Bandana Birthday

My monthly techniques group meets this week and I decided to pull out an older technique to show them. 

Birthday card featuring the Bandana Technique with the Flowering Flourishes stamp set (126367) and sentiment from Perfectly Penned (122892).

The Bandana Technique has been around a while, but I haven't done it with this group yet, so I thought it was about time!  I designed this card with a decidedly country flavour.

This technique works best with flourish or paisley stamp images.  I opted to use the Flowering Flourishes set which, I have to say, works pretty well! Here is a quick rundown of the products I used:

• I stamped the largest image from Flowering Flourishes on Real Red card stock using black Staz On ink.  
• I added the white highlights to the stamped images using my White Stampin' Chalk Marker (132133)...sooo much easier to use than a white gel pen!  That one's a keeper!!
• I sponged the edges of the bandana layer with Real Red ink.
• The denim-looking background is just a piece of Midnight Muse Core'dinations card stock.  I lightly sanded the entire surface of the textured side...instant denim!
• I added a bit of burlap trim and little button brads from the Vintage Trinkets (118764)
• I also added little knots of twine to the sentiment label.

Sometimes its fun to pull out older technique and try them in a fresh new way.  Its also TONS of fun to try brand new techniques and have we got a great one over at The Technique Twist tomorrow!  Stay tuned...

Another Kit-to-go!

Ok, so I spent a little time last weekend working with some of the Simply Created Kits from the Holiday catalogue and, lo and behold, I came up with a new Kit-to-Go!  This one is based on the Merry Little Christmas Simply Created Card Kit.

Merry Little Christmas Kit-to-Go featuring the Merry Little Christmas Bundle (133287)

This kit includes the following:

Merry Little Christmas clear mount stamp set (131829)

Real Red Stampin' Write Marker (100052)

Coastal Cabana Classic Stampin' pad (131175)

All materials to create four of each of the three cards shown (a total of 12 cards with envelopes) along with step-by-step colour instructions.

All of this for just $45.00 (including taxes)

This kit is perfect for anyone who is short on time, but who wants to reach out to friends and family with something special this Christmas.  The 12 cards in this kit could easily be put together in under 2 hours...even the most novice stamper can do it!  Its like taking a class in the comfort of your own home on your schedule.  The best part is that you'll be building your stash, as you'll have the stamp set, marker and ink pad to use for years to come!

To order this, or any of my other Kits-to-Go, simply email me. Kits-to-Go are not available through my Stampin' Up online store.  Local orders will be delivered personally and may be paid by cash or cheque.  Others will receive a Paypal invoice and will receive their kit in the mail.  It's time to get started on those Christmas cards...don't wait until November when you are crazy-busy and regret not starting sooner!  Christmas Day is exactly three months from today!!  (How's that for a reality check??) :)

Wonderful Single Stamps!

I was so thrilled when Stampin' Up released their latest batch of Single Holiday-themed stamps.  I ordered several and this past weekend finally put some to use.

Holiday card featuring the Prince of Peace single stamp (134811)

I kept the design really simple so that the beautiful text of the stamped image stood out.

 

Each time I read these words I hear the melody of the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's Messiah...I have years spent completing a music degree to thank for that!

I used another single stamp to complete the inside of the card:

Inside view with the Magical Season single stamp (134777)

I even made a coordinating envelope with my Envelope Punch Board!  It was truly a snap and is a great way to use up retired DSP!  Here is a quick list of how I put this one together:

• I used Cherry Cobbler Core'dinations card stock for the background, which I embossed with the Pretty Print TIEF (132175).
• The stamped image is heat embossed in pewter and then die-cut using the Deco Labels Framelits (130102)
• The pewter Antique Brad is the perfect embellishment...aren't they ALWAYS??
• inside the card I used the Delicate Designs TIEF to add texture and stamped and heat embossed the sentiment in pewter once again.  I die cut it using the Chalk Talk Framelits.

