Wondrous Gift!

Wondrous Gifts

Images © 1990-2007 Stampin' Up!

This is one of the first stamp sets to make my wish list after the release of the new Fall and Winter Collection. I thought it would make the most elegant Christmas Cards. It also happens to be one of the featured sets for the Holiday Hooha class. I created an elegant card for the class and then another variation with all the trimmings.

Project Details

Stamps: Many Merry Messages, Wondrous Gift

Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Blue Bayou, Soft Sky

Ink: Versmark, Blue Bayou, Whisper White Craft

Other: Silver Brads, 1/4" Circle Punch, Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder, Ivory Narrow Organdy Ribbon, Vanilla Grosgrain Ribbon, Silver Cording. liquid applique (snow)

Technique: Heat Embossing with Classic Ink

Technique Tip: To emboss with classic ink, begin by inking stamp with versamark ink, for best results you want a think layer of versmark. Then in the stamp with classic ink. Heat set as you normally would. You can re-ink with just classic ink several times before having to re-apply versamark.

Snowman Fun

Snowman Fun

Images © 1990-2007 Stampin' Up!

I have tried to edit the Let It Snow post several times with no success, technical issues with blogger... I wanted to share some tips and techniques for creating the snowman card. For the original card details, click here.

Sketch Challenge #146 for details about this sketch challenge, click here.

More Project Details

Snowman Shadow: I stamped to snowman on Shimmering White cardstock (not whisper white as stated in original post). I watercolored one of the snowman and cut out. On the uncut snowman I used Soft Sky re-inker and colored on the right hand side deliberately going outside the lines. When I mounted the cut out piece over the base image I placed it off center exposing this water colored side to create a shadow effect.

Snow Fun: When I began working with Liquid Applique (several years ago) I was not excited about the product because it was still squishy after being heat set. A dear friend, Sherri Retton, had shared a fabulous tip to harden the liquid applique and I loved the effect. I used this same tip here... to harden the snow simply add heat embossing powder over the top before heat setting the liquid applique. I used iridescent ice embossing powder for the glittering effect.

Scarf: To create the scarf I used my table top cutter to cut small slivers of Soft Sky designer paper. I tied these carefully around the snowman and curled the ends by wrapping them around the end of my paper piercing tool. I recommend using a few extra strands when doing this... despite being careful I broke several strands getting the knot tied.

Artfully Asian "Thank You"

Simple and Elegant Thank You!
Images © 1990-2007 Stampin Up!

Teaching classes is my favorite part of being a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator. Tonight I am hosting a Stamp-A-Stack at my house, the girls will be creating 3 each of 3 different designs. I am excited to see what the girls think of tonight's projects.

Here is one of the cards we are creating, check back throughout the weekend to see the other remaining projects.

Project Details:

Stamps: Artfully Asian

Cardstock: Basic Black, Regal Rose, Whisper White

Ink: Basic Black Classic, Whisper White Craft, Regal Rose and Certainly Celery Stampin' Write Markers.

Other: Paper Crimper, Cutter Tool Kit, Large Oval Punch, Black Organdy Ribbon

Technique: Faux Stitching, Paper Lantern

Double-Lined Doodles... Tips and More!

Love those Petals

It has been a few days since I posted a sample... I have been extremely busy finishing up deadlines etc. This is the first card I have created using my Cuttlebug and folders that I recently purchased... love it and I am so glad I purchased one.

Tips: I love the look of the flowers in this set when they are cut out and popped up, it adds a lot of dimension and detail to the cards quickly. Some may frown on cutting because it takes so long, others have trouble cutting due to issues with hands etc... I wanted to share some tips specific with this set that will help the cutting process go faster. With the help of one of the Stampin' Up! punches you will wonder why you weren't cutting these out all along.

Supplies Needed: 1 1/4 " hole punch, paper snips and flowers

Fast Cutting: Start by stamping and coloring in images, it is easier to do it now than later. Once you have completed that you going to center the flowers inside the 1 1/4" hole punch and pop them out. Then use your paper snips and create triangle cuts to finish cutting out the flowers.

