Monday, December 19, 2016

Christmas Magic

Wanted to share one more Christmas card (one that I actually remembered to take a picture of!)

I found this great idea on Pinterest, of course. Chris Wright gave me the inspiration and I put my own spin to it. That is the fun of creating!!


The cardbase and ink is Early Espresso, using the Christmas Magic stamp set from the Holiday catalog. The images are stamped on Whisper White and mounted on Real Red. Only the bows are colored with Real Red (watercolor with the ink and blender pen or use you marker). Fussy cut the bell (HINT: cut a bit outside the line) and attach with dimensional. I used a piece of retired DSP to mat the card front.

I forgot to write down the measurements, but just measure the image for the Whisper White and add 1/8" to both sides for the mat.

I hope that you all have a fun and loving Christmas. Thank you for visiting!

Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Favorite New Product!

I know there is still a FEW days left to purchase from the Holiday catalog, but I wanted to share a video with you for my new favorite product from the Occasions catalog which goes live in January.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81T-PtHcFE4

Mine will be here tomorrow, so I will be sharing some fun samples soon! On of the great quirks of being a demonstrator is pre ordering product!

Check out the Stampin Up YouTube channel for a look at some other new products.

I received my copy of Cardmaking & Papercraft and love the great ideas in it. So, I wanted to share my version of one of the projects with you!


Stampin Up cardstock is TERRIFIC for these types of projects! As well as the Fast Fuse and Liquid Glues!!! And I am thinking the Home Sweet Home Thinlits would work great for mini versions!
Can't tell in the picture, but there is an electric tealight glowing in the lantern. Love it!


Hope you have a great day!!! And thanks so much for stopping by!

Monday, November 21, 2016

ONLINE EXTRAVAGANZA

And it starts today!!! There are some specials that are only available today, so check them out along with all the great ones for the week! Up to 40% off, WOW!!!


Check it all out RIGHT HERE!

Have a great week!

Sunday, November 20, 2016

Christmas Cardinal

You know, I love all of my new holiday stamps this season. BUT I also love to dig out some of my older retired ones. They are just as great as when I purchased them and fun to remember. So with that in mind, here is a mixture of old and new for you to enjoy.


Do you remember this set? It is Christmas Cardinal from 2008.

All of the other products are in the current catalogs, Real Red cardstock, Candy Cane Lane DSP, (love the added Crumb Cake color to this collection). Inks are Real Red, Crumb Cake, Momento Black, Cherry Cobbler, and Always Artichoke.

I hope you like this visit from the past.

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by!

Thursday, November 17, 2016

Mini Mug

A few years ago I created several "Mugs" filled with goodies. You can see one of them here

I recently came across a mini one, where else, but on Pinterest! :) It was all in German so this is my version of it.



I have shown it with a few other items so that you can see the size. It will hold a Rocher chocolate.

Here is how I created it:

CARDSTOCK or DSP: 3" x 5"; 1 1/4" circle , 1/2" x 2 3/4" (handle)

SCORE: 3/4", 1 1/2", 2 1/4", 3", 3 3/4", 4 1/2"
               Turn and score at 3/4" along each long edge.

Add tear and tape to both long sides, leaving the small corners and one of the squares at the bottom.

Crease all score lines.

Cut away the small corners and snip up to the 3/4" score on the top and bottom to create the tabs.

Add double sided tape to the side tab and form the mug.

Fold in the tab with no tape and bring across the opposite tab. (It helps a lot if you have a small jar to place in the mug for extra support to form the bottom.) Working with opposite tabs, close up the bottom. Attach the circle punch for a flat bottom. ( I actually used a punch from the retired hexagon punch and it fit perfectly!)

Press the top tabs into the mug. This makes it sturdier if using DSP. If  using cardstock, you could leave these tabs off, cutting a 2 1/4" x 5" piece.

For the handle, score one end at 1/4" and the other at 1/8". Lightly curl the piece with a bone folder.
Fold the 1/4" toward the wrong side and the 1/8" toward the right side.
Attach the 1/4" toward the top of the mug and the other end towards the bottom.

I hope you enjoy this fun little project! Have a great day and thanks for stopping by.

WE ARE FINALLY RECEIVING SOME BADLY NEEDED MOISTURE!!!




Sunday, October 30, 2016

November Special



Just wanting to give you a heads up on a great special beginning on Tuesday!

Check out this video on the framelits, then check out the great stamp sets that will also be on sale!

Don't forget to come back, click on the online shopping to the right and place your order!

25% Off Select Stamp Sets Nov. 1 – 30 ONLY!

Tuesday, October 25, 2016

October Paper Pumpkin

Did you receive this month's kit and don't you love it!?


Here is the first one I created from the kit:



Everything is from the kit, except the burlap ribbon at the top of the card and the card.

