament Box Tutorial!  If there is something else you would like to see a tutorial on, please feel free to Contact Me … I love to keep my readers happy

Shop My Online Stampin’ Up! Store for the supplies used in today’s tutorial, and for other quality Stampin’ Up! Products as well!

Hugs,

Sharon

 

Technorati Tags: tutorial,super saturday,ornament box,stamps,cardstock,ink,tags til Christmas,stampin up,supplies,super saturday tutorial

Subtle Shades of Espresso: Sketch Frenzy Friday Sff102910 Share

Welcome again to Sketch Frenzy Friday!  Today’s sketch was created by Sketch Frenzy Friday Design Team Member Kim Innis!  When I first saw this sketch, my mind immediately went to a Christmas package…. then I thought, well… you’re probably tired of seeing Christmas cards on my blog… and opted to create something non-holiday after all!

The focal image on the design was crying out for background, background, and more background… so I opted to use my Acrylic Block Stamping Technique, one which a lot of you seem to be using lately!  I’ve actually had a lot of questions about this technique… and here’s a tip:  if you’re not getting as strong an image as you’d like when stamping with your acrylic blocks, simply place a sheet of fun foam (the stuff in the kids department at the craft stores) UNDER your grid paper and cardstock!  If you’re stamping on a very hard surface, it can be difficult to get a good crisp block stamped image!

Here’s my card for the Sketch Frenzy Friday Challenge:

I think it would make a fabulous masculine card too, don’t you?  The background of the focal image was stamped with River Rock Classic Ink on a piece of Very Vanilla Cardstock.  Crumb Cake Classic Ink and the A to Z stamp was then used to stamp the next background layer, and finally the silhouette flower image from the Upsy Daisy Stamp Set was inked and stamped with Early Espresso Classic Ink.  I LOVE Early Espresso, it’s such a deep rich brown color… I love it so much that I rarely use Chocolate Chip any more!

I guess I did sneak in a little Christmas on this card…. both patterned papers used on this card are from the Deck the Halls Designer Series Paper Pack… see, it’s not just for Christmas!

The wide scallop border edge is one of four patterns on the Timeless Trim Big Shot Die… I’m finding this die very useful.. have you ordered yours yet?

Stamps and Supplies used in today’s Sketch Frenzy Friday Card Share

Stamps:  Upsy Daisy, Teeny Tiny Wishes, A to Z

Classic Ink:  River Rock, Crumb Cake, Early Espresso

Cardstock:  Very Vanilla, Early Espresso, Crumb Cake

Designer Series Paper:  Deck the Halls

Big Shot Machine and Timeless Trim Die

Accessories:  Modern Label Punch, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Very Vanilla 5/8” satin ribbon, Silver Brads, Sponge Dauber, Acrylic Block, piercing tool, grid paper, fun foam

Come play along with the Sketch Frenzy Friday Design Team Blog… upload your sketch based card to your personal blog, an online gallery (Flickr, Photobucket, etc.) or Splitcoast Stampers and then visit the team blog to upload your creation.  Be sure to visit all the team member blogs!  The next blog on the mini Blog Hop is the talented Tammy Baldwin.  Be sure to leave her a sweet comment!

Hugs,

Sharon

Technorati Tags: design team,stamps,cardstock,ink,blog,sketch frenzy friday,sff102910,shop online

 

 

A Christmas Classic: Jolly Old St. Nick Creative Sketches CS04 Card

Have you checked out the New Creative Sketches Design Team yet?  Team members are from all around the world, and have vastly varying styles!  Creative Sketches is a new concept in design teams too… with color, sketch, technique, and inspiration challenges, what’s not to love?  Here is today’s challenge sketch… and it has a twist.. it has a THEME too!  Make a card using today’s CS04 Sketch, with A HOLIDAY theme… whatever holiday you choose.  It could be Christmas, Hanukkah, even Valentines Day or Easter if you choose!

Well, I may as well admit… I chose Christmas as my holiday theme… but you probably already guessed that from the title of my post:  Jolly Old St. Nick.. LOL!  So here’s my card… complete with layers, button embellishment and a little extra texture too!

I just love this Santa image… he is everything a Santa should be… chubby, happy, winking… just makes you smile to look at him, doesn’t it?  I couldn’t help but layer the Deck the Halls Jumbo Button with a luscious antique brad (don’t you just love them?)  Looking at the photo, I don’t think I finished coloring my Santa… I actually embossed and colored him at a Christmas Card Class I held a couple weekends ago… my stampers learned how to achieve the soft fluffy beard using whisper white craft ink, an angled paint brush, and a little water while painting with a swirling motion.  The angled brush was a bit firmer than the aqua painter used to color in his hat… so it was easier to achieve a swirling effect on his beard and fur trimmed hat.

When I first saw the tinsel in the Holiday Mini Catalog, I thought ‘What???’ and resisted purchasing it… until I saw it in person.  The tinsel is wire based and wraps easily around brads, buttons, and cardstock… fun and easy to use!

