Tuesday Tips - Tile Imaginations

The faux tile technique looks great on these Inspired by Nature stamp set images!  This stamped "faux tile" would be a beautiful real tile!  Could you imagine an entire row of these tiles as a splash guard in a kitchen?  Gorgeous!

My tip for today:  Try out some of your stamp sets with this faux tile technique & see what you get!  Imagine what a real tile would look like if what you stamp is an actual ceramic tile.......you can replicate what you see in magazines or home stores on your cards!

The "thank you" message is a lovely script font from the Because I Care stamp set, a hostess stamp set in the current IB&C.  The designer series paper is Raspberry Tart (retired).  I also added stamped designs onto the Old Olive colored dsp.  The color of those stamped designs, Elegant Eggplant, is also the color of the cs I used to layer on this card. 

Linda

Map It Monday - Embossed Style

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This week's map is a great layout for an embossed card front.  The embossing is a background for the message and a simple small embellishment.

The Manhattan Flower Textured Impressions Embossing Folder sets the stage for this card.  After embossing the card front, I sponged ink across the card to highlight the design.

The bird from the Elements of Style Stamp Set is stamped on the card itself.  A layered cs punched message is adhered with Stampin' Dimensionals onto black ribbon.  A thinner ribbon is tied around the wide black ribbon.

Linda

Fast Friday - Floral Bouquet

This is what you might call a FLORAL card - nearly EVERYTHING on this card could be considered "floral", except the strip of Melon Mambo patterns dsp.  Whew!  First, I embossed a Whisper White card inside a floral embossing folder. Next, I diecut a large Chocolate Chip card stock scallop circle using a Nestabilities scallop circle die.  You could also use the large shapes in Stampin' Up's Big Shot/Sizzix line of dies. 

Next, I used the Flower Fancy punch to punch out two flowers from Melon Mambo cs.  I distressed and separated the petals.  A Chocolate Chip epoxy brad is inserted into the pink flower layers.

I layered the dsp strip and Chocolate Chip scallop circle onto the card & adhered the giant flower assembly with dimensionals.

Do you enjoy reading my blog?  I love when I hear from my readers - it's fun to know who enjoys what I share and your thoughts about my creations......... let me know with an email to lahinks@gmail.com!

Linda

Think About Color Thursday - Pumpkin Pie, Wild Wasabi, Crushed Curry

I just cannot say goodbye to Crushed Curry just yet.  It keeps turning up like a bad penny, doesn't it?  Well, since I have plenty of Crushed Curry paper and ink, here I go again!

Do you have any little mini embossing folders?  I found this cupcake embossing folder in my bottomless stamping supplies box & thought it would make a cute birthday card.  You don't need a mini embossing folder to make a card similar to this.  You could dry emboss any way you like.

When I find a few colors of card stock in my scrap bin that look nice together, it's fun to throw them together & see what happens!   I used scraps of card stock and designer series paper in Wild Wasabi, Crushed Curry and Pumpkin Pie here for this card.   After I dry embossed this little cupcake, I followed up by coloring it using the same colors!  You could use Stampin' Write markers, Stampin' Pastels, Aqua Painters or even simply inkpads and a blender pen.  Have fun with it and use your favorite coloring method!

Linda

Whatever Wednesday - Because I Care that Christmas is Four Months Away

Pairing green and red, yet it isn't even Christmas yet?  Notice the title of this post......and today's calendar - Christmas Day is exactly four months from today, so why not?

Speaking of Christmas, I am in the planning stages for my Autumn and Christmas holiday stamp camps.  Get ready to make your own holiday cards to send out this year!  There will be a Christmas card stamp-a-stack event!  If you cannot attend the camp, I will also provide a make-at-home option.  Be on the lookout for upcoming event schedules!


Today's gorgeous card is created with the Elements of Style stamp set and the Manhattan Flower embossing folder.  Colors are Riding Hood Red, Wild Wasabi and Whisper White.

I sponged RHR ink lightly onto the embossed Whisper White card.  I colored the Elements of Style flowers using the direct to rubber markering technique onto the floral stamp.  If you haven't tried this technique before, simply color onto the raised areas of the rubber stamp, remoisten what you markered by breathing onto the rubber, then press the rubber stamp onto the card stock.  It's so easy!  You don't need to be concerned that the markering is drying too fast while you are coloring on the rubber -  the huffing of breath perks the ink up again!

