Seaside INKspirations

Dasher by Stampin' Up!

Hi Stampers,

Here's a card I made today for a sketch challenge.  All supplies are © Stampin' Up!  The card base uses Sahara Sand card stock.  I used my Big Shot to dry emboss the card front with the Stampin' Up! Background 1 Texturz Plates.  As you can see, I used the large dot side. 

Then the magic began to happen. Using the Frost White Shimmer Paint, found in the Holiday Mini catalog on page 27, I sponged all over the front of the card with a sponge dauber, trying to keep to a circular motion.  You shake the bottle, open and use your dauber inside the cap to pick up the Shimmer Paint.  It really caught the light in the photo.  It's more subtle in real life.  I can't stop picking it up and looking at it.  It's awesome!

I layered a strip of paper from the Holiday Lounge Designer Series Paper collection onto Taken With Teal card stock.

I punched two holes in a scrap piece of Sahara Sand card stock using the 1/8" handheld circle punch (now retired).  You could use the 1/16" punch and punch two holes very close together.  After punching the 1/8" holes, I centered these in the 1/2" circle punch to create layers for the Fire Circle Rhinestone Brads.  I marked the DSP using the punched layers as a template and then punched the 1/8" holes in the strip.  I inserted the brads through the punched circles and the Designer Paper element, using a small hammer to get them as flat as possible.  I used Mini Glue Dots in the corners and SNAIL adhesive down the center and attached to the card base. 

Dasher comes as an individual stamp, along with many others. at the end of the Idea Book & Catalog.  He is stamped in Ruby Red Classic Ink on Whisper White card stock and layered on Taken With Teal card stock.  I used the 2-Way Glue Pen and Dazzling Diamonds Glitter to add sparkle beneath the image and on his antlers.  He's attached using Stampin' Dimensionals.

I'm very pleased with how this card turned out.  Click on the photo to display a larger image.  This shimmer paint is phenomenal!  What do you think?  Would you like to give it a try?  Please leave a comment with your thoughts.  It helps me plan future projects.

Supplies:

Stamps:  Dasher (116816)

Paper:  Sahara Sand card stock (105328);  Whisper White C.S. (100730);  Taken With Teal C.S. (101584);  Holiday Lounge Designer Series Paper (115676)

Ink:  Ruby Red Classic Ink (102259);  Frost White Shimmer Paint (116854)

Accessories:  Fire Circle Rhinestone Brads (109110);  1/16" Hand-held Circle Punch (101227);  1/2" Circle Punch (104390);  Mini Glue Dots (103683);  SNAIL Adhesive (104332);  Stampin' Dimensionals (104430);  2-Way Glue Pen (100425);  Dazzling Diamonds Glitter (102023);  Sponge Daubers (102892);  Big Shot (113439);  SU Backgrounds 1 Texturz Plates (114512)

It may seem like there are a huge amount of supplies required for this project, but many of them listed are basic supplies which, most likely, you already own.  Most supplies are not things you would have to buy for every project you make.  Thanks so much for stopping by today!  Visit my Demonstrator Website to see the latest specials being offered by Stampin' Up!

Mary Davidson, Palm Coast, FL

Pheasant Under Glass

Hi Stampers,

I could not get this out of my head today...Pheasant Under Glass.  My classes want to do the Cracked Glass Technique and all I could think of was Pheasant Under Glass...LOL.  I made this card for the Chat & Challenge over on SUDSOL, a Demo Group.  All supplies used are © Stampin' Up!.  The card base is Chocolate Chip card stock.

The focal image is from the stamp set, Autumn Days.  I used Close to Cocoa Classic ink to stamp the image on Shimmery White card stock and added more color using several Stampin' Write markers in Soft Suede, Real Red and Garden Green.  I also used two of the other stamps in the set on the left side using More Mustard and So Saffron.  I lightly sponged around the edge using the same colors plus Close to Cocoa.

 I made my own designer paper for the top half by stamping Very Vanilla card stock with some of the other stamps in the Autumn Days stamp set.  Then I sponged around the edge first using More Mustard, then Really Rust and finally Close to Cocoa.  The bottom portion is Chocolate Chip card stock that has been stamped with the wheat stamp from the set using Versamark.  Now we're ready for some Cracked Glass.