Waffle paper was used as a background for the focal image, and of course I worked in a little zig zag and scallop trim from the timeless trim big shot die as well… take a closer peek, you’ll see it all there next to the Vintage Wallpaper Embossed Always Artichoke paper!

I really need a photographer on staff.. LOL!  You can’t really see all the sparkle and depth of design on the Always Artichoke embossed paper… after embossing it, I ran over the design with a sponge dauber and Pear Pizzaz Shimmered Ink (see the Shimmer Your Ink Pads Tutorial for more info.)

Stamps and Supplies used in today’s Creative Sketches CS04 Card Share:

Stamps:  Jolly Old St. Nick

Cardstock:  Cherry Cobbler, Always Artichoke, Crumb Cake

Inks:  Cherry Cobbler Classic Ink, Versamark, Whisper White Craft Ink

Designer Series Paper:  Deck the Halls

Big Shot Machine and Accessories:  Vintage Wallpaper Textured Embossing Folder, Timeless Trim Die

Accessories:  Deck the Halls Bigz Designer Buttons, Antique Brads, Tinsel, Waffle Paper, Black Embossing Powder, Powder Pal, Powder Tray, Heat Tool

Come play along with the Creative Sketches Design Team this week, visit the team blog and upload your sketch/theme based contribution! 

Order supplies for today’s card share at my online stampin up store!

Hugs,

Sharon

Technorati Tags: design team,stamps,paper,ink,sketch,challenge,theme,holiday,stampin up

 

Revisiting Inspired by Nature – Brayer Card for DCBD 200

This week’s Diva Coffee Break Designs Team Challenge is a bold and bright color combination!  I wasn’t really sure what I was going to do with these colors… but after visiting my friend Michelle Zindorf for one of her fabulous Advanced Brayer Classes in Savannah, Georgia, I decided to brush off my brayer and attempt a Brayer Card for this challenge!  Hope you’ll play along with the Design Team this week… I can’t wait to see the team designs and yours as well! 

Wow.. Poppy Parade, So Saffron and Baja Breeze!  The color combination made me think of the setting sun and palm trees… I’ve really only got one small palm tree in my Plant Hope stamp set… so I began looking through my stamps for an alternate image and spied Inspired by Nature… I thought, well, if you didn’t ink the pom pom in the middle of the sunflower, it might make a pretty good palm tree silhouette!  So here’s my card for this week’s DCBD 200 Card Challenge.. hope you like it!

In a nutshell:  I used a brayer and So Saffron Classic Ink to add color along one long edge of the very vanilla cardstock, and then added a 1 3/8” post it note punch to protect the color before adding two layers of Poppy Parade Classic Ink along the same edge.  Turning the cardstock 90 degrees, I then added two brayers full of Baja Breeze Classic Ink along the second long edge, removed the post it note and added a little more So Saffron Classic Ink with a sponge…

A sponge dauber and classic basic black ink were used to carefully ink only petals and stems of the tall sunflower or cone flower silhouette image from Inspired by Nature… I had a couple areas that just didn’t ink as well as I had hoped, and used a basic black Stampin’ Write Marker to append the stamped image.  I added two neutrals this week to my challenge :)  very vanilla and basic black… so technically I blew it :(  I just couldn’t achieve the desired results on a So Saffron base. 

I started to add a little faux stitching to the upper left corner of this card… but then decided it needed something a little weightier… so added photo corner punched layers of Baja Breeze and Basic Black Cardstock with brads.

Supplies used for today’s DCBD 200 Color Challenge:

Stamps:  Inspired by Nature, Short and Sweet

Cardstock:  Baja Breeze, Poppy Parade, So Saffron, Very Vanilla

Classic Inks:   Baja Breeze, Poppy Parade, So Saffron, Basic Black

Accessories:   Photo Corner Punch, Silver Brads, Mat Pack, Paper Piercing tool, Basic Black Stampin’ Write Marker, stampin’ Sponge, sponge daubers, and a Brayer of course!!

Order the supplies for today’s card at >>my Online Stampin Up Store <<

Play along with the DCBD design team members… create a color challenge based card, and upload to the Diva Coffee Break Designs Team Blog where you  can see all the team member creations as well!

Have a great week!

Hugs,

Sharon

Technorati Tags: Stamps,Design Team,DCBD 200,Diva Coffee Break Designs team,Brayer,Inspired by Nature,Ink

Fabulous French Foliage UDI 6 Color Challenge Design Team Card

I LOVE the French Foliage Stamp Set featured in the Stampin’ Up! Holiday Mini catalog!  The skeletal designs are perfect for stamping, embossing, and layering.  Today’s Utah Diva’s International Color Challenge Card features this stamp set used with the Shimmer Your Ink Pads Technique and is even more stunning in person!  Here’s this week’s Color Challenge from UDI Design Team captain Gretchen Barron!

