Seaside INKspirations

Because I Care

HI Stampers,

Here's a sympathy card I made recently.  I have had the hostess set called Because I Care for quite some time, but have only just put ink to it.  It's a beautiful set and I love hydrangeas.

The base is Basic Gray card stock.  I embossed the front using the Big Shot and the Finial Press Textured Impressions Embossing Folder.  A strip of Dotted Basic Gray Patterns Designer Series Paper from the Neutrals Stack is also embossed with the same folder.  I used the Sanding Block to highlight the embossed areas.  I tied a bow using Rose Red 1/2" Seam Binding and wrapped the DSP strip.

The focal image is stamped in Basic Black Classic Ink on Whisper White card stock.  After allowing the ink to dry for approximately 10-15 minutes, I used Rose Red Classic Ink and Always Artichoke Classic Ink with my Blender Pen to color the image.*  This is layered on Basic Gray card stock.  The upper edge is Rose Red card stock that has been punched using the Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch.  It is attachd using SNAIL Adhesive and shows only the small scallop edge of this punch. The finished focal image is attached to the card front using Stampin' Dimensionals.  I used the Clear Mount stamp set and the appropriate blocks are listed in the Accessories below.

The greeting is from the same set and is stamped on Whisper White card stock in Basic Black Classic Ink.  It is punched using the 1-3/8" x 7/8" Oval Large Punch.  This is layered on Rose Red card stock that was punched using the Scallop Oval Extra Large Punch and attached to the focal image using Stampin' Dimensionals.

*  When using your blender pens, you can make a palette on the lid of your ink pad from which to pick up your color.  Simply push the lid open a little bit and squeeze the lid into the ink pad and open the case.  Leave the lid exposed and there you have your palette.

Contact me by clicking the Email Me link at the top right if you would like to earn this stamp set for yourself or with any questions you may have about Stampin' Up!.  You can also visit HERE to learn more about Workshops and Hostess Benefits.

Supplies...

Stamps:  Because I Care (C-120118, W-118384 - Level 1 Hostess Set)

Paper:  Basic Gray (121044);  Whisper White (100730);  Rose Red (102544);  Neutrals Patterns Designer Series Paper Stack (117157)

Ink:  Basic Black Classic Ink (101179);  Rose Red Classic Ink (101778);  Always Artichoke Classic Ink (105219)

Accessories:  Dotted Scallopo Ribbon Border Punch (119275);  Scallop Oval Extra Large Punch (119856);  1-3/8" x 7/8" Oval Large Punch (119855);  Big Shot (113439);  Finial Press Textured Impression Embossing Folder (115963);  Blender Pens (102845);  Sanding Block (103301);  Rose Red 1/2" Seam Binding (121884-Mini);  Stampin' Dimensionals (104430);  SNAIL Adhesive (104332);  Clear Block "B" (117147) and "E" (118484)

The Patterns Designer Series Paper Stacks are available in each of the new color collections as well as the In Colors.  They're a great way to have coordinating designer paper to add pizzaz to your favorite colors of card stock.  Click HERE to take a look at the gorgeous Designer Series Papers that Stampin' Up! offers.

 I hope you enjoyed today's card share.  I'd love to read your comments.  Thanks so much for stopping by today and see you next time!

Mary Davidson

Love Birds

Hi Stampers,

Here's an anniversary card I made for our neighbors.  I was inspired by a card I saw on Stampin' Connection, a website for Stampin' Up! Demonstrators, made by Kristin Moore.

The card base uses Blushing Bride card stock, one of Stampin' Up!'s In Colors, cut at 4-1/4" x 11" and scored at 5-1/2".  I used the Eyelet Border Punch along the bottom front and then ran it through the Big Shot using one of the Backgrounds 1 Texturz Plates.

The two hearts are stamped from the set, I (Heart) Hearts, in Blushing Bride Classic Ink.  They are trimmed with Paper Snips and attached using Stampin' Dimensionals.  The Happy Anniversary is from a retired set called Hugs & Wishes and is also stamped in Blushing Bride Classic Ink.  It is punched out using the Modern Label Extra-Large Punch and attached with Mini Glue Dots.

