DogGone Delightful Stampin'

Wednesday Spotlight - All About Autumn Masculine Anniversary Card

Hello Fellow Stampers ~

I'm slipping in really quick, before we are off for a few lovely days to celebrate our Wedding Anniversary.  I am so excited to be getting away, relaxing, and spending time with my Honey without any distractions.  We're returning to Ojo Caliente in New Mexico.  We loved the Hot Spring Spa Resort at Ojo Caliente so much last year, that we just had to go back.  It wouldn't surprise me if this becomes an annual foray for us.

 

Every year I try to design a special card for my Husband for our anniversary.  This year I used products from the new All About Autumn Suite to create what I think is a wonderful "masculine" design.

 

There are some really wonderful designs in the All About Autumn Specialty Designer Series Paper that are books, or shelves showcasing antique or vintaged books.  I just love the possibilities these designs provide to create masculine-oriented cards.

This card is created on a Blackberry Bliss card base, and I layered an Early Espresso layer that was embossed with the new Distressed Tile 3D Embossing Folder, that I angled in the background for an offset look.  The book design paper that I chose is the closer up view of the old books, and I trimmed the paper so that it would have more of the burgundies and purple colors visible.

 

What I love about the layering for this card is the little bit of fraying to the ends of the ribbon, making it feel a little bit like a bookmark.

Then I created and die cut several different leaves to layer over the ribbon.

And finished off with this lovely sentiment from the Happy Labels stamp set, which was stamped in Versamark on Early Espresso cardstock, embossed with Copper Emboss Powder, and fussy cut.

 

I did not add any other embellishment to this card.  I'm letting the beautiful foiled paper for the leaves, the Copper embossing for the sentiment, and the lovely designer paper carry the day here.  I feel a masculine card is better off with "less" if you know what I mean 😉😉

 

I layered the remaining strip from my trimmed designer paper panel to the inside of the card, and stamped out the finishing sentiment, leaving myself room to leave a little message.

 

 

Sometimes designing a masculine card can be difficult.  I think Stampin' Up! has provided us a lot of options in the new Holiday Mini catalog to help us along with that effort.  I'll be showcasing more masculine card ideas later this Fall.

See you all next week!!!

I Love to hear from you.  Leave your questions or comments below!!

Hugs, . . .

Mix-It Up Mondays . . . Not "Always" Stampin' Up!

Hello Fellow Stampers ~

Oh My Goodness!!  Monday again!  And what a busy busy weekend we had here at DDS Studios.  Our very first Annual "All Occasions" Stamp-a-Stack - and I had those girls busy busy busy!!  25 cards later, and they now have a card stash ready for almost any occasion.  Everyone agreed - this will have to be a permanent annual stamp-a-stack!  So maybe you can join us next year!! 

 

Today I'm going to do something I very rarely ever do ~~ share a non-Stampin' Up! project.  Yes indeed!  I do have "contraband" in my Studio -- LOL.  I keep an eye on other websites, products, and inspiration; and every once in awhile I fall in love with something that I just have to snap up for my stash.  Today's set of products are some items that I saw demonstrated recently by another wonderful creative designer - all using Memory Box/Poppy Stamps stamps and dies - and a little Tim Holtz distress ink (some of my favorite inks in my stash).  I hold an ACE's class (Advanced Stampin' Experts), approximately once a year, and in that class we use lost of non-Stampin' Up! product just to get my crafters acclimated to other ways of doing things, other techniques, etc.  And then I like to bring them back around and show them how to make a similar project using nothing but Stampin' Up! products.  Sooooo . . . .  next week we'll see if we can CASE today's project with Stampin' Up! products only.  And then I'm going to ask you what you think :-) 

 

So today, let's "mix things up" and take a look at this gorgeous project.  I will give you the product list at the end.  Please note, as my disclaimer on my blog states ~~  I cannot sell you and do not receive any sort of return for non-Stampin' Up! products.  I have to go out and buy them just like you do.  I can only tell you where I purchase my products.  Today's products were all purchased through Simon Says Stamp.  They are a wonderful craft resource online for non-Stampin' Up! paper crafting supplies.  You will also see some Stampin' Up! supplies intermixed into this project (like papers, embossing powders, and adhesives) today.