FIVE colors.. count them:  Rose Red, Concord Crush, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, and Daffodil Delight… Yikes!!  Adding a neutral, we have 6 colors to work with on today’s UDI color challenge.. WOW!!  Taking a peek at the blouse in the inspiration photo, I decided on a fall collage of color… engaging my French Foliage stamp set, and the appropriate cardstock and inks, here’s what I came up with:

You’ll have to look closely to see the Rose Red Ink splatters on the card… that’s actually a stamp image included in the French Foliage stamp set.  I don’t normally consider Rose Red to be a fall color, but I think it works here, don’t you?

The pretty Double Loop Bow was tied using the fabulous Double Loop Bow tutorial, which I’m sure you are all familiar with by now… but just in case you’re not, you can find it HERE.  No special equipment needed, just your God given digits and a little coordination!  The bow is pretty by itself, and it’s attached to the ribbon with three mini glue dots.  One would probably hold it… but I find three are just the right secure touch!

The greeting on this card is suitable for many occasions, and is part of the Thoughts and Prayers stamp set in the Stampin’ Up! Idea Book and Catalog…. stamped it in Rose Red Classic Ink too, had to get that color in somehow!

Champagne Shimmer Paint gives this card a real “Wow” factor… I tried to capture it on film.. but you’ really need to see it in person to gain the total effect… you can catch it just a little bit in the green leaves shown below… but not much, oh well.. here’s a close up of the fun bow!

Hope you will play along with the Utah Divas International Color Challenge Team this week!  We love seeing your cards and creations… and when you visit the Utah Designs International Blog, you’ll be able to see all the wonderful creations the team has put together too!

Stamps and Supplies used in today’s Utah Divas International Color Challenge UDI6:

Stamps:  French Foliage, Thoughts and Prayers

Cardstock:  Very Vanilla, Concord Crush

Classic Inks:  Rose Red, Concord Crush, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, and Daffodil Delight

Accessories:  Sponge Daubers, 5/8” Old Olive Satin Ribbon, Mini Glue Dots, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Champagne Shimmer Paint, Blank Craft Ink Pads

All supplies for today’s fabulous fall french foliage card share can be purchased in my online stampin up store… just click the Shop Now button to get your order delivered to your doorstep!

Hugs,

Sharon

Technorati Tags: stamps,ink,paper,cardstock,UDI 6,color challenge,design team,technique,shimmer your ink pads,shop online,sharon field

More from this weekend’s Christmas Gift-Ables Class

As promised, today I’m sharing more projects from Saturday’s Gift-Able class.  Everyone had so much fun making 5 gifts for friends, family, and co-workers.  With 5 projects in all, it was a very busy hands on event too … Each of these projects were made with the Big Shot Machine and Dies from Stampin’ Up!

Here’s a wonderful gift box filled with four hand stamped cork tile coasters… ready to wrap!  The stamped image was done with Stazon permanent Jet Black Ink using the Day of Gratitude Stamp Set featured in the Holiday Mini Catalog from Stampin’ Up!

Here’s another view of the coaster project… as you can see, the Clear Window Sheet Lid fits snugly inside the box housing the Coasters.  Aren’t they fun?

This was a really quick WOW project… so bear with me as I show you just one more photo..

I purchased the coasters at a local hobby store 4 to a pack.  They had no backs on them, so purchased a little Fun Foam to back the coasters, and cut it using the Clear Circle Die and My Big Shot Machine.  After stamping the image (you have two chances to get the image done right ), the fun foam was then attached with a thin layer of Crystal Effects.  It helps to re-ink your Stazon pad and have it nice and moist when doing this project.  That Stazon Ink is pretty tough to clean from a stamp, so I used Stazon Cleaner and it’s now good as new!

This is another project we made… you’ve probably seen it before… but I’ve added a couple neat twists to the Aluminum Flashing Embossed Tea Light Luminary:

 

Here’s a side view… to give you a hint:

The Aluminum flashing was cut with the Big Shot Machine and the Flower Folds Bigz XL die, and then embossed with the Vintage Wallpaper Textured Embossing Folder.  It’s important to use the premium crease pad and a shim when using this die, otherwise the steel ruled die will cut all the way through the petals, severing them from the blossom base.. not pretty!

The Circles #2 die was used to cut Fun Foam from the smallest 2 circles of the die.. two of the smallest and one of the next largest circles.  The circles were then attached to the aluminum flashing with Mini Glue Dots  Beneath the candle, between the 1st and second blooms, and on the bottom of the Luminary.  The Fun Foam added a little depth and height, and also stabilized the base of the luminary… and it’s not going to slide off the table either!

Here’s one more project share… based on a Stampin’ Up! Convention Swap I received a couple years ago… Using the Medium Window Sheets and Pillow Box die with my Big Shot Machine.

Isn’t he cute?  I’ve used the wide oval punch for Rudolph’s Head, the snowflake punch for his antlers, and I have to confess, a little retired Riding Hood Red Yummy Ribbon for his collar.  The Glitter brad makes a dashing nose for Dasher, don’t you think?  The inside of the box contains sour cherry candies… unfortunately I couldn’t seem to locate any red-hot candies .

We made one more project on Saturday too… but I honestly can’t remember what it was right now!!  I’ll have to share that at another time.  If you’re in the area, be sure to sign up for next Saturday’s Magnet Board/Pen/and Magnet class.. from yesterday’s post.. it’s a great gift for a co-worker, teacher or friend and I’m sure you won’t want to miss it!!

