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August 09, 2015

One Stamp used Two Ways

In Stampin' Up!'s Annual Catalog there are many stamp sets that were created for coloring. If you are not familiar with watercoloring or using the blender pens then these stamp sets can be intimidating or even overlooked. Today I want to show you another way to use one of these stamp sets.

I used a retired stamp set called People Like You. The flower in that stamp set is very similar to the flower in the Remarkable You set in the current catalog. This stamp set remains on my wish list. 

Two Ways outline

To create this card I used my Stampin' Write Markers (Watermelon Wonder and Cucumber Crush) to stamp the flower. I stamped the image again with the the sentiment inked in black and then punched it out with the Decorative Label Punch. 

Due to the delicate nature of the image I only added a small border layer. This ensured it did not over power the image.

Two ways 2

For this card I stamped the image a few times.

  1. Following the steps above I stamped the flower on the Whisper White card stock.
  2. Then I inked the stamp up with Watercolor Wonder and stamped it onto Watercolor Wonder card stock. Then I fussy cut the flowers out and placed them over the stamped image using the Mono glue.
  3. Then I inked the stamp up in Black Memento Ink and stamped it one last time and punched out the sentiment as I did in the first card. The sentiment is added with Stampin' Dimensionals.

Because the flower was now bold and bright I needed to balance it with a larger border. It is such a striking card.

I am pleased with both cards and I never had to watercolor!

I hope I inspired you to take a second look at some of the beautiful stamps like Remarkable You in the catalog.

Thanks for stopping by. 

Michelle

Two ways outline 2

Two ways 2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SU products used or substituted to create these cards:

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog
 

 

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Aug 9, 2015 5:00:00 AM | Card making, Friendship, How To, Thinking of You

August 01, 2015

Patina Technique

Patina Thank you

This technique is not new but it is new to me. I saw it on Pinterest and had to try it. I used a few retired Stampin' Up! items and will give you alternative items from the current product line.

To create the patina look I started with a piece of Very Vanilla card stock. Then using my brayer I rolled Crumb Cake Ink onto my retired Vintage Wallpaper Textured Emboss Folder (Substitute: Elegant Dots).  I brayered the side with the SU logo on it. Then I ran it through my Big Shot. Using my heat gun I set the ink on the paper.

Then using a wedge of Stamping Sponge and a circular motion I added Marina Mist and Always Artichoke ink all over the card. Then I sponged a little Early Espresso. 

Next I took my Versamark Ink Pad and lightly tapped the ink pad on the raised portions of the card stock. I then sprinkled Gold Embossing powder and tapped off any excess. Using my Heat Gun I watched the magic of embossing powder bring the card to the beautiful patina finish.

Patina Close up

I think this looks so pretty. The card stock was then layered onto Crumb Cake and Early Espresso card stock. 

The sentiment is from the retired hostess set called Hello There. (Substitute: One Big Meaning stamp set and use the beautiful script Thank You stamp.) I layered my sentiment on Mossy Meadow.

This card is on its way to Canada. We have gotten to know a wonderful couple who live in Vancouver BC. When John and I were heading out for the first leg of our Alaskan trip we met up for a quick visit. I wanted to send my gratitude for the time spent together. It was a whirlwind but so wonderful to be together.

I hope you enjoyed learning or remembering this technique. Let me know what you think, your comments mean a lot to me.

Michelle

Pantina tahnk you 2

Stampin' Up! supplies used and available through StampinMojo:

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog
 
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Aug 1, 2015 5:03:17 PM | Card making, Friendship, How To, Thank you

April 22, 2015

Something Special for Someone Special

Today is Administrative Professionals Day. I am very fortunate to have a very special woman who assists me everyday at my office. She is always so positive and willing to do whatever it takes to accomplish a task. So this past weekend I set out to create something special for her. It is a purse and cards set.  I also snuck a gift card in the purse as well.

Purse and note cards

 

I cannot take credit for this adorable set. I followed a terrific tutorial by Caroline Hallett a UK Stamping' Up! demonstrator. You can see it here. 

The bag is amazingly easy to create.  I have instructions you can follow below with all the measurements.