The Cracked Glass technique is really very easy to do.  You cover the entire focal panel with Versamark.  Sprinkle Glassy Glaze Enamel over the piece, shake of excess and hit it with the Heat Tool.  When melted and while still hot, add more Glassy Glaze and heat.  Repeat this three times or until you have a nice smooth surface.  If it cools off in between heating, simply add Versamark again.

The next step is to place the piece in the freezer for several minutes...I left it in for about 5 minutes.  To achieve the cracked look, simple bend the paper...as much as you like until you achieve a pleasing look.  If it doesn't crack, return it to the freezer for a few more minutes.  At this point you can sponge a darker color, such as Close to Cocoa, over the image to highlight the cracks.  After sponging, wipe with a tissue to remove excess ink.

I layered the Cracked Glass image on Chocolate Chip card stock and attached using Stampin' Dimensionals.  The sentiment is from the set, Harvest Home, and is stamped on Very Vanilla using Chocolate Chip ink.  The square brads are from the Fire Rhinestone collection.  There you have it...Pheasant Under Glass...LOL.  Please let me know what you think!

Supplies: 

Stamps:  Autumn Days (115452);  Harvest Home (111642)

Paper:  Chocolate Chip (102128); Very Vanilla (101650);  Shimmery White card stock (101910)

Ink:  Close to Cocoa (103139); More Mustard (103162);  Chocolate Chip (100908);  Really Rust (102549); Garden Green (102272);  Versamark (102283); Real Red Marker (100052);  Garden Green Marker (100080);  Soft Suede Marker (116329-set of 6 In Colors)

Accessories:  Glassy Glaze (100477);  Square Fire Rhinestone Brads (109112); Heat Tool (100005);  Stampin' Dimensionals (104430); Sponge Daubers (102892-set of 12)

If there is a technique you would like to see presented here, please contact me and I'll be happy to do so.  Thanks so much for stopping by today.

Mary Davidson

Just Beachy Watercolor Thank You

Hi Stampers!

I love the beach!!  In case you're interested, Palm Coast, FL, where I live, is located on the Atlantic coast in between the nation's oldest city, St. Augustine, and the world famous Daytona Beach.  Much to my amazement, there are people living here who do not like the beach!  I know!!  It came as a big surprise to me!  Who would think?  Well, each to his own.  There are plenty of other things to love about living here besides the beach, the weather being No. 1!

Here's a cute thank you card I needed for a beach-loving person.  The card measures 4-1/2"x 4-1/2" square.  The card base uses Soft Suede card stock.  A layer of Very Vanilla is next.  This is topped by a layer of Bermuda Bay Textured card stock that has been pierced using the Mat Pack and Paper Piercing Tool.  A strip of Dusty Durango card stock is layered with a piece of Soft Suede Polka Dot grosgrain ribbon.  I am using the back side of the ribbon.  These layers are secured using Very Vanilla 5/16" Jumbo Brads in the Neutral Assortment.

The main image is from the retired Occasions Mini Catalog set called Just Beachy.  The image is stamped using Jet Black Stazon on Watercolor Paper.  I used the Aqua Painter and various colors of ink* including Bashful Blue, Bermuda Bay, Creamy Caramel, Soft Suede, Dusty Durango and Going Gray (tires).  This is layered on Dusty Durango card stock and adhered with Stampin' Dimensionals.

The sentiment is from the set, Thank You Kindly.  It is stamped using Soft Suede Classic ink and punched using the new Modern Label Punch.  It is attached using Stampin' Dimensionals.  The inside is layered with a piece of Very Vanilla card stock to provide a nice writing surface.  

Isn't it cute?  I am really loving the Textured card stock.  Let me know how you like it!  Thanks for stopping by today.  Click on the photo to see a larger view.