 

 

 

We are using ALL Stampin' Up! cardstock for today's project - just an FYI.  I don't keep any other paper in my house (other than artist papers for watercoloring and copics).  So you are seeing Stampin' Up! Whisper White, Very Vanilla and Vellum cardstocks/papers in today's project.

 

 

The Very Vanilla cardstock is cut 4-1/4" x 11", scored at 5-1/2"

And then lightly sponged across the lower half of the front of the card base with Tim Holtz Tattered Rose distress ink.  (Consider using Stampin' Up! Petal Pink classic ink as a replacement)

 

 

 

Next, I have cut 2 of the largest frame in the Memory Box Stitchwork Rectangle Frames by Poppy Stamps die set from Whisper White cardstock . . .

 

then using the largest rectangle from the Memory Box Rectangle Basics Open Studio craft die set, cut from Vellum cardstock.  The cut size is 4-1/4" x 5-1/2" (the exact size of the card front).

I have used a die from Memory Box/Poppy Stamps called Leafy Vine Collage along with the Rectangle Basics to create a "window" in the Vellum.  You'll notice that this is slightly offset to the upper left of the piece (and don't pay attention to the fact that somehow I didn't get my die straight before I cut -- LOL).

 

Next I cut 2 of the Memory Box Graceful Heron craft die from Whisper White cardstock, and glued the 2 together to create a thicker more sturdy cutout and give some dimension.  Then the Heron is sponged with Tattered Rose distress ink to match the card base, and will be glued in place on the Vellum "window", as you'll see in just a moment.

 

 

 Finally, I used the "negative" cutout from the Memory Box Splashing Puddles Craft Die to create the "ripple" in the water effect at the feet of the Heron as it is taking off.  I used Fine-Tip Glue on all my intricate die-work today.

 

 

Now, I did purchase the Birch Press Design stamp set Love and Miss You, which has the "Always" sentiment in it that was used on the original card design I saw.  However, I decided that I really wanted to use a Stampin' Up! stamp set for this card, and so I used the "Forever & Always" sentiment instead from the brand new Itty Bitty Greetings stamp set in the new Annual Catalog.  This set was the replacement for the Teeny Tiny Wishes set that retired at the end of May - and I absolutely love it!!  This sentiment is stamped with Versamark, and embossed with White Embossing Powder from Stampin' Up!  It's perfect for this card - and for an Anniversary or Engagement or Wedding!

 

So let's assemble . . .

The Stitchwork Rectangle Frames are "stacked" and glued around the outside edge of the Vellum cut rectangle.  By gluing one on top of the other, you create some dimension as well as a strong framework.

The Leafy Vine Collage cutout is glued to the rectangle cutout in the vellum.

Emboss the sentiment in place.

Then glue your 2 heron die cuts together, sponge the wings, and glue the die over the hanging vines on the vellum.  You will flip over and dab off the extra glue.  Use one of our Silicone Craft Sheets for your glue work.

Finally add the smaller "pool ripple" negative piece from the Splashing Puddles die cut out.

Again, I used Fine-Tip (and a little 2-way) glue for all my glue work on this project.

Last - you will adhere the finished vellum piece to the card front with glue around the outside edges.

Remember, it fits exactly 4-1/4" x 5-1/2" - so this becomes your gorgeous card front.

 

I have been debating about adding some pearls to this card.

What do you think?

 

Thank you for indulging me today and letting me share something "non-Stampin' Up!"  I'd like to thank Weekly Scrapper for sharing Olga's wonderful creation with all of us.  I've enjoyed CASEing and sharing this project with you and I hope you have enjoyed it as well.  I'd love to hear what you think.  Do you buy "contraband" from time-to-time for your crafty stash?