DSP    3 1/2" x 12" 

Base of the bag    2 1/2" x 5 1/4" piece of card stock, Score this piece 1/2" on all sides. Fold and score with your bone folder all the creases. Then put sticky strip on the corners. Cut to the crease line on one side of each corner. Folder the sides up putting the overlap on the outside (so there is no seam on the inside of the box bottom).

Now cut three pieces of card stock 1/2" x 12". Put sticky strip/Fast Fuse along the entire piece of card stock.  You will add this to the outside of the DSP to create the top and bottom of the purse. The third piece will be for the inside of the purse after you add the handles. Only adhere the top piece for now.

Then take the DSP and place sticky strip on the bottom and right side of the inside or back of the DSP. Remove the tape and begin attaching it to the (box) base of your purse. Start about half way along the back of the base and continue to carefully wrap the DSP along the base of the box. Note, start with the side that does not have sticky strip you want that end to seal the bag together.

Then add the other 1/2" piece of card stock along the base to cover up any miscues when adding the DSP.

Next add the handles. Cut two pieces of card stock 3/8" by 6". Use brads to attach the handles. Now add the remaining 1/2" x 12" piece of card stock with sticky strip to the inside of the purse to cover the backside of the brads. This is probably the toughest part.

Your bag is now complete!

I totally CASE'd Caroline's bag and added the embellishment of the flower with the monogram.

  Purse and cards 2

The note cards measure 4" x 4". The DSP strip is 1" x 4" and the Whisper White piece is 2/12" x 4".  The flowers and punch are form the Occasions Catty.  Petal Potpourri and the Flower Medallion Punch.  Purchase them together and save 15%.  I love the flowers in this set.

The sentiment is from one of the Paper Pumpkin kits.  These kits just keep getting better and better!

And here is the final result.

Purse and cards 3

I loved creating this and I hope I inspired you to give it a try as well.  Thanks for stopping by!

Michelle

Products used to create this project.  Click on any item to begin shopping!

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog
 
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February 03, 2015

Color Your Tulips

Tulips

I am loving Stampin' Up!'s Blendabilities.  They are so fun easy and fun to use.  I created this card just to use my new "blendies" from the Occasions catalog.  

I started with Stampin' Up's Note Cards and Envelopes set.  Then I cut a piece of Whisper White card stock at 3 x 41/2.  On this piece of WW I stamped the tulips from the Blessed Easter stamp set (retired) but available through MDS. 

The leaves are colored with the new Wild Wasabi Blendability.  I started with the middle marker and outlined the outer edges and inner lines.  Then I filled in with the lightest shade of Wild Wasabi.  Then I colored the tulip heads with the Pink Pirouette.  Again I outlined the tulips with the middle shade marker and filled in with the lightest color.  

The sentiment is from the Painted Petals stamp set.  It was cut out and then framed using the Chalk Talk Framelits.   

And my envelopes should never be naked, so I added the sweet little tulips from the Painted Petals  stamp set to the front of my envelope.

If you have not yet tried our Blendabilities, I encourage you to give it a try.  Stampin' Up! is making it even easier to give it a try by offering Blendabilities for FREE with a $50 order before taxes and shipping.  

Don't forget to stop back on Thursday for the latest Pals Paper Arts Challenge!

Cheers,

Michelle

Tulips2

 

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog
 
Feb 3, 2015 5:00:00 AM | Card making, Easter/Spring, Friendship, How To, Thinking of You

December 06, 2014

A Masculine Happy Birthday

IMG_5621

Happy Saturday.  If you are like me you have a long list of things you wnat to accomplish this weekend.  I hope you can find a little time to yourself in your craft space.  

Today's card was CAS'd from Michelle Last a very talented UK demonstrator.  While I am still working on my own inking technique I wanted to share a quick How To.  

  • Before opening your stamp pad, squeeze it together.  When you open it you will have captured ink on the top of the case.
  • Using my Sponge Dauber I tap the top of the dauber in the ink on the top of the case and then in a circular motion begin to ink the edge of my paper. 

As I said I am still working on getting the inking even.  As the saying goes practice makes perfect!

Each strip of Under the Tree DSP paper is 1" wide.  I rounded the edges with my corner rounder. The star was cut out using two star framlits.  I love this look.  

The sentiment, from Endless Birthday Wishses, was stamped and then punched out with the Note Tag Punch.  I finished with a Neutral button and Linen Thread.