I know Christmas is still a ways off, but did you realize there are only 14 more Saturdays till Christmas??  That, my dear readers, is a SCARY thought!  Get going on those Holiday projects!!

Wahoo! Paper Pumpkin

Last week my magical red Paper Pumpkin box arrived and I made time this weekend to play with the contents.  I have to say, this is one of my favourite PP kits yet! 

Collection of cards made using September's Paper Pumpkin kit

Here is the basic design, as per the kit instructions;

Then I tried it sideways...

Then, of course, I had to add a little something.  I used nesting circles cut quickly and easily with the Circles Collection Framelits...

I had some fun with the inside of this one too!

Finally, keeping with the bulls-eye idea, I added some texture:

I really love the stamps in this kit.  WAHOO! is something I say all the time..even my 6-year-old son recognized the word!  It was so nice to take time and just have fun creating this weekend...it has certainly been a while!  I hope you make time to create this week...have a good one!!

More Sketchy goodness

Happy Friday!!  TGIF!!!  It's time for another project inspired by this month's inspiration sketch.  First, here is the sketch...

...and here is my festive project...

Holiday card featuring the Festive Flurry Bundle, the Northern Frost TIEF and Winter Frost DSP stack with sentiment from Sweet Essentials.

This card was my way of using up scraps...gotta love it when you can clean up your desk AND make something pretty at the same time!

Here is a quick rundown of how I put this one together:

• the snowflake is heat embossed in silver on Vellum and then die cut with the Festive Flurry Framelits.
• The DSP is from the Winter Frost stack.  That stuff lasts FOREVER!
• The Whisper White background is embossed using the Northern Frost TIEF.
• The sentiment is from the Sweet Essentials stamp set and is stamped in Basic Gray ink.

This is another quick and easy take on this sketch.  Give it a try and see what you come up with!  Have a great, crafty, weekend!!

More Twisted Faux Patina

Today I have another card I did for this week's Faux Patina challenge at The Technique Twist.  Check it out...

Thank you card featuring the Faux Patina technique and using the Wonderful Wreath stamp and the Seasonal Sayings stamp set.

For this one I wanted to get a more rusted look, so I changed up my colour choices for the Faux Patina.  Here is what I did:

• I inked the smooth side of my Beautifully Baroque TIEF with my Crumb Cake ink pad and ran a piece of Naturals Ivory card stock through.  Then I sponged the entire surface with (in this order) Cajun Craze, Always Artichoke and Early Espresso ink.  I then lightly brushed the panel with my Versamark and heat embossed with gold embossing powder.  
• I cut the Faux Patina panel into four after completing the technique.  (Use the Rotary attachment for your Stampin' Trimmer...you'll get a perfect cut!)
• I inked the wreath in Crushed Curry and then daubed the outer and inner edges with Cajun Craze.  I stamped it on Very Vanilla and then die cut it using the Circles Collection Framelits.
• The sentiment is heat embossed in Early Espresso.
• The kinky twine is pulled from a strip of the 1-1/4" burlap ribbon.  It is a nice, bulkier alternative to Linen Thread.

If you haven't already done so, be sure to check out The Technique Twist blog for more great takes on Faux Patina from our design team!

Merry Christmas, Deer

Holiday card featuring the Warmth and Wonder Hostess set with sentiment from Petite Pairs

Do you ever sit down to create something and have an idea in your mind and then end up with something entirely different?  That was the case with this card.  I don't mind the end result, but it certainly isn't what I was going for!  Here is a quick rundown on how I put it together:

• I embossed the bottom edge of the Soft Suede card base using the Delicate Designs TIEF (127023)
• The birch paper is from the Thankful Tablescape Simply Created Kit (133463)...love that stuff!
• The DSP is from the Season of Style 12x12 DSP pack (132340).
• The deer image is from the Warmth and Wonder Hostess set (131883)and is heat embossed in gold.  The sentiment is stamped in Cherry Cobbler and is from the Petite Pairs set (122497).  The label is die cut using the Deco Labels framelits (130132).

