Wonderful Surprises, Blog Candy and More!

Last week, my mail box over-flow-eth with goodies!  Raks, blog candy, and of course my most recent SU order… kept both the mail man and the UPS delivery gal quite busy!

Remember the OWOH tour last month?  Paint Myself Pretty awarded me with LOTS of blog candy!  What a pleasant surprise… to win, be chosen, and to receive much more than I’d ever imagined from the very creative Cameron!!

The package was painted (of course) and stamped… and fun in and of itself.  But, inside there were bountiful goodies too!  We just know when we get a package like the one shown in the photo below that you’re in for many wonderful surprises!

That was just the beginning, inside the painted package was yet another wrapped in tempting turquoise tissue paper, and embellished with a handsome flower and tag!

I really loved the details.. Cameron distressed, stamped, painted and highlighted text on the tag “You’re going to love it”… now how cute was that??  Of course, the inside of the package was just as pleasantly pleasing and surprising!

And more highlighted text… I’m going to have to CASE this technique.. how very creative!!!  Love the stamped and painted image, eclectic (just like me lol)…Quite a bonus of goodies!!  The real blog candy was a journal embellished by Cameron…. and more highlighted text!

The week was full of even more surprises… and I received a RAK from Lis Robison… with beautiful handmade paper!!  Loved the card, Lis.. and really LOVED the paper too!

Then, a wonderfully elegant thank you card from one of my adopted down line team members, Chastity… such a sweet card from a very sweet girl!  Chastity will be delivering her baby girl at home in the next couple of weeks with the assistance of a birthing nurse.  Please, please keep her and her baby in your prayers!

I give away blog candy, but rarely win any… so this past week was like a windfall!  LOL.. I bought lottery tickets just for the fun of it.. but I guess my luck ran out!!

So.. today, to thank you, my readers, I am also offering BLOG CANDY to be awarded on Sunday March 6th… I’ll be gifting a special someone the Thank You Kindly Stamp Set from Stampin’ Up!

All you have to do is leave a comment on this post with well wishes for Chastity… Wishing her a wonderful and safe delivery!  I’ll be compiling the comments and well wishes to add to a special scrapbook page for Chastity and her new little one!

Big Hugs, and thanks!

Sharon

Technorati Tags: paint myself pretty,blog candy,prayers,goodies,rak,lis robison,surprise,give away,Created By You,thank you

Craft Project Central February Finals

Wow.. February came and went so quickly!!  I hope you didn’t miss any of the fabulous and creative CAS ideas from the team at Craft Project Central this month!

Here’s a sneak peek of a few you may have missed:

From Tammy Maxville:  Elegant Soiree Toolbox… great hostess gift, fill it with Snips and snail.. or snacks LOL!!

A fabulous Chinese New Year Project, and great for any dragon slayer’s birthday as well, this punchy Chinese Lion Favor Box from Jill Yamada-Murota is a real WOW!!

Need a quick gift for a new neighbor, teacher, or a special friend?  This Apple Blossom Note and Card set from Jamie Adcock is sure to please:

Need something for that special guy?  Perhaps your dentist, doctor or masseuse?  This might fit the bill.. from DT head Jacque Craig, the Plane and Simple Stationery Box is really quick and easy to replicate!

Need a new technique tutorial for your stamp classes, or just to wow your stampin’ friends?  Sonya Oshiro brings a fresh new twist to the Baby Wipes Technique with her scrap book technique page and step by step directions… LOL I’m going to have to host a special class for this one!!

The Craft Project Central Design Team is already working on fabulous projects for March… check out their site for membership information and inspiration!!

Hugs,

Sharon

Technorati Tags: craft projects central,cas,design team,paper crafts,card stock,ink,designers,tutorials,demos,stampin up

Dream Gardens Shoji Screen Stamping

With Gold Waffle Paper, Classic Basic Black Ink, and the Dream Gardens Stamp Set, these cards remind me of Shoji Screens.  Today I have two cards to share.  Both use the Dream Gardens stamp set, and the Shoji Screen Stamping Technique.

The shadow of a Geisha (Image from the Dream Gardens Stamp Set) and other elements are showcased well using the Shoji Screen Stamping Technique too!

Read on… I’ll share both cards and how I stamped them to achieve special effects!

I had a lot of fun making this card… the Geisha and Crane Patterns were stamped on the dull (not shiny) side of Gold Waffle Paper and allowed to dry for a few moments.  Then, the Waffle paper was turned over… shiny side up, and the leaves from the Just Believe Stamp Set were stamped.

The embossed background consists of two layers… Marina Mist Card Stock was covered with Gold Waffle Paper and then embossed with the Vintage Wallpaper Textured Embossing Folder and Big Shot Machine.

TIP:  Changing the base layer of cardstock results in dramatically different results when you cover with waffle paper…. try it you’ll be pleasantly surprised!