Masculine Bday

Thanks for stopping by!

Michelle

You can purchase all these supplies by simply clicking on any item below and going to the StampinMojo online store which os open 24/7.

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog
 

 

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October 28, 2014

My First Shaker Card

A couple of weeks ago I noticed the Shaker Frames were included in the Weekly Deal special.  I have wanted to try making a shaker card so this this item was added to my order.  This past weekend I was able to get some time in my craft space.

Shaker 2

 

I was so caught up in creating the shaker portion of the card it became the single focus.  I am sure my next shaker card will be easier.

Here are a few tips from my experience...

I stamped the sentiment For You as well as the Frame from the Chalk Talk stamp set and then cut them out with the coordinating framelit and 1 3/8" circle punch.  Then I went to add the Shaker Frame.  

TIP - Use the next size Shaker Frame not the exact size of my punched out circle.  

TIP - Don't foget to punch out your "window" for the shaker from a Window Sheet.  Yep I was assembling and realized I missed this step.  I was laughing at myself as I was so busy doing I was not thinking.  

I cut out a separate Chalk Talk Framelit to adhere the other side of the shaker frame and give it more stability.  As you can see some of my sequins have caught on the glue of the shaker frame at the top.

A bit of Baker's Twine adds a bit more bling and interest to the card.  

Inside Shaker card

This stamp set, Another Great Year, was from the Occasions Catalog last Spring.  This sentiment set is available through MY Digital Studio (MDS).  MDS is another fun way to create cards, gifts and scrapbook pages.

I will cetainly need to work at my Shaker making technique but I love the fun result.  I think the recipient will enjoy the whimsy of the seqins in her card.

Thanks for stopping by!

Stampin Hugs,

Michelle

Shaker card

Stampin' Up Supplies Used:  Please click on images below for more details or easy, on-line shopping 24/7!  And Don't forget to check out the Weekly Deals.  

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September 02, 2014

A Yippee-Skippee Birthday

Yippee-Skippee Birthday

Although it is Tuesday it will seem like a Monday for many of us.  My day is going to packed with meetings and an overflowing To Do list.  The last two weeks I have been working on nothing but the roll out of a new software program and now it is time to get back to all my other responsibilities.  In addition, I will be away on business Wednesday through Friday so I have a lot to get accomplished in a short time in the office this week.  Don't worry I did get a few posts ready for you!

This month we have a lot of birthday's at my office.  This card is for one of my male colleagues.  It was inspired by a card created by one of the Stampin Up design team members some time ago.  I used some older DSP [base is Natural Composition Specialty Paper and the 1" strip of Chevron DSP is from Parkers Patterns].  You could recreate both patterns in these DSP's using current stamps.  Use the Hardwood background stamp and the Positively Chevron background stamp OR the chevron in Work of Art.  I hate to waste DSP and I have tons of it to use up.  I can't seem to help myself when there is new DSP.  

The square is 3" and the underlying Very Vanilla piece is 1/4" smaller.  I stamped the sentiment from Yippee Skippee in the center of the Very Vanilla card stock in Early Espresso.  Then I took a Post-It note and punched out the Decorative Label.  (Sorry for the bad photos...)

Decorative label

I took the punched out Decorative Label and placed it on the 3" Square piece of Daffodil Delight to center it.  Then I laid the above piece so the punched out label fit back into the punched area.  

Label

The stickiness of the Post-It held the position while I then punched out the label on the Daffodil Delight card stock for the perfect placement.

The "happy" from my sentiment was added to the Daffodil Delight using my StampinWrite Marker and the Stamp-a-ma-jig.

I hope you have a lot of happy in your day.  Did these tips inspire you?

Michelle

Stampin' Up Supplies Used:  Please click on images below for more details or easy, on-line shopping 24/7!

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June 15, 2014

Pals Pape Arts Color Challenge #207

Check out the Pals Paper Arts Color Challenge this week:

Image02

While this color challenge lends itself to a patriotic design I chose another path because I couldn't wait to ink up the new Bloom for You stamp.

