Nutz about Stamping

How to send beautiful smiles across the miles

Do you have long distance friends and family that you FaceTime or Skype with? Although that form of communication is fun and instant, what is longer lasting is sending them a card in the mail. 

I wish I had a dollar for every time someone said to me: I still have that birthday/Christmas/friendship card you sent me. And I wish you could feel how awesome it is to hear that from someone I care about. 

The next time you craft, have that special person in mind and try the card layout below. For this idea, I had my son in mind so I chose colors that were more masculine:

• Basic Black
• Gray Granite
• Smoky Slate
• Melon Mambo - for a touch of color

 Regardless of masculine or feminine, the Lift Me Up stamp set would work fine:

Lift Me Up Clear-Mount Stamp Set
$21.00

This set is super because of the images and the phrases. And there are matching thinlits too. The background was too plain so I decided to add a Tin Tile embossed layer which took my card from 'ok' to 'wow'. 

As a final touch I added the banner and strip and then popped the hot air balloon up off the circles layers using a Stampin' Dimensional. 

Here's my card - don't miss the full instructions underneath:

Who will you send your next card to? Leave me a comment below and tell me: friend or family!

Supplies: 

• Stamp Sets – Lift Me Up (clear 142896, wood 142893)
• Card Stock – Mango Melody (146989), Gray Granite (146983), Whisper White (100730), Basic Gray (121044), Basic Black (121045)
• Ink: Basic Gray (149165)
• Stampin’ Write Markers: Mango Melody (147157, Brights Collection) Gray Granite (147158, Neutrals Collection)
• Misc. – SNAIL Adhesive (104332), Big Shot (143263), Up & Away thinlits (142748), Magnetic Platform (130658), Tin Tile Dynamic Impressions embossing folder (147906), Layering Circles framelits (141705), Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430)

Measurements: 
Mango Melody: 8 1/2” x 5 1/2”; 3” square (for circle); 1/4” x 5”
Whisper White: 2 3/4” square (for circle); 4 1/4” x 4 1/4”
Basic Gray: 5 1/2” x 1 1/4”
Gray Granite: 4 1/4” x 4"
Basic Black: 5" x 1"

Instructions:

1. Fold Mango Melody card stock in half to create card base. 
2. Enclose Gray Granite layer inside Tin Tile embossing folder and emboss using Big Shot.  Adhere to Whisper White layer and then to card front.
3. Cut banner end to Basic Gray strip. Adhere Mango Melody strip then adhere banner layer to card front. 
4. Diecut Whisper White circle and Mango Melody scallop circle. Adhere together.  
5. Ink and stamp Balloon on Whisper White card stock, using Mango Melody and Gray Granite Stampin’ Write markers. Diecut using Up & Away thinlits. Adhere to scallop circle using Stampin’ Dimensionals. 
6. Ink phrase using Basic Gray ink and stamp onto Mango Melody card front. 

How to design a special happiness card

A few days ago I announced Stampin' Up! November promotion - a brand new and time-limited Snowflake Showcase! These products are amazing and can be used for so much more than winter and Christmas. 

Which brings us to today's card, using the Happiness Surrounds stamp set:

Happiness Surrounds Photopolymer Stamp Set
$17.00

 

I love these images - they are so versatile for many different occasions. Combine these images with the Tranquil Textures designer series paper and you can create the beautiful and subtle friendship card below. And did I mention that you can pair the Happiness Surrounds set with the Snowfall thinlits?

Snowfall Thinlits Dies
$39.00

These thinlits also pair with the second set in the Snowflake Showcase, called Snow is Glistening. Check it out on my November 1st blog post, using the link above. 

Here's my card friendship card idea for you to try: 

 

Click the link below to head over to my online store - remember these products are only available - as supplies last - until November 30th!