Next card…. similar to the out of the box technique, only this one is off the card base!  The Geisha focal image was stamped as described for the first card.  Then the Just Believe Long Floral Stems image was stamped on the back (non shiny) side of the Gold Waffle Paper, turned over and stamped on the top too!

While making these cards, I also experimented with Silver Waffle Paper, but the results were nowhere near as dramatic as those achieved with Gold Waffle Paper.

Look at the close up of the Geisha Shoji Screen Stamped image below.  Notice the crinkly texture of the waffle paper? 

After smoothing the waffle paper and stamping on both sides, it was attached to a piece of Very Vanilla Cardstock with Multipurpose Liquid Adhesive, and then trimmed to size.  The Multipurpose Liquid Adhesive worked best because it allowed me sufficient time to reposition and place the inked waffle paper.

After allowing sufficient drying time, the edges were inked using Basic Black Classic Ink and a sponge dauber.

Stamps and Supplies for Today’s Dream Gardens Shoji Screen Stamped Cards:

• Stamps:  Just Believe, Dream Gardens, Dreams Du Jour
• Card Stock:  Basic Black, Pear Pizzazz, Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake
• Classic Ink:  Basic Black, Pear Pizzazz, Pumpkin Pie
• Big Shot Machine and Vintage Wallpaper Textured Embossing Folder
• Accessories:  Antique Brads, Waffle Paper, Basic Jewel Rhinestones, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Sponge Dauber, Large Oval Punch, Paper Crimper, 2 Way Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds, Linen Thread, Multipurpose Liquid Adhesive, Signo White gel Pen

Hope you enjoyed today’s Dream Gardens Shoji Screen Stamping cards!  I’ll see you tomorrow with some more fun stamping stuff!

Hugs,

Sharon

Technorati Tags: shoji screen stamping,technique,tip,dream gardens,waffle paper,card,card stock,big shot,vingtage wallpaper,classic ink,accessories,just believe,dreams du jour,multipurpose liquid glue,stampin up

Super Saturday Tutorial: Tape Gun Easel

Welcome to the Super Saturday Free Tutorial from Created By You!  This week, I have a special 3-D project share at the request of several friends and readers:  A Tabletop Tape Gun Easel!

Tape guns, framing supply guns, or whatever you may call them… many of my customers and readers own them.  Some have painted them in with plastic sprays, stamped them, or decorated their tape gun to make it their own.

This Tape Gun Easel project was inspired by one in an old magazine… but it has been re-designed so that it is stable, protected from adhesive residue, and featuring 4” cuts of your favorite Designer Series Papers!  It also folds completely flat and is very transportable to and from crop and stamping events! 

Wouldn’t it make a fabulous gift for your favorite paper crafter?  Pair it with the Petal Cone Scissor Pouch, and a pair of Stampin’ Up! Paper Snips.. what a fabulous gift!

Supplies and Cutting Directions for Today’s Tape Gun Easel Super Saturday Tutorial:

On Board Chipboard:

• (1) 7 ¼” x 4”
• (2) 3 ¼” x 4”
• (1) ½” x 4”

Designer Series Paper:

• (1) 7 ½” x 4”
• (2) 7 ¼” x 4”
• 1”x 4”
• (2) 3 ½” x 4”

Medium Window Sheet:

• 4” x 7 ½”

Big Shot Multipurpose Sheet

• 7 ½” x 4”

Other Stamping and Paper Crafting Supplies: 

• Multipurpose Adhesive
• Sanding Block
• Bone Folder
• Mat Pack
• Paper Piercing Tool
• Antique Brads or Flower Brads

Super Saturday Tutorial:  Tape Gun Easel – Step by Step  Instructions:

Step 1: 

Remove one protective backing from Big Shot Multipurpose Sheet, and attach to 7 ½” x 4” DSP. 

Step 2:

Remove second protective film from Big Shot Multipurpose Adhesive Sheet, and attach Medium Window Sheet to same Designer Series Paper Piece.

Step 3:

Place the window sheet covered DSP shiny side down, position two  3 ¼” x 4” pieces of Chipboard (DSP UP), justifying the right edge and leaving a fat 1/8” between the two chipboard pieces.  The bottom sheet will extend past the chipboard pieces at one end.

Step 4 :

Attach 7 ¼” x 4” to the left of the smaller chipboard pieces, using Multipurpose Liquid Adhesive and leaving another fat 1/8” gap.

This is what it will look like on the back:

Step 5 :

Use Multipurpose Liquid Adhesive and cover the two small, exposed chipboard layers with DSP .

 

Step 6:

Use Multipurpose Liquid Glue to attach 1”x 4” DSP to ½” x 4” On Board Chipboard piece. Use bone folder to crease edges and glue down too. Your goal is to wrap the two long edges of the chipboard with DSP.

 

Step 7:

Attach ONE 7 ¼” x 4” DSP piece to On Board Chipboard using Tombow Multipurpose Adhesive.