 

Non-Stampin' Up! Supply List:

Memory Box / Poppy Stamps Leafy Vine Collage Die 2064

Memory Box / Poppy Stamps Graceful Heron Die 2073

Memory Box / Poppy Stamps Splashing Puddles Die 99062

Memory Box / Poppy Stamps Rectangle Basics Die Set 30086

Memory Box / Poppy Stamps Stitchwork Rectangle Frames Die Set 2072

 

 

Until Next Time . . .

 

  

 

 

 

 

Mix-It Up Mondays . . . A Petal Palette Anniversary Card

 

Hello Fellow Stampers :-)

Hello hello!!  It's a Monday - of all the days to have my birthday on! ugh!  And it has felt a little bit like a Monday so far this morning.  But I'm on my way to the rest of the day off, so I'm crossing my fingers, that things will slowly improve!  Maybe I'll put my feet up and drink some strawberry lemonade - my favorite 😊

 

I'm trying to get back into the creative cycle a little bit, so bear with me.  The first Product Shares orders arrive later today, so it's definitely going to be a busy week!

 

A very special friend's husband asked me to make an anniversary card for his wife.  Their anniversary is today too!!  Whoo hooo.  So I sat down this weekend, and came up with the card I want to share with you today.  I think it will fit her perfectly - especially as pink is her favorite color!

 

I hate to admit this.  When I first saw Petal Palette in our Spring Occasions Catalog, I just fell in love with it.  And then the whole entire first quarter of this year got away on me, and I never actually broke it out and used it - can you believe that?  So I'm very relieved it carried forward into our new Annual Catalog, and I'm excited to finally sit down and play with this gorgeous set.  It definitely is perfect for country chic, and vintage-style card designs.

 

I've incorporated a few long since retired items (some contraband), and lots of new goodies into today's card design.  I started with the brand new Gray Granite cardstock for a base and background color - and I have to say, I just love it!!  This "gray" has a very brown base to it, and it just softens the entire look.  Black can be harsh, so it's nice to have this option.  Paired with Powder Pink and our brand new Soft Sea Foam, it makes a lovely combination.  The sentiment and bird are also stamped in Gray Granite ink.

 

Since most of my brand new designer papers are arriving this afternoon, I didn't have as many options to look through and choose from for current papers; so instead I dug through some retired stash and chose this older black and white vine-look to go with the brand new Climbing Vine textured impressions embossing folder, which I used on the top half of the card.  I pulled out the just recently retired Powder Pink Finely Woven ribbon, and doubled it up with an overlay of the new Petal Pink shimmer ribbon for a lovely wrap at the mid-point of the layers before laying it on the card base.

 

The sweet sentiment from the Petal Palette stamp set is perfect I think for an anniversary card to your sweetie, don't you think?  I framed this using our Stitched Shapes Framelits and the Layering Squares to create a lovely layered "frame" that is popped up on the card front.  Then I used the Petals & More Thinlits to create lots of "pretties" around the frame, including my sweet little bird, that was colored with the just retired Pink Pirouette Stampin' Blends.  An array of pearls, and a double bow finish it all off.

 

On the inside, I added another one of the thinlit cutouts, and this sweet sentiment I snagged from the new Accented Blooms stamp set.  Perfect!!  Now he can add his little message to her, and he's all set to go!!

 

What do you think?  A perfect anniversary card if I do say so myself - LOL.  I think she's going to love it!!

 

I hope that's been some wonderful inspiration for you today.  Now I'm off to celebrate my birthday and play with fun things when Mr. Brown arrives at the house this afternoon!!  Yeah!

 

Until Next Time . . . Puppy Hugs!