Supplies: 

• Stamp Sets – Happiness Surrounds (149744)
• Card Stock – Balmy Blue Card Stock (146986); Whisper White Card Stock (100730)
• Stamp Pads – Balmy Blue Ink (147105); Mint Macaron Ink (147106)
• Misc. – Tranquil Textures Designer Series Paper (146331); Snowfall Framelits (149692); Dimensionals (104430); Sponge Daubers (133773); Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets  (144106); Multipurpose Liquid Glue (110755); Dazzling Diamonds Glitter (133751); Big Shot (143263)

 

Measurements:  

• Balmy Blue Card Stock:8 1/2” x 5 1/2”
• Whisper White Card Stock: 3/4” x 5 1/4" 3”x2” scraps (flowers)
• Tranquil Tide DSP:  Blue layer 3 1/2” x 3” Green layer 5 1/4" x 4” 

 

Instructions:

1. Fold Balmy Blue card stock 8 1/2” x 5 1/2” to be 4 ¼” x 5 ½” for card base.
2. Stamp in Balmy Blue ink the “It’s Your Day” sentiment on right end of the Whisper White card stock 3”x2” piece. Also stamp the large flower on a Whisper White card stock scrap.
3. Stamp in Mint Macaron ink the border of flowers, side by side to fill the 3/4” x 5 ¼” Whisper White card stock.  Also stamp the small flower on a Whisper White card stock scrap.
4. Use the Sponge Dauber to tap into the Mint Macaron ink pad and then brush the ink along the edges of the 3”x 2” Whisper White card stock with sentiment.
5. Cut a 3” x 2” piece of Multipurpose Adhesive sheet.  Apply it over the front of the 3” x 2” Whisper White cardstock to cover the sentiment.
6. Apply Dazzling Diamonds glitter onto the Adhesive layer.
7. Use the Big Shot to die cut the 2 flower shapes from the Snowfall thinlits.
8. Adhere Green DSP layer onto the card base.  Adhere the Blue DSP layer as well.
9. Adhere the 3/4” x 5 ¼” Whisper White card stock layer to the card.
10. Adhere the Mint Macaron flower onto the Balmy Blue flower with Liquid Glue.
11. Use Dimensionals to attach the 3” x 2” Whisper White card stock to the card.
12. The flowers overlap the Dazzling Diamonds glitter.  Use Dimensionals on the flower petals to adhere to the DSP and a dot of Liquid Glue to adhere onto the glitter. 

See this excellent card map challenge with fun elements

This week's Paper Craft Crew challenge offers so many possibilities for sets and accessories that I was at a bit of a loss for what to create. So many ideas jumped to mind that I wasn't quite sure where to begin:

 

The first decision I made was not to be so obvious with the swirly element. I also did not want a Whisper White or Very Vanilla card base. 

So I decided to use Crumb Cake as my card base color and the branch diecut from the Birds & Blooms thinlits dies. And the naturally I chose one of the bird stamps from the Best Birds set to sit on the branch. In only a matter of minutes I had the elements for the card ready but there was still an issue: I didn't like the plain Crumb Cake card base. 

At this point I looked through my embossing folders and chose the Basket Weave Dynamic folder. Do you know why it is called Dynamic? It is because it creates a deeper impression on your card stock and also uses a different 'sandwich' combo plate. I you need me to show you how to set up for using these folders, add a comment below and I will create a How To video over on my YouTube channel. 

So my elements were done, my card base was done and then there was the color for the oval. I chose Mango Melody because I wanted something bright to draw you eye to my card and the coordinated the flower using the same color. 

Here's my finished card - what do you think?

Best Birds greeting card

What would you choose for this week's card map challenge? Post a comment to tell us which sets and accessories you would try first! And if you want to see what the other crew members created for this challenge, click here. (on October 31st: I posted early as I am traveling overnight when this should post) You will get a lot of different additional ideas to try!

How to create a beautiful fall inspired card

I love this week's Paper Craft Crew challenge - a fall inspired challenge which is perfect for this time of year! 

I immediately thought of my Colorful Seasons stamp set so that was my starting point. And because I needed to create a 'get well soon' card my next choice was the Healing Hugs stamp set. 