Hugs,

Sharon

Technorati Tags: Big Shot Machine,Stamps,Cardstock,Ink,Bigz XL Dies,Christmas,Gifts,Holiday Mini Catalog

 

Magnetically Gift-Able October 30th Class

When I finished designing all the projects for this weekend’s Christmas Gift-Able Class, I found that I had way too many projects, and had to cut a couple from the class line up.  This adorable Stamped Magnetic Cork Board with coordinating Paper Daisy Magnets, pencil and push pins was one of those projects!  The Stamp Camp attendees still made five fabulous projects… but this one, with 5 different projects contained in a wonderful gift-able box deserved a class of it’s own!

The cute floral push pins cannot be seen in this photo… because the photo was taken before they were completed (oops), I’ll have to take a photo and show them to you at a later date!  Wouldn’t this set make a fabulous gift for a co-worker, neighbor, or friend?  The Mechanical Pencil is covered with Designer Series Paper, and although it is attached to the magnetic cork board, can easily be replaced.  The post it note pad is attached to a strip of aluminum flashing as well, and can be replaced when empty… a gift that keeps on gifting throughout the coming year!…   Here’s a photo of it all wrapped up with a pretty ribbon:

When I showed this project to my stamp camp attendees, they were very excited about it… but I have a few more spaces available. 

The class will be held on Saturday, October 30th at 11am at a cost of $20.00 per person. Contact Me to sign up before Wednesday October 27th.  It’s going to be a really fun class!

Hugs,

Sharon

Technorati Tags: stamp,ink,project,gift,Christmas,Class,Stampin up,cardstock,cork,magnet

 

Super Saturday Tutorial: Lovely and Serene Dasher Ornament

Welcome to another edition of the Super Saturday Tutorials from Created By You!  Today I’m stamping with friends, creating wonderful holiday Gift-Able items including this lovely and serene Dasher Ornament.  The ornament is so fun and easy to create, it is suitable for yoru in home workshop / demo, crafting with children, crafting with Seniors, Girl Scouts… or a fun little craft show demo (you get the picture… )!

Here’s a photo of the lovely and serene Dasher ornament my stamp campers made this weekend:

Isn’t it sweet?  With a clean and simple design, and a few items from your local hobby store… you can make this ornament too!

Stampin’ Up! and Supplies for Today’s Lovely and Serene Dasher Ornament for the Holidays:

• Stamps:  Dasher
• Ink:  Versamark
• Accessories:  Heat Tool, Embossing Buddy, White Embossing powder, basic  jewels rhinestones, tinsel, whisper white narrow grosgrain ribbon, champagne shimmer paint, Shimmer Mist technique supplies, Dazzling Diamonds
• Techniques:  Shimmer Mist (click for the original step y step tutorial)

Hobby & Grocery Store Supplies

• Delta Cream Coat Acrylic Paint:  Blissful Blue

• Delta Decorative Snow

• Krylon Triple Thick Crystal Clear Glaze

• Palette knife

• Circular Ceramic Bisque Ornament

• Foam Paint Brush

• Rubbing Alcohol

• Paper Towels

• Sharpie Permanent Marker

Step by Step Super Saturday Tutorial

• Clean the bisque ornament blank using a paper towel and rubbing alcohol.  You are removing any finger grease or residue from handling, shipping, etc. at this point.  It will dry in just a few seconds.

• Squirt a nickel sized dollop of blissful blue Delta Cream Coat Paint onto Bisque Ornament Blank, and spread over bisque ornament blank using the foam brush.  Add more paint if needed, and apply paint to edges of ornament as well. Allow to dry (this only takes a few seconds). 

• Repeat painting step for reverse side of ornament. 

• Gently tap embossing buddy along entire painted surface of ornament. 

• Ink Dasher image with Versamark Ink, and stamp on painted Bisque Ornament. 

• Turn on Heat Tool to pre-heat. 

• Pour the embossing powder over the versamarked image, and gently tap off excess. 

• Heat set the image using the Heat Tool, using caution not to overheat… and not to touch the surface while hot.

• Use palette knife to apply decorative snow below the stamped and embossed dasher image.

• Sprinkle Dazzling Diamonds atop the decorative snow (less is more).

• Heat set Decorative Snow with Heat Tool… allow to cool, and gently tap with finger to ensure it is set.

• Spray ornament with Shimmer Mist spray (see tutorial tab on Created By You for full details on the Shimmer Mist aka Glimmer Mist Technique).

• Place ornament on a protected surface… chipboard, recycled plastic, or parchment paper…your preference… and spray with Krylon Triple Thick Glaze in accordance to directions provided with spray can.

• Lightly sprinkle Dazzling Diamonds into wet paint.

• Allow to set/ dry.

• Thread Narrow Grosgrain ribbon through hole in bisque ornament to create hangar.

• Wrap neck of bisque ornament with Tinsel, overlapping and twisting along the back of ornament neck

• Use Sharpie pen to sign and date the back of ornament.