*  When using the Aqua Painter, there are several ways to utilize the ink colors.  You can use the Stampin' Write markers by outlining the image and then drawing the color out from there (see the truck) with the Aqua Painter or small watercolor brush.  You can also squeeze your closed Classic Ink Pad before opening.  This gives you a pallet on the inside of the lid from which to pick up your color.  If you are using the Stampin' Spots for your ink, you can take the open spot and press it to the plastic lid of your stamp box to give you a pallet.  And don't forget when watercoloring, make sure you stamp your image using a waterproof ink such as Stazon!  Stampin' Up!'s basic neutrals (black, brown and gray) will become waterproof after allowing to dry for 10-15 minutes before watercoloring.

Supplies:

Stamps:  Just Beach (retired);  Thank You Kindly (111700)

Paper:  Soft Suede card stock (115318); Dusty Durango card stock (115321);  Very Vanilla card stock (101650);  Watercolor Paper (105019); Bermuda Bay Textured card stock (115719 - comes in an assortment of all the 6 new In Colors)

Ink:  Soft Suede Classic Ink (115657); Bermuda Bay and Dusty Durango Stampin' Write markers (116329 - comes in set of 6 In Colors);  Creamy Caramel Classic Ink (103220); Bashful Blue Classic Ink (105209);  Going Gray Stampin' Write marker (109126 - comes in set of 4 Neutrals); Jet Black Stazon (101406)

Accessories:  Mat Pack (105826);  Paper Piercing Tool (116631);  Aqua Painter (103954 - set of 2);  Jumbo 5/16" Neutral Brads (112534); Modern Label Punch (116630);  Soft Suede Polka Dot Grosgrain ribbon (115612);  Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

If you have any questions about this card or any others you have seen here, please feel free to contact me for more information.  Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful day!

Mary Davidson

Retro Looking Tart & Tangy Faux Grid

Hi Stampers!

Here's a card I made for the Try a New Technique Challenge (TLC229) over on Splitcoaststampers, which can be found here.   The challenge is to make a project using the Faux Grid technique.  All supplies used are © Stampin' Up!®.  I started with a piece of  Whisper White card stock that is divisible by 3/4".  You can make your grid any size, but it's nice to have a size that works out evenly.  For example, if you were using a 1" grid pattern, you might choose 4" x 5" for your card stock.  The base is Whisper White.  The grid is first lightly marked with pencil.  The cherries from the Tart & Tangy stamp set were colored using Stampin' Write markers in Real Red, Garden Green and Chocolate Chip.  I colored in the leaves with a Certainly Celery marker.  I used a ruler and Basic Black marker to draw the grid over the pencil lines, making sure to not go over the stamped images.  I cut several 3/4" squares (you could color the squares with marker) and randomly placed them on the grid. This was layered onto Basic Black card stock.

For the tag I stamped "thank you" from Teeny Tiny Wishes and then colored and stamped the cherries as before.  I punched out the square using a 1-3/8" square punch and layered onto a Basic Black rectangle, using Dimensionals.  I used the Tag Corner Punch on the top corners. Dots were added to this, as well as the Basic Black mat, using the Signo Gel Pen.  I punched two small 1/8" circles and added Red Gingham ribbon to the tag.  How do you like it?  I'm probably dating myself, but it reminds me of the old oil clothes we used to use for table coverings.  Here's what I used to make this card:

Supplies:

Stamps:  Tart & Tangy (111514); Teeny Tiny Wishes (115370)

Paper:  Whisper White (100730); Basic Black (102851); Real Red (102482)

Ink:  Stampin' Write Markers - Real Red (100052); Chocolate Chip (100071); Garden Green (1000801), Certainly Celery (105106)

Accessories:  Tag Corner Punch (107215); Red Gingham Ribbon (104827); Signo Gel Pen (105021); 1/8" circle punch (retired); Stampin' Dimensionals (104430); SNAIL Permanent Adhesive Refill (104331)

I appreciate you taking time to drop by today.  If you have any questions about the Faux Grid technique or the products I used, contact me by email or visit my Demonstrator Website.  Comments are welcome and appreciated.  I like to know who is visiting.  Have a wonderful day!

Medallion Get Well Wishes

Hi Stampers!