Step 8:

Align ½” x 4” DSP wrapped chipboard at the 3” mark and attach to 7 ¼” x 4” DSP covered piece. Use a mat pack and paper piercing tool to pierce holes for Antique brads. In this sample, the 5^th hole from right and left edges were pierced with a paper piercer.  Be sure to pierce all the way through ALL layers.

Step 9: 

Enlarge the holes you just made to allow the brad legs to fit through the hole.  Use a Japanese paper punch or the tips of your Paper Snips to do this.

 Step 10:

Attach the two pierced layers from Step 9, and then insert brads through all layers, flattening legs on back of uncovered chipboard.

Step 11:

Attach remaining sheet of 7 ¼” x 4” DSP to the remaining exposed piece of chipboard using Multipurpose Liquid Glue… this will cover the brad ‘legs’.

Step 12:

Your project is now complete! To make it open/close and hold it’s position, fold along the gap lines and force the crease into position with your bone folder.  The Clear Window Sheet will protect the DSP from being torn or damaged by the tape as it rests on the easel!

 

Did you notice I have a new addition on my blog?  Scroll down, below the Technorati Tags… and you will see a “print pdf” button for each article and tutorial found here on Created By You.  I hope it makes it easier for you to follow along with my tutorials!

Hope you enjoyed today’s Tape Gun Easel Super Saturday Tutorial!  See you tomorrow  with a special line up created just for you!

Hugs,

Sharon

Technorati Tags: pdf,print,super saturday,tutorial,free,easel,tape gun,designer series paper,dsp,project,3D,paper crafts,created by you

Birthday Bliss SFF Sketch Challenge

A Birthday Bliss Embossed Beauty, CAS for the Sketch Frenzy Friday Design Team Challenge this week… with just a little added Bling!

LOL I can honestly say… I use my Big Shot Machine each and every day, what did I ever do without it?  Today’s SFF Sketch Challenge Card features three layers of Big Shot Embossing,  three different Textured Embossing Folders, and soft sweet colors suitable for any girly girl!

Isn’t it feminine and fun?  With simple embellishments:  Taffeta Ribbon, Vanilla Rosettes, and Basic Pearl Jewels, this card goes together quite quickly too!

The Base Card Stock layers are cut as follows:

Very Vanilla 5.5” x 8.5” scored at 4.25” and folded towards the “mountain” or bump formed by the scoring line

Blushing Bride Card Stock:  5.25” x 4”

Crumb Cake Card Stock:  5-1/8” x 3-7/8”

The Crumb Cake Layer was embossed with Perfect Polka Dots Textured Embossing Folder.

A piece of Very Vanilla Card Stock, cut at 2.25” x 3.5” was embossed using the Elegant Bouquet Textured Embossing Folder.  Using a sponge dauber, Blushing Bride Classic Ink, a sponge dauber and small, swirling movement, the embossed (raised images) were colored before attaching to embossed Crumb Cake Card Stock 1/4” from the left edge.

After cutting a scrap of Blushing Bride Card Stock 2.25” x 3”, it was embossed with the Finial Press Textured Embossing Folder.  Two-Way Glue pen was run along the embossed portion of the card stock, and then Dazzling Diamonds were added for a little extra bling, and attached 1” from the left edge of the embossed Very Vanilla Card Stock.

Six inches of Very Vanilla Taffeta Ribbon was attached around the Crumb Cake assemblage using mini glue dots, and then the whole lock, stock and barrel was attached to the Blushing Bride background and Very Vanilla A-2 Card fold-over.

After tying a little bow with Very Vanilla Taffeta Ribbon, it was attached to the left side of the ribbon using a mini glue dot.

Three large Basic Pearl Jewels were added to the upper right corner of the Crumb Cake Card Stock.

TIP:  use the tip of your paper SNIPS to pick up and perfectly place the basic jewels.  If you are exceptionally concerned about spacing, a mat pack and paper piercing tool may be used to pre-determine spacing.

After stamping a scrap of Very Vanilla Card Stock with Early Espresso Classic Ink and the cake image from the Birthday Bliss Stamp Set, the image was centered punched out using a Curly Label Extra-Large Punch.

TIP:  ALWAYS stamp first, punch second.  This allows you to center the image exactly where you want it in the punch opening.   Start with a scrap large enough that you can hold on to it while aligning in the punch opening.

After coloring the image with Pretty in Pink and Early Espresso Stampin’ Write Markers, a bit of Dazzling Diamonds was added to the loser cake ‘frosting’ and the candle flame using a 2-way glue pen.

Add the image/greeting to the front of the card with Stampin’ Dimensionals.

TIP:  To easily remove the paper backing after placing the Stampin’ Dimensionals on your project, simply insert your fingernail (or the long side of a paper piecing tool) into the paper, pressing firmly.  The edges of the paper will pop up and curl away from the Stampin’ Dimensional, making them easily removable.

Wasn’t that fun?  This week’s simple and sweet sketch was designed by team member Tammy Fite!   