Card Details:

Stamps: Double-Lined Doodles

Ink: Basic Black, Rose Red, Regal Rose, Almost Amethyst, Lovely Lilac and Certainly Celery

Cardstock: Whisper White, Almost Amethyst, Rose Red

Other: Cuttlebug Spots and Dots folder, 1 1/4" hole punch, Rose Red Brads

Doodle That!

Doodle That- Regionals Re-Creation

I am back to work on a major deadline and find the time is flying and I still have lots of projects to complete. I was also out of town this weekend helping my grandparents get ready to move. There will be new projects this week (new color challenge, sketch challenge, more Double-Lined Doodles and projects using my newest toy...the Cuttlebug) so be sure to check back.

Today's card is a variation of the projects I shared during my Regionals presentation.

Card Details

Stamps: Looks Like Spring (small print pattern), Doodle That

Cardstock: Elegant Eggplant, Certainly Celery, Cool Caribbean, Whisper White

Ink: Elegant Eggplant, Certainly Celery, Cool Caribbean

Other: White Narrow Organdy Ribbon, Eggplant Grosgrain Ribbon, Black Brads, Various Punches

Technique: Frayed Ribbon

Don't forget about the Cards for Troops Contest... you can find more information about how you can help by clicking here.

Sketch Challenge 118 Double-Lined Doodles

I Just Love You.... Sketch Challenge 118

I created this card using Sketch Challenge 118 from Splitcoaststampers. You can find more information about this challenge by clicking here.

Card Details
Stamp Sets: Polka Dots and Paisley (spots), Double-Lined Doodles
Cardstock: Real Red, Basic Black, Cool Caribbean, Whisper White
Ink: Basic Black, Certainly Celery, Real Red, Cool Caribbean
Other: Black Organdy Ribbon (May Arts), Real Red brads, Large Oval Punch, Cutter Took Kit (Faux Stitching), 1/4" Punch (brad mats)

Techniques and Other Details: I created a Cool Caribbean marker by adding re-inker to a new blender pen. I also used the Faux Stitching with the Cutter Tool Kit again, I just love this look!! (use the perforating tool, drive it through lots of craft ink (whisper white was used here), and then drive it over the cardstock, re-inking as needed.)

Don't Forget about the Cards for Troops Contest,
for more details click here.

Another Double-Lined Doodles

Double Doodles

I have been having so much fun with the Double-Lined Doodles that I decided to create another fun card with today's Sketch Challenge (SC120). I am so excited... this is the very first time I have ever been on time in posting a sketch challenge... too fun. For more details about this sketch challenge, click here. Enjoy!

Card Details

Stamps: Double-Lined Doodles

Cardstock: Basic Black, Real Red, Cool Caribbean, Whisper White

Ink: Cool Caribbean, Real Red, Basic Black

Other: Real Red Brads, 1 3/8" and 1 1/4" Circle Punches, 1/4" Circle Punch (brad mats)

Techniques and Other Details: I created a Cool Caribbean marker by adding re-inker to a new blender pen. I also used the Faux Stitching with the Cutter Tool Kit again, I just love this look!! (use the perforating tool, drive it through lots of craft ink (whisper white was used here), and then drive it over the cardstock, re-inking as needed.)

Bubble Queen... Regional Wow Presentation

Bubble Queen... You're Fabulous!!

This is a duplicate creation of the Bubble Queen projects I presented this last weekend at Salt Lake City Regionals. There is a coordinating card (left), Genie Bag (right) and a small cello bag of grapefruit scented bath salts. I cannot believe I have had this set for over a year and have never used it... I am pretty pleased with this sets first projects. Enjoy!

Project Details:

Stamps: Bubble Queen

Cardstock: Certainly Celery, Regal Rose, Cool Caribbean, Whisper White, Petals and Paisleys Designers Series Paper

Ink: Basic Black, Regal Rose, Certainly Celery, Cool Caribbean, Pretty in Pink

Other: Rose and Celery Grosgrain Ribbon, White Narrow Organdy Ribbon, 1/4" circle punch (brad mats), 1 1/4" and 1 3/8" Circle Punches (various tags), Dazzling Diamonds Glitter

Technique: Frayed Ribbon (SCS TLC109) For more information about the frayed ribbon technique, click here. The bubbles in the bathtub were created by rolling the frayed ribbon into tiny balls and adhering to the centers of the bubbles (SU liquid glue).