Step it up a notch!!  Here’s the handmade gift box we created during the Holiday Gift-able class, for this special hand made ornament:

My DD said it looked like something she would buy at Target… very fun and professional.. LOL!  But it’s just hand made by me and my stamping buddies! 

Lots going on, lots to do.. hope you enjoyed this Super Saturday Lovely and Serene Bisque Ornament Tutorial.. Love reading your comments too! 

Hugs,

Sharon

Technorati Tags: stamps,ink,tutorial,Super Saturday,Bisque Ornament,Lovely and Serene Dasher Ornament,Dasher,Order Online,Stamp Camp,Workshop,Stampin Up

More Heavy Metal… Sketch Frenzy Friday SFF101510

I am still playing around with the heavy metal this week, aka Aluminum Flashing!  I call it Heavy Metal, but it really is quite lightweight!  I purchased the Aluminum Flashing to make Christmas and Holiday Gifts… but it seems to have migrated to my cards as well LOL!

Today’s Sketch Frenzy Friday Design was one I designed using scraps on my stampin’ Table… Although I usually draw them in My Digital Studio, the day I designed this sketch, it just came together before my eyes… so I thought, why not use it!  Here is my SFF101510 Challenge Sketch… hope you’ll play along!

I suppose you would probably known I came up with this sketch, even if I hadn’t told you… I love layers, and this one sketch design is loaded with them!  Here is my card, as you can see, I’m still playing around with heavy metal!

Isn’t it fun?  I chose a Basic Black and Very Vanilla theme because I couldn’t quite get past the colors in the sketch!  So when in doubt, seek out the classics!  The Aluminum Flashing background on this card is embossed with the Big Shot Machine and Vintage Textured Embossing Folder… Isn’t it fun?  The Big Shot Machine and Ovals Die were also used to cut out the background Basic Black Oval for the greeting.  I chose this greeting because my DH’s birthday is in just a few weeks, so now I’m ready with a fabulous hand made card just for him!

Don’t you just love Glimmer Brads?  The silver one on my card just sparkles beautifully like a small boutonniere on a Black Tuxedo!  I love teaching people how to tie the Double Loop Bow like the one on this card, they get so excited when they see just how simple it is to do… and no special or expensive bow maker equipment is need either!  Hey… if you book workshop this month, I’ll teach you and your friends how to tie this fabulous bow… Deal??

Stamps and Supplies Used for Todays’ Sketch Frenzy Friday Sketch Challenge Card SFF101510

Stamps:

• All Holidays

Cardstock and Designer Series Paper:

• Basic Black
• Very Vanilla
• Love Letter Designer Series Paper

Classic Ink:

• Basic Black

Big Shot Machine and Accessories:

• Ovals Die
• Vintage Textured Embossing Folder

Additional Accessories:

• 5/8” Basic Black Satin Ribbon
• Glimmer Brad Basics
• Sticky Red Tape
• Snail Adhesive
• Mini Glue Dots
• Boho Blossoms Extra Large Punch
• Stampin’ Dimensionals
• Aluminum Flashing
• Craft and Rubber Scissors
• Table Top Paper Cutter

Order supplies for todays’ Sketch Frenzy Friday card in my Online Stampin’ Up Store … and have them delivered right to your door!

Hope you will play along with the Sketch Frenzy Friday Design Team this week… simply upload your sketch based card or scrapbook page to your personal blog, online gallery, Splitcoast Stampers, or Stampin Connection and then visit the team Blog Sketch Frenzy Friday to add your creation with our linky tool at the bottom of today’s post!  I look forward to seeing your art!

Sketch Frenzy Friday Design Team operates like a mini blog hop… so the next stop along the way is where you’ll see creative designs by design team member Tammy Baldwin… be sure to leave her a sweet comment!

See you tomorrow with a new Super Saturday Tutorial!

Hugs,

Sharon

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Creative Sketches Design Team CS03 NEW Card Share

Wow… last week my mind was on Pluto!  I posted the wrong sketch, challenge, etc… not sure how that happened, but happily very few people noticed LOL!!  The Creative Sketches Design Team takes challenges to an all new level… we bring you international talent from all venues, and the challenges vary from week to week… a little something for everyone!   The design team members are very creative artists like my friend Tee of Green Isles Crafts… Some of them are demonstrators, and others are hobbyists who dabble in all sorts of stamps and mediums.

Today, I’ve got three cards to share… the one that I originally made for today’s sketch challenge, the one I was supposed to post last week, and a new version for this week.. it’s like winning the lottery!

Here’s the sketch we were supposed to work on this week for the Creative Sketches Design Team… CS03 is both a sketch, and technique challenge.  The sketch can be viewed below… the technique:  dry embossing.

LOL.. you’ve already seen my card which I posted last week in error HERE.

The challenge I was supposed to post was CSO2… a color challenge… and here is the card I created especially for that challenge using the Paradise Stamp Set.  You can view the original challenge post here at the Creative Sketches Design Team blog HERE.

