~letmeinkaboutit

Fast Friday - Crumbcake Heart

2012-02-10T05:28:00.004-05:00

Happy Friday!

Valentine's Day cards are so much fun to create! I've been quite heart happy. Today's quick card of the week is a stew of several types of hearts.

I punched the full heart punch into a Crumb Cake square of card stock and backed it with designer series paper. Any of Stampin' Up's dsp in a shade of pink will do. Consider using up a scrap! You can make an entire set of these cards using dsp scraps! I also inked the edges of this Crumb Cake square element with a Crumb Cake Classic inkpad.

Other hearts in my heart stew are the tiniest heart from the 3 heart punch and two die cut hearts. The new Fashionable Hearts Embosslit Die from the current 2012 Occasions Mini Catalog makes it so easy to make these little hearts!

Happy Weekend!

Linda

Think About Color Thursday - Whisper White and Shades of Pink

2012-02-09T05:55:00.002-05:00

This week's blog color combination is:

Whisper White and Several Shades of Pink! {Of course, in honor of Valentine's Day!}

To make this card, die cut Top Notes in both Whisper White and a coordinating designer series paper (This dsp is a Rose Red patterned paper from a retired "Cutie Pie" Designer Series Paper - you can use any current Rose Red shade of dsp or any of Stampin' Up's shades of pink!) I stamped my message, "thinking of you", repeatedly onto the Top Note dsp in Whisper White Craft ink, stamping off the Top Note so it looks like the "thinking of you" is part of the pattern on the designer paper.

Adhere both Top Notes to the card, slightly offset so you can see both colors of top note.
Next, punch circles from the various shades of pink that you have chosen as your card's color palette. Adhere the circles overlapping across the card.

Carve out a small sliver from the fold of the card with paper snips so when you open the card, there is a narrow hole which is the perfect size for inserting ribbon. The little paper snips scissors, or trimming scissors, should just follow along the fold every so slightly.

Now, slide Pretty in Pink satin 5/8" ribbon through the ribbon slit; tie it around the card - a double knot or even a pretty bow would look nice.

Linda

Whatever Wednesday - Twitterpated Petite Pocket

2012-02-08T05:16:00.017-05:00

At a recent stamp class the gals made this petite pocket project. The slider on the inside could be simply a message card or it could be a bookmark.

The project is simple to make with the Petite Pocket Big Shot Die! I've decorated the Petete Pocket with the new Occasions Mini Catalog Twitterpated Designer Series Paper and the recently retired Holiday Mini Catalog's Gift Givers stamp set!

I made a "belly band' to keep the pocket envelope closed.

Enjoy the day!

Linda

Tuesday Tips - Hide the Velum Holiday card

2012-02-07T05:00:00.010-05:00

Vellum can look so soft and pretty on a card. Adhering vellum to a card can be frustrating once in a awhile because we certainly do not like to see adhesive through the vellum, yet adhesive cannot always be hidden under embellishments like buttons and ribbons. Today I offer you another solution if you are ever in this quandary.

Score vellum 1/4" on both the top and bottom edges, and then apply "Sticky Strip" onto both the top and bottom edges of the underside of the vellum between the score line and edge along the length of the vellum. Simply remove the red backing from the Sticky Strip and attach the vellum to your card. You will notice the top and bottom scored panels, however, it does not appear to be the adhesive showing through because the adhesive is applied along the entire length of the vellum and covers the entire width of the scored panels!

The bottom scored vellum panel is further camoflouged by Stampin' Up's new breathtakingly beautiful Blushing Bride 3/8" Pleated Satin Ribbon. This ribbon is, in my opinion, THE MOST GORGEOUS ribbon I have ever held in my hands! I highly recommend that you purchase some of it while it is available (thru the end of April, 2012).

I also stamped onto the vellum before applying Sticky Strip. Ink stamped onto vellum tends to smear and smudge if handled before dry, so give it a minute or two to dry before applying the vellum to the card. A heat tool can help out when you want to speed up the ink drying. Be careful, though, to not burn the vellum. Stamps used on today's card are from the current Occasions Mini Catalog, P.S. I Love You stamp set. I also stamped with the "friend" heart stamp from I Heart Hearts stamp set in the current Idea Book & Catalog.

Hope you enjoy playing with vellum on your next card!

Linda

Map It Monday - Flirtatious Doily

2012-02-06T08:24:00.000-05:00

Have you seen Stampin' Up's Flirtatious Specialty Paper? Two of the paper designs in this package are actually laser cut doily pages. In other words, bunches of doilies all intertwined! They can be cut apart for use separately or placed as an awesome backdrop on a scrapbook page! On today's card I have adhered a section of the Melon Mambo doily paper to my card front for interest. The designer series paper that sits atop the doilies is also a page from the same dsp package.

The beautiful scrolled "Happy Valentines Day" message stamp is part of the You Are Loved stamp set in the Holiday Mini Catalog, recently retired. I liked the idea of strong contrast from the 5/8" Basic Black Satin Ribbon on the card, so I also stamped my message with Basic Black Classic ink.

Linda

Whatever Wednesday - Christmas Snowman Scrapbook Layout

2012-02-01T05:35:00.001-05:00

Oh, it has been quite a while since I posted a scrapbook layout. If you've been reading my blog for a few years, you may recall that I previously used to post some scrapbook pages on Scrapbook Saturdays. The glitch in that routine is that often I wouldn't post my favorite layouts because I would save those page designs exclusively for my scrapbooking group classes.

Well, last night I hosted a scrapbooking night and this is the two page layout that the ladies created. Their finished layouts looked so pretty!

Colors on this layout are Real Red, Old Olive, retired Bermuda Bay, Crumb Cake, and Whisper White. I drew the snowman freehand and the gals used it as a template.

We also embellished the tree with Stampin' Up's Mica Flakes, which is a product that was featured in the recently retired 2011 Holiday Mini catalog. Dazzling Details glitter glue drips on the snowman's head give her an icicle appearance.

The Tasteful Trims Big Shot Bigz XL die and the 1/2" circle punch work well together to style the colored strips and attract attention.

I created the snowman nose with the star punch (only one of the points on the star)! Two kinds of Stampin' Up Real Red and Whisper White ribbon also help to decorate the layout.

Let me know how you like the layout! Next month on Wednesday, February 22, at my scrapbooking class, we will create a lovely mini vintage styled album. This album makes a fantastic gift if you are looking for a special present for a special someone too! You can register now with an email to lahinks@gmail.com.

Linda

Whatever Wedesnday - Packed For Twitterpated Baby

2012-01-25T16:23:00.000-05:00

Hi Stampers!

Today I'm sharing with you a fun card I made to swap with other Stampin' Up demonstrators at a recent meeting. Had you noticed the "Packed For Baby" stamp on page 39 of the new Occasions Mini Catalog?

There sure is quite a bit of empty space on the stamp design and it will be a pleasure to color on another day. Today was not one of those days that I could have the pleasure of coloring at my leisure. I decided to just lightly color in a few of the images within the larger stamped image. I chose a primary color combination of blue, red & green - Marina Mist, Riding Hood Red, and Certainly Celery (I couldn't find my Pear Pizzazz inkpad at the time, which was my first idea).

I also embellished with the Twitterpated designer fabric and in the Occasions Mini catty. If you make a small snip in the fabric and tear in one direction straight down, you can make fabric ribbons!

If the "heaven blessed" stamp doesn't look familiar, it is because I borrowed a few words from a stamp in the Heaven Blessed Easter stamp set! I used the Omitting stamping technique and colored onto the rubber stamp with a Marina Mist Stampin' Write marker, being careful to color only the words I wanted to use. I stamped it onto Bashful Blue cs.

The main image is stamped onto watercolor paper and adhered with Stampin' Dimensionals. The bling of the adhesive backed Basic Rhinestones finishes the card off.

It just so happens that I have a need to send a new baby card today, so I can cross that task off my list! And, I had fun making it!

Linda

Tuesday Tips - Crumple!

2012-01-24T11:00:00.000-05:00

My tip for cards today is to do paper crumpling on a project. That's right.....just crumple it up like you are going to throw it away.....but, wait, don't throw it away! Instead, open it back up and semi-flatten it again. Today's card utilizes a Pear Pizzazz cs that has been crumpled as a mat for the snail image.

Why should you crumple? Crumpled paper is a method of distressing paper. The crumpled paper adds texture and dimension to the project. It also adds a new design element.

If you are aiming for a project with vintage, romantic or masculine style, the crumpled element will exaggerate that style. As a matter of fact, if you stamp a background stamp in second or third generation before crumpling, you can add another layer of interest and the distressing or aging affect is enhanced.

Other ways to use your crumpled elements:

Try stamping on the card stock AFTER you crumple and flatten the paper
Crumple a cs strip and adhere with Stampin' Dimensionals down the edge of a card
Rub a distressing ink spot on the crinkled paper & you will see those crinkle lines pop!

It's very engaging to play with this technique. You may even discover additional ways to use this technique on your projects!

NOTES ON TODAY'S CARD:

stamp set: Easy Events
inks: Black Stazon; Stampin' Write markers - Marina Mist, Real Red, Pear Pizzazz, Soft Suede
cs: Marina Mist, Pear Pizzazz
dsp: Marina Mist Patterns
other paper: watercolor paper
punches: Decorative label, scallop trim border
ribbon: 1/4" grosgrain ribbon - Marina Mist, non S U polka dot ribbon
other: mini library clip, aqua painter

Have a great day!

Linda

Fast Friday - Twitter Elements

2012-01-20T05:25:00.001-05:00

Happy Friday!

I bring you a breath of Spring again today.

NOTES:

card: Very Vanilla

dsp: Blushing Bride Patterns dsp, Twitterpated dsp
stamps: Elements of Style
ink: Riding Hood Red Classic Inkpad
other: Twitterpated designer fabric, Stampin' Dimensionals

The card is straight forward and simple to create. Tie a strip of designer fabric in one knot & adhere it with a few Stampin' Dimensionals. Fun!

Have a great weekend!

Linda

Think About Color Thursday - Regal Rose, Certainly Celery, Basic Black & Very Vanilla

2012-01-19T23:25:00.000-05:00

Hi there,

It seems like I have seldom blog posted for the past month, so I will try to do better. This week I feature the beautiful color combination of Regal Rose, Certainly Celery, Basic Black and Very Vanilla.

This card is one of the "Thrilling Three" projects that guests made this evening at my stamping class. How could a card made with both the Stampin' Up's new Labels Collection Framelits Die and Apothecary Art Stamp Set not be gorgeous?!

The Very Vanilla card is the backdrop for the stamping the large flower spray from the Elements of Style stamp set. The Apothecary Art image is made into a beautiful focal point with Stampin' pastels.

The message stamp is from the new Loving Thoughts stamp set in the Occasions 2012 Mini Catty as well. The striped ribbon is actually a torn strip of the Twitterpated designer fabric from that Mini Catty.

Today's floral-styled card would be a lovely birthday card too!

Linda

Tuesday Tips - Punch Art Mommy and Baby Polar Bear Valentines

2012-01-17T05:25:00.008-05:00

I love the snow. I just cannot relate when people complain about it. It deserves a tribute with today's valentine card. There's no love greater than a momma and a baby, right?

Baby polar bears are the cutest things ever. I made the bears with circle and oval punches! The face can either be created with black cs and punches or with a black marker.

Here's the recipe:
Snow: Cut white cs to the size you want & simply tear it to create a snow bank.

mama bear:
head & body =two 1-3/4" circles
snout=large white oval (cut in half & rounded)
ears=two 3/4" white circles
nose= 1/4" black circle
eyes=marker

baby bear:
body & head=two 1" circles
snout=small white oval (cut in half & rounded)
ears=two 1/2" white circles
nose=the smallest little punched circle you can find or draw it with a marker!
eyes=marker

Have a nice day.