The birds are punch from Whisper White card stock using the Two-Step Bird Extra-Large Punch.  I stamped the wings using the same heart stamp I used above, and attached to the bird using Stampin' Dimensionals.  I used Mini Glue Dots to attach the birds to the card front.

The ribbon I used is the 5/8" Whisper White Satin Ribbon.  It is wrapped around the card front and tied in a simple square knot.

I added a Whisper White layer inside to stamp the sentiment and to have a white background for the Eyelet Border.

All supplies are © Stampin' Up!.  With the exception of the Hugs & Wishes stamp set, all items are available for purchase by visiting my Demonstrator Website store, open 24/7, or by clicking Email Me at the top of the right side bar.

Supplies:

Stamps:  I (Heart) Hearts (C-118571, W-117010), Hugs & Wishes (Retired)

Paper:  Blushing Bride (119796);  Whisper White (100730)

Ink:  Blushing Bride Classic Ink (119786)

Accessories:  Big Shot (113439);  Backgrounds 1 Texturz Plates (114512);  Eyelet Border Punch (119853);  Modern Label Extra Large Punch (119849);  Two-Step Bird Extra-Large Punch (117191); Stampin' Dimensionals (104430);  Mini Glue Dots (103683);  5/8" Whisper White Satin Ribbon (114616);  Paper Snips (103579)

Thanks so much for stopping by today!  See you next time!

 Mary Davidson

Birthday Bakery Sketch Challenge

Hi Stampers,

I need a lot of birthday cards for November, so last night I sat down and made my first 6 using a sketch from a challenge on SUDSOL, a Demonstrator only group.  To learn more about SUDSOL, click the link on the lower left.

Stampin' Up! has some great Hostess sets* this year.  This is one called Birthday Bakery. Another Hostess option is the In Colors Designer Series Paper Patterns Pack.*  Now that's a mouthful...LOL.  

I made it in two color ways, Poppy Parade and Blushing Bride.  It's a simple sketch and goes together quickly once your coloring is finished.  I used the exact same supplies on both cards, except for the colors.

The first uses the Poppy Parade card stock as its base.  The second card uses Blushing Bride card stock as its base. 

The next layer is Whisper White card stock.  The bottom portion is topped with a pattern from the Designer Series Paper Patterns Pack.  Each has a piece of the 1/2" Stitched-Poly Ribbon in the coordinating colors.

The cake stands image is stamped on Whisper White card stock using Jet Black Stazon Ink.  I used a Blender Pen and the matching Classic Inks, Poppy Parade and Blushing Bride, as well as Soft Suede Classic Ink to color the cakes and icing.  A Real Red Stampin' Write marker was used to color the assorted toppings on the cake.  The cake stands are colored using a Sahara Sand Stampin' Write Marker.

This panel is layered on the appropriate color mat and attached to the card front using Stampin' Dimensionals.  The birthday greeting is from the stamp set, Perfect Punches.  I used Stampin' Write Markers to color only the words on the stamp.

This is a fast and easily reproducible card to make and look how great it turns out.  All supplies used are Stampin' Up!  I used the Clear Mount stamp sets, so I will include the Acrylic Blocks I used.  Please leave a comment and let me know how you like it.

TIP:  When using your Blender Pens, make a pallet with your Classic Ink Pad by squeezing  the center of the case before opening.  When you open it, you will have ink on the inside lid.  Use your Blender Pen to pick up ink from there.  Repeat the process as necessary.