Thanks for checking in...stop by tomorrow for another Faux Patina project!

Monday...ugh!

Why is it that weekends go by so quickly??  I'm not ready for it to be Monday yet...I still have more stamping to do!!  To kick the week off I have a pretty CAS sympathy card for you that I designed for The Friday Mashup using this month's inspiration sketch...

Sympathy card featuring the Flowering Flourishes, Flower Shop and Sweet Essentials stamp sets.

In case you've forgotten, here is my sketch for this month:

As you can see, I took a few  liberties with the sketch, but I think the basic layout is still there.  I wanted the design to be very clean, so I omitted a few layers.

I stamped the flower on vellum and heat embossed it in white.  Then I coloured the back side of the vellum with Wisteria Wonder and Blushing Bride markers before punching it out with the Pansy Punch.  Colouring on the back of the vellum gives a very soft, muted look.  Kinda pretty, no?  I skipped the ribbon and settled for just a single pearl by way of embellishment.  Not an easy feat for me, as you well know. 
If you haven't give this sketch a try yet, give it a shot.  There are tons of possibilities.  I'll be back later in the week with another take on it...in the meantime, here's hoping the week passes as quickly as the weekend did!!

Time for a new Twisted Challenge

Today is the 15th which means its time for a new technique challenge over at The Technique Twist!  This week we're all about Faux Patina...one of my very favourite techniques!  Today I'm going to share one of two cards I did for this challenge...

Any-occasion Man-card featuring the Faux Patina technique, along with the Seasonal Sayings (128009), Clockworks (131973) and Off the Grid (130736) stamp sets.

There is lots going on on this card!  I did this one with my monthly techniques group last week and they loved it.  Here is a rundown on what I did:

• To create the Faux Patina panel I inked the smooth side of my Alphabet Press TIEF with my Crumb Cake ink pad and then ran a piece of Whisper White card stock through it.  I then sponged with Island Indigo, Always Artichoke and Early Espresso ink (in that order) to get the depth of colour.  Then I lightly rubbed my Versamark ink pad across the whole panel and heat embossed with both gold and silver embossing powder.
• The background panel is a piece of Early Espresso card stock that I stamped with the Off the Grid stamp and then heat embossed with Early Espresso embossing powder.  I then stamped the gears from the Clockworks stamp set using the silver Encore Metallic ink pad (132142).
• The sentiment is also heat embossed but this time I used gold, silver and Early Espresso embossing powder.  I sponged the edges lightly with Early Espresso ink and curled the banner with my bone folder before adding the Antique Brad (117273).

I really loved creating this card.  It has been a while since I did this technique...it really can be addicting, especially when you start playing with other ink colour combinations.  Be sure to visit the other design team members' blogs to see their fantastic creations the stop by later this week to see my second project and you'll see how switching up the ink colours gives a whole new look to this technique. 

Sketched Blessings

Happy Friday everyone!  I hope your week has been better than mine!  I am so glad the weekend is here!!

Stampin' Up! gave us a little pre-weekend surprise by adding several new items to the Online Clearance Rack yesterday.  There are lots of great deals to be had...check it out, but hurry...these items are only while supplies last, which won't be long at these prices!

Today I want to share with you another take on a card I showed you a while back. 

Holiday card featuring the Simply Sketched Hostess set with sentiment from More Merry Messages.

I had originally designed this card for a stamp-a-stack I held last month, but when the registration jumped to nine, I decided I had to redesign the card for speed's sake!

The branch images were inked using Always Artichoke and Cherry Cobbler markers...not a difficult technique, but one that does take a bit of time and since I had one stamp and one set of markers and each guest at my event was doing four of this card...welll you can imagine why I felt it necessary to rethink my plans!