The stamped flowers are layered onto Riding Hood Red cs.  Riding Hood Red ribbon is inserted through a punched hole.

Wild Wasabi cs is punched with the scallop edge punch & adhered at the top edge of the card.

"Because I Care" is a message from the Level I Hostess Set of the same name, which is from the current IB&C.  It is lovely.  Each color cs is punched with the modern label punch for the message. 

Add dimension to this card by adhering the floral piece and message with Stampin' Dimsionals.

Can't wait for Stamp Camp tonight at 7pm!

Linda

Tuesday Tips - Floating Watercolor Technique

Lately I have been playing with a technique called "Floating Watercolor". Reinker bottles once again come in handy for more than just reinking inkpads. I highly recommend that you purchase reinkers, especially for your most frequently used inkpads and for "In Color" inkpads that will retire within two years.   Adding reinker drops to an inkpad keeps it fresh, moist & useable for years!  Reinkers are affordable, last a very long time and can be used for a variety of inking methods, including watercoloring.  Color applied with reinker ink is very vibrant!

To make today's card:

1. Stamp images onto Shimmery White cs in Whisper White Craft ink.
2. Heat emboss with embossing powder.  I have used clear EP.
3. Set cs into a large plastic tray.
4. Put a drop of each color in your color combination onto a plastic palette.
5. Spritz the image with a water spritzer bottle so water “puddles” within the embossed lines.
6. Touch an Aqua Painter to a drop of ink & dab the Aqua Painter 1 drop at a time into areas on the embossed image. Repeat. You can blend the “puddles” where they meet so you get complete coverage.
7. Tilt the cs in a plastic tray to dry. The areas that you watercolored will drip into the tray, which is fine, though you can dab heavy droplets with a paper towel.
8. Finish your project when the cs is thoroughly dry. Trim around the embossed image or crop the cs if it will be a background.

That's it for today!

Linda

Map It Monday - Top Note and Curly Label

The map today is as simple as using the Top Note die and the Curly Label punch together. 

If you missed the July WOW! Stamp Camp, you missed learning how to create this card.  Email me if you would like instructions. 

The stamp is from the It's the Thought stamp set.  This stamp set is still available for a couple more weeks and is a Hostess Stamp Set from the summer mini catalog.  There's still time to schedule a workshop with me before then - just email me if you are interested!

Linda

Fast Friday - Stars in Bermuda

My fast card for this week is stamped with the "In the Stars" stamp set (retired).  I kept it simple with Bermuda Bay and Basic Black and Whisper White.  Bermuda Bay pairs nicely with Basic Black, don't you think so?

I stamped the "a wish for you" star in Basic Black Classic ink onto Whisper White cs.  A star punch makes it easy to cut out the main attraction.  Dimensionals add depth.

Have a nice weekend!

Linda

Think About Color Thursday - Early Espresso, Chocolate Chip, Brocade Blue

I am loving this new Stampin' Around wheel called Take a Sip.  It is so cute!

This Whisper White card is layered with Early Espresso, and the designer series paper under the coffee cups is a Chocolate Chip print from the Sweet Pea dsp collection in the Occasions Mini Catalog.  The two shades of brown look nice together.

Since Brocade Blue is a retired color, you might like to substitute Marina Mist!

Linda

Whatever Wednesday - Frosted Lemonade Glasses

Have you seen these cute lemonade cards?  We made these cards at some summer events and I just thought I'd share it with you.  The cup is made from velum that is cut, scored and inked.  I just HAD to find a straw that matched the card stock!



The Tart & Tangy stamp set has four fruits in the set, one of which is a lemon.  Colors of this card are Crushed Curry, Glorious Green and Pumpkin Pie.

What a great summer birthday card!  In a few months I will be making hot cocoa cards! :)

Linda

Tuesday Tips - Applying Color to an Embossing Folder

The vibrancy of the Rich Razzleberry and the softness of the Pretty in Pink come together to create a stunning card here.  I used my diecutting machine to ink this pre-embossed white cs!

You'll need the following supplies:

• Stampin’ Up Big Shot, Cuttlebug or similar die cutting machine
• Ink pad
• Embossing folder
• Cardstock

How I created the floral piece of this card:

1. Dab ink onto negative side of embossing folder (ink should be applied to the side without the Cuttlebug logo) using an inkpad or brayer.  Stampin’ Spots or cats’ eyes work best. 