The Sketch Frenzy Friday Design Team operates a bit like a mini blog hop, the next stop on the ‘tour’ is Tammy Baldwin.  Be sure to give her a shout out and leave a sweet comment.

I  hope you will play along with the Sketch Frenzy Friday team this week, and look forward to viewing your creations!

Hugs,

Sharon

Technorati Tags: SFF,Birthday Bliss,birthday card,card,birthday,sketch challenge,design team,emboss,embossing,sketch frenzy friday,big shot,textured embossing folder,blog tour,mini blog hop,blog hop,card stock,ink,2-way glue pen,cake

Creative Sketches - 2 Cards Today!

Whenever I hit a creative road block, I have to put the stamps down, and just walk away.  Generally that is at the end of a day where I’ve been working on Design Team stuff, sketches, and/or tutorials!

Funny thing is that in the morning when I return to my stamp room, I’m much happier with the previous days’ results than I’d been the evening before.. LOL.. does that happen to you too?

It’s just what happened when I was working on the Creative Sketches Design Team Challenge this week… only the next morning, I didn’t even look at my card from the evening before, instead created a whole new card.

And, it was only when the second card was complete that I looked at the previous days’ design… LOL… not so bad after all!

So… today, for the Creative Sketches Design Team, I’ve actually got two fun cards to share!

Here’s the first one I created:

I had planned on making it a birthday or anniversary card… but decided to move on to the next sketch based card… The “For You” image was colored with Stampin’ Write Markers and then DTP on  Very Vanilla Card Stock.

The Bright Blue paper covering the pocket was created from Very Vanilla Card Stock, brayer-ed with Pacific Point Classic Ink from many directions… I started and stopped all over the place, breaking all the rules to achieve a textured background.

The tag in the card pocket is removable… here it is laying on top of the pocket. 

First Edition DS along the bottom of the pocket is a bit of left over from Sunday’s Bling 2 Tutorial share.  I added some Basic Jewel Rhinestones to the small key tied at the top of the tag… just seemed to need a little extra bling.

Now, I’ll have to share the actual sketch… and you can see I took a few liberties (again), hope they don’t fire me!

Stamps and Supplies Used in Today’s Creative Sketches Design Team Challenge CS21:

Stamps:  En Francais, Punch Bunch; and Bliss, Nature Walk, En Francais

Card Stock:  Very Vanilla, Pear Pizzazz, So Saffron, Pacific Point, Poppy Parade; and Early Espresso, Very Vanilla, Not Quite Navy, Pear Pizzazz, and Botanical Gazette DSP, First Edition DSP

Classic Inks:  Not Quite Navy, Pacific Point; and Marina Mist, So Saffron, Bashful Blue, Concord Crush, Poppy Parade

Accessories:  Small Heart Punch, Extra Large and regular Scallop Circle Punches, sponges, Stampin’ Write Markers; and Stampin’ Write Markers, Jewel Rhinestones and Keys 1/8” Espresso Grosgrain Ribbon

Hope you’ll join us and play along this week.. see you tomorrow with a new Sketch Frenzy Friday Challenge!

Hugs,

Sharon

Technorati Tags: creative,sketches,design,team,card,card stock,cards,stamps,designer,paper,ink,markers,challenge,design team,tutorial

DCBD Color Challenge–2 CAS Cards

This week’s Diva Coffee Break Designs Team Challenge used pinks and browns…and I just had no clue what to do with them!

The Card Stock Colors of Rose Red, Blushing Bride, and Early Espresso looked absolutely beautiful laying on my stamp table… but stuck in a muddle of Marina Mist and Pear Pizzazz, I really struggled to pull this challenge together!

So… when I’m stuck, I make more than one card!  Today I have two cards to share for the Diva Coffee Break Design Team Color Challenge!  Both are CAS (Clean and Simple) Designs.. hope you like them!

Here’s the first card, featuring the lovely shoe image from the Timeless Treasures Stamp Set:

The focal image was inked with Early Espresso Classic Ink and stamped onto First Edition Designer Series Paper.  A sponge dauber was used to add color along the edges of the DSP, and around the focal image as well.

I love the Petals-a-Plenty Textured Embossing Folder, and almost forgot I owned it.  It seemed a perfect feminine and ‘old world’ touch for this antiqued color challenge card!

I told you that two cards were made for this challenge, and both CAS designs… here’s the second one:

Vanilla Rosettes were dyed using a sponge dauber and Blushing Bride Classic Ink.  The Very Vanilla background Card Stock was embossed using a Big Shot machine and the Elegant Bouquet Textured Embossing Folder.  After embossing, I used a brayer and Blushing Bride Classic Ink to add color atop the embossed Very Vanilla Card Stock.

Not completely satisfied with the intensity of color added with my brayer, I also went over the embossed images with a sponge dauber and Blushing Bride Classic Ink, using small swirling motions.