I also decided to keep my layout very simple and to make it monochromatic (see Sunday's post about the monochromatic technique) - using Crumb Cake as my main color choice. I always think of browns, rusts, yellows, oranges and purples when I think of fall but wanted a subtle more masculine tone for my card design. 

Next: I thought I would add some paper to the front of my card so decided to use a left over strip of Wood Texture's designer series paper. If I just laid the strip across though, it might look pretty stark so I thought some stamping was in order. I selected two background stamps from the Colorful Seasons set, and stamped them onto the Whisper White layer after figuring out where my paper strip would be attached.

The final touch was the two leaves - one die-cut and the other stamped (two-step technique). I attached both to the front of my card after stamping the phrase at the bottom and adhering the Wood Textures paper strip across the front. 

Here's my card: 

Now it's your turn: what fall inspired card will you create for our challenge? Add a comment below and tell us what sets and colors you chose and you are also welcome to provide a link to your photo too.

If you want too see what the other Paper Craft Crew design team members created for this challenge, click here! 

Do you know the awesome generational stamping technique?

The generational stamping technique is one of the first techniques I learned but after 15 years as a Stampin' Up! demonstrator I still use it often! I realized recently that I haven't shared it with you, so today is the day. 

The best part of this technique is that all you need is: a stamp, one ink pad color, and some card stock. That's it! 

The gorgeous Colorful Seasons fall card below was created using the Seasonal Layers thinlits and very popular Tin Tile embossing folder, the perfect way to create a delicate tin-tile look! My original card idea (the one in my head) was not going to use the Tin Tile folder, or any folder. But after I looked at the layers I had cut, I decided the card base would be too plain - almost stark and so I decided to create the embossed layer to add interest and to soften the look.

In the accompanying video, I teach you the generational technique so watch closely and give it a try the next time you stamp. I chose Rich Razzleberry for my card's main color because it is the perfect color for fall cards and for my leaves. After the video taping ended I decided to add one final detail to my card - see a second photo under the video below. Which card do you like best? Add a comment to let us know. 

Funny, but I also just realized that my card is also monochromatic - a second technique. What does monochromatic mean? Using one color only, but often variations of that color, perhaps lighter or darker or both. 

Colorful Seasons friendship card

Stamp sets: Colorful Seasons (143726); Itty Bitty Greetings (146667

Ink: Rich Razzleberry

Paper and cutting dimensions:
          Very Vanilla: 8 1/2" x 5 1/2"; 2 1/2" x 5 1/2"
          Country Lane (147804): 2 pieces - 1/2" x 5 1/2"
          Rich Razzleberry Velvet Ribbon (147016) - 8" strip
          Rich Razzleberry: 2 1/4" square

Accessories: Big Shot, Magnetic Platform, Seasonal Layers thinlits (143751), Tear & Tape adhesive (138995), Multipurpose Adhesive sheets (144106), SNAIL adhesive, Tin Tile embossing folder (147906)

Here's my video - thanks for watching! 

 

If you have a special technique that you are not sure how to do, add a comment under this blog post and I will be happy to make a video showing you how! That's what I do and I love it too. 

Here's a second card idea with one more detail added. Can you spot the difference? 

 

What would you create with this color challenge?

This color challenge stopped me cold. I love the bright colors - these three are some of my faves out of all the new colors Stampin' Up! introduced in this year's Annual Catalog. 

But. 

I didn't have any designer paper that uses these colors so that stumped me for a while. So I did what you like do when you are wondering what to create - I searched on Pinterest and found a card idea that I decided to copy for the stamp set and then change it up to make a card that matched this week's Paper Craft Crew challenge:

 

I diecut a phrase to put on the front of my Healing Hugs card and then changed my mind. My card front was already really full and the phrase that I wanted to use just wouldn't fit. So it will go inside. And I don't have to decide right now whether this will be a birthday, a friendship, a get well or some other kind of card - bonus!

