November Club Projects

For the  November club projects, I made only one Christmas project because I didn’t want to overwhelm everyone with too many Christmas projects.  The following cards could easily be turned into Christmas cards with just a few color changes.


Stamp set: Tags till Christmas
Paper: Whisper White card stock, Candy Cane DSP
Ink: Baja Breeze Classic ink
Accessories: Candy Wrapper die, Big Shot, Clear tinsel trim, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Sticky Strip, SNAIL adhesive, Paper trimmer


CASE’d from Theresa Gentle who CASE’d it from Splitcoaststampers
Stamp set: Just Believe
Paper: Marina Mist, Chocolate Chip, and Old Olive CS, Glossy White CS, Play Date DSP
Ink: Marina Mist and Old Olive Classic Ink (for sponging), Chocolate Chip Craft ink
Accessories: Beautiful Wings embosslit die, Movers & Shapers Punch Windows die, Big Shot, Modern Label punch, clear embossing powder, heat tool, Marina Mist 1/8” taffeta ribbon, Sponge daubers, Stampin’ Dimensionals, SNAIL adhesive, Craft & Paper scissors, Paper trimmer


CASE’d from Paper Crafts Holiday Cards & More, Volume 5, page 15
Stamp set: Thank You Kindly
Paper: Whisper White and Rich Razzleberry card stock
Ink: Rich Razzleberry classic ink, Black StazOn
Accessories: Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder, Big Shot, Scallop Border Trim punch, Black 5/8” satin ribbon, Antique brad, rubber brayer, SNAIL adhesive, glue dots, Craft & Paper scissors, Paper trimmer

Thanks for stopping by. I'll try to post pictures of Christmas cards soon.  Have fun stampin’ and creatin’!

 

Halloween and Autumn cards

Happy Halloween!

I thought I’d share with you today the Halloween and autumn cards we recently made at one of my Stamp-A-Stack classes. After today, we’ll begin making Christmas cards. I’m amazed at how quickly this year has gone by.

Paper: Pupmkin Pie, Basic Black, Soft Suede, Chocolate Chip, Crumb Cake, Wild Wasabi card stock

Accessories: Spider Web embossing folder, Bear and Kooky Spooky dies, Big Shot, Silver Foil Smooch Spritz, Stampin’ Dimensionals, SNAIL adhesive, 2-way glue pen, Paper trimmer

Crayon Resist Technique

Stamp set: Autumn Splendor, Oval All

Paper: Cajun Craze, Early Espresso, Whisper White, Glossy White card stock

Ink: Old Olive, More Mustard, Cajun Craze Classic Ink, Stazon

Accessories: White crayon, sponges, Scallop oval and large oval punches, Old Olive 5/8” grosgrain ribbon, SNAIL adhesive, paper trimmer

CASEd from Debra Currier

Stamp set: Greeting Card Kids, All Holidays

Paper: Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive, Whisper White, Basic Black card stock

Ink: Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive, Cajun Craze, Basic Gray, More Mustard, Chocolate Chip Classic Ink, Black Stazon

Accessories: Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder, Scallop circle #2 die, Big Shot, Circle Scissor Plus, Blender pens, Basic Black satin 5/8” ribbon, SNAIL adhesive, Craft & Paper scissors, paper trimmer

If you have any questions about how these cards were made, please post a comment and I will reply as soon as I can.

Have a safe Halloween and as always, have fun stampin’ and creatin’!

August Stamp-A-Stack

I’m sorry it’s been a long time between postings again. Please keep checking back for updates.

These are the cards we made at our August Stamp-A-Stack. I changed the class so that we now make 2 cards each of 3 designs rather than 2 cards each of 5 designs. I think this amount is a little easier for everyone.