Then I thought...... if you are reading this and didn't get in on the kit, you might like to create one with supplies that are available to purchase, so here is what I came up with:


The card base is Crumb Cake ( 8 1/2 x 5 1/2, scored at 4 1/4 ). Cut out a 1 1/2" x 1 3/4" piece from Cajun Craze, Daffodil Delight, and Very Vanilla. Using the large leaf from Vintage Leaves and Crumb Cake, stamp onto the three pieces for a bit of texture. Attach them to the bottom of the base cover with a 1/8" edge from the sides and bottom. Set this aside for now.

Cut a 3 1/2" x 5 1/2" piece of Very Vanilla and run it through the Woodland embossing folder. Then using the Leaves Framelits, cut out three leaves along the bottom. Decide which side you want to show and turn over. Attach a 5 1/2" x 2" piece of acrylic with glue dots, covering the leaf openings. Add dimensional strips to the top and bottom of the acrylic, and the very top and sides of the Very Vanilla. Rub the acrylic with the embossing buddy.

Bring back your card base and sprinkle your confetti across the colored pieces. Remove the backing from the dimensional strips and line up onto the bottom of the card base.

Add burlap ribbon to the top of the card base. Take two of the leaves that you removed from the Vanilla and sponge them with color before adding them to your card. Create a banner from Cajun Craze and a sentiment from Daffoldil Delight. Tie a small bow and add to the bottom of the sentiment.

I am so looking forward to receiving the November Paper Pumpkin kit! Wonder if it will be a Holiday kit, cards or craft???? Well, we will just have to wait and see. You still have time to sign up to receive one, too. Just click on the Paper Pumpkin to the right before November 10.

Thanks for coming by! Have a great day!

Sunday, October 23, 2016

September Paper Pumpkin

Loved creating test tubes from the September My Paper Pumpkin kit for the third grade Halloween party. I decorated one with the candy in it, then will include a fun size bag of candy for them to add to their own tube.


Of course, I had to create a treat bag with the thinlit to hold all of it, using the fun Halloween Specialty DSP.


Here is a completed bag using some of my retired DSP and the retired web doilies!

Although this kit is no longer available, you can sign up for future kits. Just click on the Paper Pumpkin button to the right. Know what else??? When you sign up, you can then also order past kits and refills when they are available!!!!! You can skip a month or cancel at any time.

Hope you enjoyed this project! Have a great day and thanks for stopping by!

Thursday, October 20, 2016

Halloween Mini Gift

Here is one more Halloween. I like to make small gifts for the gals and this one fits right it for this season, with simple changes for any holiday.


This is a mini bag that holds a single tealight candle. So much fun!

The tealight is a project that I have created many times in the past. Want to know how? Choose your choice of tissue paper. I chose orange for this one. You will need some scrap paper to place on top of the tissue and another one on the bottom. Punch a 1 3/8 circle from the sandwich. Take the top paper and fold it in half, unfold and fold in half again to find the center. Replace it on to the top of the sandwich again. Poke a hole or use a small punch to create an opening for the wick.

Stamp your desired image onto the tissue. I used the wonderful stamp set that came in the October My Paper Pumpkin kit. Position the stamped tissue over the candle. Now heat the tissue area with a heat tool briefly. This will cause the tissue to absorb the wax beneath. That's it! And, yes, they are safe to light!

Now for the mini bag to package it.

Using your favorite DSP or cardstock, cut a 4" x 6" piece. Score along the 6" side at 1", 2 1/2", 3 1/2", and 5", then the 4" side at 1" and 3".

Crease the score lines, then cut away the unneeded parts. Here is a picture:


I wedged out a small piece from each side of the small squares. Add tape to the one end and one of the bottom rectangle pieces. Bring the ends together to form the bag, then fold all the bottom flaps in with the taped one last to form the bottom. You can round the corners of the top flap if you like.

Using the tags from the same kit, I decorated them, then added a glue dot to the bottom and stronger adhesive to the top  and placed it onto the bag to seal. (this way the recipient can carefully pull the bottom up to open). Then I made a small bow from the orange/black twine and added it to the top of the tag with a small glue dot. (roll the dot over itself to prevent overlapping on the bow.)

I hope you enjoy this project and give it a try the next time you just want a small gift for someone.

Have a great day and thanks so much for stopping by!

Monday, October 10, 2016

Ewwwww ........

I knew as soon as I saw the Jar of Haunts stamp set in the new Holiday catalog, that I had to have it. So to the top of the order it went. I just wasn't sure what I would do with those eyeballs....ewwww...

Thankfully I came across a sample from fellow demonstrator, Lisa Reber. I basically cased (copy and share everything) what she did.

 My son would have liked this one. He liked those gross things. I think mostly because of the shock effect they had on me :) !!!!! So even though I can't mail it, this one is for him.

