TODAY ONLY - Stampin' Up Demonstrator Kit Half Off!!!

Don’t miss this deal!

TODAY ONLY you can still purchase the Standard or Digital+ Starter Kits

for only $87.50 - this price is 50% off regular kit price of $175

($310 value in your kit!)

Have you been thinking about taking this journey with Stampin’ Up?

TODAY IS THE PERFECT OPPORTUNITY!

Call 440-289-6715 until midnight to purchase your own Demonstrator Starter Kit!

And, one more thing…..

50% off sale ends today

ONLINE HOLIDAY SPECTATULAR SALE

That sale includes My Digital Studio, 

Stampin' Up's Digital Projects Software!

Why not give digital or hybrid scrapbooking

a try for less than $40!!!!????!!!!

I'll be up late, just in case you are interested!

Linda

Tuesday Tips - Extra Gift Tags?

Do you have extra gift tags?  I had a few extra gift tags from last Christmas.  Why not place them onto a card to make a holiday thank you card or Christmas card?

The card is die cut with the scallop square Stampin' Up clear Bigz die from Whisper White card stock, and then the card front is dry embossed in the Square Lattice Textured Impressions Embossing Folder Die.

A strip of coordinating dsp is adhered to the card front, and then the prepared tag is adhered with Stampin' dimensionals.

Linda

Map It Monday - Cute Merry Canes

Well, with the Thanksgiving weekend only a memory, we are now officially into the Christmas holiday season!  My posts for the next month will be mostly holiday related, so put on the holiday tunes and enjoy the ride. 

The dsp on today's card is from the Merry Moments designer paper package (2009, retired).  I punched various sizes of circles with circle punches and adhered the circles onto Very Vanilla cs for an interesting background. 

Real Red cs and Real Red classic ink on Very Vanilla cs look beautiful together!  The candy cane image is from a new stamp set called A Cute Christmas from the Holiday Mini.  The "Merry Christmas" message is part of the Season of Joy stamp set located in the Idea Book & Catalog.  

Other punches used are the widest oval punch and the modern label punch.

Linda

Fast Friday - Fast Holiday Gift Tag

This week's Fast Friday post is as quick a gift tag as you can make.    Stamp the little snowman tag stamp from the Christmas Punch stamp set in Baja Breeze classic ink, and then punch it out with the small tag punch.  Layer it onto Old Olive cs that has been punched with the large tag punch.  Punch a small hole and insert silver cord or ribbon!

If you are not shopping today on this Black Friday, why not stamp your gift tags for gifts you will give this year?!


Linda

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Yes, it is a Thursday, however, today's post is not about a color combination (Think About Color Thursday will be back next Thursday).

My message to you is a simple one on this Thanksgiving Day!

thankful.........for you.

Blessings,

Linda

Whatever Wednesday - Buttoned Up Pumpkin

Thanksgiving is here at least - here's a pumpkin card to help you celebrate.

My favorite part of this card is the grouping of embellishments on the leaves.  I grouped a brad, two buttons, and a hemp twine bow, each one matching a color on the card.

Paper piercing down the side with the help of a mat pack and adorned edges on a Night of Navy cs mat make it even prettier!   The Night of Navy edges are punched with the Scallop Trim Border Punch and the Scallop Trim Corner Punch.  If you need a refresher in how to align these punches to create a professional looking piece of scalloped cs, just let me know!

The stamping of the pumpkin and leaves is done with a Stazon Jet Black inkpad on watercolor paper.  The watercolor paper resists buckling when wet, so it is the best paper choice when watercoloring with an Aqua Painter and Watercolor Wonder Crayons!  And, those are the products that I used to color here.  The new Watercolor Wonder Crayons will be available for purchase within the next few weeks!  Stampin' Up is changing suppliers and has been awaiting the return to inventory of this awesome product, so let me know in the near future if you want to add them to your Christmas wish list.

Here's another card that would look nice colored with Watercolor Wonder Crayons!