Chicken Soup For the Soul...

Chicken Soup for the Soul.... well maybe if it were plucked LOL!

This is one of the samples I created recently for a *Secret Project* (details to be announced on Sunday!!) that was not picked for the final cut. I have had many laughs about this card... I love the frayed ribbon technique and I have used it for so many fun and different projects. I thought a splash for ribbon might add some fun texture to this card... however after creating this card I realized that it looks like someone made chicken soup with a chicken that was not quite plucked LOL... it is more noticeable in person but you might be able to see it on the close up.

Card Details:

Stamps: Under the Weather

Cardstock: Cool Caribbean, Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White, Petals and Paisleys Designer Paper

Ink: Cool Caribbean, Regal Rose, Apricot Appeal

Other: Rose, Turquoise and Apricot Grosgrain Ribbon

Blog Make-Over...I am excited to announce that I have seen the draft of my new blog banner... and I so excited, I cannot wait to post it to the site. I have been working with Beth (AkA MyPrecious SCS), she does an amazing job with the blog banners and I couldn't be happier!! I cannot wait to show you all!!

SLC Here I Come!! I am getting everything packed and ready to head to SLC tomorrow... I am so excited to attend the Scrapbook Expo tomorrow and to attend Regionals on Saturday. If you are planning to attend either event, I look forward to meeting you!! This weekend is bound to be exciting for everyone attending. Happy Stamping and Scrapping!!

Bundle of Joy... Altered Designer Paper

Bundle of Joy

I am so glad I ordered the Bundle of Joy set from the Spring Mini Catalog, I normally do not send out more than 1-2 baby cards in a year but I am growing rather attached to this set. This card is jam packed with fun techniques and products... all of the techniques on this card (with the exception of the frayed ribbon) are Kyla Maestas original techniques... for me this is exciting because it is not often that I come up with something totally cool and totally original. Well it's back to bed for me (I came down with a really bad cold today, luckily the worst didn't set in until after the card was finished)... Check back this evening for the Subscribers Blog Candy Awards, I have emails out the winners and am hoping to get some names to announce instead of posting their email addresses.

Card Details
Stamps: Bundle of Joy
Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Barely Banana, Pretty in Pink, Almost Amethyst and Very Vanilla, Au Chocolate Designer Paper
Other: Chocolate and Cream Grosgrain Ribbons, Blue Organdy Ribbon, 1/4" circle punch for brad mats and circle borders)

More Details
There are several cool features to today's card... one of my favorites is the look of the Altered Designer Paper. I think one thing I love about the concept of the Altered Designer Paper, is that it was one of my original technique ideas... it is not often that I come up with something cool like this without the influence of other artists... but this one is all me!!

Altered Designer Paper... This is a new technique I came up with to really show off the Au Chocolat designer paper and I have used it on several of my latest projects. To create this look you need several Stampin' Write Markers, a classic ink pad or two and a sponge dauber. First start by coloring in the designer paper, with today's card I added color to outline several of the images from the designer paper. Once you have completely colored the paper, blush it with some color (I used Barely Banana for this card), and then add the distressing color (Chocolate Chip) over the top for the finished look. I added the distressing color around all of the layers of this card to create a consistent look... this look reminds me of some of the AMM papers and other eclectic style papers that are so hot right now.

Reverse Paper Piercing... Another cool feature on this card is the reverse paper piercing on the photo corner, I used the photo corner stamp from the Totally Cool stamp set, paper pierced it on the top side and then flipped it over, distressed around it and used the reverse side for some amazing textural elements.

Frayed Ribbon... I have done so much with this that I am certain you do not need to know anymore about this, if you are a new reader to the blog, check out some of the Bunny Hug cards found under the heading Spring Mini Catalog for more details.

Polka Dots and Paisley... Circle Craze

Circle Craze!