Here are some of the products I chose for my card - click on any of them to link over to my online store:

Basket Weave Dynamic Textured Impressions Embossing Folder
$9.00

Layering Ovals Framelits Dies
$35.00

Healing Hugs Clear-Mount Stamp Set
$21.00

Flourish Thinlits Dies
$29.00

 

 I think what makes the card so great is the embossing folder background and the diecut leaves. These add texture and interest to the card, don't they? And the color layers pull the card together to look like it was planned! Well, it was but you get what I mean - I normally wouldn't use these three together but I sure might now:

Now it's your turn: what would you create using Gorgeous Grape, Mango Melody, and Granny Apple Green? What theme would you choose? Let us know by adding a comment under this blog post - I'd love to hear what you would use. 

If you want to see what the other design team members created using this week's color challenge, click here to head over the Paper Craft Crew website.

How to use the chicken wire elements in a subtle way

A great go-to stamp set for fall cards is Sheltering Tree. Yesterday I showed you a fun and unusual Halloween card idea using this set and today I have a second idea for you to try. 

What takes the tree image from spring to summer to fall to winter is the leaf image. These Two-Step stamps (a technique!) give you so many creative options--combine individual stamps to build the final image you want in the colors you want. Depending on the color(s) you choose you can end up with three of the four seasons and leave the tree with no leaves for winter. 

In the photo below the leaves were inked using the Regals markers set and in particular: Pumpkin Pie, Crushed Curry and Old Olive. Simply dab the markers onto the image and don't worry if your colors overlap - that's what fall looks like in real life. 

The Chicken Wire Elements add a subtle background layer that take this fall card from beautiful to gorgeous. Give them a try - either as a full sheet, half sheet or 1/4 sheet depending on how you want to draw the eye at your projects. 

Click here to place an order for the products used to make this card! And don't miss the full set of instructions underneath the card photo. 

Supplies: 

• Stamp Sets –  Sheltering Tree Photopolymer Stamp Set [137163]
• Card Stock – Crumb Cake 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [120953]; Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [100730]
• Stamp Pads – Old Olive Classic Stampin' Pad [147090]; Crumb Cake Classic Stampin' Pad [147116; Early Espresso Classic Stampin' Pad [147114]; Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad [147084]
• Misc.- SNAIL Permanent Adhesive [104332]; Glue Dots [103683]; Aqua Painters [103954]; Big Shot [143263]; Seasonal Layers Thinlits Dies [143751]; Pinewood Planks Dynamic Textured Impressions Embossing Folder [143708]; Silver Foil Sheets [132178]; Regals Stampin' Write Markers [147155]; Chicken Wire Elements [147807]; 3/16" (1 Cm) Braided Linen Trim [147808]; Real Red 3/8" (1 Cm) Mixed Satin Ribbon [147894]; Mini Stampin' Dimensionals [144108]

 

Measurements:  

• Crumb Cake: 11” x 4 1/4”
• Whisper White: 3 1/4” x 4 1/2”, plus scrap for banner

 

Instructions:

1. Fold Crumb Cake card stock in half for card base.
2. Stamp tree with Early Espresso ink onto Whisper White card stock.
3. Use markers on 'foliage' image, tapping the colours onto the stamp until fully inked (real red, crushed curry, garden green, pumpkin pie and cajun craze). Stamp over tree.
4. Ink 'grass/ground' image with Old Olive and stamp at base of tree. Repeat a couple of times, as desired.
5. Wrap a piece of Real Red Mixed Satin Ribbon around Whisper White card stock, securing on the back.
6. Glue Chicken Wire element behind the Whisper White layer and adhere to front of card.
7. Stamp sentiment in Real Red ink onto scrap piece of Whisper White and cut into banner. Use Glue Dot to position on card.
8. Run a piece of Silver Foil card stock through the Big Shot with small maple leaf die from Seasonal Layers Thinlits. Place cut die inside Pinewood Planks Embossing Folder and run through the Big Shot. Use Mini Dimensionals to add maple leaf to card. Tie a small knot with Braided Linen Trim, fraying the edges, and use glue dot to place on centre of maple leaf die cut.
9. Use aqua painter with Crumb Cake and Early Espresso ink pads to splatter card.