Don’t want to disappoint you.. so I created another card using the CS03 challenge criteria

Stamps and supplies used in the CS03 Sketch:

Stamps:  Autumn Days

Cardstock:  So Saffron, Chocolate Chip, Cajun Craze, Very Vanilla

Classic Inks:  So Saffron, Cajun Craze

Big Shot Machine and Accessories:  Scallop Square Clear Die, Scallop Ovals Die, Lattice Textured Impressions Folder

Accessories:  Holly Jolly DSP,  very vanilla narrow grosgrain ribbon, sponge daubers, champagne shimmer paint, blank craft pad, stampin dimensionals, Paper trimmer with scoring blade

Techniques:  Shimmer Your Ink Pads

Come play along with us at the Creative Sketches Design Team!  I love to see your artwork! 

Order products for today’s card shares at my online stampin up store 

Hugs,

Sharon

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Autumnal Seasonal Sentiments Diva Coffee Break Designs DCBD199

I just love the colors of Autumn, don’t you?  The temperature is finally cooling off here in North Florida, and although we don’t see the stunning colors which signify the change of season, we are beginning to feel it!  Inspired by the weather, my DCBD 199 card for the Diva Coffee Break Designs Team challenge features the colors of fall.  Here is the sketch for this week’s challenge!

Sometimes when I look at a sketch challenge, a great card pops immediately in my mind… not this week!  LOL… Normally a sketch will speak to me… and I can go right to my stamp shelf and pick up the stamp I will need to use for the sketch… But this week, I just kept playing with cardstock, moving it around and finding the right combination of colors, and then found stamps to fit the design… a little backwards approach for me! 
Today’s DCBD 199 Sketch based card uses Seasonal Sentiments and French Foliage stamp sets.  Although the photo doesn’t really show it, the leaves really pop on this card as they are shimmered with the Shimmer Your Ink Pads Technique I shared in my tutorials a couple weeks ago.  Are you ready?  Here’s my card:

I just love the effect achieved layering buttons and antique brads… and have had so many people ask me how I get them to sit flat on my card, I may just have to do a tutorial!  Two side mounted shimmered leaves were attached with Tombow Multi Purpose Adhesive direct to cardstock, and the center one was popped up… kind of looks like they are tumbling in the wind, doesn’t it?
Stamps and Supplies used in today’s DCBD 199 Challenge:
Stamps:  Seasonal Sentiments, French Foliage
Cardstock:  Early Espresso, Old Olive, Tangerine Tango, Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake
Classic Inks:  Tangerine Tango, Pear Pizzaz, River Rock, Cajun Craze
Big Shot Machine and Vintage Wallpaper Textured Embossing Folder
Accessories:  Neutrals Buttons, Antique Brads, Mini Glue Dots, stampin’ dimensionals, chantilly lace, mat pack, paper piercing tool, sponge daubers, empty craft ink pads
Technique:  Shimmer Your Ink Pads, Brad Layered Buttons, Faux Stitching, Big Shot Embossing
The Diva Coffee Break Designs Team enjoys seeing your creations and cards weekly… and I love visiting your blogs too!  I hope you’ll play along with the design team this week.. simply create a sketch based card and upload it to your personal blog, online gallery (Flickr, Photobucket, etc.) or Splitcoast Stampers and then hop over to the Diva Coffee Break Designs Team Blog to upload your sketch based creation!  You could win a fun little widget for your blog or gallery too! 
All the supplies for today’s card can be purchased at my Online Stampin’ Up Store  <<click to visit and then click SHOP NOW.
Have a wonderful day, hope to see you back here tomorrow!
Hugs,
Sharon

Technorati Tags: stamps,seasonal sentiments,sketch,dcbd 199,challenge,design team,technique,french foliage,stampin up

Falling for Fall Colors… UDI#6 Color Challenge

Fall is much a much more inspiring and colorful season in other parts of the country… But here in Florida, we look forward to cooler temperatures and not having to mow the lawn as often!   Today’s Utah Divas International Color Inspiration Challenge is actually a very bright and colorful summer blouse… but today it will be the inspiration for a colorful fall card design!  Our color challenge Cardstock and Ink colors today:  Rose Red, Concord Crush, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, and Daffodil Delight!  Scroll on down to see my card for the UDI Color Challenge #6 featuring the French Foliage Stamp Set from the Holiday Mini Catalog (p.6)!
All these bright colors… in one spot!  When layering images, I always try to start with the lightest color values and work out.  In this card, the Daffodil Delight Large Maple Leaf image from French Foliage was stamped first, Pumpkin pie (elm?) second, Old Olive (hmmmm), and then splats of Rose Ret added to finish off the card…

The edges of the neutral Very Vanilla Cardstock were all inked with a sponge dauber and Old Olive Classic Ink.
Double Loop Bow was tied on my fingers… just about all of my stampin’ friends and customers are quite adept at this now… LOL, I even receive emails telling me of their trials and successes tying this simple little bow!
The bow is actually attached to the vertical Old Olive 5/8” satin ribbon with 3 mini glue dots… it’s not going to shift or move in the mail at all!  Here’s a close up of the bow…