Today is a very busy Saturday... I have a lots of projects to finish but wanted to start the day by finishing the designs for my Spring Fever class on Monday. The girls attending this class purchased the promotional bundle and are bringing their stamp sets and wheels to class to create 4 projects using their new products. I am planning 3 very simple cards and this WOW project for the class. Today's color combination... well it's St. Patricks Day.. have to have a little green and of course I am a pink lovin' girls so naturally a little of that too!

Don't You Just Love It? I received a watermark RAK yesterday from Cindy Keery, she does such an amazing job with these watermarks.... Hugs and Many thanks Cindy, I absolutely love it!

I hope you enjoy... and don't forget to sign up for my blog candy... these Marvy Uchida Scalloped punches are hard to find... Best of Luck!

Card Details
Stamps: Polka Dots and Paisley, Polka Dots and Petals, Petals Jumbo Wheel
Cardstock: Whisper White, Pretty in Pink and Gable Green
Ink: Whisper White Craft, Pretty in Pink and Gable Green
Other: Rose Grosgrain Ribbon, White Narrow Organdy Ribbon, White Gel Pen, Pretty in Pink Brads

Circle Craze
I was in the mood for circles today so I thought I would play around with the Coluzzle, I used it for the Gable Green circle behind the main image.. I added some faux paper piercing using the white gel pen for accents. I created the smaller circle in the bottom corner using the 1 3/8" circle punch, it has the same faux paper piercing. I used the key tag punch for the sentiment and the 1/4" punch for the brad mats.

More Details
The card size is 6 1/2" x 3 1/4". I started by wheeling over the back layer (pretty in pink cardstock and ink) using the Petals jumbo wheel... (I like the look of Petals wheel when it is wheeled on the diagonal as apposed to wheeling it straight). I stamped the petals over top in whisper white craft ink. On the white panel I stamped 2 different images from Polka Dots and Petals in a random pattern. For the ribbon I decided to play with the frayed ribbon technique again (are you sick of this yet LOL, I'm not even close).. for this card I tied the two strands of ribbon around the card and then cut and frayed just the ends... I love this look.

~*Bunny Bank*~

Bunny Banks

I wanted to create a few simple Easter Gifts for my kids that they could keep after the chocolate was gone, they absolutely love Tootsie Rolls so I picked up a few of the Tootsie Roll Coin Banks at Wal-Mart and added some Bunny Hugs for a fun Easter Gift!

Project Details

Stamp Set: Bunny Hugs

Ink: Basic Black, Pretty In Pink

Cardstock: Whisper White, Polka Dots and Paisleys Designer Paper

Other: Tootsie Roll Bank, Sticky Strip, Celery and Pink Grosgrain Ribbon, White Narrow Organdy Ribbon

Technique: Frayed Ribbon

Other Details

I cut the designer paper 5 5/8" x 12" and applied sticky strip to the ends and about every 3" to ensure a secure hold. The Bunny Tag measures 3"x 1 1/2", I used the tag corner punch. I used 3 strands of ribbon to tie around, I love using multiple strands of ribbon, very seldom do I ever use just one (I am totally addicted to ribbon). With the Pink Grosgrain Ribbon I used the frayed ribbon technique, when doing it this way you have to be very careful with the strands after they are extracted to ensure they do not get tangled up or fray anymore, over handling them can create that cotton look.

Other News

Just an FYI... The posts will be scattered for the next week, I am hoping to work ahead this weekend to have a post for everyday or every other day but wanted to let you know that there may be a few quiet days. I have a few stamping deadlines coming up very soon and my daughter also has dance competitions the last 2 weekends in March. This is why I have selected to include another blog candy... take a few minutes to review some of the older posts from my blog.

Bunny Gifts!!

Easter Goodies!!

Things are starting to get a little crazy here with all the projects I am currently working on so I thought I would get a head start on Easter Gifts for the kid's school teachers. This is what I came up with, the basket has some fizzy bath eggs (found them at Wal-Mart, they smell great) and lots of chocolate. I got the little Easter Basket at Wal-Mart as well (only $1).

Basket Details

Stamp Set: Bunny Hugs

Cardstock: Polka Dots and Paisleys Designer Series Paper and Whisper White

Ink: Basic Black, Pretty in Pink

More Details for the Basket: I cut a 1 1/4" strip of the designer series paper and a strip of whisper white cardstock... adhere them together with Sticky Strip, then adhered them to the basket.