 

 

 

 

A Soft Trio for the Paper Players ~

 

Good Morning Fellow Stampers -

Happy Monday, and welcome to another week!  It's Valentine's this week :-)  I always try to make it special for my sweetie; and for my friends and co-workers as well if I get a chance!  Valentine's falls right in the middle of the week this year, so it makes it not quite so much fun; but I think we'll take Tuesday afternoon off from work and go do something romantic :-)  How about you?

 

 

It's time to play with the Paper Players [PP331] for this week.  This week's challenge is a color challenge; and a combination that I feel works very nicely together.  I did something yesterday that I feel like I never really get the time to do ~ I actually just settled in my Studio all day and created cards that I've been dreaming of making, whether they were ideas I saw somewhere else, or combinations of thoughts . . .  And so for today's challenge I did something different.  I created a trio of cards all using this color combination, and each unique in its own way.  Each card design features a different stamp set and die combination with other elements.  Are you ready to play with me?  This will be a different kind of post today!!

 

I think each of these cards is so special; and I have to tell you they are really beautiful.  You MUST try this color combination, because it really is gorgeous!!

 

This card features the Avant Garden stamp set.  This SAB set seems to be everyone's favorites this year - and with good reason!

 

This card is cut from Smoky Slate cardstock, with a background mat of Blushing Bride.  I used the beautiful Copper tape from the Affectionately Yours Designer Washi Tape collection for the left side of the card; and embossed the Whisper White panel with the Falling Petals TIEF.

 

This floral spray from the Avant Garden Sale-A-Bration Stamp Set is stamped in Smoky Slate on Whisper White, then was cut out with an oval from the Stitched Shapes Framelits.  A scalloped oval was cut from Copper foil using the Layering Ovals framelits.  I then stamped the flowers again on a separate piece of cardstock, watercolored with Blender Pens and Blushing Bride and Pear Pizzazz ink, and then fussy cut just the flowers and leaves and popped them with dimensionals over the original stamping on the oval.   The stem is colored in Pear Pizzazz as well.  A few pearls, and a Blushing Bride solid baker's twine bow, and this lovely card is complete.

 

The inside of this card coordinates with the front; with a mat layer of Blushing Bride, a simple strip of the Copper designer washi tape, and the floral image stamped in Smoky Slate.

So pretty!!  :-)
 

 

This sweet little card is cut from Blushing Bride cardstock, and turned on the horizontal.

The background mat is cut from Smoky Slate, with the overlay in Whisper White.

 

Using images from the So In Love stamp set, the background is stamped in Smoky Slate and Blushing Bride; then the layers are wrapped in 1/8" Smoky Slate Stitched Ribbon, before being adhered to the card front.

 

 

The overlay is cut from Copper Foil using the So Detailed Thinlits.  They are fussy cut apart, and adhered to the back of the sentiment piece with SNAIL and then popped with dimensionals over the cross-over of the ribbon.

 

The inside of the card is layered with Smoky Slate and Whisper White, with some simple stamping using the coordinated images from the stamp set.

 

This lovely card is cut from Whisper White cardstock, with a matting of Blushing Bride; the overlay is also in Whisper White.

The stamping on this card is created from the Timeless Textures stamp set and Smoky Slate ink.  The dots are done in Versamark and Copper embossing powder.

I then sponged Blushing Bride ink and Smoky Slate ink over the images.

 

The feature of this card is the gorgeous dragonfly cut using the Detailed Dragonfly Thinlits.

The overlay is cut from Falling In Love DSP which I then covered with Clear Wink of Stella to add a sheen of glimmer.

The backing to the butterfly is in Copper Foil (a flip from what we're used to doing ;-) ) -- I love how this turned out!!

 

The sentiment is from the Dragonfly Dreams stamp set, stamped in Smoky Slate.

 

The inside of the card is double-layered in Smoky Slate and Blushing Bride;

the stamping is a combination from Timeless Textures, and the lovely sentiment from Dragonfly Dreams;

stamped in Smoky Slate and Blushing Bride.