Stamp set: Because I Care (Hostess set)
Paper: Whisper White and Always Artichoke card stock, Vellum
Ink: So Saffron and Old Olive Classic Ink, Daffodil Delight and Always Artichoke Stampin’ Write Marker
Accessories: Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder, Big Shot, Clear embossing powder, Heat Tool, Daffodil Delight 5/8” grosgrain ribbon, Sponge daubers, Stampin’ Dimensionals, SNAIL adhesive, Craft & Paper scissors, Paper trimmer

Stamp set: Apple Blossoms (Hostess set)
Paper: Tempting Turquoise, Pear Pizzazz, Very Vanilla, Basic Black card stock, Newsprint DSP
Ink: Pear Pizzazz and Tempting Turquoise Classic Ink
Accessories: Scallop circle punch, Basic Black satin 5/8” ribbon, Brights Designer Buttons, Glue dots, SNAIL adhesive, Paper Snips, Craft & Paper scissors, paper trimmer

Stamp set: Just Believe
Paper: Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Very Vanilla card stock, Elegant Soiree DSP
Ink: Baja Breeze, Early Espresso, and Crumb Cake Classic Ink
Accessories: Scallop Trim Border punch, Neutrals Designer Buttons, Early Espresso ¼” grosgrain ribbon, Glue Dots, SNAIL adhesive, Paper Snips, Craft & Paper scissors, paper trimmer

If you have any questions about how these cards were made, please post a comment and I will reply as soon as I can.

Have fun stampin’ and creatin’!

Sketch Challenge Week #43

I’m posting Saturday’s sketch challenge on a Monday. Oops! Go over to UDI to view the sketch.

I struggled to get a good picture of this card. Some colors don’t photograph very well in my lighting. Sorry this picture isn’t very good.

Stamp set: Thoughts & Prayers
Paper: So Saffron, Whisper White card stock, Bella Bleu DSP
Ink: Chocolate Chip, So Saffron Classic ink
Accessories: Scallop border punch, ¾” and 1” circle punches, 5/8” Chocolate Chip Jumbo brads, Stamp-A-Ma-Jig, SNAIL adhesive, Sticky Strip, Crystal Effects, sponge, Big Shot machine, Texturz Plate Backgrounds 1, paper trimmer

I used the Damask Texturz plate to add texture to the Whisper White card stock. I sponged So Saffron on the textured cardstock to soften the white and to match the card base. The flowers use the fan fold technique (tutorial located here). If you are a visual learner, you will want to view the video tutorial. I believe my paper was cut at ¾” wide before I added the scallop edge for the smallest flower, and 1” wide for the largest flower.

If you would like to participate in the sketch challenge, post a comment and link to your blog, or upload to your Splitcoast gallery using the keyword DivaSC43.

Have fun stampin’ and creatin’!

Stamp-A-Stack of Masculine Cards

Here are the cards were made at the last Stamp-A-Stack. The theme was masculine cards. Since I was short on time preparing for the SAS, some of these cards are completely CASEd (Copy And Share Everything). Each individual is given credit for the cards and ideas I CASEd.

Stamp sets: Hugs & Wishes
Ink: Summer Sun, Chocolate Chip Classic ink, Pumpkin Pie stampin’ write marker
Paper: Basic Gray- 5 ½” x 8 ½”, Basic Black- 4” x 5 ¼”, Whisper White- 3 ¾” x 5” card stock, A Walk in the Park DSP- 4” x 4”
Accessories: 1/16” circle punch, 1/8” circle punch, Big Shot, Texturz plate, silver brads, clear rhinestone brad, Sticky Strip, SNAIL adhesive, Stamp-a-ma-jig, paper cutter
Inspired by: Connie Babbert

Stamp sets: Thoughts of Father
Ink: Brown StazOn
Cardstock: Kraft 5 ½” x 8 ½” and 2 ¾” x 3 ¼”, Close to Cocoa- 3 1/8” x 3 11/16”, Naturals White- 2 15/16” x 3 7/16”, Parisian Breeze Specialty DSP- 2 ¼” x 5 ½”
Accessories: Chocolate Chip grosgrain ribbon, Watercolor Wonder Crayons- Whisper White, Close to Cocoa, SNAIL adhesive, scissors, paper cutter
Inspired by: Jan Tink