Dyed Vanilla Rosettes were attached to the card randomly with Mini Glue Dots, and I used the tips of my Snips to place little basic jewel pearls in the centers of random flowers, and rosettes as well.

“Thinking of You” was stamped onto 3/8” twill using Early Espresso Classic ink. The trick to stamping on twill is to have your ink pad ‘not too wet’ and ‘not too dry’.  If it’s too wet, you’ll notice bleeding when you stamp on the twill tape.  If you find this occurring, it is a better option to color your greeting with a stampin’ write marker, and then stamp.

Be sure to check out the other cards made by the Divas this week… such a creative group, it’s an honor to be a member!  Visit the Diva Coffee Break Design Team Blog, and play along with the challenge too… we’d love to see your creations!

Psst… today is our DD’s Birthday!  We’re so very proud of her and all that she has accomplished and overcome over the years!   She’s been out of school since December after earning two Masters’ Degrees and accumulating a huge debt… we’re hoping and praying she’ll be gainfully employed soon!

See you tomorrow with another creative sketch and holiday challenge from the Creative Sketches Design team!

Hugs,

Sharon

Please visit my ONLINE STAMPIN” UP! store to order exclusive Stampin’ Up! Merchandise!

Technorati Tags: CAS,clean and simple,card,stamp,table,challenge,design team,dcbd,diva,diva coffee break designs,ink,card stock,big shot,emboss,color challenge

Tiny Teacup UDI 24 Vintage Card

Don’t you just love the Tiny Teacup Stamp?  It’s a single polka dotted teacup image with the word hello carved just below the cup.  The simple image/design lends itself well to simple (CAS) card designs… but today, I’ve stepped it up a notch!

Today’s Utah Divas International Challenge combines colors of Always Artichoke, So Saffron, Cherry Cobbler, and blushing bride.  I added Whisper White for my accent color, and to brighten up this fun little tiny teacup card.

Isn’t it fun?  It just wouldn’t be the same without my big shot machine and textured embossing folder layers!  I don’t really remember how I made a card before I owned them LOL!

The card base was created by cutting a 5.5” x 8.5” piece of So Saffron Card Stock, and then scoring at 4.25”.  Folding scored card stock towards the ‘mountain’ or bump created by the score ensures a better and stronger fold.

The Whisper White layer was cut 4” x 5.25” and embossed with the Perfect Polka Dots Textured Embossing Folder.  Three So Saffron Brads were added to this layer using the indispensable Mat Pack and Paper Piercing Tools before attaching it to the So Saffron Card Front.

A 3.75” x 2” piece of Blushing Bride Card Stock was embossed with the Square Lattice Textured Embossing Folder, and attached with equal top/bottom margins and 1/2” from the right side/card opening.

If you look closely at the card sample, you will notice that the Always Artichoke layer (1.5” x 5.25”) was embossed with the Vintage Wallpaper Textured Embossing Folder, and embossed images were highlighted using a whisper white craft ink pad and sponge dauber. 

TIP:  When highlighting with Craft Ink and a sponge dauber, use a light touch.  Craft Ink is a pigment based ink, and will remain wet for a little time after being applied… take care to clean your fingers after doing this so that ink is not transferred to other projects or card stock pieces.  A heat tool may be used to speed up the drying process.

The taffeta ribbon ruffle along the left edge of the card is actually Pretty In Pink, but I thought it blended well with other elements of the card, and since it’s not right against the blushing bride card stock, the differing colors are hardly noticeable.

Placing a line of glue dots along the back/side edge of the embossed Always Artichoke helped me control the flow of the ruffle.  The glue dots were placed approximately 1/4” apart.  I prefer using them vs. SNAIL or other adhesives because the ruffle doesn’t flatten as much.

Embellishment completed, the Always Artichoke ruffled layer was attached to the left side of the card, 1/2” from the left edge of Whisper White embossed Card Stock using Multipurpose Adhesive.  After holding it in place until set, the Multipurpose Adhesive provides a flatter and stronger bond.

The So Saffron polka dotted Designer Series Paper is from the Build a Bear Pawsitively Prints pack.  I love the plaids, striped, and polka dot patterns in this DSP pack… very versatile!   The DSP was cut 2-1/4” x 2-7/8”, and coordinating Cherry Cobbler card stock was cut 2-3/8” x 3”.  The two layers were adhered together with Multipurpose Adhesive, which allows you to move and slide the paper and line it up properly.

Punching a scrap of Blushing Bride Card Stock with the Dotted Scalloped Ribbon Border Punch, I lined it up and trimmed even with the Cherry Cobbler Card Stock before attaching permanently with SNAIL, and then the assemblage was attached to the front of the card with Stmapin’ Dimensionals.

After stamping the tiny teacup focal image with Cherry Cobbler Classic Ink,  edges of 1.5” x 2” Whisper White Cardstock were colored with the brush end of an Always Artichoke Stampin’ Write Marker.  The focal image was then attached to the card with stampin’ dimensionals making this a very simple and mail-able card.