 

The secret to this entire card is stamping off at least once first, before stamping the images on the cardstock.

 

Do you love it?  I had a lot of fun playing with these yesterday.  I hope you are enjoying the inspiration and will head for you craft spaces to play too!!  You can order all the supplies for each of these cards in my Online Store; and earn your Avant Garden Sale-A-Bration set while you're at it :-)  Don't hesitate to contact me if you ever have any questions about my designs or Stampin' Up!

 

Until Next Time . . .

 

 

 

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Hello Love for Mojo Monday

 

 

Hello Stampers :-)

Well, this is coming to you late today and I apologize.  I had a terrible headache last evening and although I tried to finish up this project, I realized I just wasn't up to it, and ended up heading to bed early instead.  And I have to tell you that today turned into a "Monday on a Friday"!  It's been a yucky day all day!!!!

 

 

Oh well, at least I have a really pretty card for the Mojo Monday [MOJO482] challenge today.  At least I think it's pretty -- LOL  ;-)  We have a sweet sketch this week from Mojo, and I decided to mix the color combination up a little bit for a "Valentine's" card.  These are actually inspired by our new Succulent Garden Designer Series Paper, and I have to tell you ~~  I adore that collection of papers!!

 

 

Whisper White

Sweet Sugarplum

Old Olive

 

 

 

 

Doggone Delightful Stampin' Design Tips:

• Layerothology. This week at Mojo Monday is a "fifth Monday" since January had 5 Mondays in it, and so Mojo always does some "special" or unusual for a fifth week in a month; this time around was to create a square card.  So after debating about measurements for a little bit, I settled on a finished size of 5" x 5" for this card.  That means cutting your cardstock 5" x 10", and then scoring at the 5" mark.  Pretty easy!  I used one of my favorite patterns from the new Succulent Garden designer series paper - a soft Sweet Sugarplum gingham, and matted it with Whisper White for the background layers of this card.  (Card base is cut from Sweet Sugarplum also.)

 

 

 

• It's In the Details.  I always tell you, it's in the details folks!!  This pretty little card, has the new Lacey Doilies which have been sponge colored with Old Olive ink; then squares created with the Stitched Shapes Framelits and the Layering Squares Framelits.  Did you see that each white square has been carefully embossed with the Falling Petals TIEF ?  These are popped with dimensionals.  Then I created the offset layered hearts using the Sweet & Sassy heart framelits that I love so much.  The Sealed With Love stamp set has the perfect little sentiment for the center of my heart.  Don't forget those pearls now!!  ;-)

 

 

• Turn to the Inside.  I put a strip of the gingham paper that I had left after trimming on the inside of this card.  So easy and it's perfect to pull the front and inside together.  Now I can decide on a sentiment a little bit later when I decide who is getting this card.

 

 

 

• Make Your Own Envelope.  I've been asked a lot recently about how to send our cards through the mail; especially if we have odd-sized cards, or even like my card this past Monday, it has an element that hangs over the edge of the card.  I've addressed how to mail our cards in several blog posts in the past Here and Here.  Let me pause for just a moment today since we have an "odd-shaped" card we're working with today.  There is just absolutely no better solution to an odd-shaped card than our Envelope Punch Board.  If you do not own this tool, get one today!!  :-)  It makes it so easy to create any size envelope you need.  Simply take the measurements of your card, look for the corresponding measurements on the Board, then cut your paper and score as instructed.  Today's 5" x 5" card has a coordinating envelope created from our In Color Envelope Paper (so it's Sweet Sugarplum too), and it's just so easy.  Now I'll be able to mail my card in a snap!  :-)

 

 

 

As always Stampers, don't hesitate to contact me with your questions.  I'm happy to answer to the best of my ability.  I hope everyone has a really fabulous weekend!!  It's Super Bowl time -- or maybe it's Puppy Bowl!!  :-)

 

 

Until Next Time . . .

 

 

 

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