Here's a card I made using the Scallop Edge Punch to make a medallion for my focal image.  All products used are © Stampin' Up!®  The card base is Always Artichoke card stock topped by a Whisper White layer.  Next is a Pale Plum layer that has been dry embossed using the small dot Texturz Plate from Stampin' Up! Backgrounds 1 collection and the Big Shot.  The two layers were wrapped with Mellow Moss Taffeta Ribbon. 

The stamped image is from the set, Pocket Silhouettes, and is colored using the Always Artichoke and Pale Plum Stampin' Write markers and stamped on Whisper White card stock.  This is layered on Always Artichoke card stock. 

The medallion is made by simply punching each edge of a square.  The Pale Plum square is 2-5/8" x 2-5/8".  The Always Artichoke layer is 1/8" larger.  Center each side of both squares in the Scallop Edge Punch, make one punch, turn to the next edge and repeat the process.  I layered these using Dimensionals.  I also used Dimensionals to attach the focal image layer.  The small butterfly is from the stamp set, Flight of the Butterfly.  It is stamped in Pale Plum Classic Ink, trimmed and attached using a Mini Glue Dot.

The greeting is from the new set, Teeny Tiny Wishes.  It is stamped in Always Artichoke, then punched with the new punch called Modern Label and attached using Circle Ice Rhinestone Brads. 

Tip:  Be sure to stamp your greeting onto scrap paper first.  Then, turn your punch upside down and center the greeting in the opening and punch.  You will have perfect placement every time.

Supplies: 

Stamps:  Pocket Silhouettes (111672); Teeny Tiny Wishes (115370); Flight of the Butterfly (111564)

Paper:  Always Artichoke (105119); Pale Plum (101658); Whisper White (100730)

Ink:  Always Artichoke Marker (105113); Pale Plum Marker (100036)

Accessories:  Scallop Edge Punch (112091); Modern Label Punch (116630); Circle Ice Rhinestone Brads (109111); Stampin' Dimensionals (104430); Mini Glue Dots (103683); Paper Snips (103579); Mellow Moss Taffeta Ribbon (109069); Texturz Plate - Stampin'; Up! Backgrounds 1 (114512; Big Shot (113439)

All items may be purchased by visiting my Demonstrator Business Web Site 24/7.  You may also contact me with any questions or to place an order.  Thanks for stopping by today!  See you again soon! 

Mary Davidson

Baja Daisies

Hello All!

Here is another card we made for April's class.  I really love the In Colors that Stampin' Up! showcased this year.  I'm already beginning to miss them and they still have two and a half more months before they're gone!  All supplies are © Stampin' Up!.  The card base is made using Pacific Point card stock.  It is such a gorgeous, intense color.  The stamp set used is Upsy Daisy, a very versatile set.  The butterfly is from the set, Flight of the Butterfly.  I hope to be using more of that set in the near future.  I used Sponge Daubers to ink the daisies stamp.  Turn your stamp so the rubber side is facing up on your work surface.  I started by inking a Sponge Dauber (love those) with Baja Breeze Classic ink and dabbing all the blooms.  Next I inked another Dauber with Pacific Point Classic Ink and randomly added some deeper color on some of the blossoms.  I used a Mellow Moss Stampin' Write Marker to color the stems.  You will have to "huff" on the stamp to remoisturize the ink before stamping.  I stamped the image on Whisper White card stock.  This is a terrific method of inking your stamps.  The butterfly is stamped in So Saffron Classic ink.  The greeting is from the set Hugs & Wishes.  I used Pacific Point ink, but stamped off once on a piece of scrap paper before stamping on the card stock.

Supplies

Stamps:  Upsy Daisy, Hugs & Wishes

Paper:  Pacific Point, So Saffron, Baja Breeze, Whisper White

Ink:  Pacific Point, Baja Breeze, So Saffron, Mellow Moss Marker

Accessories:  Sponge Daubers, SNAIL Permanent Adhesive

Thanks so much for stopping by today!  Just a reminder that the current In Colors will only be available through June 30, 2009.  If you are interested in any of the supplies used above, please contact me or visit my Demonstrator Website.  Have a great day!