How to coordinate colors for a beautiful fall card

Recently I asked on my Facebook Business page what you are struggling with as crafters. Wow - I am getting a great response so far. I truly want to know what you'd like to see so I can help you out -  must be the teacher in me, huh!

One comment was from someone who wanted to know how to coordinate colors so I have a fun card idea to share along with my answer. 

Whenever I am trying to figure out how to get started, I usually start by heading over to my designer paper box and going through those papers to see what catches my eye. I also often have a theme in mind for making my card, such as birthday, thank you or my weekly letter (card) to my son. 

Once a paper design catches my eye, I pull it out of my box and then figure out what the coordinating colors are IN that design. (if you are not sure, check out the catalog that features that paper - there is always a list of colors underneath!)

From that list of colors I choose my card base color, ink color for the phrase or images and accessories. 

Once those decisions are made the rest is easy. I choose the stamp set for the phrase or images that I want and then put it all together. 

In the card below Country Lane is the designer paper and the colors are Basic Black and Blackberry Bliss. Hint: once you make a card, try a second card right away using a different set of colors in the same designer paper. You end up with a completely different look! 

One more thing before you check out my card - this is a very odd combo - match a winter phrase from the First Frost stamp set with a fall paper design! But if you live in Canada, Norway or anywhere north you totally get it!

First Frost card

 

Supplies: 

• Stamp Sets – First Frost (148420)
• Card Stock – Whisper White (106549); Blackberry Bliss (133682)
• Stamp Pads – Blackberry Bliss (147092)
• Misc. – Country Lane Designer Series Paper (DSP)  (147804); Starburst Punch (143717); Sprig Punch (148012); (Tea Room Ribbon Combo Pack (146893); Dimensionals (104430); Mini Glue Dots (103683); Tear & Tape (138995)

 

Measurements:  

• Blackberry Bliss Card Stock: 8 ¼ ” x 5 ⅞”   scrap(sprig punch)
• Whisper White Card Stock: 5 ¾” x 4”    scrap(startburst punch)
• Designer Series Paper 1: 1” x 4” 
• Designer Series Paper 2:  3” x 4”

 

Instructions:

1. Fold Blackberry Bliss card stock in half to make the card base.
2. Glue the 1” strip of Designer Series Paper to the piece of Whisper White card stock which measures 5 ¾” x 4”
3. Glue the other piece of Designer Series Paper next to it. This should now completely cover the piece of Whisper White Card Stock.
4. Place the ribbon on top of where the two pieces of Designer Series Paper meet, and secure at the back with Tear & Tape.
5. Glue this completed panel to the card base.
6. Using Blackberry Bliss ink, stamp the sentiment onto the scrap Whisper White card stock.
7. Punch out with the Starburst punch.
8. Punch out two sprigs using the Sprig Punch from the scrap Blackberry Bliss card stock.
9. Glue the sprigs to the card front.
10. Using dimensionals, attach the sentiment to the card front.
11. Tie a bow from the ribbon and attach to the card front using a glue dot.

Share your ideas on how to improve this friendship card

Ok stamping friends, I need your advice this week. I was quite excited by the Paper Craft Crew card map challenge - it looked easy, fun and oh so simple. 

  

But then... it got quite complicated. I chose the Petal Promenade paper right away because I wanted a feminine vibe. And that's when the fun ended, Well, card making is always fun but I got bogged down at this point. Next I decided on the tiny Blushing Bride paper strip and that I would add a Better Together flower embellishment. 

Guess how many flowers I made and cut out before choosing a color combo I actually liked? THREE! Geesh. Things started to slide downhill when I stamped the Dragonfly Dreams background - the instant the stamp hit the paper I didn't like it. But being somewhat stubborn (smiles) I kept on going and added the paper strip layer. I do like that I stamped the Dragonfly Dreams phrase right onto the banner - without the phrase my card looked to pale. Finally I added three Petal Pink Basic Sequins to match the map. 