2. Lay card stock inside embossing folder and crank it through the cuttlebug.

3.  Open the folder & carefully remove the cs, then wash the embossing folder immediately to avoid staining/ruining it.

TIPS:  If you use craft ink, pigment or chalk ink, you can heat it with a heat tool to dry it quicker or even emboss with embossing powder.

I also added some bling to the flower centers.  You could use stickles, a dab of glue & dazzling diamonds glitter, or whatever your favorite bling application might be.

To finish the card, I did some layering of cs and added a wide punched border with a repeated message.

Linda

Map It Monday - Berries and Bows

I made a few different giraffe cards in Melon Mambo and Chocolate Chip recently that were quite quick and easy.  Here is one of them. 

A scallop square is punched into Pumpkin Pie cs for this card, but any little shape can be tucked under the main image.  The bow seems to be the center of attention on this card.  I made the bow by tying one piece of ribbon around a shorter piece of chocolate chip striped ribbon. 

Any small image can be repeatedly stamped in the upper left corner.  I have stamped the dots from the Berry Christmas stamp set in Chocolate Chip Classic ink.

Linda

Fast Friday - Giraffe Polka

This week's Fast Friday card is a card that some really nice ladies made at a Workshop recently.  It couldn't get much easier than punching a scallop square and several circles, stamping one image in Chocolate Chip ink and tying a ribbon!

Linda

Think About Color Thursday - Concord Crush, Marina Mist, and Old Olive

This week's color combination offers opportunities to experiment with two of Stampin' Up's new colors.  Concord Crush, a 2010/2011 "In Color",  is a pretty, vibrant purple.  Marina Mist is one of the new core colors in the Subtles Collection.

Supplies for this card:

cs:  Marina Mist, Concord Crush, Old Olive, Whisper White

inks:  Concord Crush Classic Inkpad
stamp set:  Friends 24-7
punches:  Scallop Square, Scallop Edge
other:  Uniball Signo White Gel Pen

Instructions:

1.  Stamp flower repeatedly onto Concord Crush cs.  Adhere to Marina Mist card.
2.  Punch a thin strip of Old Olive cs with Scallop Edge punch & adhere to card.
3.  Punch Old Olive cs with Scallop Square punch.
4.  Stamp "here for you" with Concord Crush cs onto Old Olive scallop square.  Adhere to card.
5.  Stamp flower onto Whisper White cs.
6.  Add faux stitching around Concord Crush cs with Uniball Signo White Gel Pen.
7.  Dot centers of Concord Crush flowers with Uniball Signo White Gel Pen.
8.  Adhere Whisper White cs with dimensionals.

What a lovely color combination!

Linda

Whatever Wednesday - Medallion Trivet

I made this stamped stone trivet  a few months ago & haven't posted it yet, so I thought I'd show you.  Isn't it beautiful?  You can read about how to create a trivet or coasters in my April 21, 2010 blog post.

This particular trivet is adorned with the gorgeous Medallion stamp and the retired Warm Words stamp set ("happiness").    Just about any word or phrase would look pretty alongside this Medallion design.

One final word about these stone pieces......make sure you purchase the tiles without a glaze on them.  Look for "tumbled tile".

Linda

Tuesday Tips - Twisty Treat Pouch

I am using the Animal Tales designer series paper for today's project.  This dsp was part of my "Designer Series Paper Share" last summer when the recently retired/then newly introduced big catalog appeared on the scene.  If you purchased a dsp share from me last year, then you can make a Twisty Treat Pouch like this one; if not, substitute a different dsp.

If you are interested in another dsp share for the new catalog, please email me to let me know.  You can refer to my blog post from last year for details about my "paper shares" - price remains the same at $24 and the papers would be from the current Idea Book & Catalog.  Double shares can be purchased as well - a double share of dsp is cut 12" x 6" instead of 6" x 6", so it is a great size to use for borders and strips in your scrapbooking - a double share sells for $48.

On to my Tuesday Tip:  Twisty Treat Pouch

This little pouch is so easy to make.  You can throw in a few pieces of candy, a pair of earrings, or a little gift or even a gift card.  You will need a crimper to make it.  I just purchased my crimper, so you can expect to see some fun projects that utilize a crimper posted on my blog in the near future!