 :

The base ( 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" ) is Pumpkin Pie. the left piece ( 1 1/2" x 5 1/4") and the banner ( 1 1/2" x 2" ) are from the Halloween Night Specialty DSP.

The web and spiders are stamped on Whisper White ( 2 1/2" x 5 1/4" )  with Black ink from the Spooky Fun stamp set. All other images are from the Jar of Haunts set.

Attach the two panels to the card front. Cut or punch the flag end and stamp the image with Black. Add this to the top of the panels where they join. Stamp the jar onto a scrap piece of Whisper White, adding the drip and eyeball images. I then colored them in with Pumpkin Pie and Marina Mist, using a blender pen. (NOTE: before opening your ink pad, squeeze in the center. This will give you a pool of ink on the lid to use.) Cut the image out with your Paper Snips IF you don't have the matching framelits. Add dimensionals to the back and attach to the card. Stamp the sentiment onto the bottom of the panel with Black.

I felt it needed some blitz (maybe trying to make it less gross.....). So I used the clear Wink of Stella Pen on the liquid and drips of the jar.

Anyway, hope you enjoy this one. It was fun to create, of course.

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by!

Friday, October 7, 2016

Jar of Haunts

WOW! Three cards in as many days! It feels so good to be creating again!

This has been a really tough year for my family and I wasn't sure I could find the joy of creating again. Luckily, for now, I am so enjoying it.

Pinterest is one of my favorite past times. Unfortunately I have been only looking. Every time I would think, "okay, I want to CASE (case and share everything) this one", I might make it to the craft area but no farther. So I am thrilled to share another one of my cards today, which was inspired by a Pinterest member. Thank you to all of the members who share!!!!


I used Basic Black for the base, 8 1/2" x 5 1/2", scored at 4 1/4". The mat is Basic Grey, cut at 5 1/4" x 4" and the brick wall is cut from the Halloween Night Specialty DSP at 5" x 3 3/4". I can't believe that I forgot to sponge around the edges with Basic Grey, so that is an option.

I did use half of one of the retired web doilies from last year. I am going to be so disappointed when my stash runs out! Punch out a 2" half circle from Tangerine Tango and sponge around it with the same color of ink. The spider is inked with Basic Black onto Basic Grey from the Spooky Fun stamp set. Cut it out, turn over onto a piece of foam and use the scoring stylus to make circles. This gives it a bit of a 3D effect, then add it with a dimensional.

The banner is cut from Basic Black, (1" x 5 1/4"), Basic Grey, (3/4" x 4 1/4"), and Whisper White, (1/2" x 3 3/4"), punching the ends of the Grey and White with the Banner Triple Punch. The sentiment is from the Spooky Fun stamp set, inked with Tangerine Tango. Add to the base, then place two rhinestones to the left. I actually colored mine with an alcohol pen, but we have Enamel Dots in the Holiday catalog that would work great! Not sure how I missed them when I ordered.....

The mummy jar is from the Jar of Haunts stamp set. I used Smokey Slate ink onto Whisper White card stock. The Every Day Jar Framelits are great for this stamp set, although I must confess that I used the jar from my retired Cannery Framelits. It isn't a perfect fit, but I think it worked for this. Of course, you can always use your Paper Snips to just cut it out! Sponge around the jar with the Smokey Slate ink and use the same technique as the spider to give it some dimension. Add it on with dimensionals to the top and bottom of the jar.

NOTE: I use my MISTI for most of my sentiments to get a strong color. This tool enables me to re-stamp in perfect position to get a more vibrant inking. I have the card size and love it. It is NOT a Stampin' Up product, but I would highly recommend investing in one.

Have a Great Day and thanks so much for stopping by!

Thursday, October 6, 2016

Batty for Halloween

This holiday has done a complete turn around for me, but it is still one of my favorites. And I LOVE the items in the new Holiday catalog!!! I hope you enjoy these cards!


This one starts out with a Pumpkin Pie base, 5 1/2" x 8 1/2", scored at 4 1/4". Cut a mat from the Halloween Night Specialty DSP at 4 1/8" x 5 3/8". Attach this to the base.

From Smokey Slate cut a piece 3 7/8" x 5 1/8". Using the new Halloween Scenes Edgelits Dies, cut the tree out of Basic Black and the fence from Basic Grey. Stamp the graves on Whisper White from the Spooky Fun stamp set. (NOTE: Purchase the dies and stamps as a bundle and SAVE!!!) Cut them out with the die and arrange all the pieces onto your grey mat.

Using the same stamp set, with Smokey Slate, stamp the moon onto the background. Add the bats and sentiment with Basic Black and add it to the card. That is all there is too it!! (Well, except for the inside and the envelope!)