So, here's my card. I invite you to have a good look and then be honest with me. Add a comment under this post and tell me: do you like this card? If you don't (and that's ok, no feelings hurt here), add some improvement advice. How would you improve this friendship card? 

To see what the other design crew members created using this week's card map, click here. 

How to encourage a good friend

There are times in life when you want to encourage a good friend and I have the perfect card idea for that! The key to a friendship card is to keep it simple and make it beautiful.

You have two choices:

1. choose a stamp set 
2. choose a beautiful paper design

What I love about Stampin' Up! products is that the design decisions are made for you (if you want)! The Joyous Noel paper has sophisticated designs and lovely Christmas colors, but you can pair this paper with non-Christmas images too!

 How about the Wishing You Well stamp set?

Wishing You Well Clear-Mount Stamp Set
$19.00

 

Look at the elegance of these images, ideal for projects no matter the season. These Distinktive stamps are simply for the heart.

Making Wishing You Well the perfect stamp set for a friendship card! See how to make this card using the instructions below. Happy stamping! 

Wishing You Well notecard

Supplies: 

• Stamps:  Wishing You Well (147867/w; 147864/c)
• Stamp Pads: Soft Suede Classic Stampin’ Pad (147115); Merry Merlot Classic Stampin’ Pad (147112)
• Paper:  Joyous Noel Speciality Designer Series Paper (147816); Sahara Sand (121043); Merry Merlot (146979)
• Misc.: Merry Merlot & Copper 5/8” Reversible Ribbon (147818); SNAIL Adhesive (104332), Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430), Mini Glue Dots (103683)

 
Measurements:  

• Sahara Sand: 5-1/2” x 8-1/2”, scored at 4-1/4” (for base card) and  2-1/2” x 3-1/2” 
• Joyous Noel DSP: 1” x 5-1/2”
• Merry Merlot: 1/2” x 5-1/2” and 2-3/4” x 3-3/4”

 

Instructions:

1. Fold the Sahara Sand cardstock in half to create the card base.
2. Adhere the strip of Designer Paper onto the strip of Merry Merlot cardstock so that you have about ¼” of border.  Adhere to base card, about ¼” over from the card fold.
3. On the 2-1/2” piece of Sahara Sand cardstock, stamp the “leaves” using Soft Suede ink.  Stamp the “flowers” using Merry Merlot ink.  Adhere to the larger piece of Merry Merlot cardstock.  Adhere to the card base using Stampin’ Dimensionals.
4. Stamp the sentiment using Merry Merlot ink.
5. Tie the Merry Merlot/Copper ribbon into a bow and adhere to the card using a Mini Glue Dot.

No toil and trouble with that colorful cauldron bubble

That Toil and Trouble product suite (Holiday Catalog pages 48-49) is packed with fun Halloween ideas, isn't it? You and I are going to have no toil and trouble coming up with ideas this year. 

In fact, Stampin' Up has seven fun ideas in the catalog that you are welcome to copy - that's what those ideas are there for! 

The Cauldron Bubble stamp set is perfect for those of you who love to color - using Stampin' Blends, watercolor pencils, markers, etc.  

Cauldron Bubble Clear-Mount Stamp Set
$21.00

Ink up the images, color, layer and you have a fun Halloween card, friendship card, birthday card and more. Don't just think Halloween. Here's one fun idea with a full set of instructions underneath:

Card Instructions

Supplies: 

• Stamp Sets – Stitched All Around (146632) Swirly Frames (146519)
• Card Stock – Cajun Craze (119684) Joyous Noel Glimmer stack (147817) Black Foil (147898) Whisper White (100730) 
• Stamp Pads – Memento Black Ink (132708) Cajun Craze Ink (147085) 
• Misc. –Cauldron Framelits (147914) Layering Circles Framelits (141705) Toil & Trouble Designer Paper (147898) Frosted & Clear Epoxy Shapes (147801) Whisper White Dotted Tulle Ribbon (146912) Corrugated Texture impressions embossing folder (148026) Spooky Bat Punch (148014)

