Technique Tuesday - Faux Tearing

FAUX TEARING Directions: 1) Tear a piece of scrap paper and lay it on your project. 2) Apply ink to the uncovered portion of your project using a sponge or brayer. Make sure to overlap the ink onto the scrap paper. 3) Add stamped images as desired. 4) Lift the scrap paper to reveal your faux torn edge. Tip: This is a great technique for creating an organic horizon line (mountains, hills, etc.).

 

CCMC249 - Sketch Challenge

The Sketch

I just love playing with the sketch challenges and this one is no exception. Now, I will admit that I was stumped for a bit with this one. I just could not decide on the colors etc. I finally went with what you see below. I wanted to use a bird since I have been watching my feeders a lot lately. The hummingbirds are alive and well already this spring. 

Pretty Pom Poms

 PRETTY POM POMS

This Tuesday’s Tricky Tip is dedicated to pom poms! They were big in the 60s—so it has been fun (for some of us!) to see them make a comeback in the crafting world. Let’s start with Baker’s Twine (US/CAN) mini pom poms.

Just follow the easy steps pictured below.

If you would like to create a garland, just thread a needle with a length of Baker’s Twine and run it through the pom poms.

*****

After I finished making the Baker’s Twine pom poms, I began to wonder what would happen if I wound 1/2" Seam Binding Ribbon around a fork instead of Baker’s Twine. To my surprise, the result looked very much like a marigold!

Then I thought: How can I create a bigger pom pom flower? The old-fashioned way: using cardboard donut shapes made with super-thin white cardboard, a 2-1/2" Circle Punch, a 1/2" Circle Punch, and our Daffodil Delight 1/2" Seam Binding Ribbon. When I finished winding, cutting, and tying, out popped a daffodil . . . just the thing for embellishing a Mother’s Day gift! (Believe me . . . I don’t usually get this lucky!) 

I could have kept going with flower-making . . . but then I saw a paper pom pom garland on Pinterest. I HAD to try that, too. The result: today’s Tricky Tip features three ways to make small pom pom projects—using Baker’s Twine, 1/2" Seam Binding Ribbon, and Designer Series Paper. They are all so easy and fun!

Embossing . . . Without the Fuss

Just for You Treat Pouch (4-1/8" x 2-5/8")

Stamps Just Believe Stamp SetPaper Very Vanilla Cardstock Natural Composition Specialty Designer Series Paper Ink Island Indigo Classic Stampin' Pad Lucky Limeade Classic Stampin' Pad 2011-2013 In Color Stampin' Write Markers Accessories & Tools 4" x 6" Cellophane Bags Old Olive 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon Linen Thread Stampin' Dimensionals Extra-Large Tag Punch 1/16" Circle Punch Simply Scored Facial tissue Hole punch

Instructions

1. Color the Natural Composition Specialty Designer Series Paper using Island Indigo and Lucky Limeade Stampin' Write Markers. Blot excess ink using a facial tissue.
2. Using the Simply Scored, score the Natural Composition Specialty Designer Series Paper at 1/2", 4-1/2", and 6"; fold at each of the score lines. Wrap the Natural Composition Specialty Designer Series Paper around the Cellophane Bag filled with candy and adhere the flap.
3. Punch two holes in the flap using a hole punch. Thread the holes with Old Olive 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon, then tie a bow.
4. Stamp the stems and leaves image in Lucky Limeade ink on the back of a piece of Natural Composition Specialty Designer Series Paper. Punch out the image using the Extra-Large Tag Punch. Punch a hole in the end of the tag using the 1/16" Circle Punch. Thread the Linen Thread through the hole and tie it to the ribbon.
5. Stamp the sentiment in Island Indigo ink on Very Vanilla Cardstock. Cut the stamped cardstock into a banner shape and curl using the Bone Folder. Adhere the banner to the tag using Stampin' Dimensionals.