Now on to my second project. I should warn you that this time I used some of my retired items, but I bet that if you don't also own them, you will have something that you can use.


This base is Elegant Eggplant, same dimensions as before and my usual go to card size. First for the image, cut 3 5/8" x 4 1/8". Start by sponging Daffodil Delight all over the top 3/4 of the cardstock, leaving a small circular area uninked. Then I added a 1 1/4" mask over the white area, which is a bit smaller than the mask, sponge around the mask outward with Peek-a-boo Peach. Remove the mask and soften the outline a bit with the same sponge. Now sponge with Pumpkin Pie a bit farther out from the circle, then Tangerine Tango around the edges. Using Momento Black ink, sponge the very edges and the bottom part of the of the card stock. (NOTE: Don't sponge a straight line.)

Stamp the image from House of Haunts (retired) and the bats from Spooky Fun stamp set with Black. You may need to sponge a bit more black around the tree bottom to even out the coloring for a more natural look. Now attach this to a piece of Smokey Slate, 3 3/4" x 4 1/4".

Wrap the Halloween Night Bakers Twine (you actually get two different spools) around the matted piece three times, attaching the ends at the back. Create a three loop bow and glue to the twine. Place dimensionals onto the back and position on to the card base. Stamp the sentiment (also from the retired set) in the lower right hand side of the card base with Black ink. Decorate the inside and the envelope. And don't forget to sign your artwork, somewhere!!

I actally used another retired stamp set called Best of Haunts to decorate the inside and the envelope. It has a smaller version of the same image!

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by! I'd love to hear what you think of today's samples!

Saturday, October 1, 2016

Fall For All

I love this time of the year. Perfect sleeping weather at night and beautiful weather during the day!! How can you lose???? I know Fall started a week ago, officially, but it is still the season so here is another fun Fall card.


Art Impressions has a series of Watercolor Videos that I had to try, which is how this card began to form. I used the tree from Lovely As A Tree set and colored it with my markers, using Chocolate Chip for the trunk. Using Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, and Cherry Cobbler, I randomly colored around on the leaves, gave a good breath and stamped the image onto Watercolor Paper. Then using my Aqua Painter and making sure it is almost dry, (so don't squeeze while doing this, you don't want much water at all!), I dabbed at the leaves. You will see that I did too much on the right side of the tree which muddied the image, so with this technique, less is definitely more!

I cut the image down to a 2"x2" square, off set a 2 1/4" square of Old Olive, then a 2 1/2" square of Cherry Cobbler. The card base is Pumpkin Pie, 5 1/2" x 8 1/2", scored at 4 1/4". Using the Versa Mark ink, randomly stamp images for a back ground on the cover. I used the tree from my image, the small leaf and the large oak leaves as well as the sentiment, which is from the retired set, For All Things. This gives a nice tone on tone look.

Lie down a strip of the Tear and Tape for the Burlap Ribbon. Stamp the sentiment on Watercolor Paper with Pumpkin Pie, then offset with Old Olive. Cut out with a banner and mat with a Soft Suede banner. Add this and the tree image with dimensionals to the cover. Tie a triple loop bow with Linen Thread and attach with a glue dot.


AND enjoy the season!!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Happy Fall!!!

Wow, here it is almost October already and Fall is definitely in the air!! Wonderful sunny days and cool evenings which are great to sleep in! This is one of my favorite times of the year!

I found this really great idea for a card and had to give it a try, so why not with a fall theme?

The base card is So Saffron, 8 1/2 x 5 1/2, scored at 4 1/4", and also at 1" for the spine of the book. Trim the card to resemble a book. Here is a great tutorial on how to do it, as well as a template to use. I used the Sheltering Tree stamp set and my MISTI for the tree. The tree is stamped with Soft Suede. I then turned the leaves sideways and stamped only part of it with Daffodil Delight, then Soft Suede, then Old Olive, repositioning it with each ink color. I used the small stamp of leaves and stamped lightly with Cherry Cobbler around the tree. You may want to stamp off on scrap paper if your ink pad is freshly inked. I used the same small stamp to stamp the base of the tree with the same ink colors. The Happy Fall is from the retired set Four All Things. All of the black trims are black Dazzles, which you can also just draw in with a marker.

Wish I was a better photographer, cuz this looks so much nicer than it appears in this photo! I can't wait to make some more of these, especially for Easter, but that is getting WAY too far ahead of things (but we'll see :) )

Hope you enjoyed this and give it a try. Have a great day and thanks so much for visiting!

Monday, September 5, 2016

KISS Halloween

Keep it simple, sweetie!!

Don't you hate it when your health and crafting aren't in sync!? I have been wanting to create one of these really simple cards since seeing the idea on Pinterest. It truly is simple and soooo quick!


All of the fun new items are in the NEW Holiday catty that is NOW available!! Just click on the Shop Online button to the right (or the catalog picture) to view it!