TIP:  If you’ve used brads or other dimensional items on your A2 cards, placing a 4-1/4” x 5-1/2” scrap of cardstock on top of the card before mailing will flatten the card and protect the envelope from tearing.

TIP:  When inserting dimensional and/or embellished cards into an envelope, place the embellished side toward the flap. It will slide easily into the envelope without catching on the sides and edges.

Join us for today’s Utah Divas International Design Team Color Challenge! Gather your card stock and stamps, and click the link above to play along!  We look forward to sharing in your creativity!

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

Stamps:  Tiny Teacup

Card Stock: So Saffron, Blushing Bride, Always Artichoke, Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White

Ink: Cherry Cobbler Classic Ink, Whisper White Craft Ink

Big Shot Machine and Accessories:  Peerfect Polka Dots, Vintage Wallpaper, and Square Lattice Textured Embossing Folders

Accessories:  Multipurpose Adhesive, SNAIL adhesive, mini glue dots, Double Scallop Ribbon Border Punch, Pretty in Pink Taffeta Ribbon, Always Artichoke Stampin’ Write Marker, Sponge Dauber

Through March 31st, you can receive the Tiny Teacup stamp and others free with a qualifying merchandise order of $50 or more.

See you tomorrow with TWO cards for the weekly Diva Coffee Break Designs Team Challenge!

Hugs,

Sharon

Please visit my Online Stampin’ Up! store to order exclusive  Stampin’ Up! merchandise and take advantage of free Sale-A-Bration Merchandise too!

Technorati Tags: cas,tiny teacup,textured embossing folder,udi color challenges,utah divas international,card stock,ink,",emboss,sale a bration,online ordering,stamp,stampin,stampin up,free,sponge dauber,ribbon

Life Is Beautiful with Flowers!

Good Monday Morning to all of you!  This weekend, the weather in North Florida FINALLY warmed up!  It’s been a long, cold winter… and that usually is indicative of a very HOT summer… hope I’m wrong!

This weekend was a whirlwind of events… I gave away free passes to the spring edition of the Inkspirations4U design site, and a mini squash album for the One World One Heart Tour (OWOH).  There were lots of emails flying around here.. and a trip to the post office as well!

Life is Beautiful.. that is the sentiment on today’s card.  The sentiment comes from the Style Beautiful Stamp set, which includes 5 images, three of which are large flourishes… definitely worth checking out! 

Today’s card also features Build A Bear Pawsitively Prints Designer Series Paper.   When I first scanned the available DSP’s available in the Idea Book & Catalog, this one totally escaped my eye.  It was probably the name of the paper that made me overlook it.

Later, looking for more versatile and non-feminine patterned DSP, the plaid, polka dot, stripe, and herringbone patterns really drew me in.  LOL… so today, I’ve used the Pawsitively Prints DSP for a feminine floral card… go figure!

Here’s my Life is Beautiful Card for this glorious Monday morning!

There are really only two simple DSP layers to this card, but the Faux Stitching Technique makes it appear more layered and textural.  Faux Stitching is easily accomplished using a mat pack, paper piercing tool and markers or signo white gel pen.

Have you played with the Paper Daisies yet?  It’s very easy to add little color along the edges with a sponge dauber and ink.  The embossed leaves featured on today’s card are actually bird wings from the Two Step Bird and Branch Punch.

Stamp and THEN punch… this way you can center your image in the punch opening, and don’t have to worry about lining it up perfectly straight on your card stock!

TIP: 

When prepping for stamp camps and classes, or mass production of cards, cut card stock strips approximately 1/2” wider than the vertical width of the punch. 

Holding the punch with the opening facing you, measure the vertical height of the punch opening and add 1/2”.

Example:  the Decorative Label punched greeting measures appx. 1.5” x 2”.  For camps, and mass production, I cut the card stock just under 2” wide, and that way stampers are forced to align the image properly, resulting in less waste or error.

Stamps and Supplies used in today’s Life is Beautiful Floral Card:

Stamps:  Style Beautiful

Classic Ink:  Old Olive, So Saffron

Card Stock:  Whisper White, Old Olive

Big Shot Machine and Final Press Textured Embossing Folder

Accessories:  5/8” Old Olive Satin Ribbon, Paper Daisies, Build a Bear Pawsitively Prints Designer Series Paper, Two Step Bird and Branch Extra Large Punch, Decorative Label Extra Large Punch, Itty Bitty Punch Pack, Basic Jewel Pearls and Rhinestones, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Signo White Gel Pen, Old Olive Stampin’ Write Marker, Mat Pack, Paper Piercing Tool, Mini Glue Dots, Sponge Daubers

See you tomorrow with another fun card for the Utah Divas International Color Challenge Team.  My design team card is simplistically sweet, and features the tiny teacup stamp set. I hope you’ll stop by to see and comment on it!