DOCUMENTING APRIL + A FEW TIPS AND TRICKS

It’s April! Things are starting to green up and bloom, we are spending more time outside playing . . . or at least we did last year. This year our April has been cold and snowy and I am still waiting for my tulips and the trees in my yard to bloom. Oh well. I so loved working on my pages for April. I say that every month, but it’s true. I love it! There is so much satisfaction in documenting these memories so I will never forget.  

I am getting a little more adventurous with my journaling. I really don’t like my handwriting but I decided to suppress my perfectionist instincts this month and just go for it. I am happy to say that it wasn’t as painful as I had feared. I actually like having some handwriting on my pages.  

This month I have put together some ideas and tricks to help get you started documenting your life.

1. Fill a card with journaling. If there is a design on the card . . . just journal around it. Don’t want to fill up the whole card? Draw a frame around the card with a Stampin’ Write Marker.

2. Journal around an object. Here I used the uni-ball Signo Gel Pen to journal around the frame on this Happy Easter card. I love the white handwriting on the black card!


3. Don’t be afraid to add journaling to a card . . . even if it doesn’t look like it was made for journaling.



4. Add fun bold type over your photo using My Digital Studio. The font I used here is Abadi MT for “play” and Arial for the ampersand.



5. Add a frame of journaling around a photo.


6. Use the pattern on the Designer Series Paper for journaling.


7. Make the page protector work for you. Here I cut out the long horizontal photo strip on the page protector and just sewed the pieces I wanted to use back together.


8. Make a fun envelope to hold the journaling on subjects that are close to your heart.



9. Color on your washi tape. I love, love, love, washi tape. To add a different look to the gray-striped Epic Day This and That Designer Washi Tape, I colored it with Melon Mambo and Lucky Limeade Stampin’ Write Markers.



10. Add a journaling card in an unexpected way. Originally this journaling card was 3" x 4" with lines on it for journaling. I love the hello sunshine sunburst, so I just cut off the bottom part and added the top part to my card. (I can use the bottom part later.)



11. Add a little dimension and flair. I made this little flair button by running the largeSoda Pop Tops through the Big Shot. It is then the perfect size for a little saying punched out with the 1" Circle Punch.

I hope this helps to get you inspired to dive in and start recording the moments in your life.

Retiring Stamps and Accessories for 2013

                               

Stamps and Accessories are Retiring so get your favorites before they are gone! Some things like Not Quite Navy card stock is already gone.

See retiring stamps list here.

See retiring accessories list here.

Baby Shower Invites

My daughter is working on baby shower invites for her new sister-in-law's shower. She has decided on a book theme and so wanted to make her invites look like the old book card that went into the back of the book when you checked them out. We used DSP to make the library card pockets. I got the template from Mirkwood Designs and altered it to fit my book card.

Technique Tuesday - Faux Metal

Faux Metal

Directions:
1) Cut card stock to desired size and stamp a VersaMark pad over the entire piece. Sprinkle Gold or Silver Stampin' Emboss powder over card stock piece.

2) Heat powder using heat tool. Sprinkle on additional powder while the image is still hot, and reheat. Repeat at least three times.

3) To create image, ink your stamp with VersaMark ink (to avoid sticking) and press into warm layers of embossing powder.

Tip:
•Have your inked stamp ready to use immediately after the last time you heat the powder. If you wait too long, the embossing will harden to the point that you won't be able to create an impression with your stamp (if this does happen, simply reheat the card stock piece.)

Dolled-Up Birthday Kit

 

We're excited to introduce our second Submit a Project kit--the Dolled-Up Birthday Kit--voted on by you via our Facebook page. This gorgeous birthday card was created by Chris Gilmore, a manager from Coshocton, Ohio. Congratulations, Chris!