Stamp sets: Inspired by Nature
Ink: VersaMark
Cardstock: Whisper White- 5 ½” x 8 ½”, Basic Black- 3 ¾” x 5”
Accessories: White embossing powder, Powder Pal, SNAIL adhesive, Stamp-a-ma-jig, paper cutter
CASEd by: nicduf72

Stamp sets: Lovely As A Tree, Very Versatile
Ink: Chocolate Chip classic ink
Paper: Very Vanilla- 5 ½” x 8 ½” and 3” x 3 ¼” and 2 ½” x 2 ¾” and a scrap piece, Chocolate Chip- 4” x 5 ¼” and 2 11/16” x 2 15/16”
Accessories: Word Window punch, SNAIL adhesive, Stamp-a-ma-jig, paper cutter
CASEd by: mandypandy

Stamp sets: Seeing Spots, Heard from the Heart
Ink: Kiwi Kiss Classic ink
Cardstock: Kiwi Kiss- 5 ½” x 8 ½”, Whisper White- 2 ¾” x 5 ½”, scraps of Tangerine Tango, Baja Breeze, and Pacific Point
Accessories: Large and Small star punches, SNAIL adhesive, glue dots, Stamp-a-ma-jig, paper cutter, scissors
CASEd by: Tammy Fite

I hope you enjoyed these cards. Have fun stampin’ and creatin’!

Sketch Challenge Week #33

It’s time for another Saturday sketch challenge. You can view the 33rd sketch on UDI.

I created my card slightly different from the sketch we were given to use. I also used some retired products from the Spring-Summer Collection 2008.

Stamp set: Lovely As a Tree, Hugs & Wishes
Paper: Kraft, Always Artichoke, Whisper White, Blue Bayou (Spring-Summer 2008 In Color) card stock, Western Sky DSP (Spring-Summer 2008 catalog)
Ink: Close to Cocoa classic ink, Watercolor Wonder Crayons
Accessories: 1/16” circle punch, Blue Bayou double-stitched ribbon (Spring-Sumer 2008 catalog), spray bottle and water, silver brads, Stamp-a-ma-jig, SNAIL adhesive, Sticky Strip, paper trimmer, scissors

When I stamped the tree, I sprayed my stamp with a light mist of water, and then colored the image with Watercolor Wonder crayons. Spraying the water on to the stamp first makes it a lot easier to color the rubber. If you put too much water on the stamp, just blot it on a paper towel, and then color the rubber image with a watercolor crayon.

If you would like to participate in the sketch challenge, post a comment and link to your blog, or upload to your Splitcoast gallery using the keyword DivaSC33. Go to UDI for more information about the challenge and to view the other Divas’ work.


Have fun stampin’ and creatin’!

Sketch Challenge Week #30

I can hardly believe we are on week 30 of the sketch challenges! Since I haven’t participated in every sketch challenge, it doesn’t feel like 30 weeks to me. But I know that some Divas have participated in all 29 sketch challenges, so to them I say, “Wow, great job!”

Go to UDI to view the 30th sketch challenge.

On the following card, I used a fun and easy technique called Polished Stone. My friend Lisa over at Fountain of Inspiration showed me how to do this technique. Since this was one of my first attempts, it’s not the greatest but I think it makes an interesting background for this card.

Stamp set: Cheep Talk, Thoughts & Prayers
Paper: Handsome Hunter, Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla card stock, Glossy paper
Ink: Handsome Hunter Classic ink, Handsome Hunter and Really Rust ink refills, Encore Gold pad and Gold refill, Black StazOn ink
Accessories: 1/16”, 1 ¼” and 1 ½” circle punches, Rubbing alcohol and cotton balls, Gold brads, Crimper, Stampin’ Dimensionals, SNAIL adhesive, Sticky Strip, paper trimmer, scissors

Go to Splitcoaststampers to view the Polished Stone technique.

If you would like to participate in the sketch challenge, post a comment and link to your blog, or upload to your Splitcoast gallery using the keyword DivaSC30. Go to UDI for more information about the challenge and to view the other Divas’ work.