Easter Wishes!

Card Details

Stamp Set: Bunny Hugs

Ink: Basic Black, Pretty in Pink

Cardstock: Polka Dots and Paisley Designer Series Paper, Pretty in Pink and Whisper White

More Card Details: I started by layering the designer series paper to the pretty in pink. I punched out 2 circles using the 1 3/8" circle punch and adhered them to the strip of designer paper. I used the paper piercing template and pretty in pink marker to create the faux piercing around the circles and at the top and bottom of the white card front. I stamped the Easter Wishes greeting and punched it out with the large oval punch. I used the small oval punch to add a little dimension under the bunny. I used the frayed ribbon technique for the bunnies tail!

ATC Swaps.... Dry Embossing

Thank You ATC... Back to the Drawing Board?

I have been playing around with several ideas for an upcoming swap on SCS... here is one of my first trading card designs. I only have to create 10 of these so I don't think they will be too bad. I am not real sure about the color combination (got the combo from a Stampin' Up! In Color chart). I may also change the image on the tag to something current... haven't decided (there are no vendor restrictions). What do you think....??I cannot decide if I should go with this design or try something else.

ATC Details

Stamps: Tagger's Dozen, Bodacious Bouquet

Cardstock: Vintage Violet, Bashful Blue, Marigold Morning, True Thyme, Whisper White

Ink: Marigold Morning, Bashful Blue

Other: Stitched Violet Grosgrain Ribbon, White Narrow Organdy Ribbon, Bodacious Dry Embossing template, White Gel Pen, Bashful Blue Brad

More Details:

I dry embossed using the Bodacious Bouquet Classy Brass Template, I used the white gel pen to accent various areas of the embossed images. I stamped coordinating flowers from Bodacious Bouquet set in Marigold Morning, cut them out and added them to create the background. I did some faux paper piercing along the top and bottom of the true thyme strip. I used horizontal tag punch to create the mini tabs that wrap around the side of the tag.

It's a Stamping Day Today!!! (includes tips about Frayed Ribbon Technique)

I wanted to pop in and tell all my morning blog stalkers to check back throughout the day, today is a big stamping day! I am preparing swaps for a down line meeting I am attending on Saturday in UT. I also have a hockey themed card to create for my son's coach.. and if time allows I also have some ATC cards to create for a swap on SCS. Also to come very soon.... more Doodle That!!
Frayed Ribbon Tips: At a class I hosted last night we made a variation of Tuesday's Frayed Ribbon bunny card.... and I found a few tips that may help you in getting the look you want when using this technique. The best visual I can come up with refers back to childhood days of playing with play dough and various other mediums.... when I created the bunny's tail I took the frayed pieces of ribbon and rolled them in my hand as you would if you were going to make a ball with play dough.... continuing this process until I had just the perfect size (I trimmed several times to remove excess stands and kept rolling). To get a tighter ball with lots of density try creating the ball as mentioned in the last step, then take the same ball and pinch it between your thumb and pointer finger and roll it back and forth this way. Using a combination of these two steps will help you in achieving a very flattering bunny tail.

Another fun tip.... try applying chalk to the ribbon to add additional color, this also allows you the ability to create all 48 exclusive Stampin' Up!® colors of grosgrain ribbon.

Frayed Ribbon

Furry Friends

Had a few minutes to play so I thought I would try yesterday's technique challenge from SplitCoastStampers. You can view details about the challenge by clicking here. This was so much fun, I really shouldn't be playing... I have a lot to get done to get ready for tomorrows class. Well back to work... but first...

Card Details

Stamps: Bunny Hugs and Tiny Talk

Cardstock: Whisper White and Pretty in Pink, Polka Dots and Paisleys Designer Paper

Ink: Pretty in Pink, Certainly Celery and Apricot Appeal (Stampin' Write Markers) and Basic Black

Other: Apricot, White and Pink Grosgrain Ribbon, White Narrow Organdy Ribbon

The Frayed Ribbon technique was a lot of fun, I used 2 way glue to adhere it to the card. I found that rolling it around in your hand for a bit made it easier to work with for the applications I used. I used the frayed ribbon for the nest in the basket as well as for the bunny's tail.