Mary Davidson

Quilted Greetings

Hi Stampers!

Here is my take on the quilt-inspired cards that have been appearing on numerous sites around cyberspace. If you feel you have been my inspiration for this piece, please let me know and I will be more than happy to give you credit for the design.  All supplies are © Stampin' Up!®.  The card base is Almost Amethyst card stock. The next two layers are Whisper White and Pink Pirouette card stock.  The focal image uses the Tea Party Designer Series Paper cut into 1-1/4" squares, two from each pattern in the collection for a total of twelve.  I arranged the squares on a piece of 3-7/8" x 5" Whisper White card stock and when I was pleased with the layout, I glued each square down.  I used the Top Note Die and the Big Shot to die-cut this piece.  The Top Note Die makes the perforations around the outer edge.  Continuing with that design element, I used a Going Gray marker to faux stitch around each block. A piece of 5/8" Whisper White Satin Ribbon, from the new Occasions Mini Catalog, is wrapped around and tied in a knot.  "From the heart" is from the Holidays & Wishes stamp set and is stamped in Basic Gray Classic Ink.  I used Stampin' Dimensionals to attach this to the card base.  I have added a layer of Whisper White to the inside to display the sentiment. This is one of my April class cards and it gives everyone the opportunity to make their own individual layout.  It's the perfect birthday or Mother's Day card.  I hope you like it!  Please leave a comment and let me know how you like it.

Supplies:

Stamps: Holidays & Wishes

Paper:  Almost Amethyst, Whisper White, Pink Pirouette, Tea Party Designer Series Paper

Ink:  Basic Gray Classic Ink, Going Gray Stampin' Write Marker

Accessories:  Big Shot, Top Note Die, SNAIL Permanent Adhesive, 5/8" Whisper White Satin Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals, Paper Cutter, Paper Snips

If you would like to learn more about the Big Shot, please contact me and I will be happy to answer any questions.  You can find all these supplies and much more by visiting my Demonstrator Website and clicking SHOP NOW in the upper right.  Thanks so much for stopping by today.

Mary Davidson

Daisies in Polished Stone

Hey Stampers!

It may seem like I've fallen off the face of the earth, but we've been really busy and out of town for a bit.   Here is a card for February classes using the polished stone technique.  All supplies used are © Stampin' Up! The flowers are from the stamp set, Upsy Daisy.  These were stamped in Versamark on Glossy cardstock and embossed using clear embossing powder.  I soaked a cotton ball in alcohol and dripped 4 drops of Baja Breeze re-inker and 2 drops of Not Quite Navy re-inker onto the soaked cotton ball.  I then dapped over the glossy card stock until I was pleased with the pattern and color intensity.  After drying for a little bit, I blotted the excess ink from the embossed flower.  This layer was matted onto Whisper White card stock and silver brads were added in each corner.  This was attached to a Not Quite Navy card base using Stampin' Dimensionals.  A piece of Whisper White card stock with a strip of coordinating designer series paper was added inside for the sentiment or hand written note.  I'm so pleased with the result.  You can use any combination of coordinating or complimentary colors to achieve unique backgrounds.  Have fun with it! 

Supplies:

Stamps:  Upsy Daisy

Paper:  Glossy White, Whisper White, Not Quite Navy

Ink:  Baja Breeze & Not Quite Navy Re-Inkers, Versamark

Accessories:  Clear Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, 1/16" Circle Punch, Silver Brads, Dimensionals, Cotton Balls, Alcohol 

I would love to see your Polished Stone projects.  Please leave a link to yours in the comment section.  Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Embracing Asian Life

Hi Everyone!

Here is a card I made for a class today for the local Bonsai Society.  They requested two Asian-themed cards.  Here is the second card we made.  I was inspired by the design of this card.  All supplies used are © Stampin' Up!®.  The stamp set is called Embrace Life.  I used Real Red card stock as the base.  The next layer is Brushed Gold card stock followed by Naturals Ivory card stock onto which I stamped the floral branch twice using Versamark and embossed in gold.  I colored the flowers with a Real Red Stampin' Write Marker. 