Linda

Tuesday Tiips - Layer Dimensionals

Did you know that you can stack Stampin' Dimensionals?  Today's card has several layered elements.  Take a look at how the two rows of punched circles on today's card are each at different heights above the card surface.  This look is created by using "stacks" of Stampin' Dimensionals.

How is this done?  It's as simple as it sounds.  A message on your card might be adhered using one layer of dimensionals, yet an image could be adhered on the same card using two or three stacked Stampin' Dimensionals.  Since the Stampin' Dimensionals have paper backing on both sides, it's easy to do.  Remove the backing on one side of a dimensional & apply to the back of what you want to adhere.  Then, remove the backing from the flipside of the dimensional & press on another un-backed dimensional.  Now you have a double decked dimensional sandwich!  You can stack even three or four dimensionals, depending on how tall you want the element to sit on your project!

This is what my card looked like after I stacked the More Mustard cs circles.  The lower row has only one layer of dimensionals, whereas the row that sits slightly higher has two layers of Stampin' Dimensionals.

The Soft Suede dsp layer uses three layers of dimensionals, raising it above all the punched circles.  Sometimes I actually need to think about how many dimensionals to add, to make sure an element is even and level! 

The tip for this week:  layer dimensionals!

Give it a try!

Linda

Map It Monday - Pumpkin Cupcake

This week's map is for a simple, quick card.  It could've been posted for Fast Friday!

On a tall Pumpkin Pie card, I adhered Tempting Turquoise patterned dsp near the fold of the card.  I stamped some fun birthday images on Whisper White cs rectangles & positioned them in the center of the card!

 

Lastly, I punched a column of holes on the card front with a Crop-o-Dile & laced Tempting Turquoise one quarter inch grosgrain ribbon through the holes.  I first tied a knot in one end.  After lacing, I tied a knot in the other end and trimmed the ribbon close.

Linda

Fast Friday - Dimensional Giraffe

A baby giraffe card is today's Fast Friday post.  I have used a retired stamp set.  This card would look terrific stamped with any of these stamp sets:  Baby Bundle,  Fox & Friends,    Teddy & Train, or the cute-as-a-button Bear Hugs stamp set.  You can copy the layout, pastel colors, and even the punch shapes, yet you can change the image and message - different animal or different words on the circle!

The Scallop Border Punch creates a nice decorative border along the bottom edge of the card.  The So Saffron patterns dsp "background", bottom border, and modern label are a nice change from the same look in plain card stock. 


A few details are added with some paper piercing and Stampin' Dimensionals for the main image.  This card wasn't as quick as some of my Fast Friday cards, but it is still a card that can be made with minimal paper products, one color ink, and a few punches, which is what makes it a fairly quick creation.

Linda

Think About Color Thursday - Soft Suede, Sahara Sand and Whisper White

Here is a sympathy card that we will be making at an upcoming stamp camp in 2011.  Isn't it gorgeous!?!  These two colors truly look elegant together.  Sorry for the short posts lately - so much to do, yet I want to share the love.

Have a great day!

Linda

Whatever Wednesday - Grateful Apple Cider Comeback

The retired Apple Cider designer series paper makes a comeback today, along with the True Friend stamp set.

The "grateful" message comes from the Falling Leaves stamp set in the IB&C. 

Just a quick post today - looks like you have yet another thing to be grateful for. :)

Linda

Tuesday Tips - Dotted Scallop Ribbon Punch

What would you think about a paper punch that could magically transform a long and thin scrap of card stock instantly into a piece of ribbon?  Like this.....

Well, there IS a punch like this available - the Dotted Scallop Ribbon Punch!  You can see this punch, and Stampin' Up's other paper punches, on the Stampin' Up website (or on page 200/201 in Stampin' Up's current catalog)!  You can make your own "faux ribbon" with this punch for your cards and projects!

Here is a card that we stamped at the October stamp camp for Sweetest Day.  You might recognize it. ;)   See the little pink strip across the top?  The Dotted Scallop Ribbon punch created it!