 

The Dolled-Up Birthday kit includes the following:

 

    •Dolled-Up Birthday Clear-Mount Stamp (1)

 

    •8-1/2" x 5-1/2" Crumb Cake Cardstock (6 pieces)

 

    •2" x 4-1/4" Very Vanilla Cardstock (6 pieces)

 

    •Very Vanilla Medium Envelopes (6)

 

    •Tea Lace Paper Doilies (6)

 

    •Dress Up die-cuts (6)

 

    •Soft Suede Classic Stampin' Spot (1)

 

    •Vanilla 5/8" Flower Trim (6 pieces)

 

    •Sponge Dauber (1)

 

Get everything you need to make six cards for only $15.95 (item 133913)!*

 

To assemble one card, follow the instructions below:

 

1. 1.Place the stamp rubber side up and ink with the Soft Suede Classic Stampin' Spot.
2. 2.Stamp "Happy Birthday" at the bottom of the card front.
3. 3.Ink the Sponge Dauber with Soft Suede ink and gently antique the doily and the edges of the dress form.
4. 4.Adhere the pieces to the card front in this order:

• ◦Doily
• ◦Very Vanilla Cardstock
• ◦Dress form
• ◦Flower

 *Adhesive not included

 

 

 

 

Lacey and Lovely meets Fabulous Florets

I saw a simple card something like this and made a quick one for myself. I am using some of the In Colors that will be retiring in June. This one features Calypso Coral and Lucky Limeade. It turned out nicely.

Thanks a Million

It has certainly been raining here in Georgia for the past few months. You should never be too far away from your umbrella. I am beginning to feel as if I moved to the Northwest coast! So, I have this darling DSP that is from the Spring mini and I decided to make it into another cute umbrella card. Since I do not have the umbrella stamp I made my own umbrella using the largest circle punch and the border edge of my cuts with my Big Shot.

Just Me and My Supplies

I love paper crafting! There is just something about putting paper in my hands and creating something pretty that takes me to another place. I get lost in using beautiful products. The scrunching and distressing of the paper, the tying of the ribbon, the stamp in the ink, the spritzing, the turn of the Big Shot handle, the sound of paper being punched out—I love everything about it! It’s the sound of creating. It’s my time to get lost and pour myself into something that’s just for me. It’s my time. It’s my project. There are no rules. There are no critics. It’s just me and my supplies. The possibilities are endless. This is what my hands were made to do. My cup runneth over!

This scrap page uses a lot of my favourite products. I am all about texture on my projects! I love the way it looks. Stitching is one of my favourite things to do to add texture. Don’t be afraid to pull out your sewing machine and add a little texture to your project. It doesn’t have to be perfect! In fact, I love it when it isn’t perfect.

Another form of texture that I use a lot on my projects is splatter or spritzing. Smooch Spritz is a fabulous product! Are you wondering how I got the Gold Glow Smooch Spritz to splatter?

Quick Tip: Open up your Smooch Spritz bottle, take the tube end of the nozzle top, then flick it over your project. Super easy!

Create some pretty in your life today!



Sarah Sagert

Artisan Design Team



Stamps
Collage Curios Stamp Set
Feel Goods Stamp Set
Distressed Dots Background Stamp
Measuring Stick Builder Wheel

Ink
Baja Breeze Classic Stampin’ Pad
Basic Gray Classic Stampin’ Pad
Calypso Coral Classic Stampin’ Pad
Daffodil Delight Classic Stampin’ Pad
Lucky Limeade Classic Stampin’ Pad
VersaMark Ink Pad
Gold Glow Smooch Spritz
Gold Stampin’ Emboss Powder

Cardstock and Paper
Sahara Sand Cardstock
Whisper White Cardstock
Parker’s Patterns Designer Series Paper
Patio Party Designer Series Paper
Natural Composition Specialty Designer Series Paper
Boutique Boxes Designer Printed Kit
Paper Doilies

Accessories and Tools
7/16" Natural Trim Ribbon
Lucky Limeade Baker’s Twine
Canvas Creations
1/8" Mini Brads
Soda Pop Tops
Vintage Faceted Designer Buttons
Heat Tool
Paper-Piercing Tool
Stampin’ Pierce Mat
Bitty Butterfly Punch
3/16" Corner Punch
1/2" Circle Punch
1" Circle Punch
1-3/8" Square Punch
1-3/4" Circle Punch

Big Shot
Chevron Textured Impressions Embossing Folder
Honeycomb Textured Impressions Embossing Folder
Needlepoint Border Textured Impressions Embossing Folder
Typeset Alphabet Bigz Die

Other
sewing machine
thread

Color Refresh - Have You Heard the News?