Supplies:

Stamps:  Birthday Bakery (C-120115, W-117034)  Hostess Exclusive;  Perfect Punches (C-120516, W-117022)

Paper:  Poppy Parade (119793);  Blushing Bride (119796);  Whisper White (100730); Designer Series Paper Pack - In Color (Level 1 Exclusive to Hostesses)

Ink:  Poppy Parade Classic Ink (119782);  Blushing Bride (119786);  Poppy Parade and Blushing Bride Stampin' Write Markers (119801 [set of 5]);  Soft Suede Classic Ink (115657);  Sahara Sand Stampin' Write Marker (105105);  Jet Black Stazon (101406)

Accessories:  Blender Pens (102845);  Poppy Parade 1/2" Stitched-Poly Ribbon (119263);  Blushing Bride 1/2" Stitched-Poly Ribbon (119267); Acrylic Block "H" (118490);  Acrylic block "D" (118485);  Stampin' Dimensionals (104430);  SNAIL Adhesive (104332)

*  Stampin' Up! has exclusive sets available only to hostesses.  You can host a Workshop/Party, Class, Catalog Party or be your own hostess by placing a minimum order of $150 (merchandise only).  Contact me for more information.

Thanks for stopping by today!  You can find out more information about hosting your own party by visiting my website HERE.  While you're there, stop and check out the Clearance Rack where bargains abound.  See you next time!

Mary Davidson

Shimmery Bells

Hi Stampers,

Here's a card we are making in class this month using the stamp set, Bells & Boughs, and the Deck the Halls Designer Series Paper, both from the Holiday Mini Catalog.

The card base is Cherry Cobbler card stock cut 8-1/2" x 5-1/2" and scored at 4-1/4". 

Let's go to the focal image.  The Shimmery White card stock is embossed using the Petals-A-Plenty Embossing Folder in the Big Shot. 

I cut two pieces of thin cardboard (from a cereal or cracker box) to the size of my Shimmery White card stock. I used the Coluzzle (retired) to cut a circle in the center of the cardboard.  You may use a craft knife or scissors to cut your desired shape. Tape the cardboard to the top (outside) of the embossing folder (see photo below).

Now you are ready to do the embossing.  Your "sandwich" will be the Multipurpose Platform on Tab 2, the embossing folder with card stock positioned beneath the cardboard inside the folder* and one Standard Cutting Pad on top.  Run this through the Big Shot and you will have the flat circle in the center, surrounded by the embossed Petals as seen in the card photo. 

* It is much easier for me to position the card stock evenly in the embossing folder if the cardboard template is the same size as the piece I want emboss.

Now it's time to stamp the image.  I used the bells from the Clear Mount Bells & Boughs stamp set and the Clear Acrylic Block "D".  It is stamped in Jet Black Stazon ink.  I used a Blender Pen and Cherry Cobbler Classic Ink to color the bow and the holly berries and Always Artichoke Classic Ink to color the holly leaves. 

I sprayed Gold Glow Smooch Spritz in a small dish and used a dry Aqua Painter to add shimmer and color to the bells.  I let it dry for a little bit, then used More Mustard Classic Ink and a Blender Pen to add some deeper color for accent.  I used the More Mustard Stampin' Write Marker to color the details of the bells. A little Dazzling Diamond Glitter is added to the berries with the 2-Way Glue Pen.

The Brushed Gold card stock is punched along the bottom edge using the Scallop Border Trim Punch.  I threaded gold elastic cord through the center scallops and tied a bow for added interest.  I used a generous amount of SNAIL adhesive to attach the embossed layer to the Brushed Gold. 

A piece of Deck the Halls Designer Series paper is attached on the lower portion of the card front.  Then, the focal image is attached above, again, using a generous amount of SNAIL for a firm hold.

So, what do you think?  I'm thrilled with how it turned out.  You could use virtually any shape to emboss like this. If you have any questions, please contact me or ask in the comment section.  Others may have the same question.

Here is a totally different card using the same stamp set.