Thank you to my friend Teri for this card inspiration.

 

I like that this punch actually makes little holes in each scallop and that you can see through the holes to the color underneath!  These details on the "faux ribbon" are so pretty on a card!

Let me know if you want one of these punches!  

Linda

Map It Monday - Sweet Pea Teddy

 

What could be cuter than a teddy bear image for a little baby?  Today's card is stamped with the tiny teddy from the All in the Family stamp set and the "sweet pea" image from the So Cute stamp set.

Here is the interior of the card.  This card map layout is a great one for a peek-a-boo hole.  I decided the mini teddy was the perfect image to peek at!  If you don't want a peek-a-boo hole, simply adhere a circular embellishment or punched circle in that spot on the card front.

Fast Friday - White Butterfly

Is this card bright enough for you?  Go ahead - get your sunglasses!  It's not only a fast card, but it sure is a colorful one!

 I diecut a butterfly for this card, but you could also stamp a butterfly.

I adhered a few bright strips of dsp, then adhered a layered flower and the white butterfly.  The diecut flower is layered with punched circles from two colors of card stock. 

Have a terrific weekend!

Linda

Think About Color Thursday - White, White, and More White

Think About Color Thursday - Color Combination for this week?......White, White, White (& maybe a splash of red!)

I have created this exquisite holiday tissue box cover with Whisper White cs exclusively!  The picture doesn't even do it justice!!!  It is truly gorgeous!  There are faux pearls on the top, which totally glams it up!  You can make one too at the December 1 "Stampin' For Christmas" Stamp Camp!!!!! 

here is the side view

Whatever Wednesday - Trees for the Season

I've been stamping some Christmas holiday projects lately.  Here's one of many that I hope to post in the next six weeks!

The message  piece on the front of the card is stamped with retired Stampin' Up stamps.  There are so many lovely new stamps, but I do enjoy breaking out the retired stamps in my studio often enough!  The circle on which the images are stamped is created using a circle cutter.  Stampin' Up's Circle Scissor Plus is available in our Idea Book & Catalog.  The stamped circle is adhered with Stampin' Dimensionals to the card. 

I have created my own designer paper on the Garden Green cs layer by repeat stamping the holly leaves from the Berry Christmas stamp set.   It was fun to create this one-of-a-kind "designer paper" - I have used Garden Green classic ink, so it is "tone on tone".

The bottom border is created with the Scallop Trim Border Punch. 

Linda

Tuesday Tips - Starburst

Last Tuesday I posted a card that had a starburst design and today I will show you how to create that starburst.  This is the card - you might remember it from last week.

Basically, the equation is:

plus

equals

That's right!  Now, create a starburst of your own!

1.  Punch a 1 3/8 inch circle, leaving a little room around the punched area.

2.  Now, center the 1 3/8 inch SCALLOP circle punch around the hole you just punched & then punch here.

3.  Now you have this little scalloped ring:

4.  Put a few dots of temporary adhesive on the back of this scalloped ring & adhere it to a piece of printer paper.  Make sure you use multipurpose printer paper because you want a paper thinner than card stock.  The photo above is actually the scalloped ring adhered to the multipurpose paper.

5.  Now, align the scallop circle punch with the scallop circle on the paper, then rotate the cutting surface just slightly so the scallops are about a half a petal misaligned.  Go ahead & punch.

6.  You should have a starburst ring that is still attached (temporarily) to the multipurpose paper, like this:

7.  Carefully remove the backing & you have your starburst!

Map It Monday - Snow Embossed Trees

Christmas is less than two months away!!!!! Today's card honors that fact.

I had hoped to do this card at a stamp camp, but I ran out of time and camps for the plentiful idea bank I have in my head!  So, I figured that I would just post it here for you because it is soooo pretty!  The Scenic Season stamp set is so gorgeous, and why not partner those glistening evergreen trees with "life is a matter of moments" from the Elements of Style stamp set !