The large flower was stamped three times with Versamark on Real Red card stock and embossed in gold.  Each flower was trimmed out and accented with a gold brad in the center.  The symbol was inked with a Versamark pen and embossed in gold.  Two of the flowers were attached using SNAIL adhesive and the third is popped up with a Dimensional.  I used the Photo Corners punch and Real Red cardstock to punch out the accents for opposing corners.  A piece of Naturals Ivory card stock (not shown) was layered on the inside after embellishing a corner with gold embossed swallows from the Eastern Influences stamp set.

I used a closed marker to curl the petals of the flowers a bit for more dimension.  What do you think?  I'm  happy with how it turned out and the class loved both cards we made.  We even had two men in class today who impressed us all with their cardmaking ability.

Supplies:

Stamps:  Embrace Life, Eastern Influences

Paper:  Real Red, Brushed Gold, Naturals Ivory

Ink:  VersaMark, Real Red Stampin' Write Marker

Accessories:  Gold Brads, 1/16" circle punch, Gold Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Embossing Buddy, SNAIL, Dimensionals, Photo Corners Punch

Fall Scene

I made this card for TLC192, Try A New Technique Challenge, on Splitcoaststampers.  This week's technique is called Paper Napkin Transfer and instructions can be found here.  Basically, you seperate the layers of your napkin, using only the top layer.  Lay a piece of freezer paper, shiny side up, on your ironing board.  Lay the top layer of your napkin, right side up, on your freezer paper.  Cover that with a piece of printer/copy paper.  Heat iron to medium setting, no steam.  Press for about 15-20 seconds moving iron as needed to cover area.  Napkin should be adhered to the freezer paper.  The printer paper is to protect your iron from sticking to the freezer paper.  Now you can trim the napkin to the size you need, making sure to use a sharp cutter blade.  My card base is Always Artichoke card stock, cut 5" x 10" and scored at 5".  Next is a layer of So Saffron.  I adhered the napkin element to Chocolate Chip card stock and attached this to the base using Stampin' Dimensionals.  I used the leaf and the sentiment stamps from the set, Harvest Home.  The leaves were stamped with Chocolate Chip Classic ink on Always Artichoke, Really Rust and So Saffron card stock.  I cut out two of each color.  One from each color was arranged in the upper right corner and attached using mini glue dots and a small piece of dimensional.  The sentiment was also stamped with Chocolate Chip ink on So Saffron card stock, sponged with Pumpkin Pie ink and layered on Chocolate Chip card stock.  Two small buttons in Really Rust were threaded with Linen thread and adhered to the sentiment panel with glue dots.  The panel was attached to the card using Dimensionals.

For the inside I added a layer of Very Vanilla card stock.  The three remaining leaves were added randomly with mini glue dots.  The sentiment is from Holidays & Wishes and is stamped in Chocolate Chip ink.  I added a strip from the napkin transfer along the bottom.  I am thrilled with how this card turned out.  It looks so much better in real life.  Thanks, Nancy, for supplying the napkin.  All other supplies used are © Stampin' Up!®.  See list below.  I would love to see your comments on what you think about this card and technique.  With all the gorgeous napkins out there, the possibilities are endless!  Feel free to contact me if you would like more information.  Don't forget Online Ordering is available 24/7 by clicking here.  Then click "SHOP NOW" in the upper right.  Thanks for stopping by today!  See you next time!

 

SUPPLIES:

Stamps:  Harvest Home- #111642; Holidays & Wishes- #109431

Paper:  Always Artichoke- #105119; Very Vanilla- #101650; So Saffron- #105118; Chocolate Chip- #102128; Really Rust- #100661

Ink:  Chocolate Chip Classic- #100908; Pumpkin Pie Classic- #105216

Accessories:  Earth Elements Buttons- #103978; Stampin' Dimensionals- #104430; Mini Glue Dots- #103683; Paper Snips- #103579; SNAIL Adhesive- #104332; Linen Thread- #104199; Paper Napkin, Freezer Paper, Iron