Linda

Fast Friday - Alternative Easy Apothecary Art

2012-01-13T13:57:00.000-05:00

So, have you seen the new Stampin' Up Occasions Mini Catalog? Click on the link on this blog's sidebar to check it out! It is absolutely gorgeous and I want many products in it! One of the things I ordered first is the Apothecary Art stamp set. The stamp set has new Big Shot dies that coordinate with it! Awesome!

Today, I am posting a card we stamped at last night's Siimple, Yet Stunning stamp class. The card offers an easy peasy card front alternative for using this stamp set. I have simply repeat stamped the beautiful label stamp on a card front in first and second generation stamping. How easy is that?!

I tried to capture the bling in the photo & perhaps was denied, but I have applied dabs of 2-way glue pen to the flower centers and then sprinkled Dazzling Diamonds glitter on it. The glitter gives the card a romantic, chic look.

The tag is made with the curly label punch and the large oval punch. Defined by Life is the stamp set.

Lovin' the snow today!

Linda

Map It Monday - Tangerine Scallop

2012-01-09T12:34:00.009-05:00

Happy Monday!

Today I share with you a card that a customer has asked me to bring back. We stamped this card at a stamping class and it quickly became a favorite.

NOTES:
stamp set: Flower Fest, Teeny Tiny Wishes
inks: Classic Stampin' Pads - Bashful Blue, Old Olive, Basic Black, Tangerine Tango
cs: Tangergine Tango, Whisper White, Bashful Blue
ribbon: Tangerine Tango Double Striped Grosgrain, Bashful Blue
other: Big Shot, Scallop Square Bigz Clear Die, Elegant Lines Embossing Folder, non S U tag die

Have a great day!

Linda

Fast Friday - Elegant Striped Thank You

2012-01-06T11:59:00.000-05:00

Today's Fast Friday post is a thank you note card that I made recently. The professional, sleek styling is just right to use as a business thank you note. It also would be a fine style for both masculine and feminine personal notes.

The Whisper White card is dry embossed in the Big Shot machine using the Stampin' Up Stripes embossing folder. Only the bottom portion of the card front is embossed. A simple "Elegant Thank You" stamp image is stamped with Black Stazon ink centered on the front of the card. Some nice alternatives to the stamp I used here might be the "Just Thank You" A La Carte stamp, one of the stamps in the "Thank You Kindly" stamp set, or even one of the messages in the timeless "Sincere Salutations" stamp set. A monogram would be an attractive design, as well.

Linda

Masculine/Feminine Note Card Duo Gift

2012-01-01T12:35:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year!

I have taken some much needed relaxation time but I'm ready to blog again! I have so many stamping ideas for the new year and I am very excited to share them with you. My stamping events for the next few months will consist of 3 events each month:

A stamping class called "Stunning, Yet Simple" - Stamp 6 uncomplicated but stunning cards.

A kicked-up stamping class called "Thrilling Three" - Create 3 exceptional projects and/or cards. These projects might be a more detailed, lavish card with many layers, techniques and embellishments, or perhaps a gift set of cards in a box or even a decor item for the home. Stay tuned. My wheels are turning.

The "Latest" Layout - Every month I will offer a scrapbooking class. The project will vary, with some layouts being a two page 12x12 spread and some classes making mini "portable" giftworthy scrapbook albums of all sorts. Some pretty things are on the way!

On to today's project post........I made this gift for the host and hostess of a dinner party we attended recently. I wanted to stamp monogrammed cards for both of them and then decided to put them in a little handled box. One side of the box is embellished with the man's initial and the other side is embellished with the lady's initial. Then, it's fitting to simply slide the feminine cards into the lady's side of the box, and vice versa. I like how it all turned out.

The dsp I used is the "Night and Day" dsp (retired). The cards were quick to stamp and I embossed each one in the Big Shot with either the Houndstooth embossing folder or the Manhattan Flower embossing folder.

I definitely think I will make some more of these card gift sets. I'd love to hear your comments on what you think of it.

Linda

merry christmas to all of my blog friends

2011-12-25T12:54:00.000-05:00

Christmas blessings to you all.

I hope you each have a lovely, happy, peaceful holiday.

Linda

Think About Color Thursday - Silver, Night of Navy, Whisper White

2011-12-22T05:17:00.005-05:00

This week's color combination is:

Silver

Night of Navy

Whisper White

This is a Christmas card that I created for my mother to send this year. I think the silver glitter paper enhances the card and gives it elegance.

The main image is also silver, though this image is stamped with Versamark and heat embossed using silver embossing powder.

The Come to Bethlehem stamp set is featured on this card. The scene in silhouette makes it ideal to heat emboss.

Linda

Whatever Wednesday - Scallop Square Set

2011-12-21T23:17:00.000-05:00

Here's a cute little set of note cards that I made and have been wanting to share with you. The cards are square, scallop square to be exact. They are die cut using the Stampin' Up Big Shot scallop square die. The dsp is all from the same collection, Sweet Pea (retired). You can make a set of cards similar to this using just about any dsp collection, a few punches, and a few stamps. Circles dies also can be used as I have done here.

Need a last minute Christmas gift to give? Maybe a sweet note card collection will be just the thing you can do!

Linda

Map It Monday - Wide Ribbon Thank You

2011-12-19T09:09:00.011-05:00

It's Map It Monday and it is also the last Monday prior to Christmas. Yikes. No baking done yet. No wrapping done yet. Time to kick it into high gear.

This Christmas card is a nice Christmas gift thank you card to send after you've been a good girl and received a really nice Christmas present. Don't you love, love, love the wide striped grosgrain ribbon?!?!

You can use that holiday themed designer series paper on today's card that you have left over from Christmas cards and holiday projects.

If you have Stampin' Up's ornament punch, you can use any of our ornament stamp designs to create this card. If not, you can get yourself a Christmas gift and ask me to order it for you!

Have a great, busy pre-Christmas week!

Linda

Tuesday Tips - Dry Embossing over Stamping

2011-12-13T05:45:00.019-05:00

You have stamped and you may have dry embossed, but have you stamped & dry embossed on the same piece of card stock? Here I have stamped snowflakes onto Whisper White cs and then embossed it in a snowflake embossing folder through the Big Shot die cutting system. You get more snowflakes per square inch that way! :)

I layered a tag with the three colors in the color combination {Pool Party, Riding Hood Red, and Whisper White}, and then I wrapped up the card with a long piece of the beautiful 1 1/4" striped grosgrain Riding Hood Red ribbon. The style and the color combo of this card are gorgeous!

If you have your Christmas cards mailed already, why not make this card for a holiday thank you note?!

Linda

Think About Color Thursday - Concord Crush, Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive

2011-12-08T13:18:00.000-05:00

This week's color combination is a rich Christmas trio:

Concord Crush, Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive.

The neutral card is Very Vanilla; the richness of the color combination here required a light color to soften it. Here are my notes if you'd like to give this card a try at home.

NOTES:

Stamp Sets: Tags Til Christmas, Heard From the Heart

Ink: Cherry Cobbler Classic Stampin' Pad

Cs: Very Vanilla, Concord Crush, Cherry Crush, Old Olive

dsp: Patterns dsp - Concord Crush

Punches: Ornament, 1/2" circle, snowflake

Ribbon: 3/8" Quilted Satin Ribbon - Cherry Cobbler

Other: Snowflake Embossing Folder, Vintage Mini Tags, Basic Rhinestone Jewels, Stampin' Dimensionals

Decorating the house for Christmas today FINALLY!

Linda

Whatever Wednesday - Embellished Treat Box

2011-12-07T05:14:00.003-05:00

I am featuring one more project that the gals stamped at my recent "Christmas Buffet" stamp camp. I found these large bakery treat boxes on clearance at a discount store and snatched them up to save for this particular stamp camp. So many people like to give home baked treats for the holidays as a hostess gift or to neighbors and friends. You can purchase plain Chinese takeout boxes or bakery boxes and embellish them yourself at a fraction of the cost of what it could cost to purchase giftwrap options at a retail store!

Here I simply adhered strips of dsp on all four sides near the bottom and then trimmed the dsp with paper snips so it would be angled like the box. The dsp on the top of the box is a large diecut from the Scallop Square Bigz Clear Die. Just add some ribbon and embellishments and fill with something yummy!

Linda

Tuesday Tips - Matchbox "Double Drawers"

2011-12-06T10:52:00.000-05:00

Here's a great way to give jewelry as a Christmas gift! {Or anything else of similar size!}.....make a darling little two drawer gift box and add a special something in each drawer! It is so easy to make this gift box if you have the Stampin' Up Bigz Matchbox Die and a Big Shot diecutting machine! This little box is one of the projects the gals made at my recent "Christmas Buffet" stamp camp!

You will need to die cut two sets of the matchbox and sleeve. The Riding Hood Red little tag is actually one of three tag shapes that are also cut in the matchbox die! So that matchbox die is really both a matchbox AND a tag shape die! I love the curvy shapes of each of the tags on that die! Here I layered tag shapes and topped it with a round message! Cute as a button!

Be sure to insert and secure the buttons {mine are pearly brads!} before assembling the matchbox if you want to hide the wings of the brad. Adhere the two box "sleeves" together, then wrap around a strip of cs. A wide ribbon secures everything!

Wouldn't it be terrific to hide a pair of earrings in one drawer and a necklace or bracelet in the second drawer and give it as a gift?!

Linda

Fast Friday - Kind Days

2011-12-02T08:04:00.000-05:00

Recently I had a fun day stamping with friends at my friend Ellie's home. We used some non Stampin' Up scrapbook papers that she has had floating around in her paper collection and attempted to match them up with Stampin' Up colors. It is not easy to get a color match, so that challenge made me thankful for Stampin' Up's color collections! Have I told you recently how awesome it is that Stampin' Up's inks match the card stock, which matches the designer series papers, which matches the ribbons, which matches the brads, which matches embellishments, which match embossing powders, which matches Stampin' Write markers, which matches....................need I say more?

So, this is one of the cards I created on that happy day - using the Autumn Days stamp set, Baroque Motifs stamp set, and Crumb Cake card stock. If you like this card style, make your own! Stamping with one ink color and only one or two stamps keeps the card moving quickly. Simply cut and layer a few strips/pieces of cs and dsp, then diecut or punch 2 layers of a shape of your choice and add Stampin' Dimensionals. That's fast!

Have a great weekend!

Linda

Tuesday Tips - Got Ruffles?

2011-11-29T12:26:00.045-05:00

This photo of a ruffled draped fabric on a home-designing blog inspired me to create a few cards with ruffled ribbon. There are several ways to create the look of ruffled ribbon on your cards. Today's card ruffle was created using sticky strip and ribbon.

Lay a piece of sticky strip across the card on the place where the ribbon will be and remove the red liner from the tape. Beginning with the end of the ribbon, smooth down about an inch of it onto the end of the sticky strip. Gather a loop of the ribbon and press down with your finger onto the ribbon once again on the next sticky area in the row of sticky strip - just press about a half inch worth. Make a second loop and press the ribbon down again, repeating all the way across the sticky strip. You will have a looped {ruffled} ribbon across your card. Trim the edges of the ribbon. I like to insert a very small piece of sticky strip in between the loops so the loops lay down instead of stand up.

Ruffled ribbon and ribbon flowers can also be created by pulling a thread from the ribbon ends and gathering the ribbon all the way down the length of it.

I'd love to see your ruffled card creations!

Linda

Fast Friday - "Hi" on Stampin' Up Card Stock

2011-11-25T05:16:00.034-05:00


Love the card, Hate the cheap non Stampin' Up card stock

Happy Fast Friday and Happy Black Friday! I must be in a time warp because I cannot believe that Thanksgiving is over and the Christmas season is upon us! Time sure flies!

This week's Fast Friday post serves two purposes: (1) to offer you another quick card idea, and (2) to display the benefit of Stampin' Up quality card stock.