Hugs,

Sharon

Technorati Tags: Life is Beautiful,stamp,Inkspirations4U,OWOH,design team,utah divas international,designer series paper,card stock,ribbon,punch,big shot,dsp,build a bear,floral,feminine,ink,paper

Bring On the Bling Part 2

In yesterday’s Super Saturday Tutorial Post, I shared the fact that I have used up ALL my old Heat ‘N Stick Powder.  The jar was about half empty LOL… but now it is on my re-order list! 

Today, I am sharing two more Heat N Stick Powder Cards in Part two of Bring on the Bling!

The first card features the sale-a-bration free stamp set “On the Green”.  Carrying through on the golf green, and Fore theme… I had a lot of fun with this card!

Lots of Green… LOL.  The foreground image is from the single stamp “Bring on the Green” which was stamped with Very Vanilla Craft Ink, and heat embossed with Clear Embossing Powder.

BUT… the green sparkle card stock was made with card stock,  old heat ‘n stick powder, very vanilla craft ink, and Fine Super Nova Stampin’ Glitter using the same process as shown in yesterday’s NEW Bling Tutorial… WOW!!

It doesn’t really matter what color cardstock you utilize as your base layer for this bling technique.  The Fine Super Nova Stampin’ Glitter does not reflect the color from underneath at all… it’s pure color glitter, and so fine that the cardstock was completely colored and covered!

LOL… the cardstock used in the Bling base layer on the card shown above was actually Soft Suede!!  The NEW Bling cardstock resembles Red Glimmer Paper from the Occasions Mini Catalog… it doesn’t flake or rub off, and has a stiff consistency or body.

Almost to the bottom of the Heat ‘N Stick jar, I decided to experiment a bit with the grunge look and NEW Bling… a pure contrast by nature grunge/bling… but I know several people who will love this card LOL!

AND it was a lot of fun to create! 

The background “First Edition” Designer Series Paper was partially covered using  a mix Marina Mist Classic Re-Inker with Very Vanilla Craft Re-Inker and a foam brush.  The change in color really surprised me when I mixed the two colors together.

I tried stamping DSP, and then using smooch spritz to age it… but ended up painting over it again with the craft/classic ink combo.  You can still see the stamped images bleed through a bit in the photo below.

The paper is not glued down yet.. I just laid it on the Naturals Ivory Cardstock to take a photo.. so it’s not really crooked!  But I think this would make a nice and quick card as well, don’t you?

In classes I teach the philosophy of Creative Opportunities... and here you can see an example of that… after stamping the “I’m here for you…” sentiment from the Occasional Quotes Hostess Level 3 Stamp Set, I noticed that I had a bit of over-stamp on the card stock…. so It was turned, appropriately into a tiny heart (lower left corner).

Creating the focal image background was an experiment with heat ‘n stick powder and NEW Bling… First the marina mist classic re-inker and very vanilla Craft Re-Inker added to the same well of a paint tray.  I didn’t bother to mix it up (scroll to second photo below to clarify this point.)

Dabbing a foam brush into the paint tray, and using quick brush strokes, painted on the Very Vanilla Card Stock. 

You can still see some of the Very Vanilla Classic Ink bleeding through.  Not sure what I was going to do with this piece at that point, I left the center void, and free of paint.

Next, I added Heat ‘N Stick Powder, and used a heat tool to set.  When set, the heat ‘n stick powder becomes very tacky, and shiny.. with an ever so slight odor of melted plastic.

Next, a little Champagne Glass glitter was added along the edges of the card stock and quickly heated.

Then the card stock was coated with Dazzling Diamonds and re-heated to set.  here’s a close-up of that final product.

TIP:  Of course, adhesives don’t stick well to glitter It was a good thing I had left the center square free of glitter!  The focal image and stamped sentiment were attached using Stampin’ Dimensionals along the edges that would touch the plain center Very Vanilla Square!

LOL.. the same methodology was applied to the On the Green Golfer Card, where the embossed image was attached only to the Designer Series paper!

If you’d like a precise supply list for the stampin up supplies used in either or both of today’s samples, please use the contact me tab at the top of this page… I think this post is a bit long already!

Do you like grunge?  I think it’s a little bit of a love/hate thing… I can truly appreciate it, and am often in awe of grunge and steam punk art… to me it’s just another creative exploration just waiting to happen!

Hugs,

Sharon

Please visit my Online Stampin’ Up! Store to order exclusive Stampin’ Up! Supplies!

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Super Saturday Tutorial: New Bling!

It’s time for the weekly Super Saturday Tutorial, and Bring on the Bling!  Not just any Bling… this is NEW Bling, and a fabulous way to spruce up that Designer Series Paper!

Today’s tutorial was prompted by a member’s question in one of my groups.  She asked “What can I do with Stampin’ Up! Heat N’ Stick Powders?” 

Well, I answered her promptly… but then my mind started turning… what if?  And, I decided to experiment beyond the norm with my jar of Heat ‘ N Stick Powder.