Color Refresh

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=gOoCRT0Ux2w - click to see a video of new colors and why.





WHAT THE REFRESH LOOKS LIKE.

Q: What are the new core colors, and what are the In Colors that are returning as core colors?

A: The one new color is called Smoky Slate. The nine returning In Colors as core colors are Bermuda Bay, Blushing Bride, Calypso Coral, Crushed Curry, Island Indigo, Pear Pizzazz, Pool Party, Soft Sky, and Wisteria Wonder. Check out these colors displayed in their new collections!

Check out these colors displayed in their new collections!

THE REASON FOR THESE CHANGES.

Q: Why are colors being discontinued?

A: We retired colors based on sales history and focus group feedback. We also looked at our overall color offering and determined what colors were not working with others. We sent out surveys, looked at trends, and determined what colors are out of date, etc.
Q: Why have some of the carryover colors changed collections?

A: With the changes, we found that a few colors fit better in a different collection. We also organized our colors to be more complementary within each collection.

THE COLOR REFRESH IS EXCITING, BOTH FOR YOUR BUSINESS AND YOUR HOBBY.

More $$$

Book a party or help me get a party that reaches the $350 mark! Get extra hostess dollars for your party in addition to the regular money you get for a #350 party. That makes $75 in FREE products! WooHoo! Who couldn't use more FREE stuff?

Technique Tuesday - Core'dinations Paper

CONGRATULATIONS CARD
Wow, doesn't this make a beautiful card that you would really want to send and it is not too hard or fussy to make. Here is my version of the card. I did not have everything they have at Stampin' UP! so I just used the supplies I had on hand.

Get Whale Soon

The title sounds like I am so southern that I don't know how to pronounce well. Well, I am southern but I know that this is a play on words. How cute is this? Love the little whale and the cute DSP that matches it. I wanted a cute, bright card and this one certainly is that.

Big Shot heart card

Is there really only 1 season for hearts? I don't think so. This card was calling out to me and so I just made it. It would be nice for Valentines but it is also nice for any occasion. You can show love 24/7. So why not?

Clean and Simple

This was an idea that I saw on the net and wanted to make since it is so my style...CAS. I love the simple lines and the non-fussy look of it. I used the sentiment from a retired set called Well Scripted because I liked the look of the birthday stamp. 

Kindness Matters

The doilies in the mini catalog are fun to use and today I used one with this pretty combo of Pink Piiouette and Soft Suede. I also used the Big Shot to cut the doily that is over the white one. This is a 4.5 square card. 

Lacy and Lovely

I cannot believe that this is the first time that I have inked up this stamp set. How can you ever go wrong with pretty circles? This is a soft card that would be pretty for a thank you for a teacher, nurse, principal etc... at school. Simple and pretty with Marina Mist and Daffodil Delight.

Sick Card

I never seem to have any get-well cards laying around. I guess I have not really found a stamp set that speaks to me for getting well.  This is was made using a SAB set called Patterned Occasions and the stamp set Word Play. It was quick and easy and I got this idea from Fran Sanbad.

DOUBLE SLIDER CARD - Technique Tuesday

DOUBLE SLIDER CARD Directions: 1) Punch a divot in the top of your card using the 1-1/4" Circle punch. Punch a vertical slot through the front of the card using the Word Window punch. 2) Place the back slider inside the card, aligning the top of the slider with the top of the divot. 3) Put two Stampin' Dimensionals through the slot and adhere to the back slider. 4) Next, adhere the front slider to the front of the Stampin' Dimensionals. 5) Cover the slot with your front stamped image using Stampin' Dimensionals, and finish by adhering the card edges together.