First, the card stock........ I accidentally stamped this card onto white card stock that was not Stampin' Up cs. Do you see how the Lucky Limeade "hi" scallop square image is mottled and blotchy? That is the result of poor quality card stock. There is a definite difference between the quality of an image stamped onto Stampin' Up's Whisper White cs and that of an image stamped on other cs. Isn't it astounding to see? I wish I had stamped another image on Stampin' Up cs to show you its visual distinctive quality, but I'm sure you can imagine a perfect looking Lucky Limeade stamped image just the same.

I also want to point out that using Stampin' Up cs is of even more importance when using a solid image stamp {line image stamped image quality is important too, but you can notice the quality difference much more in a solid stamped image}. The difference is remarkable. So, make sure you always have Whisper White Stampin' Up card stock {and Very Vanilla} on hand for your most beautiful, professional-looking stamping!

Stampin' Up card stock high-quality benefits:

Super smooth

Cuts cleanly

Creases well
dyed with pure color all the way through

No white core

80-lb. Weight

acid free, lignin free, and buffered

Now, on to the card design. What could be quicker? Punch a bright strip of cs with a border or edge punch, and stamp one image on the card! This card will take two minutes!

Linda

Think About Color Thursday - Cherry Cobbler, Night of Navy, Regal Rose, Whisper White

2011-11-24T04:53:00.005-05:00

Add caption

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope you and your family have a blessed, healthy and happy Thanksgiving and holiday season. True friends are just one of my many blessings. Today's card post is a shout out to those friends to say "you are a blessing".

The color combination:

Cherry Cobbler
Night of Navy
Regal Rose
Whisper White

This card was a swap card at a recent Stampin' Up meeting. Stampin' Up's new denim ribbon is featured on it, along with two current stamp sets from the 2011/2012 IB&C, Lean on Me and Charming {the tiny butterfly}. I wanted more than solid color, so I substituted a little piece of both Night of Navy and Regal Rose Patterns dsp instead of plain solid card stock. I love how easy that is to do with Stampin' Up's color collections!

Linda

Whatever Wednesday - Nugget Box

2011-11-23T07:53:00.000-05:00


Four chocolate nugget candies in one box!

First of all, please excuse the poor quality photo. If I get a few minutes later, I will try to remember to take another pic & repost. I couldn't pass up the opportunity to show you this absolutely scrumptious treat project! My friend, Ellie, and I made these the other day and can't wait to give them away!

I may give you an opportunity to make one of these decorated for Valentines Day at my Valentines Day stamp camp in late January or early February!

Happy Thanksgiving prep!

Linda

Fast Friday - Turquoise and Trellis

2011-11-18T22:00:00.002-05:00

Today my inspiration comes from a turquoise cushioned white wicker chair on the Honey We're Home blog. Does it qualify for a "Fast Friday" post? This card was finished in less than 5 minutes.

Don't you think the Bigz Lattice die and Tempting Turquoise patterns dsp mimic the chair nicely? The stamp is called "Elegant Thank you" AND can be found on page 20 of the current IB&C.

Have a great weekend!

Linda

Whatever Wednesday - Simply Soft Espresso

2011-11-16T11:16:00.000-05:00

Room design to card design

My inspiration today comes from a beautiful warm bedroom on the I-Village website.
I have transferred the colors, shapes, and lines from the room design to an anniversary card design.

I used the Hostess Stamp Set called Simply Soft for the first time on today's card.....and I SIMPLY love it! This 2-step stamp set really does give a softened effect to your stamped flower images. Here I have stamped the line image stamp with Sahara Sand classic ink and stamped the solid image with Peach Parfait classic ink.

Various paper strips of card stock and designer series paper in the color scheme of Early Espresso, Peach Parfait, and Sahara Sand pull everything together. The message of "love" from the Pennant Parade stamp set is stamped in Early Espresso classic ink onto Peach Parfait Patterns dsp and punched with the small oval punch.

A clear bitty button in the shape of a heart, on a glue dot, embellishes the message. Stampin' Dimensionals have been used under both the message and the cameo element.

I hope you have a happy day!

Linda

Tuesday Tips - Wreath Petals

2011-11-15T05:00:00.021-05:00

I finally just recently purchased the Petals-a-Plenty Embossing Folder from Stampin' Up, and I don't know what took me so long! I am getting creative with using this embossing folder as a background, as embossed paper, and for making wreaths!

Give it a try! Use a sponge dauber and Stampin' Pastels to dab green chalk directly onto white cs that has been pre-embossed through the Big Shot in the Petals-a-Plenty embossing folder. Dab the chalk into a donut shape, but it doesn't need to be exact. Once you have a wreath shape the way you like it, blow off the stray chalk powder and/or tap the card stock to remove the powder. Sometimes a very gentle rub of a tissue can help - just be careful not to smear.

I wanted berries on my wreath, so I added small flecks of Real Red Stampin' Write marker around the wreath. Dress up the wreath in a pretty ribbon or whatever embellishments you have on hand. I had some of last year's Polka Dot red brads left, so I added one with the bow.

Thanks for visiting my blog today! Are you registered for Thursday evening's Christmas card Stamp-a-Stack event? If not, get in touch with me asap! Why not send out your own handmade holiday cards this year? You can make 25 of them on Thursday evening (if you need more than 25, you can let me know in advance & make additional card sets in bundles of 10). I have such pretty cards lined up to make!

Linda

Map It Monday - Pumpkin Clothespin

2011-11-14T11:17:00.000-05:00

Today I am posting one of the cards we stamped at last week's Thankful Thoughts stamp camp. I absolutely love this card! The map layout is so unique. Here is a map to help you make another card using the same layout.

Linda

Think About Color Thursday - Tempting Turquoise, Old Olive, Concord Crush

2011-11-10T17:09:00.035-05:00

This week's featured color combination:

Tempting Turquoise, Old Olive, Concord Crush

Here is an untraditional Christmas card that is sure to attract attention. The Concord Crush and the Tempting Turquoise are a nice change from the usual holiday red and green.

The Petite Penants punch is used on Old Olive cs. I did stamp the tree trunk with Pennant Parade stamp set, however, I did not stamp the tree itself. Only the punch is used to create the tree. I also punched holes with a Crop-o-dile in the tree to give the appearance of ornaments. After matting the tree onto Tempting Turquoise cs, the turquoise "ornaments" show through the punched holes. I also punched some holes along the edge of the Tempting Turquoise cs and matted it onto Whisper White cs, so the white shows through the edge punched holes. It is an interesting look, don't you think?

The Concord Crush background layer needed some interest, so I have embossed it. You could use an embossing folder, texture plate, or even Stampin' Up's Simply Scored platform to create a criss-cross pattern.

The "merry" message is from the Pennant Parade stamp set. The pennants really are designed to also become Christmas trees; I haven't come up with this idea on my own!

The eyelet border punch also decorates the edge of the Old Olive cs.

Stamp camp soon - gotta run!

Linda

Whatever Wednesday - Lattice Leaves {yes Lattice, not Lettuce}

2011-11-09T10:53:00.007-05:00

An Autumn card is a must today since I looked out the window and was amazed by the beautiful and breathtaking red leaves on a tree in my front yard. If only I could somehow stamp leaves exactly like the real ones!

I've colored the leaf stamp with Stampin' Write markers and applied Dazzling Details glitter glue for a bit of sparkle. The lattice diecut is not just a background for the leaves.......the leaves are inserted into the lattice slots.

Another element on today's card that I want to point out is the Hodgepodge Hardware. The ribbon slide hardware is colored with Tangerine Tango, which is the same color ink that I used for the message, the sponging, and on the leaves. How did I color it? I squeezed a dime sized puddle of Crystal Effects into a plastic brad container, then added a drop of Tangerine Tango reinker to the puddle, mixed it with a paint brush, and applied the "tangerine crystal glue" to the tops of the hardware. Make sure to let the hardware dry on a surface that it won't stick to.

We will be stamping this card at tomorrow evening's stamp camp! If you haven't registered, let me know if you still want to attend!

linda

Tuesday Tips - Edge Punching with non-edge punches

2011-11-08T10:40:00.002-05:00

fabric inspiration

I saw a beautiful gray and black fabric on the Designers Guild website that inspired today's card. The Decorative Label punch creates a decorative design on both the card's bottom edge and the main white element on the card front. To create this look on a card, insert the punch only partially into the cs and press the punch, then simply align the punch across the cs, each time punching while "eyeballing" the spacing so the punch is always lined up with the same spot on your punched cs. Give it a try on some scrap card stock until you have an appealing border! It's fun! If you would like a detailed instruction post, let me know.

The main white element on this card is stamped with the Parlor Prints background stamp in the current Stampin' Up IB&C. It is a lovely vintage print. Stamping in Basic Gray and then sponging the white cs with Blushing Bride ink gives it a distressed, vintage appearance.

The message element consists of a stamp from the Petite Pairs stamp set, along with one of the stamps from the Four Frames stamp set. The "frame" can be stamped once or layered for a jazzed up message piece like I've done here!

Linda

Map It Monday - Gently Falling Tree

2011-11-07T13:15:00.000-05:00

There, I did it.......I have posted a Christmas card! Whew! Christmas is right around the corner and the first week of November is over. That means we need to get stamping on our Thanksgiving and Christmas cards and gifts! Lots of stamping!

I don't have a map today for Map It Monday........simply stamp across the card front, adhere a strip of something pretty across the bottom edge, and then wrap the card with 5/8" satin ribbon.

The trees are actually leaves from the Gently Falling stamp set. Isn't that cool? I sponged Pool Party classic ink around the trees, dotted tiny specks of Dazzling Details glitter glue, and added an adhesive rhinestone jewel to the top of one of the trees.

Linda

Fast Friday - Happy Yellow Ottoman

2011-11-04T05:23:00.016-04:00

Happy Fast Friday!

I generally think of heat embossing as a technique that requires a few extra minutes and certainly not an alternative for a Fast Friday post. However, today is an exception. After a couple of blah colored cards this week, I decided to bring you some sunshine, in the form of this card!

I heat embossed with a Versamark inkpad and white embossing powder on bright yellow card stock. If you have Daffodil Delight cs, it is the perfect color! A retired hostess stamp set from last year's IB&C is my stamp choice, however, here are some great alternatives of a solid image stamp ideal for today's card design that you may currently own in your stamp collection or that you might want to email me to order for you.

Array of Sunhine Hostess Stamp Set in the current 2011-2012 IB&C (only $11)
Tags Til Christmas or Delightful Decorations (current IB&C - for a unique, untraditional holiday card)
I Heart Hearts (current IB&C - Valentine's Day alternative)
Button Buddies
Funky Four
Fox & Friends, Look Who's Turning, or Barnyard Buddies (for a baby card or young child's birthday)
Friends Never Fade
Baroque Motifs

And, those are just a few ideas......there are numerous other bold solid images that would work well.

This cheerful yellow upholstered Ottoman inspired today's card post. Inspiration from the Lather. Write. Repeat blog.

Have a great weekend!

Linda

Think About Color Thursday - Chocolate Chip, Basic Gray, Whisper White

2011-11-03T12:30:00.014-04:00

I've been back from convention for five days now and have been itching to get into my studio to create beautiful cards with the inspirational ideas I brought back with me. My son had some minor surgery this week and my studio remained dark and lonely, but today that changed! I have made time for stamping! My inspiration today comes from a card I saw at convention, and a blog picture from the Miss Mustard Seed blog inspired the color combination and pearl adornment.

Color Combination of the Week (blah like the sky today):
Chocolate Chip
Basic Gray
Whisper White

These colors caught my eye on this cloudy day.

NOTES:

Stamp sets: Medallion, Petite Pairs, Delicate Doilies

Inks: Classic Stampin' Pads - Chocolate Chip, Basic Gray; Stampin' Write Markers - Chocolate Chip, Basic Gray

cs: Whisper White, Chocolate Chip, Basic Gray

punches used: small and large oval, 2 3/8" scallop circle, 1" and 1 3/4" circle

other: Stampin' Dimensionals, Basic Pearl Jewels

How did I create the multi-colored "medallion"? I inked the rubber on the Medallion stamp with the Basic Gray inkpad, wiped around the edges of the rubber to remove some of the gray ink, then colored the outer edges of the rubber image with a Chocolate Chip Stampin' Write marker.