Supplies:

Stamps:  Bells & Boughs (CM-121142, WM-120831)

Paper:  Cherry Cobbler (119685);  Shimmery  White (101910);  Brushed Gold (102935);  Deck the Halls Designer Series Paper (120810)

Ink:  Cherry Cobbler (119669);  Always Artichoke (105219);  More Mustard (103162);  More Mustard Stampin' Write Marker (100076);  Jet Black Stazon (101406)

Accessories:  Big Shot (113439);  Petals-A-Plenty Embossing Folder (116824);  Blender Pens (102845);  Smooch Spritz Gold Glow (118770); 2-Way Glue Pen (100425);  Dazzling Diamonds Glitter (102023);  Scallop Trim Border Punch (118402);  SNAIL Adhesive (104332);  Clear Acrylic Block "D" (118485)

Thanks so much for stopping by today!  I'll be sharing more holiday ideas in future posts. You can sign up for email updates or subscribe in a reader in the upper left sidebar so you don't miss any. 

Don't forget to check out the fabulous new Holiday Mini Catalog by clicking the button to the right.

Mary Davidson

Apple Blossoms for Tracy

Hi Stampers,

My daughter-in-law is a teacher and I've been wanting to make a back to school card to send her.  I decided to use a sketch challenge from Create with Connie & Mary found here.

The card base is Tempting Turquoise card stock.  Moving forward, the next layer is Whisper White card stock.  I stamped an image from the Hostess Set, Apple Blossoms, three times using Real Red, So Saffron and Baja Breeze Classic Inks.  Next, I ran it through the Big Shot using the Lattice Square Embossing Folder for a nice textured effect. 

The cute little flower panel is from the Play Date Designer Series Paper and it's layered on Tempting Turquoise card stock.  This is attached to the embossed layer with a generous amount of SNAIL Adhesive.  The greeting is from the same stamp set and is stamped in Baja Breeze on Whisper White card stock and layered on Tempting Turquoise.  A piece of 1/8" Real Red Taffeta Ribbon is wrapped around the greeting panel and tied in a bow.  The greeting is attached using Stampin' Dimensionals.

The apple is also from the Apple Blossoms stamp set.  I used a Real Red and Old Olive Stampin' Write markers to color the image and stamped on a piece of scrap Whisper White card stock.  I punched the image using the 1-1/4" Circle Punch and used a Dimensional to attach it to a 1-3/8" Circle punch of Tempting Turquoise.  Finally, I used the 1-3/4" Scallop Circle punch and So Saffron card stock to finish off the element.  This is attached using Stampin' Dimensionals.

I know Tracy will love it.  It's always fun to send them cards.  They save every one and when they collect a dozen or so, they mount them in a beautiful frame and hang them up for all to see.  I was so touched the first time I saw what they had done.  Some of my customers have also started doing that with cards we make in class.  It's a great way to add art to your home and you still have the original cards to use for future reference.

The Apple Blossoms stamp set is one of the Level Two Hostess sets available this year for Workshops/Orders totaling at least $300.  How about inviting your friends and family over and host a Workshop or a Catalog Party.  Need a catalog?  Contact me.  Click HERE to learn more about hosting a Workshop.  Check out the entire set available in both Clear Mount and Wood Mount, as well as in Spanish and French.

CLOSE

PREV | NEXT

PREV | NEXT Apple Blossoms Bold graphics, crisp lines, eye-pleasing symmetry, and curvy cursive give this eclectic set a retro flair. With images perfect for backgrounds and focal points, as well as a few fun greetings, there’s no end to the creativity this set can inspire. Available both in wood-mount and clear-mount. Also available in Spanish and in French. Set Quantity: 8

Supplies:

Stamps:  Apple Blossoms (CM-120139, WM-118531)  Exclusive Hostess Set

Paper:  Tempting Turquoise (102067);  Whisper White (100730);  So Saffron (105118);  Play Date Designer Series Paper (117168)

Ink:  Real Red (103133), So Saffron (105213) and Baja Breeze (111833) Classic Inks;  Real Red (100052) and Old Olive (100079) Stampin' Write Markers

Accessories:  Big Shot (113439);  Lattice Square Embossing Folder (119976); 1-1/4" Circle Punch (119861); 1-3/8" Circle Punch (119860);  1-3/4" Scallop Circle Punch (119854);  1/8" Real Red Taffeta Ribbon (119251);  Stampin' Dimensionals (104430);  SNAIL Adhesive (104332)

If you are purchasing Clear Mount stamps and don't know what size Acrylic Blocks to use, click on the button in the right side bar under Clear Blocks and print out your own templates.  If you print on a see-through paper, such as Vellum, you can simply lay the template over the image in the catalog to determine the size block you will need.  If you print on copy paper, simply cut out the templates and place over the images.  Remember, each block size can be used for many, many different clear mount stamps.