PPA 6-12-2014

The base of the card is 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" and then the Night of Navy square is 3 1/4" x 3 1/4".  The DSP is from the recently retired Fresh Prints DSP Paper Stack and measures 3" x 3" (substitute with the Brights DSP Paper stack in Real Red). Then I inked up the Bloom for You stamp in Real Red ink and punched it out with the coordinating new Fun Flower Punch. Then I stamped the same flower in Night of Navy and used the 7/8" Scallop Circle to punch out the center only.

StampinMojo Tip - this stamp comes as a wood stamp only.  Before putting the stamp on the wood base, take a piece of scrap paper and punch out a Fun Flower to create a "guide" for the proper placement of the stamp on your wood block.  You need to coordinate the punch and the stamp so when you stamp it is easy to align the punch without needing to cut around the flower to line up the stamp (similar to the Flower Shop stamp set).  I added a small up arrow on my block so I know which way to stamp the flower to align the punch.  

The sentiment comes from So Very Happy.

PPA cose up.

Thanks for stopping by and if you have any questions on aligning your Bloom for You stamp on the block send me an email!

Michelle

Stampin Up supplies Used:

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May 21, 2014

More Project Life by Stampin' Up!

Over the weekend I was able to get two scrapbook pages completed.  My scrapbooks are a combination of Project Life pages and traditional 12 x 12 pages that include photos, embellishments and journaling.  I wanted to show you another Project Life page where I used Stampin' Up DSP and My Digital Studio (MDS).

The pages are not elaborate.  The key to Project Life is to get the the moments captured and to tell your story.  I will show you one of the pages that captures Father's Day 2012 (I know I am behind).

05-21-2014

The Project Life Pocket Page I used is Design F which includes one 4" x 6" pocket and ten 3" x 4" pockets. This page design used to throw me off because I did not know how to get more 4" x 6" photos in the layout.  Simple - you chose photos where you can slice it down the middle.  Your eye naturally looks at it as a whole photo.  You can see I did that twice.

Let's take closer look...

05-21-2014 top

I am an MDS novice yet the program is fairly easy to work with and there are many great Stampin' Up! tutorials and You Tube vidoes available to get you started.  The Happy Father's Day card in the center was completely designed and printed from MDS.  I set the size of my project (3 x 4), purchased a Father's Day stamp set, and then added the stamps to my project, selected the colors I wanted and then added text.  It is fairly simple and fun to play around in.

You can see I even added text to my photos and print those as well.  The text added to the photo below is a brush added to Photoshop by Ali Edwards.  I love her style.  The "Recording Moments" in the photo at the top of the page is another Ali Edwards brush.

05-21-2014 bottom

I do hope I am inspiring you to document the moments of YOUR life.  Our lives are not about the things we accumulate rather the accumulation of our experiences.  As the years go by I am more and more appreciative of the time I have invested in documenting our lives.

Remember you can try MDS for FREE for 30 days and if you like it is is only $19.99! It is an amazing tool whether you want to capture memories, make cards or create invitations!  If you have any questions I am just an email away.

Tomorrow is another Pals Paper Arts Sketch Challenge, see you then!

Michelle

Stampin' Up! products used:

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April 14, 2014

Birthday Card in a Box

These "cards in a box" are the hot trend right now.  It seemed like a lot more work than perhaps I might want to do for a card.  Yet I was drawn to try it.  Check out the result...

04-14-2014

I have a colleague at work who turned 50 yeasterday and she loves owls so I thought this was a fun way to say happy birthday.

I can see the mistakes I made in the placement of the accessories - some of the items are blocked by others.  The Hey there! should be on less of an angle and you would be able to read it.  And the Owl should be higher so he is not blocked by the 50.  I know I am nit-picking, I am a recovery perfectionist and sometimes I can't help myself. 

04-14-2014c

The card ends up 6" by 7" when it lies flat. so I had to make a custom envelope.  Of course that had to be decorated as well.

Here is a peek from overhead so you can really see how this comes together.

04-14-2014d

A super clever design.  I followed the instructions by Dina Kowal on Splitcoast Stampers.  This is a great tutorial.  And a final look of the card before it goes into the envelope.

04-14-2014b

As you read this I am in Chicago for our final whirlwind College tour - three universities in three different cities in five days.  Pierce must make his decision on where he will attend by May 1st and the time is ticking.  Wish me luck!  

Facebook

I have created blog posts for the week to keep you inspired.  And watch the StampinMojo facebook page for College trip updates! 