Notice the center "doily" image? The Delicate Doily image stamp is inked with a Chocolate Chip inkpad, then the center portion of the rubber is colored with Basic Gray Stampin' Write marker without rubbing off the Chocolate Chip ink on that area. The gray appears darker here than the gray on the medallion.

Finishing Touches: Bling! I added a touch of elegance with Stampin' Up Basic Pearl Jewels!

Linda

Map It Monday - Button Chateau

2011-10-31T09:38:00.001-04:00

French Country Shabby Chic gets a taste of Sweet & Sour

What do you think a card would look like if you mixed a bright, contemporary teen-inspired designer series paper with a French country shabby chic style? To me, that doesn't sound very appealing. But as you can see on today's card, it sure turned out beautiful! The polka dotted dsp is a design from the Beau Chateau dsp (current 2011-2012 IB&C), and the orange dsp is from a recently retired Sweet & Sour Specialty dsp (last year's 2010-2011 IB&C).

The flower is created by crumpling up the dsp, flattening it out & punching circles with circle punches. The inner petals are partially punched circles. The edges of all punched circles are distressed and sponged with Soft Suede. A bright orange button & hemp twine decorates the center of the flower. I also frayed the ends of the twine knot.

It's not obvious on the photo, but the bottom cs is actually More Mustard cs that had been embossing in the polka dotted embossing folder through the Big Shot.

You may notice a design on the orange dsp. I did nothing to that piece of dsp - the paper itself has shiny embossed designs on it.

I chose a Crumb Cake card to further add to the shabby chic look of the card. Edges of the card are also sponged with Soft Suede. I didn't meet the photo quality challenge today - my apologies for the blurriness.

Notice the beautiful fabric in the background? The fabric is Stampin' Up's "Spice Cake" designer fabric from the current 2011 Holiday Mini Catty. Beautiful cannot even begin to describe this fabric! I've been having fun cutting, tearing & fraying this fabric into strips and faux ribbon to use on greeting cards. It's a fun change of pace from ribbon. If you'd like to order this fabric or the similar Christmas themed fabric in the same catalog, send me an email.

The map layout for this card:

Happy Monday!

Linda

Guess Where I Have Been?

2011-10-29T13:15:00.000-04:00

I just arrived home last night from the Stampin' Up! Regional Convention in Louisville, Kentucky! I'll be catching up on some things at home for a couple of days, but I hope to find some time to post a few stamping ideas that inspired me from the convention!

It was a fun filled trip with fellow Stampin' Up demonstrators. We packed in lots of inspiration, new stamping and technique ideas, fun project ideas, laughs, chats, inspiration, and, of course, we stamped! I now have countless ideas spinning in my head of stamping and papercrafting projects to blog about for quite a while!

Do you know what that means? I also have countless project ideas to offer you at my stamping events!

Linda

Tuesday Tips - Cutting Tools

2011-10-25T19:18:00.000-04:00

Hi stampers!

When you have paper punches and cutting dies for the Big Shot diecutting machine, a trio like this one is created with ease. Isn't the little mummy treat box adorable? All of these projects are 3 of the 6 projects that the ladies made at last week's "Inspired by Autumn" stamp camp. The spooky white card has a pop-up window created with the new Stampin' Up Peek-a-boo frame die.
When you open the peek-a-boo window on that spooky card.....

What a hoot! Love it!

The pumpkin card is made with a Crumb Cake cs base, Pumpkin Pie cs punched with the large oval punch, and a diecut scrap becomes the stem! The edges of the pumkin are sponged with Soft Suede classic ink to soften it a bit. The "ribbon" is actually a cut strip of Stampin' Up's Spice Cake Designer Fabric! The dsp is also from the same Spice Cake suite.

I hope you can join me at my November stamp camp when we will make six more lovely projects!

Linda

Map It Monday - Furry Top Note

2011-10-24T12:53:00.000-04:00

Hi stampers,

Today I am working on swap cards for Stampin' Up!'s Regional Convention. This is the first card I made and I think I shall ponder a few other ideas. I thought I'd share it with you.

The chair is stamped in Soft Suede ink onto Very Vanilla cs before running the cs through the Big Shot machine in the Textured Impressions Embossing Folder. I also ran the embossed cs through the Big Shot one additional time on the Top Note die to cut the top note shape.

Cutting out the little pup is a bit tedious, but quick. She is sitting on stamping dimensionals & I added Stampin' Up's new "Dazzling Details" glitter to the collar for bling. Not sure if you can see that in my photo. I also included a little piece of Stampin' Up's new velvet Very Vanilla ribbon under the Poppy Parade oval. {It is furry like the pup.} :)

A map you can use if you like this card and want to make a similar one, is this:

Back to the drawing board....... have a great Autumn day!

Linda

Fast Friday - A Quick Tour of a Party

2011-10-21T08:21:00.000-04:00

Have you noticed that my blog has been stagnant for a little over a week? I spent weeks preparing for an 80th birthday brunch for my dear mother and this week I've been catching up on some other tasks that had been procrastinated. So, today I'm back!

Instead of the traditional "Fast Friday" post {a quick & easy project}, I'm showing you some of the decorations I made for the party! Ready? Here they come at a "fast" pace......


Dipped Pretzel Favors (fresh, not 80 year old pretzels)


Desserts ! Notice the cute diecut butterflies on the cupcakes?!?! Thank you, Big Shot Machine!


Little tabletop signs were everywhere showing what life was like 80 years ago !


Pretty banner to welcome guests and congratulate the birthday girl ! Ooooh, notice the pom-poms hanging from the light fixture? They were adorable !!!

Well, I hope you liked seeing just a few of my decorations. It was so much fun creating party decorations using Stampin' Up card stock and the Big Shot dies and Big Shot Diecutting Machine !

Hope you have a happy weekend.

Linda

Whatever Wednesday - Boxer Shorts

2011-10-12T23:36:00.000-04:00

At this evening's stamp camp, this boxer shorts card was one of the great cards we stamped! Isn't it cute?

The Valentine Defined stamp set's clothesline of hearts stamp is the perfect width for the waistband! To soften the brightness of the waistband strip, I sponged the edges.

The "fly" is made by punching a large oval and then cutting it in half lengthwise. I also sponged the edges of the "fly". Faux stitching is done with a Stampin' Write marker.

I showed the gals at stamp camp the secret to drawing a straight "faux stitching" line.......rest the pinky side of your hand on the table while you draw short dashes down the paper, as far as is comfortable, which should be only a few inches at most. At that time, slide the side of your hand downward on the paper & draw another inch or two of dashes. Pretty soon, you've drawn a long row of stitches!

If you are wondering how the card itself is made, I drew a pattern for the boxers, traced it onto the wrong side of dsp, cut it out & adhered the dsp boxers onto a standard A2 card. I then used a scissors to cut along the boxer sides & between the legs so the card itself was shaped like boxers!

Linda

Tuesday Tips - Pocket Trilogy Card

2011-10-11T20:42:00.001-04:00

3 pockets made from A2 envelopes!

Have you begun to think about your Christmas gift list? If you have college aged or adult children, or even teenagers, it can be a struggle to figure out exactly what the perfect gift would be. There have been times when there is no "wish list". Pocket Trilogy Card to the rescue! A card with three slots for gift cards (or cash and gift cards) might be a fantastic Christmas gift for a college student or teen or "adult child"! I know my college students absolutely love getting restaurant gift cards! You can even pick up gift cards while at the grocery store & accumulate the benefits of your frequent shopper cards! Have fun stamping your card, then stuff three gift cards inside!

WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO MAKE THIS CARD:

stamp set: Pines & Poinsettias (current 2011 Holiday Mini Catalog!)

Crumb Cake card: 7 3/4" x 5 1/2", scored along the long edge at 3 1/2"

other cs: Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla

dsp: Holly Berry Bouquet

punches: Scallop Circle, Eyelet Border, 1" circle

Stampin' Write markers: Chocolate Chip, Wild Wasabi, Real Red

other: Stampin' Dimensionals, paper snips or trimming scissors, paper trimmer and scoring blade (or Stampin' Up's new Simply Scored platform!), two A2 envelopes (sealed shut), pencil

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Mark the halfway point across the top edge of the envelopes with a pencil.

2. Cut both envelopes in half, cutting where your pencil mark is. You will have four little pockets. Set one aside for another project - you will only need 3 of pockets for this project.

3. Now, you want to trim one-quarter inch from the cut edge of one of the pockets and one-half inch from the cut edge of another pocket. Your pockets now will each be a different height.

4. Punch a partial 1" circle in the front along the top edge of each pocket to act as a finger pull area.

5. Adhere all 3 pockets together with the shortest one on top & the tallest pocket at the bottom (like little stairsteps).

6. I put adhesive onto the seamed side of each pocket & then the top does not have a seam.

7. Cut dsp: 1" x 5" and 3 1/4" x 5".

8. Cut from a coordinating dsp pattern: 1" x 5".

9. Make a "finger pull" area in the 3 1/4" x 5" dsp - the easiest way to do this is to slide the dsp into the top pocket, lining up the top edges of the dsp & the pocket, then slide the 1" circle punch in & punch. Both punched finger pull half circle areas will be aligned!

10. Adhere the dsp pieces onto the card.

11. Adhere the back of the pocket trio piece to the card interior, making sure the bottom edge of the pocket is about 1/8" higher than the bottom edge of the card front when the card is shut. Doing that will ensure the white pockets are hanging out from underneath.

12.Now decorate the card front. I used Pines & Poinsettias, which is a lovely vintage Christmas stamp set from the current Holiday Mini Catalog 2011!

So, when the kids say they don't know what they want for a Christmas or birthday gift, make a Pocket Trilogy Card and fill it with a few gift cards! Marvelous!

Linda

Map It Monday - Butterfly Crumb Cake

2011-10-10T13:32:00.000-04:00

Today's card is mounted on a 4 1/4 x 5 1/2" card stock (postcard orientation). The folded card opens at the left side and a decorative embossed cs strip is adhered to the left of the card fold. The lighting and shadows played a few tricks on me today, though the only card stock colors are Pink Pirouette, Crumb Cake, and Whisper White.

Postcard Orientation Card Map

I've been working consistently with Pink Pirouette, Crumb Cake, and Whisper White, in preparation for a party. The party decorations are turning out beautiful! The butterfly theme and colors of the party have inspired today's card. Perhaps I will post the pretty decorations I have been making lately very soon!

Linda

Think About Color Thursday - Island Indigo, Certainly Celery & Whisper White

2011-10-06T21:25:00.000-04:00

"Island Indigo" is one of Stampin' Up's 2011-2013 "In Colors". It seems to be an updated twist on the retired "Taken with Teal" color. This shade of blue also seems to be one of the trendy colors in the scrapbooking and papercrafting industry. Today I give it a whirl.

The color combination of the week is:

Island Indigo
Certainly Celery
Whisper White

The Sweets for the Sweet stamp set from the 2011-2012 IB&C sure is a cute stamp set for any happy celebration. I stamped the pinwheel sticks with Certainly Celery classic ink and used Certainly Celery ribbon across the top and bottom of the card instead of card stock. The added texture is a nice touch.

I adhered the pinwheels with Stampin' Dimensionals to give them a lift. Each pinwheel is hand trimmed with paper snips. You also could punch out the pinwheels instead.

Linda

Whatever Wednesday - Bashful and Ornate Retired Blossom

2011-10-05T16:46:00.000-04:00

The Ornate Blossom a la carte stamp from last year's IB&C is still proving to be such a versatile rubber stamp. Here I have stamped the image twice and layered the second image with Stampin' Dimensionals.

The Bashful Blue and oranges are an unlikely duo, and I like it!

No stamp camp this week, but I'll be ready to go next Wednesday evening, so register now if you haven't done so!