The secret to a nice knot on any bow is to NOT pull the KNOT too tightly… or it will get all scrunched up!
Stamps, Paper, Ink and Supplies used in today’s UDI #6 Color Inspiration Challenge:
Stamps:  French Foliage, Thoughts and Prayers
Cardstock:  Very Vanilla, Concord Crush
Classic Inks:  Daffodil Delight, More Mustard, Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, Rose Red
Accessories:  Sponge Dauber, Stampin’ Dimensionals, mini glue dots, Old Olive 5/8” Satin Ribbon
Check out the rest of the Design Team UDI Color Challenges HERE… I hope you’ll play along with us this week, and look forward to visiting your online galleries and/or blogs.
Hugs,
Sharon

Technorati Tags: Utah Divas International,cardstock,ink,color challenge,stamps,design team,UDI #6,UDI color challenges

A Fall Flip Flap Card.. Day of Gratitude and Autumn Spice

Are you familiar with the Confetti Cream Cardstock from Stampin’ Up?  It’s not flawed… there are intentional random bits of color scattered throughout the cardstock.  As shown in the photo below, one never knows where they will land… that is NOT an ink smudge near the focal image/leaf on the front panel… it’s part of the natural random flavor or ‘confetti’ in the cardstock!

This Flip Flap Card showcases both the Autumn Spice Designer Series Paper and Autumn Days Stamp Set from the Holiday Mini Catalog.  Taking the color cues from the Designer Series Paper, So Saffron, Old Olive and Cajun Craze compliment the Confetti Cream Cardstock.

After stamping one of the leaf images from the Day of Gratitude Stamp Set, we used an aqua painter and ink from the lid of the Old Olive Classic Ink Pad to color in the leaf.  Here’s a view of the inside of the card… with the flap open.  You can see more of the character of the Confetti Cream Cardstock on the inside of the flap.

This card probably looks a bit familiar… its a CASE of one of the make ‘n takes from the Florida Stampcation Event I attended last month, and one I also shared with you HERE.

I decided to simplify the card and eliminate a few layers too… and came up with this pretty Thanksgiving Card design:

Hmm… I still prefer the other card, what do you think?

Here’s another stampcation card CASE and re-make… check out the teeny tiny button brads on the greeting.. aren’t they cool?

 

The card above uses the Autumn Spice DSP, Early Espresso and Naturals Ivory Cardstock.  The leaf was diecut using my Big Shot Machine and the Leaves #2 Die, and then popped up with Stampin’ Dimensionals.  Isn’t it fun?

We don’t often think of stamping on Designer Series Paper… but it can really add a little extra pop to the card, don’t you think?

The greeting was stamped on Autumn Spice DSP and then punched out with the Modern Label Punch… It’s a very easy tip to ensure your stamping is straight… stamp first on a scrap, and then align and punch it out…. but of course, you probably already do that!!

Tomorrow I’ll share another fun Color Challenge Card from the Utah Divas International Color Challenge Design Team… I look forward to reading your comments!

Hugs,

Sharon

Technorati Tags: Cardstock,ink,Holiday mini,Designer Series paper,stamp,Autumn Days,Confetti,Stampin Up

 

Christmas Stamping… Two Fun Cards from Saturday’s Stamp Camp

Saturday’s Stamp Camp was so much fun, with lots of new friends and old!  These are just two of the cards offered in the stamp camp, which I prepped for on Thursday due to prior travel commitments!

This first stamped card features the delightfully delicate wreath image from the Welcome Christmas Stamp Set, Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding, Chantilly Lace, and wonderful Antique Brads… which you already know I LOVE!!  The bow was fastened together with the brad (instead of tying a knot) and then attached to the card with three mini glue dots.

To make things easier, the Wreath was inked and stamped with Old Olive Classic Ink, and a stampin’ write marker was used to color in and over the berries of the stamped wreath.

I love the effect which the spiral border punch adds to a card… but don’t really use it very often… I think it’s because I have so many other wonderful borders and punches.  The bright Jolly Holiday Designer Series Paper gave the card a bit of a contemporary feel… and the basic black cardstock borders really set off both image and greeting.

Here’s a second card we made, this one featuring the Contempo Christmas Stamp Set.  I love the little tree in this stamp set… it’s so Dr. Seuss!  Can’t you just see the Grinch peeking around the corner (before his heart grew larger and larger… LOL).  Cardstock layers were embossed with the Pretty Petals and Northern Flurry Textured Embossing Folder, and a tiny rhinestone Jewel was added to the tree top star.

My annual Christmas Gift-ables Class will be held on Saturday Oct. 23rd.   We’ll be making gift bags, candy treats, ornaments, and some other gifts suitable for family, teachers, and friends alike.  Register early!  This one fills fast.