Thanks so much for stopping by today!  If you have any questions about Stampin' Up!, Hosting a Workshop, or any of the projects you see on my blog, please feel free to contact me.  Comments are always appreciated, too!

See you next time!

Mary Davidson

Funky Punchy Birthday

Hi Stampers,

I hope you're enjoying your day!  Here's a card I made for a sketch challenge that also required using punches and boy, did I use punches! The card measures 4-1/4" square and uses Old Olive card stock as its base.

For the next layer, I used So Saffron card stock that has been punched along the long edge using the Scallop Edge Border Punch.  This is layered with a piece of Play Date Designer Series Paper and attached to the card body using SNAIL Adhesive.  

At this point, I masked the top edge of the panel using a post-it note.  The coordinating stamp set to the Play Date DSP is called Funky Four.  I inked one of the images with Versamark and stamped three times just above the masked panel.

Next, I worked on the flower element.  Using Stampin' Write markers in Old Olive, Chocolate Chip and Real Red, I colored the image from Funky Four that matches the Play Date DSP and stamped on Whisper White card stock.  I used the 1-1/4" Circle punch to punch out the flower.   This is layered on a 1-3/8" Circle Punch(ed) in Chocolate Chip card stock.  Using the 1-3/4" Scallop Circle punch, I punched twice, one in Real Red and one in So Saffron.  I layered these, off-setting the scallops and added the other layered circles.  I used the 1/16" Handheld Punch in the center of the flower and added an Old Olive Brad from the Brights Collection.  This is attached to the card using Stampin' Dimensionals.

The last element is the greeting.  "happy birthday" is from the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set and is stamped in Old Olive classic ink on Whisper White card stock.  It is punched using the Word Window Punch.  The bottom layer is Real Red card stock that has been punched using the Modern Label Punch.

Last but not least, I used the 1/16" Handheld Punch again and punched three holes in So Saffron card stock, spacing them far enough apart to center the holes in the Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack flower punch window and punch three flowers.  I marked the greeting piece and punched another 1/16" whole and added another Old Olive Brad through the flowers and the greeting piece.  This is attached with Stampin' Dimensionals.

WOW!  I used eight punches on this card!!  Isn't it happy and cheery?  Please let me know what you think in the comment section below.  In the meantime, here's a look at the other stamps in the Funky Four set as well as all the patterns included in the Play Date Designer Series Paper.

Funky Four Stamp Set

Play Date Designer Series Paper

Supplies:

Stamps:  Funky Four (CM-120438, WM-113738);  Teeny Tiny Wishes (115370)

Paper:  Old Olive (100702); So Saffron (105118);  Real Red (102482);  Chocolate Chip (102128);  Play Date Designer Series Paper (117168)

Ink:  Old Olive Classic Ink (102277);  Stampin' Write Markers in Old Olive (100079), Real Red (100052), Chocolate Chip (100071);  Versamark (102283)

Accessories:  Brights Brad Collection (119740);  Stampin' Dimensionals (104430);  SNAIL Adhesive (104332);  Punches:  1/16" Handheld Circle (101227), 1-1/4" Circle (119861),  1-3/8" Circle (119860),  1-3/4" Scallop Circle,  Scallop Edge Border (119882), Word Window (119857), Modern Label (119849) and Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack (118309)

Don't forget my website is open 24/7 for your shopping convenience.  Click "Shop Now" when you get there to browse around the store.  Have a great week!  See you next time.