Linda

Fast Friday - Chalkboardie Birdie

2011-09-30T05:43:00.002-04:00

Just a quick post today for Fast Friday! A Whisper White Craft Stampin' Pad and some Basic Black cs are all you need for this "Chalkboard" technique card. Try the Chalkboard Technique with just about any stamp set & see what an elegant card you can come up with!

Linda

Think About Color Thursday - Real Red, NIght of Navy, Daffodil Delight

2011-09-29T05:00:00.006-04:00

Today's post is a bright trio of cards with this color combination of the week:

Real Red

Night of Navy

Daffodil Delightt

It's time for a walk down Memory Lane. Do you recall the Sale-a-Bration 2011 "Punch Bunch" Stamp Set? The "for you" floral stamp and the Daffodil Delight pom pom trim from the 2011 Occasions Mini Catalog (retired) work well with the Sending Love Red Heart Epoxy brads (retired).

I also added some jumbo buttons to the card trio.

The inking on the stamp was done with Stampin' Write markers directly onto the rubber, so the image is multi-colored.

Have a great Autumn Day!

Linda

Whatever Wednesday - Love That Peekaboo!

2011-09-28T05:54:00.003-04:00

I love playing peek-a-boo! Actually, I love creating cards and projects with my new Big Shot Peek-a-Boo Frames Bigz L Die. I'm designing some awesome projects! Here is one of the cards using the die...

The frame dies can be diecut directly onto your card. Today's card has the diecut adhered over the top of the card, with a small Whisper White square underneath the window. I stamped there with the "thank u" message stamp from the Pennant Parade Stamp Set. I also used the Scallop Square Big Shot Bigz Die for the front element on the card. The card itself is made from Perfect Plum cs.

That Big Shot machine needs a rest tomorrow.....I also ran the Pink Pirouette cs through the Big Shot with the Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder to add texture.

Love that Peekaboo Frames Die!

Linda

Tuesday Tips - Pieced Puppy

2011-09-27T18:39:00.000-04:00

I found some cards the other day that I made within the past year and yet I don't think they had ever been posted on my blog. So, I will be sharing some of them with you. Today I'm sharing this punch art puppy. Isn't she sweet? We know it's a girl dog because of her bow! :)

This card was made at one of my punch art classes. Do you recognize the Top Note Big Shot diecut? The ears and the puppy's head are both created from the Top Note die!

Give it a try!

Linda

Think About Color Thursday - Basic Gray, Old Olive and Whisper White

2011-09-22T05:00:00.003-04:00


gray plaid inspiration at Pottery Barn Teen

I was inspired today by several Pottery Barn Teen website designs. A gray and white plaid comforter becomes a scored card front on today's greeting card. Scoring was done in both directions on my Simply Scored platform, which is one of Stampin' Up's newest awesome products!

I also scored some Old Olive cs and put together an unlikely color combination, Old Olive and Basic Gray.

The classic and beautiful stamp set called Home Grown gives the card an interesting twist.

Linda

Whatever Wednesday - Rustic Birthday Girl

2011-09-21T09:43:00.001-04:00

Remember that wood grained patterned paper in the recently retired Woodland Walk designer series paper? It serves today as a fence element! I love how the marvelous Pennant Parade stamp set pink flags give a feminine touch to the woodsy, natural paper.

I saw this sweet picture below on the Love of Family and Home blogspot and knew I had to replicate the rustic yet feminine expression in a greeting card.

NOTES
Stamp sets: Jumble Alphabet, Pennant Parade, Bring On the Cake
cs: Whisper White, textured and smooth
inks: Classic Stampin' Pads - Melon Mambo & Old Olive; Stampin' Write Markers - Old Olive & Melon Mambo
Designer Series Paper: Woodland Walk (recently retired from the 2010-11 IB&C, but you can substitute the wood grained designer series paper in the "Well Worn" dsp from Stampin' Up's current 2011-12 IB&C!)
punches: Petite Pennants Builder, 3/4" circle, Crop-o-dile
other: Stampin' Dimensionals, eyelets, paper snips
How did I construct the fence? Just lined up the strips, taped one strip across & then punched holes across with the Crop-o-dile. Eyelets were set with the Crop-o-dile.
And the message? I colored on the rubber stamp with Stampin' Write markers, alternating colors on each word. Then, I stamped the message onto Whisper White cs & used paper snips to rough cut each word.
Where are Stampin' Dimensionals used? Under the fence, under each circle punched letter.

Happy Wednesday! Are you registered for my stamp camp this evening? Can't wait!

Linda

Tuesday Tips - Big Shot Peekaboo Frames

2011-09-20T05:43:00.009-04:00

Have you seen the new Stampin' Up Big Shot Peekaboo Frames? They are the most amazing dies! Several shapes are on the die, each with a peekaboo window! It reminds me of the "lift the flap" books that my kids enjoyed as youngsters on my lap. Such good memories! I think I'm on to something........maybe I could make a little child's lift the flap book?!?!

In the meantime, this baby card was fun to create. The dsp is several years old and has long been retired. The teddy bear stamp is from the new stamp set called Every Little Bit, and the message stamp duo is from Petite Pairs, that awesome stamp set with perfectly paired messages!

I'm looking forward to trying out every little peekaboo frame on the Peekaboo Frames Big Shot die!

Linda

Map It Monday - Triangle Trifold

2011-09-19T05:02:00.018-04:00

At this week's Fabulous Folds stamp camp, we will be stamping six cards, each with a different fold style. Today's post is one of those cards, featuring a triangle trifold card created with Stampin' Up's new Big Shot Peekaboo Frames die and beautiful Flirtatious Specialty Designer Series Paper.

The inside of the card reveals a Peekaboo Frame. The frame's flap lifts up to reveal the interior message. So cute!

Call or email me today if you'd like to attend this stamping event on Wednesday evening at 7pm!

Linda

Fast Friday - Scallop Trim Monogram

2011-09-16T08:41:00.000-04:00

The most time consuming aspect of today's Fast Friday card is all of the punching. The Scallop Trim Border Punch and its partner, the Scallop Trim Corner Punch, do the task quite quickly and neatly.

The steps for this card couldn't be easier.......punch squares in varying sizes, layer them, stamp a background and a monogram, and then stamp a little message in the corner of the card front. The background can be stamped with whatever background stamp or repeated stamp desired, and also can be stamped in one color or twin colors. Background ink should be either in a lighter color than the monogram, or you can stamp off once on scrap paper and then stamp a second time on the cs to achieve a lighter, softer color. I call this "2nd generation" stamping. The lighter stamped background will force the monogram letter to really POP!

If you want to make a similar card in an even quicker amount of time, why not simply omit the punching? Just cut squares and layer them!

I hope you have a relaxing weekend and that you can make some time for stamping!

Linda

Think About Color Thursday - Poppy Parade, Whisper White and Crumb Cake

2011-09-15T15:36:00.000-04:00

This week's color combination is inspired by a home-designing blog. The white, poppy, and crumb cake colors look so pretty together, don't you think?

There's a lot going here on this card, even though it looks like a simple one.

NOTES:

stamp sets: Have a Seat, Tiny Tags, Valentine Defined (retired)

inks: Whisper White Craft Stampin' Pad; Classic Stampin' Pads - Early Espresso, Old Olive

cs: Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Poppy Parade

punches: circle - 3/4" and 1 3/8"

other: Early Espresso Taffeta ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals, Simply Scored platform & stylus

How did I make the wreath? I stamped the little vine stamp from the Tiny Tags stamp set with Old Olive ink in a wreath circular pattern, punched out the center with the 3/4" circle punch, and then punched around that 3/4" "donut hole" with the 1 3/8" circle punch!

Where are dimensionals applied on this card? Under the Crumb Cake cs strip at the bottom edge of the card, under the "hello" circle, and also underneath the wreath.

The Early Espresso Taffeta ribbon that is used on today's card is retired, so what can I use instead? Early Espresso is a color choice for the following ribbons, both of which would be a nice subsitute for the ribbon I have used today - 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon (a slightly narrower ribbon) and 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon.

Linda

Whatever Wednesday - Lovely Sky

2011-09-14T08:31:00.000-04:00

The Stampin' Up stamp set called Lovely as a Tree has been a classic set through the years, however, I only recently purchased this beauty. Today's blog post is a gatefold card, one of the first cards I stamped with this set.

The stamping is done with the card closely tightly. It is a good idea to lay a scrap paper inside the card before stamping, just in case the edges don't meet exactly - you can avoid getting ink inside the card where you don't want it.

The sky is created by sponging ink over an oval template with either stamping sponges or sponge daubers. Make sure you sponge along all the oval edges so the entire oval shape is apparent. Next, the tree stamp is inked and stamped over the sponged oval on the card front. I inked the rubber with Stampin' Write markers, using the thumping technique to add several colors of green and brown onto the rubber so the tree looks realistic.

The bow is tied from Stampin' Up's new 1/2" Scallop Dots Ribbon and adhered with a glue dot. The message is a stamp from the Petite Pairs stamp set, stamped in Chocolate Chip Classic Ink. Check out the Petite Pairs stamp set - it has many pairs of messages, small enough to fit inside punched pieces of cs!

Have a great day!

Linda

Whatever Wednesday - Nothin' But Flowers

2011-09-07T05:11:00.001-04:00

I had some fun heat embossing today. The white "flower fest" inspiration is from Jennifer Rizzo's blog.

The flowers are embossed on today's card, though the leaves and label are simply stamped with Classic ink.

Ink: Classic Stampin' Pads - Lucky Limeade and Basic Gray; Craft Stampin' Pads - Whisper White
cs: gray
stamp sets: Flower Fest, Four Frames, Teeny Tiny Wishes
punches: Scallop Trim Corner, Decorative Label
other: Clear Embossing Powder, Embossing Buddy, Stampin' Dimensionals

Linda

Tuesday Tips - Middle Message

2011-09-06T18:59:00.000-04:00

My inspiration for today's card is from the Pottery Barn Teen website. The floral pattern is similar to the flowers in the Flower Fest stamp set from the Stampin' Up Summer Mini catalog. After I stamped the card, I thought that it would be equally pretty to stamp with Whisper White Craft Ink onto Basic Black cs. For today's card, I stamped with Basic Black Classic ink onto a Whisper White card.

NOTES:
stamp sets: Flower Fest (Summer Mini Catalog), Button, Button (Summer Mini Catalog), Bring on the Cake (IB&C 2011-2012)
cs: Basic Black, Whisper White, Tempting Turquoise, Melon Mambo
inks: Classic Stampin' Pads - Melon Mambo, Tempting Turquoise, Basic Black
punch: 3/4" circle
other: Stampin' Dimensionals

Linda

Map It Monday - A Famous Mouse

2011-08-29T09:27:00.000-04:00

I recently created a fun birthday card for a four year old. Who doesn't love Mickey Mouse?!

I'm using some more sweet pastel retired designer series paper. It might be several years old, but I still can coordinate it to other Stampin' Up products! I love that!

NOTES:
cs: Whisper White, Basic Black, Blushing Bride
dsp: Spring Fling dsp (very retired, so I think that's the name!)
inks: Classic Stampin' Pad - Basic Black; Stampin' Write Markers - Pretty in Pink, So Saffron, Certainly Celery, Peach Parfait
stamps: Bring on the Cake
punches: Circle - 1 3/4", 1", 1/2", 1/4"
other: Pink Pirouette striped ribbon (retired)
How Did I make Mickey? I punched two 1 3/4" circles, one from Basic Black cs and one from Blushing Bride cs. I penciled the Mickey's "hairline". It is easy to hand draw this - they are just like little mountains! Then cut on the pencil lines with trimming scissors or paper snips. Adhere the Blushing Bride face atop the 1 3/4" black circle. Then, simply trim the white eyes into ovals and adhere the other punched pieces! I drew on the mouth with the thin end of a Pretty in Pink Stampin' Write marker.

This was a fun card to make! And, it was so easy!