Now, I have had my Heat ‘N Stick Powder for quite a few years… so I knew I was taking a chance to begin with.  As time goes by,  Heat ‘N Stick Powder can fail for one of two reasons:

1. Moisture… it’s an aggressive animal, especially if you live in the Sunshine State (Florida). 
2. Age… at some point in time the binder fails.

Well, I had my obligatory macaroni noodle in the jar of Heat ‘N Stick… and there were no signs of clumps… so I decided to proceed with my experimentation.  TIP:  Add a macaroni noodle to your embossing powders, Heat ‘N Stick Powder, etc. and it will absorb moisture!

So I gathered a few tools:   Versamark Pen, Heat ‘N Stick Powder, Dazzling Diamonds, Heat Tool.

And set about decorating a scrap of Springtime Vintage Designer Series Paper… highlighting small flowers with the Versamark Pen, I poured on Heat ‘N Stick, heated with the heat tool, then added Dazzling Diamonds and re-heated.

It would have worked well… but my Heat ‘N Stick failed, miserably… a victim of old age, most of the Dazzling Diamonds fell off!  

In search of a proper ‘binder’ to add to my Heat ‘N Stick, I first tried Multipurpose Adhesive… hmm.. interesting results, but not exactly what I was looking for!

Next, I decided to try Very Vanilla Craft Ink.  Gadzooks!  I found it… I felt like a mad scientist!  Enough… LOL I bet you want to see the card!

ALL that shimmer, glimmer, and bling in the background is the subject of today’s New Bling Heat ‘N Stick Super Saturday Tutorial!

First, I’d like to announce the winners of the Inkspirations4U Free Passes!

Kelly Wentling

AND

Robbie Rubala

Back to today’s Super Saturday tutorial…

Gather your supplies!

• Heat N Stick Powder (it’s OK if it’s old LOL)
• Vanilla Craft Ink Refill
• Heat Tool
• Dazzling Diamonds
• Foam Brush
• Designer Series Paper (Springtime Vintage Shown in Sample) cut to desired size.
• Paint Tray or plastic lid or paper plate…
• Spritzing bottle filled with tap water
• Powder Pals Tray Set (2/pkg)

Step By Step Super Saturday Tutorial for New Bling With Heat ‘N Stick Powder:

Note:  Dependent upon the size of your Designer Series Paper, you may need more or less Vanilla Craft Ink Refill and water.  The DSP featured in today’s tutorial was cut to 5.25” x 4”.

1. Turn on your heat tool and allow it to pre-heat.  A pre-heated heat tool works more effectively and quickly, with less chance of burning your project.
2. Squirt 3-4 large drops of Vanilla Craft Ink Refill into your Paint Tray, Lid, or Paper Plate.
3. Spritz re-inker with water… until it is the consistency of slightly runny paint, wet enough to spread easily but dry enough that it doesn’t curl or over-wet your paper.  Start with less, add more as needed. 
4. Mix with foam brush, and then apply a thin coat to the Designer Series Paper.
5. Place painted Designer Series Paper in Powder Pals Tray.
6. Cover liberally with Heat ‘N Stick Powder, then shake off excess. 
7. Place on a flat surface, and heat with heat tool.  Note:  Bringing the heat tool down towards the project at 90 degrees will prevent the paper from moving or flying around.  You can also hold the paper and heat it, but be careful not to burn your fingers, or stick your fingers into the powder (heated or not).
8. As the Heat ‘N Stick powder warms up, it will begin to smell like plastic… and will turn somewhat shiny.  Over heating will result in burning your cardstock and surface.
9. Place cooled Designer Series Paper in Powder Pals Tray, remove lid from Dazzling Diamonds and sprinkle all over the paper. 
10. Remove Paper from Powder Pals Tray and place on protected surface.
11. Heat with Heat Tool until Dazzling Diamonds are absorbed by the Heat ‘N Stick Powder.  Be careful not to over-heat and burn. When it’s done, the paper will be shiny and the Dazzling Diamonds will not rub off or fall off!
12. Replace Heat ‘N Stick Powder and Dazzling Diamonds from Powder Pals Trays to jars, secure lids tightly.
13. Wash out your foam brush and paint tray.
14. Make a beautiful card, project, or scrapbook page!

Tip:  If your Heat N Stick Powder binder has not failed, your DSP will have lighter coloration.  Using the Very Vanilla Craft Ink Re-fill colors the DSP a bit.  Here is a photo comparison of two samples…. the DSP on the left has bling added with Very Vanilla Craft Ink as a binder.  The sample on the right uses Heat ‘N Stick powder and dazzling diamonds only.

The burned one has more yellow coloration, the one without burns is still very vanilla in color.  So.. now I’m off to order more Heat N Stick Powder!!  LOL… I used mine all up!

Tomorrow I’ll share two more similar yet completely different variations of this technique… and tell you what I did to make the stunning subtle difference happen!

Hugs,

Sharon

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