Now for the details:

Choose two patterns of DSP (Designer Series Paper). These can be the two sides of one or two different pieces. The back piece is cut at 4 1/8" x 5 3/8" and the front piece is 3 1/2" x 4 3/4". This gives you just a bit of an edge around the patterned pieces.

Then choose your card base color, cut at 5 1/2" x 8 1/2", scored at 4 1/4". Choose another contrasting color and cut at 3 5/8" x 4 7/8". Need help choosing these colors? The DSP package has the colors used in the papers listed on the back of the package.

My card base is Pumpkin Pie and I chose black for the smaller mat to compliment the new DSP, Halloween Night.

Add the larger print to the front of the card base, then the solid mat on top at an angle, adding the smaller print on top.

For my "garnish" or embellishments as some say, I laid down a strip of Tear and Tape where I wanted the burlap ribbon to be, then another strip on top for the new Halloween twine. The stamped pieces are from the new set, Jar of Haunts. (I can't wait to play more with this set!!!!)

To give the pumpkin more dimension, I turned it upside down on the pierce mat and using the large ball of the score tool, drew small circles around the edge, getting larger as I worked my way in. Then add dimensionals to attach it to the card.

I think this will be a great way to use up some of that DSP that I have stashed away from other projects!

Want to see the VIDEO

Enjoy and thanks so much for stopping by!!

Thursday, September 1, 2016

Happy Haunting!

SEPTMBER!! and that means SO many things! Fall is in the air and just around the corner. The wonderful holidays are sneaking up on us AND the holiday catalog is LIVE! Woo Hoo!

Here is the first project for this season!







I did use the retired Milk Carton die, BUT we have a new product that would work great for this. It is the Home Sweet Home Thinlits. Here is a picture of it along with the matching stamp set, which is a Bundle savings!!!


All of the images on mine are from another Bundle set......(check out the "golf ball" image!)


SO much fun. Check out the new Holiday Catalog at my online shopping! You are going to LOVE it!!

Have a great day and thank you so much for stopping by!


Sunday, August 28, 2016

Tri-fold Thoughtful Branches

Do you have your Thoughtful Branches yet??? Only a few more days to purchase it HERE  Remember it is only available until sold out OR August 31, 2016.

I had to create one more project and share with you while it is still available. It won't be the last time that I create with this wonderful set though, I can guarantee that! I think you will be creating with it for a long time, too!

Anyway, enough jabber! Here is the latest card:


This card is created from 5 1/2" x 11" Whisper White, scored at 3 3/4" and 8". I then cut down both sides to shape different levels as you will see in the next pictures. Round off the top corners of the center panel.



This shows the right side opened and below is the left side opened.


Before adding the trees and stamping, sponge the outside of each side with Soft Suede, coming in from bottom of the panels. Sponge a bit of Old Olive around the same area. Then, using the larger cut away piece from one panel, position it on the top of each panel as a mask and sponge with Soft Suede downward. Repeat the same technique onto the inside of the card.

The top is lightly sponged with Soft Sky.

For the smaller panel, use strong tape or glue added to the bottom trunk and attach. I took the leaves stamp and Cucumber Crush, stamped on Whisper White. Cut out with the matching framelit and glue onto the bare tree branches.

Add the other two bare tree cut outs to the right side of the left panel and towards the right side of the center panel. The left panel leaves are Old Olive stamped onto Old Olive cardstock and attached to the tree with dimensionals. The inside panel is done the same using an aqua painter to add color randomly to the stamp ( Daffoldil Delight, Pumpkin Pie, Cherry Cobbler, and Old Olive) and stamped onto Whisper White. Then lightly sponge Old Olive around the leaves.

The sentiments are all from the same stamp set and stamped with Early Espresso.

I hope you have enjoyed the samples with the great set.

Thanks so much for stopping by!


Tuesday, August 9, 2016

Paper Pumpkin BOGO

Don't you love a BOGO sale!! And now it is combined with my favorite craft!!


This promotion is for new subscribers, only, so sign up HERE!

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by!

Saturday, August 6, 2016

Caroline's Box

Love this box from fellow crafter, Caroline.

Here is my version!



I used the Flourishing Phrases to stamp on Very Vanilla with black ink, coloring in with Old Olive, Always Artichoke, Cherry Cobbler, and Daffodil Delight. I added Gold Dazzling Details to the dots.