Linda

Fast Friday - Petal Candy

2011-08-26T10:05:00.001-04:00

Here's a quick little candy treat pocket that I made with the Petal Card Big Shot Die. There are two different quick styles today. If you do not own the Petal Card Die (it is now retired - gotta get them while we can I guess!), there are other die alternatives for little candy pockets. You can also make a similar candy pocket using Stampin' Up's Big Shot Bitty Box & Envelope Bigz XL Die, Candy Wrapper Bigz Die, Petal Cone Die Bigz L Die, Pillow Box Die, or even the Scallop Envelope Bigz Die!
The pink cs is run through the Big Shot machine with the die, then cranked through the Big Shot a second time inside an Embossing Folder. This gives the cs texture and pattern!

The stamped message image is from the new stamp set in the 2011/2012 IB&C called It's a Wrap! The images are intended to be easily stamped and then wrapped around chocolate foil wrapped nugget candies, but as you can see, there are other uses too! The images create nice labels!

The Button, Button stamp set is a nice little embellishment to stamp and attach to just about anything - simply punch it with a circle punch & adhere with a Stampin' Dimensional! It would be a great addition to a greeting card when the card seems to need a little something extra to pull it together!

The jewelry tag punch creates a tiny frame for the mini thank you message! Just tuck it under the button!

The designer series paper is a retired design - what a great project to use those saved scraps on!

Happy weekend!

Linda

Think About Color Thursday - Real Red, Old Olive, Gray

2011-08-25T10:18:00.000-04:00

I know, it's a strange color combination: Gray, Real Red, Old Olive ! But, it works, don't you think?

I'm thinking.......Sweetest Day or anniversary.......even a birthday would be a suitable occasion for this heart flower card!

NOTES:
CS: gray, whisper white, real red
dsp: old olive pattern, love impressions (Occasions Mini 2010, retired)
stamp set: Filled With Love (2010 Holiday Mini Catalog, retired)
ink: Stampin' Write markers - real red, old olive
ribbon: old olive 1/4" grosgrain
other: bitty button (clear), hemp twine, glue dots

Have a great day!

Linda

Fast Friday - Tagtastically Homegrown

2011-08-19T13:11:00.000-04:00

You may remember the "Tagtastic" card that I posted on my blog recently.....Well, I like the style of that card so well that I created a set of coordinating cards!

Each card was simple and quick - perfect for a Fast Friday post! I really like the boldness of the colors and the Tagtastic and Homegrown stamp sets!

Have a great weekend!

Linda

Think About Color Thursday - Blushing Bride and Whisper White

2011-08-18T20:16:00.002-04:00

COLOR COMBINATION OF THE WEEK:

BLUSHING BRIDE

WHISPER WHITE

At last night's stamp camp we learned some new stamping techniques. This card was created with a technique that I call "soft washing". I'm not really sure what to call it so I named it that because the technique softens the card and reminds me of a white wash. This card has quite a bit going on, including Versamark ink, heat embossing, as well as sponging and emboss resist techniques.

Didn't it turn out absolutely beautiful?! Just stunning!

The background pattern on the card is stamped with one of Stampin' Up's new background stamps called Parlor Prints (in the 2011/2012 I&C). The Decorative Label is stamped with one of the stamps in the Four Frames stamp set.

PARLOR PRINTS = MY NEW FAVORITE STAMP!!!!!!

Have a great day!

Linda

Whatever Wednesday - Lattice Quilting

2011-08-17T22:19:00.000-04:00

A handmade quilt is a thing of beauty. So is a handmade quilt card. Tonight at stamp camp the ladies made six cards, one of which was today's card post.

NOTES:

stamp set: 2011/2012 IB&C Faith in Nature Hostess Set (on page 15 of the new big catalog!)
cs: So Saffron, Always Artichoke, Whisper White
dsp: retired Le Jardin dsp (retired 2008 IB&C)
other: Big Shot diecutting machine, Lattice Bigz Die, Textured Impressions Square Lattice Embossing Folder, 2-way glue pen, Stampin' Dimensionals
How did she do that? First, I die cut a lattice with the Stampin' Up Big Shot Lattice Bigz Die from both So Saffron card stock and Le Jardin double sided designer series paper. The So Saffron lattice is adhered onto an Always Artichoke cs square. Then, it's time to insert the tiny quilt pieces of dsp into the So saffron "puzzle base", just as I would put a jigsaw together. The 2-way glue pen works well for this task - just a dab under each puzzle piece is all it needed. The last step is to crank the completed quilt "puzzle" through the Big Shot machine inside the Square Lattice embossing folder. That last step is called "embedded embossing", because the process actually embeds the little pieces into the base.

Wouldn't this card be a fantastic choice to give to a quilter or seamstress, or to a quilt collector?!

Thanks for visiting my blog!

Linda

Map It Monday - Artichoke Artistry

2011-08-15T11:08:00.000-04:00

Doesn't the Ornate Blossom stamp resemble an artichoke? I paired it up today with the artichoke from the Homegrown Stamp Set. And who said that red and green are only paired together for the Christmas holidays?

The map is composed of simply an angled main image with an angled embellishment!

NOTES:
stamp sets: Homegrown, Ornate Blossom
card: Poppy Parade
other cs: Whisper White
inkpads: Classic Stampin' Pads - Always Artihoke, Poppy Parade, Real Red, Pear Pizazz
ribbon: 1/4" grosgrain - Always Artichoke, linen thread
punch: spiral (oooh, just noticed it has retired - I hope you have one of these!)
other: distressing kit, Stampin' Dimensionals,
Technique Talk: Shadow stamping for the artichoke was done in Always Artichoke and Pear Pizazz, and the tomato was shadow stamped with Real Red and Poppy.

Linda

Fast Friday - Mixing of Old and New

2011-08-12T05:57:00.014-04:00

This week's Fast Friday card is simply Designer Series Paper (retired Sweet Pea stack) tiles adhered to the card, with a diecut flower and simple stamped round image in the center. The rounded corners of dsp located at the four corners of the card have been rounded with a corner punch to soften it a bit and work with the round polka dots.

The Pumpkin Pie diecut flower is a retired Stampin' Up product, not a punched flower.

Do you have bits and pieces of Stampin' Up products hanging around the stamping room? The beauty of Stampin' Up's color collections and prior color families is that you can still use products that have been around for years! Pair up whatever products/papers/inks that you have left over after their retirement with current stampin' Up colors! In this case, Pumpkin Pie is a current color, though the diecut flower shapes are retired. The Concord Crush card is a current In Color that compliments Pumpkin Pie so well!

Linda

Think About Color Thursday - Peach Parfait and Very Vanilla

2011-08-11T05:07:00.003-04:00

One of my dear customers is getting married very soon! Recently I attended a bridal shower and designed today's card for her. I've seen and stamped his/her towel cards before, but this one is so beautiful that I wanted to share it with you!

NOTES:

The Card - I cranked theVery Vanilla card front only through the Big Shot Machine with the Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder.
Towel Bar - The towel bar is simply a strip of dark cs cut to the desired size. Pearl brads are also adhered on the ends to add even more bridal elegance.
Towels - Peach Parfait cs is embossed using the Big Shot Machine and Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder. I thought the Chantilly Lace Trim Ribbon woven through the towels would look elegant. I cut slits in the "towels" in a paper cutter/trimmer and simply weaved the lace ribbon through the slits, adhering on the back of the cs towels. The bottom lace hemline is simply the lace adhered onto the edge of the cs "towel". The towels are adhered using Stampin' Dimensionals.

I would love to see your card if you create one like this for your next bridal shower!

Linda

Whatever Wednesday - Fishy Ornament Punch

2011-08-10T16:26:00.000-04:00

My Stampin' Up "wish list" for quite a long time has included the ornament punch. Finally, I have purchased it and have found that it is fun to use this punch for other projects besides Christmas ornaments! These little fishes are actually punched with the ornament punch!

Polka dotted patterns dsp in both the new "in color" of "Wisteria Wonder" and "Island Indigo" are the main attraction on today's Wild Wasabi card. Stampin' Up's new polka dot brad (also in Wisteria Wonder!) coordinates beautifully!

Once I punched the ornament with the ornament punch, I cut off the top rim of the ornament and turned the ornament sideways. The Five Petal punch is used for the back fin. The side fins can be punched and cut from your choice of several different punches, including the Scallop Edge Border Punch, the Scallop Square Punch, the Scallop Circle Punch, the Scallop Oval Punch, or the Petite Pennants Builder Punch. You can certainly use your creativity with your fish!

Check out the new 3/8" Wisteria Wonder ruffled ribbon! The ruffled ribbon is also available in the other new "in colors"!

Can you think of anything else to make with the Stampin' Up ornament punch?!

Linda

Fast Friday - Tagtastic Olive Card

2011-08-05T05:17:00.007-04:00

It's hard to believe how many Fast Fridays there have been during this fast summer! It doesn't seem possible that August is here already and school will once again be in session.

Have you seen the "Tagtastic" Hostess stamp set on page 13 of the current Idea Book & Catalog? It sure is a bargain at $10 hostess dollars! Today's card features the "congrats" stamp from this set.

The vibrant colors bring this simple card to life and several Stampin' Up paper punches make creating this card easy and quick!

Linda

Think About Color Thursday - Early Espresso, Tempting Turquoise, Basic Black

2011-08-04T17:16:00.001-04:00

Remember this musical note designer series paper that was in the recently retired IB&C? I thought that since teenagers love music, it would be a great choice for a teenage birthday card!

The color combo this week:

Tempting Turquoise
Early Espresso
a touch of Basic Black

I have really been having fun with the new Stampin' Up pennant punch. Today's card features 3 triangle flag pennants punched from Tempting Turquoise patterns designer series paper. Notice the little half inch polka dot circle inside each flag? A nice touch of whimsy!

The dsp is adhered with dimensionals onto the card front. The interior has a pocket for the perfect gift for a teen - cool cash, a check, or a gift card! What teenager wouldn't love that?!

Linda

Whatever Wednesday - Follow My Blog!

2011-08-03T09:45:00.000-04:00

I recently included tools on the right hand sidebar of this blog so you can follow my blog with each posting! Now, I need followers! Won't you help me out here?! Be one of my blog followers!

C'mon now! I know I have friends out there!

Happy stamping! I hope to post again later today with a stamping-related project!

Linda

Tuesday Tips - Pop Up Every Other Image AND Long Tag Layering

2011-08-02T12:13:00.001-04:00

Hi Stampers!

Tomorrow is stamp camp and we are stamping cards for every age group. The new baby card we will create is my posting for today. My tip for the week: Use a Stampin' Dimensional on every other image when you have a row of images to add interest!

The ducks and teddy bears here are adhered across the card front, however, a Stampin' Dimensional pops up every other image. Fun! The message is also layered onto Stampin' Dimensionals.

NOTES:

cs: Peach Parfait, Pear Pizzazz, So Saffron
other paper: Pear Pizzazz Patterns DSP, watercolor paper
ink: Black Stazon inkpad; Stampin' Write markers - So Saffron, Pear Pizzazz, Peach Parfait, Creamy Caramel (retired), Soft Suede
punches: 1" circle, Decorative Label
other: Stampin' Dimensionals
How I created the layered tag: So Saffron cs strip is 1 5/16" wide. Pear Pizzazz dsp strip is 1 3/8" wide. I stamped the message onto the So Saffron strip, centered the message & punched one end at a time with the Decorative Label punch. The trick to punching a longer message with a punch that isn't quite long enough is to insert the paper from the bottom of the punch through the center. I was using the Modern Label punch today & thought some photos of this technique would be helpful for you. The Decorative Label punching that I did for today's card followed the same technique as used with the Modern label punch. After both ends are punched separately, I adhered the message onto the Pear Pizzazz dsp mat & punched both ends again. Adjust both ends to allow for a thin or thick outer mat style.

Insert paper thru center of punch bottom & punch

One end after using modern label punch


then punch other end in the same way

I guess I've given you two Tuesday tips today! Why not give both this "long tag layering" AND "adding dimensionals to every other image" a try!