Measurements:  

• Cajun Craze Cardstock                           8 ½” x 5 ½”
• Black Foil                                                 4”     x 3” 
• Copper Glimmer Paper                            4”     x 2 ½” 
• Whisper White                                          4” x 5 ¼”
• Whisper white                                           4” x 4” 

 

Instructions:

1. Dye a length of Whisper White Tulle with Cajun craze ink  - sandwich ribbon between pad and sponge pulling ribbon through several times until desired shade – set aside to dry while completing additional elements.
2. Score and Fold the 8 ½ “ piece of Cajun craze
3. Emboss the Black Foil paper with the corrugated texture impressions folder
4. Adhere Copper Glimmer Paper to Black Foil so they are measure 5 ¼”
5. Wrap dyed polka tulle around and tie into bow or knot – your preference
6. Die Cut witch from Toil & Trouble designer paper with die from Cauldron framelits 
7. Punch Bats from Toil & Trouble designer paper with Spooky bats punch 
8. Stamp swirly circle image with Memento black ink on 4 x 4 piece of whisper white
9. Die cut swirly circle with circle from layering circles framelits
10. Stamp greeting from Stitched all around with Memento black ink in center of circle you just die cut 
11. Assemble elements as seen in photo 
12. Add 3 frosted embellishments 
13. Add 5” piece of whisper white cardstock to inside
14. Add greeting of choice and or handwritten note to inside of card 

How to change up a card design challenge

I had a moment of panic when I saw the Paper Craft Crew challenge this week:

Why? Because I do not have one coffee stamp set in my collection - no jars, bottles, wine glasses, anything that could be a possible replacement for the coffee cup!

So then I thought about colors in the challenge 'photo'  instead of specific stamps: I see Cajun Craze, Old Olive and Early Espresso on the image colors - right? 

Finally, I sat down with my Annual Catalog and, with cup of coffee in hand, flipped through page by page looking for stamp sets that might have a reference to coffee it them. 

And, yes, I found what I needed!

Balloon Celebration Photopolymer Stamp Set
$26.00

Timeless Textures Clear-Mount Stamp Set
$20.00

 

What this taught me is that every know and then I need to have a second, hard look at my sets. I sort of knew that the Balloon Celebration stamp set had a coffee phrase and I knew that the Timeless Textures set had a coffee ring stain image but these sets did not pop to mind when seeing this week's challenge.

Here's my card! I also used the brand new Country Lane designer series paper (147804) and Seasonal Layers thinlits dies (leaf image) to add interest and details to my card:

 

If you'd like to see what the other crew members created using our coffee map challenge, click here! 

There is absolutely no card easier to make than this one!

If you are looking for quick and easy or very simple, there there is no card easier to make than this one! Why, you ask? Because all the layers on the card front come from the Tea Room Memories & More Card Pack:

Tea Room Memories & More Card Pack
$10.00

This product suite is just as you'd like it: Refined. Delicate. Flowery. Just like a good cup of tea.

And there are only four simple steps to make the fun card! (but if you want more tea time fun - check out the Time for Tea bundle too!)

Tearoom Friendship card 

 

Supplies: 

• Card Stock (CS) – Bermuda Bay (131197); Whisper White (100730)
• Misc. – Tea Room Memories & More Card Pack (147035); Multipurpose Liquid Glue (110755)

 

Measurements:  

• Bermuda  Bay Card Stock: 4-1/4” x 11”, score in half at 5-1/2”
• Whisper White Card Stock:4” x 5-1/4”

 

Instructions:

1. Burnish the fold in the card base using a Bone Folder. 
2. Glue three 3” x 4” Tea Room cards onto the front of the card base.
3. Glue the Whisper White CS onto the inside of the card base.
4. That’s it! These M&M Card Packs make cardmaking a breeze!