Supplies Needed:
Crimper
6 x 6 square of dsp
Sticky Strip

Instructions:

1.  Apply 2 pieces of Sticky Strip to the wrong side of the dsp (see my photo for placement).  The Sticky Strip should be adhered onto what will be the inside of your pouch.

2.  Now apply 1 long piece of Sticky Strip to one of the side edges on the opposite side of the paper (tape is adhered to what will be the outside of the finished project).  This adhesive will allow the tube to stay rolled up (the seam of this little "toilet paper tube".

3.  Carefully roll the paper, width wise, to make it easier to fold.  You are bending a curve into the paper.
 
4.  Form a tube by adhering the sides together with the preattached Sticky Strip.

5.  Close one end of the tube with the preattached Sticky Strip.

6.  Fill the Twisty Treat about two-thirds full; be sure to leave space at the top so you can close and crimp the Twisty Treat.

7.  Twist the tube so that the top is perpenticular to the bottom; close the top with the preattached Sticky Strip.

8.  Finish with a flourish by crimping both ends and adding any accents you like.  I have added a "yummy" tag and ribbon.

Have a terrific day!

Linda

Map It Monday - Three Basic Rectangles

This week's map works well for any tall image and/or long message.  It consists of three basic rectangles.  The layout can also be turned in the opposite direction.

The flower is one of the flower stamps from Flower Fancy Stamp Set.  The message is one of four woman-related sayings that I adore from the stamp set called "Favorite Thoughts" from the Summer Mini Catalog.  The clear mount version is only $11.95 and you can still purchase this stamp set until the end of August!  The images from Favorite Thoughts would be very appropriate to use for making a set of note cards for a friend too!

This card is watercolored using inkpads, Watercolor Wonder Crayons and an Aqua Painter.  The base for the flower is watercolor paper.  Updated color collections for the Watercolor Wonder Crayons will be available soon!

If you haven't watercolored lately, why not get out those products & let the creativity flow?!

Linda

Fast Friday - Happy Birthday Leaves

I made another quick card using the tree stamp from the Thoughts & Prayers stamp set.  Here it is!  I began with a So Saffron card and adhered a wide strip of Old Olive cs.

I punched 3 squares, stamped a message on one of them and stamped parts of the tree stamp on the other two squares.   You can do this in one of two different ways......Ink the tree stamp with Old Olive Classic ink and either wipe off the branches so you can use a Stampin' Write marker in a shade of brown to color the rubber tree branches, or you could make an even quicker card & just stamp it with the entire image being Old Olive.

I also tucked a swatch of beautiful Old Olive 5/8" Satin Ribbon under the middle square.  That ribbon adds a touch of elegance to anything it touches!

This is a very quick card.......Just adhere the squares in a row!  You could turn one of the leaves squares a quarter turn so the branch is going in a different direction or turn the entire card to be horizontal so it opens at the top.

Linda

Think About Color Thursday - Riding Hood Red, Whisper White & Bermuda Bay

Color Combination for this Week:  Riding Hood Red, Whisper White & Bermuda Bay


If you have a Big Shot or Cuttlebug, you may want to make this card using the negative diecut from the Top Note Die.


Stamp images on a Whisper White card front.  Adhere the negative Top Note diecut using dimensionals.  You really want to add enough dimensionals so the little edges don't get caught when inserting or pulling the card from the envelope.



Again, I have stamped the big and small flowers from this week's featured stamp set, Flower Fancy.  Notice I also added an unexpected small flower, adhered with dimensionals.

The message is a combination of cardstock punched with the Modern Label punch, word window punch, and the negative punched card stock from the Curly Label punch!

Linda

Whatever Wednesday - Bee Happy After The Road

So, I went to my book club last night & decided I needed to make a COLORFUL card after discussing "The Road" by Cormac McCarthy.  It was a good book, but oh so dark and depressing.  Time for color!

This card mixes the stamp sets called "Picture This" (2010 Occasions Mini Catty Level One Hostess Set) and "Flower Fancy".  I have been on a roll this week with "Flower Fancy" and the color combination of Riding Hood Red, Wild Wasabi and Bermuda Bay!


I created a background on this card with the bee stamp.  The circles tucked underneath on the left side of the card are created with the 1 3/8" circle punch.


Linda

Tuesday Tips - Crystal Effects

During my July Stamp Camp, we used a product called Crystal Effects.  There was quite a bit of interest in this product, so I thought I would devote my Tuesday Tips post to this product.  There are two cards in today's post that have Crystal Effects used on them.  The look of Crystal Effects is quite beautiful, however, it is very difficult to see in the photos, so you may need to do some imagining.