If you like the style of this card, you are in luck because I will be teaching the technique that I used for this card at my November Stamp Camp this week.  I almost forgot - I will show you how to make this adorable button bow too!  Email lahinks@gmail.com - there's still a couple of days to sign up.

Linda

Fast Friday - One More Pumpkin Card

Here's a pumpkin card to celebrate Autumn.......Pumpkin Pie card stock, that is.

The cupcake image is stamped in Tempting Turquoise classic ink.  Such a wee, cute little stamp, isn't it!?

Tempting Turquoise and Pumpkin Pie and Early Espresso look marvelous together! 

I added a strip of Early Espresso cs at the bottom of this card and also layered the cupcake in Tempting Turqouise and Early Espresso cs.

I cut into the fold of the card so I could tie some scrumptious Tempting Turquoise double stitched ribbon across the card front.

I hope you have a fantastic weekend & make some time to stamp!

Linda

Think About Color Thursday - Crumb Cake and Real Red

I just love the Awash with Flowers stamp set!  This stamp set coordinates well with the embossing folder that I've used as well.  Both products have sweeping, soft, curved lines.

I have dry embossed the card background with the  Elegant Lines Textured Impressions Embossing Folder.  Doesn't it look beautiful!?  I love, love, love this embossing folder.  This embossing folder was also used for a Gratitude Journal that we will make at next week's November stamp camp.  The card posted today will most likely be a card we will create at the January stamp camp.  I haven't scheduled it quite yet, but stay tuned if you want to make this card.

I seem to love the Crumb Cake color with just about any other color!  This neutral color is definitely one that I use often.  I always make sure that I have plenty of Crumb Cake, Whisper White, and Very Vanilla cs on hand!  Pairing it with Real Red is a terrific duo not only for holidays such as Christmas and Valentine's Day, but also for ordinary all occasion cards!

Linda

Whatever Wednesday - Scallop Square November Stamp Camp Card

The card I am posting today is a SNEAK PEAK for next week's November Stamp Camp!

I have six fantastic projects for the November Stamp Camp.  You can still register by email to lahinks@gmail.com.  The camp is Wednesday, November 10, at 7 pm.


Linda

Tuesday Tips - Curly Border

Recently I posted projects that had a curly border.  Remember these?.....the tall Halloween card.......and this wee little card?   I've been asked how I made the sculpted border on these cards.  It's very easy.  I'll walk you through the steps.  Today's card has the curly  border placed across the center of the card.

Curly Label Border:

1.  Align the Curly Label Punch on a strip of cs so the punch design's "sideways points" are even with the bottom edge of the cs.  Notice that the curly design on this particular punch has points that stick out on each side and points on the top and bottom edge of the design.  Once lined up, give it a punch.

2.   This is what it'll look like.....

 

3.  Line up the punch a second time in the same way.  Eyeball the alignment so you are punching consistently all the way down the strip of cs each time.  Do you see the partial little "figure 8" along the right side of the punch design where the last visible punched area is?  I try to get that alignment each time.   It doesn't really matter exactly where or how you align the punch on the paper; what is important is that however you align the punch the first and second time, that you continue to align at exactly the same spot each time you go across the strip of cs.  You are trying to get a consistent & uniform look across the cs.

4.  After the second time I punched, I already have a curly border appearing:

5.  After you punch all the way across the cs strip, it should look like this!

 

I trimmed the curly border & added it to my card!

Give it a try!  Next week I will show you how I made the starburst design on this card.

Linda

Map It Monday - Monday Had a Little Lamb

I've got a quick post today stamped with the little lamb stamp from the Pun Fun stamp set.  It's one of the old stand-by stamp sets that I use when I'm in the mood to make something cute or to make somebody smile.  

The map is a universal one - just about any medium sized stamp will work well on a layout such as this.

Check out the lamb's wool - I have colored the white wool in with a Uni-Ball Signo Gel Pen!  Too Cute!

The Halloween Frights stamp set's starry sky stamp is stamped in black classic ink - while I had this Halloween stamp set out, I thought I could put it to use for something other than Halloween!

Linda