 

I hope you have a great week.  Thanks for stopping by!

Michelle

Stampin' Up! supplies used:

Table built using Product Table Builder 
 
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April 02, 2014

Organizing your Card Stock Scraps

With the onset of Spring many of us start to Spring Clean and organize our lives for the upcoming summer.  So for the month of April, each Wednesday I will show you how I keep my craft space organized.  

For those of us who love paper there comes a time when you need to get all that paper organized.  I want to share with you my solution for card stock and the scraps that inevitably result.

First a confession - I am compulsive about keeping my colors in groupings.  I have done this with my closet since I was a teen (whites to black basically following the color spectrum of the rainbow) and now I do it with my Stampin' Up! card stock.

  Card stock storage

This is one side of the cabinet drawer, the other side holds the green, blue and purple color families. Then within each of the hanging folders I have a sleeve for the scraps.  The sleeves are side load clear plastic sheet protectors (generic Office Depot brand).  While I have considered putting them in a three hole binder it is much easier to keep them with the full 8 1/2 x 11 sheets as seen here.

Sleeve storage 2
Sleeve storage

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So when I am working on a project I simply grab the sleeve and take it to my crafting table. 

Sleeve storage 3

This has worked so well for me.  As you can see I even add scraps of my Deisgner Series Paper Stacks of the same color. 

You know I love to craft,  I also enjoy organizing my craft supplies so that I can see what I have and use it!  And Stampin' Up! makes it so easy to craft by coordinating accessories, ink and paper with the same color families. 

I would love to hear how you organize your crafting supplies?

Michelle

 

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March 31, 2014

A Color Block Birthday

Today's card is a classic card layout and a great use of scraps.  Take a look...

03-31-2014

I used a standard sized Crumb Cake card base.  Then cut a mat in Baked Brown Sugar only 1/4" smaller all around.  The left side column is 1 5/8" wide and the right side is 2 1/8" wide, using the In Color 2013-2015 Designer Series Paper Stack and Whisper White card stock.

The sentiment is stamped in Baked Brown Sugar and is from the Four You stamp set (a great versatile set!).  The flourishes are from Baroque Motifs (retired set) and easily exchanged for Flowering Flourishes in the current Stampin' Up! catalog.  The flourishes are stamped in Crumb Cake ink.

The Papillon Potpourri stamped in Baked Brown Sugar on Crisp Cantaloupe was punched with the Bitty Butterfly and added dimension to the card while the Whisper White Baker's Twine adds texture.

This layout is a great way to use up some scraps.  Stop back tomorrow for another fun card design.  And on Wednesday I will be starting a new series for the month of April on how to organize your craft supplies.  I will show you how I store my scraps so I get the maximum out of my card stock!

Michelle

Stampin' Up! supplies used:

Table built using Product Table Builder 
 
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December 08, 2013

Clean and Simple Happy Birthday

In our family we celebrate a lot of birthday's during the holiday season. (My oldest was unexpectedly born on Christmas Eve!) Through the years we have remained steadfast in celebrating each birthday and then ringing in whatever holiday we may be celebrating - Thanksgiving, Christmas, even New Year's. Yes my husband was born on New Year's day.

So when I make a birthday card during the holiday season I make sure I don't use holiday colors. Here is an example of a recent birthday card made for a dear friend whose birthday sometimes lands on Thanksgiving.  

12-08-2013

Isn't that clean and fresh looking. This stamp set is called Too Kind and is a two-step stamp process.  This is where your Stamp-a-ma-jig comes in as an essential tool. There is a great video at Stampin' Up! to illustrate how to use the Stamp-a-ma-jig. Check it out here  www.stampinup.com/showmehow This inexpensive tool can take your creations to a whole new level. Note: I usually purchase two-step stamp sets in wood as I can easily make stamping templates with some clear acrylic sheets and my Stazon ink and simply keep them in the box with the stamps. Super easy to use then when I need a quick card.

I hope you learned something and enjoyed the card today. Do you have holiday birthdays in your family? How do you make them unique and special? I would love to hear from you.

Cheers,

Michelle

Dec 8, 2013 8:18:17 AM | Birthday, Card making, How To, Videos

Michelle Gleeson

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