Mary Davidson

Friends Never Fade

Hi Stampers,

Thanks for stopping by today!  Here's a card I made for a challenge on the Stampin' Up! Demo Group Site.  As always, all supplies are © Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted.  I wanted it to have a masculine feel, so I started with a card base of Basic Black card stock.  I also incorporated a couple of the new colors, Peach Parfait (In Color) and Marina Mist (Subtles Collection). The rest of the colors used are from the Neutrals Collection.

The focal image is from the new set called Friends Never Fade.  This is stamped on Very Vanilla card stock using Marina Mist Classic Ink (I love this color).  This is layered on Peach Parfait and Basic Black card stocks.  I'll be attaching this to the card using Stampin' Dimensionals.

The Marina Mist card stock was run through the Big Shot using one of the designs in the Texture Plates Kit #4.  It's very subtle, but you might be able to see it if you click on the photo.

The Crumb Cake card stock (formerly known as Kraft) was run through the Big Shot using the Lattice Square Embossing Folder.  I did run the long edge of the Bone Folder over it to flatten out the detail a bit.

These are both layered to a piece of Peach Parfait card stock.  Before attaching this element to the card body, I layered a piece of Pumpkin Pie 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon and Marina Mist 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon and covered the seam where the Crumb Cake and Marina Mist card stocks overlap.  The ribbon is wrapped to the back and adhered with SNAIL Adhesive.  I did use Mini Glue Dots to hold the ribbon in place while wrapping to the back.

Nest, the panel is attached to the card body using SNAIL.  Be sure to rub on the inside of the front to make sure the panel is firmly attached to the card front.  Peel the paper off the dimensionals on the focal image and attach to the card front.  Voila!  You're finished.  Oh wait, I did add a piece of Very Vanilla card stock to the inside for a note or a greeting to be stamped later on.  Whenever I make cards like this, I often wait to add a greeting and/or sentiment until I need to send a card.  Otherwise, you are limited to occasion-specific cards.

What do you think?  Would you send this card to a man?  Please leave a comment and let me know. 

Friends Never Fade

Clear Mount - 120618  Wood Mount - 118750

This stamp set coordinates with the Greenhouse Gala Designer Series Paper - 117167

Supplies:

Stamps:  Friends Never Fade (CM-120618; WM-118750)

Paper:  Basic Black (121045);  Very Vanilla (101650);  Peach Parfait (119794);  Marina Mist (119682);  Crumb Cake (120953)

Ink:  Marina Mist Classic Ink (119668)

Accessories:  Big Shot (113439);  Lattice Square Embossing Folder (119976);  *Texture Plates Kit #4 (114531);  Bone Folder (102300);  Pumpkin Pie 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon (109030);  Marina Mist 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon (119257);  Clear Acrylic Block "D" (118485);  SNAIL Adhesive (104332);  Stampin' Dimensionals (104430);  Mini Glue Dots (103683)

* When using the Texturz Plates in the Big Shot, you also need to use the Standard Texturz Impressions Pad (114614) and the Standard Texturz Silicone Rubber Sheet (114615)

I appreciate you taking time to visit today!  You can see Stampin' Up!'s complete line of Clear Mount stamps, as well as all their other fabulous products, by visiting my website HERE .  I'll be happy to answer any questions you have by contacting me here.

See you next time!

Mary Davidson

July Fourth Wishes

Hi Stampers,

Here's a card I made for the sketch challenge last week on Techno Stamper's Blog found HERE.  I love red, white and blue and all things patriotic, so I decided to turn the sketch on it's side and use my new July Fourth stamp set from Stampin' Up!'s Summer Mini Catalog. I used Not Quite Navy card stock for the base, cut 4-1/4" x 11" and scored at 5-1/2". 

The next layer is Real Red card stock.  Then comes Whisper White card stock that has been stamped using Real Red and Not Quite Navy Classic ink and the fireworks from the July Fourth set. 

It's a little hard to see under the ribbon, but the little sparkle on the candle is stamped using Crushed Curry Classic Ink (any yellow will work).