Stampin’ Up’s Crystal Effects is a dimensional glaze product used for adding gloss or shine and is also used as a strong adhesive.  A dab of Crystal Effects adds a high-gloss finish, but Crystal Effects can also create a 3-D effect.  The applicator tip provides great control.  The product is water based for quick and easy cleanup.  Drying time varies, though the product directions say that it dries completely within an hour – I have found that drying time varies, depending on how thickly it is applied.  I often let my Crystal Effects projects dry overnight to avoid fingerprinting or smudging partially dried projects.  For best results, use Crystal Effects within one year of purchase.

Did you know these fun facts about Crystal Effects?

• Never shake a bottle of Crystal Effects before you use it – it will create unwanted bubbles.  
• Crystal Effects also works great as an adhesive to attach buttons and other heavier embellishments.
•  When “Crystal Effects-ing” (note:  new word invented) a very small piece, the shiny backing behind stickers works well as a scrap mat.  The backing behind the image stickers in Stampin’ Up stamp sets are perfect for this.  Teflon sheets or non-stick shiny baking mats may also work.  You need a work surface that won’t want to hold your project hostage once it is dry. 
• Add a three-dimensional effect to your projects with Crystal Effects. Simply apply a thick line of Crystal Effects to the outline of your stamped image. After the line has dried, add a thinner coat of Crystal Effects to the inside area of what was outlined.
•  A straight pin can be a Crystal Effects “buddy” during your work session.  Every time you set the bottle back down onto your work surface in between applications, stick the pin buddy into the opening of the bottle to prevent a clog.  Just be sure to remove the pin before storing your Crystal Effects bottle when the project session is over – the pin can cause rust that will taint the product.  Wipe off the pin & stretch a ponytail rubber band around the bottle, then tuck the pin between there so it’s always handy!  Recap after use to prevent the tip from drying and clogging.
•  Crystal Effects can be used with any stamped image that has been colored with any medium: Watercolor Wonder Crayons, Stampin’ Write Markers, Stampin’ Pastels, Stampin’ Pads.
•  As Crystal Effects dries, the surface tends to flatten out a bit. 
• If a rubber stamp gets damaged, Crystal Effects can be used to adhere the foam to the rubber when it has separated, or the mounted rubber back onto a wood block. 
• When you cut the tip off the bottle, make sure you don’t cut off too much.  A tiny spout allows for more precise application control.

Try these ideas with Crystal Effects:

water below the snail has Crystal Effects

Raindrops, dew on a flower or grass - see centers of flowers on above card (hard to see)

Faux Buttons

Sprinkle with glitter

Page pebbles

Add 1 or 2 drops classic reinker for a colored glossy glaze

Adds a glisten to eyes on a stamped image of an animal or person

Creates the look of glass (a vase, window)

Repairs household items

Water, lake, puddle - see snail card shown here- I applied CE to  the water below the snail - can you see it?

Adheres beads, microbeads, embellishments

Apply with a paintbrush as a sealant

Mix with reinker drops & colorize window sheets


Ready to give Crystal Effects a try?   


Have a nice day!

Linda

Map It Monday - Hanging From a Ribbon

This week's card map is a great design to use when you want to use a scrap of ribbon.

The Bermuda Bay (recently retired In Color) card is stamped in Bermuda Bay Classic Ink with the owl stamp from the Picture This stamp set in the Occasions Mini catty (retired).  The words on the owl stamp are omitted using a Bermuda Bay Stampin' Write Marker for the owl stamping down the left side of the card.  The entire message is inked in Bermuda Bay Classic ink for the main message.

I stamped the small flowers and small leaves from the Flower Fancy stamp set on two squares of Whisper White cs.  The 2-step stamped flower images are done in a new color, Cherry Cobbler (the line image) and Bermuda Bay (the solid flower image).

The leaves are stamped with Wild Wasabi green Classic Ink.  The solid interior leaf images are first stamped off so the interior of the leaves are in second generation.

The flowered cs squares are layered in Cherry Cobbler and Wild Wasabi cs.


A length of ribbon is tied at the top & adhered to the card.  The two flower pieces are adhered with dimensionals over the ribbon.

I hope to see you at my WOW stamp camp on Thursday evening - give me an email is you'd like to attend!

Linda