The lid would look great with a gold doily, but I didn't have one, so I used one of my retired dies. The flower is from the Reason For The Season set. I stamped one image from Old Olive (stamping off for the petals) and three images with Cherry Cobbler (also stamping off the petals first.). Color each piece with clear Wink of Stella. With the Old Olive image, cut the outer flower petals away so they won't show. Then cut out the first flower image, removing the leaves and carefully cut out the four center petals. This will be used for the bottom and top layer of the flower. Cut the second image out, again removing the leaves, and cut away the outer petals and leaves on the third image.  Using a bone folder, lightly curl all of the petals downward on each piece. Place dimensionals on the back center of each layer. Add the leaves to the center of the doily, then the image with the center cut out (I placed a dimensional on two sides of the "hole"), followed by the full flower, then the center petals, and finally the four very center petals. Add liquid glue to the back of the doily and attach it to the lid. I then added gold dazzling details to the center of the flower.

The lid fits VERY snug, so you need to get a very crisp crease on the tabs that fold into the lip.

I also used 12" pieces of cardstock instead of cutting off the little bit needed for her measurement. This just gives you a little more lip to hold the box together.

Another note is to add the tear and tape before cutting the triangles away. This way I didn't have to cut several pieces and instead of cutting up the score line, then the wedges, I just cut at an angle on each side of the score line to remove one triangle.

Want the tutorial????? Caroline has a great VIDEO

I will be creating a lot more of these.......may have to give gifts that fit in them rather than finding packaging for the gift!

Have a great day and thanks so much for stopping by!!!


Thursday, August 4, 2016

Thoughtful Fall Branches

Right now fall seems a long ways off with all the hot days, but it will make it here soon.

So have you ordered your Thoughtful Branches Bundle yet? I am so enjoying mine and imagine it will be a favorite for a long time to come. I mentioned how I thought water coloring would make the colors a lot brighter. Well, here is my latest creation.



First do some water coloring on water color paper. Just spray it with water and add drops of reinker, adding more drops as needed/wanted. I used Real Red, Garden Green, Daffodil Delight, and Chocolate Chip. Just spray more water if it starts to dry out or your colors aren't moving around like you would like. Not too much, because they can become muddy looking then.

 
Then just cut out the leaves with the thinlits. Since I had a mostly brown corner on my paper, I also cut out the trunk. Save the extra to use at another time. It will be great when you want to cut out smaller pieces, like single leaves.
 
 
And here is the finished card. The base is 8 1/2" x 5 1/2", scored at 4 1/4" with Very Vanilla. I stamped on the bare trees with Chocolate Chip several times at different heights. I used the same color to add the "grass" around the base of the trunks, shaping as needed. ( that is one of the great things about photopolymer stamps, not only can you see through them for position, but they can be manipulated into curves). Sponge Pool Party on the top for the sky and Chocolate Chip on the bottom for the ground.
 
I wish I had taken a picture at this stage, because I really liked the look of the card. This may be a background that I use again and again. It would be great for masculine, sympathy, or nature.
 
Stamp grass also on the very bottom where you plan to add your large tree. Glue down the trunk. Add dimensionals (cutting one into four pieces or cut the narrow strip on the edge) and add the leaves.
 
NOTE: I just realized that the Foam Adhesive Strips on page 182 would work great to cut into small squares for the dimensionals!
 
I hope you enjoyed this card and want to see more, because I am sure that this stamp set will stay very accessible on my crafting table for some time.
 
Have a great day and thanks so much for stopping by!

Tuesday, August 2, 2016

"O" day!!!

Ordering day!!!! The stamp set, Thoughtful Branches, that I have been sharing about for days is finally available to order. I cannot stress enough that it is WHILE SUPPLIES LAST! I don't want you to miss out on this great, versatile stamp set, so order yours today HERE.

Here is info on the bundle, but the stamp set and thinlits can also be ordered separately.


Thoughtful Branches Photopolymer Bundle 144328
Price: $52.00
Bundle and save! Buy these two coordinating products and save 10%.

Thoughtful Branches Photopolymer Stamp Set
Thank you. Thinking of you. I'm here for you. We have the words that you want to say. Stamp what you feel, then add a tranquil tree to complement your thoughts.
* Quantity: 23 photopolymer stamps
* Suggested clear blocks (sold separately): a, c, d, e, h

Beautiful Branches Thinlits Dies
* 9 dies
* Largest piece: 3" x 3-1/2" (7.6 x 8.9 cm)
* Use with Big Shot
* Use Precision Base Plate with detailed dies

And now, one more sample:


Everything on this card is done exactly like the one from yesterday's post except for the leaves. This time I sponged several colors on to a piece of Whisper White cardstock, then stamped with Chocolate Chip AFTER stamping it off on scrap paper first, cut the leaves out with the thinlit and added it to the tree with dimensionals. This would be great with watercolor, too. Guess that will be my next try, or at least one of them. I think the colors might be more vibrant then, too.

So, as you can tell, I am FAR from being done with this set! Here is the ironic part: I almost didn't purchase this one, because I LOVE my Lovely As A Tree and Sheltering Tree sets, so really wasn't sure that I wanted or needed another tree set. I am SO glad I decided to order it and I think you will be, too.