Have fun stampin’ and creatin’!

A Seriously Sassy card

Here’s a card I’ve been meaning to post. I created it several months ago. I found ideas for creating this card from the "Seriously Sassy" Stampin' Up! stamp set gallery on Splitcoaststampers. I didn’t CASE from one person in particular, and I added my own touches to this card.

I apologize for the blurry picture. I gave the original card away right after taking the picture so I can’t retake it.
Stamp set: Seriously Sassy, Sanded background
Paper: Soft Sky, Purely Pomegranate, Whisper White,card stock, Spring Break DSP
Ink: Purely Pomegranate classic ink
Accessories: Cutter Kit, rhinestones, 2-way glue pen, SNAIL adhesive, paper cutter.

In making this card, I used two now retired In Colors, Soft Sky and Purely Pomegranate, and retired “Spring Break“ Designer Series Paper. These products were current at the time I made the card :)

The Soft Sky card stock is stamped with the “Sanded” background stamp but it is pretty subtle so it’s hard to see it in the picture. I distressed the edges of the Purely Pomegranate card stock with the distressing tool from the Cutter Kit. The flat backed rhinestones are non-Stampin’ Up!, bought at Michael’s.

I plan to be back tomorrow with another sketch challenge from UDI. Until then, have fun stampin’ and creatin’!

Photo Tile Coasters

I created coasters using tiles from the hardware store and adhered printed pictures onto them. I added a stamped word to personalize the coasters, then sealed them with 4 coats of clear acrylic sealer and adhered cork to the back of the coasters. These coasters can be used and will withstand spills, but it isn’t advisable to submerge them in water.

The following pictures are of my husband and his siblings when they were children. He’s the one on the “adorable” coaster. See why I chose that particular word to stamp beside him? :)


Individual coasters, in order of birth:

I used this tutorial created by Maria, who is a fellow UDI member.

If you still need to make gifts for Christmas, consider making these special coasters which the recipient will treasure for years to come.

Stamp set: Warm Words
Paper: Tissue paper
Ink: Black StazOn Ink
Accessories: 4” x 4” tiles, foam brush, Mod Podge, tape, cork, permanent glue (I used Liquid Fusion urethane glue), acrylic sealer (I used Plaid gloss sealer, same as the sealer in the tutorial picture), printer.

Tiles found at Lowe’s, cork on the roll from Joann Fabrics.

If you have any questions, post them in the comments section and I’ll do my best to answer them. Have fun stampin’ and creatin’!

Technique Class Projects

A few months ago, I taught a technique class where we made a postcard with the technique instructions printed on it and a sample card.

This first technique is the serigraph technique. The instructions on the card on the left say:

Choose 3-4 coordinating colors of classic ink pads. Use a brayer to partially cover white cardstock with the lightest color. Repeat with the second color, leaving some white showing. Emboss stamped images in white. Bray with the final, darkest color(s), filling in remaining white areas. Stamp more images using the darker colors of ink.

You can also click here to see the tutorial on Splitcoaststampers.

Stamp set: Dreams Du Jour
Paper: Lovely Lilac and Whisper White card stock
Ink: Yoyo Yellow, Green Galore, Ballet Blue, Lavender Lace classic ink
Accessories: Brayer, Whisper White grosgrain ribbon, SNAIL adhesive, scissors, paper cutter, printer & ink.

The second technique is ghosting, also called versamark resist. The instructions on the card on the left say:

Stamp images with Versamark ink. Dry. Ink brayer with a single color of classic ink, or a spectrum pad. Roll brayer over the cardstock. You can follow up by stamping with another color or by embossing.

You can also click here to see the tutorial on Splitcoaststampers.

Stamp set: Doodle This, Sincere Salutations
Paper: Old Olive, Ruby Red, and Cameo Coral card stock, Glossy white card stock
Ink: Ruby Red, Old Olive, Basic Black classic ink, Versamark ink
Accessories: Brayer, Whisper White grosgrain ribbon, SNAIL adhesive, dimensionals, ¾” circle punch (for leaves), scissors, paper cutter, printer & ink.