Stamps and Supplies used for today’s Christmas cards:

Wreath Merry Christmas

Stamps:   Welcome Christmas, Four the Holidays

Cardstock:  Basic Black, Very Vanilla, Cherry Cobbler

Designer Series Paper:  Jolly Holiday

Classic Inks:  Old Olive, Basic Black

Accessories:  Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding, Chantilly 1/2” Lace, Antique Brads, Stampin Write Markers, Mini Glue Dots, Spiral Border Punch

Contempo Christmas Card:

Stamps:  Contempo Christmas

Cardstock:  Real Red, Baja Breeze, Garden Green, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper:  Candy Lane

Classic Inks:  Garden Green, Real Red

Big Shot Machine and Accessories:  Pretty Petals and Northern Flurry Textured Embossing Folder

Additional Accessories:  Real Red 1/4” Grosgrain Ribbon, Mini Glue Dots, Basic Rhinestone Jewels. 

Hope you’ll stop by tomorrow I’ve got two more fun cards to share!

Hugs,
Sharon

Technorati Tags: Christmas,Stamps,Stamping,Cards,Camp,Ink,Cardstock,STampin up,Class,Marker,Fun

 

Super Saturday Tutorial: Lapis Lazulli Technique ala Stampin Up!

I’m a big reader… and I LOVE books, especially books about Stamping techniques!  I love to experiment with techniques, both new and old… and I LOVE to share my experiments, discoveries, and findings with my customers and readers alike!  This week, I decided to revisit my book shelf, and flip through a fabulous technique book by Julie Andrus called “Paper Transformed”.  The book is a fabulous resource for inking techniques… but as many publications do, calls for specific elements and resources that are not in my stampin’ up repertoire.  SO… mustering a little creative experimentation, I’ve borrowed elements from Julie’s “Lapis Lazulli” technique and transformed my Stampin Up paper, cardstock, and classic inks into a platform for creating my very own Lapis Lazulli ala Stampin’ Up!

Here’s a sample card I made applying the Lapis Lazulli technique… The Dragonfly is from the Natures Nest Stamp Set, and the marbled Lapis Lazulli along the side is the technique I will be sharing with you today.  I have to tell you I took it to a stamp class a couple days ago and heard a LOT of ooh’s and ahh’s!

Grab your gloves… or wear those inky fingers proudly.. this one is messy, but fabulous fun to do! 

Stamps & Supplies for today’s Lapis Lazulli Technique:

• Rubbing Alcohol ( I used 91%)
• Classic Re-Inkers:  Baja Breeze, Bashful Blue, Not Quite Navy, Early Espresso
• Inexpensive Baby Wipes
• Gold Smooch Spray
• Champagne Shimmer Paint
• Mini Mister/ Spritzer bottle
• The Original Shimmer Paint Recipe  Tutorial HERE
• Bulldog Clip
• GLOSSY Cardstock (not shown in photo)
• Surgical Gloves if you need to keep your fingers tidy

Step by Step Instructions for Lapis Lazulli Ink Technique:

Fold one baby wipe into a rectangle, approximately 1” x 2”

Pull long sides together and secure with a bull dog clip, so that the rounded side will become your ‘pouncer’.

Next, douse the baby wipe with Rubbing Alcohol… you want to soak the baby wipe enough to benefit your inking technique, but not enough to drip.  You can do this by placing the baby wipe/clip at the mouth of the bottle, and tipping, or you can add rubbing alcohol to a small dish and absorb it with the baby wipe/clip apparatus.

 

Add two drops of each BLUE ink color (Bashful Blue, Not Quite Navy, and Baha Breeze… NOT the Early Espresso!!) to the alcohol soaked  baby wipe.

Using a pouncing motion, apply ink to Glossy Cardstock… let it dry for a few seconds.

Apply two more applications of the blue soaked applicator… you will see the colors merge and mute like magic, right before your eyes!

Working quickly, you may now add two drops of Early Espresso Classic Re-inker to the baby wipe/clip applicator… talk about inky fingers!  You can see that the Early Espresso Ink spreads, but it is not covering the whole length of the baby wipe/bulldog clip applicator… you don’t need to worry about that.. it will do the job just fine!

Apply the Applicator to the already pounced cardstock…

 

Pretty interesting… so, you say… what next?  How about a big Smooch (spray)?

TIP:  when using Smooch, gently roll the bottle between your fingers to mix the color and liquid… too many bubbles or not enough mixing will clog your nozzle.

Here’s the first application of Smooch…

Let it dry for just a few seconds, it will look like this:

 

Work it in with the baby wipe/bull dog clip applicator… then apply a second and third layer of smooch, working it in with the baby wipe/ bull dog clip applicator… it will look something like this:

 

Spray the surface with Shimmer Mist Spray and allow it to dry…

Here are two samples, one with Early Espresso added (left), and the other without (right)… just for comparison… both are fun and exciting, don’t you think?

I hope you enjoyed today’s Lapis Lazulli Tutorial with Classic Ink Refills from Stampin’ Up and Rubbing Alcohol… I’d love to see your samples too… leave a comment and link back, I’ll make sure to visit your site!

Order Stampin Up! supplies for this Lapis Lazulli technique at my Online Stampin’ Up! store and contact me if you have any questions!

Hugs,

Sharon

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