Inside view with sentiment from Delightful Dozen

The redesigned card was a hit, but I fully intend to use this design at other classes this fall! 
Now, I am dashing out the door to work, so I don't have time to give you the full rundown of what I used, so you'll have to forgive me for that :)
Have a great weekend...and be sure to make time to stamp!!

Merry Little Hottest Day of the Year!

Well, yesterday, in my neck of the woods, was the hottest day of the summer...and it's almost Fall!  Not a great day to be in an un-air-conditioned classroom with a bunch of sweaty, smelly GRUMPY teenagers!  Here's hoping the heat breaks today or we might just kill each other! 
To help keep you cool I have another Christmas card for you today...

Christmas card featuring the Merry Little Christmas stamp set (131829) and Season of Style DSP stack (132181).

This is most certainly going to find it's way into my Holiday class line-up...it's a quick and easy one to put together!  I think my favourite element on this card is the sparkly little snowflake frame peeking out from behind the label.  I made it with my Festive Flurry Framelits (132193).

I love the Merry Little Christmas stamp set...such lovely fonts and wonderful graphic images as well...all for a super price!

Inside view with sentiment from Christmas Messages (131793)

Here is a quick rundown of what I did:

• The card base is Old Olive card stock, as is the embossed panel on the card front.
• The background DSP is from the Season of Style DSP stack.
• I die cut the label using my Chalk Talk Framelits (my new go-to set!)
• I die cut the snowflake frame by nesting the smallest of the Festive Flurry framelits inside a larger one and ran then both through the Big Shot together - easy peasy!
• The text images are all stamped with Cherry Cobbler.
• I used 3/8" Whisper White taffeta ribbon for a little texture.

Try making a Christmas card today...it will help keep you cool!!

Hostess Greetings

Today I have the third design we made at my Holiday Head Start Stamp-a-Stack last month.  I think this is my favourite of the bunch!

Holiday card featuring the Warmth and Wonder Hostess set (131883) and Winter Frost DSP stack (132183).

I don't often buy Hostess sets because of their limited life-span...it just doesn't make a lot of fiscal sense to invest in something I can't demonstrate after the catalogue expires; however I HAD to have this set!  I just love it...from the Charlie Brown Christmas tree to the font of the sentiments I just saw so many possibilities for it.

So when I was designing the projects for my Stamp-a-Stack I pulled it out and inked it up.

Inside View

Whenever I design projects that are to be made in multiples I try to keep them as simple as possible.  This was no exception.  Just stamps, ink and paper with a little bling and some ribbon for texture.  Here is what I did:

• The tree is stamped in Smokey Slate and the dots are in Bermuda Bay.  I added the sparkly dots using Silver Sparkle Dazzling Details (127845).
• The focal panel is matted on Bermuda Bay card stock.
• The card base is textured Smokey Slate card stock (132131). 
• The DSP is a 4" square from the Winter Frost DSP stack...perfect for making multiples!
• The sentiment is stamped in Basic Gray and the snowflakes are in Pool Party.
• The inside sentiment is punched using the Decorative Label punch (120907)...still one of my fav's!

I am really loving all of the the blue and silver products for the Holidays this year.  It is such a lovely change from red and green.  It might take me a little longer this year to tire of making Christmas cards with such lovely products to use!

Sketchy Monday

Happy Monday everyone!  I hope you had a great weekend.  Yesterday was a simply perfect day weather-wise here...I hope it was as nice where ever you are!  Today I want to share this month's inspiration sketch with you:

September's Inspiration Sketch

Here is an Autumn-themed project I put together based on the sketch:

Thank you card featuring the Banner Greetings Hosetess set (129714) and Sweater Weather DSP (132184)

I so love Fall colours and the Sweater Weather DSP has some beautiful, rich shades and warm, cozy patterns. 

Inside view with leaves die cut with the Autumn Accents Bigz die.