Have a great day and thanks so much for stopping by!!!
 

Monday, August 1, 2016

Tomorrow, Tomorrow.........

Only one more day and this great stamp set and dies will be available to purchase WHILE SUPPLIES LAST! I really can't state that last part enough, because I truly believe that this bundle will sell out before the end of the month.




Now for another card that I created with this bundle:


The colors are not actually as light as they look on this photo, but you can create one as light or as dark as you like.

The card base is Whisper White, cut at 5 1/2" x 8 1/2", scored at 4 1/4". I created a sun mask by punching out a 1 1/4" circle from a post it note (I prefer to use the notes with the full sticky back, but a standard one will work. Just make sure the sticky part is a part of the mask.) Save the negative part to use later. Position the mask where you want the sun to be.

Using Pool Party, sponge across the top 2/3 of the card front, starting off the cardstock. I didn't make the whole area sponged and it gave it the look of clouds. If you look closely, you can kind of see what I mean. Pull off the mask. Now place the negative mask over the sun and color in using a dauber and Daffodil Delight, working from the outside in. (NOTE: Mine is darker than I had planned because I didn't check the ink saturation on my dauber, and I had used it with a refill previously. So test on scrap paper to avoid disappointment.)

I used Soft Suede to sponge in the bottom, also using the edge of a dauber to create more of a line between the ground and sky. I also used it to add mounds to the earth. Then stamp grass from the stamp set with Old Olive. Stamp where you want the tree to be first, then decide on the position of other grass locations.

Cut the tree trunk from Chocolate Chip and glue to the card base. Use daubers to add different inks to the leaves stamp and stamp onto Whisper White. Cut out with the framelit and carefully wad it up, then unfold. Next sponge over it all with Old Olive and add to the tree with dimensionals.

The sentiment is also from the same stamp set and added with Old Olive.

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by!

Sunday, July 31, 2016

Thoughtful Lilacs

Only a couple more days til the Thoughtful Branches Set is available for purchase WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!

 

Yes, I know that this is a tree set, BUT I love the flower combinations that can be created. So here is one more :) !


Wish you could see the Wink of Stella that I added to the flowers. They really sparkle!

I stamped the petals with Elegant Eggplant on to Perfect Plum cardstock. Use the die to cut out the "flower" plus a solid cut from Elegant Eggplant.

Here is where I found the idea and the cutting design. I actually cut out an extra one and placed the pieces in with my dies as a pattern for future flowers! Don't have to think about it so much then.

The card base is Daffodil Delight, cut at 4 1/4" x 11", scored at 5 1/2", forming a top fold. After cutting out the stem and leaves, I actually pushed out the leaf pieces with the idea of adding them in later. Next time I will just leave them in and add it to the base.

After trimming the petals, I offset the two pieces and glued them together, then glued the two smaller sets to each side of the stem. Add dimensionals to the larger set and place in between the other two.

I then took a sponge and Daffodil Delight and sponged around the whole image and around the edges of the card base. The sentiment is also from the set and stamped with Elegant Eggplant.

May decide to add a bow, but haven't decided yet.

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you are having a great day!



Saturday, July 30, 2016

Sympathy Lights

Guess we have to go through these times to help remember to enjoy EVERY moment! So here is a card in memory of another soul that is no longer physically with us.


The base is Night of Navy, cut at 5 1/2"x 8 1/2", scored at 4 1/4", matted with Rich Razzleberry (4"x5 1/4").

The image is Whisper White, cut at 3 7/8"x 5 1/8". HERE is a video that shows you the technique so much better than I could describe it. I did use Rich Razzleberry as my "color" and sponged a bit of black around the edges and bottom to get a bit more darkness. My spots are actually clear Wink of Stella. I tapped the brush onto the cardstock, but next time with try splattering it instead.

I used the retired set, Warmest Regards, for the sentiment.

Not only do I think this scene is soothing but so fitting for the man who is missed by so many.

I hope that you will try this technique, hopefully for a happier occasion, like celebrating life.

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by.

Thursday, July 28, 2016

Thoughtful Hydrangea

One last peak at a sample from the Thoughtful Branches set that will be available WHILE supplies last on August 2, 2016. Don't forget to place your order on Tuesday or soon after, so you don't miss out!


Stamp the bundle of leaves on Very Vanilla with Temping Turquoise, cut them out with the thinlet, plus a set from Tempting Turquoise card stock. Wad up the stamped image just a little to give it some character. Stamp two of the leaves with Old Olive onto Very Vanilla and cut out with the matching die. Cut out the stem from Old Olive cardstock. Using liquid glue, adhere the leaves to the back of the cut outs. Glue this down to the cover of a Pool Party base card (5 1/2 x 8 1/2, scored at 4 1/4). Add dimensionals to the solid "leaves" and place at the top of the stem. Carefully unfold the crumpled flower piece without making it too flat. Cut down some of the dimensionals and add them to the back, placing it on top of the solid piece. Not only did I spin it around, but I also offset it a bit, so that the color shows through. Stamp the sentiments from the same set in Tempting Turquoise and Old Olive.