Packing Tape and Glitter Technique

Happy Birthday Stamping Divas

I participated in a swap on Stamping Divas to celebrate our 2nd birthday on the web, the challenge was to create something that sparkles and dazzles. I had originally planned to go with the faux diamonds technique and at the last minute changed my mind and went with packing tape and glitter. Here is a variation of the card I created for this swap.

To those divas who participated in this swap... sorry to spoil the suprise!!

Card Details:
Stamps: Simply Said
Cardstock: Basic Black, Whisper White, Regal Rose
Other: Black Grosgrain Ribbon, Folk Heart Punch (SU)

Technique Details: Create a window using a punch of your choice, (there are other ways to create windows but this is the easiest I have found). Place clear packing tape over the backside of the hole, sticky should be facing up. Place a small amount of glitter onto the packing tape and spread it around with your finger, rub the glitter in and shake off any excess glitter. I have seen several windows that had a stamped image or message behind them, when doing this use glitter very sparingly or the message or image will not be seen through all the dazzle and glitter.

Rolling Stones!!

Just Chicken In... Rolling Stones Technique

I was so excited when I logged on this morning and got a surprise email from a dear friend Alisa!! She was emailing me to congratulate me about the March Stampin Success.... as I read her email I thought "Wow, that was sweet of her... but I have NO idea what she is talking about!" Of course I immediately logged onto the SU website to find out what on earth she was talking about.... and discovered that Stampin Up has featured one of my techniques in this month's issue.... Rolling Stones! I was bummed to see that no photo of my chicken card but hey I am still excited all the same!

Here is the card I shared with Stampin Up at the Stampin Share at Convention 2006.

Card Details

Stamps: Best of Cluck

Card stock: Night of Navy, Lavender Lace, Whisper White, Bashful Blue, and Glossy Card stock

Ink: Basic Black, Night of Navy, Lavender Lace and Bashful Blue Markers, Bashful Blue Lavender Lace and Night of Navy Re-inkers.

Other: Navy Grosgrain Ribbon, Stamp Box (medium size works best), Marbles

Technique Details: This card is the marriage of two fabulous techniques combined into one... I have always loved the look of polished stone but to be very honest never did like the marbled look.. the samples I had seen were very plain behind the marbles and for some the look did not appeal to me. Then I had an original idea for once LOL.... put something behind the marble look. In preparing for a glossy card stock class I decided to play around with the polished stone technique. I used bashful blue, lavender lace and a tiny bit of night of navy. Just as soon as the card stock had dried I threw it into a stamp box with a few marbles and some night of navy re-inker and shook.

Paper Lantern Technique

I learned this technique through Technique Junkies, you can find out more about this amazing monthly publication by visiting www.patstamps.com should you decide to purchase a subscription or any of the CD's please be sure to tell her that Kyla Maestas sent you as she does have a referral program.

I believe the original submission for this technique was from Jan Tinklenburg, I could be wrong, I would have to go through my old newsletters to be sure. (I want to say it was Oct 04 edition but you can check her website to be certain)

Paper Lantern Technique is basically using the crimper on your main images for a neat effect... you of course stamp first and then crimp. In the original publication for this technique they used a black ink to add color and dimension to the ridges from the crimper. I most often omit this part of the technique. I have seen this most often used on the Asian themed cards, but I do like the effects it offers on other themed cards as well.

Here are 2 examples from SCS that showcase this technique without the variation.
* Paper Lantern Good Luck
* Calming Garden Paper Lantern

Oh Hoppy Day...

Hoppy Birthday

Here is a card created about a year ago using the same paper lantern technique as shown in yesterday's Asian card... this technique is fun even on the cutie cards which I tend to lean to more often then not.

Card Details:

Stamps: Unfrogettable

Cardstock:Certainly Celery, Mellow Moss, So Saffron, Whisper White

Ink:Pumpkin Pie, So Safron, Certainly Celery, Always Artichoke, Basic Black

Other: Moss Grosgrain Ribbon, Twill, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter