DogGone Delightful Stampin'

Thank My Lucky Stars!

 

Hi Fellow Stampers -

How is everyone this Monday evening.  I'm coming to you late today, which is highly unusual for me.  I rarely post late; that tells you how hectic my weekend was and how tired I was yesterday after a crazy stamp-a-stack class.  We had a ton of fun -- but I was definitely exhausted yesterday.  I did nothing yesterday except get a manicure and pedicure; and join my family for a birthday lunch for my brother.  I really was just too tired to do much of anything else.  And with tomorrow evening being our Caucus here in Colorado, which I fully intend to attend, there's no telling if I'll get much else done toward a blog post Wednesday, so don't be surprised if we are taking a little bit of a break this week.  I promise to not be away too long!!

 

Today is indeed Paper Players [PP284] challenge time.  I knew pretty quickly when I saw this week's sketch what I wanted to do; it was just a matter of finding enough energy to sit down and really work to make it happen.  So here we go -- I hope this came out the way I wanted.

 

 

I think I realized while designing the cards for the Birthday Stamp-a-Stack class that we often struggle to have a more "masculine" card design for the men in our lives - whomever they may be.  I just am loving the Going Global suite more and more for exactly this purpose -- it's just so perfect.  And I adore the sentiments in the Going Global stamp set.  So this sweet little card is for my honey for just no reason at all other than to "make his day."

 

This card is cut from Very Vanilla cardstock, 5 1/2" x 8 1/2", scored at 4 1/4". 

I have a background piece in Lost Lagoon.  The piece through the center is actually layered pieces that I have "tied" together with the Crumb Cake 3/8" Stitched Satin ribbon, and Going Places layered overlay.  I love the World Traveler textured impressions embossing folder.  It makes a perfect background to offset my circles of Metallic Silver Doily, the Compass image stamped in Versamark and embossed with Black embossing powder, and my little 1" circle sentiment stamped in Lost Lagoon. 

 

Some strategically placed Rhinestones on the DSP help add just a little sparkle without being too overdone for this "masculine" card.

 

My circle sentiment takes the place of a "banner" sentiment style.  I think these layered circles compliment each other.

I turned today's design on it's "side" -- which I thought would be kind of fun and a nice way to mix things up a little bit.

Never be afraid to "think outside the box."  Remember, sketch's are guidelines, a good starting point -- where your imagination takes you is up to you -- it can be as far as the "stars."  :-)

 

I hope you have enjoyed today's design -- and that you feel inspire to go create!  You can order any of today's supplies just by clicking on the product carousel below and it will take you straight to the Online store.

 

I WOULD LOVE TO BE YOUR STAMPIN' UP! DEMONSTRATOR

If you are in the United States and need a demonstrator, you can order your supplies in my online store here. Thanks for looking!

Having a great week everyone!

Until Next Time . . .

 

 

Simply Simple Saturdays - A Refresh!

 

Howdy Fellow Stampers -

 

Whew! You wouldn't even believe how crazy this weekend has been for me so far!!  It was a mad dash to the "finish line" getting ready for today's Birthday Stamp-a-Stack class.  I have a full class today, and so that meant prep of 150 card packages (5 designs, 30 each).  Yes, it has been pretty wild!  Plus, I put on a full brunch today -- 2 different quiches, a beautiful fruit salad, a full veggie platter, some really nice Chicken Apple Sausages, a Spinach Mandararin Orange salad, and croissants and scones too!!  Lots to drink, lots to eat -- I think everyone comes to class just for the food -- LOL!!

 

And it is just beautifully gorgeous here today -- near 70 degrees, sunny, warm -- a gorgeous day on the Front Range here in Denver, Colorado.  Miss Sadie has headed off with Auntie Kim and new Cousin Addie to play at the park; she'll be back later hopefully all tired out!!  I've opened the windows and turned on a ceiling fan, and I'm anxiously awaiting the ground to thaw so I can start digging in the garden!!  heehee  Okay, I'm probably pushing it a little bit, but I am just positive Spring is around the next proverbial corner.

 

I haven't posted a Simply Simple Saturdays lately; not because I haven't wanted to, but more because I have good intentions and then schedule and activities get in the way and it just never happens.  I won't share the Birthday Stamp-a-Stack cards today -- you'll have to wait for those because I have one more group meeting to make those cards, and I don't want to give away the surprise.  I did want to pop in today for a minute today and share a "refresh" with you however.  I think you'll enjoy this!

 

 

Some of you may remember my SplitCoastStampers Guest Tutorial video from this past December, with my 3D Star Ornament -- it was extremely popular!!  You may also recall that I talked about a Workshop I held recently for a sweet gal, who asked specifically that I teach my Star Ornament at that class; and wondered if we could make it Springy, or even for Fourth or July!  Absolutely I said!!  I have to say, I had a grand time changing out all the papers and playing with this Ornament, making it perfect for Spring with our new papers.

 

I used our new Blushing Bride Glimmer paper as the focal paper for this refresh.

I also used our new Birthday Bouquet DSP for the offset; and there is a piece of "core'd'nations" paper from Jo-Ann's for the extra texture and interest.

I really love the look and feel of this ornament -- in this case I left the "word" die cut off and just left it off.

 

 

Here is the tutorial from last December for those who have not had a chance to see this yet --

 

 

 

I WOULD LOVE TO BE YOUR STAMPIN' UP! DEMONSTRATOR

If you are in the United States and need a demonstrator, you can order your supplies in my online store here. Thanks for looking!

Have a marvelous weekend everyone!!!  -- Be sure to find some time for crafting . . .

 

Until Next Time . . .

 

 

Totally Awesome!

 

 

 Good Morning Fellow Stampers -

TGIF!!!  And an off-Friday for me as well!  I'm relieved to be at the end of this crazy busy week; however, my agenda for the next several days is very full - including a meeting with heating & cooling guy this morning as I begin plans to install a new furnace and central air conditioning into my home for the first time since I purchased it over 11 years ago.  That is something I am really looking forward to this summer!!!

 

In the meantime, it is Mojo Monday [MOJO436] challenge time with a cute little sketch today ~ I hope you'll enjoy my vintage floral design . . .

 

 

 

Doggone Delightful Stampin' Design Tips:

• Layerothology.  This card is cut from Very Vanilla cardstock, 5 1/2" x 8 1/2", scored at 4 1/4".  The background layers are Always Artichoke, Crumb Cake, and Very Vanilla -- which has been embossed with the Elegant Dots TIEF.  I then sponged the edges of that piece with Crumb Cake before adhering to the other layers and to the front of the card.  

     Our Pals Demonsrator group was having a conversation just the other day discussing our current color collections.  I realized, after a comment from my upline Ann Schach, that Always Artichoke is a color I just don't reach for very much.  I'm not really sure why.  It's actually a nice "vintage" color and works well as a "neutral" with many color combinations.  I also realized, holding it against Mossy Meadow, that it really was a duskier version of Mossy Meadow, and so blended well.  In this color combination today, I paired it with Crumb Cake and Night of Navy for a nice blend.

 

• Grateful Bunch.  I don't know how closely everyone has looked at this stamp set, but I have to tell you, it's pretty terrific!!  I know when I first saw this set with the coordinated punch, it immediately caught my eye.  Today I stamped the pretty little lace edge image in Night of Navy on Very Vanilla cardstock; I then fussy cut the edge and attached the piece to a 1" x 3 3/4" piece of Night of Navy cardstock before attaching it to the card front.  I love this look and how easy it really is to achieve.  It makes a nice backdrop for my daisy flower bunches set along the strip.  My flowers are stamped in Delightful Dijon, Pacific Point and Night of Navy, punched with the Blossom Bunch Punch, and put together with glue dots.  I attached them to the card front with dimensionals to "pop" them out a bit.

• You Are Totally Awesome.  This sweet sentiment is a part of the Grateful Bunch stamp set!  I this this is a fabulous card to send a friend and just "make their day!"  What do you think?  I used my Banner Triple Punch to create these little banners.  The Always Artichoke banner is SNAIL'd directly to the card front; but the Very Vanilla sentiment banner is popped with dimensionals.  The piece is topped off with a double Night of Navy 1/2" seam binding ribbon bow, and the requisite pearls!!!  😉

 

 

So what do you think  of my vintage design today?  I'd love to read your thoughts and comments!  Don't forget that Sale-A-Bration continues, and a bundle of products like used on today's card will easily get you that $50 minimum to qualify for any of the fabulous free products available.  Don't miss out!

 

I WOULD LOVE TO BE YOUR STAMPIN' UP! DEMONSTRATOR

If you are in the United States and need a demonstrator, you can order your supplies in my online store here. Thanks for looking!

Until Next Time . . .

 

 

 

Thursday Change-Up - Simple Calla Lily Sympathy ~

 

Good  Morning Fellow Stampers -

Happy Thursday! We're just flying through this week, as usual.   I'm busily working to get ready for the big Birthday Stamp-a-Stack class this Saturday.  I've got a full house expected, and a wonderful brunch I'm planning on serving!  It should be a fabulous day!

 

In the meantime, I've been creating wonderful designs to share with all of you.  Today I have a special card to share with you - a CAS (Clean and Simple) Sympathy card design.  I don't make Sympathy cards much; turns out, I realized, I only sit down and do these when it is "out of necessity."  It's not one I make a lot of and keep in my stash.  And so when I have to make one of these cards, it serves to make me sad; because it means I actually need to have one of these cards which is never good.  Today was a "need" for a dear friend whose father passed away.  I know how she feels!  And I made today's card sort of special to her -- she loves pink . . . so this card incorporates Pink Pirouette and Rose Red.

 

 

 

This card is cut from the "thick" Whisper White cardstock, 4 1/4" x 11", scored at 5 1/2" -- a top fold vertical card.

I created a simple CAS design by insetting a Rose Red mat measuring 3 3/4" x 5" -- this is a full 1/2" in from the card front size, which is a larger border than I usually give for a mat layer; however, the striking look this provides in a design is well worth the extra measurement.  When I want more of a distinct border around something, I inset to this measurement.

The top Shimmer White piece is inset another full 1/4" again - 3 1/2" x 4 3/4" - to give a nice pop of the Rose Red.

 

 

 

 

These Calla Lilies are from the Remarkable You stamp set -- one of my favorite sets from the Annual Catalog this year.

I think we tend to forget about all the wonderful things in the Annual Catalog because we're so busy with all the new stuff.  This set is worth mentioning and returning to again and again.  The florals are bold and the effects are striking and elegant.

In this case I stamped the flowers in Versamark on Shimmer White cardstock, and then embossed in White embossing powder.  Because this cardstock has the slightest bit of shimmer to it in the right lighting, it gives it just a nice added extra "touch" of elegance.  There added extra benefit of Shimmer White cardstock is it holds up well to watercoloring.

And these florals are indeed watercolored -- I used an AquaPainter to watercolor these flowers; I also used Old Olive, Pink Pirouette, and Rose Red Re-inkers rather than just ink straight from the ink pads.

I placed several drops of each re-inker in a paint well, and then added some water with my brush.  I also kept a small bowl of water nearby to work with.  I wanted to have plenty of "movement" even with the water in the AquaPainter itself.

I'm not quite sure I am totally satisfied with the end result.  This is actually the third of 3 attempts I made.  If I had it to work with again, I might keep the Rose Red more to just the bottom of the "well" of the Lilly, and try to shade the Pink Pirouette a little lighter toward the top.  I guess it's all in the eye of the beholder.

By the way, believe it or not, the stamin of the flowers are colored with Gold Wink of Stella.

 

 

 

The card is finished off with Whisper White seam binding ribbon (one of our older versions that I had leftover), and the beautiful sentiment from the Rose Wonder stamp set stamped in Rose Red ink, then cut with the coordinated die from the Rose Garden thinlits.  I popped the sentiment piece with dimensionals and added the requisite pearls -- LOL

 

 

 

 

 

To complete this very simple card, I stamped the image again on the inside in Pink Pirouette, stamping off once first, so that I could get just a faint image in the background to write my message over the top of.  You could also stamp another sentiment over this image if you wished.

 

 

I hope you have enjoyed today's card design.  Watercoloring is one of my favorite techniques, and I enjoy, if I can get the time, just sitting down and experimenting and playing to see how things will turn out.  I'm kind of in that mode right now, with trying different brushes, inks/paints, and other techniques -- I guess especially since I have a Watercolor Technique class coming up next month.  It's so much fun to try new things!

 

Wishing you all a wonderful Thursday.

Until Next Time . . .

 

 

 

 

 

Ask Wendy Wednesdays - A Double Window Shaker Card Tutorial

 

Good Morning Fellow Stampers -

Happy Wednesday!!  What a wild week!  I am so glad I planned everything out and got most of it done on Sunday so that all my blog posts were ready to go for you this week.  I don't know about you, but at the end of my work day, I just am tired and it's hard to do anything but want to sit down on the couch and not move!  Of course, for me, it doesn't always work that way.  And then there's Miss Sadie Ann -- who just wants you to throw her ball for her ALL THE TIME!!  LOL LOL

 

I have a number of items lined up for Ask Wendy Wednesdays; some great ideas and questions that have arisen.  However, one of my favorite online customers spotted the shaker card I was designing last week for the Workshop this past Saturday, and asked if I would be doing a tutorial for that card.  So I decided to put the other items on the list on hold, and jump in and give that to you today!!  I'm excited and happy to be giving you this tutorial video.

 

I actually designed and presented this card at an ASE's class last September where we did a number of additional techniques with the card including some masking, blending with sponging techniques, "flicking" with the Aquapainter, and a number of other items.  It truly was a special card which included a showcase on how to create a double window with the Hearth & Home Thinlits that were introduced in the Holiday Occasions Catalog.

 

 

My Workshop host actually asked for a shaker card for her group project and I knew right away that this card was perfect for that!  Even better, we have a brand new stamp set that was introduced in the Spring Occasions Catalog to coordinate with the Hearth & Home Thinlits that were carried forward for Spring; so I was really quite excited to showcase that stamp set and these thinlits again.  What a fabulous opportunity!!

 

 

So I hope you will enjoy today's tutorial, and that you feel all inspired to pull out those Hearth & Home Thinlits and give it a try.  I apologize for the length of this video and hope you all will be okay with that.  I wish it was shorter; I learned that it takes longer to actually make a card than I thought -- LOL 

If you haven't purchased the new Happy Home stamp set yet to use with your Thinlits, don't miss out!!  Order one today!  And if you haven't gotten any of this fabulous set, purchase the Hearth & Home Thinlits AND the Happy Home stamp set in the bundled price and save 15%!  I'm including measurement and supply information near the end of today's blog post ~

Enjoy~ 

 

  

 

Card Measurements:

Cardbase - 7 1/2" x 5 1/2"

Piece to cut window from - 5 1/2" x 4 1/4"

Window Sheet for "Glass" - Just Shy of 4 7/8" x 3 3/8"

White cardstock piece for pictoral scene - Just shy of 4 7/8" x 3 3/8"

 

Non-Stampin' Up! Supplies:

1/4" foam mounting tape

3/8" foam tape

Pretty Pink Posh Sequins -

    -  Lemon Drop, 6 mm

    -  Marigold, 6 mm

    -  Mossy Green, 6 mm

    -  Tangerine, 6 mm

Martha Stewart sequin collection

Tweezers

 

Stampin Up! Supplies listed below . . .

 

I WOULD LOVE TO BE YOUR STAMPIN' UP! DEMONSTRATOR

If you are in the United States and need a demonstrator, you can order your supplies in my online store here. Thanks for looking!

Until Next Time . . .