This set also has a coordinating Jumbo Wheel called Red, White and Blue.  I colored the flag on the wheel with Real Red and Not Quite Navy Stampin' Write markers and rolled onto Whisper White card stock.  I trimmed it with my Paper Snips and mounted on Not Quite Navy card stock, adding Stampin' Dimensionals on the back.  On a strip of Whisper White card stock, I stamped the greeting which I colored using the Real Red and Not Quite Navy Markers.  This is layered on Real Red card stock and attached to the larger stamped piece using SNAIL Adhesive. 

Before attaching to the card base, I wrapped a piece of Real Red 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon on the left.  This element is adhered to the card body using SNAIL.  I added a Real Red knot, then added two more knots using Whisper White 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon.  You can add a Mini Glue Dot under each knot to hold in place if you like.  I like to get the flat elements attached to the card before I add any embellishments.  It makes adding the SNAIL so much easier if you don't have to go over lumpy sections.

Finally, I added the flag element.  You can click on the photo for a closer view.

Here's a look at the stamp set and wheel images...

July Fourth - Clear-Mount Stamp	120063
Price: $14.9

Red, White & Blue	118622
Price: $8.50

Supplies:

Stamps:  July Fourth Stamp Set (CM-120063 or WM-118523)

Paper:  Not Quite Navy (101722);  Real Red (102482);  Whisper White (100730)

Ink:  Real Red Classic Ink (103133);  Not Quite Navy (103008);  Real Red Stampin' Write Marker (100052);  Not Quite Navy Stampin' Write Marker (100059)

Accessories:  Red, White & Blue Jumbo Wheel (118622);  Stampin' Around Jumbo Handle (103661); Clear Acrylic Block "C" (118486);  Paper Snips (103579);  SNAIL Adhesive (104332);  Stampin' Dimensionals (104430); Real Red 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon (109034);  Whisper White 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon (109025);  Mini Glue Dot (103683)

How do you like it?  I love how it turned out.  With the exception of the greeting, these stamps can be used for any celebration...doesn't have to be patriotic.  Please leave a comment and let me know what you think.

If you would like to have a look at the Summer Mini Catalog, click on the button to the right or visit my Demonstrator Website by clicking here.  Click Shop Now in the upper right .  You will see Summer Mini on the left.

The new 2010-2011 Idea Book and Catalog is here!  Contact me if you would like a copy.

Mary Davidson

Elements of Style Meets Only Ovals

Hi Stampers,

Wow!  Life has been very busy the past couple of weeks.  Thank you for your patience.  Here is a card we are making in class this month.  It uses the stamp set, Elements of Style (Clear Mount), from the Summer Mini Catalog.   There are two colors of card stock, Whisper White and Basic Black, and three colors of ink, Basic Black, Old Olive and Real Red Classic Inks.

The large floral image from Elements of Style is stamped on Whisper White card stock using Basic Black Classic Ink. I used the Clear Acrylic block "E" to mount this image.  Allow the ink to dry for a few minutes before continuing.  Basic Black becomes permanent after about 10 minutes of drying time.  At the same time, stamp the fabulous friend image, from Only Ovals, on a scrap piece of Whisper White card stock.

I used a Blender Pen to color in the image.  Make a pallet of Real Red Classic Ink by squeezing the ink pad to leave a coat of ink on the inside of the lid.  Using your Blender Pen, pick up ink from the lid to color your image.  I add a little more ink in the areas where there are additional accent lines on the image, to create some depth to the flowers and leaves.  Do the same thing with your Old Olive Classic Ink Pad and color in the leaves.  Color the greeting the same way.  I used the Summer Sun Stampin' Write marker to color the center of the blossoms.  If you like, you can add some glitter to all the blooms using a 2-Way Glue Pen and Dazzling Diamonds Glitter.

Punch the greeting using the Large Oval Punch.  Punch a Scallop Oval in Basic Black card stock and layer the two.  Add Stampin' Dimensionals to the back. 