Linda

Fast Friday - Circular Details

2011-07-29T11:00:00.007-04:00

Wow - look at this inspiration from the Minor Details blog! So, I guess I am in a crazy mood today and feel like making something out of the ordinary! All I did for this Fast Friday quick card was just punch a bunch of circles, both 1 3/4" and 1 3/8", and adhere them with adhesive and Stampin' Dimensionals to a Whisper White card.

The "wish big" message comes from the bold Pennant Parade stamp set from the new 2011/2012 IB&C!

Happy weekend!

Linda

Tuesday Tips - Woodland Kisses Matchbox

2011-07-26T18:02:00.000-04:00

The Stampin' Up Big Shot Matchbox Die makes this little candy box a jif to make! The fun chocolate stamp is from the recently retired Eat Chocolate stamp set (Occasions 2011 Mini catalog).

Chocolate Chip card stock, Wild Wasabi card stock, and Woodland Walk (Stampin' Up's 2010/2011 IB&C, retired) designer series paper work together to create this beautiful 3-D project. It's a sweet idea for a few chocolate kisses!

Linda

Map It Monday - Framed French Country Flower

2011-07-25T20:28:00.001-04:00

A French Country Needlepoint Chair on the French Country Cottage blog
inspired today's card. Using the Stampin' Up Framed Tulips Embossing Folder is a pretty way to encase the flower on the card front! The map for this week is about as basic a map as I could create - put the image front and center.

NOTES:
stamp sets: Swirls and Curls Verses, Flower Fest
ink: Pear Pizzazz Classic Stampin' Pad
card stock: Very Vanilla, Pear Pizzazz, Rose Red
Designer Series Paper: Greenhouse Gala (retired, 2010/2011 IB&C) - I scored two pieces of dsp on a paper trimmer with a scoring blade and creased the score line with a bone folder. Adhesive was applied only below the score line on each piece. The dsp panels were then aligned above and below the stamped flower piece so that each "flap" extends out from the card front. These "flaps" give the card dimension and interest.
Textured Impressions Embossing Folder: Framed Tulips
punches: 2 3/8"Scallop Circle, 1 3/4" circle
other: Big Shot, Scoring Blade and Paper Cutter, Stampin' Dimensionals, Paper Snips or Trimming Scissors

Linda

Think About Color Thursday - WISTERIA WONDER, Peach Parfait, & Rose Red

2011-07-21T22:56:00.001-04:00

A pastel decorated restaurant on the home-designing blog inspired my color combination choice today.......

the NEW Wisteria Wonder (In Color 2011-2013)
Rose Red
Peach Parfait (this card would also look fantastic with the new In Color of Calypso Coral too!)

stamp set: Touch of Kindness (Summer Mini catalog 2011)
cs: Wisteria Wonder, Rose Red, Whisper White
dsp: Peach Parfait Patterns
inks: Classic Stampin' Pads - Wisteria Wonder, Lucky Limeade
punches: circle - 1/2", 3/4", 1 3/8"; Scallop Edge Border
other: Stampin' Dimensionals

home designing blog inspiration

linda :)

Tuesday Tips - Heat & Stick Powder

2011-07-19T05:55:00.054-04:00

Today I welcome two new Stampin' Up "In Colors", Calypso Coral and Lucky Limeade. Aren't they both bright and pretty?!

Have you used Heat & Stick Powder? The large white flowers on today's card have been blinged with Heat & Stick Powder and Dazzling Diamonds glitter! It turned out beautiful! The glitter really jazzes up this card and the bright colors are fantastic next to the white glittery flowers!

To use this technique, stamp the flower with Versamark or craft ink. Sprinkle Heat & Stick powder, tap off excess & heat with a heat tool. While the Heat & Stick Powder is still tacky, sprinkle Dazzling Diamonds glitter onto it. Tap off excess glitter & heat set once again only briefly. You will have shiny, glittery stamped images!

My inspiration for this card came from the Miss Mustard Seed blog.

inspiration from Miss Mustard Seed blog

Linda

Map It Monday - Balloon and Butterfly Party

2011-07-18T22:27:00.002-04:00

Stampin' Up's 2011/2012 In Colors are marvelous! Today "Pool Party" takes center stage. This beach house bathroom picture inspired my card. Who knew that decorators are making homes absolutely lovely with "Pool Party"?!! The balloons in this bathroom inspired the birthday theme for this card.

Card Inspiration from Molly Frey Design website

This is the card map I drew up for the card - very different.

Notes:
techniques used: grid technique for scored lines on Pool Party card stock, paper piecing
stamp sets: Crazy for Cupcakes, Swirls and Curls Verses (current 2011 Summer Mini Catalog)
inks: Classic Stampin' Pads - Basic Black and Pool Party; Stampin' Write Marker - Pool Party
cs: Whisper White, Pool Party, Basic Black
punch: 1 3/8" square
other: Darling Dots Embossing Folder, Beautiful Wings S U Embosslits Die, scoring blade and paper cutter, stamping sponge, Stampin' Dimensionals

Linda

Scrapbook Saturday - Happy First Edition

2011-07-16T20:21:00.000-04:00

Remember when.......when I used to post a few scrapbook pages on Saturdays? We called it "Scrapbook Saturday". Those days sort of fell by the wayside. Just not enough time in my days. So, today I am posting a scrapbook page!

The sweet retired stamp set called Happy Together makes this page adorable. The First Edition dsp sets the stage for this scrapbook page as the background. I have stamped both Night of Navy and Always Artichoke card stock with the Happy Together stamps and Apple Blossoms stamp set.

Notice the pretty lace-inspired borders on the navy and artichoke cs pieces? I have punched with Stampin' Up's new punch called Lace Ribbon Border, which is available from our new 2011/2012 IB&C!

Embellishments: crimped 1 3/8" square, striped Night of Navy 1 1/4" ribbon, and long ago retired stickers from a Stampin'Around Kit!

Thanks for looking!

Linda

THINK ABOUT COLOR THURSDAY - Pool Party and Whisper White

2011-07-14T23:36:00.002-04:00

How about pairing the new "In Color" called "Pool Party" with Whisper White? So very sweet! My blurry and shadowed photography here definitely could use some improvement, but the card itself looks absolutely fantastic!

The cute little bird bath stamp from the Touch of Kindness stamp set (current Summer Mini Catalog 2011) is stamped with Black Stazon ink onto watercolor paper and colored with my brand new "2011 - 2013 In Color Markers" and an Aqua Painter! The message is also from the same stamp set.

The Scallop Ribbon Borders are punched from Pool Party cs and adhered onto cs that was embossed with the Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder. The blurry things on the left side of the card are 3 bitty buttons with Hemp Twine tied through each one. (sorry about the blurriness again LOL)

I used quite a few Stampin' Dimensionals on just about every layer of this card! I love the way that looks! I also watercolored light shadows around the images.

Linda

Whatever Wednesday - Bashful Vogue

2011-07-06T21:42:00.000-04:00

I think it is interesting that a mere corner punch can liven up a plain card. The Scallop Trim Corner punch adds intricate detail to the card corners, as well as the card stock layer.

The Vintage Vogue stamp set flower is stamped on white cs to create patterned card stock.

The message piece consists of several layers of oval punched cs.

Coordinating Bashful Blue Taffeta Ribbon is added to the card to finish it off.

Linda

TUESDAY TIPS - Create A Thing of Beauty with Stampin' Up's new 2011/2012 "IN COLORS" !

2011-07-05T05:00:00.068-04:00

ANNOUNCING.......................... drum roll, please.................

Pretty, aren't they? ! Yippeeee! Hooray! Woot, woot! These five new "In Colors" are featured in Stampin' Up's brand new Idea Book & Catalog that was introduced this week! Be sure to check out this "must-read book" at my New Catty Open House on Wednesday, July 6 from 4 until 7:30pm and page through the online copy at www.stampinup.com!

I found this adorable little gift box on the Stampin' Up website. It combines a continuing In Color, Blushing Bride, with two of our new In Colors, Island Indigo and Lucky Limeade. What a fun, colorful 3-D treat to make!

See these beeeeeeeeauuuuuutiful colors of card stock and inkpads at my New Catalog Open House. For details, see my June 23rd blog post or contact me via email at lahinks@gmail.com!

Linda

Map It Monday - Sophisticated Scrapbook Album and Open House

2011-07-04T21:20:00.001-04:00

Look at the sophisticated mini scrapbook that I made from a sturdy CD case! I think the black and white color combination is very chic and trendy! Did you notice the pearl embellishments?! A third color can be incorporated into the album if desired, such as pink or red, and your album photos can be matted onto Whisper White card stock so the pics really pop off the page! I've mapped this project out & would love to share it with you at my July 20th scrapbooking event in my home studio at 7pm! Cost is $15; bring your own favorite adhesive. Photos can be added later or at the event. Email lahinks@gmail.com to register!

One more thing.......if you are on my monthly email list, you may remember that my annual New Catalog Open House & Gently Used Retired Stamp Sale will take place this week on Wednesday, July 6, from 4 until 7:30pm. Please stop in & bring a friend! Stamp two cards for free & hopefully win a door prize! Email if you need additional information.

Happy Fourth of July!

Linda

Think About Color Thursday - Baby Beluga

2011-06-30T11:04:00.001-04:00

I love this little whale in the Animal Stories stamp set. Sadly, it is one of the retiring stamp sets that will be longer be available after today. So, if you NEED this stamp set, let me know today!

The color combination of the week is:

Pacific Point
Pretty in Pink
Old Olive

Do you recognize the designer series paper? It is a pattern from the 2011 Sale-a-Bration dsp. I also diecut with the Top Note die for this card.

Linda

Tuesday Tips - Baby Boy Backpack

2011-06-28T05:02:00.030-04:00

How about a uniquely shaped mini photo album? Here's a sweet baby mini photo album that makes a fantastic gift for a new mommy to carry in her purse.

I found this non-Stampin' Up scrapbook paper in my bottomless paper bin. I purchased it long ago & thought it would be ideal for this project!

The back view shows how I set jumbo eyelets in four places and inserted polka dot ribbon to look like the "backpack shoulder straps".

There is a front flap that opens to expose two mini pockets!

If you'd like to make one of these baby gifts, please let me know!

Linda

THINK ABOUT COLOR THURSDAY and SUMMER EVENT NEWS

2011-06-23T05:14:00.002-04:00

THIS WEEK'S COLOR COMBO: Rich Razzleberry, Tempting Turquoise & Wild Wasabi

Today I not only have a card to share with you, but I have a few stamping reminders and an invitation to extend to you!

First, the card features the color combination of the week: Rich Razzleberry, Tempting Turquoise, & Wild Wasabi. Isn't the stamp so cute? This stamp is an a la carte stamp called "Hello Blossoms" from the Summer 2011 Stampin' Up Mini Catalog. I didn't even use an inkpad. I'm thinking you might get to stamp a free card using this sweet stamp at my annual Open House on July 6! Can you guess how I stamped this card? If you guessed that I colored Stampin' Up Stampin' Write Markers directly onto the rubber stamp, you are correct! A little bit of Rich Razzleberry polka dot grosgrain ribbon and the Scallop Trim Border punch add some dazzle to this greeting card.

Next, I want to give you a gentle reminder that you have one week left to place a product order if you want Stampin' Up products from the current 2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalog. Our new 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog will be going live on July 1st, 2011!!!!!!!!

And........register by email today at lahinks@gmail.com for the following summer events!

7/6 Wed., 4-7:30pm GENTLY USED STAMP SALE & NEW CATALOG OPEN HOUSE

Free Make-n-Takes
Prize Giveaway Drawings, including full stamp sets!
Free new idea book/catalog with any order placed 7/6
Browse thru Gently Used Discounted Retired Stamp Sale
See my Stamping Studio
View upcoming camp projects
Win door prizes & get door prize entries for: Attending, Bringing a Friend, Signing up for future stamping events, Booking a Workshop, Placing a Stampin' Up Order
See the new “in colors”
RSVPs are appreciated but not required. You are welcome to just stop in & bring a friend!