Here is what I used to put this card together:

• I embossed the Chocolate Chip background layer with the Woodgrain TIEF (127821).
• I layered the plaid-patterned DSP on Crushed Curry card stock.
• I used a piece of  1-1/4" Burlap ribbon (132140) for my pennant and adhered it with Sticky Strip.
• I die cut the leaf from Sweater Weather DSP using the Autumn Accents Bigz die (127812).
• The fuzzy-looking twine with which I threaded my button is  from the Simply Created Banner Kit.  I pulled apart some of the thick twine I had left over and used it to thread my button...I like the shabby softness it provides.
• The sentiment is from the Banner Greetings Hostess set and is stamped in Cajun Craze ink.

If you haven't tried creating from a sketch before give it a whirl.  It really is a wonderful way to get your creative Mojo working!

One more...for now...

Happy Friday!  TGIF!!  I survived my first week back at school, but man, am I tired!!  Today I have my final Holiday Kit-to-Go to show you...

Special Season Kit-to-Go featuring the Special Season stamp set (131769) and Winter Frost DSP stack (132183)

I think this is my favourite kit of all.  I love the Special Season stamp set and, paired with the Winter Frost DSP it just makes for such pretty, wintery designs.  Here is what the kit includes:  Special Season clear mount stamp set, Island Indigo and Pool Party Classic ink pads and all supplies with step-by-step instructions to make four of each card shown (for a total of 12 cards) complete with envelopes.  The price for all of this Holiday goodness is just $50, which includes tax.  This is an excellent value because the ink pads and stamp set are yours to use for years to come...a great way to build your stamping stash!  For additional information and to view other kits visit my Kits-to-Go page. To order simply email me...these kits are not available in my Stampin' Up! webstore. 
 Have a great weekend...I'll be back on Monday with some great new projects!

Another Kit-to-Go

Today I am featuring the second in my series on my new Holiday Kits-to-Go.  Check it out:

Kit-to-Go featuring the Wishing You stamp set (131751) and Season of Style DSP Stack (132181)

This kit includes the Wishing You clear mount stamp set, Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive and Crumb Cake Stampin' Write Markers and all of the pre-cut supplies and step-by-step instructions to make four of each of the three cards shown, for a total of 12 cards (envelopes included).  All of this is priced at just $45.00, which includes tax.  This kit is the perfect way to add a special handmade touch to your holidays without having to find the time to attend a class.  You can make them in the comfort of your own home on your schedule.  These kits are also a great way to build your stash because the stamp set and markers are yours to keep for years to come.  Visit the Kits-to-Go page for additional information and to view other available kits.  Then email me with your order...these kits are not available through my Stampin' Up! webstore.

Holiday Kits to Go are Here!

I am happy to announce my collection of Holiday Kits-to-Go for this year.  Over the next couple of weeks I will be featuring the different kits.  Today I have the Cards 'n' Tags Kit...

Cards 'n' Tags Kit-to-Go

This kit features four different Christmas card designs and four gift tags.  It uses the Christmas Banner Simply Created Accessories Kit (312697), which is included in the cost of the kit.  You will also receive the Naughty and Nice This and That Rotary Stamp (132278) and a Bermuda Bay Stampin' Write Marker.  In addition to these products, the kit includes all of the supplies to make four cards and four gift tags, along with step-by-step instructions.  So, how much does all of this Holiday goodness cost?  Just $40.00, which includes and tax.  So, want a closer look?

Kit includes all supplies and instructions to make these four full-sized Christmas cards...

...and these four gift tags!

This kit is a great value and makes your Holiday crafting easy.  It's like having a private class with me right in your own home (you can even stamp in your jammies).  To learn more about how to order this or any of  my other Kits-to-Go click the tab at the top of this page.  Get a head start on your Christmas crafting!

Happy First Day of School!