Layer your focal image on Basic Black card stock.  Attach to card base using SNAIL Adhesive.  Add your greeting and you're finished.  Easy as pie!  It does take a little while to color in your image, but I find that very relaxing.  You could hear a pin drop in class today while everyone was coloring.

Now, if you aren't that fond of coloring, you can try a technique called Spotlighting, as seen here.

Stamp the image in Basic Black on Whisper White.  Stamp a second image on scrap paper, making sure to include a blossom or two.  Color the image on the scrap paper.  Use your 1-1/4" circle punch to punch out the colored area.  Layer this on a 1-3/8" circle of Basic Black.  Position the punched image to exactly match the same spot on the focal image and adhere with SNAIL adhesive.  The hummingbird image is included in this set.

How do you like these two versions of Elements of Style?  Please leave a comment and let me know.  You can view the Summer Mini Catalog by clicking the button in the right hand side bar.  

Supplies:

Stamps:  Elements of Style (CM -120045, WM-118611);  Only Ovals (111666)

Paper:  Whisper White (100730);  Basic Black (102851)

Ink:  Real Red (103133), Old Olive (102277) and Basic Black (101179) Classic Inks;  Summer Sun Stampin' Write Marker (100077)

Accessories:  Clear Acrylic Block "E" (118484);  Large Oval Punch (107305);  Scallop Oval Punch (114889);  Blender Pens (102845);  Stampin' Dimensionals (104430);  SNAIL Adhesive (104332);  2-Way Glue Pen (100425);  Dazzling Diamonds Glitter (102023);  1-1/4" Circle Punch (104403) and 1-3/8" Circle Punch (104401) used for Spotlighting card.

Thanks for stopping by today!  Don't forget!  All these supplies are available by contacting me or visiting my Demonstrator Website which is open 24/7.  See you next time!

Mary Davidson

Tropical Party Meets Island Oasis

Hi Stampers,

Here's a card I made for the Saturday Challenge over on Create with Connie & Mary.  I wanted to use supplies that can be found in the new Summer Mini Catalog. 

I started with a card base of Old Olive card stock.  Next, I layered a mat of Tempting Turquoise card stock.  Layered next is a piece of So Saffron card stock that has been embossed using the new Square Lattice Textured Impressions Embossing Folder and the Big Shot.  

I love the new Designer Series Paper called Island Oasis.  Doesn't that just bring to mind beautiful flowers and sandy beaches?  I chose the pattern that has a geometric design in So Saffron, Tempting Turquoise and Old Olive colors.  This is layered on Old Olive card stock. 

The sentiment is from the stamp set Inspired By Nature and is stamped on Whisper White card stock using Old Olive Classic Ink.  This is also layered on Old Olive card stock.

The flowers are from the new stamp set called Tropical Party, found in the Summer Mini, Clear Mount version.  I stamped two large flowers in Tempting Turquoise and two small flowers in So Saffron Classic Inks.  These are cut out using my favorite Paper Snips and mounted using Stampin' Dimensionals.  Unless otherwise noted, SNAIL adhesive is used throughout the card.

This card is so soft and pretty in real life.  I apologize for the shadows in the photo.  All supplies used are © Stampin' Up! and are available 24/7 in my Stampin' Up! Store.

Supplies:

SM indicates Summer Mini

Stamps:  Tropical Party- SM (CM-120081, WM-118515);  Inspired by Nature (111656)

Paper:  Old Olive (100702), Tempting Turquoise (102067), So Saffron (105118) and Whisper White (100730) card stocks; *Island Oasis Designer Series Paper - SM (117173)

Ink:  Old Olive (102277), So Saffron (105213), Tempting Turquoise (100814) Classic Inks

Accessories:  Big Shot (113439);  Square Lattice Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (119967);  Paper Snips (103579);  Stampin' Dimensionals (104430);  SNAIL Adhesive (104332);  **Acrylic Block "C" (118486)

* Coordinating colors for Island Oasis include Tempting Turquoise, Pumpkin Pie, So Saffron, Rose Red and Old Olive.

** A Block Bundle is available that includes all nine sizes of acrylic blocks (118491).