These are just a couple of techniques you can do with a brayer. If you try these techniques, or any other using a brayer, please link to your project in the comments section so I can see your work :)

Have fun stampin’ and creatin’!

Sincerely,
Michelle

Stamp Class projects

This past week, I hosted our monthly basic stamp class. We created these three Autumn/Thanksgiving themed projects:

From left to right: Free Standing Pop-Up card, Die cut pillow box, Paper Photo Album

Stamp set: Happy Blessings
Paper: Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Very Vanilla
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, Creamy Caramel, Old Olive, More Mustard, Summer Sun, Pumpkin Pie, Really Rust, Ruby Red, Night of Navy Classic Ink, Black StazOn ink
Accessories: Blender pen, 5/8” Old Olive grosgrain ribbon, SNAIL adhesive, sticky strip, scissors, paper cutter, Stamp-a-ma-jig.

You can view the Free Standing Pop-Up card tutorial by Mary Jo Albright on Splitcoaststampers. I almost completely CASEd (Copy And Share Everything) this from my friend Alicia, who CASEd it from someone in her SU! family. I think the only thing I changed was the color combination and I added the loop of ribbon at the top.

You can slide the tag down so it lays flat and fits perfectly inside of a medium SU! envelope.

Stamp set: Thankful Thoughts
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Autumn Vine DSP, watercolor paper
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, Creamy Caramel, Old Olive, More Mustard, Summer Sun, Pumpkin Pie, Ruby Red Classic Ink, Black StazOn ink
Accessories: Blender pen, Pumpkin Pie grosgrain ribbon, SNAIL adhesive, sticky strip, scissors, paper cutter, 4 medium translucent envelopes.

I first learned how to make a paper photo album almost two years ago by Alicia at a stamping retreat in Kansas City, MO. I needed a refresher on how to make it so I watched the video created by Dawn over at Dawn's Stampin' Studio.

Stamp set: Thankful Thoughts
Paper: Old Olive, More Mustard, Very Vanilla
Ink: Old Olive, More Mustard, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip Classic Ink, Black StazOn ink
Accessories: Blender pen, scallop circle punch, 1 3/8” circle punch, 5/8” Chocolate Chip grosgrain ribbon, scissors, mini glue dots, SNAIL adhesive, sticky strip, 3 Hershey chocolate Kisses.

A big thanks to Alicia for cutting the pillow boxes for me on her Big Shot machine. I can’t wait until I get the Big Shot and can die cut things for other people! :)

Did you notice a trend with these projects? Aside from the Autumn/Thanksgiving theme, I mean :) My friend Alicia helped me in some capacity for each of these projects. I don’t think she knew that, but she will once she reads this post! ;) Thanks for all of your help, Alicia. You are the best!

To view Alicia’s blog, go to http://papercraftplayground.blogspot.com.

Have fun stampin’ and creatin’!

Featured stamper of the week

I am pleased to introduce my third guest stamper, Evelyn H, who just happens to be my mother-in-law :) Evelyn has created a variety of crafts through the years but recently her main crafting focus has been paper crafting, primarily card making. Evelyn isn’t afraid to try new techniques no matter how tedious or difficult they might be. I love seeing each new project she creates as they are always a work of art. I will be featuring only a small sampling of those projects but hopefully they will be enough to prove my point ;)

Shadow box card with reflection technique

Explosion card- closed

Explosion card- open

Waterfall card

Origami box and matching squash book

Box closed

Book closed

Book open- first page

Book open- second page

Accordion card- front cover

Open view

Bookmark pictures in view

Hidden picture 1

Hidden picture 2

I wish I could show you all of Evelyn’s fabulous projects but time is limited. Since she’s always making something new and even more beautiful each time, I’m sure you’ll see her creations on my blog again sometime :)

Evelyn, thanks so much for sharing your creative talents with us!

Have fun stampin’ and creatin’!