See how to quickly create a tufted note card

I just got a brand new product and can't wait to show you how gorgeous it is! Introducing the Tufted Dynamic embossing folder - the perfect folder to create a soft but eye-catching background layer for your cards:

Twinkle Twinkle Designer Series Paper
$11.00

Tufted Dynamic Textured Impressions Embossing Folder
$9.00

Better Together Clear-Mount Stamp Set
$37.00

Stitched Shapes Framelits Dies
$30.00

 

 The Better Together stamp set has the right thoughts for all of life's ups and downs. Now you can be the person who always says the right thing! I combined this stamp set with the Tufted folder to make the pretty card below - I included a video for you to follow as you craft!

Stamp set: Better Together (141736)

Ink: Pool Party

Paper and cutting dimensions:
          Pool Party: 8 1/2" x 5 1/2"
          Whisper White: 4" x 5 1/4"; 3 1/2" x 2 1/2"
          Twinkle, Twinkle (146284): 2" x 4"
          Silver & Pool Party Baker's Twine (147015): 9" 

Accessories: Big Shot, Magnetic Platform, Banner Triple Punch (138292), Mini Glue Dots (103683), Stitched Shapes framelits (145372), SNAIL adhesive, Tufted Dynamic embossing folder (146335)

Here's my video - your comments are welcome!

See the perfect way to spend your weekend

Do you have plans to spoil yourself this weekend? If not, I have the perfect idea, represented in the fun card below!

The Bubbles & Bubbly stamp set has 9 fun stamps that will make you smile as your craft. There are four word stamps and 5 image stamps that you can add a touch of color to in just a few seconds, so you can still create cards if you don't have a lot of time to craft. Grab your Stampin' Blends and Aqua Painters and follow the instructions under the card photo. 

Here are some of the products used - click on any of these photos to link over to my online store! (Can you spot the sequins on the card?

Bubbles & Bubbly Clear-Mount Stamp Set
$19.00

Iridescent Sequin Assortment
$5.00

 

 Birthday or friendship? You decide!

 

Supplies: 

• Stamp Sets – Bubbles & Bubbly (wood 147380, clear 147383)
• Card Stock – Smoky Slate (131202); Thick Whisper White (140272); So Saffron (105118)
• Stamp Pads – Tuxedo Black (132708)
• Misc. – Light Pool Party Stampin’ Blends (144595); Daffodil Delight Combo Stampin’ Blends (144603); Bronze Stampin’ Blends (144607); Ivory Stampin’ Blends (144606); Light Calypso Coral Stampin’ Blends (144042); Clear Wink of Stella (141897); Aqua Painters (103954); Iridescent Sequin Assortment (144212); Fine-Tip Glue (138309); Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430)

 

Measurements:  

• Smoky Slate (base): 5 ½” x 8 ½”, scored at 4 ¼”
• Thick Whisper White (layer): 4” x 5 ¼”
• Thick Whisper White (banner): 5/8” x 2 ¾”
• Thick Whisper White (bathtub): 3” x 4”
• Thick Whisper White (towel): scrap 
• So Saffron: 4 1/8” x 5 3/8” 

 

Instructions:

1. Squeeze the closed ink pad of the Smoky Slate pad. Open the pad and pick up color from inside the lid using the Aqua Painter. Carefully add color along the bottom 1” of the Thick Whisper White layer as shown. Add additional color near the tub to create a shadow. The paper will pill from the water, which is fine since you’re after a wet bathroom floor look. Let dry. 
2. Stamp the greeting using Memento ink on the Thick Whisper White banner. Adhere to the upper left corner of the card base using Dimensionals.
3. Stamp the bathtub and towel images using Memento ink on the Thick Whisper White cardstock pieces. Color in the images using the Stampin’ Blends. Cut out the images using your scissors. 
4. Line up the bathtub image on the Thick Whisper White layer for placement. Stamp the bubbles image using Memento ink on the layer. Adhere this layer to the So Saffron layer. Adhere these layers to the card base.
5. Adhere the bathtub and towel images using Dimensionals. Color in the bathtub, towel, champagne glass and bubbles using the Clear Wink of Stella. 
6. Adhere several sequins to the stamped bubbles using Fine-Tip Glue. Let dry.