This one was okay, but a bit plain for me, so......


Using Tempting Turquoise, I sponged the ink around the edges of the card. I did the same on the inside. That helped, but still.......


I had a small piece of Pool Party ribbon from my stash of retired ribbons, so made a bow and using liquid glue, added it to the stem. Now I feel that it is completed.

So this post shows what a difference just a little bit more can make.

Now, here is a picture of the bundle you really don't want to miss out on!


I hope you enjoyed this sample. Have a great day and thanks so much for stopping by!!

Monday, July 25, 2016

Perfectly Wrapped alternatives

I am not usually interested in kits, but this one kept calling me, so I broke down and ordered it. The ideas in the kit/catalog are great, but I had some of my own, so thought I would share them with you.


This kit can be found on page 159 on the catalog. It is very inexpensive at only $25 for product to create eight bags and eight boxes. All you have to add is adhesive, ink and stamps. The stamp set that is used in the catalog examples in on the same page.


This gold polka dot box is one of the projects. I used the sentiment from my favorite Hostess Reward stamp set, Gift of Love. The kit shows to attach a different fringe around the box, recommending that you fill it first. Instead, I used two of the black strips included in the kit and created a sleeve to wrap around the box. I glued two strips together then wrapped it around the box and glued the ends together on the top to create the sleeve. Use your fingers to curl up the fringe. I misted two of the scallop circles with water and wadded them up. I unfolded them carefully and let them dry before sponging the edges and the top with Peek-a-boo Peach ink. Add a dimensional to attach them together and one to attach this to the top of the sleeve. Create one of the bows in the kit and glue to the top of the circles. Sponge around one of the small tags with the same ink, stamp the sentiment with black and tie it to the bow.


This project uses one of the cellophane bags and insert that comes in the kit. I used one of the large tags, sponged around it with Tangerine Tango, then stamped it with the flowers in the Perpetual Birthday Calendar stamp set. Cut a strip of sequins (I put a drop of glue on the end to prevent unraveling), glue it to the top of the tag. Sponge ink around one of the circle tags and stamp your sentiment. (This one came from the set, Thoughtful Branches, available Aug 2, ONLY while supplies last!) Add a dimensional to the center and attach to the tag between the sequins. Add the tag and hold the bag closed with a mini clothespin. (Green ones are included in the kit, but I chose a natural one from my sash).


There are SO many ideas to create flowers with punches and dies! I chose this one from my stash of flowers that I have created. (I usually have to try the different tutorials).  NOTE: the clear sleeve fits over the open box to create a cover.....bet you can guess how I know haha..., making sure that the seam is on the bottom. I used two of the leaves and a large tag from the kit, sponging around all with Emerald Envy and stuck it all with strong tape to the acetate sleeve. Very simple and very nice, I think. The sentiment is from Suite Sayings stamp set.


I saved this one for last, because to be perfectly honest, I was not thrilled with the sample. It took me a bit to decide what to do with it after putting together the bag. Take your time with this one. Finger crease the scores in both directions. This will help you make the correct folds when putting it together. Another hint for this one, the instructions refer to a couple of images that I didn't find right away. They are actually on the back with the sample images. It also tells to curl the bag first. Just roll it around your arm.

Now for what I created. After putting the bag together, I used the retired window punch to place a handle in the top. The current classic label would do the same thing. Mist and wrinkle three of the large flower petals and two of the small petals. After they dry, sponge the edges and across the top with Tangerine Tango. Attach and offset the petals together with dimensionals. Using your thumb, curl each petal upward. Tear one of the black fringe pieces to about one third, loosely roll and glue the end down. I cut about half of the bottom off and glued it to the center of my flower. After it dried, I fluffed out the fringe with my fingers. Glue this to the center of the bag front. Sponge two of the leaves and glue them to the bag also.

Sponge around one of the small tags and add the sentiment. Add it to one of the binder clips with a small piece of the white twine. Cut a larger piece of twine and add the gold dots to it, sandwiching the twine between two dots. I also caught the corner of the tag between two of the center dots, to help hold it in place. Drape this over the clip and use it to close the bag.

REMEMBER: You only need to add ink, stamp, and adhesive. Everything else in included to create FOUR of each of the samples shown in the catalog.

After reading all this, maybe I should have done it in several different posts instead of just one!!!

Hope you give this one a try. I would love to hear what ideas you come up with! Have a great day and thanks so much for coming by!