7/16 Sat., 10:30am-4pm SUMMER STAMPING RETREAT
Create unique projects, stamp oodles of cards, and amaze yourself at technique mini-classes, all while you kick back & relax. Nothing but fun – just a day with the gals! Bring a friend! Cost of $55 includes delish lunch, snacks & beverages. Spots limited so hurry & register by email! Why not gather a few girlfriends & spend the day together! Please bring adhesive & refill, scissors, and paper trimmer, all labeled with your name.

7/20 Wed., 7pm July Scrapbooking Project Night
Reserve the date! It’s time again for a mini scrapping project – ooooohhhh, soooooo cute! I hope to have a picture of this album posted on my blog very soon, so check back frequently! $15 NOTE: During July the registrants asked to change the camp time to daytime, so that's what we did & it worked out great! If you are interested in creating this mini scrapbook album but want to attend during the daytime, please let me know & we can make that happen!

7/27 Wed., 7pm Beautiful Butterflies Class
Make 6 stunning cards featuring butterfly everything - stamps, diecuts and the butterfly punch! Pay $15 for the class OR purchase “stamps & class” for $25 to (1) attend the class, (2) take home your 6 cards PLUS (3) take home the new "Touch of Kindness" stamp set! "Touch of Kindness" Stamp Set (clear mount) sells for $16.95 in the Summer Mini catalog and is one of the stamp sets we will be using. Registration before 7/1/2011 ensures that I can give you the new stamp set on class day.

8/3 Wed., 7pm From Youngster to Oldster Stamp Camp
Stamp six cards for every age in life, from new baby to praying for you during your illness. $15

8/10 Wed, 7pm August Scrapbooking Night
Reserve the date! Any theme or style requests? $15

8/17 Wed, 7pm Teach Me a Technique Class
Be among the first 4 customers to request a specific stamping technique ahead of time & I’ll teach it to you! {I have a few up my sleeve if there are no requests!} Please request a technique before July 28 so I have plenty of time to prepare. $15

I hope to hear from you soon!

Linda

Whatever Wednesday - Turquoise Splash

2011-06-22T05:19:00.000-04:00

A contemporary white living room with bright Tempting Turquoise accent caught my eye on the home-designing.com website. I immediately dreamed up today's card full of turquoise on white!

Tempting Turquoise splash inspiration !

I simply did some diecutting and embossing with the Big Shot for this card. The stamping is done with the Flower Fest stamp set, from the current 2011 Summer Mini Catalog, and the Tiny Tags stamp set (IB&C 2010/2011). Diecutting with several circle dies sure is fun when you have circle dies up to over 3" - I just bought Stampin' Up's circle dies!

Linda

Tuesday Tips - Stamped Overlay

2011-06-21T16:55:00.000-04:00

I have stamped on a window sheet overlay today. The shiny window sheet really catches the eye, especially when the stamping is heat embossed. To make an overlay on a card, cut a window sheet and a piece of cs to the same size. Stamping can be done on the cs, as well as the window sheet. For this particular card, I added color to the white cs using a color spritzer and Stampin' Write Markers. Then, I stamped the flower and leaf from the Flower Fest stamp set onto the precut window sheet and heat embossed one color at a time with the bright and cheery stampin' emboss powder from the Summer Mini Catalog 2011.

My inspiration for this card is rooted in this beautiful picture from the Love of Family and Home blogspot:

NOTES:
cs: Tangerine Tango, Whisper White, Wild Wasabi
other paper: First Edition dsp, clear window sheet
inks: Clear VersaMark Stamp Pad; Stampin' Write Markers - Tangerine Tango & Wild Wasabi; Stampin' Emboss Powder - Tangerine Tango & Wild Wasabi
punches: Crop-o-Dile; Scallop Trim Border Punch; Lace Ribbon Punch (SNEAK PEEK FROM 2011/2012 IDEA BOOK & CATALOG THAT YOU WILL SEE FOR THE FIRST TIME AT MY OPEN HOUSE IN 2 WEEKS!)
other tools & hardware: Jumbo Eyelets - Antique Brass; Stampin' Up Color Spritzer Tool

Linda

Think About Color Thursday - Blushing Bride, Pear Pizzazz, Sahara Sand, Bashful Blue

2011-06-16T22:18:00.000-04:00

Hi stampers!

Last night's Stamp-a-Stack camp was a lot of fun and the ladies really like their cards! Put the next major event on your calendar because you definitely do not want to miss out on my Annual New Catalog Open House and Gently Used Stamp Sale on July 6 between 4 and 7:30pm! Stay tuned for the details.

Now on to the color combination for the week: Pear Pizzazz, Blushing Bride, Bashful Blue, and Sahara Sand


Today's inspiration

Today's card is inspired by the beautiful floral designed chairs at the home-designing blog. The flowers must have been stamped with a giant "Awash With Flowers" stamp set! The pattern is very similar to the stamp set called Awash With Flowers" that I have featured on today's card. This 2-step stamp set has such lovely, soft floral images.

Linda

Map It Monday - Concord Friend

2011-06-13T05:08:00.000-04:00

Well, it's the first Monday of the summer and it sure is nice hearing all the little kiddies playing outside and seeing the long-awaited sun shine! The map layout this week makes use of two really great Stampin' Up products: the Bigz XL Tasteful Trim die, and the Ornate Blossom a la carte stamp. Both of the stamp sets featured today will be moving over to Stampin' Up's new Idea Book & Catalog due to go live on July 1st!

NOTES:

cs: Tangerine Tango, Concord Crush, Whisper White

ink: Classic Stampin' Pads - Tangerine Tango & Concord Crush

stamps: Ornate Blossom a la carte stamp, Teeny Tiny Wishes

punches: Wide oval, word window, circle

die: Stampin' Up! Bigz XL Tasteful Trims and Big Shot Machine

other: Stampin' Dimensionals

Happy sunny week!

Linda

Think About Color Thursday - Certainly Celery, Not Quite Navy and Bashful Blue

2011-06-10T05:33:00.000-04:00

The pretty Hostess Level 1 stamp set (current 2010/2011 IB&C) with this elegant bird has been way too underused by me this year. I only recently found its true value, yet the stamp set will be retiring as of June 30, 2011. If you would like this stamp set, contact me with your qualifying order within the next few weeks!

NOTES:

Stamp sets: Punch Potpourri (IB&C 2010/2011 Level One Hostess Set), Thoughts & Prayers (2010/2011 IB&C)
cs: Not Quite Navy, Certainly Celery, Whisper White
inks: Classic Stampin' Pad - Certainly Celery, Bashful Blue; Stampin' Write Markers - Certainly Celery, Bashful Blue
Punches: 1 3/8" circle punch (if I owned the 2-step bird punch, I could have used it for the bird - instead, I hand-cut the bird)
ribbon: Certainly Celery
other: glue dot for the ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals under the bird and circle

Linda

Whatever Wednesday - Candyland Quilt Card

2011-06-08T17:31:00.000-04:00

I saw this sweet bedroom ensemble at Pottery Barn Teen that reminds me of the childhood game Candyland. Remember how the spaces are comprised of a curvy path? So, today's card has a Candyland-style path too!

candyland card inspiration

NOTES:
stamp set: Bring On The Cake (Occasions Mini Catalog 2011, retired)
ink: Classic Stampin' Pad, Certainly Celery
cs: Whisper White, Pretty in Pink
dsp: Designer Series Paper Patterns Stacks
punch: Wide Oval
ribbon: Certainly Celery Satin Ribbon
other: Top Note Big Shot Die, Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Stampin' Dimensionals, glue dot (for the ribbon)
How I Created the "Candyland" Top Note: I cut 1" squares from the dsp and adhered them in a curvy path design onto a separate piece of Whisper White cs. Next, I dry embossed it in the Square Lattice embossing folder. Lastly, I die cut a Top Note from the Square Latticed paper with the Top Note Die.
Now I Created the Message Element: I adhered more of the 1" dsp squares onto white cs and cut around the dsp to make a patchwork-style piece of cs. That patchwork piece is then adhered with Stampin' Dimensionals onto the card. An oval punched message is adhered to the patchwork rectangle element.

Linda

Map It Monday - Elephant Safari

2011-06-06T05:19:00.002-04:00


adorable animal curtain inspiration

I was inspired today by these youthful curtains shown at the I Village website. The curtains reminded me of the Animal Stories stamp set! Then I remembered that the Long Fellows Stamp Set (IB&C Level 2 Hostess Set) also has an elephant stamp! So, pairing of both seemed just right!

The map layout is a perfect match for the wide images on the Long Fellows stamps!

NOTES:

Stamp Sets: Long Fellows (Level 2 Hostess Set - IB&C 2010/2011); Animal Stories
cs: Baja Breeze, More Mustard, Concord Crush
dsp: Patterns Stack - In Color, Concord Crush
inks: Concord Crush, Baja Breeze
Punches: Curly Label, Scallop Trim Border

Give this card layout and/or color combination a try!

Linda

Fast Friday - Bold Blossom and Circles

2011-06-03T10:05:00.007-04:00

Fast Friday is here again!

This week's quick card is created from punched circles that are embossed in the Big Shot and adhered with Stampin' Dimensionals. The Bold Blossom Stamp Set from the current 2011 Summer Mini Catalog has this sweet little flower and thank you message.

Couldn't be quicker!

Linda

Whatever Wednesday - Love That Chocolate (Too Much!)

2011-06-01T05:55:00.007-04:00

If you attended my Make It In May stamp camp, you will recall this chocolate box that you made that evening......

Well, I made another chocolate box.........

All you need is love........and chocolate!

And I love this sweet box! Four matchbox diecuts are needed for this project.

NOTES:

Base- made from Love Impressions Designer Series Paper (from the Occasions 2011 Mini Catalog, retired)
cs - Whisper White
die - Matchbox
stamp set - Eat Chocolate (from the Occasions 2011 Mini Catalog, retired)
punch - Decorative Label
other - Pretty in Pink Corduroy button, non S U ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals

Maybe I will see you tonight at Stamp Camp!

Linda

Tuesday Tips - Layering Handcut Words for a Multi Colored Message

2011-05-31T18:49:00.000-04:00

Don't you just love Stampin' Up's punches?! How boring our greeting cards would be without them!

Today's card post is one of the cards we will stamp at tomorrow's 7pm June Stamp Camp. There is still room if you want to attend - text or call me or email asap!

Here's the inside:

So, what is my tip for the week? There is more than one way to create a multi-colored stamped image. One of the ways I frequently create an image with more than one color is to color direct to rubber with Stampin' Write markers. Not today. Today, I have stamped the image twice, once in Rich Razzleberry classic ink and once in Always Artichoke classic ink. I then handcut the "heartfelt" words and adhered them directly over the Rich Razzleberry identical words. Doing this creates not only a dual-colored message, but it also creates texture and dimension.

Yes, the handcutting can be tedious, but it only takes a minute or two. It certainly looks nice on this card!

NOTES:

Card - Rich Razzleberry cs
other cs - Rich Razzleberry, Very Vanilla, Always Artichoke
stamp set - Hodgepodge Happiness, Apple Blossoms (Hostess Set that will be retiring in only 4 weeks)
inks - Classic Inkpads, Rich Razzleberry & Always Artichoke
punches - Designer Label, 1 3/8 & 1 3/4" circles
die - Top Note Die
ribbon - Polka Dot Rich Razzlebery Grosgrain Ribbon
other - Stampin' Dimensionals

I will miss the Apple Blossom stamp set!

Linda

Fast Friday - Brilliant Bench

2011-05-27T05:33:00.049-04:00

The inspiration for this week's "Fast Friday" card comes from an architectural design blog. A pretty little bench by Nola has such a pretty array of colors and just smiles at me. Off the top of my head, I think the "hello" stamp is retired, but any stamp will look great on this colorful canvas card!


inspiration from dezeen magazine blog

Happy Weekend!

Linda