I had hoped to have a cute back-to-school project to show you today, but alas, I spent the entire weekend in the school prepping for opening day and didn't put ink to paper once!  The best laid plans....yadda yadda.  Instead I have a Christmas card I did last week at my Holiday Head Start Stamp-a-Stack. 

Holiday card featuring the Tags 4 You bundle(133294) and Season of Style Designer Washi Tape (132155) and DSP stack (132181)

Since my ladies were making 12 cards each in one evening, I kept the design pretty simple.  Just a little stamping, some Washi and layering and done.

I love how easy it is to create coorinated projects with Stampin' Up! products...everything matches!

Inside view with sentiment from the Wishing You stamp set (131751)

I tied the inside to the front by adding a little more Washi tape...an easy way to add colour and texture just about anywhere.  Have you Washi'ed yet?? 

Brand new product!

Introducing....

The Envelope Punch Board!!

133774

This fabulous new tool is finally here!  We first saw this at Convention and let me tell you, it is awesome!  (Like, make-66-different-sizes-of-envelopes-with-one-tool-awesome!)  Here are the details:

• It creates totally customizable envelopes in up to 66 different sizes (not to mention a million different color and pattern options depending on the paper you want to use). Even tried and true envelope sizes will only take you moments to create!
• It's super easy to use.  It looks intimidating at first glance, but when you realize that all you have to do is measure for the first punch and from there you just turn and score you'll go crazy (in a good way).
• It's small and lightweight.  It's small and light enough that you could use it while watching a soccer match, at a park, at a friend's for craft night-anywhere.
• It even has a slick scoring tool as well as a punch that lets you create rounded corners on your envelopes.
• It's easy to keep it all together; the stylus storage compartment and two punches are designed into the tool so you don't have a bunch of little pieces to keep track of (even the instructions are printed right on the tool so you won't lose them!).
• The price is terrific-especially for a tool that does so much!
• It will be in next year's annual catalog, so it's here to stay.

Are you excited yet?  Still not convinced?  Check out this video and you'll see why I'm so darned excited about this tool!

Fantastic or what??

Now for a little project to get you thinking about Halloween.  Yup...the decorations and costumes are out in all the stores, so it must be time, right?  This is a project we did at my monthy Team meeting last month:

Halloween Card featuring the Tags 4 You Bundle and Witches Brew Designer Washi Tape.

This is another quickie, made super simple with the Washi tape.  No cutting or measuring...just stick and go!  If only they were all this easy!

September....really??

I can't believe the summer is over.  How is it possible today is September 1st??  With a new month comes a new challenge over at The Technique Twist.  This time we're all about bleaching...

Thank you card  featuring the Magnificent Maple stamp (131868) with sentiment from Truly Grateful (131733)

I went a little crazy with the bleach on this card...I used it in three differnt ways!  Here's a quick how-to:

• The background panel is a piece of Cajun Craze card stock that I spritzed with bleach (I just poured the bleach in a Stampin' Spritzer and went to town!).  That lovely yellow spatter is what the card stock bleached out to!
• The focal panel started as a plain piece of Early Espresso card stock that I stamped with the Magnificent Maple stamp, using a home-made bleach ink pad (folded paper towel in a  plastic box moistened with bleach)
• I stamped the leaf again in Versamark and heat embossed in gold.
• I dabbed the edges of the focal panel with a bleach-soaked sponge.  (Amazing how the more concentrated bleach on the sponge resulted in a totally different shade than the leaf image in the background!)
• I embossed the Crushed Curry layer with the Woodgrain TIEF (127821).
• I added some 7/16" Natural Trim (129287) for a little more texture.
• The sentiment is stamped in Early Espresso ink on Naturals Ivory card stock and is punched using the Large Oval Punch.
• I used Crushed Curry Candy Dots (130932).

I love stamping with bleach.  One never knows what shades will emerge when coloured card stock is exposed to bleach. It makes the whole design process much more of an adventure!  Give it a try and then link up at The Technique Twist this week!